Inaugural Anniversary at the Ridge - 16 years!

Happy 16th Anniversary to Chris and I! Ever since the Coronavirus stopped all our travel/ trip plans, I've been ITCHING to go away somewhere. I usually get pretty 'claustrophobic' when I'm nursing since we don't usually do bottles and I have to be tied to nursing and my baby every 3 hours for a whole year.  This past year was a doozy on many levels so I'd been planning and dreaming about this trip away for a long time. Chris and I stayed at my parent's 'shabin' (shed mixed with cabin) up on the Ridge for 2 nights.  We spread out the kids amongst a lot of family: My parents took Theo, Max and Charlie stayed at Jared and Ashley's, Alec at Tiff and Todd's, Gwen at Jess and Ryan's, and Freddy at Thom and Brittany's. I think it was a good plan and everyone did great.  Chris and I have learned from past trips away that the keys to success are planning, balance, restraint, and flexibility!  

We worked on our plan for a month to figure out the basic schedule of activities balanced with rest time, entertainment balanced with physical exercise, spiritual uplift and mental stimulation.   Also we planned out a unique way to give gifts. Historically, we don't really do gifts for our anniversary. Usually Chris has pretty much used up all his good ideas for gifts on my birthday 2 weeks prior and either we decided together to buy something 'extra' like a nice blender or trifle bowl or we don't do anything. This year we decided to gift each other the stress-free experience of not having to think of a gift for the other person, instead we'll surprise them with gift for the other person to give.  That sounds confusing... its like this, "Hey honey! surprise! look what you got me for our anniversary!" 

The key to be flexible was used fairly early on in our trip, like a week or so before it even started because Chris found out that the qualifier for the State Amateur Golf Tournament that he'd been planning on playing in all summer long was the morning of our first day. We had to keep our plans flexible depending on how long play went and if Chris would be needed to stay longer for a play off tie-breaker.  So our plan was going to be that while Chris was golfing, I was going to be treating myself to a haircut and maybe shopping or something.  Turns out, most of my morning was spent getting kids packed and driving around the Valley, and dropping them off. Also my haircutting person couldn't do it that day, so instead I got my hair cut and styled the day before.  I had just enough time to get my present that Chris was going to give me ready to surprise him and finish packing myself.  Turns out Chris played really amazing (one under) and tied for 4th in the qualifier (the top 8 would go on to the State Am tournament 3 weeks later.) He was on cloud 9! I can't remember ever seeing him so happy. 

The gift I surprised Chris to give to me was a bed makeover! New covers, pillows, blankets and pictures. I love it! :) 

The gift surprised me to give to him was, a new bike helmet! haha. He loves it. And we decided to use it right away and change our plans up a bit so we could go on a bike ride before leaving for the Ridge. We rode up to the temple to the spot where he proposed 16 years and 5 and a half weeks ago. 

Then we drove the 2 hours (including an extra 40 minutes for stop and go traffic around the reservoir for no apparent reason) up to the Ridge, grabbing burgers and shakes at Dairy Keen in Heber on the way up for dinner.  We got to the Ridge at dusk and took a walk around the property along the mountain bike trail my brother made this past June. 

We played a new Exit card game where you try to solve all the puzzles like an Escape Room.  It was intense and we were getting tired so we paused around 11:00 and went to bed without even eating the dessert we had planned. (using the Restraint Key by not eating ourselves sick with treats just because we planned it.)

The next morning we got up early for Chris to play golf at a beautiful Park City course. We had fruit and nut bowls on the way for breakfast.  It had been a VERY long time since I've been able to sit in the golf cart and watch Chris play. I love doing that. Its a beautiful fun drive with some interest every now and then as I watch him play the game he's pretty good at. There were 2 fun older ladies and a nice guy a little older than Chris, maybe that he played with. I had brought a book along in case I got bored but I never did! Chris didn't play that well. The course was beautiful but really narrow and short and he felt like he couldn't every fully swing. 

We had planned to play tennis afterward at a local court somewhere, go back to the ridge for a nap, and then drive back to Park City for a special dinner on our Anniversary but we forgot our tennis rackets at home! We were even going to go buy some rackets just so we could play, but everything was taking a little bit longer and we weren't able to even eat lunch until 1:00, and we decided if we wanted to keep a relaxed feel we'd have to make some changes to our plan. We ended up going to a grocery store to buy something 'fancy' that we could make easily at the Ridge with whatever cooking supplies were up there. 

We got back to the Ridge around 3:00 and fell asleep despite it being pretty hot! We turned on multiple fans and had the door open but since we forgot to re-open the window we had shut when we left earlier that morning, we didn't get any cross breeze and it was fairly roasty. I couldn't take it around 4:30 and just pulled a chair out in the shade to finish writing my talk. We had planned to connect spiritually by preparing and giving talks to eachother on a topic that the other person picked out. This was a really cool experience and I learned a lot in my preparation but also the parenting discussion that followed our talks. Chris spoke on signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ and I spoke on faith vs. fear.  By 7:30 it was getting colder and darker and we were hungry! We quickly made our 'fancy' surf and turf dinner of salmon and stake, with cooked carrots, string beans and bell peppers...topped off with a Martinelli. Very delicious and diabetes friendly. We moved a picnic table to the top of the Ridgeline so we could eat with a pretty view.  Even though it wasn't the fancy dinner in Park City that I had been hoping for, it turned out really great. 

