September Starts

What blessing that each week begins with a day of rest and worship.

Sunday Nick stayed home with hacking Molly. 

 

The rest of us went to Grandma's house -- they decided to all smash in the tiny back row.  It appears that Andy has one seat, and the other four have the other seat.

At the close of our sabbath day, I was able to still squeeze in time for interviews.  Molly made some nice goals: make cards, be reverent during CFM, practice "capiano."  (I have no idea why the "K" sound before piano.) 

FHE this week was sensational.  I baked three little cakes, then we had a BOM themed decorating contest.  (Maisie wasn't feeling well, so she sat out.)

Waters of Mormon, Daniel and the Lions' Den (OT?), and Mormon and Moroni finishing the golden plates.

Andy took these kiddies on an outing (Molly asked if it was Christmas) to Dollar Tree and Taco Bell.  Everyone came home radiating love.  Andy loves to "treat" with all his Cold Stone money.  He's a lot like Austin that way -- they both like to create spaces of joy.

Park day did not disappoint.  Eddie and Ryan swing high up to the heavens and then jump as far as they can go.  It makes me laugh so hard to see the reactions of the "hover mothers."

Maddie raced in the monsoon and took third.  She ran faster this week than last week.

The weekly lawn mowing adventure is not to be missed.  Austin fires up the machine and out they go, racing and chasing him.  

Their legs left quite a trail.

Maisie gave them a quick tutorial on how to draw eyes.

Eddie wanted my camera to ake a picture of our watermelon.

Molly learned how to write number words -- she applied her new knowledge to her cards.  I love seeing her make connections.

Saturday was racing day in Flag.

Nick took 13th out of 100!

Maisie took 25th (she was only running at 75%).

Austin decided that we should have a big swim party.  80 people came, and the night together was sensational.  I was the only adult that swam -- Molly begged and I gave her my undivided attention.

Feeling more blessed than ever, yet still traveling through fire and brimstone.  At least I'd rather be hot than cold.
 

A House of Learning

I'm spending so much energy creating a house of learning.  

We learn when we worship, even though stake conference is quite simply the worst meeting for children.  However, our patriarch was called to be the temple president, so they spoke.  

The aftermath.

Thank you, Ryan.  He learned how to suck loogies in and out of his teeth. 

School time. He's learning how to jump through hoops -- I wish I had interrupted his education years ago, so that he did love to learn.

We still swim everyday.

Eddie and Ryan learned backflips on the tramp.  They set timers for every 30 minutes throughout the day to headout and practice.

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I learned how to recalibrate the Peloton and soared to new heights.  I barely got into the 190s before.  

Molly and her friend learned to swim without floaties now.  They are so fun to watch.

Maddie had her first cross country race.  It was 104*.  She learned that she is still as fast as she was two years ago.

We were sweaty spectators and learned that popcorn and water are a must at meets.

She took second in the 7th/8th grade girls.  She ran so quickly at a rate of 12:16/1.5miles.

Austin and I went to a body healer -- a masseuse that knew how heal our tight muscles.  I waited for my turn outside with wet hair.  I learned that I have way more thinning and graying locks now.  But I also learned how to heal my body and take time to nurture it. Yay for 40.

Meet the Bennet Sisters: (tallest to shortest) Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia.  (Spoiler alert: I'll introduce you to Bonnie and Betty next week.). I learned to propagate yet another species.

Austin turned the music way up to dance and play with these fine folk.  They learned how to take him out on a tube.  

I was nice a allowed snow cones.  They learned that I do love them.

Nice Nick has been coughing this week.  He's missed practice and school.

Saturday we went to the temple.  (Sick Nick is home with the littles.). It had been 1.5 years since the youth have gone, and we felt the spirit.   The pictures of Christ that lead to the baptismal font made feel like I was in His presence.  I learned that attending monthly just might not be enough.

So happy together.

August Wanes

Sunday Elijah turned 25!  He's such a natural member of the family -- it's almost as if he was never not here.  We're so glad Meg and Elijah are stuck with us forever.  (He spent the day rescuing his broken car with Andy and Austin.)

Cake at Grandma's.

We went to the outlets for a bit of shopping.  It was hot!

First day of school pictures for the other six.

Senior at MUHS online

Seventh grader online at Liahona Preparatory

Fourth grader at mother's school

Pre-schooler at mother's school

Junior at BYU

Second grader at mother's school

These two ladies have birthdays -- we go to lunch every year together.

Ryan gave a talk about a house of God.  He did a really nice job.

Maddie wrote and directed a play.

They spent six hours preparing.  It was awfully theatrical.  Molly as the purple ogar was sensational.

We picked peaches for FHE.  We made jam.

Meg was so helpful -- we needed her.

Piano lessons are still a bust.  Yet, we keep going at it.

Austin, Nick, and Andy left for Grangeville Wednesday-Sunday.  We watched four Potter movies and had sleepovers every night.  I vowed that I wouldn't bake.  I did.

Triplets.  

Someone munched the butter.

Eddie builds a fort everyday, so much mess.  They love to carry in a lamp to read and complete math.  Molly is heading in.  

Saturday we were very responsible and cleaned the office.

Then we played Switch.

Just Dad B. and I at stake meetings; I was so glad to have a friend.

 I'm hardly efficient when Austin leaves.  I barely got the chores done, and I didn't even read one book.  I sat and watched lots of Potter.  Oh, well.  I did enjoy relaxing with my littles.