School Is in Session

After being away for two Sundays, we were glad to home.

The prayer for rain is a constant plea, so we stop to watch when our prayers are answered.

Spontaneously, three wrestling matches broke out.  Look how the girls are winning!

Sunday games.

Sunday mud clods in Grandma's road. 

Peru was filled with pom-pom garlands.  I enlisted my children, and they helped me make 72 little pom-poms.

We hung them on the chandelier.  They make me so happy.

Look at these twin eggs!  Twins seems to follow us lately, and we like it.

Maddie is a freshman.  She went to the high school all by herself for "Freshman Day;" she was tickled.  We sure missed her.

Nick decided to go through his clothing in preparation for school to start.  Look how much he's grown.

First day as a junior for Nick and second day as a freshman for Maddie.  They drive off to seminary every morning together.  Siblings are the greatest blessing.

Another morning.

We were home alone, and we felt lonely.

Saturday we actually swam as a family and floated the river.  This time we actually floated and barely paddled.  Maisie serenaded.  Nick went down rapids backwards.  Maddie swung on the rope swings and didn't get wet.  Eddie dumked himself several times.  Ryan expertly manuevered his craft.  Molly skipped from boat to boat.  Austin rows like he does everything -- perfectly.

She read in the shade in my hat.

These big girls help me every night with dinner.  They're so well trained.  Maisie plays and sings us all her T. Swift songs.  She then gives us all her T. Swift factoids and details.  

Meg's babies are growing -- she needs to send me a current photo of her belly.

Elder Babcock's report:

• 65 baptisms mission wide (record)
•  MLC meeting was his comparison of the leadership between King Benjamin and King Noah.  Then he gave the challenge to make a positive environment for those we serve.
• President Galland told him that it was the best MLC, ever.  Sister Galland gave him a "mother's squeeze" afterward.  "I was overall pleased with it, because I followed the spirit."

Preparation

Not to fear, I was in charge of the the stake youth service project.  We cleaned up the AHA school grounds for two hours one boiling-hot morning.  Only a few youth knew how to work, but luckily I'm really bossy and really loud.  And, luckily my children were awesome contributors.

Nick and Maddie head to swim practice every morning from 6-8am.  Nick drives them, so they are a well oiled machine without me.  Nick then comes home and heads to his landscaping job for eight hours in the heat.  Maddie teaches swimming lessons for two hours.  Both of their bank accounts and are buldging and also their muscles, so it's working.  They crash into bed before 9pm.

Monday night our FHE activity was just a lazy vibe.  I can't get enough of summer evenings.

I spent the first few days of the week preparing for our trip.  Melijah arrived Wednesday night, and we left first thing Thursday.  Thursday morning I taped the agenda and schedule.  Molly made one of her own; Meg promised to make all her dreams come true.

Spa Day

Pool Day

BBQ Night

Boy Dinner (they prepare it)

Girl Dinner

Movie Night

Play Day

BBQ Night

Hug Day

Pool Party

Chill

Chill

Chill 

Chill

This week was Andy's 20th birthday.  He's been serving for 18 months, and we miss him.  He looks older and sounds so much wiser and more mature.  He's still as handsome as ever, and his face glows with light and love.  My newborn baby boy is forever progressing.  I often find scriptures that make me think of him.  This was his birthday find.

Also, his 20th birthday was on Sunday.  That morning my phone was blowing up, but I just let it and spent my time relaxing. When I finally checked it, I found this picture:

My brother, John, was in Nashville for work, and attended the exact ward in which Elder Babcock was serving!  John reported that Elder Babcock was serving with exactness, and they barely had time to chat because Andy was off to participate in another ward.  I love this tender mercy so much. On further inquiry, John passed two other ward buildings, because he liked the location of the one he attended -- this was no fluke.

Good Summer Vibes

Lazy summer Sunday afternoons are always filled with family games -- Ryan makes sure of it.  Nick won this round.  Molly and I played dollhouse and dollies.

