5.17.24 Family, Farming, & Zoo

This past weekend was a rare phenomena of being able to view the northern lights at our southern location. I missed the first night due to work and life but on Saturday night I went out after dark to check them out. I was enjoying the stars and quiet when the crew came to find me. They asked what are you doing? I said listening to the quiet looking at the sky. They said what quiet why the sky, why would you do that. Oh the irony. I took a picture of my crew chattering through the quiet. 

This made me laugh that's about how I saw the northern lights. I did not. 

But I saw some of this and that brings peace. Getting the job started. For my birthday I planted corn, pulled weeds, weed whacked, and rowed out corn. 

Very slowly I made the water rows for the corn. I'm so thankful for the pivots. These flood irrigated fields offer wonderful perspective on how marvelous pivots really are. 

Afton and Bruce enjoyed a day at the zoo with their classmates. 

Teachers shared these pictures. They had a great time. 

 Life goes fast with many responsibilities each day. At the end of the day I reluctantly went with Greg to get some new pivot tires. The three youngest rode along we sang primary songs on the way there and most of the way back. We use to do that all the time with the older kids we don't much anymore. But it was very enjoyable and soothing for all. The man we got the tires from is 91 years old alone and so lonely. He's got a great mind for solving problems and a mostly healthy body. I was once again reminded that even though life is too full right now it is a blessing. 

I'm thankful for the abundance that is mine. I pray for peace and calm. Work helps manage the nerves and as we day by day live life works out. Life is good. 

5.16.24 District track

Weaving through life this spring has been a very full track season. Going in the coach set a goal of winning the district boys and girls title. John and Mark went to almost all of the practices and meets which is 50% more than I envisioned at the start. They worked and learned and enjoyed the new challenge and time with friends. Last weekend John and ADdie packed up for a two-day experience in Boardman. After a lot of time and waiting spurts of competing they came away victorious. 

The visionary and dedicated coaching staff. There were 70+ athletes on the team this year. That's a lot of kids to teach. These guys got it done and created many outstanding individuals. 

Paul Bentz head coach, Scott Kelso throwing, Morgan Harrison jumping, not sure, Kami Hawkins hurdles running, Mary Chamberlain distance, Mr. Dotson Pole Vault. These people give so many hours teaching and training kids. 

John only participated in shot put. But he hit his goal of 40' which placed him in a tie for 4th overall. 

My friends sent pictures and videos for which I was grateful. It is super hard to miss but the farming must happen. 

Addie was a minute ahead of all her competition both times. Her friend surprisingly got 2nd so they both qualified for state. I'm happy for both of them. 

Addie loves to run and it is great she is finding so much success in that choice. 

More cool pictures of John. 

Day 1 report

Addie on the podium. She looks good on the top. 

Att he end when all the tallying the teams dominated in a big way shown by the points accumulated.. 

Back at home, we were happy to have a once-a-day excursion to the neighbors to feed and play with their animals. The kids really enjoyed the trampoline and outdoor playstation. 

We attended a lovely outdoor wedding reception. The bride is the youngest of 9 and said she had always been so bored at her sibling's reception so she wanted this to be fun for the kids. The mechanical bull kept young and old entertained and engaged for the hour we were there. 

After a lot of competition, the results were tallied and the teams were in fact the champions. 

The distance running crew! 

 Memories right now these kids are banking memories. I told John this is our gift to you three more months of travel and time with friends. Happy senior year. Addie won the 3000, the 1500, and the 4x400 where she was pulled in at the last ten minutes prior to the race. The kids were struggling with heat exhaustion so different team members were substituted to continue the races (prior to starting not during the races). Addie loves the relay. She ran the first leg which is not her normal spot, but the team won by a clear margin and more points were added to the running total. 

She rolled out this morning for state track. We will again not be there but cheering for her from home and thankful she has so many opportunities and such a good community of parents, coaches, and friends who support and watch over her. We are blessed with a Good life. 

