Good Books

In March I started reading the Porter Rockwell Chronicles. There are four books to the series. I think I may have mentioned them before. I finished them when Littlebuddy got his braces on the end of May. In the past month, apparently I have a lot of dentist/doctor's appointments to drive to, because that's mostly when I read.

I've just finished The Undaunted, by Gerald Lund, about the Hole in the Rock pioneers. It was fun to see their story in some detail in the Ensign this month too, but nothing like reading the book. I loved it! So inspired by it! With MyGirl getting ready for Trek in three weeks, we are talking and thinking a lot about pioneers these days.

On Friday, MyGirl got her New set of braces on. Isn't that sad that she had to be just like her mother and after already wearing them for two and a half years, get a new set? I feel her pain. Hopefully these will be off earlier than mine were! So, I had to grab a new book for the hour plus appointment. I am so glad I reached for Unlikely Heroes by Ron Carter.

I met Bro. Carter when he was the guest speaker at our Stake Youth Conference, and I was assigned to "take care of him, whatever he needs." It was a lovely opportunity to pick up he and his wife every day at their hotel, introduce them before they were to speak, and spend time with them as we toured Washington D.C. with the youth, make sure they were comfortable, etc. He shared some great stories how ordinary people influenced the Revolutionary War. On the bus rides back and forth he had many stories to share with me and those sitting close enough to hear. I was a totally captive audience. I encouraged him to compile them in a book, and he did. Since that time, sadly he has passed away.

I HIGHLY recommend this book. It is a goldmine of inspiration and appreciation not just because of the acts of courageous human beings but, very clearly to me, is more evidence of the handiwork of a loving Heavenly Father who watches even the smallest details. When needed he takes care of what no one else can, like having the clouds cover a full moon, or sending a person in your path that you already know and trust, when you are acting as a spy trying to get confidential information to General Washington. . . seriously cool things. And, my love for George Washington continues to grow. Someday I hope to be able to thank him, inadequate as it may be. I am on page 140 and eagerly looking forward to a Tues. morning Dr. appt. to finish it.

Tomorrow our little town is having a parade and maybe fireworks. I'm excited! My first time living in a place with a hometown parade. The bishop even announced it from the pulpit, for all of us new families to know about, but we had already found out about at the hair salon. Little towns are great! The community is also holding a street fair afterwards until 3 pm. Then everyone is encouraged to go home and grill, because the fireworks start over the lake at 9:30. I can't wait!

Happy Independence Day weekend! Thank you to all those who serve our country willingly and unselfishly! You are a blessing to us all.

And, no mission call yet - 19 days and waiting. We stalked the mailman yesterday. . . "he's at the mailbox across the street, he just turned up the cul-de-sac," it was so sad when it wasn't there. Hoping for Tuesday. That will be 21 days from when we first turned it in, and a week since it was sent. We're only across the Rocky Mountains. Maybe the mailman took the scenic route??? Paddling upstream over the gorge?? Wanted to hike a fourteener with his mail pouch on his back?? We've verified the address is correct, zip, everything. Another test of patience. . . . Time to go find my book!

Happy Birthday Cowgirl!

Happy Birthday Cowgirl!

This girl has ALWAYS been able to do whatever it is she sets her mind to.

Currently she is an assistant store-manager, full-time student (making great grades), holds a church calling, has friends who love her, and is a dear daughter and sister. She made time to see us both in May AND June. Somehow she keeps it all together, and well, we just consider her pretty amazing!

She was born on the same day as her great-grandfather. He was a ranch foreman, so the fact she thinks of herself as a cowgirl should come as no surprise. She loves living out West. Its where she belongs. Part of why we came out here is to be closer to her, and we are. I don't know when we are going to see her next, but we need to get that planned soon. We miss her every day. She is a lot like her grandma Jacobs, always ready and up for something fun to do, very creative, and is a lot of fun. She always is on time, abhors being late, and is a natural leader. She's also very smart, and school comes easy. There's lots to admire about her. Not to mention that she's just beautiful.

