Dear Ruth

You are a goofball. Thank you for hours of entertainment watching you have blonde moments, make hilarious faces and giggle uncontrollably for no reason.

Love,
Becky

Okay, okay...just kidding. I have a lot more than that to be thanking you for. First of all, I guess I have to say, thank you for always being you. That may sound stupid, but what I mean is this: Regardless of what other people expect of you, want from you or think of you, you never stop simply being YOU. You're real, you're true-to-life, and you're definitely true to yourself. There's a tech-y term that makes me laugh every time, but it describes you: WYSIWYG, pronounced, wizz-ee-wig. It stands for What You See Is What You Get. And what we get with you is fun, sincere and beautiful. Thank you for being a wonderful example of what we all should be: Ourselves.

Thank you, too, for encouraging me to be a better person. Ever since we were kids you've always looked up to me (or so Mom and Dad tell me). Back then I didn't appreciate it (in fact, it was quite the opposite), but as an adult, it is humbling to know you admire me. It makes me think about the kind of example I am to you; if you're going to look up to me, shouldn't I be worthy of looking up to?

Last week you called me all the way from Poland just to tell me you appreciated me, and that you'd been thinking about and missing me. You told me a story that took place in the weeks just prior to your departure for Europe - one I didn't even remember. But it meant a LOT to you and you said you'd never forget what I said, and the support I gave you from the very first moment you told me of your plans for Poland. Thanks for thinking of me and for making that spur-of-the-moment middle-of-the-week call. It meant the world to me and made my week. You always know just how to make me feel special.

Thanks, too, for being someone I can talk to. I told you a few days ago that it's nice that we're both all grown up now and can talk about adult stuff, and I meant it. You truly are one of my best friends and I appreciate your support and love, especially through prayer. Thank you.

I love you, Foofie!

Love,
Beckaroozie

Dear Rachel

Growing up, we never had a lot in common. At least, nothing we'd admit. You locked yourself in your room with books and stuffed animals and wouldn't have anything to do with us, while I was constantly trying to get you guys to sing with me, learn piano duets, play Barbies or house or "kennel," or play school ("Of course I'm the teacher! I'm the oldest!"). You were cute and little and petite and I was, um...not. You liked frilly dresses and makeup. I was the one helping Dad in the shop, working with tools, learning how to change the oil in the car and a flat tire, and failing miserably at learning to crochet.

When I was in high school you and I grew further and further apart. You went your own way and I went mine, and for some reason those directions ran into each other like a train wreck more often than I care to remember.

In college, we started writing letters. We yelled at each other - vented, screamed, complained, accused...and apologized. I'll never forget the third letter I got from you. It was short and sweet, and in response to my request that we get together over coffee next time I came home and talk things over. "I don't think we should. There's nothing left to say," you said simply. "We've said everything we needed to, and now it's just a matter of moving on."

How mature! I felt embarrassed that my little sister handled things better than I did. But it was necessary. It was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for being the bigger and better person than me and realizing that we just needed to grow up. And thank you for having the guts and the wherewithal to point that out to me.

This year, for my birthday, you sent me one of the greatest cards. It said on the front, "Sis, something's happened since we've grown up." On the inside it said, "You got cool. (Always being cool myself I easily recognized it in you.)" And handwritten next to that, you said, "Oh, by the way, you've always been cool."

Thanks. That meant a lot coming from you. And thanks for being my friend. I'm pretty sure that's how God intended sisters to behave. :)

I love you!

Love,
Beckaroo

Dear Dad

I have so much to thank you for. You have always been there for me, even when you didn't agree with what I was doing, or at the very least, couldn't understand it.

When I was in 9th grade I remember sitting on the back patio with you on the porch swing, chatting about life and asking you about my troubled friend who was considering counseling. You listened, offered observations, and agreed to let me accompany her if she wanted me to. You also admitted that you could never understand completely how life as a teenager was today - it had been a while since you were one - but that you were sure going to try.

One thing I will never forget is your response when I told you I was going to study in England. You said, "I will never understand your passion for travel, because I just have absolutely no desire to go to Europe. But I'm glad you're following your dreams and doing what makes you happy." That meant a lot to me.

I know you sacrificed a lot for the three of us and Mom. You would do anything to keep us warm, fed and happy. As a parent now myself I'm starting to understand that unwavering love for your children.

Thank you, too, for being creative. You built us a playhouse (and let us hammer a few nails), made boats that paddled themselves in the pool, came up with experiments that made a mess in the kitchen but wowed us girls, and crafted an amazing toy car that all three of us could fit in - and steer!

You have always been there and you will always be there for me, and I appreciate you, Dad. Thank you.

Love,
Becky

Dear Mom

You've put up with a lot from me over the years, and it's about time you receive some heartfelt thanks.

