Around this time of year, I get really nostalgic. It actually starts when fall hits and lasts through the holidays. Tonight I was thinking how I really miss the places I have been and where I have lived that aren't Sierra Vista. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it here. I will likely be stuck here live here the rest of my life. I have found ways of being happy here. The weather is great, I have superb friends, Mike has a great job, and my kids like their schools. But there is something missing here. Something that makes me sad, and wish we lived somewhere else. The first thing that really bothers me, especially around this time of year, is the lack of history here. There is no "center", no "downtown", no "historic" neighborhoods. I remember when I was very young, my parents would take us kids to "downtown" Safford at Christmas time to see the lights, and look in the store windows. One store had a mechanical Santa that was sleeping in a store window. His belly would move up and down like he was breathing. I was there just a few days ago. The Santa hasn't been around for decades, but the lights are great, and the feel of Christmas (despite the warmth) was there.
Downtown Safford
As I got older, I have found that I love historic buildings. Living in the Prescott area instilled that for me. I loved cruising driving downtown with my friends and looking at all the old buildings. Even the run down ones! I especially loved it around Christmas time when the courthouse was all lit up. I dreamed still do of some day being able to buy one of the old Victorian homes there and refurbishing it. I toured the old hotels, and imagined being a guest there 100 years ago! Just thinking about spending time there makes me happy!
Downtown Prescott
When we moved to Oklahoma, the only place we could afford was a little run down 2 bedroom house. I loved that little house. It had old wood floors, old ceramic tile, and these windows that were painted shut that just made me feel nostalgic. What I liked most about that old house though, was that 3 houses down from us began the street with bigger, beautiful, and even older homes (I imagined our house was "servant's quarters for these homes). I loved taking walks down the street and just staring at the houses. Then I found out about other even older and fancier homes that I could drive around and dream about. I spent lots of time driving slow and craning my head out the window to "admire" old homes. And in OKC, there is an old "downtown". There is now a huge memorial there to commemorate those who died in the bombing. There are also hockey games we would go to, fireworks, art shows, races of all sorts, and HISTORY!
Central High in OKC
Mike and I had a chance to visit New Orleans a few years ago. I loved everything about it. The historic cemeteries, the crusty old buildings, the refurbished mansions, and the tiny apartments covered with character.
the oldest pub in New Orleans
I even love visiting Bisbee with all the strange hippie people that live there!
downtown Bisbee
Sierra Vista is a newer town. The "center" here is the park LAME. Even if someone were to create a downtown or strip here, it wouldn't be authentic, and wouldn't hold the character that I crave. The weather is a bit TOO nice for me too. I want 4 seasons, and we really only get 2. I know that there are people who would trade me in a heartbeat to get out of their winter right now, but right now I'm yearning for places other than Sierra Vista.
My mom and dad are funny people. They are "old school", and if any of you know them well, you know just what I mean. My dad is such a generous and kind old guy. My mom is funny and lovingly affectionate. I have found that if I ever am feeling down about myself for any reason, I have only to call or visit my folks, and then I'm showered with praise and love. It pulls me right up! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I had the chance to drive to Thatcher to go to the temple. I knew my folks would be there since my dad works there every Wednesday night. I got there a bit early. After I changed, I came out to find my mom and her twin sister coming in the dressing room. They were excited to see me and we hugged and kissed. Then I went into the chapel to wait for them. My dad came to the door to talk to one of the workers there. He didn't know I was going to be there, so when I went up to greet him, he was full of surprise. I love it when he is happy like that! It was great to see him all decked out in his white suit. It was also really cool to see my dad officiate in the session. I was very proud of him, and my mom couldn't stop gushing praise of him. It is a big deal to us since all my life dad wasn't one to attend the temple much. When each of us kids got married, we had to give him time to make sure he had a recommend. Now he is working at the temple once or twice a week, and he loves it.
Dad at Levi's baptism.
After our session, I took my mom and Aunt Shirley out to dinner. Of course, people had to ask them about being twins because they had to go and dress alike. It is so cute. I used to be embarrassed by how much my mom and her sister would play up being identical twins. Mostly because they used to try to dress me and my brother, and twin cousins alike. Now I think it is adorable (as long as I don't have to dress like Allen!). This spring they will be 70 years old. I am so glad they live close enough to spend time together each week. They also informed me that if one of their spouses dies first, they will move in with the other for the rest of their lives. So sweet!
Mom and Aunt Shirley
I left feeling uplifted from my temple service, but also feeling much love from my family who gushed love and compliments to me. I really needed that, and I hope they know how much they are loved!
This week Taylor got her license. She was so excited and nervous to take her test, but passed with flying colors. Now I have to get up enough nerve to just let her drive places without an adult in the car with her. It was great to see her so happy and proud. She has also started to play the sax again in band which she really likes. Taylor has some proud parents!