Its a good thing when your children leave you and you see their lives become successful. She still has more goals yet to be realized, but we all know life comes at us one day at a time, and since its the girl who puts her mind to things and makes them happen, we know they will!

Bargain Favorites

Yesterday was one of our warmest days so far.
It was also BigBuddy's day off, and we don't have A/C in our new home yet, so . . .
our plan was to stay cool - all day.

After getting chores done, we headed to the dollar theater at noon. I knew we could count on A/C there.

On the way home we would be having a late lunch at Sonic.

They don't have those in MD, or at least if they did, I wasn't aware.

I strategically planned so we would be there between 2 and 4 when my favorite drinks are half off. Those would be the Lemonberry Real Fruit Slush and the Limeades. I like Cranberry, Strawberry, and Cherry.

Then, stopping at the dollar store, we found all kinds of great gadgets for squirting water for less than $5. The favorite was the crayon, a long cylinder you can fill and then shoot. My kids were having so much fun, the neighbors came over and joined in. Then their mom came to see what was so much fun and now she's heading to the dollar store. Good things should be shared, and bargains for summer fun are always good.

Mutual was in the evening. 45 minutes before we were to leave LittleBuddy got a phone call that he was supposed to be bringing dessert to go with the steaks they hadn't gotten a chance to cook due to the cougar. I was not about to turn on the oven, but when I opened up the pantry I saw all the makings for s'mores. I've been doing some couponing lately, and had bought two each of graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows, getting a $1 off of each. So, I laid down the graham crackers in a glass pan, put broken chocolate and marshmallows over the top and microwaved it for only 30 seconds. The marshmallows were big and puffy and the chocolate was starting to melt so figured that was sufficient. Then I put more grahams on top, and voila - s'mores. Littlebuddy told me afterwards everyone loved it. And, I still have plenty of everything left for our Saturday Night S'mores, which I must say is a great tradition. Something about sitting around a fire, with no where to go, brings out the chat in everyone.

And, no matter how hot it gets in the day, its always cooler at night. We had a thunderstorm roll in around 6:30 last night which dropped the temperature 20 degrees and only lasted ten minutes. Best bargain air conditioning ever!

Bonding

A couple of weeks ago BigBuddy and his dad decided to take the motorbikes on their first Colorado adventure.
I took these pictures of them before they left, everything in the trailer, and ready for a fun day.
They called me a few hours later with glowing reports . . . .this is less than an hour from home,

the trail is pretty easy, great views, not crowded at all, we're having so much fun, we've gotta come again, etc., etc.
I was happy for them. Our dad always has a long list of things to do. He works hard for all of us. Last week it included changing oil, checking gauges, etc. and he promised when he moved us here - more fun!
When they got home, around dinnertime, imagine my surprise when I see my husband. His pants are totally ripped up at both knees and he has a blood streak on the side of his face. No time for pictures, I'm grabbing the neosporin, bandaids, a wet washcloth, etc. When I ask him what happened, he said he told our son he was going to check out a road "over there" and be right back. Suddenly the road became the side of the mountain, and he was going uphill pretty steeply, and fell. Twenty minutes later when he hadn't returned, BigBuddy went searching and found him. He was upright, his bike was okay, but everything wasn't working right, and so they came home. The next night, as he's laying in bed, he (MyMike) tells me, "I should never have gone by myself. I never would have attempted that with our son. I always get myself in trouble when I think I am 18 again. I going to be more responsible from now on. No more overly grand adventures." I nod and tell him how sorry I am he can hardly walk, the scabs on his knees are so thick it hurts him just to sit at the table, and forget kneeling for prayer. I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Pain is usually a pretty good teacher.

So the very next week, we're up at the reunion and BigBuddy talked with one of the park workers who told him about some great hikes in the area. He decides "Eagle Claw" sounds like a great one, and its only supposed to be 3-4 hours round trip which will leave plenty of time for other reunion activities. He tells all his cousins about it, but they don't seem interested. However, his dad thinks that sounds great, so they head out after lunch.

