Back to Normal?

I think I am going to surrender to thinking I will not have a "normal" week.  There seems to be things that are more important in life than schedules and plans.  This was such a week where this was the case.  I am not trying to brag I just had family and friends in need and so I did what was necessary to try and help them, lift their burdens some.

Tim finished the chalkboard/magnetic board wall in the playroom!  Yeah

Monday I had planned to take the kids to Seven Peaks.  I was still pretty tired from camp and all so I told them to let me sleep after scriptures then I would take them.  They were fighting outside my room so I didn't sleep much so we didn't go to Seven Peaks.  I did write a letter to Taran and sent it with the kids' letters and some treats.  Emily, Gwen and Zane came with me while Izak and Micah went swimming with friends.  Emily and Gwen helped my mom inside her house and Zane and I picked up all the yucky apricots under the tree--not a few. I also picked all the apricots on the tree I could reach.  We visited for a little bit and returned home in time for dinner.  Timo gave a lesson on choosing good friends from the Strength of Youth Pamphlet. Then we played SkipBo.  It was really fun.  Tim was able to finish the wall with the chalkboard paint and metal board.  It's very cool, I just need to get some chalk!

Tuesday I had YW Presidency Meeting at 8:30 AM.  My visiting teachers came at 10 AM which is always enjoyable.   Emily, Micah and Gwen had fillings filled at 1 PM.  We got home in time for me to take Izak to his Personal Fitness merit badge class.  I ran to Walmart for our weekly shopping.  I got done just when he needed me to be there so I was a little late.  That night we had a good bye party for a family in our neighborhood who are moving to St. George.  Their daughter graduated so they are heading out of the snowy, cold winters!  It was like a big neighborhood party!

Eagle Project donations (some of them) YEAH!

Wednesday we hoped June would come but alas Anna was thinking we were too busy.  We missed her but we hope to see her this week.  I had to have my blood re-checked for some specifics for the anemia so I went that morning.  It was library day so the kids took turns going in case June showed up some one was here!  Zane went to the Kennecott Copper Mine for sub scouts that morning and enjoyed it a lot.  I had my tooth made ready for the crown at 1 PM.  After I was done there I did my Costco run.  That night I was exhausted so I didn't go to YW.  I love those women so it would have been fun to hang out--most were going swimming but I opted for more sleep.  I did help Timo a little with his Eagle Project by getting treats for the boys who helped.  It seems like he got enough donations for his project he may not need to beg for any thing from Home Depot!

One of the boys and their creations from the creek!  I love summer  for this!

watching someone paint their weapon

Boys making weapons out of sticks!

 Thursday I had to have my mammogram at 8:30 AM so we got the kids up extra early to read scriptures and get ready for 7 Peaks.  I dropped them off at my mom's at 8 AM so they could mow.  Then we went to 7 Peaks.  We got there just barely after opening at 9:30 AM.  We stayed until noonish.  I was able to get Gwen on the Avalanche waterslide--you lay on a mat on your stomach unless you are taking a child with you. I got to sit and she laid on her stomach.  She liked.  Later I went with Zane on Cave In, it's a dark tunnel waterslide.  Luckily it's just short enough to make me not too claustrophobic!  We stopped at Macey's for ice cream and I bought some groceries for a dessert I was going to make for a shower that night.  I made the dessert as soon as we got home and then I went and helped my friend who is hosting the shower.  She is super creative and does an amazing job at throwing parties!  When I got home Izak and his friends, as well as Micah and Zane were making weapons out of sticks and bark they found at the creek.  They were very creative!  That night was the shower and I went a little early then stayed after to clean up.  It was a fun, busy night.  Timo and friends went to the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises, he got home at 4 AM.  He says it was the best movie he has ever seen.

Cotton Candy at June's 1st b-day "Cloud" Theme

Gwen enjoys a cloud cupcake!

I promise June is in there!  She is loved!

June eats her birthday cake!  YUMMY!

Little boys love Junes new sand/water toy.

Friday I had my check up, not too exciting.  She wants to check my blood after a month to see if the iron supplement is helping.  Hopefully I can remember to take it consistently!  I got home in time to do some things and then my companion and I took a lady we visit teach out to lunch.  She is a stinker and wouln't let us treat her.  It was a yummy lunch and a nice visit.  I was going to take a picture but I forgot:(  Owell.  I got home in time to check in on the kids (more weapons were being made!) and then I ran to return some items to a couple of stores.  I ended up getting some stuff, school clothes for Gwen mostly.  She is very hard on clothes, like a boy.  So I am feeling like she needs more than a pair of jeans and a new shirt!  I found lots of cute things and I also got Emily a very cute shirt for school.  That trip took more time than I had planned but it was pretty cost effective.  That night we had our niece Anna's daughter June's 1 yr old birthday party.  It was super fun!  Anna, Buck, her sister Erin and their parents pulled off the best 1 year old party I've ever seen personally!

Micah's team, the THUNDER!

Dinner at the ward party

Timo and friends at the ward party

Micah got to go first since I was the harnessing person, he loved it!

Izak was ready!

Emily is ready!

Timo mellow but ready.

Spaztic me, ready!