I was a difficult teenager. I'm sure I had my moments as a child, as well, but those years I don't recall as well as those difficult teenage years. They say "what goes around comes around," and I can see I'm going to get a taste of my own medicine with Kayla in about a decade and a half: Attitude, whining, anger, belligerence, tactless vocalizing of opinions, selfishness and more. I can just hear myself now: "Mom, how did you EVER survive those years with me?"

As a new mother, I am only beginning to see the things you and Dad did for us girls that we had no clue about as children. The stress, the frustration, the tears, the feelings of helplessness when we were sick, the exhaustion...I'm sure you had it all. And somehow you still waved at me from the audience, laughed at my bad jokes, and let me wear my mismatched outfits of which I was so proud. You still forked over dollar after dollar for bake sales, magazine sales, car washes, mini golf tournaments, hot lunches, ice cream at the Roller Drome, and countless other things that were so important to a kid.

I remember when Rachel and I were attacked by that maniacal cat in the boonies of Idaho. My hand had puncture wounds; Rachel's head was bleeding...you drove 90 miles an hour down the dirt roads of the back country, flashing your lights, honking your horn, and yelling at the other drivers to get out of your way, so you could get your girls to the emergency room and cleaned up.

I remember you making chocolate chip cookie dough without the eggs so we could eat it with a spoon, unbaked.

I remember those stressful days just before school started each year, when we all three just knew we had to have a new first day of school outfit, a new backpack, a new lunchbox, and new shoes. You humoured us every time and we felt super special on that first day of school every year.

I remember you taking us on day trips for our birthdays a couple of times. One time you even drove me down to Salt Lake City, just so we could go out to eat and do some shopping somewhere I'd never been before.

It's true we've not always been the best of friends, but regardless, you were there, in the background, watching me, loving me, praying for me and wanting nothing but the best for me in life.

Thank you. I love you, Mom!

Love,
Becky

Completed

A birthday package from my parents

Well, it's over. Today is my 27th birthday and thus marks the end of my Golden Year. It was fun to do this project, and though I'm disappointed that I did actually miss a few days on this blog over the course of the year, some have expressed admiration that I only missed those few. (I think I may have missed a dozen total.)

Though my Golden Year is over, I think I would like to continue doing something every day for the next year. While contemplating this a couple of weeks ago, I hit upon an idea that I really like, but will be a challenge for me.

Starting today I want to write a thank you letter to one person every day for the next year. While I know this is MORE than possible because there are PLENTY more than 365 people I want and need to thank for things they've done for me, it will be a challenge to make sure and do it every single day. Unlike the pictures during my Golden Year I cannot store them up and simply post them all on the weekend like I did for most of the last year. Still, I think it's a great idea and one I should at least attempt, so today I will take on this endeavor and run with it. Here's to success!

And here's to being able to CHOOSE the 365 people out of the thousands I want to thank.

Instant Friends

Jason and I looked at two houses today. The first one we looked at, though very nice and updated with new carpet, paint, stove, tile, roof, etc., wasn't exactly what we were looking for. This one wasn't, either, but I LOVED it! I actually laughed when I walked in the door and immediately said, "I love this house!" The main problems are these: a) Only one full bath means only one shower for the entire house. b) It has a flat roof. c) The windows are old and not at all weather proof. The up sides: a) Open floor plan (as pictured above - I'm standing in the dining room and to my right is the kitchen), meaning we can visit and prepare meals at the same time. b) Completely fenced backyard. c) Great neighbourhood, and close to work. d) I LOVE the look of it. Here's the kitchen:

The quirky things about it: a) A random walkway to the side of the house (out the tall windows in the first picture) with lights and a bench. b) The flat roof and other design elements scream 70s. c) The one shower is a SUNKEN TUB that you step down into like a baptismal tank, and was made out of blue tile. (Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of it.) If you're interested, you can look at more photos of the house here (complete with furniture!), but there is still no shot of the blue tile sunken tub/shower.

50 Years

This is the Class of 1960 from Walla Walla U. They are getting ready to have their picture taken on front campus. All those ladies (I believe) in the front standing row were nursing majors - can you believe that? This is BY FAR the largest class we had this year; all of the other classes could ALMOST be added together and make a group this large. (I'm only slightly exaggerating.) For some reason the turnout didn't seem as big this year as in the past. But perhaps someone who is more in the know of these things and works in the alumni office could confirm or correct that observation. My job during Alumni Homecoming Weekend is to a) organize photography and b) be there during the Honor Class photos to make sure we get the names of all those in the photo written down in the order in which they are standing. So this afternoon I spent 3 1/2 hours (and got sunburned somehow) on front campus. The class of 1985 was the class in which I knew the most people; several university staff and faculty were present in that class. My photographers weren't the only ones with cameras this afternoon; here's the group of additional photographers for the Class of 1960. And this is only part of them!