16 already!
This month has been jammed full of fun stuff. We have already been to 2 Christmas parties, a Christmas parade (Jordan ROCKED the trumpet), Tristan's birthday, and tomorrow is my last soccer game. Whew! I think I need a nap.
It was a night parade. That's her with the glasses.
Yesterday I worked on gifts for my visiting teaching ladies. I found something similar online and decided to make these myself. I haven't attached the metal bar and magnets yet, but once I do, they will be picture holders. I think they turned out nice, and may make more. I also finished my glass block. I cut out the phrase on my new cricut, and then added the silver spray to the vase to finish off the shelf. I love decorating!
Yesterday was Tristan's 6th birthday. I can't believe it. After Levi's scouts, we had Outback for dinner (take out), and an ice cream cake. He opened his presents (legos!) and we put them together. We didn't get to do much because yesterday Jaxson threw up all day. It was so sad and frustrating. Nothing like adding to the laundry!
We had a great Thanksgiving last week. Taylor and Jordan cooked most of the food. We ate the best turkey we have ever cooked ourselves. It was quiet with just us at home, but I loved it that way! We took some food over to the Leavitt grandfolks, and then played games all night. I didn't take any pictures because the house was a mess, and my camera was dead anyway.
Friday we decorated for Christmas. It was perfect weather for it (cold and blustery). I finally filtered out all the old decorations I never seem to put up, and some of the ones I put up but wonder why I even bothered every year. I took them to donate, but then felt like I needed to replace some of the decorations. I'll see what I can come up with that won't be too expensive. Here's something I made today that only cost about $5.
October is always one of my favorite months. I love all things Halloween, I love fall, and I love the sports season here (football and soccer). This October has been jam packed full of stuff (what's new right?). Levi was baptized on the 9th. My sister and her family came, and my dad was able to make it too. It was a really sweet baptism. His friends gave the opening and closing prayers, and Jordan and her friend Emma gave the talks. After Mike took him into the water and baptized him, Levi told his dad that it was so "cool" to know that he was clean from sin and that he could now take the sacrament and be clean again every week. It was very sincere and not prompted at all. He's such a loving kid.
cousins!
brothers and sisters
Later in the week, I took the kids and Taylor's friend Stephanie to Apple Annie's for our yearly pumpkin picking. We toured through the corn maze, ate shaved ice and kettle corn, picked our own pumpkins, and then went to the local restaurant that is built in and around a train car. It was so fun.
kids at the Depot
I was lucky enough to take a short leave of the family and head to Phoenix for Time Out For Women. I try to go every year. I think this year had the best speakers to date. My two friends were there with me and we ate so much good food! Best part of all was NO CLEAN UP!!
Saturday was the stake fall fun festival. I got to help head the thing up, and it was so much fun. I didn't actually end up doing much, but I was proud to be a part of the fun. The kids loved it and didn't want to leave.
Monday we celebrated Jaxson's 2nd birthday. Tristan said "I can't believe Jax is only 2. It seems like he's been around forever!" I am really bad at planning birthday parties. I don't mind doing them, but this time of year is just way too busy (and nearly all the kids have birthdays one right after the other!). So, we got his favorite food for dinner (pizza), and an ice cream cake for his birthday. He was shy when we sang happy birthday. Man, I love that little boy!
Today, the kids had a costume parade at school, so last night we finished costumes and hopefully we will find time to carve pumpkins some time today or tomorrow.
Things won't slow down here at all! Tomorrow is Levi's last football game of the season so I hope to get a few pictures. We will trunk or treat, and maybe attend a Halloween party. Monday Taylor turns 16, and we are going to plan a trip to Tucson to celebrate that with her. Ahh, I need a nap just thinking about it all!
Taylor is on the keyboard. You can call her "Red Ross" if you like, I do.
All suited up
Taylor had a concert that was a "magic show". They had magicians, a ventriloquist, and singing. I took the kids to see it, and they loved it! The show band sounded great although Taylor thought they were horrible. She is very picky and a perfectionist about music. I'm excited to hear them play again.
Tristan on stage to help with a trick.
Levi is now in scouts, and his first scouting experience was going to the county fair. He had fun looking at the animals and the exhibits. We stayed after to let him and Tris go on some rides with their friends. I thought the bubbles in the pool was really cool! They did too.
Tris on a ride.
Halloween is fast approaching us and I love it! I have posted before about how I love fall, and how it makes me feel all nostalgic and happy. The kids like putting on all the masks at the store.
Taylor wants to be this for Halloween, and likes to freak out her baby brother.
Jax likes to dress up with his friends too.
