America 250

This is America's 250th year of existence. I was excited and wondered how we could celebrate in a memorable way. First idea we made flag shirts a few days a head. I was very happy with how they turned out. The kids enjoyed the project. 

A neighbor had asked for help stacking her wood for the winter. Our church had suggested we give 250,000 hours of service collectively. This was a great fit. So on July 3 we stacked wood for a few hours. This was a perfect way to come together with cousins. We really appreciated the kindness of this family, they aren't prone to yelling at each other or habitually saying hurry up or now. They are quick to be positive and know how to work. This was a good combination. 

6 cords of wood stacked and cleaned up in about 3 hours. 

Some sat and visited because that is important too. 

Almost done. 

The lady we served was in tears at how fast the job was completed. We truly enjoyed this time working together. It's hard to find common ground with people from very different backgrounds and distance. However work is a great equalizer and shows how we need each other and can work together. This was uniquely unifying project.

Later that day these ladies were made-up by an older cousin. She did make-up and hair for the girls to go work at the rodeo selling sno-cones and cotton candy. 

The next morning we were up bright and early to participate in the fun run cross country fundraiser.

Millie and friend Avery ran the 5k. They smashed their time from last year by a full ten minutes. 

The parade later was full of community, candy, and kids. 

After we had a BBQ and water fight at our house. 

Merle fell and got a small cut. Joey had a band-aid ready to help Merle feel better. Joey always impresses me with his ability to take care of the kids. 

My dad shared some thoughts on how we came to this point and how the articles of faith support the one that says we honor and sustain the laws of the land. He always does a good job sharing his testimony and linking the past to the present and future generations. It is said that children that know their history have a stronger sense of self. I believe sharing stories of our ancestors and heritage help anchor our families in the communities we are part of. This country was built by families and people seeking better for their future families. We continue in that same tradition working our way through Heavenly Father's plan for his children to come to families to learn and grow to create our own families and continue learning and growing. Hopefully choosing him and desiring to return to Him everyone. 

 

We then went around the group naming why we are thankful to be Americans. It was a nice evening and hopefully a memorable celebration. 

We finished the day with fireworks and sleep, thankful for our country, our family, and our freedom to live. 



 

First Day of School

We had another first day of school. 18 years of being a school mom. My 13th first grader. Lots of anticipation, less worry than some years and many prayers answered. They were all excited to go. They got up early to do water and chores then we drove out to school for our tradition of mom dropping them off the first time. I spent fair share of the rest of the day trying to decipher and decide what to do about the new bus routes. We will try those tomorrow. 3 hours of bussing is too much that's what the district offers we shall try the hour and a half option tomorrow and see how it goes. 

Andrea was delighted to spend the day with cousin Marilla at our house. They started by watching aristocats while I cleaned the kitchen. 

I got this picture from a teacher friend. Titled making new friends. I'm so thrilled with the schedule Livy earned backed by the credit Addie built while in high school. Livy has so many opportunities we shall see how she capitalizes on them. 

Afton's Class shes on the front row right 6th grade

Alia arrow pointing to her 2/3 Mrs. Mulvany

Millie 8th grade Mrs. Worley

Bruce grade 4

Jake rested and pulled himself up all day. Usually on me then I would need to move. He discovered the vacuum is a nice place to take a look around. 

My older beauty shared this recent photo. She is sure gorgeous and missed. This is her ready for a night of shows she hosts the gift shop. 

Andrea and Millie checked the garden and found this pile of zucchini. Yay finally enough to make some zucchini foods like bread or cake or something. 

Mark sent this recently. He is doing well and learning to endure in the rain. 

Last week Millie accompanied Greg, Jake and I to the city in hopes of having her ears pierced unfortunately the store didn't open until 11 and we were long done by 9:30. Another day I guess. We wandered around a rose garden for a while while we waited on Greg. 

Jake tried out a baby swing. He enjoyed it. 

Bruce and Afton made homemade reese's peanut butter cups. They are tasty and easily layered together. We are going to run out of chocolate chips soon. They are much more economical to make at home but a dangerous item to have waiting to be eaten. Yum!

More garden produce. We don't have an abundance this year so we are grateful for whatever our garden shares. The tomatoes have curly top and will only produce a minimal amount to years past. The peppers seem to have done ok though. 

 A lot of lessons and time passed in our summer. We had a very low key summer with a lot of doctor visits and time spent with healing. I am resigned the reality and necessity of school days. Kids are in bed dinner was determined and ready early in the day. I moved around a lot and survived with the little kids. Marilla and Andrea are very interactive with Jake and play pretty well together. Now for day 2-140 or however many school days they go. 

The kids had a good first day. We calmed Merle's anxiety by telling him there was no chokey, or Principal Trunchbull that he would in fact come home. Alia came up with those examples from the book Matilda. Merle was relieved. His teacher is so kind. He has cousin Myla in his class and of course his siblings in other grades. When Afton asked him why he wasn't playing tag at recess he told her he would "leave the others kids in the dust!" if he played so he was watching. 

Bruce wasnt sure about  all the switching classes that is his new schedule. He will get it soon I'm sure. Livy joined choir and Reed may get to drop adv biology and have a study hall. We shall see. Alia spent the evening working on spelling words and time tables. Third grade level actvities that thrill and inspire her hungry mind. One nice option for dual level classrooms working ahead. Life is good and we are blessed.