Moms at football practice

Moms were invited to football practice. This was a new activity. In my 6 years of being a football mom I have never seen a practice. There is a very active mom Facebook messenger group. There was a lot of smack-talking and worry about getting hurt. I wondered what to wear and when I was looking for a pair of shorts and found Mark's nickname shirt. I thought it would be fun to personalize it a bit. We dipped into our paint supply and added the mom touch. 

My helpers. They thought this was so cool. Thankfully they haven't painted any other clothes since we did this project. 

All dressed and ready to go. Nervous but trying to embrace a unique experience ith my sons. 

After practice. I was impressed with the work they do at practice. I'm not surprised they are tired and sweaty. They have amazing inner thigh muscles from all their sliding drills. 

Another mom my good friend Heather with her three sons two are on the team. 

I thought I nailed the look for football practice. This is us getting ready to run. Mark later told me he was in fact embarrassed but got over it. Standing in this line waiting for all the moms and sons to get matched up the guys were all calling "Mom, mom mom" They sounded like a bunch of newly weaned calves. It was telling. I believe that just showing up is the most important part of motherhood. You don't have to be amazing or fancy just present. 

I worked out with Mark with Reed following in the second group. So I would give him a thumbs up as he did the drill alone. 

The final activity was the tackle. We were near the end. I wasn't sure about falling on Mark and figured if I just got him in the chest he would fall over. 

Got him! Then I toppled over, John said I was supposed to wrap him up more. Mark later told me the coach had told him to fall over no matter what the hit. I appreciate the coach reminding the guys to be kind and gentle with their moms. It was a fun night. All the moms that were there were smiling, as were the sons. There were a few whose moms couldn't show up, but those who participated had smiles and laughs. Sometimes it's really enjoyable to be the mom. 

 

8.12.24 2024-2025 FFA officer team

One of the traditions that comes with being an officer is the photo shoot. I was very happy with how the pictures turned out this year. Past president and this year's. I don't think it's very often that one sibling to the next is the president in direct succession. 

Madame president ready to take the reigns. She is much more hands on. Mark is an in charge and all is well leader, Addie is a busy and organized leader also known to have everything under control. 

The girls on her team- social media Gabby, Secretary- Riley, Treasurer- Greta, Sentinel- Teagan, President Addie.

Vice President Mark, Reporter Trent, Historian Taylor. 

I love the setting. 

The whole group. 

Ahh to be young and strong and so full of potential. 

The Seniors with Advisor. 

The Juniors each more sure of who they are as they head into this upper classman year. 

 As summer changes to fall and we dig into the routine and rigors of school life I'm thankful or opportunities. I struggle not to panic that our life is ending, and we will loose so much. I know from experience life goes on and we adapt in a lot of ways for the better. I'm thankful for the experiences the kids get to keep having. I'm so thankful and can add my witness to the importance and vital role good friends are to academic success, life enjoyment, and so many other areas of life. My kids are blessed with good friends who encourage them and depend on them and their examples. This is a major reason why we continue to public school for the friends. We are thankful for the many good relationships we enjoy. 

8.11.24 Flower delivery

After a long week of picking and preserving, I Was tired! I had noticed a large showing of blooms in our garden and saw a post by a local flower grower. I thought if we had a few more blooms we could make some bouquets to share. The lady agreed and we met in town to exchange money for blooms. 

AT home Millie and I harvested some of our own flowers and we set to work making the arrangements. 

I haven't done anything truly created all summer. This was enjoyable coupled with the smell of fresh lavender she added extra, and a nice playlist of songs I enjoyed. We had a nice time. 

I had made a list before we got the flowers and after a short rest the kids got shoes on and we left to share. Afton is a natural visitor. Lia and Merle are quickly learning what to do from watching at each stop. 

They weren't exactly sure whose house was who's but when the doors opened they recognized familiar friends and teachers. It's fun to share an I'm thinking of you gift. 

I let them do these simple projects because it gives them confidence and teaches them to interact and care. I'm thankful for kind people who care about my children and get to know them one by one. We are blessed to live where we do. We are thankful for time to share. 
 

8.10.24 One full day

John called early Tuesday morning from the Salt Lake City airport on his way to his mission. He asked what was going on I sent him this picture of his dad eating breakfast. 

Later I ran to town to do errands and get some pivot tires. The sky again filled with smoke and has remained thick and overcast all week. I'm so tired of the western land burning and burning each summer. I have a cough and cold like symptoms which I think are just a result of the continued thick smoke air. 