This last weekend was homecoming. It is a crazy time of year for us. We always have a bunch of places to be at once. Jordan marched in the band for the parade. I got to see her march by before I had to throw the boys in the car and hustle to the chapel for our ward activity. Mike then had to leave Levi's football practice early to make it to the homecoming game to see Jordan march in the pregame show. Whew, life just doesn't slow down at all!
Buena band
Jordan's band. She's in front behind the sign.
Taylor went to the homecoming dance with a group of friends last night. I didn't get to see her all dressed up so I insisted she take pictures. My camera stinks, and this is the only picture that turned out nice. She had a great time and was pooped out all day today!
I am not a great blogger. I love to read others blogs, but I rarely seem to get around to updating mine. I'm not good at writing letters or calling friends either (sorry friends!). I get so wrapped up in what is going on with my family that I just let time slip by so fast. I am also really bad at taking photos of events, journaling, and planning birthday stuff for my kids. It's just the way I am. BUT, lest you think I don't do ANY of these things ever, here is a smidgeon of the happenings at the Leavitts!
Levi just turned 8! I didn't have time to plan anything for him, but Mike and I took him out to his favorite place to eat. Hana Tokyo! We had the whole hibachi to ourselves, and Levi had fun. We are planning a party around his baptism October 9th.
Levi at his birthday dinner
Levi started TACKLE football. He is the smallest one on the team (by a long shot!). But he really likes it, and he can take a hit so I'm going with it. Tristan started soccer (I did too since I'm the coach). It is fun to watch those little kids try to figure out the game.
Mike and I finally had a chance to go to the Gila Valley temple together. It was so beautiful. We talked about how we first met at the exact location of the new temple. That makes it special for us to go together. Then we went to eat at Casa Manana. It was a favorite of ours there in Safford. After that we met up with the kicker on the EAC football team. Mike coached him for 4 years and now he is playing at EAC. We went to the game that night and sat with our old friend Lance Layton. We had a great time visiting him. I also got to chat for a few minutes with Brother Palmer who was my old Institute teacher/director. He looks just the same and is just as awesome as always.
Jordan picking a good one.
Mike helped the boys get pears
Kids melting in front of Apple Annie store
A few weekends ago, we took the kids to Apple Annie's in Willcox to pick apples and eat yummy home made apple ice cream, and apple bread. It was hot, dusty, and awesome. I hope we get a chance to go back to get pumpkins and fresh veggies, but with our crazy schedules, who knows. Afterward, we went to my folks house and raided their freezer for beef. They just had a calf slaughtered and I got to fill a cooler full of meat.
This is how Jax travels!
Taylor is getting ready for homecoming which means I'm going to be mending a NEW dress to make it modest enough to wear. She is also getting ready for a lot of band performances which means a lot of piano practicing and lessons. Learning jazz theory has really helped her in her musical abilities. I'm anxious to hear her playing with a jazz band!
Oh yeah, I also have a ton of stuff to do for PTSO. I got voted in as the VP, and I am trying to keep up with it all. I was also called to assist in the Fall festival for our stake which is coming up at the end of October. I am one busy momma right now!
I'll try to do better at posting though since I love to read other's blogs so much.
Taylor not too old to take a Buzz Lightyear lunchbox to school.
Levi ready to go get chased by girls.
The kids started school already! Last week the kids all had to get up and get ready for school. I am sure none of us were prepared for it. It felt too early, too soon, and too hot to be sending them off. But, we made it through the first few days just fine. I can't believe that Taylor is a Junior this year. Next year will be so hard for me! Jordan is in 8th grade, and will go to high school next year. Levi started 2nd grade, and Tristan started Kindergarten. Whew, just reading through that has me exhausted. It's nice to have them on a schedule again though. That's what I really love about school.
Jordan wondering why I still take her picture.
Tris a bit nervous, but really excited to finally be going to school.
boys at the bus stop on the 2nd day (the bus forgot to pick them up!)
Jax in his pajamas at the bus stop to send the boys off to school.
Since the kids are gone for school each day, and I'm at home with Jax, I figured I needed a project to keep me busy. But, since it is so hot right now, I am putting off my sewing table paint job. I headed over to the thrift store and found this little jem. It looked gross and dusty, but the basket was in really great shape. I figured that for $3 I could attempt to fix it up a bit. I cut out all the nasty yarn, took off the straps, and re-covered it all. Then I made some fabric rosettes that I have been meaning to try for a while now. It turned out okay. I'm not 100% happy with the handles, but it will do for now. So, now I think I will make some more rosettes for other projects that involve me sitting on my rear end and not moving much since it is even ridiculously hot in my house.
Isn't it gorgeous? It even said Mexico on the top!
