Senior Night Splash and Dash

The first Cross Country meet of the season happened this week. The annual splash in dash is a quick 2 mile race on the hot pavement of our town in August. The race ends with the option of going swimming. This is Addie's senior year her last time doing each of these reaces that have become so familiar. 

I gave Livy the camera and instructed her to please get pictures. She sometimes gets distracted so I wasn't sure what I would get. Merle in his classic what are you doing? Face. He's such an expressive kid.

A skewed shot of Addies coaches who happen to be int he picture of a cool car Livy was actually meaning to photograph. These ladies are a mix of sweet and tough. The one in front Cassandra demands more and is very organized. She is a good balance. The one in the back is sweet and caring she knows what she wants to happen and is very busy with lots going on all the time. We are thankful for their dynamic talents and true care for the athletes they coach. 

Addie finishing first! She was in the lead by quite a ways. This is such a helpful way to start the season. After returning to weight lifting since school started her body has been hurting with the added stress so the fact she ran well was very heartening. 

First Addie from Vale, Second her friend Addy from Burns, and third a lady I don't remember her name from Baker. Addie won easily this time. 

And the senior night. These ladies have been running together for quite a while. The two in the middle were co-presidents of the ASB, but had a falling out. So Greta transferred to Nyssa. This reunion was tearful for the three by Addie Greta, Megan, and Addy. She wasn't in the mix of the tears, turmoil, or drama. She never has been. We work hard to not be in the drama. So she wasn't crying and wasn't sure what to do. Awkward is the definition of this picture. 

So they moved on to parents and gifts. Addie organized, purchased, and prepared the gift bags and flowers. She is that person. She's not very allowing of her parents to touch her so this is a rare scene. I went to my niece Becca's baptism to support that big event, Addie assured me that was fine with her. I'm thankful her dad was able to be with her so she wasn't the only runner without any family at all. The others had their entire families and grandparents. Ugh. Oh well we do what we can and this was ok for her. 

I'm thankful for her coaches who have become such a huge part of her life. This is the part she loves running, competing, lifting and cheering others. After she finishes she congratulates those ahead of her and each and everyone that finishes after. She holds them says kind things etc. I love her sportsmanship. I don't know if we will have any other runners but I'm sure glad we got to watch this one it has been such a bright spot in her upper school career. We are blessed. 
 

State Exec Meeting

One of the now past perks of FFA was the opportunity to travel and see new sites with new people. This broadens your horizons, stretches your ability to get along and be independent for short periods of time, and allows for some very enjoyable memories. Addie was able to travel to state exec with two other advisors from our local area. She also invited a friend to share the experience. One of the stops was Crater Lake. It is truly beautiful. 

She and travel buddy Trent in Roseburg Oregon another not often seen part of Oregon. 

Before the long meetings of the day Addie was introduced to go cart racing. This was in the beginning ramp up of all the changes in Addie's FFA experience and I can't say how delighted I was for this very thoughtful advisor to offer time to relax and do new things. I appreciate his kindness whether he meant to or not this was such a break from the heavy responsibility she is shouldering this year. Even though she shrugs it off the disappointments and confusion and every looming question of Why is this happening this way? What is really going on or the real point? 

We have some truly beautiful sites in our state. It is terrible that so many seek to control and thwart other peoples work, dreams, ambition, and lifestyles. I am disheartened, sad, and mad at all that is traspiring. And the repeated dodging responsibility, dishonesty, and general authoritarian stance is very challenging. 

But for these days and moments this was what we expected FFA to be. Good memories, seeing new places, trying new things. Long meetings and trainings which were helpful to know the why and where the organization is going. Connecting with others and making friendships. That's why we encourage participation so much. Those things are being squashed in the name of ignorance and just do less. The great American mantra lately just do less, someone else will do it, it doesn't matter. Growth and success take work and extra effort. Being ok and mediocre are not acceptable. 

