The Searle Six

Alot of random thoughts have brought me to this post so I hope my blog readers will bare with me on this. The other day I was talking to a friend about her brother who has alot of problems. Mostly with addiction. It's her only sibling and my heart ached for her. I was thinking about her Little boy who doesn't know his uncle because drugs are more important. I immediately thought of the Searle Six. I am so grateful for my brothers and sisters. I remember hating that there were so many of us fighting for mom and dads attention when we were younger, but now each of them plays a very important and specific role in my life and I know that myself and my kids( future kids) can count on them for anything. Travis is our leader and obviously the oldest. He is our toughest critic, but our best supporter. He taught me to be the very best I can be, because he always was. Ryan is our laughter. He is the funniest out of all of us. He can always break the silence, or make us laugh when we really want to cry. Danny is the baby boy. Danny I admire because he has always done his own thing. When lack of interest didn't let him follow in his big brothers shoes he did his own thing and he is an amazing musician and artist in his own right. Kelli is the sister that I prayed would come and come she did. She is probably the smartest of the Searle six and I am very proud of her and all she is doing to further her education. Jami is the baby of us all and she is the fighter. Having six mothers I am sure was not always easy, but she took in stride and even punched Travis in the face when she was 8 right before he left on his mission to tell him she had had enough of his teasing. I was sitting at the work the other day after I had had this conversation with my friend and this picture from my wedding popped up on my computer screen saver and I felt very humbled. I miss em and I love them so very much. I hope that where ever life takes us we always remain close. I love you guys!
L to R: Danny, Jami, Ryan, Me, Travis, Kelli

ROCK CLIMBING

Devin took his teachers rock climbing over his break. I got to go because you have to have someone who is CPR certified with you for emergencies. So there goes wife. I had a good time though. It was fun. Here are just a few pictures I took while they were climbing.

Sione wanted to give up a few times, but we wouldn't let him.

He felt so good when he reached the top he was glad he didn't .

The fearless leaders climbing while the boys watch how it's done.

Don't let the pink shirts fool you. They were tough boys that day. (the shirts were supposed to be red.This is someone at the t-shirt shops version of red go figure.)

Camping at Disappointment

We took off this past week to enjoy a little much needed R and R time. Our good friends the Kunz family invited Devin and I to go camping in Washington State right by the beach this week. We only went up for one night, but it was well worth it and we had a great time. Of course we had to get some essentials that we have been putting off purchasing for a while now. We finally bought a tent and a camp chief. Devin was so excited to use both

There is so much history in this part of the states. I loved driving through all the old fishing towns that have been around for 200 years or so. We drove through Astoria and not only is it a beautiful fishing town it's where "Goonies" was filmed. You know the "HEEEEYYY YOOOUUUU GUUUUUYYYYS" movie. I loved that movie growing up. What am I talking about I still do. While we were there we drove to see the local lighthouses. This lighthouse was built in 1898 and is still in use today. It along with the Cape Disappointment light house guides the mariners into the mouth of the Columbia.

This is an old carriage house which is now the gift shop for the lighthouse. The lighthouse keepers and there families lived days away from towns and supplies so they had to be self sufficient and keep gardens and animals.

Waklee and Reese had so much fun playing in the sand and swinging in their Dad's hammock.
Eric and Devin thought it would be fun to build a sandcastle and then watch the tide destroy it as it came in.

It was so beautiful at night we took a photo opportunity and posed for this picture. I had Devin's big coat on because it was freezing. Turned out pretty good huh. We had such a great time. Thanks Penny and Eric for inviting us.

SUMMERTIME

I love summer. I am so thankful the sun has finally decided to come out and let it's rays shine down on us Portlanders. Some of my most favorite memories growing up were in the summer. I am so excited I decided to put a couple of my favortie memories and picutres of last summer on my blog.

Yellowstone, Wy

Jami and Parker 4th of July


Devin and I Washington D.C.