Saturday Tim got up early with Timo and played tennis with some friends Tyler and Breton.  Breton is one of Taran's friends that Timo is also friends with.  He had taken tennis his last semester so he's wanted to play with Tim and it finally worked out before he goes into the MTC next week!  Micah had an early lacrosse game in Mapleton.  (about 25 minutes away), we got him a ride with our friends whose son is on the team.  I wasn't feeling too great but after drinking some coke I felt better so I went.  Zane came to watch Micah too  Erick (Tim's brother) came as well. We were making good time until a camper/trailer tipped over on the freeway and we went from 3 lanes to 1!  We we luckily it looked like no one was hurt.  We were late to the game.  Owell.  Micah and his team played well although it was intense.  He scored some, they ended up winning 11-9.  After we got back I worked on some of my lesson stuff for Sunday.  Emily needed a ride to a movie with some friends so I took them and then got the stuff for my lesson.  I was almost done with making some of the stuff when I got a call it was time to pick them up.  Tim was at his parents' helping them move stuff to get ready for new flooring.  I made treats for our ward party up the canyon.  That night we went to the ward party up the canyon for dinner and games and zipline at the facility we had Girl's Camp, Mutual Dell.  It was a lot of fun and all of us did the zipline but Gwen and Zane.  I helped put harnesses on since I had learned at Girl's Camp.  Tim was on the receiving the zipliners--he caught me.  It was super fun.  My arms are sore today from all the cinching I did!









































Today was the farewell of Taran's friend Breton.  He is going to Chihuahua Mexico.  We are hoping he gets into the same building as Taran!  As well as his friend Andrew who goes in this Wednesday too.  We made some treats for it.  I taught Mia Maids for an advisor who was out of town.  It was fun and they were very receptive.  I made them a testimony journal.  To write about experiences they have had that confirm their testimony.  We went to Breton's after church and basically had dinner there and visited awhile.  It was very nice, his mom, my friend Julie made a ton of butter rolls!  WOW they are amazing!  It was a great day!  Tim interviewed most of the kids this evening before bed.  It's a holiday week this week, the 24th of July is Pioneer Day here!  Have a safe fun week!

Trying to catch up...again! The 4th and Girl's Camp

I was going to write last week but alas this computer was being really fritzy and kept turning itself off.  I gave up and decided to write earlier in the day this week, hopefully that will make a difference!

Monday we had our dental check ups, only a few kids had cavities, I will keep their identity secret.  I took up most of the morning.  For family night we watched Tim's Father's Day DVD Mall Cop--on Clearplay.  I exercised on the elliptical.  The kids have been dying to watch it.  It's pretty funny.

Tuesday was Tim and I, our 21st anniversary.  He took the day off and we went to breakfast.  We went to 7 Peaks once we all got ready.  Emily and her friends had planned to go and had planned on us taking them so it was convenient that we were already going.  We had a lot of fun and left early afternoon as it got busier.  Emily and friends stayed an one of their parents picked them up.  We stopped at Macey's for cones which ended up being our lunch!  On our way home we saw the fire in Alpine about 5 miles away just starting.  It raged all day and night.  The kids spent most of their time watching it from our porch.  Tim and I decided to take advantage of the early bird menu/discount meal--we are becoming old people!  We went to Texas Roadhouse.  It was yummy but too much food so we ate it for lunch the next day.  We went and saw The Amazing Spiderman, the new movie.  I was skeptical, I mean really do we need a new Spiderman movie?  This one is way better than the other 3.  Granted I like super hero shows so I am probably not a good judge for those who don't like them.  I loved Avengers and this is close.  I guess with low expectations I was pleasantly surprised.  We got home early and could see that the fire was huge.  By dark it was amazing to watch.

Wednesday was the 4th of July.  We had brunch at brother Charl's with the Louwside.  It was yummy! After eating and visiting, we took the kids to the park by their house to play.  Later we went to Tim's parents for the Pewside gathering.  We were early but they live near Charl so we hung out instead of going all the way home and back again.  They watched National Treasure and finished it just as the other families were getting there.  I napped.  I had bought an e-book from Amazon that I put on my tablet and it was so fun I had been staying up late every night!  It's a fantasy book, A Posse of Princesses.  The covers (I've seen 2) for it aren't very enticing so don't judge it based on that!  Emily has since read it and loved it too!  It would be a very fun movie.  We had a yummy BBQ.  After most of us went to the BYU Men's Soccer game.  Juan (bro-in-law) had got us all tickets.  It was super fun and BYU won 3-1.  After the game we stayed and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire--it was spectacular!  We got home late of course and we could see that the fire had spread to the backside of the mountain.  It looked like lava.

In God We Trust

virtue=priceless

united we stand virtuous

virtue

LIBERTY

Thursday we woke up to rain!  It was a miracle, really--the fire went out.  It was a steady rain until 4 PM.  I spent the morning helping Izak and his friend Luke work on their Environmental Science MB--they started it at scout camp but had a few things to finish.  They had to do 3, 20 minute observations of 2 different places.  So they did it in the rain and then the sun the next few days.  But it is done, yeah!  I also helped Micah finish some WEBELOS stuff.  I worked on a the camp decorations and devotionals whenever I could.    It really was coming together.  Friday I ran to the store before my friend's sons came over.  She was taking her mom out to lunch.  Her sons were doing a midnight ride that night on Antelope Island with their grandpa so she didn't want them to be too active that day.  Once it was hot we rented a Redbox, Journey 2.  Zane had seen it at a birthday party but he liked it a lot.  They enjoyed it.  I finally finished all the banners for camp (see above from camp)  I thought they turned out pretty good.  The girls helped with some of it but I had to finish them.  That night we had a wedding reception for a guy from our ward.  It was really nice and we got to visit with a lot of neighbors there!  Saturday morning I finished the devotional stuff so I could give it to the youth leaders over it.  We made some last minute changes, one of the youth leaders wrote a Declaration of Independence and personal Constitution, all going along with our theme!  It was amazing and we wanted to integrate it into the devotionals so everything I had done in preparation had to be reworked.  It's unfortunate that some of our greatest inspiration comes the last hour!  One of the leaders came up with the genius idea of making the girld Smash books.  We put the declaration inside it and personal constitution with stuff for Golden Hour.  After getting things in order around the house we had a reception for a young man in our ward who got married.  He was one of Tim's scouts, his mom worked with me in WEBELOS, his brother and Timo have been really good friends for years, his mom taught Zane in Primary, his dad and Tim are in the bishopric together...so we all went since we love them!  It was fun and they had an ice cream sundae bar--yum!  That night I helped Izak on his talk.  Sunday Timo and I had BYC and then a camp leader meeting after that.  Izak did a great job on his talk.  He spoke on how he is preparing for a mission.  It had some funny parts.  He spoke with a young man who just returned--he was the drummer in Taran's band before the mission.  It was really good.  After church his family had  an open house we went since they live 2 houses down and are our good friends as well.  They had a meal for us so we ended up eating our dinner there and saving the food in the crockpot for Monday!  It's so great to see these young men who were already pretty amazing before come home even more refined and AWESOME!