But for then the trip was fun a lot was learned that was needed for the next challenges and life changed a whole lot including the travel buddy leaving our school district for another. Life changes quickly. The advice from a recently departed friend Dan Johnson was famous for counseling "One must want the consequences of what one must want." Are screaming in my head. If only we weren't such a short sighted people. Consequences come good and bad, we don't control those only the choice is ours to make. 

 

John Mission work

John is a bit sparse in his communication. However I do get to spy on him occasionally thanks to mission pictures. These were taken last zone conference day. He's leaning on a car talking with some sisters. 

And this is recent of him with the elder he will be training. The new missionary is from Colorado. We received a kind letter from his mission president explaining the responsibilities and asking us to pray for both elders to learn and grow together. 

How I love seeing his smiley eyes and the happiness that radiates from him. I love talking with him when he calls, which he hasn't been lately. That's ok to have some independence and space from weekly reports home. I am confident he is where he needs to be and doing what is best for him right now. I know the Lord is watching over him along with the mission structure of leaders. These lessons make it possible to send Mark to another continent over a huge ocean to a place I've only heard about. I know without a doubt the Lord watches over these consecrated young people and blesses them and teaches them as only He can. It's a great place to learn and grow. Life is good. 
 

family reunion- Wyoming

Part of going to the family reunion is the annual trek to the temple my kids do. Being 10 minutes away why not it's only an hour and they don't have chores to do so might as well. We are waiting for the flag ceremony here. 

Patriotism is a part of the reunion and we are thankful for the reminders to love our country. We don't have much of that and need more reminders and examples that America truly is a great place to live and belong to. This is a pictuer of the siblings and their spouses in attendance. 

Rex and Debbie are part of a pioneer reenactment group they have aqired a collection of artifacts. The kids really enjoyed the covered wagon. 

Aliza loves to bind quilts grandma brought one she had just finished for one of the cousins who had gotten married thus fulfilling her promise to make a quilt for each of Harold and Doris' grandchildren. This is close to the last one not counting the 6-8 that haven't married yet. Many of the aunts gathered around and also helped bind it was a classic sewing circle.  

We had the responsibility of dinner one evening. We made hamburger patties. 

It was a good time to visit and work together. Anna and Aliza along with other nieces and nephews helped with the preparation, cooking, and clean-up. It's always good to work together. And the meal was well received. 
 

This is Anna, Harold, and Aliza with cousins at Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Brenda's house having their weekly Sunday dinner gathering. Greg is a gatherer and always takes time to visit and see people if he is close to where they live. Our kids have continued this habit gathering and working to know their cousins. 

It's rare to be all together so we made sure to get some pictures. Girls first. Such pretty and unique ladies. 

The kids at home minus Harold who had already left for a mission reunion. 

Mostly complete famiyl picture.

How they grow and change from  year to year. I'm thankful to be the mom and for each one. I was thankful for the support and encouragement of Greg's cousins when I shared we are having a baby. They are grandmothers and moving on into that phase... we are still having babies. We sure enjoy this quick time far away from home where we aren't able to return to our normal work. Unfortunately, this year Greg spent a lot of time on the car but he had time and was necessary to get home. 

We are truly blessed with health and strength and family love that is strengthened when we gather. 

family reunion kick off

Mark received his mission call in record time to Durban South Africa. We were hurrying to get all his documents in process so he could leave at the called time. One of the requirements were FBI background check and fingerprints. This service is offered in Boise. A sweet friend shared this information with me and we decided to consolidate trips by adding that to the beginning of our trip to the family reunion. While Mark and I did the fingerprints the other kids went with Greg to get ice cream. Lots of ice cream. I think they all had to eat three. There were no complaints from any of them. 

A few hours later something felt weird in the van Greg pulled over and found a flat rear tire. He and the guys changed it quickly on a very very busy freeway. I was so thankful they weren't smooshed. I walked a fence line getting some movement for my pregnant body. Merle and Bruce accompanied me. Again I was thankful it was only in the high 80's not 100 degrees. 