John later sent us this picture of his second mission meal. I had told him he was going to land of BBQ, and here he starts out with brisket. Gotta love Texas. 

We went and celebrated my dad's birthday. He had just finished the yearly wheat harvest. They always strive to be done by his birthday. Most years that's easily done this year with a large crop and long spring it was a push. 

Livy's long neck is topping her a bit taller than my mom. It's always exciting to be taller than your grandmother. 

And back at home while watching the daily re-cap of the Olympics with Greg I heard Mark say Grrugh. I looked over to see him crouched holding his towel on the floor, he had been icing his sore knee after his first football practice. He said "I have the mouse under the towel."

Greg walked over and squished it with his boot, then carried it out. I of course was on a bench watching. 

 Greg is my number one mouse killer. I'm thankful Mark spotted the mouse and I did not and had the quick reflexes to trap it. Heres hoping that was the only mouse in the house!!

Life is good and we are blessed as the harvest begins and the seasons change. And the world is much better with one less mouse! 

8.10.24 Abundant life

Why do young children love photos and older people hide from them? Why are we so carefree as youngsters? I'm not sure but I know this cutey is a happy spot for all of us. 

The long green plants are abundant right now. This is Sunday we have had similar hauls two more days this week, so about every other day we get an armful. 

We went to visit and had a delightful time. The kids showed me around their homestead and included Merle and LIa in some motorcycle rides. There isn't a mom on site but the dad is very involved and hands-on. It was thought-provoking to see the dad dominant influence versus a mom. 

These little bikes are so fun and user friendly. Alia was brave and needed no coaxing to try. 

Merle wanted to ride but was a bit more hesitant. He wouldn't hold on but was like a wet sack of noodles on the back and finally his driver convinced him to hold on. 

They spent a good half hour scooting around on country roads. At home Addie was cooking I assume Andrea or Lia took this picture of her because she would never smile like that for me. 

Monday always feels like a behind day after taking a day off there's so much to do. I decided the time was right or the temperature was hot enough to defrost the freezers. The bottom of my chest freezer was an solid chunk of ice about 1.5" thick. I had enough containers and quilts to wrap everything in, then we went to pick beans and sweet corn. 

The result bags and bags of corn and no freezes close by. Thankfully I have another set at the farm and put the fresh corn down there to freeze.  We eat a lot of corn in the year. It tastes like summer!

And after a long long day we ended it with icecream. One thing about emptying the freezers is seeing all the possibilities nad wasted space. I found we had a lot of ice cream and peas. We only had ice cream and random meat that night. I am thankful or the abundance we have life is good. 
 

8.9.24 More fair

The week eventually ended with the sale. Oh, sweet success for a long road of work. I was super happy with Livy's continued making and helping friends at the fair. The dynamic of a shared experience, a common goal, and close proximity are powerful catalysts and crucial ingredients for friendship. This year did not disappoint. One day she and her cousins cared for animals that weren't there as the owners didn't come to check on them all day. I'm pleased the kids saw a need and filled it. We gave them time for the week to do the friend stuff. 

One cousin picture with the delightful James. He is funny and enjoyable to be around. He had another successful showing year. 

At home, we enjoyed our hollyhocks and learning to braid using baling twine.

Some harvest, patty pan squash, green zuchinni, and a lone jalapeno. There was a tomato too but Merle saw it and hurried outside with the red deliciousness in his hand to eat it before anyone else could. 

Afton and her cousins made some swings from ropes they braided. There is a whole maze of ropes and ideas from their time playing. 

We went a few days earlier to deliver the FFA scale to this family. We got to pet or touch their wet sheep. I do love the feel of wool on the pelt. It is so soft and a sheep is not intimidating at all. 

 Addie's ride share for fair week. The cousins in tow they had a great time together. 

She also fulfilled her district officer duties. How she loves being a leader and is working to be all that she is supposed to be. As usual, I think she far exceeds expectations and when adults see how much she can do they just keep asking. 

Her good friend and always reliable officer Greta. There's something about dairy people that is just down-to-earth real. This friend is all that. 

All these things shall give experience and work together for your good! (paraphrasing a scripture to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.) While not in jail and actually really enjoying the who time Addie is growing and continues to be a responsible lady capable of large tasks and big undertakings. The younger sisters are watching what she does and how she does it. Slowly they too are picking up the habits and falling in line. It's rewarding to watch each kid learn and grow and prayerful to keep allowing time to grow and do. Life is good and we are blessed.