Monday was crunch time to get packed and all the stuff for camp ready--we were meeting at the church at 7:15 AM so no time for last minute gathering.  Since our ward has the most girls we got to go up first--they staggered the times.  We had 47 girls--6 weren't able to come.  I felt bad I was in and out all day!  We still had family night, Tim talked about service from the Strength of Youth then they helped me put wire handles on our tin lanterns for camp.  I sewed our sign for the entrance of our camp.  We also watched our wedding video with the kids (the cans took about 10 minutes with everyone helping!).  They enjoyed it more than they have in the past.  It was fun for us to watch it too!  Once Emily and I were packed we took our stuff to one of the camp director's home where our ward trailer was set up to load.  Tim and I helped out with various things she needed until 10 PM and it was mostly done.  Tuesday I showered before going.  I also had Tim give me and Emily a blessing.  That was nice.  We had a short devotional and got up there at our appointed time 8:30 AM. 

The 3rd years, Emily's group

our tables

the walk way in front our our camp--we had a Don't Tread on Me Flag as well

Our sign: CH 8th Ward Virtuetown, Land of Liberty, you can't afford NOT to live here and Guardians of Virtue

the backside of our sign has the Declaration of Independence 

we all signed during one of our devotionals.

We set up camp and then we had stake orientation, some stake activities including lunch.  One of the co-camp directors and I ran back to camp after the camp photo of our ward to finish setting up the decorations.  The girls put up most of them--all the cans with battery tealights, banners and their own virtue banners they made to take home later.  FYI our theme we were given was the Revolutionary War and the value virtue.  The Stake theme was Modern Girls Vintage Values and each ward had a era and value.  The stake did the Restoration/Pioneer and faith.  So we were the first era and it went up to Future.  It was very inspired and clever!  That first night they did a faith walk and we walked through all the eras and they had quotes and the youth leaders (YCLs) dressed in their era clothing.  Then at the end of the walk they inspirational music playing while we wrote some things down--things we are grateful for, good at and things we want to change.  Wednesday we had our hikes.  I went on the 3rd year hike with Emily's group. It was all very up hill and then very downhill.

  It rained just as we got to Julie Andrews Meadow.  We were blessed to stay clear of lightning and it cleared up quickly but we were soaked!  My toes got a rug burn/type burn on the tips.  Luckily no blisters.  It was fun and we were back by noon.  We had pedicures and lunch when we got back.  We also had a craft they made to give to a stake secret sister. That night was the skit night.  We went first and we rocked.  one of our YCLs wrote the skit and it was super clever using musical songs that had words for our theme.  The stake leaders did "Kid History" of the pioneers and it was hilarious!  I think it was the best skit overall.  They wrote it and had kids tell it and they lip synced it and had some funny props.  Honestly all the skits were clever there were just 2 I couldn't hear so they may not have been as good but they all seemed really well done.

Thursday morning we had rotations with the stake, ropes course,
lunch with a cool speakers from the YW general board and the
stake YW President.  They were excellent.  Canoeing on Tibble

Fork Lake and the Zipline. We were going to make another craft but we decided to let the girls rest or write on each others Smashbooks on the front.  After dinner we had a fireside with Michael McClean.  The bishopric arrived just as we were leaving to go there--including Tim.  So it was fun to be with him.  Unfortunately I got the giggles during the flag ceremony--no sleep will do that to you!  I could not stop and you know how I snort so I fought hard but made enough commotion that everyone turned around and laughed at me (I had my head as far down as I could to keep from losing it completely).  Oh my, all I could do is whisper, "I am so sorry."  All I can say is that Michael McClean was amazing.  I thought it would be entertaining but it was AMAZING.  He really brought the spirit, it was powerful.  He was so good about telling the girls that this was the spirit sharing the love of Heavenly Father with them that their leaders had prayed that they could feel that at camp--he was so right!  I could go on and on but that is the just of it and many girls shared how his fireside was life changing to them!  After the fireside we went back to our campsite for testimony meeting (after a few of the girls, including Emily, met and/or hugged Michael McClean).  Testimony meeting was great of course and most frequent thing said was how they had come to know that Heavenly Father and their Savior love them.  This is huge, when we understand that we are children of God and he loves us we treat each other and ourselves with more love and compassion.  It was super!   The bishopric brought up ice cream for us and that was nice treat too!  We stayed up late packing things up to make it easier in the morning.  We got to bed after 2 AM!  Then up at 7 AM.  We had the stake secret sister exchange at 9 AM--vintage facebook is what they actually called it.  So every girl got a gift and somewhat met another girl they may have not known before!  Then we finished packing up and did our cleaning assignment for that day and went home! I got home around 11 AM since I was helping with the cleaning.  We had the girls help us unload the trailer and cars.  Then they went home with their stuff and we leaders organized everything and put it away in the ward shed.  By the time I got home it was 1 PM.  I made lunch, did laundry, took an Epsom salt bath and then showered then took a 2 hour nap.  I was interrupted here and there until I could actually go down at 4 PM.  Tim took care of dinner and took the kids (Izak on down) to see Madagascar 3 at the discount movie theater--they all liked it but Izak.
Saturday Micah had a lacrosse game in Spanish Fork--45 minutes away at 9 AM so he and Tim hurried out.  BTW Micah scored 2 and they won by 1.  I had chore duty and tried to finish the laundry.  We got all the camping gear put away.  Tim organized stuff, and tidied the garage a bit.  He took a load to the dump, he painted chalkboard paint on the wall in the playroom.  Hopefully he'll finish that tomorrow--he's putting up a metal piece for magnet stuff to go on and some trim.  I will post a photo next week.  It should be fun!  Emily and her friend Ashley went to see Annie some people from our ward were in it.  Izak took the little kids to a short play that some kids and their cousins were doing at the park while Tim and I had a little date to our Cedar Hills Grill!  It was yummy and the view beautiful!  Then we went and helped my mom with some stuff--actually Tim did while I visited with Teresa, and my parents.  Today was the farewell of Taran's friend Andrew and the homecoming of Derek who is the brother of his friend and roommate from BYU Scott.  It was a good meeting.  Tim was the chorister for Sacrament meeting and Primary today!  After church we went to Andrew's farewell and then to my mom's to 'celebrate' my birthday!  It was yummy and fun even though Charl couldn't be there.  We did miss them though!  So there you go!  Phew!


