August Ends

Well, this month is over which means we are a month into school.  Everyday by 7:15 am the school kids are out the door and it's the littles and me left to love each other.  

After a second round of morning scriptures Ed and I often play in the rain.

And then the kids come home and its three hours of homework, dishes, lunches, bed time and it begins again.  Thursday I found myself wondering if there is something that the children are missing: whether the environment at home makes a difference in their schooling, and if I'm doing a diservice because I have seven.  And then the phone rang twice.  Both Maddie and Nick's teachers called to say that they were chosen student of the month.  So what I do in every moment -- feeding both body and spirit -- is just right.

 Andy's artwork is hanging in the front office.  His is that hairy man just above him.

 And!  This is terrific!  I've finally found a task that is perfect for passing the time between when we get home and when Bishop gets home -- we write letters!  It's brilliant.

The Happiest Place

I've recently found myself in my happiest place -- in my home with my darlings.
Both Eddie and Ryan received their immunizations.  Eddie cried for 24 hours.  Straight.

 Austin and I go dancing and then practice.

 Nick lost his first tooth!

 Ryan is usually patient when captured.  His captors got the better of him this time.

Last night Austin made a delicious BBQ which we enjoyed in the backyard.  The kids swam afterwards, just before their Saturday-night baths.

This morning I awakened to kneel beside my bed and pray.  I found these little friends carefully placed to aid my petitions to the Father.

 Oh, my little friends in the mother's lounge.  Eddie eats his snack while Ryan eats his.  I need to bring one for me.

 I made Olympic paddles for our primary review game today -- my best review day, ever (the link: http://intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/07/primary-singing-olympics.html).

Elder Mark Edward Guymon

We're back.  Two days in the car and two days in familial bliss allowed us to be apart of Mark's mission farewell.  This was on of those weekends where I want to remember every moment, it was the happiest time in the world.
 Grandpa with mine and his.

 The garden.

 Utah summer nights.

 These boys.

 Mark mowing for the last time for two years.

 These girls prepared a dance recital accompanied by the duets of Em and Meg.

 Couldn't get enough of this boy.

 Four generation picture.

 Saturday night dance party.

 Collapsing after the dancing.

 Sunday siesta.

 Final pictures with Elder Guymon.

 Pyramid -- John's idea.

 Will Mark still be the tallest when he gets home?

The parents and eight of the eleven.

That big boy brother of mine shines with the light of the gospel.  Oh, his work will be great in the sight of God.  He is destined for glory.

First Day of School

It starts!  School is now in session.  My five oldest were excited to head off to their new school today.  They have to wear a collared shirt and plain pants/shorts.  I did not insist that they all coordinate -- I'll save that for Fridays.

But, my heart in is my stomach.  Ed and I miss our friends, and Ryan has had to "cry it out" twice while I worked with Eddie's emergencies.  Growing up is not for sissies.

Is it 2:30 yet?  Come home, already!

Summer Time

Our last week of summer was everything wonderful.  Most of the this list is pretty typical of what we did the entire summer.

These brown boys were in despernate need of a hair cut.

 These two girls found five recipes in the Friend that we tried.

We lived on fresh sides for dinner. (Austin would down a turkey sandwhich before bed -- I guess the raw cuisine didn't quite fill him.)

Family swimming.

These littles played in the shade.

Poolside BBQ.

I spent many hours feeding this chubby baby and acting as the lifeguard.

Dancing in the rain.

Lots of late nights.

Church today.

And last but not least, I need to record that baby Ryan is 4 months today!

I will miss my seven angels with me every moment of every day.  Yet, it is time for routine and a bit of structure.

What blessed summer we lived.