Dear Jason

I don't even know where to start with this one. Perhaps I should just make a list. It would certainly be right up your alley, and would make this letter much shorter. I think I will.

Thank you for:

1. Making your marriage proposal romantic and perfect.
2. Cooking me dinner on a regular basis.
3. Doing the chores I hate doing.
4. Always being a gentleman.
5. Laughing at my jokes.
6. Understanding how much I enjoy surprises and doing your best to oblige me.
7. Not complaining whenever I buy a pair of shoes or a new shirt.
8. Going grocery shopping with me.
9. Taking me to Leavenworth - and keeping it a secret until we were nearly there.
10. Telling me the food is good whenever I cook.
11. Being a good compromiser.
12. Letting me talk you into spending two weeks in London.
13. Being such a wonderful father to our beautiful daughter.
14. Teaching me about baseball.
15. Putting up with my complete ineptitude when it comes to geography.
16. Introducing me to classical music.
17. Liking chocolate as much as I do.
18. Dealing with me so well when I was pregnant.
19. Not drooling over (or even really looking at) every half-dressed woman that comes across the TV screen or walks down the street. (And these days, that's a LOT.)
20. Not complaining when I get big wet spots on your shirt from crying.
21. Making me do things I don't want to do but should.
22. Playing board games and card games and computer games with me.
23. Being fun to travel with.
24. Supporting me. In everything.
25. Making me feel pretty.
26. Always kissing me goodnight, even when I've already fallen asleep by the time you come to bed.
27. Being a wonderful Christian man.
28. Sticking with me, even when I'm extremely difficult. (Which, as we all know, is rare, but still happens. HA!)
29. Having an incredible sense of humour.
30. Being "the best ever."

Thank you for all of these things and the hundreds of other things I didn't make a part of this random list. I love you.

Love,
Me

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

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.

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.

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...

Sabbath Walk

This afternoon Jason wanted to do something outside, so he suggested walking up the hill at Yantis Park. That is quite a walk...especially when you're pushing a stroller up that steep hill. Jason had Raina for the steepest part, so she basically pulled him up. At one point we saw a snake curled up on the path, but when we got up to it, it wasn't quite what you'd call "alive" anymore. Jason kicked it off the path and we continued on our way. It was a small snake (not a rattler), but we couldn't identify it, as it wasn't a simple garter snake, either. Once we got to the top, we stopped to rest where there used to be a covered bench (now there's just a covered slab of cement), and Jason walked down a narrow trail to take a picture of what was at the end of it. What IS at the end of it? Not much. About where that tree is (the yellowish shrub at the bottom of the tennis courts) it drops straight down. Raina was quite concerned that Jason hadn't taken her along. The view from the top is quite lovely, actually, especially in spring. It was windy, but not cold.

Peruvian Table?

Today after church Kayla slept for a couple of hours, so I got the chance to make the Sabbath table look beautiful. Jason's mom chose the tablecloth and found matching napkins; I thought it looked like something from Peru (having never been there, though, I can't speak with much authority).

Like Papa, Like Kayla

Today after work we headed to Jason's parents' house for the weekend. It's Jason's birthday on Monday and to celebrate he wanted to go see his family. So they made him his requested dessert (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting) and we enjoyed it with some soy ice cream after dinner. This afternoon, however, Kayla got a lesson from Papa Jack on how to use wrenches. I think she needed one a little more her size...

32 Years

Today is my parents' wedding anniversary. They are here visiting for the weekend, so I got them some flowers and chocolate in honour of their many happy years together. These are the flowers I got them. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! Here's to 32 more years!

Real-Time Cuteness

While I was at church this morning, my sister texted me this picture of her son, Landon. "Your nephew right now," was the caption. I love how his hair is sticking up, he's spread out, relaxed, and his whole face is smiling. What a cutie! He's only a month and a half old, but he's changed so much already! Now if only I could figure out a way to HOLD him via texting...

The Other Side

Today Kayla had her first encounter with extended family on her mommy's side. Great-Grandpa Massey and Great-Grandma Ann came through town on their way home from Seattle for Christmas, and were able to see Kayla for the first time. She loved her Great-Grandpa and sat with and smiled at him for half an hour. She was a little overwhelmed by Ann, however, and wouldn't let her come too close! This adorable picture would be even cuter if Kayla hadn't pulled the bow out of the ribbon on her hat. We met them at Thai Ploy and enjoyed curry, avocado spring rolls, rice, and...yes...wait for it...pork. Jason and I accidentally ate fried pork roll things, and they were GOOD! I won't eat them again, but I'm not necessarily sorry I made the mistake. It was my first time tasting meat in my life, and it was all accidental, with unclean meat! Gotta laugh, really. What else can you do?

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mom St. Clair!

Smiles All Around

Hanging out with Great-Grandma Beddoe (Jason's paternal grandmother)
before heading home today.

Look, Ma! Ah's a Cowgirl!

Kayla had fun playing in Auntie Whitney's boots...though she probably would have more fun with them if she could stand on her own. It was a lot of fun to watch her, though...the boots were gigantic on her. I laughed good and hard, let me tell you. All she needed was her pink "Check Out My Ride" John Deere onesie.

Family Portrait

This afternoon, since we were dressed up for church, I thought it might be nice to get a family picture. Of course, Kayla wouldn't smile for any of them, and looked at the camera for maybe two out of 25 shots. But here's one of our attempts...not the best, but not terrible!

Welcome, Christmas!

It's tradition at the Sevison household to put up the tree and decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. Usually we sleep in and spend the morning and early afternoon doing just that. This year we couldn't get everyone together until evening, so it was dark when we did the tree. That actually made it fun, because the lights looked really warm and holiday-ish. Morgan did a great job helping put the ornaments on the tree, and Kayla enjoyed watching. All three grandchildren are actually in this picture with Rachel...look closely!

Morgan was very proud of her decorating abilities. This year we used my mom's Frosty Friends series (she's been collecting them since they began in the late 70s) and homemade snowflake ornaments. The tree looks beautiful with its all-white lights and gold bead garland.

Thanksgiving 2009

My mom makes the best Thanksgiving table. Simple, elegant, beautiful. This year was no exception.

Our friends the McHutchisons joined us this year. Tara (pictured here) has been my best friend since we were 8 years old. We went to school together throughout elementary and high school, and two quarters of college. During those two quarters we were also roommates. She and her husband, Ben, were in town for the holiday, so they were able to join her family at my parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first time any of them had met Kayla.

After the meal, Ben decided to see what would happen to a candy pumpkin when placed in a carbonated beverage. I'm not sure why. But he tried it...in Tara's sparkling cider. It grew bubbles all around it and started letting off little air bubbles, too. It looked pretty cool, actually!

A wonderfully fun day. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Arrived

We drove to Boise today to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. Raina really enjoys my parents' house because they have nice big windows that get a lot of sun. She took full advantage of it when we got here and she finally settled down. I'm sure it was a nice change from being cooped up in the back of the Highlander for five hours.