Daisy Young Martin

Theo's grandma Daisy has passed away. Just like with his grandpa George, Theo was able to work with his grandma as a physical therapist. She had been living at home, but then with her decreased capacity, she had moved to the Beehive House in Page. She really enjoyed her time there as she was able to make friends and socialize with the other people living there.

In early June, Daisy had another stroke, this was not her first. She spent her remaining days in the Page Hospital being taken care of and visited by family and loved ones. When we had her funeral on the following Tuesday, it struck me as we gathered with everyone. She was reuniting with not just her husband, George, but with her children that had gone before her. It really touched me as a mother to think about losing children and how infinitely joyful it would be to see them again. I know that Daisy's sons, Ross, Daniel and Irvy were there to greet their mother. What a reunion that must have been!

As an aside, the day of the funeral was Theo and I's 20th anniversary. It may seem sad to have such a great milestone on the same day as a funeral, but I look at it differently. At this time of coming together to honor a life, we can look back and reflect as well as look forward with anticipation of what is yet to come. We rejoice in the things that are good. We celebrate the milestones we've acheived. We relish the opportunity to move forward together.

I am glad to know that families are eternal, that we live on beyond this earthly  life. This is just one stop in a much grander journey. I was glad to be aquainted with Daisy. She always had a kind smile and a warm welcome for me. Until we meet again.

Happy anniversary, love!

Sensational Stone

Apparently, I have a thing for stone. Maybe it comes from being raised in the desert. I am thrilled with the two big things going in the house this week . They are gorgeous.

Our countertops have gone in and I am in LOVE!

Maybe my very favorite feature in the whole house is just about done, our fireplace in the great room. Theo and our contractor Shawn put in the stone facing on this week. Hubba hubba!

Lots Going On, Going Up

Tile going in the showers...

Closets being assembled...

Tongue and groove going up...

Walls and ceilings have been painted throughout the main floor. Originally, this was a job we intended to do, but have since realized the mammoth task it would be, especially with our tall ceilings. It's getting real folks.

Grad Season

Over in Durango, Drake's cousin Gabe was getting ready to make his own leap into the big world of adulthood. We traveled over to share in the celebration of this rite of passage. I can't believe these little boys have now graduated from high school!

Under Foot

While we were busy having a party weekend for Drake's graduation with our family and friends, lots of great things were happening over at the new house. Tile floors were going in and concrete was being poured. Fabulous!

Graduation Day

I have been looking forward to this day for almost 18 years. Our oldest don Drake is graduating from high school.

Drake is absolutely brilliant, one of the smartest people I know. When he started pre-school in Aztec, NM as a three year old, his teachers thought that he was unable to speak. He wasn't super shy or unable, he was just not interested in falling in line and doing what he didn't like. Of course, he eventually showed his teachers that he could indeed talk and do lots of other things.  Drake likes to do what he wants when he wants. Sometimes that did not always coincide with the things he needed to do for school. Sometimes he struggles to stay organized. Sometimes he just didn't want to do the work. He had some awesome teachers and some that were less than awesome. There were times that I wondered if both of us were going to make it through his school years. But he did it. Not only that, he did it very well! So proud of this kid as he moves on to the next phase of his life. Congratulations graduate!

Treasured Delivery

So Rex turned 12 about a month ago. As I mentioned, 12 is a momentous birthday, a big deal. One of the traditions we have when a kids turns 12 is grandpa Ross presenting the birthday child with their very own treasure box. Grandpa makes these treasure chests himself, so they are very special. Rex has watched each of his brothers receive their treasure chest one by one, and he knew there must be one waiting for him. When his birthday came and went without the any sign of the special gift, he was somewhat deflated. He tried to play it cool when he asked me about it a few days after his birthday. I told him I wasn't sure when it would arrive, but that I would check into it.

After talking with my parents, apparently they had planned to bring it with them when they came down to Page for Drake's graduation in mid-May. I explained this to Rex, and being the mature young man that he is, you know he is 12, he took it in stride.

And so, the box has arrived. The kid is happy.