Oh, so I forgot to write about how my mom and neighbors watched my kids and Timo drove them to things while I was gone.  Tim also took care of them after work.  They got to go swimming, and to the Provo Beach Resort and other fun things so they didn't miss me at all!

The end of June and we are caught up!

Thanks to those who posted comments.  I am grateful to know you read it.  I know it's not very interesting, so I get it!  But I love reading family and friend blogs...  So hopefully this will be caught up for a couple of weeks.

I am starting with Father's Day, in the collage are photos of Gwen making Tim breakfast.  He has blueberry Eggos:) fresh strawberry syrup bacon and sausage and juice.  We gave Tim Mall Cop and a SpongeBob DVDs and a new tennis racquet.  His recently broke. Then we went to church and then after church we went to my mom's for a BBQ.   We gave my dad some chocolate and summer pjs--mom's idea!  After we dropped the kids off at home we went to Tim's parents' to visit with his dad for a little and him his present.  Then we headed to the airport to get my sister who had been out in Williamsburg, VA for a teaching thing (she got a grant to go so it was mostly paid for by the Larry Miller education something-or-another). 

Monday was my birthday.  45 years!  Wow!  Hopefully no more than 45 more:)  Anyway, Zane had Cubscout Day camp that day.  He met at a leader's at 6:30 AM.  I hadn't slept well and let's just keep it simple it was a good thing because he would have missed it because we weren't going to get him up until 7:30 AM!  Tim got me a Roxberry smoothie for breakfast since my mom was taking me to lunch.  Once Zane got back from day camp we went to Seven Peaks SLC which used to be Raging Waters.  Tim had worked from home but took the afternoon off.  He was a jewel.  Timo and Emily each brought a friend.  I hung out with Zane and Gwen in the wave pool and kiddie pool areas.  We did go on the lazy river too.  It was fun and we left at dinner time and we stopped at JCWs.  I wasn't sure what I wanted.  I only at half my salad from Cafe Rio when I went out with my mom.  But I wasn't super hungry still.  Zane suggested it so we went with it.  Tim and I split a bacon cheeseburger meal...perfect not too full.  Satisfied.  It is a lot of food!  Then we went back to the house for cupcakes and presents which somehow those pictures  got deleted!  Tim and kids gave some movies, a skirt and a Samsung Tablet.  It has been fun this past week or so to learn how to use it.  I have read 2 books on it, sent emails, listen to Pandora and done other fun things on it.  I can imagine it will become indispensable like other techologies!  Tim and I went and saw Snow White and the Huntsman that night.  It was weird.  I didn't hate it but it was dark and not as good as I had hoped it would be.    Owell.

Tuesday back to normal!  Zane and Gwen went to Especially for Kids and day camp thing our neighbors do each summer.  They loved it.  I went to the temple after I dropped them off.  Then that afternoon I went to the church and made decorations for Girls Camp.  It was optional for girls to come and help and we also had girls come and make up their own virtue banners.  Izak had his first Personal Fitness Merit Badge class. That night Izak had his Board of Review to be a first class.  YEAH! 

Wednesday Gwen and Zane had EFK again.  I dropped Emily and Izak off at the temple.  I picked up June and they were done so I picked them up on the way back.  We took June to the school library with us--it's only open Wednesdays 10-noon.  She was great then we walked back.  We played with her and then she napped and woke up just before Anna got here.  Then we packed up and went to my parents'.  My mom had her high school reunion and she was helping with it.  So she left that afternoon.  It was hard on dad having her gone but she needs the break.  He didn't sleep well that whole week we were there.  He did some weird stuff because of it.  Owell, that's the way it goes!  My sister had her foot operated on that Friday so I took care her when her surgery was over, at my mom's.  Timo didn't like driving to work from Orem but it was only 2 days.  Tim drove Micah back for lacrosse.  The kids liked having all the channels but they also helped in the yard while they were there. Friday was our first letter from Taran on his actual P-day.  That was fun.  He is doing well.  You can check out his blog on my blog list if you want.  My mom got back Saturday afternoon.  We sent Timo home with the kids to clean the house/Saturday chores.  Tim and I stayed to clean my mom's house and mow the lawn.  Keith and Amber (bro and SIL) stopped by with their dog Ginger.  It was nice to visit with them as well.  Once my mom knew what was going on with Teresa and her meds I went home.  We went to see Brave that evening after dinner,  It was really cute.  A great family show.  Not as cute and clever as Tangled but still very good.  The kids liked it--Timo didn't go, he doesn't like Scottish accents! 