Maddie banded Ryan's hair.  The sensation of running your hand over his doo was quite terrifical.

In preparation for Machu Picchu, was hiked Mt. Humphries again.  We were home before lunch, and instead of insane wind at the summit, there were TONS of creepy flies.

More dollhouse with Molly, then Eddie came and ate the little family with his Lego dragon.

We spent July 4th with just the Bliss family.  Maddie fell on the diving board and deeply skinned her knee.

The best part of the day was our morning celebration.  I made a feast of a breakfast meal and then began our impromptu program:

A recitation of "The Pledge of Allegiance"

A selective piece of recitation from "The Declaration of Independence"

Singing "The Preamble"

Belting all three verses of "The Star Spangled Banner"

Song recitation of the 46 Presidents of the United States

Singing the 50 United States in alphabetical order

Then we listened to the "Hope of America" soundtrack from Meg's 5th grade days.

We sang at the top of our lungs.  Austin was on his way out to clean up the yard, but he stopped by the back door and just listened to our US knowledge. He was jealous that he doesn't attend my little school and family choir.  I was smug.

 I took a time lapse of our Night Swimming.

Evening came and these youngsters found a "safe" way to play with fire.

Fireworks from the balcony and pergola roof.

A lovely dinner.

All the big people were out on Saturday night, so we spent it quietly together.  Triple decker.

Always piles of people.

 Meg's babies are healthy and happy.  She is excited to come home soon.

Andy's report was that he is just busy.  He serves and loves and teaches.  

Vacation and FSY

Monday morning Ron and his nice teens left.  Then I drove Nick and Maddie (and Kadence) to NAU for FSY.  They were all so excited for this new adenture.

We sure were going to miss them.

My friend was in the hospital up there, so I stopped in for a little visit.  She seemed like she was in a lot of pain, and she chose to not have any books or tv.  I am not looking forward to a new hip one day.

Tuesday I drove Ed, Ry and Mo to St. George to spend the week with my five youngest siblings.  Our drive was uneventful and quiet.  Road trippin' with a little family of three children seemed quite manageable.

We spent the next three days and nights basking in all the fun of cousins and family.  My soul was filled watching my sisters mother their children so carefully.  I sure hope I mothered my new babies and toddlers the ways they do.  I miss that life now that I'm in retirement.  The easiest thing was kissing and loving their children, and it made me excited to be "Grandma Honey."  They confirmed my new title.

I sueggested a bit of "beached whale" action, or rather in-action, and we were in heaven.

These cute cousins really did play all day and all night.  Not one negative episode ensued. 

We worked out a couple days together.  That was fun.

Olivia bought fries for the group and generously shared.  What fun.

Thursday Austin and Maisie drove up after work.  Friday Austin and I drove to Payson for Aunt Linda's funeral.  Her daughters and husband shared lovely tributes of her life of discipleship.  Dana said, "She brought peace with her."  I thought that was a beautiful life goal.  Austin's parents, siblings, cousins and extended family members attended in full force.  I stayed right by Bruce, and he and I navigated the in-law situation.

We were lucky enough that Whitni's family was in St. George.  Friday night we rubbed shoulders (They're pretty tall so shoulders were not exactly rubbed.  It was more like my head and their chests) with her sweet boys.

Saturday we were up early to get on the road.  Once home and unpacking, I noticed a horrific reality.  Look at my over night bathroom bag compared to Austin's.  I use a laundry basket, and he uses that tiny Italian bag.  Ugh.  If only I could be as beautiful as him with only face lotion to make me presentable.  Another life goal.

Nice Meg kept me awake on my drive home; she listened to me for an entire hour.  She spent her week chasing cows and growing babies.  I love to hear her grin over the phone, and she's the best listener.

I didn't get a chance to talk to Andy.  I missed his weekly call, but the report was that he was busy and tired.  His companions go home next transfier, so he'll soon be training the new AP.  I love hearing my children pray that he'll "teach and testify of Jesus Christ."