American Legion

We traveled to Salem this weekend and found a skiff of snow on the top of Santiam Pass. The rest of the Oregon we traveled was dry. That is worrisome. It was grey overcast when we arrived and I wondered how people survive such a dreary place. 

The next day after the fog lifted we were treated to trees in bloom, random daffodils and other flowers everywhere. The Willamette Valley has long been heralded as a heaven on earth I can see why. While it is beautiful it is always a sharp contrast to the booming newness of our neighboring state to the east and south. Oregon is in a state of decline which is very troubling. Alas we enjoyed the blue skies, warm spring day and the opportunity to meet fellow Oregonians and patriots. 

After we crossed the mountain ranges Addie had pain in her ear. We went to Wal-Mart searching for some remedies to provide relief. We are not well versed in this. Thankfully help is usually a phone call away and with some assistance from family back home we found a few options that might help. 

She didn't sleep well, but pushed on the next day. The older you get the requirement to just get through becomes more and more reality. She spoke well was easily the best presenter,but alas after 2 tediously long hours of waiting she was placed 2nd. This was completely fine as she is moving on in her life and a trip to Detroit would not fit in her schedule very well. She has won well over $10,000 from this contest alone which will help her achieve her goal of funding her college education. 

Each contestant was genuinely kind. It was hard for Addie to feel so poorly and not be able to do the requisite visiting and sharing. The legionares were concerned for her she just didn't feel well and desperately wanted a nap. She did well taking breaks outside in the sunshine and fresh air then going back in to visit. 

As soon as we were done at the legion hall we rushed to the Salem public library for her State Officer interview. There were no private rooms so we set up in a corner and waited for that to begin. She had about 5 minutes to wait then a 5 minute interview. Thankfully she had practiced and knew the answers she wanted to give. Being rushed, in an unfamiliar place, and sick this was critical to her ability to perform well. We are so thankful for the foresight to practice and those that coached her in this experience. 

All done and ready to rest! WE searched in vain for an eatery then gave up and headed out of town. Salem is full of homeless open air drug use. A man next to our parking meter was lighting marijuana joints as I tried to pay for our parking. We found a Carl's Junior on our way out of town and were thankful to eat then drive across the state.

I'm thankful for the many prayers that propped her up through this hard day. I told her this well could be one of her hardest days and thankfully she was sick this weekend not at FFA convention. Main take away practice makes doing easier. Prayer works. God notices and you can do what you have to. We are thankful for yound one to be over. She did well and now we prepare for State Convention. 
 

Daughters of the American Revolution

One day Addie's graduation coach told her you have 1 hour to write an essay about the American people. She had been nominated by her teachers for a scholarship. This was a timed essay so she gave it a go. We learned a month ago she had won the local and state level and they wanted her to come share at their birthday meeting. We arrived at the historic Portia Club for her to read her essay to the members. 

Another girl who had entered was also there. Addie knew this young lady maybe from the winter wonderland parade. Addie is now competing at the district level next would be national. We shall see if she goes any farther. She was awarded $700. It was a pleasant evening of visiting and learning. 

Back at home with baby sidekick the cool dude and always center of attention Jake. He's getting to be a big lug to hold and carry. But everyone wants to talk to him when we go places. 

Livy's legs are healing well. This time has been more residual pain and the weather is more felt in her bones than she remembered. 

We make her move more than she wants but that's what it takes to be normal functioning again. Life is good and we are blessed. 

Afton Science Fair

This week Afton had her science fair. She has been very excited for weeks leading up, she enjoys chewing gum and decided this could be an opportunity to get some with no complaints from mom. I purchased the gum and posterboard and asked repeatedly if she needed help or what we were suppose to do. She assured me she had it all under control. The night before she went to grandmas and had her and alena chew the gum to find how long the flavor lasted. She recorded the results. The next day we attended. Afton was very happy with her effort. This is her board, she is sitting  while she visits with Bruce. 

There were various projects and many excited scientist ready to explain what they had done. 

I was honestly pretty sad after walking through and seeing the experiments. As I was thinking how I had failed Afton not doing more with her project or demanding she bring her board home so we could put it together the teacher walked over and said how impressed she was with Afton's independence on the project and how excited she had been working on the assignment. The instructor said she had really hoped the kids would learn how to do an experiment on their own. Well Afton did that on her own and she learned. There are some very creative and crafty and science minded moms at our school. They did well working with their children. I had told one earlier who was done now with science fairs as her youngest is moving on- it's hard to stay caring a lot about all the various activities as we go through them again and again. I was much more hands on with the older kids, and I saw the great value of science fair projects. I'm thankful this teacher is offering this big learning opportunity to her students again. I did care, I did what my child asked. That's all I can say. I am however, very grateful the teacher expressed her point of view as I was about to cry for the seemingly obvious parent help fail from my side. I've been reminded this week again and again God does hear our prayers and answer them. Small little instances definitely not eternally significant but nonetheless kind for me have been received. 