Sunday Timo spoke in church and Izak taught his deacon's class. It was a busy day!  They survived.  Timo did well.  We made some pretty awesome lemon bars for dessert I found on Pinterest.  I taught the devotional on prayer-I am working on my Personal Progress since I am in YW it's great! 

Monday Micah and Izak started soccer camp.  They went each day 8-11 AM.  Tim or Timo dropped them off and I picked them up.  For FHE Tim had to put together Micah and Zane's rockets for Pack Meeting the next day so we watch Mall Cop on Clearplay while they did that!  (I actually was exercising on my elliptical).  Tuesday I went to the temple at 7 AM with the YW president, one of the Laurel advisors.  We met up with the Stake Camp director, stake YW leaders and our own ward camp directors.  We wanted as many YW leaders to go as possible to prepare us for camp.  We had planned that before the stake planned theirs so we joined in--it was suppose to be for YW Presidents and their Camp Directors.  I slept lousy again but went anyway!  I slept in the temple--I tried not to as much as possible.  Owell,  then we YW presidency meeting at 10 AM.  At 2 PM we did more decorations for camp!  WOW!  Huh!  We actually had a lot more girls and got a lot accomplished.  I am finishing up the rest on my own.  Tuesday night Timo had a surprise birthday party and had a meeting about the choir fundraiser selling fireworks after.  I went grocery shopping while Tim took Zane and Micah to Pack Meeting.  They shot their rockets off at the park.  Zane's was a navy white BYU rocket and Micah's was random colors he picked.  He didn't really want any help so whatever.  I was beat but I still exercised that night. 

Wednesday we had June again and we took her to the library with us.  We fed her lunch and she had a nap.  We took her to see the chicken's that we were watching while the owners were out of town.  She seemed to like them.  After she left I worked on camp stuff.  That night was a camp clinic, our last.  I almost didn't go, I was so tired.  It was good, I was able to get  a few things for camp that I would have forgotten about if I hadn't gone.  Tim had a softball game while I was at YW and they won.  Izak babysat since he had scouts on Thursday night.

Thursday I went to the bank and Costco first thing. Then I got  the kids ready to go swimming after lunch.  I got snacks and the beach 'bag' ready.  Timo took them to my sister's pool (free swim day) while I went to lunch with my nieces, sister-in-laws and mother-in-law.  We went to Firehouse subs, yummy!  It was fun then I had to drop off Tim's wallet to him. I picked up some stuff for Teresa and myself at the dollar store.   I finally made it out to the pool at 3 PM and we left at 4 PM.  Overall the kids had a lot of fun.  Teresa and mom stayed until I could come.  That night I worked on banners for Girl's Camp and then Tim and I went to get a snowcone--a place just opened next to Walmart.  I finished the second book that was on my tablet, pretty cool! It's called A Posse of Princesses.  I got off Amazon.  It had good reviews and had shown up where 'people who bought this also looked at this' .  Tim had bought me The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale a Newberry Honor book.  I read it years ago but she has a sequel coming out this fall so I wanted to read it again. A Posse of Princesses has a weird cover but the story is just delightful if you like that sort of thing,  The main character is a strong female character with great personality traits but it's not super deep but I loved it and would definitely read it again.

Friday I was super duper tired because I had stayed awake finishing the book.  I was thinking of taking the kids to a movie but decided top get  a Redbox movie instead.  They ended up having lots of fun with friends all day so they didn't watch it until we were on our way to the family party for June and July birthdays that night.  I made a cake for dessert from pinterest a chocolate cake with frosting surrounded by KitKats (28) and then topped with peanutbutter m& ms.  It was a hit! We had a fun night visiting.  That afternoon we had gotten another good letter from Taran.  It's nice to know somewhat of what is going on there!  Timo had to work at the fireworks fundraiser so he missed the family party.  Unfortunately because of the lack of rain and intense heat Utah has been experiencing lots of fires so there are bans on fireworks in certain areas.  Last year was the first year we could buy aerial fireworks and there were no bans we had had a very wet spring and people went nuts.  So this is adversely affecting the sales!   It's a bummer. 

Saturday Micah had a lacrosse game at 9 AM so I took him since I haven't seen him yet.  Tim took Taran a package with some more things he had forgotten.  We sent him a 4th of July package on Friday with various RED, WHITE & BLUE goodies and candies and some glow in the dark bracelets.  I was going to send some snaps and poppers but Tim thought we shouldn't.  We spent most of the rest of the day housework and yard work.  Emily went to a party at Orange Leaf to say good-bye to a friend who is moving. Timo and Tim played tennis.  Izak and Micah played soccer with the King family (Taran's friend Stephanie's family) and his friend Andrew drove them.  He said that he would take them until he goes on his mission (this month).  They were so excited because they have been doing this for at least a year maybe more on Saturdays. 

Today was Fast Sunday and we or I had a laundry list of things to fast for.  I bore my testimony I knew I was suppose to but I wasn't sure on WHAT.  I have been reading a lot about reading the scriptures in preparation for my lesson in YW in a month.  I have a testimony that when we read the word of God we are blessed with understanding, peace and strength/greater faith to see our problems through or solve them.  I also have felt great joy in participating in helping the Lord's work go forward.  When we share the gospel message of Jesus Christ we feel his love at a greater level in our lives.  We don't have to be a full-time missionary like Taran to do that we can feel this as we serve those around us, that is equally sharing his love which is what the gospel is all about.  We also do it when we serve in the temple.  We are helping others receive the blessings and covenants they could not receive in this life by doing their work by proxy.  I feel that same joy and love in the temple as I do this.  So these are some of my feelings I shared.  I hope they make sense!  Gwen taught our devotional tonight, cute!  Emily helped her.  So there we go! 

