His Own Person

Aiden is a little like each but not a lot like either, right?

Grandma Chase

Olivia Fanjul Chase

July 18, 1926-May 30, 2012

Grandma and Grandpa, Grandma’s hair she sewed onto this doll

Grandma had dementia, and it was hard to have a very stimulating conversation with her recently, but I spent a lot of time today thinking about how much fun she was when I was a kid.

She was a jokester. It made me think I could be one too, so I went through a phase where I had a goal of startling her every time she came over, and she always jumped and shouted. Now I realize that I wasn’t actually that sneaky, and she must have just been humoring me at least some of the time… but she sure made me think I was hilarious.

She gave great back scratches.

She taught me things like how to knit, a few basic tap dance moves, and how to draw (I never excelled at any of these). She also taught me how to make freaking awesome scrambled eggs (this I excel at).

We had different religious beliefs, but she always came to support us when we were baptized or had other important milestones.

She taught me and Patrick basic Spanish as kids… things like “agua", “leche",” and other foods as well as “Deja la nariz!” lol

She was fun to have sleepovers with because she’d play games with me and tell funny stories. She taught me to love building puzzles.

She took care of me if I was sick when my parents had to work or when she and Grandpa took me to Tahoe, and I overate so much at the buffet that I was barfing all night (lesson learned).

She had a sweet tooth. I totally get that.

She always kept some kind of mint life saver thing in her purse, and she never hesitated to share with me.

She and Grandpa babysat me a lot when I was a kid, and she always sat with me after school and listened to the stories of my day and fixed me snacks.

She was a little kooky, but she sure gave me some fun memories, and I am glad to have had her in my life.

She has been sick for awhile, and we’re glad that now she can rest. I am grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge that I can see her again. Love you, Grandma!

Mini Me

Aiden has been into mimicking and trying everyone else’s clothing and possessions lately. Here he is having found a pile of clean laundry.

He was so proud of himself for putting on Daddy’s shorts. He has my shirt around his neck and appears to be chewing on Isaac’s sock…

Girls on the Run 5K

Mandy, Isaac, and I (and Aiden in his stroller ) have been training the past month for this 5K. Isaac and I decided not to spend the money on both of our entries, so he trained and then came to watch and hang out with Aiden. It definitely felt so much easier than last falls’ 10K! The run was on trails and streets in the lovely Los Gatos, around a lake. It was a beautiful day.

This was a non-competitive fun run, proceeds going to support after school programs for girls. There were a LOT of little girls running around with pink and green hair, fairy wings, crazy socks, etc. It was a family event, and there were people of all ages. It was a cool run to be apart of.

Aiden and Isaac took pictures around the two mile mark and again near the end, and Aiden was so happy to see us the first time, and then he threw himself on the ground and started crying when we ran past him. It was SO sad! He was very pleased to run over and give us hugs when we were done.

Happy Mothers’ Day!

I enjoyed Mothers’ Day by waking up to French toast and eggs made by Isaac, going to church and teaching Nursery with Aiden, eating a superb BLT with avocado for lunch (made by Isaac again), spending time with family, and eating dinner of ribs and veggies prepared by Isaac and my dad. Do I sound like I ate a lot? I didn’t even mention Isaac’s brownies. Wow. I’m a pig.

This little bean sure makes it an adventure to be a mom!

Here is my mommy! I don’t know what I’d do without her. She is such a good example of loving service and dedication.

I just missed his cheeser smile. Oh well. What is Mandy doing with her foot?

Mandy… who is getting married in FIVE weeks! I spent time addressing announcements today. It was not as bad as you might think. I don’t have very many skills, but decently neat handwriting is one of them—glad to be of service today!

Aiden Recently

Apparently, he can see color. He got even more organized than this.

He loves dogs, horses, trains and cars. He plays with them all the time and never seems to get tired of them.

He is getting more coordinated and runs very fast. Here he is doing yoga with Mommy and Mandy. His form is better than mine!

We sure love this kid!