Preparing for Easter

Sundays with early church are such long long days. We are adjusting to the new schedule. We are working to be earlier to church the first six weeks or so we were scooting into our seats as the organ began the first song. We are getting to bed earlier on Saturday, sometimes, and working to adjust our habits for Sunday. After the church part of the day we have hours to waste, or use, as the Sunday goes. Sometimes we have lots of meetings, some days there are birthdays, sometimes we just fight and fuss. Well most Sundays include that and running around and around the house because the kids are so tired of being cooped up with the winter weather. 

This Sunday my friend asked what I was doing to prepare for Easter? I hadn't thought much about it but I had heard President Dallin H Oakes counsel to spend more time preparing to worship the resurrected Lord during Easter. My friend said she had started studying the Living Christ. I thought oh now there's an idea we could do. I called those squabbling kids and instructed them to get copying/writing the Living Christ. They did 2-7 paragraphs depending on age. Then they read the finished product back to me. 

The bait was dessert. We don't do dessert as a rule on Sunday but hey if it bought an hour of quiet it was worth the sugar. Millie wanted cake and found this recipe suggestion on the box. We didn't have vanilla pudding for Boston Cream Cakes but we had chocolate pudding so we just reversed the order. These were good and eaten as fast as we let the kids. 

 This activity did not turn our Sunday into a spiritual reverie. But it did make us pause a moment and consider the Life and or Ministry of Jesus Christ. We are going to do more with this document in the weeks to come. I hope we internalize some of the goodness of the Risen Savior as we do so. I'm thankful for other inspired people who motivate me to do more than just sigh and endure tedious days with my rambunctious kids. The footnote is Greg sitting a few feet away making the kids stay on task. We found some educational gaps with some of the kids that need addressing so we will be working on those as well. All part of the parenting job to fill in the gaps and access where kids are at. Life is good and we are blessed. 

Auto and sectional compeition

High School can be a very busy time. In his senior year of competition Mark is working to do well in each one. He started his Auto Competition run in Pocatello competing in the Diesel engine performance area. He did well for no after school club practices. 

Even getting only a few points in the electrical area Mark came away with a 3rd place finish. He won some tools too. 

Reed is the worker left at home while the others travel and enjoy time away. He cleaned many neighbors driveways when we got a few rounds of snow this past week. 

Addie and Mark left for an overnight trip to be rested and ready for the annual FFA sectionals competition in La Grande. The chapter had a great time spending the night at a hotel with many other teams. Mark came away with a first place finish in the extemporaneous competition and Addie placed 3rd in Advanced. One judge commented she didn't seem to know the subject area. That was very unfortunate but gave her direction from here. She is not a commanding speaker like Mark and Aliza but she did a lot of work and can project as the expert if she wants to. 

Another week another trip coming up. We are thankful for teachers who take kids on trips to help them learn ettiquete and confidence in the world. Not to mention the fun times that happen when kids with peers are away from home. It's always interesting to see how the contests shake out. Mark's mission papers are on hold until he sees where he goes from state with both American Legion and FFA. He is a powerful young man and will do well wherever he goes. 
 

The young adults

The joys of pictures shared while your kids are far away. This dear lady in the middle really worked to love these two sisters. She was a sister missionary in her youth and has a soft spot and energetic way of reaching out and caring for the ladies who serve in her ward. This is her grandson's birthday party one of the last days in this area for Aliza. The host sent us pictures and explanations of what was happening. I appreciate her nurturing. 

Aliza really enoyed Sister Barnhard they reall worked well together. 

This is John and Elder Seve. They are big dudes finding some interesting situations. Enjoying pushing each other to workout and work for the Lord. I'm thankful for the many faithful youth who choose to serve and share their personalities for two years. My kids have each been blessed by companions from various locations to learn new ways of living, new hobbies, and to experience life and living the gospel together. It is a good thing to be a missionary. 

I got this picture a few weeks later. Aliza is now a Sister Training Leader meaning she helps support, encourage, and teach the other sister missionaries in her area. The lady in pink is her companion also an STL. The one on the left is a service missionary. Each lady working to find her way serving the Lord at this time in their lives. 
 

I also got a picture of this fine young man who had been asked to shovel some snow off some roofs up where he is at. The pay was dinner and that was a welcome trade. 

Mission life refines and tunes their abilities to serve and converse with others. Their natural talents are grown and they learn from those they serve with. I'm thankful for the opportunities they have been given, for the generous adult members who have mentored and loved them. I'm thankful for the lives they choose to live and the people they are. Life is good and we are blessed to watch them continue their lives of good work. 

Share a little Love

Early in February Addie came to me with a thought. She manages the calendar here and realized Valentine's was on the horizon. High school is very full and barren of love and kindness. In spite of the many hours spent talking about kindness, the application is sometimes lacking or not understood. Thus when Addie first started thinking about the holiday she wondered if she could give a Valentine to every student in the school? She kept mentioning it every few days. Two days before we got serious. For years my dad has brought red hearts with chocolates as a gift to the family. Addie suggested getting those. Mind you this was her money she would be spending. I wasn't sure if she should spend that much. We were also getting the valentines together for the grade school kids. After primarily thinking about Livy and her recovery I frankly didn't care about sugar treats for kids at school. But remembered the large bag of candy left over from Halloween. We found enough for the elementary kids needs and to start Addie off on her Valentine's adventure. 