We ended the night with a movie and the cake in a mug dessert from the previous night that we didn't get to.  Also we had fun dancing and of course kissing.  The next morning we woke up kind of early again,  to break camp and go for a long hike before it got too hot. Chris surprised me with 16 stones written with some kind of lovey message that we then walked around and hid together.  

We had picked out a hike before hand and it took us to a place we both have never been before! Brighton, UT. We hiked to three lakes, Mary, Martha and one other one we can't remember. We hiked all the way to the top of Sunset Peak. It was about 6-7 miles round trip and super steep in some parts.  It. Was. GORGEOUS. Seriously one of the most stunning hikes with tones of pretty vistas at almost every turn that either of us had ever hiked before. The wild flowers were everywhere and so vibrant,.. but totally uncapture-able on camera. 

It was a little tricky to manage my blood sugar levels and I was really tired at the end but the 360 degree views from the summit were amazing. 

After the hike we drive straight home, showered (for the first time since leaving our house due to a water problem up at the Ridge), and then it was time to go pick up all the kiddos.  I was determined not to let small stupid things ruin my attitude or my ability to enjoy myself the whole time.  I really needed this break and I wanted it to be only positive! I had to remind myself a few times not to let some of our unexpected deviations get me down and turns out I can control my feelings after all...it just takes LOTS of effort and prayers. We had a wonderful time and I love being married to Chris.  He is so good to me and for me.  Kinda crazy to think where 16 years have taken us: Utah, California, Alberta, Mississippi and back to Utah. 10 different houses, 6 kids, 2 miscarriages, 2 cancer battles, 3 different diabetes diagnosis’s, 7 years of schooling, 1 PhD degree, 1.5 home purchases, countless house remodels/projects, 5 trips away, 8 new jobs, 1 home business, 2 trips to Disneyland, probably a million miles driven, many tears followed by many hugs and kisses.  What a good life. 

 

Theodore's Golden First Birthday

Our darling Theo turned 1!! Wow, that went by so fast.  First birthdays are always so fun, but this one was especially special since it was also his GOLDEN birthday. We had all the right party supplies since Gwen's Golden birthday was just a few weeks prior.  Theo enjoyed his birthday cake and ate quite a bit before throwing it on the floor. He was pretty tired and we were at Thom and Brittany's house with most of the other Archibalds so it was a pretty big gathering and I think he was a little intimidated. 

He loved being stripped down and playing with the water in the sink!

We actually had cake and ice cream the day before his birthday, so on his actual day we had fun opening presents up first thing and singing all the birthday songs. Theo-bawani has been a master walker for a while, so he didn't need a walker toy to help him with that part, but he loves to push this little walker 'puppy' around and hear the songs. Theo loves to dance. He bounces up and down in one place with a huge smile on his face. 

All of the kids were excited to pick out something special for him. Max chose a big red firetruck (mostly because I think he wanted it... ) Freddy knew how much Theo loves pouches, so he wanted to buy him a whole box of pouches. Alec wrapped up his old glasses, because he knows how much Theo loves to pull them off of his face. Gwen helped me pick out a water table for him. Charlie knew how much Theo loves to hold long skinny things....the bigger the better. He likes toy swords, golf clubs, long sticks, the vacuum hand attachment, even humongous (at least compared to himself!) brooms and wood planks. Charlie and I came up with a 'scepter' that was padded (as much for everyone elses' protection as for Theo's!) and had bells and ribbons on the end for fun. He LOVED it. He loved everything. He is such a happy baby. 

Theo really brightens up everyone's day. He has the most winning smile. The first time Chris or I (even Grandma's sometimes!) walk into a room he'll give us such a grin, his whole body kind of shakes with happiness and then he sometimes will cuddle into your neck for some kisses. Oh! its the best.  He loves cars and makes a car sound. He likes to clap when he does something cool. He likes to go down slides (even big scary ones!) He tries to jump on the trampoline. If Chris or I are ever sitting on the ground he likes to get close, then turn around and back up a few steps at a time until he's sitting on our lap. He's pretty easy to put to bed, with a bottle of milk and some rocking and he's a champion sleeper for naps or night time.  
 

My birthday

I got to celebrate my birthday all weekend. It started with a fun shopping trip with Hailey on Friday while Chris and the kids cleaned the house! We went up to the Traverse Outlet Mall in Lehi. It was a really nice few hours.  A lot of my clothes don't fit anymore since I've lost so much weight (over 60 lbs since a year ago when I was 9 months pregnant and only ~15 lbs were pregnancy related).  Its all due to having diabetes and needing to exercise every day and eat a low carb diet.  I'm not sure I've ever needed so many new clothes all at once, its kinda fun. 