On Her Knees

So far Kayla hasn't managed to pull herself up to stand, but she's getting close. This is how she plays with her toy basket these days...

A Flower in the Sun

After being sick on Tuesday and the weather being nasty on Wednesday, Damie, MB and I finally got to go walking tonight. The sun was out so I figured I should probably cover up Kayla's fair skin, so she got to wear this little hand-me-down sunhat I found in a box in her closet. It's the first one she's worn and she actually kept it on her head! It's almost too small for her already, so I need to find a couple more and buy them before she outgrows this because we'll be using them a lot this summer!

Called

Today I got to see the finished product of the last several months worth of work. This is the book I edited. It's a 32-page, full colour, commemorative art book celebrating the university's 50 years of student missions. In 1959, the first student missionary left Walla Walla U. and went into the wilds of Alaska; the first student missionary to leave Walla Walla U. and leave North America went to Peru in 1964. Since then, over 2,200 student missionaries, including my littlest sister who is in Poland right now, have trekked across the globe or across the country to heed the call they heard from God to serve Him and give to others. This book documents a small portion of those experiences, including stories and pictures from places like Ethiopia, Finland, Thailand, Vietnam, Pohnpei, India, England, Hawai'i, Chad, Bangladesh, Korea, Malawi, Poland, Nepal and many more. It is appropriately titled, "Called: Our journey into faith and discovery." This project taught me a lot about student missionaries and a lot about publications...I've discovered a new respect for the first and a new love for the second. I hope I get to do some more projects like this in the future.

Playtime

I go every day at lunchtime to feed Kayla at the sitter's, which adds too many miles to and takes away too much gas from our car, but it's necessary. Anyway, today after I fed her we played as usual, but she was more cheerful than ever for some reason and I couldn't help but snap a picture as she stood at this little playstation and figured out how to make it light up and play sounds. I just love how she's wrinkling her nose when she grins now. It's so adorable!

Spring Sabbath Fun

Today Kayla went on her first real picnic. We took a picnic basket, a checkered tablecloth, sandwiches, apples and peanut butter, crackers and of course, food for Kayla. She got Cheerios and mashed banana with oat cereal (the celery stick was for her to chew on). I didn't notice until just now, but I caught Jason's apple slice in mid-air in this photo.


After lunch we tried out the backpack my parents found for us at a yard sale last summer. This was Kayla's first ride in it and she loved it! We'll have to do it again sometime when Mommy remembers Kayla's sun hat and sunscreen so we can actually go for a real walk.

Growing Up

Today was awful. Kayla screamed and cried almost all afternoon and evening, and we could NOT figure out how to make her happy. We also had no clue what was wrong. She acted as if something hurt her, but what it was we couldn't figure out. Our best guess was that her throat was hurting, so she cried about it, but in crying and screaming it hurt worse, so that just made her mad and she continued to cry...a vicious circle. In an attempt to keep her at least somewhat happy, we gave her a bottle. I'd been told by both Jason and our babysitter that she could feed herself, but I'd never actually seen it. But it's true! Here's proof!

The Trip of a Lifetime

This morning I was given the opportunity to go down to Color Press and watch my big work project being rolled off the press. It was incredible! Not only did I get to see my project in the works, I got a full tour of the press itself. So much fun! If you want to read about my experience, I wrote about it on my writing blog. Special thanks to my boss, Jodi, for giving me the opportunity to have this experience.

Surprise to Grow Into

I was home with Kayla again today, but this time it was because she was sick. She got a bad fever last night and has been miserable all day, poor girl! On the plus side she's been very cuddly! I went out to get the mail and when I opened the door there was a package from Jason's cousins. They sent us a ton of stuff when Kayla was first born, and this box was full of adorable little girl things, including this beautiful dress . Unfortunately, almost everything was size 18-24 months, so it will be a while before she can wear them. This dress is size 2T, so it will be hanging in her closet for another year and a half or so. The amazingly surprising thing about the clothes in this box? Almost every single thing still had tags on it. Brand new clothes. WOW! Thanks, Dave and Liz!

Adventures

Though this afternoon and evening Kayla started showing signs of being quite sick, this morning she was a happy girl. We were home together because our sitter and her son got sick over the weekend and our backup babysitter is out of town this week. So it was Mommy and Daddy on duty, and we tag-teamed quite well. At lunch Kayla and I went in to see Daddy, brought him lunch, and then Daddy took Kayla home while Mommy got some things done at the office and went to a meeting. She thought it was a blast to sit on the table and move the books around. Then, this evening we went for a walk and she was just starting to feel sick. She talked herself to sleep in the stroller.