Happy 4th of July!  I am truly grateful to live in this country even with all it's challenges. I know God is in charge, I trust that all that has happened is all part of His great plan.  I am grateful to those who gave their lives so I can live in this country.  I pray I can live in a way that will sustain freedom in this country. 

Catching up...some...

Park City Fun!

 So the month has flown by and I thought I'd get caught up but between Taran leaving and Father's Day (and this stupid computer that keeps turning itself off--ya, gotta get THAT fixed!) I have not had a lot of time.  Ya, it's discouraging but hey it's NORMAL for me so I do what I can.  Since I honestly feel no one reads this but a couple of kind relatives I still blog for my personal history, our family history.  Proof I did do something even though my home and craft room would prove otherwise!

The Monday after school got out, the 4th of June we went up to Park City to have a mini-vacation with Taran.  As much I would have liked a more elaborate trip like Bryce Canyon or Moab...this what worked out best time and money wise.  It was actually super fun we did the alpine slide and coaster.  Then headed to the outlet boys looked at athletic gear and girls looked at clothes.  Then Tim took them all back to the hotel to swim while I got to look around and things no one else cared about!  It was very relaxing then I walked back to the hotel.  We went to dinner at...Wendy's!  Taran made up a list of things he wanted to do before he left and eating a Baconator was on it.  The kids were thrilled to eat out!  Tim and Emily chose Subway instead--wish I had because my salad at Wendy's wasn't that great.  After that we went back to the hotel and the guys watched the NBA play-offs (we don't normally get that channel so it was a treat) and the little kids, Emily and I watched Diary of a Wimpey Kid and Harry Potter 7--only part of both which were showing on random channels we don't get.  It was great to just relax as a family.
In the morning we had a great breakfast at the hotel!  It was a hot breakfast buffet.  Then Tim took them swimming and also played Ping Pong with Timo.  I ironed clothes for

Enjoying Salt Lake City

 Timo and Taran for the temple.  We went to Salt Lake and met up with my mom who did a live session with Taran and then Emily and Timo did baptisms.  Tim and I took the little kids around Temple Square, top of the church office building and Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  We had great views from those buildings.  Timo and Emily weren't long so they went back to the van to change.  They met up with us at the South Visitors Center.  Very cool model of the temple there with a cut out section to show what the rooms look like.  We had lunch at City Creek.  Then we milled around the mall but it was breezy so not super comfortable.  Taran met up with us at Blue Lemon and my mom headed to Idaho for a reunion meeting the next day.  We got Taran some food then headed to the Planetarium.  Unfortunately not many options for shows were left that we were interested in so we checked out all the free exhibit stuff and then headed home.  We ate out at a new place called Culver's a hamburger type place with frozen custard.  The kids were happy with that and we catch the end a of another NBA play off game!    Wednesday I needed to watch my dad during the day while my mom was in Idaho so we picked up June and headed out there.  Micah and Gwen came with and were a great help.  Tim took them and June home when he was going home and I stayed with my dad until my mom was close to getting back.  I had YW Camp Clinic that night so I had to be home by 6:30 PM to help set up.  I made it.  Actually they didn't really need me in the end but I was there.

Thursday Izak had his scout camp physical.  He has a slight heart murmur the doctor wants checked.   That night Tim and I visited his sister who had lost her baby.  We were very sorry to hear of her loss for her and her family.

Trafalga, last Saturday with Taran

 Friday Taran went with some friends to Salt Lake once he got packed.  They had a lot of fun.  My mom had my kids for most of the day.  I went to the temple and then ran errands.  I am not remembering a lot of what we did besides get ready for his farewell/open house that day and Saturday and get Izak and Timo packed.  Taran went out breakfast with the YSA leaders in our ward and some of his friends who are still around.  Timo had the ACT that morning.  Later we went to Trafalga in Orem to mini-golf with Taran as a family we ended up doing both courses outside and the one inside!  It was fun and we even did the motion ride!   Timo had a surprise party he went to after we got back.  Taran went to play soccer with some friends that night.

Farewell/Open House

Week Taran went into MTC: Saying good bye, setting apart...

Sunday was Taran's 'farewell'. He did great.  (You can read it on his blog) Seriously, I am in awe of my own children.  Many people commented on how well he did.  But I was glad for him he did his best.  We had a bunch of family over from both sides and we had some of his high school and college friends that are still  around.  After church lots of our friends came over then.  Someone said it was like a big party.  It was fun but not light minded.  Taran was wishing he was leaving the next morning!  Why don't they do that?  So we don't have to drag out the good-byes?

Monday Izak left for Scout Camp, there were tears when Taran said goodbye to him.  He was really emotional.  Izak ended up having a great time so it was fine in the end.  Taran ran errands that afternoon and got his haircut.  We played kick ball and a lesson by Zane, he had made at scouts about Joseph Smith.  Some of Taran's friends came over to say good bye, he went to a family's home who couldn't come to the open house and said good bye.  They gave him a very generous donation to his mission.

Tuesday Taran had his last dental check up.  After I had a YW meeting. Meanwhile Taran watched the newest Sherlock Homes which we love and Tim bought when he got milk early that morning!  Taran went to the temple with his friend Andrew later.  They jammed on their guitars for the last time for 2 years!  That night Taran had his setting apart to become missionary.  The grandparents joined us for that.  It was really nice.  After he was set apart they had him bare his testimony.  That was touching.  Even Timo was emotional about that.  We had pizza for dinner and then we went to Orange Leaf with Taran's friend Andrew (he leaves next month).