Look at how steep this is! It was practically straight uphill.
Yes, the views were stunning!
Yes, at this altitude you are breathing hard.
Well, they made it to the top. I'm wondering if someone died at the top - hence the cross.

Bigbuddy tells me his dad's legs were shaking by the time there. The rest of the reunion, my dear husband wasn't feeling too well.
I asked him, when he got back. . . what about not pushing yourself like an 18 year old? I had to go with my son, he tells me. I couldn't let him do this hard thing alone.

BigBuddy loves and appreciates him for doing it. He knows it was hard on his dad. After taking me on the rattlesnake hike, which I refer to it now, he knows he needs a buddy to share in the challenges he's ready and eager for. He's excited his buddy from MD comes in a month. He's taken the days off work he needs so they can have some great adventures. Mostly, though, he's ready for his mission. We check the mailbox every day -ANTICIPATION!

Something about challenges, doing hard things, and pushing yourself with other people bonds you together. I think he'll have that opportunity over and over again on his mission, and I've realized that that is exactly what this 18 year old boy needs. His dad and I are about used up and its time for others his own age to fill in the gap and eventually an eternal companion who will age with him. Oh, the wisdom of the Lord. I increasingly am in awe at how every detail is correct and his great love for each of us, to provide what we need right when we need it. Life is good. Heavenly Father is great! We are Blessed!

A Scary Critter Week

You may have seen my post on Facebook, but as it was the talk of church today, its fresh on my mind again.

LittleBuddy - bad lighting, but cute boy, almost as tall as me,spent the week at Scout Camp. On Tuesday MyMike came home from spending the first two days with the boys and said he didn't know why but he had a bad feeling about leaving our youngest son. That brought tears to my eyes just thinking about it, then MyGirl saw me, and said, Oh, mom, do you miss your boy? Yea, that's it, as I'm trying not to think the worst. Mike mentioned that for the next two days they'd be working on their rifle and shooting merit badges, so I started praying earnestly. All right, at one point, I asked MyMike if he thought we should go pick him up, but he gave me the look. We're not molly-coddling him. . . okay, but you brought it up my look responded.

Well, Friday night I'm feeling pretty good. The life-threatening merit badges are over, he'll be home the next day. I'm just getting ready to go make dinner when I get a phone call from his Scoutmaster. Instantly, my heart goes THUMP! First words out of his mouth are, "Hi, I hope you don't mind, I'm bringing your boy home early." "Is everything okay?" I say feeling sick inside. "Well, we spotted a mountain lion around the camp, and thought it'd just be safer to bring everyone home." VERY relieved, I say, "Great, good call, I'll see you in 90 minutes. Oh and thank you for keeping him safe all week."

Apparently, on Thursday two of the leaders and one of the boys spotted it, and felt slightly panicked. The leaders estimated it to be about 250 lbs., the largest they had ever seen, and they are both experienced in the wilderness. They talked with the forest service who advised that all the boys sleep in cars that night, but there weren't enough, so one dad slept with his two boys in their tent, and the Scoutmaster sat up all night around the campfire with his shotgun and bullhorn. Poor guy.

That day they're out at the lake, and come back to the tent area and find that one of their fish they had caught is gone, the Scouts find a leg of a deer in camp (only the leg) and there are big paw prints, over 9 inches across, around the tents, so that's when the leaders said enough. No wonder MyMike felt uneasy. It had probably been watching them for a couple of days before it got bold enough to get that close. A bunch of little Scouts running around looking like antelope, I'm sure. But, myLittleBuddy wasn't too worried. He said other boys were more worried, so he just helped calm them down. He had a great time and would go back again but I'm grateful we don't have to deal with that worry for another year.

On Wed. my middle two were feeling adventuresome so we went about 20 min. north to a unique state park. In the middle of the prairie, suddenly you have this.
Rocks and boulders that have become a canyon, with water running through the bottom.

