Emerson

I finished, Nearby, by Elizabeth Yates this week.  She quoted Emerson:

"All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all that I have not seen."  This quote gives a whole new meaning to these weekly posts -- a place where I prove to myself the blessings that I can see via my pictures.  Leading to a my quiet testimony that convenant keeping leads me to my loving Savior and Creator, whom I have not yet seen in the flesh, but have seen through relationships in my life.

Sunday afternoon he napped while I studied.

,

Our best grandparents came for dinner and "The Chosen."

They played a card game.  Andy napped.

Still, we needed our quiet walk surrounded by those golden skies.

Home again for popcorn and a conference talk.

Monday we had piano lessons.  Ryan is improving S-L-O-W-L-Y.  I guess starting early gives us lots of time to get better.

Three new books came!  

Maddie's intellectual goal was to learn to sew, so she did.  Clever little bit.

I spent an entier morning with a puzzle.  Maddie did the prelim work, but Maisie and I finished it up.  I love a good puzzle, because of the sitting and chatting.

We invited friends to the last day of summer.

That afternoon we called Meg and Elijah.  They were in Island Park boating.  We watched Meg's new air chair skillz.

Wednesday Nick started alone on freshmen day.  He was so excited.  

Maisie gave him pointers and planned his outfit.

They played "bandits."

We swim everyday, sometimes twice.

Wednesday I was in charge of the stake activity.  Heavenly Father really blessed me.  Maisie was the leader of the night.

First day of 11th grade for Maisie.  

Junior and Freshman

Molly wrote Nick an inspiring note for his lunch box all by herself.

We spent time reading books and working her new puzzle.

Eddie pranked Andy by putting shoes above the door.  When Andy came up, the shoes fell on him, and we all laughed and laughed.  So did he.

Friday night was my cousin's daughter's reception.  Nice Austin drove me to Mesa and we spent the evening with my Mayhew cousins.  It was just so much fun.  I love family.

92 year old Grandma Goodell was there in fine form.  She's so classy and wonderful.  I look tall?  Tammy Ann was so happy to see me.  I had tears in my eyes, and I spent the night right by her.  I really didn't want to leave.

Saturday it happened again -- we were all home to swim and love.  I just can't get enough of watching and listening to my children play together.  Sometimes it's rough, sometimes it's sweet, sometimes the poor sports arrive, sometimes the gracious winners swim quietly away.  But always, we are together getting cancer and basking in our eternal bond that we can't see, but we can feel.

Our nice daddy is a bit of a loner.  I have no idea why he still barely joins in the fray.

Our dinner surprise was GOLDEN DRAGON.  Nothing like the Chinese buffet managed by the Mexicans.  Good food and lots of happy children finished our week.

The Last Bit of Summer

Monday morning Maise and Nick headed to MUHS to register and begin their new school year.  Just moments before, Maisie had her arm around Nick and was explaining all the things.

After training for cross country four days a week, they have so much in common and so much love for one another.

Maisie was late to work, so she drove me all the way to Sedons.  She's quite the pro.

Morning swimmers.

Wednesday morning was the first day of the summer that the entire day was all mine -- not one obligation. I read books and napped, naturally.  All my little darlings did the same.

"Mom, I finished my school work."  She came to me with my scripture notebook which contained two hearts with the words, "toot and poop."  I'm so proud of her.

Blonde-boy Ryan.

Yes! Our 21st wedding anniversary came and went with lots of work.  I did make dinner and decorated the table.  

Friday, though, we celebrated with a temple session and lunch in Phoenix.  Our day together was not rushed, nor is our eternity.  We have all the minutes to only increase our love and improve our understanding.  May we both continue to be committed to our covenants and constantly care for each other.

Saturday we all happened to be home and swim for an hour.  I took this picture before the rest of the crowd came out.  Andy put Nick on his shoulders and jumped off the diving board.  Maisie led games of sharks and minnows.  Ryan can surf the width of the pool.  Eddie sits at the top of the slide and waits for an obscure gaming advantage.  Molly decided, "I can't go in the tube -- it's a danger zone."  Austin swims with his googles that leave an impression on his bald head.  Maddie gracefully dives and flips and flies through the air.

 

Monsoons

Missionay Monday is a fun tradition: We read the letters from our current missionaries, whereupon I tear up and cry with delight as their testimonies increase and their work ethic soars.  I want my children to know what a mission really looks, feels and sounds.

Our neighbor brought over a few limbs from his peach tree.  We picked the peaches and ate all of them.  Oh, wow, these peaches were perfect.  Peaches are forever my favorite fruit.

We are enjoying the monsoon rains and cooler weather.  Molly was a wee bit chilly, so she donned her winter parka.

Lots of shade and cooler temps mean lots of summer reading.

I thought my ponytail look especially nice, but it was ruined when I jumped in the pool minutes later.  Worth it.  

Andy came home with these calluses, "I've upgraded my sledge."

Molly kissed his hands.

I'm still baking bread.

Lots of painting and coloring on these rainy days.

Friday night Maisie used her Youtube lessons and gave her siblings slender noses and sleek cheek bones, via highlights.

Saturday morning we prepared for the office party.  Naturally the natural guests showed up.

Party.

That night was the storm of all storms.  Our basement flooded, the rocked landscaping was destroyed, and the culvert filled to the top.  Sheets of rain anwered our prayers, and all things living took a deep breath.

Sunday more storms were due, so the ward came and helped us rebuild a broken retaining wall, cleared the pipes and scraped the driveway.  It always feels so good to be loved through service.  Our bishop ended our meetings after the first hour to prepare for the upcoming storms.

 No Maisie this week.  She's driving Austin to work everyday and home every night.  She sings and finishes the kitchen.  She is happy and nice.