Ante Classroom Clinic

The afternoon hours.
Reading and homeworking.

 Looking up to watch Maisie do her trick.

 Maisie's trick.

 It's a good thing that I'm a free clinic provider and teacher, because in just six weeks we've had to replace the water softener and repair the water heater both caused by multiple basement floods, costly repair to the pool cover, new garbage disposal, and a major water repair (requiring a the tractor shown here).  Next month we'll fix the computer in the fridge door -- fluke power surge destroyed that -- and replace the battery in my van (not new bus) so that I don't get stranded at Walmart.

Dear Ones

This week Grandma B. and her sister, Linda, came and visited us for just a couple hours.  My children loved getting to know Aunt Linda and we enjoyed a loud and lovely dinner.

Then just yesterday our dear grandparents came back to enjoy our primary program today.  Here are a few favorite pictures from their visit.
I found these two little darlings sitting in his lap and eating him up.

 After church.

 Grandpa is sharing life stories.  Meg and Andy often sit at his feet to listen to his wild tales.

Happy Sunday!

Lamination Nation

I've been laminating up a storm around here.  I found these nifty special witness cards in this month's Friend, made copies of the prophets, and cut out the scripture stories on the back inside cover of many old copies of the Friend, then I went to town and laminated them.  Eddie and I have found our scripture time much more exciting using these rings of laminated love.

Little Baby is not so little any more.

 My herb boxes are full and pretty now.

Maisie's #9

Maisie is 9!  She was so lucky that her birthday fell on a Saturday, so we were able to have a friends party on her day.  Grandma and Grandpa B. and Shelly and Jaren were also here to join in the festivities.  We love Maisie because she cackles when she laughs.  We love Maisie because she very carefully shares all that has.  We love Maisie because she is always learning and quoting interesting facts.

 Morning presents.

 Decorators.

 Party time.

Balcony view.  

 BBQ time.

 Cake!

August Ends

Well, this month is over which means we are a month into school.  Everyday by 7:15 am the school kids are out the door and it's the littles and me left to love each other.  

After a second round of morning scriptures Ed and I often play in the rain.

And then the kids come home and its three hours of homework, dishes, lunches, bed time and it begins again.  Thursday I found myself wondering if there is something that the children are missing: whether the environment at home makes a difference in their schooling, and if I'm doing a diservice because I have seven.  And then the phone rang twice.  Both Maddie and Nick's teachers called to say that they were chosen student of the month.  So what I do in every moment -- feeding both body and spirit -- is just right.

 Andy's artwork is hanging in the front office.  His is that hairy man just above him.

 And!  This is terrific!  I've finally found a task that is perfect for passing the time between when we get home and when Bishop gets home -- we write letters!  It's brilliant.

The Happiest Place

I've recently found myself in my happiest place -- in my home with my darlings.
Both Eddie and Ryan received their immunizations.  Eddie cried for 24 hours.  Straight.

 Austin and I go dancing and then practice.

 Nick lost his first tooth!

 Ryan is usually patient when captured.  His captors got the better of him this time.

Last night Austin made a delicious BBQ which we enjoyed in the backyard.  The kids swam afterwards, just before their Saturday-night baths.

This morning I awakened to kneel beside my bed and pray.  I found these little friends carefully placed to aid my petitions to the Father.

 Oh, my little friends in the mother's lounge.  Eddie eats his snack while Ryan eats his.  I need to bring one for me.

 I made Olympic paddles for our primary review game today -- my best review day, ever (the link: http://intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/07/primary-singing-olympics.html).

Elder Mark Edward Guymon

We're back.  Two days in the car and two days in familial bliss allowed us to be apart of Mark's mission farewell.  This was on of those weekends where I want to remember every moment, it was the happiest time in the world.
 Grandpa with mine and his.

 The garden.

 Utah summer nights.

 These boys.

 Mark mowing for the last time for two years.

 These girls prepared a dance recital accompanied by the duets of Em and Meg.

 Couldn't get enough of this boy.

 Four generation picture.

 Saturday night dance party.

 Collapsing after the dancing.

 Sunday siesta.

 Final pictures with Elder Guymon.

 Pyramid -- John's idea.

 Will Mark still be the tallest when he gets home?

The parents and eight of the eleven.

That big boy brother of mine shines with the light of the gospel.  Oh, his work will be great in the sight of God.  He is destined for glory.