What's Up With The Wheelers: Happy Hubbub

Miscellaneous posts are kind of my favorite. I rather like the mishmash of sundry escapades with little connection between. I think it captures the day-to-day reality where we are constantly bounce from one event to another. We drop plenty of balls in the process, but fortunately most bounce.

First off, Zion! In truth, I'm still settling into the idea of dog ownership. Yesterday I was finally able to articulate why it's so challenging for me at times. I crave simplicity. Whether manifest by my distaste for clutter or attraction to non-fussy apparel like scrubs, my mind feels free in an uncomplicated environment.

In contrast, owning a dog with high-intensity needs is far from simple. Zion needs ample time and attention no matter how busy our schedules. He steals the socks from my laundry basket, barks at all the passersby, eats sticks and then subsequently vomits on the rug. Yesterday he devoured my entire brownie skillet before I got it in the oven. Little stinker.

But then again, on the trails he is an angel. He's a working dog and thrives outdoors. I'm learning a great deal from Zion: if someone we love is floundering, perhaps instead of trying to "fix" them, we ought to help them find the environment that brings out their best.

I love Zion--I really do--and he loves me. But even with this love, there are so moments when I dearly wish there were an "undo" button. As frequently as I feel regret for having added the complexity of dog ownership into our lives, I'm kind of amazed that I've never experienced similar remorse about having children. Let's be honest--raising a child is far more complicated and challenging than raising a dog. It's anything BUT simple! Yet as demanding as parenting has been (and continues to be), I've never wished for a more carefree life. Sure, I've had the occasional fleeting thought, but only after bringing Zion into our lives did I realize how pervasive these thoughts could be. I recognize that when it comes to my children, I've been blessed with a different kind of divine love that extends so much deeper and brings out my better nature. Complex as families may be, each person makes life richer and I am so grateful for every member of our family. So poop on the carpet as much as you want kids--I'm always going to want you around!

Also, in case any kids are worried that I actually might rehome Zion, just look at this photo. I'd have to wrestle your Dad first.

Speaking of families and kids, Jason's co-worker Zizheng and his wife had their baby last month! Little "Tofu" is the cutest ever. Even better, Tofu's arrival happened to coincide with a long-awaited visit from Zizheng's parents. They hadn't seen each other in seven years!

A month before the baby was born, Zizheng decided to be baptized and asked Jason if he could baptize him. From being Zizheng's studio professor to helping him get his first job to performing his marriage to supporting him along the covenant path, Jason has been such an important part of Zizheng's life for so many years. But the relationship goes both ways--Zizheng has blessed our lives so much over the years too, reaching out and supporting in both our hardest and happiest moments. Long before he formally covenanted to follow Christ, he has exemplified discipleship with compassion and love. Congratulations to your whole beautiful family, Zizheng!

Zizheng and Kambree also bought a home near Brigham City right around the same time, plus Zizheng just got his Green Card. So much change and so many blessings!

Here are Zizheng and his parents at Susie's fantastic Celtic concert with the American Festival Chorus. I'm so glad we could all connect.

One lucky evening we got to see Brooklyn and Talia playing Ultimate up at the U of U. Go Team Wheeler! (Center two.)

Do you think Talia spies Jason taking her photo?

Playing on the Utes campus, we could look right up the hill at the U of U hospital. Unfortunately that's where Papa Kay was staying the night, courtesy of a partially obstructed bowel and hernia. I'd spent quite a bit of the day with him in the Emergency Department where he was pretty miserable, particularly as they dug for an IV.

Fortunately he was much more comfortable once settled into a room on the floor. The girls and I visited after their frisbee game, and he was in high spirits.

Best of all, Papa Kay was only admitted for one night and was able to join us for Talia's performance with the BYU Symphonic Orchestra. Their concerto night was brilliant! Talia is seated center in this photo.

Congratulations Talia! Our renaissance gal is rocking it as both collegiate athlete and musician.

Enjoying ice cream in the new Creamery. Her treat, thanks to Cougar Cash. :)

Eli may not spend much time playing a musical instrument, but he can still work magic, whether stacking cards or modeling robots with that brilliant mind.

Eli is so engaged with robotics that we don't see a lot of him at home these days. However, during the moments that we intersect he positively bubbles with enthusiasm for the amazing work that this robotics team is accomplishing. He's also managing to stay on top of a very rigorous course load at the same time, doing homework late into the night to keep his grades up. We're proud of you Cheezstick!

Meanwhile Annika if figuring out middle school and making new friends. Unfortunately her friend Birdy is moving to New Zealand for six months. It's for a pretty good reason though--her parents are the directors of the Minecraft movie and they are about to start filming the sequel. This is Annika holding Jack Black's sword. :)

A few weeks ago Annika joined the majority of her school for a walk out of in protest of ICE's deplorable deportations. She thought she might be in trouble for skipping school, but we were proud of her civic engagement. However, when she called for a ride once the protests were over, we took her back to school instead of letting her stay home all day.

Both Annika and Eli snuck away with Jason and Stephen James for a Jazz game. Fun!

As both a basketball and hockey fan, Jason also had a great time joining Daniel Thomas and his girls for a Mammoth Game.

Yeah, my husband is truly the best, ASSIST has a huge amount of work right now though, resulting in an insane amount of stress for Jason, so prayers are always appreciated.

Busy as Jason is, he still makes time for us to spend together, like when we went to hear their phenomenal concertmistress Madeline Adkins perform.

Let's see, what else. Ben and Christy spent seven weeks living less than a mile from our home. Not only were we lucky enough to have them join our ward, but once a week they would come over and make dinner for us. Yum!

Having them close was such a delightful blessing, both for the amazing food and even more for the relationships. We are so thankful to have wonderful family in our lives! Ben and Christy even initiated chilaquiles day at Justin and Brianna's where we all gathered for the most delicious chilaquiles ever. Once you've had Ben's specialty, you'll be spoiled forever.