Then on Saturday we went for a fun family hike to the dripping rock in Spanish Fork. (The first few hiking pictures are from a different hike a few days earlier up Rock Canyon) But the Dripping Rock hike involved crossing some bridges, including a cool suspension bridge) and some fun steep hills. We passed the dripping rock within the first 1/2 mile, so we motivated the kids for the rest of the hike with a promise to stop and wade in the creek on our way back. 

The water was cool and everyone enjoyed stepping on the rocks and going under the dripping embankment. 

After our hike we got donuts at a grocery store and I gave myself a whopping 4 units of insulin so I could have a salad and 2 donuts for lunch.  Then Gwendolyn helped get a nice hot bath ready for me to soak in and afterward gave me a long foot and hand and back massage (with a little help from Chris).  Then Chris and I went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Its the first time we've eaten IN a restaurant for many months due to the COVID quarantine.  We got out of the mostly messy-again house a little late and Outback wasn't our first choice and the whole evening didn't feel as 'special' as maybe I had hoped it would and it was a little depressing for me to have to walk in with my mini cooler stuffed in my purse that held my insulin pen, look up every interesting item on the menu to see how many carbs were in it, and try to add up various portions of various foods to try and get a balanced, perfect amount of carbohydrates.  So the evening started out a little sad but my mood improved with good conversation and delicious food served to me. After a short walk in our new favorite park, Neilson's Grove, we snuck in the house and watched a movie in our room (unbeknownst to the kids... Alec put Max and Freddy to bed and Charlie helped Gwen get safely to her bed). It was a great evening. Then Sunday, my ACTUAL birthday, Chris and the kids gave me a yummy, 30 carb breakfast in bed of scrambled eggs, bacon, strawberries and yogurt and an english muffin.  I opened some really thoughtful and amazing presents! .. a massage gun, a simple pearl necklace and earrings, a scented candle - from gwen, Throw Throw Burrito game - from Max, a beautiful nail polish with a bottle of clear top coat - from Freddy, an amazing generation chart with pictures from my grandma and a sweet card from my parents.  

During our home sacrament time and Sunday School lesson, the kids were maybe a little more reverent/participatory than usual. (Which actually isn't that reverent... we're really really struggling with getting through even a 10 minute thought!)  Then we went over to Thom and Brittany's house to celebrate all the June and July birthdays with the rest of the Archibalds.  Dixie made a delicious salted chocolate caramel tart... which I could have a tiny tiny piece of!  Chris kept giving me sweet compliments all day like, "You look so beautiful" "I love that new skirt" "It feels like my birthday because I get to look at beautiful you"  I also had a lot of friends send me birthday wishes of some kind, it feels so good to be remembered.  I made a commitment to myself to improve in few areas as I embark on another year of life, like morning study time and intentional positive moments with my children.  Its only been 5 days and I can already feel a difference in my inner strength and peace. 

Oh! I almost forgot that I got together with my sisters on Monday for a dinner and craft night in that same Neilson's Grove park. It was such a beautiful evening and the conversation/company was so relaxed and enjoyable.  They also gave me such thoughtful gifts. It feels like one of my best birthdays ever. What a wonderful thing life is. 

Gwen's Golden Birthday

10 years old on July 10th! Thats fantastic age for a golden birthday. Gwen has been planning and thinking about this non-stop for the last 2 weeks.  We planned it down to every detail.  She had breakfast in bed and opened her first present, a metal golden crown that she wore the rest of the day. 

Then we spent the rest of the day getting ready for her party that night. Mary came down to help me set up!... so helpful.  Lunch was egg salad sandwiches and she opened a few family gifts: golf clubs, golden golf balls and fruit mentos.  

Her party was a special spaghetti dinner with golden foods like cheese sauce, corn on the cob, garlic bread, cantaloupe and pineapple, sprite and lemonade.  Chris and Todd were the chefs and waiters and acted in character accordingly.  Then after some time on the trampoline, the girls came in for a relaxing Spa treatment. 

With spa music playing and essential oil misting, the girls washed their faces, applied toner, face lotion and then either a mud mask or a peel-off mask.  While the masks dried, they soaked their feet in milk bath water and I massaged them for a minute or so. 

Then they peeled off the masks or washed them off and then it was back upstairs for a golden dessert/snack bar, cake, ice cream and presents. 

Gwen went back and forth on what kind of cake she wanted but she settled on a lemon blueberry donut cake. 

It was so great to celebrate our Gweny. She's thoughtful of other's needs and wants and such a deep thinker. She's the first one to read her scriptures and complete the related 20 Question worksheets.  She is so coordinated on the trampoline and looks like a gymnast. She loves to sing, rhyme, solve puzzles (she learned how to solve a 3 X 3 rubix cube in one day), play make believe with her younger brothers, and go for walks/bike rides with me. She loves to watch crafts and pranks on youtube, studio C and is getting into Psych when its not too scary.  She is quick to say she's sorry to me, and is sensitive to how others are feeling.  She loves food, but doesn't overeat, and is such a joy to have in our family. We love our Gwen!