5.31.19 A few snapshots from here

Oh man this summer is fast. With so moany able bodies we are constantly running whether it be working or from working or something else there is a lot going on. I love having so many bodies but it is honestly difficult to wrap my head around efficiency and peaceful days. I'm hoping with a little less required next week it will be better. As I realize we are committed to swim lessons and dance camp, maybe not. This lady loves the extra holds and attention. She is progressing so fast. 2 teeth and climbing up stairs pulling herself up almost anywhere and eating at will. 

Not quite sure about uncle Jay though. He looks familiar but not.

Our pretty Spitty. The pre-teen fireball who mutters a lot and is sharp with getting things done and cutting people at the knees. She is a unique pre-teen. And a funny duck.

My sweet little getting big fast girls. On a walk. They are learning to ride bikes, working hard on their school stuff and will be learning the finer points of swimming next week. 

Another service opportunity. The texts and calls come frequently for some muscles to get jobs done. They are so capable and I worry constantly that we are running out of time to get important lessons learned and discussed before they leave my home. Did I teach them enough of the right things? DId they have an adequate childhood? Are they ready? STRESS I tell you.

A random surprise from a sweet associate. The florist said "We were both in tears talking about how nice you are." Ahhh. I was totally surprised I do love fresh flowers.

BRuce helping grandma with his garden. He loves to help.

And a picture that chilled me to the bone. Three fat hogs on stroll through my lawn while I was home alone. AHHH! They surprisingly rounded up pretty well. Alena helped me get them back to the correct pen, Greg even showed up and helped. PHEW. They are now locker meat. Yum yum. 

And that is the beginning of summer here. MY older kids have been gone for a few days I'm surprised how much less stress it has been. as I've been digesting this I've come up with I can focus on the younger group I'm not torn between teen drivers, how to get places when my car is gone, what they should be doing with their many responsibilities if they are interacting socially enough etc. I'm just working with the younger kids. It's nice. I'm reading a parenting book and realizing I'm an taking too much on me and need to turn the decisions and consequences back to the older kids. I will try to keep that in mind as they return later today. Like I said that time running out feeling is eating me up gotta learn to let go of that as well. Life is good but right now it feels really really short. Off to hoe some weeds.

5.31.19 wedding weekend

My sister in-laws children got married a few weekends ago. We were honored to be asked to help with festivities. IT's hard for me to take my large always hungry family to a gathering with no payment. Our meager wedding gifts are not an even trade. But we discovered after being part of some wedding parties that after the show is over the tired family (mom & dad are usually left with a huge overwhelming task of taking everything apart. Voila! We can take things apart. We are careful and diverse enough to handle the pretties and fresh and careful enough to just do the legwork. Carry boxes and presents, cleanup used paperware and in this case roll up the ceiling. 

Aunt Shauna has an eye for beauty and detail. She made a magical evening happen. It was lovely!

I got to be in the kitchen with the kids and grandma. It was even more magical in there. There was enough for all the cousins to be needed! Enough to chop, fill, top and create that we needed all ten or so of them. They laughed they worked together they renewed and healed friendships. It was powerful the spirit of service was thick and I smiled inside.

We even took a moment to dance. Addie took this picture in slow motion it was interesting to watch and see how we move together. I have always loved dancing and was so thrilled to find GReg is so capable and willing a dance partner. He is good!

His parents were also enjoying a dance. It was just elegant to be under the lights and soft canopy.

Aliza was the babysitter extraordinare. Many parents thanked her for an afternoon off.

Mini-cheesecakes the specialty of the bride. Oreo, new york, and key lime flavors.

Chicken salad sandwiches hand cut and stuffed.

Veggie cups in ranch. Delicious!

All real cake the chocolate ganache and lemon raspberry were the crowd favorite. Over 100 lbs of cake there.

And the kids room. Aunt Kristi is always "cool" and made super special lunches for each kid individually, then they were plugged in for over 7 hours. They loved it and were seen but not heard.

At the temple. It was blowing and raining and miserable but eliminated the big picture taking plan. Oh well.

Still space to visit.

We had to drive down early friday morning so we bought some muffins when we got to town. Rare that we get dad as part of our group.

Night number two. My cute nephew. 

More movies no complaints at all.

This time the cake had a lego couple. The groom was a master lego builder and robotics champ.

These little boys grew up to be tall young men. Wow! Definitely family resemblance and yet unique.

 Uncle Jay is still taller but not by much.

And the take-down. Many hands make light work was the name of the game. This usually takes over 4 hours. We did it in a skimpy 2.

Again something for everyone and a way to be of use. Aunt Shauna and Uncle Don are patient and know how to keep the show rolling. It is always a pleasure to work with family.
The next day we were tired but took some time to play around a bit. Another sweet nephew.

I was in tears at the overflowing of love that this weekend held. It is definitely my love language to do things and to serve. Mission accomplished. We ate desserts every ten minutes or so and had lots of good food and conversation. A quick trip to the temple for GReg and I then the kids solo. Everything is so close it was amazing!! Another rejuvenating trip to that magical place they live. Life is good. And it was sweet to take a short break.

6.1.19 Memorial day

I love the memorial day holiday. I love the flags, flowers and family memories. This year was a big one. We started by helping place flags at the local cemetery. All helped!

Note the newly metal free smile on Aliza. Still getting use to her new mouth she is lovely anyway you look at her. The young lady on her left is her best friend a true gem of a lady Maddy.

FFA friends. These are sweet hard working girls too. Jenifer and Helen.

FFA and 4-H kids joined forces to get the cemetery covered we put out a lot of flags and crosses.

Memorial day morning is time for the annual decorate the streets with flags done by these strong young men. 

 

Then we move on to decorating our family stones at another cemetery. I love this. I get great joy out of making bouquets. My heart swells as the kiddos carry them reverently and proudly to place at each headstone. I am happy to hear and see them running and playing. Life is to be lived not just mourned. Their life means these people and their lives keeps on going through the ages, from habits, to looks, to values held dear those vibrant young kids are the continuation of eternity. 

Flowers for my nephew's grave site. Specially prepared by a loyal Aunt Mary.

His marker for now. 

My mom with the wagon that was then empty of flowers. We had that many and more to show respect to the many friends and family who are resting in that quiet place. She is very thorough in her planning and delegating. This day goes off without a hitch because of her leadership. 

I pulled a mom and made the kids stay and watch the military tribute. Again they must learn the why and be respectful of the many who gave their all. It was beautiful and short, no politicians were present this year.

My reluctant teenagers. Aliza sang the national anthem this year for the family group. It was a delight to hear her live. I usually just get a video recording. Patriotism is becoming a lost skill/art. We have been fortunate to go through many a cub scout pack meeting so we know about the salute and reverencing our flag... many kids have never had that experience.

The long anticipated annual wagon ride.

Each part of this day truly honors one of my corn grandparents. The flowers from my grandmothers yard and the carrying on of remembering her family and other dear friends. The picnic and old tractors complete with enough seating for all would make my papa so happy. He did not love large group gatherings but he did love his family and would be pleased this was happening. And my sweet dad who puts a lot of thought and effort into making this event happen - it's just tradition- but it's masterfully thought out and orchestrated so it is just easy.

The boys took the flags down that night and the kids nursed a few sunburns but overall it was a peaceful day to think a bit about the past, connect with the now and build for the future. Summer is a great time of year!