September Brings Misfortunes

Maisie, Nick, and Maddie are all injured.  Each with their own ailment, but each sharing in the consequence of not being able to compete at their best level.  Blast.

Sunday was filled with rest, because we were looking forward to both work and school off on Monday.

Grandma and Grandpa B. came for games and popcorn.  Molly made them jewelry and robes.  They walked out with their bling -- Molly was tickled.

Monday we had 10 families over for a swim and BBQ.  I really should have taken a picture of the 40 chicken thighs Austin smoked for the occasion.  They were so good, and our guests thought so as well, because there was only one left.

Nick and I took our annual picture.  He is taller this year. Nick 2021

Ryan completed all his arithmetic with one eye peering through this Santa hat.  Funny.

Molly authored and illustrated her first story, "Vampire Closet."

She must have brothers, because her second story was all about a monster frog who eats new pets -- not old pets, new pets.

I made some flowers for my basil.

They read together without prompting.

Saturday morning I took Nick to his meet at 3:30am.  Then I took Maisie to her ACT at 6:30am.  She was testing for four hours, so I got a pedi and shopped.  I didnt' buy one item, but my toes are lovely.

This is my new favorite OPI color.  It looks really pink, but the peach undertone is lovely.  

Saturday afternoon Molly and I picked three bowls of tomatoes.

Then!  I was so fun!  I took the three youngest (Austin in Vegas and the three olders cleaned the office and went to a party) to the park to train for my Spartan.  We brachiated like a hominid for so long.

My efforts were not pretty, but I just keep trying.  We played so hard for an hour.

 Then!  I took these three to a concert in the park and made them dance with me.  Molly had the time of her life, but the two boys only tolerated the excursion.  I much prefer Austin as my partner, but they were better than missing it or dancing alone.

Andy continues to do his best serving the Lord.  When it rains his hair falls, so that's a little funny.  His words are generous and kind when he calls.  He's adulting so well.  He's discipling so ferevently.  He's a treat.

Melijah had a slower week due to a serve battle with UC.  They were able to relax and rest, which is what they both needed.

Austin is making big plans for us.  He's an expert at future vacation plans.  He knows what we are doing at at a sixth month glance.  He's simple to read, a pleasure to kiss, and a  gem to contribute.

In summation, hard things happen each week, but we have hope.  Hope in healing, both physically and spiritually as we find Jesus Christ in our stories everyday.

It's Time to Retire

(My picures loaded chronologically reversed again; I will begin with Saturday and work backwards.)

These are the neon pink shoes I covet.  A quick searched revealed the $210 hefty price tag and the reality that Nike doesn't make them for "little kids," so I'm out of luck.

Saturday we met up with Nelsons and raced the Portland Spartan Sprint -- 5K and 20 obstacles.  After this event, I think it's time for me to retire from my competitive racing.  I botched everything for which I'd been training.  Blast.  I did not have fun whilst racing, but everything before and after the race was brilliant.

Finishers!  For sure the hardest obstacle was cleaning off and changing.

Maddie took first in her race and has qualified for nationals.

This teen was so impressive.  Comparing this race to last year's, he didn't barf, complain or slow us down (that was me).  

Maisie and Gabby (cousin) practically. have the same braid. 

These three raced together.

These three are siblings that adore each other.

This is the Spartan Waffles team.  We are so glad Mickey let us join.

My favorite moments post race were sitting against Natalie's back under the shade of an apple tree while she nursed her baby and her children were exploring all around us.  And, using a wet-wipe beccause Mark's wife wasn't there to clean behind his ears and at his hairline.

Friday day we left early, ate repeatedly and mostly smiled.  I love listening to my teens giggle and banter amongst themselves.

Maddie read an entire novel.  Nick defeated a few clans.  Maisie "Be Real"ed fakely.  Austin flawlessly made the weekend happen.

Thursday Molly told me she could recite her poem upside down, folding her arms and keeping her eyes closed.  She knows she's quite talented.

Eddie used the paring knife to tag his apple.

I take the kids to the park everyday to train on the monkey bars.  My callused ripped, I'm so happy.

Sisters.

The legos have resurfaced.  I loved lego weeks.

FHE was sweet.

I made this dinner.

Meg called us and we loved it.  Mostly we giggled about our crazy household.

This is Sunday dinner via Austin.  A day of rest for me means that I make breakfast and that's it.  Austin makes the other meals, and the children wash dishes.  I've quit being in the kitchen on Sunday, and it's working out nicely.

Here we are on the way to church.

Andy called this week and talked for 1.5 hours without stopping.  He told us all the people with whom he was working, stopping every few minutes to kill roaches with a can of yellow-aerosol  poison.  While snarfing and spilling his ramen, he chatted just like he used to when evening came and the kitchen counter called us together.  Meg and I laughed the entire time, Austin just listened and played with the filters, all the while Andy told all.  We are just so happy for his obedience and successes as a missionary.  

Maisie's #17

Maisie is 17! She was generous, as is her vibe, and decided to let everyone sleep in (moving her presents to the evening), and she only wanted a simple breakfast -- cowboy eggs.

She's off.

I had this great idea to decorate her car while she was in her phlebotomy class.  She loved it!  I also took her hot cinnamon rolls to share with her class.

Eddie and Ryan ran home twice for forgotten things.  Molly and Maddie decorated the indside while I did the outside.

Then, she was gone ALL day at school and practice.  When she did arrive home, she showered and her festival eveing began.   

Maisie read all 17 notes and pictures Molly accumulated over the past two weeks.

Maddie spent big bucks and gave her a gift card, candle and an EOS.

Eddie bought a music baton for her Sunday leading.  

She does not prefer cake; a cheese cake it is!

Nick treated her to Subway for lunch.

Grandma and Grandpa came with a generous card and overflowing love.  

Elder Babcock called her!  He was tired, but he still gave her a hard time and laughed with her.

Maisie is the kind of friend that everyone needs and hopes to have.  When she sings along to the radio, you can't hear a difference between her and the musician.  She keeps her car tidy and her room a "working" tidy.  Maisie reads in all her quiet moments and laughs in all her loud moments.  Her friends admire her and her family adores her.  WE LOVE MAISIE!