And Dr. Seuss day. This is more celebrated than any president. I'm thankful for Alia's teacher who shares pictures, who has worked to keep Alia learning at her level and who is constantly making education exciting and memorable. This week I was telling the kids how Merle is doing well with his school and Lia asked well do you know about Verbs? I told her no he would learn that in 1st grade like her. The years keep rolling on and we keep striving to learn and grow where we are at. Life is good. 
 

Anna professional wedding prictures

Anna shared her wedding photos with us. With permission I include them in this record. Her and her dad. Such an apt capture. She does laugh at him he does always expect greatness. And for that alone the kids are fortunate, because they have done and experienced many great adventures and accomplishments. 

It was so surreal to be with our daughter on her wedding day... it does not feel that long ago we had our own. I have long wondered what parents felt when their children got married. Now I know. We are very thankful these two found each other and are so happy together. 

This picture made me slightly sad. To know in my mind the three that are missing. The ones that were her true compadres. Reed was her baby. The one she was closest too and cared most for. Harold was coming but hadn't made it yet. 

My beautiful group of ladies. Strong, smart, good, funny, very unique and yet similar. I look at this and think what does the future hold for each of you? Anna is a great example and cares about each of these ladies. I appreciate that about her and Joey they set the tone and are willing to blend in to what we are doing when we are together and stand out making their lives and moving forward on their path. 

They were honestly all so excited for this event. A first wedding is full of surprise and wonder this did not disappoint. 

Our fabulous parents who have loved and shaped Anna. We are so blessed to have them so much a part of our life. 

And it came to pass. A mocked and overlooked part of the Book of Mormon record. Yet profound in the implication that time does pass and life moves on. We made it through this. The day was wonderful we were blessed with a lot of service and much more love and celebration of this new family created. That is the point of life on earth. To make your choice and create a family unit. We are thankful for this blessing and the generations before and after that we know and pray will have that joy of love and companionship in their lives eternally as well. Life is so good. 
 

Livy Surgery

Alivia had surgery to remove the screws that were correcting her bone alignment. When I got to her she was on the familiar machine called a bear hugger. It is a heated blanket to help with the shock from surgery. Mark had to wear this for three days to increase circulation in his new veins. Livy thankfully woke up better this year than last. While she was uncomfortable she was not teary. 

It is amazing how quickly they take you from surgery to in the car going home. We brought the right pants this year and somehow she took the few steps and maneuvering to get situated in the car. We saw the lines and lines of traffic and her request for Olive Garden wasn't hard to agree to. Jake had a nursing strike day- actually stress and public just don't go well with nursing- so we also went to get more formula for him. The store had very little selection. I was surprised just more proof there aren't many babies around these days. 

A picture of the correction versus the problem. See how her hip bones are more aligned, the legs are more in socket, the straightness of the line from hip joint to knee to ankle. Oh I'm so thankful for the prompting to get her seen and for the haste the doctor got her in surgery.  We are so fortunate to have the holy Ghost. God does know and care about us long term! This was so much less invasive than shaving bones.  

My learning crew. This time of year we are working to improve our understanding. Aliza makes comments in her college classes. One day a girl said "Man you know everything." The teacher stopped the class and asked for a show of hands of who reads books. Aliza was the lone hand in the air. Obvious point made. So we are working to read more diverse books. And as they kids get older that looks like time taking college classes because you need to take advantage of those cost savings as well. Addie is taking Intro to Theatre, and A Speech class. Reed is taking health and American history. 

My two self-sufficient kiddos taking care of a snack. We do love peanut butter. I think my family line has a genetic pre-disposition to love the stuff, to crave it, and thought to pair it with most fruits. 

On Livy's first forced walking across the room to start working on mobility I found some red lip gloss to divert her attention. She showed how it looked with a kiss on Andrea and Merle's foreheads. 

This time was not as easy as I'd hoped. Her bones had grown over the long screws in her femur. Therefore the doctor had to chip that away then work hard to get the screws removed then add bone graft to replace what he had removed. The incisions are bigger and the recovery is more because even though you are asleep you still go through the work. So it takes time and rest. Thankfully March offers both of those. Life moves on and now Livy has a life with less pain than would have been and many opportunities ahead of her. As she begins the road to high school we are wondering where her talents will grow and how to help her become herself. She was happiest when they fixed her name from an O to an A on the charts. She does love her unique name. Life is good. 

Birthday Party

February is a birthday month here. We had a family party. I made the usual lemon sunshine cake it turned out normally. I also made a chocolate ice cream cake with left over pancake batter. I saw it waiting after breakfast and thought I could adapt that. It wasn't so impressive to look at, Merle and Andrea were excited with their imaginings of what it might be. My mother in-law who is a fabulous cook was perplexed at how I had messed it up so much. I didn't explain. 

Joey also had a birthday being new to this in-law game I wasn't sure how to handle that. He raced Reed to light Andrea's very custom cake. 

My mom is known for making surprise guess what I did to the recipe foods. I knew she would approve. Trying to pull my health together and achieve some weight goals I thought this would be the best choice. My freezer is obviously not super cold and I should have left the cake in a form not free moving. 