She did not want a picture and blocked my attempt. She and some friends filled bags the day before. After counting she needed about 70 more. Grandma Saunders brought more candy home from her grocery run in the big town. Reed and I helped finish with what we had at home. The next morning she bought more candies and filled the remaining bags. She and Reed speed walked around the high school delivering manilla envelopes to each teacher to share with their students in their first-period class. A teacher shared a thank you to me stating the students in her class were surprised and happy to be thought of and were making plans of when to eat it. 

Just before all the hoopla Mr. Mark had a birthday. We are thankful for his leadership and love of life. 

And that very full week of live was checked off, all was well. And we were blessed to be able to love others and share kindness toward others. It has made her happy for the week following. She is determined to know all the kids in the high school by name. Many are surprised when she says "Hi and their name." It's important to be noticed. This is not a reaction to the tedious character teaching that is happening instead of academic instruction but rather a person concerned with others and listening to quick impressions on their heart. I'm thankful she too is learning to recognize promptings to do good. I'm impressed she is willing to share what she worked so hard to earn. Life is abundant when we share. 
 

Snow Tradition

For years my kids have shoveled snow. We love the push-n-boot invented by our Uncle Don. As the years have passed kids have moved on and others have grown into that possible snow movers role. This year we have a newer team. They did well. Mom even helped. The church has LONG sidewalks. 

This was my path. I counted this as a workout for the day and was very sad I had done arm weight lifting on the day before. But I got it cleared and the kids got their sections clear. I was enormously grateful Reed was also on our team as he did half and we did the other part all 4 of us. 

We were waiting for Addie to complete her first blood donation. That was a story she prepped by drinking lots of quarts of water. She was excited to help others. The draw went well and fast but as she was eating her trail mix and drinking a juice she passed out hitting her head on the floor. She had texted me she was done before she blacked out. I arrived to find her on the floor. She rested there for about half an hour then they moved her to a table. I waited by her side watching her slightly return to color from the ghostly white she was when I first arrived. Finally we got her home, although she threatened to pass out again on the short drive home. We got her in my bed and fed her a burger then she went to sleep for a few hours. 

The kids had patiently waited in the car while I waited on Addie to gain strength enough to leave. They were happy to also have burgers. Later they played like good kids do. They are really good at imagining. They are not so good at picking up or doing the chores they are assigned. However if Addie or Reed gets them moving magic can happen here.

And one final picture of Andrea who is growing up. She is finding her own likes and dislikes. One thing she and Merle really like is pickles. They were so happy we got a jar of pickles from the FFA lunch we provided. 

 We had another snow day today. Kids went out shoveling. The girls are effective workers too.

Lia cleaning off a vehicle at Greg's shop before the pictup was pulled in the shop. It's best to leave the snow outside so it doesn't make dangerous puddles in the shop. 

We were surprised to get an envelope with money in the mail. The kids were paid by a few they were delighted. Another made us a huge pan of candied cereal. It's a good activity for them to go and serve and work for others. 

 This was the best end to a school Valentine Party day ever. The little kids have been bouncing off the walls after drinking a pop a piece. So the kids working for a few hours was a great use of their sugar energy. Life is good we are blessed. 

FFA districts

After long weeks of preparation these cousins were judged and came away not only with banners but with greater confidence and self-awareness of how to think on their feet, speak in front of others, and not place even when you did a good job, in Reed's case. Mark got first in extemporaneous and prepared using his American Legion speech. Addie placed second in prepared with her speech on Nuclear Power. Michael won first in Sophomore with is speech on Tariffs. Reed presented in Creed but placed 5th or so. He was bummed but also relieved a bit I think. We will work harder and build for next year. 

Another cousin jumped in the picture who placed second in Extemporaneous. Julianna is from Nyssa as well. It's so interesting to have so many relatives in the surrounding towns. When I participated it was me alone knowing few and feeling very self-concious. Nowdays these kiddos know most if not all of the district and often share the stage with close family members. 

The chapter had a good day, winning beginning prepared, beginning parli pro, and Mark also placed third in Co-Op quiz. They got their banner for first in Farm business management and the sophomore speaker got third. 

I was the cook for the day offering a lunch of hamburgers, vegetables, chips, and cookies. A sweet lady from a neighboring chapter helped manage the food. I was thankful for the days of preparation that made the lunch go smoothly. The kid seemed satisfied and there was enough leftover to help with the FCA lunch the next day. 

Addie picked up a large grocery order from wal-mart the morning she took me to get my colonoscopy. My kids took it to the church the night before and set up tables and chairs and put all the supplies inside. 

We made batch after batch of cookies. Which is good becuase chocolate chips are super expensive now too. Coupled with the outragous price of eggs chocolate chip cookies are a real luxury item right now. 

