Hoco

Homecoming is qutie the production in our town. From dress up days to big games complete with pep assemblies each school participates. My high school kids were asked to come to their alma matter to connect between high school and grade school. The principal had them share what event were happening in town. We were also there to support a teacher. 

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This spring I was asked to write a letter of recommendation for this lady. She is a demanding yet highly thoughtful teacher of writing and literature. Her 4 year program step by step teaches kids to think and apply the concepts of writing. As a result she was awarded $1000.00 and the teacher of the year for our region from the Oregon lottery. She moves on to compete against other regional winners at the state level and for a prize of 10,000. Then if she wins that she would go to Washington DC for a few days and meet other state winners. The kids in that small gym were so loud I thought I might go deaf. But it was fun to see what a pep assembly looks and feels like at their school. 

For many years my kids have come home hoarse from those screaming competitions now I understand why. 

At the big game the boys played so hard. Mark had an amazing game. This is the center on the left the running back who they block for and the #4 players parents Steve and Jeri. 

Linemen Gino and Jake. Gino said wait wheres John for the picture. My heart skipped a beat I said Gino he's not here. Ugh! These guys are strong, fast, and determined they are a great combination. 

At home it was delightful to have totally full couches again. There was a good feeling of unity and togetherness in this moment. It's not always like that. 

12 out of 14... that's quite a group. 

The next day was of course the start to corn harvest. Mark worked and worked to get the combine assembled so we could start. He was on a timeline as his date was about to start. I went down to help so he could go. 

His goal this year was to drive the combine. So far he's had a bit of time behind the wheel.

Bruce had been helping Reed move irrigation pipes from what the kids named Devils corner. He will be in a drivers seat on a tractor before very long too. 

The senior players. 

We hosted the homecoming dinner. I made pizza with helpers. Andrea loves to do what I'm doing. 

Millie also helped. She is my first call these days. Livy is gone, Afton is off doing other things. Usually Millie has her nose in a book so can be found relatively close by. 

The kids ate dinner here then these three got ready at our house. I helped the girls curl their hair. I was so pleased with how beautiful they each looked. Mark went with Greta a good friend. 

Dinner leftovers. Perfect chocolate chip cookies, several kinds of pizza and grape juice. We used our fancy glasses and china again. Greta's mom came and helped set-up it was nice to visit with her. 

Addie's sweet date JEB. 

The ritual of flowers.

Funny friend pictures this young man being held was also on prom court his date was the queen so she had left the fun to go get her hair and makeup done. 

At the dance. Addie clocked 10,000 steps at the dance. JEB told her later no one had ever kept up with him before. They danced and danced and mixed and mingled with all in attendance. He is ASB president and really good at including everyone. 

Andrea was ecstatic to get to wear the flower the next day. 

More game pictures of Mark pushing people around. He made an outstanding tackle at the game stopping the star speedster from scoring another touchdown on an interception. 

So many activities in a short amount of time. I'm so thankful to have found the latest magic cocktail of energy I need to keep up with this crew. I'm thankful for the discussions pre-post and during the events to share my testimony and why we don't date until 16, why modesty is such a big deal, why we marry in the temple, that we too believe in Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for these opportunities. I'm thankful for good friends and core memories. Life is so good and we are so blessed.