About 45 minutes later the van suddenly lost the ability to pull hills and we were reduced to 55 then 45 then 35 miles an hour on the freeway. This was odd. We pulled into an O'reilly's parts store and greg bought tools and parts. He finished the repair just as the store closed. We were thankful for the use of their bathrooms and to refill our waters. The kids were mostly good playing in the parking lot on the shady part of the building. 

 We finally got to Wyoming about 11:30 at night. It was so good to be there and to see our big kids. The van again had trouble maintaining speed. It felt like driving an old fully loaded farm truck I think we were about 10 mph on the pulls up the high mountains into Wyoming. What usually takes about 20 minutes took over an hour. But we made it. 

And so the next day Greg a brother in-law and Mark and HArold worked on the van so we could cruise comfortably home. All was well until we got to Parma which is close enough to call for help. Greg checked things and we continued till we finally pulled in to our driveway. Thankfully the van has been repaired as it is much more economical to drive together hopefully it will function just fine as we head out again soon for a quick trip away from home. 

The O'Reilly parts guy was skeptical Greg could fix the car, in my head I thought if Greg, Mark, and Reed, and Livy now too some what can't figure this out we are sunk. These guys are all good and thorough and do whatever it takes to keep people moving where they need to go. We are very blessed. 

watermelon for football players

Part of school starting again is sports practice. It was hot the first week and Reed asked for watermelon after practice. That's a great way to replenish and show a little support for the team so I said no problem. I found them on sale and that sweetened the deal. I asked the coach for a time and worked to be there on time. I got a call from read ten minutes before I was told to be there we rushed. The boys swarmed the car offering to help and were happy to take big chunks of juicy watermelon after a hot practice. 

I appreciate their gratitude. I miss my now retired players but am happy to know the new team too. When we were done and pulling away Bruce spotted these fish flip flops on a favorite player. I had to take a picture as John has an identical pair in Texas. Bruce was embarrassed I would take a picture but the player knows John and just smiled he didn't mind. 

I will probably take melons again this week. We shall see how far I get. Pregnancy and not sleeping deeply make for much slower days. This is an easy gift though. Another player requested donuts after the first game so Labor day Millie and I will make donuts. I sure hope they win. Reed will be gone with us to a wedding but I don't mind sharing sugar and carbs with the players they're hungry and grateful and so I will feed them anytime. Life is good. 
 

A dog and summer

One summer morning around the 5th of July the kids reported there was a dog at the stop sign. Then the dog found our yard and there he has stayed. He was initially called Bud then buddy, then I declared his name had to change because Merle is called Buddy. So Spot he has become. He was a jumpy dog in the beginning and for a while I really hated his coming. In the month of June Andrea and Merle would play outside for hours at a time. When the dog arrived they took to sitting inside. We left for a weekend hoping maybe he would disappear but when we got home here he was waiting for us. We worked to train him to stop jumping. Spot liked to chase the few roosters not in pens. This angered Reed and the two had a few rough go rounds. But the dog is a quick learner.  

Even though Andrea was scared of the dog she was sure cute inside. She has taken to the dog as he has calmed down and now spends time outside with him each day. I'm thankful all the kids have learned how to be assertive and manage an animal somewhat. 

We went on a quick trip to Utah for a funeral which happened to be in the same place where Greg's grandparents are buried. 

Greg's grandfather helped to build the building and his payment was the two burial spots in the mausoleum. It was very reverent and solemn to be in a place we had heard about for years. One of Greg's sisters said she remembered the grandfather saying he smoothed the cement extra well in their vault. 

Our grandmothers met at our wedding reception they learned they had grown up blocks apart in Ogden they shared memories of their lives there. It was a pleasant evening for them. It was surprising to me during the funeral to find they ended up being buried close together too. I'm thankful for Greg's support and willingness to attend family things with me. My Uncle Clair had passed on and was the reason for the funeral. He holds a special place in my memory as a rescuer and place of relief. 
 

We spent many a summer in Utah visiting my great grandmother and his family. He was a great man always serving and taking care of others. He was a smart architect and spent his career building LDS church buildings. I loved his pancakes and his hugs.