Always August

I trimmed three little neck hairs.  Molly's hair looks less like a mullet.

 Then I curled it.  She did look darling.

 Maisie ran for Student Body Vice President.  She won! Her posters were darling.

 Meg recently needed a passport photo.  We ended up in the photo department and Ryan remembered and wanted his picture taken in the same spot.  Of course Molly join in.

 FHE on Monday night was running and jumping all over the back yard.  We all enjoyed the smiles on the littles' faces as we played "Duck, Duck Goose" and "Ring Around the Rosies."

 Wednesday both the bigs and middles had cross country meets.  Meg and Maisie placed second, Nick placed fourth, and Andy placed near the front of the pack.

 Maisie gave her speech in the form of the Spice Girls song.  She was brilliant.

 Thursday our favorite friend, Cameron Julian, came for a visit.  We spent the evening together totally relaxed.  It was a special treat to see the man he has become.

 Then we gathered around his phone to talk to Karen, my one and only BFF.

 Maddie and Maisie both earned the monthly awards at school.

 Saturday was another meet for the bigs.  We drove to Flag and watched these two compete.  It wasn't their best meet, but Austin helped them find some positive take-aways.

 Here is our big girl doping up on beets -- just as Grandpa suggested.

This week was my hardest one, ever.  I'm struggling with something deep in my soul.  I don't have all the answers.  But, I did learn that God is love.  He sent his son in love.  Jesus is his son, and the reason he died for me is because he loves me.  They both love me.  I show my love for them by loving others before myself.  I am happy when I think of others.  I become like Jesus when I forget myself and serve.  I feel happy because I feel God's love when I serve.  God loves me whether or not I follow him.  But, I will not be happy if I don't serve and obey.  I want to be happy.  Discouragement and despair only come when I am consumed in what I want, not submitting my will to theirs. 

Garden Harvest

The best treasure this week was harvesting the summer garden vegetables.  We ate those vegetables right up!

 Molly awakens from her nap everyday with shoes, glasses and a hat.

 Confession:  They do this.

 But we always do this first.

 Wednesday Nick and Maisie ran their first cross country meet of the season.  Maisie took second and Nick took fourth!  They are pretty incredible!

 On the way Ryan dumped an entire bag of Chex in his lap.  I was nice!  What?

 This boy comes home from practice starving.  I found him crouched over his novel waiting for his turn in the dinner line.

 Sweet sisters.

 Family dance party ended up in a jumping game.  Here is Ryan flying through the air  -- the little ones all took turns.

 Friday Austin and I were invited to go boating with friends.  We spent the day relaxing and enjoying each other.  Grandma B.  filled in all the holes, as is customary.  She does it with mildness and gentleness.  I learn about charity by being loved by her.

 Saturday we actually ate lunch as a family, and swam for like five minutes until the clouds rolled in.  A hang-glider soared overhead, and they screamed and yelled and tried to get his attention.

Sunday night we gathered for family scriptures (I lost my phone all day, so I don't have any pictures of Grandma and Grandpa B. coming for dinner, Tenzi and relaxing.  We had a lovely time all together.), and I traded earrings with Molly.  So funny!

Already Half Way Through August

FHE this week was brilliant.  Our activity was free hanging -- we had two heats.  I won the bigs.  Maddie won the middles.  Our lesson was using our words to lift and encourage, which we practiced while we cheered for each other.

 We finally lit our sparklers -- always a hit.

 While brushing the boys' teeth, Austin decided to give out free mohawks using the straight iron.  They loved it.

 This picture is for Cherie.  Here is Grandma's batter to fry everything in the world.  I used it for the huge yellow squash from our garden, and the kids at it up like crazy.

 This is my favorite picture of the week -- two praying cherubs.  We do read and pray every morning. 

 Grandma is back in town, so we went for a quick visit -- but she wasn't there.  So we headed to the new house and found Grandpa -- a win!

 We are still swimming every scorching afternoon. 

 This is good.  Nick left his homework on the floor.  Naturally Ryan erased Nick's name and signed his. HAHAHAHA!

 Friday Austin and I spent the day in Phoenix with Austin's mentor, Jon Julian.  Jon taught Austin everything he knows about running a dental practice, dental implants, and balancing work and home life.  Our three hours together were really special, it had been six years since we saw each other, and it was just as comfortable and sweet as ever.  Grandma B. saved the day and spent it with the littles, driving the middles and feeding us all.  She's a real treat!

 Another brilliant swim party with the dental office team.  All the ladies came with their families, and we spent a few hours together eating and swimming.  We are blessed that Austin's team is so awesome.

 I was kind of awesome and spent $4 on Halloween figurines to be used on the quiet sabbath afternoon.  All were tickled.  (Except the other three were disappointed I didn't buy them one.....tomorrow.)

Grandpa Goodell

Grandpa Goodell recently passed away.  I headed to Idaho Falls for the services.  The Campbell family graciously picked me up and let me join their family vacation.  I felt so loved.

Sis had this brilliant idea to find the "falls" that this city was named after.  So we did. 

 We walked along the path that led us passed the falls and to the temple.

 Evening came and we found ourselves going to Walmart as a massive group. That was a treat.

 Morning came and we rushed to get ready for the choir practice and funeral.

 I didn't get a picture beside the casket, but I did get Natalie and her family paying respects to our dear friend and grandpa.

 The funeral was lovely.  Each of his children and each of Grandma's children took turns speaking about Bob's life and the patient, kind and generous man he was.  I have no doubt the angels happily welcomed him home.

Here are the 15 Mayhew cousins (sans Ricky).

My mother and grandmother and me.  All the love I possess cannot come to touch the hearts they've nurtured in the world -- including and especially mine.

Grandma and her 3 children.

Finally.  A picture of all 11 silblings -- we were all together-- which hasn't happened since Dad's funeral.  I feel so much love for my family -- they are one of my main sources of inspiration and hope.

I traveled home after 48 hours away, and I was happy to be surrounded by my children and their love.