Tiana, Ty, Devin and I Gettysburg, PA


Red Sox Game Baltimore, MA

DADDY'S

Although it's a little early I wanted to post some thoughts about the daddy's in my life. I was so blessed to grow up with such a wonderful father. Words cannot express how much I love daddy Searle. He was such a constant in my life. He was always there to wipe a tear or two. He taught me so many things. He gave me my love for music. He taught me to love and not judge people. He taught me to fight for our family and the things that mattered and then again he taught me to know when to walk away and avoid conflict. I cannot count all the times he blessed my life financial. I remember one time getting in my car to drive back to hard single college life and finding 40 dollars in my car. I love my dad for never getting hurt when I would call and say 'Where's mom."? My father knew I was going to marry Devin before I even did and I am grateful for his early encouragement to not let this wonderful man go. After my Grandpa Lever died when I was 14, Grandpa Searle was the only grandpa us Searle kids could go to with team fundraisers and the only grandpa who could physcially support us in all our special events and achievements. He rose to the occasion and spoiled us enough for two grandpa's. I miss him every day. I miss hanging out with him. I miss him teasing me and giving me hard time about everything. I miss him so much my heart aches for him sometimes. He was one of my best friends and I could talk to Grandpa about almost anything. We miss him, but my siblings and I are constantly reminded of his presence still in our lives. Now we have two grandpas watching over us. I am so blessed to have dad Simpson in my life. He is always willing to help me with all my projects. I always recruit Devin, but it seems my gracious father in law always ends up helping. He has become my friend and has taught me already so many things. Like how to kill chickens for dinner, drive a truck in hay field and how to count horse shoes in his store. He along with my mother in law raised a wonderful son that is a wonderful husband. Although Devin is not a dad yet ,but my heart is so full of love and gratitiude to him as well. He is an amazing husband, brother, son, uncle, and friend and I love him with all my heart. One day when we are blessed with little one's he will be the best dad. I am very grateful for our brother's and brother's in law. All of which are not dad's yet, but someday hopefully will be. They help us, teach us, keep us laughing and not to mention have helped give us some cute nieces and nephews. My heart is full as I think of you wonderful men. I love you and I am so blessed to have you in my life. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. WE LOVE YOU!

Rain, rain go away. Come back......in a few months at least! My heck!

Well all my fellow Portlanders know what I am talking about, but the weather has not felt at all like summer here in good ole Oregon. It's June 10th and I still have to wear a jacket or a hoodie every where I go. Now I am still experiencing my first year here with all the weather changes, but this is getting ridiculous. Even the locals who have grown up here say this is not normal. That it's colder then usual. The weekend I got home from California it was 90 degrees and I thought OK here we go. The neighbors kids were swimming in the little kiddy pools on the lawn and it felt like summer, but that only lasted a week. Right now it is raining. The wind is blowing really hard and it's about 49 degrees. IT'S COLD! Oh well. I guess I can wear my sweaters for a little bit longer.

CUTEST KIDS EVER

This is the latest from home. Aren't they cute? I just love em!

June 1, 1983

Today is Devin's birthday and I am sitting here at the end of his day and I am feeling a little guilty. I had so many meetings today that I didn't get to spend very much time with him. I am afraid this is only the beginning of us spending special days apart, but I am so grateful for his support. He is , however, spending alot of time with his new present so I am sure he is not feeling to neglected. Anyways....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN. I LOVE YOU!

Safeco Field, Seattle WA

Big Papi at the bat

The Cap. We love you Jason!

Manni being Manni

Proudest Aunt Moment

In all my blogging excitement I forgot to blog about my" Proudest Aunt moment". Last week when I was in California I heard my three old niece and nephew singing Pat Benatar's song "Hit me with your best shot"......... Ok so a little back ground for those of you who don't know me. I love classic rock n roll. Especially classic female rock n roll. Pat is among one of my favorite's. So I immediately said "hey where did you guys learn that song?" They looked at me and said "guitar hero". I was laughing, but I am so happy that some video games can give kids a proper education about classical music. I was so proud that they were rocking out just like I do to Pat. So here's to you Pat. I love you Parker and Claire.

Perfect Summer night

The Elder's Quorum played softball against another ward last sat night. It had been the hottest day and it cooled down just in time for the game. I had my chair, the david seeds, my sunglasses, and all the wives to chat with. I loved it. This is my idea of the perfect summer night.

Sebastian is that you?

Devin went crab fishing with the scouts last weekend and I told him to bring me home some. I was thinking some meat, but I guess I should have been more specific because he did bring one home. It was still alive and walking around our cooler in our kitchen. Now I am not what I would say a girlie girl. I can handle bugs, blood, guts and most creepy things, but I could not handle the thought of this thing being alive in my kitchen. I was so creeped out! I know you are supposed to cook them while they are still alive I get it, but having a little crab in my kitchen did not sit well with me for very long. I begged Devin to cook it and I had to be in the other room when he put it in the pot. Then I was OK. I really have such a tender heart when it comes to things that are alive. I take my hat off to women who hunt and kill, because I could not do it unless I was desperate.