Wednesday was the BIG day!  Taran said good bye to Timo who was leaving for scout camp at 9 AM.  It was emotional but not too much.  Taran took Andrew out for  breakfast (it was his birthday).  I should have taken their picture because they looked like 2 missionaries!  He wore his suit even though Andrew isn't set apart yet.  Micah had scouts that morning.  Taran spent his last hour and half watching these videos about being a missionary that he was suppose to watch before he came to the MTC!  The kids enjoyed watching them with him as you can see in the collage!  We left later than we thought we would so Erika our niece met us at the Creamery and we had a last ice cream with Taran.  We like to console ourselves with food:)  Then we went up to a park near the MTC and below the Provo Temple.  We took the photos in the collage and said our final good byes.  We all cried but Gwen.  She was sad but not as sad as she was when we dropped him off at BYU.  Zane cried the most and even cried that night. He ran to the car and cried there for awhile, alone.  Then we drove to the MTC.  We drove up and they didn't quick whisk him away as we had heard they do--may depend on your escort.  Tim and I got out.  I hugged him one last time and then took a photo of him with his escort and that was it.  We dropped my niece  Erika off at her car and then I dropped Tim and the 3 littlest off at Seven Peaks (they changed in the car).  Emily and I went to my moms to pick up some stuff for YW that night.  Then we went to Jo Anne's for some other supplies.  By then we needed to pick them up.  That night at YW we made Virtue banners (see collage Emily's hung above her window).  We had material donated or you could bring your own if you cared about what it was.  We are hanging these all over our campsite then the girls will bring them home after camp to keep.  The girls really were into it, we weren't sure how they would like it.  Some people were surprised I was there, I was fine overall.  I did get emotional talking about my kids saying goodbye.

Thursday my Visiting Teachers took me out to Orange Leaf, to console me.  We had nice visit.  Then I had a PTA meeting after that.  I am not sure when that ended but it was mid-afternoon.  I had friends drop by with treats and notes telling me they were thinking of me!  So sweet!  I have the best friends/neighbors!  Emily played night games with friends that night.  I was hoping for a date with Tim but he went to scout camp to check out Izak and accompanied the Bishopric.  Izak was doing well.  He wasn't up to sharing his testimony because of his emotions.  I packed up most of Taran's stuff--I thought.  Still finding things!

Friday, I took Micah, Zane and Gwen to see the Lorax at the dollar movies.  It was actually better than I thought it would be.  We checked on my mom for awhile on our way back because she had had vein surgery that morning.   Tim helped me put Timo and Izak's beds back together.  I had washed their bedding and moved Izak's stuff back down to their room (Taran took over when he moved back).  I wanted it all ready when they got home from scout camp--I knew they would be tired.

Saturday, I was just leaving to take a box of stuff Taran had forgotten (his reading glasses, his consecrated oil...)  before 10 AM when they take it to the MTC for $2, when Izak walks in!  He was happy and healthy.  Yeah!  Tim took Micah to his first Lacrosse (LAX) game--he scored 5 goals?  Izak showered and then he, and Emily took Zane and Gwen to the Cedar Hills Parade. We did chores once I was home.  Tim gave us the great news that Taran had sent his first email!  YEAH!  It was fun.  He is having a great experience!  Tim took the kids to the Family Festival and I ran some errands and cleaned house.  Timo got home late afternoon.  He had a great experience at scout camp it was a mission prep camp with whitewater rafting and repelling in Wyoming.  Pretty cool!  He showered and put his stuff away then went to the Family Festival with friends.  We had a quiet dinner BBQ then ice ream and watched the fireworks.  Taran's friend Stephanie came by with Thor the movie she had borrowed.  We had a nice chat then sent the kiddos to bed.  No big gathering this year we just had the big shindig the week before this was all we could handle this year!

So I will quit here and try to get last week up-to-date soon.  I am sure no one is holding their breath about it!:)

Memorial Day and the Last Day of School Stuff...

Phew! I thought having May over with would lighten my load. Owell, I guess until Taran leaves we are still going strong!

Monday was Memorial Day. We went to the cemetery Sunday to lessen the running around on Monday. We saw our friends the Warrens whose daughter Emily is buried there. Their oldest is just older than Taran and is serving in Florida, Spanish speaking. It was fun to catch up with them even though it was at the cemetery. We also saw my mom, Gwen and Emily went with her for a little bit. I showed her where some of my dad's relatives are buried. So we spent the morning of Monday working on our yard. We tried to put up the new trampoline mat I had ordered. But I made the mistake of guessing since the product description didn't tell how many rings. I should have asked! So I had to pay to exchange it plus the difference and then to ship it back. We MIGHT get it this week! I hope the kids have sorely missed it! Let's hope it lasts more than a year too! That afternoon we had both sides (most everyone came) over for a BBQ. Tim and Nate made homemade ice cream for dessert—both made Peach! They were a little different but still both very good. It was fun. Charl took Katie to a Vocal Point concert at the SCERA which also featured the A Capella group that won the Sing Off Pentatonics and Delilah which was an all girl group in it with a couple of local girls. It sounded fun. So we had the kids Anders, Holly & Tate until it was over. Tate fell asleep. We watched Captain America which Anders did not like. I felt bad. The bad guy was too creepy for him.

Tuesday Emily was in the Jr High Talent Show. Tim went and videoed the practice before school. I was going to go but by the time she figured out when it was going to be I wasn't sure I could make it. I have had to let some important things go until this week because I have just been too busy for other stuff. I was in charge of our Personal Progress Night the next day which I knew I was busy until the afternoon so I couldn't wait to do stuff for that the next day. She said that she did her best that practice run so I am glad Tim recorded it! Timo had to be early to catch the bus to go to the graduation ceremony at UVU. He was singing in the choir, he said that they rocked the house and a lot of seniors were crying after their songs! I don't remember what he did after that...wrote in yearbooks I think. Gwen got to go to Pizza Pie Cafe for her last field trip for preschool. She made her own pizza, she thought that was pretty cool! Micah had the egg drop at school and his never broke so he won a prize. He was proud of himself, with reason! I finally got all my stuff done for Personal Progress Night that night.