Inside & Out

This was my office today. It was a ton more comfortable than my regular office, I have to admit. Our primary sitter was sick (as was her son) and our backup sitter is out of town for the week. So I worked from home today, and got a surprising amount done. Kayla entertained herself VERY well; she sat on the blanket there and played alone for an hour at a time. She has discovered a new game: Pull everything out of the toy basket, play with it, and then roll/crawl around for a while until it gets boring, then crawl over to Mom and be picked up. We played this game several times today, and I'll admit I found it to be a fun game.

In other news...remember the bulbs I planted after my parents ripped out my mostly dead rose bushes for me? Well, they're almost all in full bloom now and I'm loving the vibrant colours around my front porch.

Camera Phones

Today I had a conversation with my sister Rachel with pictures we took on our phones. This was one she sent me of Landon riding his big sister's bike. Morgan looks thrilled, wouldn't you say? Here's one I took of Chloe (Jake & MB's daughter) at their house this afternoon. It isn't that great of quality, but it sure made me laugh.

Hand-Me-Downs are Great!

Here's Kayla, modeling the adorable jean dress she got from MB and Chloe. Chloe never got to wear it because she outgrew it too quickly, so MB offered it to Kayla. I snatched it up since it's super cute and Kayla can always use another dress (she actually doesn't have a whole bunch that fit her right now), and she wore it for the first time to church today. Marci (who was visiting for the afternoon) actually took these pictures, while I attempted to get Kayla to stand up. Kayla was standing on her own for this picture (with a little help from the sofa behind her), but it didn't last long...

Love

This is the picture my sister Rachel texted me today. It's her daughter, Morgan, loving on her little brother, Landon. Landon is wearing the super cute froggy onesie I sent him last week. I just love how gentle and adoring Morgan is being. I'm sure it won't always be this way! I also love how Landon looks like he's posing "too cool for school," with his hand on his hip like that. Made me laugh. That kid's got a great sense of style, I say...

Photographic Messages

This is the picture Kayla and I sent to Daddy after Mommy fed Kayla at lunchtime today. We texted it to his phone and said simply, "Hi, Daddy!" His reply: "Hello!"

Kayla grinned when I showed this to her and grabbed at the phone.

Morning Delight

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture this image of the Blues so magnificent in the early light. I got in the way of a utility truck in the process, but oh well! And really, this photo doesn't depict the true beauty that I saw this morning.

En Route

I loved how the clouds looked on my way back to work after feeding Kayla at lunch today. I tried to capture their beauty with my phone while still watching the road and it didn't work too well...but it's not an awful picture. The raindrops on the windshield look cool...

Clodhoppers

This morning we tried on the adorable new sandals that were in Kayla's Easter basket from Nana St. Clair. Though they were quite cute, they were also a bit too big. By the time it's warm enough to wear them without socks they'll probably fit her just right!

Tea, Anyone?

This morning I had a couple of ladies over for a Nativity planning session. We'd been trying to schedule something for several weeks and finally decided that Easter morning was about our only chance. So, since I was making them come over on a Sunday morning when they could be doing other things at their own homes, I decided to put together a nice little brunch for them. It ended up being a mini-tea and was a lot of fun. We had applesauce puffs (pictured above), bagels with cream cheese, Blueberry Slump (blueberries and sugar cooked with sweet dumplings) and homemade applesauce, along with orange juice and a variety of teas. I even set the table nice and pretty.

This afternoon we went over to Jake and MB's house for Easter dinner with them, MB's mom, sister and brother-in-law, and MB's four nephews and niece. Kayla had the perfect Easter attire.

MB had even set up an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and included Kayla and Chloe, as well. Their "hunting" consisted of MB placing a bunch of large Easter eggs on the grass and us putting Kayla and Chloe in the middle of them. Kayla grabbed several, but Chloe just wanted to socialize.

Just Like Daddy

She kept trying to grab Jason's controller while he was playing baseball, so we just let her have her own. It worked quite well, actually; she was fascinated with the different colours and what all the buttons and knobs did.

Farm Girl

A quick shot with my phone was all I could get of her adorable little outfit that made her look like she should be picking potatoes.

No April Fools'

This was a perfect shot for this week. Sunday is Easter and I found the Easter Bunny. Jason and I ate at Lions Park today and he saw this little rabbit hop out of the bushes. I decided I wanted to see how close I could get to it, and I got a lot closer than Jason thought I would. I am under the impression that this rabbit is domesticated. Here's why:

1. It let me get this close. I am not zoomed in AT ALL. This photo was taken with my phone.
2. It was clean.
   
3. It's the colour it is. Most wild rabbits (at least, in this area) are light grey in colour.

Regardless, this little rabbit was adorable and I was so excited to be able to get a good picture of it. Happy Easter, everyone!