We told him that he was going to fall asleep and not wake up. Oh and that it would be very, very warm.

I think it's smiling at us

Home Sweet Home

Well I arrived home from my week away and it was so fun. It was fun to see how excited my nieces and nephews were to see me. It made me feel a little important. At least for a minute. We spent three days in Disneyland and headed down to San Diego to Sea World. After Disneyland the kids were like "Whatever..... where are the rides?" My sister in law and myself however found ourselves marveling at the stupid dolphins. We watched those dolphins swim around and the twinkle in their eye to get praise from the trainers and we couldn't help but think how special those specific creatures are. To quote my lovely sis in law "There is just something special about dolphins". Well I would have to agree. The kids however got nothing out of it. Disneyland was wonderful. It was so fun to visit with my family and spend time with the kids. I love hearing their little thoughts. We were walking through the park and this kid walked by and he had a Moe hawk (is that how you spell it?) and Claire said "that kid's hwair looks like a stwar". Translation that kids hair looks like a star. I laughed until I cried. Parker was under the impression that because the Hispanic lady cleaned our room at our hotel that he could just drop whatever he wanted in Disneyland and the lady would make sure it got back into the room. Any who I am tired, I made it home safe, and I had a great time, but I happy to be with my Dev again.

Our first day in Disneyland it was only 60 degrees and it rained most of the morning, but that didn't stop us. We had a great first day.

My younger brother Ryan and Parker and a strategically placed stranger behind him. It looks like she belongs.

Me and the famous Claire Marie.

Sisters and my other sis in law Misty(middle) with the youngest on my side of the family Payten. Sea World

This is my older brother and my sister in law Sarah and the three monsters. This is us getting ready for the Dolphin show at Sea World.

This is Bo my older brother's youngest and this is his ice cream face.

My nephew Parker in his "magic hat"...... that's what he called it anyway and his "magic mickey"

Me and my sisters! I miss em already

May 6, 2006

Although Devin and I are not that sentimental today is our Anniversary. I thought I would honor him by letting all who read our blog how much he means to me. Two years ago today we married in the Bountiful, Utah temple. I can still remember driving to bountiful with my parents so excited to see Devin and begin our journey together.My hair all done and my make up perfect(well perfect for me which is not saying much.) Devin has put up with alot from me. Even when his attentions first turned my way I had not intention of letting it go anywhere. He had to make this stubborn old maid miserable by leaving to go home for Christmas before I knew I loved him and that I needed him. Devin came into my life when it seemed so many things were wonderful and so many bad. The day after our first date I lost my grandfather which was very hard for me. My grandfather and I had a very special relationship and I was a mess. Not too long before that I was called to be the Relief Society President of our ward. Devin supported me and stood by and just let me mourn and let me cry tears of sorrow and of joy. Devin reminds me so much of my grandfather. So it makes sense to me that I could feel my grandfather's gentle pull towards this remarkable man I now call my husband. Devin is so willing to help anyone. He is such an example to me of what service is. He is willing to drop anything anytime to help someone. He is so good with children. Kids just love him. Even little Claire is upset that Aunt Crystal is coming to Disneyland without her Uncle Devin. I love him with all of my heart. He is the most amazing person I know and I am so blessed to have him. Devin I love you. Happy Anniversary.

New Calling

Well to our family and friends who don't already know I was sustained to a new calling today. Two weeks ago I was approached with the usual "the bishop would like to see you and your husband in his office after church". I knew it wasn't about Devin because he was just called as the the first counselor in the Young men's, but part of me, at first, was hoping that it was him. As I sat and thought I realized that no in fact the spirit had been preparing me for what was about to happen long before the fateful sentence was uttered. I was extended the call to be the Young women's President! That was two weeks ago. Since then I have been a wreck. Sometimes I am excited, then I am nervous, then I am scared, then I am back to happy and excited again. I was really nervous walking into sacrament, but soon felt calm as things began. I am truly excited now. The Lord has called an amazing Presidency for me. Some of which were in the preceding Presidency and are already on board with where I want to take things. I feel very blessed and humbled. These past few weeks have been stressful, but have been some of the most wonderful days I have had in long time.