Wednesday was Izak's 6^th grade Promotion. I know, they have done it forever and I still wonder about the relevance for them. It wasn't too long and I took June with me—she was perfect. Gwen went to her friend Sophie's—it was her last day of preschool so Luke's mom dropped her off there. I got some photos of Izak and some of his buddies but it was crazy busy and hard to find the kids and then they were wanting to change for the 6^th grade party afterward. He didn't care so we just got who we got! I wanted to get all the neighborhood boys together, owell. Sophie's mom took Gwen and Sophie to a free dance class and dropped Gwen off on her way home. She and Sophie played with June. It was fun. After June left I put some food in the crockpot for Tim to feed the kids while I was at P2 Night. Emily got her yearbook so it was fun to read some of the stuff kids wrote. Timo went to Trafalga with some of his friends. Later I had to run Timo to work and then I ran to Walmart for things I couldn't get the day before—balloons and milk. We had our pancake/IHOP night again. The girls really enjoy it. The Laurels came early to help me set up and cook the pancakes. This made it so we could start on time 6 PM. The President gave out the awards, ribbons the girls had earned since our last P2 night. After we got it all cleaned up I had a mini camp meeting with one of the camp directors for our ward. She wanted to bounce some ideas off me and show me some things she had found. I have been so busy I haven't really focused on my camp assignments yet. This got me thinking and helped me have a better plan for the meeting this week with out YCLs (youth camp leaders).

Thursday was Taran's last day of work and the Jr High and Elementary School last day of school. I had to run Emily to a get a ride to a friend's pool party after she got home. They all had an hour and half of school but Emily went at her normal 7:50 AM time and the little kids didn't go until 8:45 AM. I took a photo of them before they left—yes they wore those crazy hats to school. My kids are fun and confident! I hope it lasts! The School's Out Party wasn't until 11:30 AM. I made a tray of sugar cookie bars. Timo had work in the morning and then I don't remember what he did after but it wasn't going to school. I mowed the lawn before the party started. But the kids wouldn't wait for me to shower and change so I was not really presentable. I kept thinking I would run home and shower and put some sunscreen on but I didn't so I got a big sunburn on my face! Owell, the kids had a lot of fun, as usual. Taran and his work buddies went out to eat at Los Hermanos. Another co-worker is also leaving on his mission the week after Taran so it was his day too. He has thoroughly enjoyed his experience there. It has been a great blessing for him and us! Izak had a party that night. Emily came home for dinner and went back to the pool party after. Taran and his friends have been watching the Avenger Shows since their friend hasn't seen Avengers yet and wants to see the other movies first. So he has been doing that at nights.

Friday Taran took the other kids (Timo, Emily and Izak) to the Provo Temple to do baptisms. It was super busy so a long wait. Meanwhile, Gwen, Zane and Micah and I dropped Tim off at work. We also took flowers and a card to my parents—it was their anniversary 46 years. Since dad doesn't do much I hoped the flowers would help her feel celebrated. My brother Keith took them out to Macaroni Grill that night so they enjoyed it. Dad was feeling just okay enough—he was not feeling well most of the day. I helepd the little kids go through their rooms and get rid of stuff. Trying to do some summer decluttering and get ready for visitors next week for Taran's farewell. Not like it's going to stay as nice as it was Saturday night! I also ran to Orem later to get Taran some stuff at the Missionary Mall, Deseret Book and I also was looking for some nylon covered material. I had painted the outdoor swing Tim's parents gave us last year. It is red! It needs a new pad. I am planning on putting this material over the seat part then buy cushions that can be removed when the weather is nasty. I couldn't find the material ANYWHERE! I picked up Tim on the way home. After dinner we worked on the rooms some more. Timo took Gwen, Zane, Micah and Izak to an outdoor movie at a neighbor's. They had fun. Gwen got tired so Timo brought her home. He went back. Tim and I were so tired after Gwen fell asleep we went to bed. Then we woke up when the boys came home from the movie. Emily spent all day and night on her room so she went to bed.

Saturday was a service project at 7 AM helping neighbors in their yard. Izak, Taran and Timo went to that. Tim had to take Emily and a friend to a breakfast at a friends and then onto Lagoon (a local amusement park). He is the nicest dad ever! He drove her and 10 friends up there. She tried big rides and had fun. He picked her up around 8:30 PM. He just brought her and one other girl home. The rest left at closing at 11 PM. She was tired so she was not sad to leave then. Timo played tennis with his friend. Then he finished his room. His friend got his wisdom teeth out Friday so he went with some of their friends to visit him. He came home later to clean the living room. He did it in less than an hour. Then he went back to his friend's since he was super bored recovering. Tim also fixed 3 holes in the sprinkler line (it took 3 trips—poor guy!), touched up the paint on the swing and put tile on the baseboard in the bathroom. He IS superman! I was able to pack some of Taran's stuff, organize things that needed boxes and we have enough for a van full of DI stuff!

Today was fast Sunday and I think I had a long list I fasted for. Lots of people in need. It was one of the easiest times for me. Church was good but I had a hard time staying awake in Sunday School. I am in the Family History class and I love it but I didn't sleep well, bladder or something. I tried some new Pinterest treats today for dessert: chocolate chip cookie dough, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and brownie batter on top and bake! WOW! Yummy! We also tried it with Oreo in the middle, and only 2 Oreos with peanut butter between them and around them and then brownie batter over it. You put them in cupcake pans. I think I might make it as a bar thing in layers since it isn't easy to get out of the paper. Timo and Taran had meetings/YSA fireside tonight. We are waiting for Taran so we can have our devotional. Timo's was a meeting about Scout Camp. We have to get him and Izak ready this week for scout camp besides Taran going into the MTC. Our last full week together. Hopefully we'll be ready for it all! We are have a mini-vacation tomorrow. The kids are very excited! Me too. Have a great week! Enjoy the weather!