Oh well we all enjoyed some cake. Thankfully the lemon sunshine cake is dependably good. After we do cake we have a tradition of sharing what we love about the birthday person. That brings a special spirit of love into our home. It is a simple yet powerful declaration of the unity we strive for in our family experience. This year we added Joey to the mix. It was tender to hear the acceptance and place he has already made with our kids and parents. Sue got teary saying how blessed we were that he was our first because his work ethic, kindness, and good natured go with the flow will help the other girls as they seek companions. This set the stage for a very special experience of my parents asking for blessings from Lloyd and Greg. This was more than icing on the cake it was the power of the priesthood in my home and life. The spirit was strong and tender as an outpouring of strength, acceptance of service, love and concern, and buoying up from God and His Son was poured out on my parents heads. Lloyd is a kind tender man who truly emulates the Savior in how he lives his life. Greg is strong and loving who knows and loves the Savior as well. This experience was an example of the powers of heaven manifest on earth. I was humbled and thankful to have watched the evening unfold and build to an environment that the spirit could be unrestrained and the healing and love of God could be shared and felt. I have not had this happen before but I dearly hope that we are aware and open to having it happen again. 

But as I write that I remember another time from my youth when my great grandparents were dying and we gathered at my grandparents to strengthen and support them in their great loss and grief at time lost. I remember loving them in a different yet similar intentioned way. It has happened through the death of each of our close family members. We gather we mourn we lift and we share. This time the person was not blood family but service and church family. It is a blessing to have loved ones around when life is heavy. 

For some reason this book Dragons love tacos is a favorite oy my little kids. Jake should be very literate for all the books that are read to him daily. 

And one Sunday Greg and Reed worked to fix flat tires on bikes. Thankfully I had supplies and the rescued 4-6 bikes. My lawn is now littered with bicycles but its a good activity for the kids.

As I helped Alia learn to balance, steer, and stop her bike I realized it takes a lot more concentration that I had remembered. I loved riding bikes as a child. I'm thankful my kids have that chance too. While the winter has been worrisome in it's lack of winterness (no snow, not very cold) it is perfect bike riding conditions. I told Lia when she was falling it's so good she was wearing pants and a coat so she didn't scrape hardly any skin because she was all covered. She added gloves then she didn't scuff her hands even. A smart cookie there who now rides her bike when I walk. They even fixed Jake's stroller so off we go. We are blessed. 
 

A second row

It makes kids feel important to be on the walls of the home they live in. With so many kiddos this was a challenge. The board allowed them to all be even. But we outgrew one board. I bought another board at Christmas but it needed painting, leveling, and of course screwing into the wall. Addie decided to make this project happen. Next up new pictures at least for the kids that live here. Probably when John comes home. I hope we can have 24 hours together and pictures will be on the list of things to do. 

Bruce was feeling sick this weekend. He was diddling his socks like my dad. I laughed and took a picture because it was so like my dad wears his socks. 

Reed is a great example to Bruce and Merle. He doesn't tolerate wimpiness or laziness. He also expects them to come do whatever he is doing. I love the train as you go model. 

We invested in a writing system that offers grooved pages and disappearing ink pens. This is brilliant! I can't believe I waited this long for something so obvious. Practice practice is what he needs and this seems to be engaging enough for right now. 

Talking with my older guys. This makes my heart so happy. They are all growing and becoming adults. I'm very pleased with the men they are choosing to be. 

It is prep time for state convention. So much out of school time is spent presenting their ag issue to willing community groups. Reed has filled in many nights because Addie is the leader and the assigned people are on sports outings. He is not super happy about the experience but it will make him better at public speaking next year. The young man he is standing next to was also volun-told to come help. They are friends. Reed told him you have to be in the picture but you don't have to smile about the experience. Ha! True brother dealing with all the good your sister forces on you. 

A surprise gift with a story. My grandfather's sister passed away in February. She had caused a lot of trouble over the years. Her daughter is my fence-sharing neighbor. She brought me this blanket her mom had made. It is nicely done. And a token of grudges dropped, patterns changed (I hope) and a life that is over. I put it away- not sure what to do with it- but very much noting the significance of such an offering. Thankfully we move on and past what is in the past. 

A girl on Addie's track team wrote a grant to the Brooks shoe company for track gear- somehow it was related to her coach being coach of the year last year. The team received $17,000 worth of athletic gear for the team. Including new shoes. This is her second pair of free high quality shoes this year. We are so thankful for those gifts. She is all ready to do what she loves compete in track. 

 

My children have really enjoyed high school. The coaches, friends, travel experiences, winning and learning to loose are all part of the time spent there. Having to decide where to spend the finite gift of time has been very hard for Addie. We shall see what this weekend holds and make some more choices. I am very thankful for the outstanding track coaching staff and for the great experience it has been for her to run. We will start building strength and endurance in the next girls so they can also be part of a team and learn how strong they really can be. Life is good we learn more with each kid as they make their way toward adulthood. We are blessed.