Example

If you can't be a good example- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.

Please don't watch us too closely in the next little while.  We're working on our pioneering merit badge.  We may struggle a little to try and get things right.  Our hope is that we will prove faithful in all things and not turn out as a horrible warning. 

What do YOU do in the summertime?

We answer that with, Owen comes into the world and Lizzie gets baptized. Summertime is a great time of year, even when you only watch others swim in a pool to keep themselves cool or swing in a tree up high.


We have an unwritten daily schedule. There is a time when we take turns swinging. It's great that we're learning about turns. While swinging we usually sing songs. So it makes since that as we were passing a corn field the other day, grandma started belting out...

The corn is as high as an elephants' eye...which led to the question: "How can you tell it's a corn field?" So we had to get out and have science class. It was so fun to add, "check out the corn so high" to the song. Is that what you do? So do I.

Halloween Costumes

Hi World, We are back. Our vacation was taken partly because we couldn't find our camera for a long time. Apparently, I put it up because the kids played dress up and took MANY pictures, and putting it in a perfect out of the way place, I couldn't find it for girls camp in October, which was a huge success, (best year yet) or for documenting our latest and greatest darling grandbaby girl, Katie Olivia. But, alas, I did find it for the Tour de Safford ride so here ya go = Mel and Kevin in their Halloween costumes before wearing them on their bikes for 66 miles. Aren't they cute? Then, I got to spend the day with my 8th grade best friend. When we met a couple of months back after not seeing each other for 37 years, it was a happy day, like Alma and the sons of Mosiah type meeting. So here we are dressed up as ourselves 37 years later.

Rearranged

Our loft got magically rearranged tonight and when I find the camera you'll all be able to see the most amazing transformation an eleven, ten, six and five year old can make very quietly in about 30 minutes. Seriously, they moved the heavy book cases together just like I had dreamed for months of doing but I was too wimpy to move and the bench is by the south wall so that little ones can no longer hang over the scary ledge of the loft to scare me to death, and the "classroom" has a complete new look, topped off with the lovely Christmas floral arrangement on top of the bookcase. I really love the whole lay out. My granddaughters are going to be interior designers for sure. They've already got a happy client!

We could use a little more

I don't get to see this too often and personally I think we could use a little more. Is there rain anywhere in the forcast?

Happy Birthday, I ate too much

Once again, it was Arlene's birthday and we went out to eat. I always eat too much when I go with Arlene. She has had quite a year, but got word for her birthday that her 6 month infection is gone. Hip (literally) Hip Hooray! We forgot to take the camera this year so here's a picture from her party two year's ago. She's smaller this year, and I'm bigger. What can I say? Happy Birthday, I ate too much!

made my day

"Gratsmylations!" Oakley exclaimed. Doesn't that just make your day? Here are just a few of the things that have made my day, lately. First of all, having a clean truck makes me happy and the Liahona girls had a camp fundraiser car wash. Parker was so happy to visit this weekend. I love that he treats me like a favorite. Isn't he big?
Liz picked fake glasses for her school accessory of choice. Can't wait to see her with them.
Then our stake did an amazing service project and the young women had the opportunity to go buy shoes for a school for homeless children. It was Marina's birthday and she was there selecting shoes for someone else. I came home and found that Kevin had snuck in my house and done the dishes. Now there's a way to get on my good side! Yesterday while Oakley was saying a blessing on the food, Reese folded his arms, so I praised him, then looked at Nate who gave the "I'm cute" look and immediately folded his arms for a second or two. Totally made my day. You'd think they were in their white shirts and ties, they were so reverent!



And then this morning, we had a Mary sighting. We hadn't seen her for a couple of months and I was worried that the summer had been too hot for her, but no, she's still eating the garden. Yay! My day has been made, yet again. Such simple joys. I think I need to start looking for and recording all the tender mercies and simple joys of my days. Little philosophizing moment: This life is a journey of happiness as we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, not to happiness, but a path of happiness on the journey of life. Have a happy day!