 It is good to work together as a family. I'm thankful for the many hands that are in my home, and the opportunities for them to share and learn skills. I'm always surprised when kids say they don't cook much or know how to make things. Times like these give more than one kid a chance to learn and improve their knowledge. Likewise it is good to share some time with others. Life is good and we are so blessed to have spaces and challenges to learn from year after year. I love speaking season and was thankful to be at district FFA this year. To observe the kids, many whom I don't know, to encourage them and learn from their studies. I enjoy the advisors and look forward to visiting with them. All in all a great day. 

Kids and Chickens

Oh, my winter farmer. He has found eye protection makes working in the frigid snowy elements less painful. Covering his eyes helps them not water so bad. He is busy keeping the cows cared for as Mark is working in town with Greg. Andrea and Merle love to go with him. Bruce is his right hand man these days. 

I'm pretty sure he was getting ready to take them sledding. Andrea is great at studying what the other kids do and acting likewise. 

The crew getting ready to go work. It is a good system that the older's teach and train the youngers. Although I work to protect their safety I also know how imperative it is to be trained and toughened up. 

Merle and Andrea went egg finding. Merle put the egg in his back pocket. Unfortunately, it got broken Andrea was helping him clean the yoke out of his pocket. 

These funny kids have such a curiosity and courage with chickens. The poor chickens have been prey to some wild animal. Thus they are living closer to the house lately hoping to live until springtime. 

These two were out egg finding but also spotted another dead chicken. They enjoy adventures together every day. I love the joy and curiosity they share. I'm so thankful for the blessing of our kids having siblings to walk through life with and to make-up games and journeys to enjoy each day. We are thankful for the snowy February that has happened and thankful for the days of sun that are our normal. 

 Life is good we are blessed to be together, to enjoy caring for other animals, and to have time to enjoy the earth together. 

Livy surgery

As I shared a few weeks ago Livy needed some leg corrections. The surgery was to be the day before Mark's American Legion contest in Salem OR (which was also moved to March, we have been very blessed in this whole experience to have the time we need). Thankfully her surgery was moved to the Monday before giving us a full week to re-coup and see how she does with pain. Monday, we showed up to the new pediatric Orthopedic center in Boise. The nurses were great and got her all situated. 

Before too long they wheeled Livy away and I was able to bask in the sun while crocheting and talking with my mom about our Sunday School lesson coming up. 

I was taught to crochet by my grandmother when I was about Livy's age. She was frustrated I didn't hold and maneuver my fingers correctly. I didn't love the pastime and spent my youthful days doing more active creative projects. I crocheted again in college but put that away when I married and my time was more often filled with homemaking. But last week Afton came home from activity days with a hook and yarn. I asked if I could try and lo and behold I remembered. This was actually very soothing to the nerves of wondering what will the after surgery be like. I've watched enough kids go through wisdom teeth and Mark's assorted surgeries to know its not all smooth sailing. 

The doctor showed me finished pictures of what he did. Nothing is in the knee itself. Just in both the femurs and the lower bone. 

Waking up was hard. She was very fretful and sad with the first wake up finally the burses got her adjusted so she could curl up in response to the discomfort. She rested a bit more.

Her second wake-up was much more comfortable. I remember watching and hearing tonsil patients wake up in the recovery room in Boise. They would be so sad crying and miserable. The nurse told us that is pretty normal to wake up crying then if they will sleep again the second wake-up is much better. I was thankful to remember that. Because I don't like watching my kids cry and knew I couldn't handle a week of Livy's tears from pain. Thankfully she managed much better and enjoyed messing with the monitors by holding her breath or laughing to watch the nodes change counts. She got dressed and enjoyed a small sprite and then we were loading her in the car.  

I think it's funny that the doctors have to intial where they are working pre-surgery. It's standard procedure to mark the spot, less they mess up and do the wrong operation. 

At home we have been working to make Livy move. From actual walking around to mobility like stairs, standing and sitting, leg and knee raises and bends. She is perservering and doing the work. Reed helped get her all settled when we got home. He has been working with the animals during this very cold week so he hasn't been much help. Mark was at the shop and then gone on an auto trip so it's mostly me and Livy. 

Livy received a card from her classmates. The nice and hard thing of being home is homework. It gives structure to the days and helps with time passing. It's also part of normal. 
 

Livy has been looking forward to this book for a long time. It discusses and looks at the ravages of yellow fever. We learned a little more about this this fall. I love learning with my kids. 

Part of Livy re-hab is getting up and bending her knees. This bench is good to bend her knees and is solid to stand up from. I was working out in front of her, she was standing and sitting, and raising her knees while also working to bend and straighten them. I'm pleased with her willingness to work through the hard. 

It has been a journey. She is taking pain meds, and homeopathics almost every hour. In between she does school, and or mobility work. Our days are full of working on Livy. I'm thankful for thei stime to tune in to her. She loves when Millie and the other kids come home full of news of the day. We are thankful that this will help her have a life of movement free of pain. The doctor told us her growth plates are more open than he saw in pre-op images. We shall see how tall and strong this lady becomes. Life is good and we are blessed even when life is hard.