5.15.24 John senior day

 This week is intense for so many reasons the busyness of it not helping to instill calm. I knew this event was happening but like most things this day no one had set a date or time. So it was a surprise to get this text asking if the information was ok to post. These two ladies not in legion attire have inspired, challenged, encouraged, and helped my family become. In the Yellow Diana Mendiola a teacher's aide, playground monitor, and new librarian. She worked with me to help my kids who struggled and weren't sure of their abilities. From alphabet to algebra she's been there to aid their growth. She is tough and firm, yet believes in student's ability to do what is asked. She is patriotic, and kind. I appreciate her insights and eyes on the ground so to speak. We rejoice together in the growth of the kids that have struggled. 

The lady in shades is the infamous Mrs. Kim Worley. She is dynamic and firm as well. She is a superb teacher who demands a lot from her students but also has broken writing and thinking into micro chunks that develop in 4 years into proficient, thoughtful, and entertaining writers. For some of my kids, this has been a fun challenge, for others, it is sheer drudgery. But they are all developing the skills to communicate both orally and in writing. These are critical pieces of literacy. It's hard to think and work at higher levels, yet so important. Both of these ladies' traditions, concern, and standards have stretched my kids and made them more prepared for their life ahead. We were happy to have the American Legion give them recognition coins for helping Addie prepare for her speaking competition. 

A quick mention of losing my glasses this day. I could find them nowhere my seeing kids could see them nowhere. I was panicked and so worried. I dug through the garbage and made a hopeful call to the optometrist. No appointments until next week. I had to use contacts which thankfully I had but I knew I couldn't endure them for the long weekend ahead. Thankfully later in the day in between events, I uncovered them. That was a huge blessing to have my easy-on-the-head glasses back in my possession.

 

The next event after booking reservations, making calls to find out amenities, and working on daily responsibilities here was the high school awards assembly. Mark got an award for being able to debate his way out of anything from Mrs. Steele. His friend Jeb was the master of ceremonies and held the prize bag. 

When I walked in I looked around for a seat and saw John sitting alone in a row of his own at the back of the gym. I asked if I could sit by him he agreed and we enjoyed visiting throughout the 3-hour ordeal. He was recognized for lifting over 1000 pounds. He lifted 495 deadlift, 305 bench, and 400 + squat. That's a lot of weight. He really enjoys the challenge and success of that class. I really enjoyed sitting close to my son who quietly lives his life doing what he enjoys and dreaming big. He was pretty dirty and greasy in the back because he had been in the auto shop working to solve problems on a go-cart he has been creating. Using scrap parts he has been working to make a functional buggy of sorts. He has always loved to dream, create, and tinker. This was not a surprise. Maybe he will get it to run before he leaves on his mission. The slide show was an emotional meltdown. As I had been sitting there torn over the time the awards were taken John said you can just go, I realized no I need to be here with you. I have missed so many events and moments with you I need to be here. 

It's really hard to choose the right place to be with so many people in our family. To weigh who needs parents most. John has often been alone, he didn't complain and did well without our presence. But my heart hurt wishing I could be with him knowing the many others at home needed direction and presence too. So these few hours we spent were a last effort to recognize John in our family and just be his mom. 

While in the awards assembly, an email came that the Seminary graduation would be that same evening. Thankfully after the already-scheduled football meeting. I attended that, paid the necessary dues, registered Reed and Mark, and moved on. John and I headed to the graduation leaving Greg working because so many people just talk and talk wanting his attention. We had a nice drive over again just basking in these senior moments. 

Sitting alone surrounded by couples and families it was odd, but ok. I was frantically texting Addie begging her to locate the needed graduation gown that was not where I remembered it should be. 

At the end of the program, John said the prayer asking for Heaven's help for peace and guidance for all graduates embarking on their lives. We took photos and moved on. 

This is his friend Ashton. They met at Trek and other summer church camps. Aston has been a good friend to John. 

The Vale seminary class graduates. More good friends who encouraged, and walked the walk, and shared the growing up years. 

Tj Trowell, Walker Philipps, John, Diesel Johnson, Brian Wolfe, Brogan Payne, Harley Belnap, Lia Jensen

After the program, we went to eat. Travel, change, and excessive to-do list makes my stomach a fire of indigestion. Eating has been sporadic and challenging this week. But I knew I had to eat and still trying to give attention and love to this Senior guy we headed to the meager offerings nearby. We ended up at the A & W. My oldest called and wanted to talk so I left John to order. He misunderstood and got me a spicy burger. When  I saw the order I told him there was no way I could eat that could he? After the first bite he picked off the 15 jalapenos and worked his through a warmer burger than he liked. He treated us to milkshakes as well which was the saving grace to the spicy burger. We talked and ate. thankfully my stomach accepted the meal and was fine in the hours thereafter. 