I was happy to take them, until on the way there, BigBuddy informs me that our guide book says the hikes aren't too difficult, but watch out for rattlesnakes. I'm not too worried. That's one person's opinion, but I casually ask the gal who gives us our day pass at this state park, if they've seen any lately. Her response, "Yeah, a bunch down by the damn, and a few around, but just stay on the trails and you should be fine."
Not comforting, and frankly, I was on the lookout all along our hike, but we saw the area and it was interesting. However, my kids didn't think it was very fun that I didn't want to hike all the way to the damn. . . . PLEEEEEEASE! Besides, it was hot, and in spite of my hat, glasses, and long-sleeve, SPF 50 shirt, I was just feeling baked. Came home and had a nap and felt much better about everything.
Friday morning, a much more fun adventure, meeting Maryland friends at one of our favorite spots. All the teenagers were so happy to be reunited, and we spent all morning chatting and walking around.
The father was serving as bishop when I was Relief Society President so we have a good working relationship, and the wife and I have served together in YW as counselors, then I was her visiting teacher for several years. She was also LittleBuddy's Cubmaster for his last two years in Cubs, and Cowgirl and I both taught her children piano and I taught their two oldest in Sunday School for a year. Bigbuddy and their oldest daughter have been great friends all through their teenage years, and LittleBuddy and their middle boy were also good friends, so seeing them here, in our little spot on the map, was so fun! . . . Until the Ranger came to warn us that the local rattlesnakes were "having fun playing with people," (his exact words) so stay on the paths. Welcome to the Wild West - where the creatures are scary but the weather is beautiful!
Hoping for a non-creature week this week! The only thing I want to see is cattle out the back window. And maybe a deer or a little fox. Or a hawk . . . things lower on the food chain, you know what I mean?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I called her up. She had fun taking my nephew to the MTC, going out to lunch with Cowgirl and my brother's family and touring the new BYU broadcasting studios/stations. Yesterday. . . off adventuring with my oldest two, getting ready for YW last night, calling her, making homemade pizza, but never quite made it to the laptop.

I don't really love this photo of me. I showed it to my mom in the camera and she said its because we're getting old. First thing my middle brother said to me at the reunion after giving me a hug - "Like your hair," translating to "I see you're going pretty gray." I smiled, and told him it was "All natural beauty." Oh, I'm going to look forward to looking young again in heaven!

Even, then, however, when I stand next to my young-looking mother, she is going to be the one everyone wants to flock towards. It was so cute to see all the grandchildren call out her name more than once, wanting to make something or play a game, or sit by her. We are going to have a GOOD TIME being neighbors! I only hope I can remember to keep getting my laundry done and the bathrooms cleaned once a week. Somehow she always manages to get those things done as if they're no biggie, because she's ready for the next activity - Always! I'm still scheduling my life, trying to make it all fit, and hoping when I get behind on bathrooms and laundry that things won't turn ugly on me too quickly. My mother makes being a homemaker easy, and its not that way for me, so I admire her greatly. I should have paid more attention when I lived with her, but I was always trying to get everything done as quickly as possible so I could go out for my own next adventure . . . and I wonder where BigBuddy gets his attitudes from . . . mmmmmm.

She's a wonderful mother and grandmother and I am thrilled to spend more time with her in the future! Happy Belated Birthday, Mom. I think today is the first day we haven't talked in a week.

Little Buddy is at Scout camp this week. I am missing him SO MUCH! His dad was with him for the first two days and I missed him SO MUCH TOO! I am missing all those cute nephews of mine too. . . withdrawals from the reunion. . . not fun. Hopefully when Little Buddy gets back I'll start getting over it.

Recent Cards

Since I knew I was going to be seeing so many family members I made several cards last week. Some for Father's Day. Some for birthdays. Some just because I hadn't given them a card in a while and I wanted to. Most of them are pretty simple, but that's the way I'm rolling these days.





The best thing about making a homemade card is that while I am making it I am thinking about the person I am going to give it to and my love for them increases. However, I know many of these cards get thrown out after reading them, and I'm okay with that. I don't give them to be treasures. I give them because I love the person and this is how I show it. Occasionally I make cards to have on hand, but its not near as enjoyable for me. Creativity from the heart, that's where the joy lies.