He is a polite thoughtful escort. It was nice to be taken care of and to learn about what's going on with him. 

At home after some cryptic emoji's to specific questions to Aliza- she can't respond in words- I looked in a few more places and found the robes!!! I was so relieved. This is John trying it on. 

Even though this was an emotionally hard day it was dotted almost hourly with tender mercies of things working out. Addie's license came so she has the real ID for travel. Finding the robe, being with John at the assembly so he wasn't alone again. All the things we need for our trip working nicely and more economically than I worried. We are blessed, even though this week is physically very hard it is also so so good. I'm thankful for the family I have, with them is the best place to be. We are so very blessed with a good life. 

5.11.24 FFA banquet

This year Ms. Addie was the head of the decoration committee. She had some ideas and a great team happy to do whatever she decided. One piece was pedal tractors. Our neighbor happens to have an enormous collection and was willing to let her borrow 4 for the event. 

She and her committee headed to the local flower shop to create centerpieces. This was truly the highlight of the event. The joy of creating together, busily working with your friends was a first experience for the ladies and they all loved it. One friend told me we should do that every month. Yes, the thrill of creative work and the fun socializing when working together is great! That's the reason so many quilting bees were popular, besides the necessity of blankets, and the efficiency of more hands, gathering and sharing was the draw. I hope they do get to create together again. 

We got up early to help Addie gather tables. 7th and 8th grade students at Willowcreek loaded those tables. Then we found John out cruising and he helped with the tables at a church. There were plenty of boys floating around at the high school so it wasn't too bad. I asked the boys to start carrying chairs as the ladies decided on the table placement. I carried several loads of chairs too figuring it would be good to stretch and strain some that day. 

The kids did what kids do and rode the pedal tractors. 

With the smooth gym floor and lots of space to try they had a great time. 

Lia really mastered the art of pedal driving. She found a red one that she did laps around the gym on. Merle was slower but got his to work as well. 

When the kids got too wound up we headed home to rest and clean. I did the dishes and asked if they needed any more desserts. The coordinator said yes. I offered 2. The standard cinnamon rolls and fruit pizzas. 

Addie has proclaimed that fruit is high-class living. I think I agree. It was also on sale so I decided to try them. The kids and I taste tested at home we loved them. 

I always have lots of hands helping me. Lia must have taken this picture of Merle getting a piece. 

This was a great team that really worked well together. The mix of boys and girls was enough to quench drama and Mark was a strong leader. 

/A fundraising donation was presented to Search and Rescue. 

Addie took the reigns as the next president. She is getting so grown up. 

My mom tells the story that at banquets a few other people would get awards and then my dad would get the rest a whole box full. Addie also got most of the awards last night. She tried hard to convince the presenters to give them to the runner's up. She hates the spotlight. My friend commented how she loved to see Addie blush with each new award. She is humble and I'm grateful because she could easily be "too big for her britches" as my grandfather use to say. 

Our past and present members of FFA. They have been involved for 50 years now. Wow! So much good has come in those blue jackets. 

4 generations strong. So thankful. 

As John's senior year winds down it's good to get some pictures with people who made the school day good. This young lady is a good friend. They appreciate each other's wit, wisdom, and class. Sammi-Jo is the daughter of the loved Mrs. Worley the English teacher. Sammi-Jo is mature and snappy. So is John. They are just friends, but the kind you just really appreciate in the chaos and silliness of school. 

And that's why we turn off the tractors, lock up the shop, and go sit and eat with our friends and associates. It was good to be in that large space last night enjoying time together even though it was the first nice day of spring and so much dirt needed to be worked. Because the dirt does wait and people do not, and time is passing and will change quicker than the plants. But because of the connection with the agricultural lifestyle we came together to celebrate the learning, growth, and endurance of all there. Life is good and we are so thankful to continue to reap the benefits of FFA membership 50 years and counting that's pretty special.