tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28654847683333842802024-03-05T23:30:38.070-06:00the fiddler's wifeFour sons, one daughter. In that order. Married to a very nice violinist. :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-4448370000424692402023-10-03T14:21:00.001-05:002023-10-03T14:21:29.441-05:00September in Snowflake<p>Trying something new for the update-type posts! I love how <a href="http://www.sunlitpages.com/2023/07/a-little-of-this-and-that-in-june.html" target="_blank">my bloggy friend Amy</a> does "A Little of This and That in ____ " posts for each month, and thought I'd try something similar. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihx50lj2QfN5vpuIXGLTGjh5Wqu2eY87ehrf9VlScs-7_QdqrtQHo-CPg4f3Y69RTh9tNKjsi5PY_eTXz51fvst2EFJAOCJC7fGU8PAhwAnptoxcYjC9qJsNl4apiINdWrdQ__kLcqurXGS8VcUX52LERcYHH-4eKZXuZuydr_4RFMa22DyMTybAIjwq0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihx50lj2QfN5vpuIXGLTGjh5Wqu2eY87ehrf9VlScs-7_QdqrtQHo-CPg4f3Y69RTh9tNKjsi5PY_eTXz51fvst2EFJAOCJC7fGU8PAhwAnptoxcYjC9qJsNl4apiINdWrdQ__kLcqurXGS8VcUX52LERcYHH-4eKZXuZuydr_4RFMa22DyMTybAIjwq0=w556-h417" width="556" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkIeo207cM9UxsB-ZZkqFF62syX3AIF1gXX8JeBNMOT9qt6yXev-bSOmbPuJD0SCcYgUbZMCUPsPLyUd0wEXcUJ5bd2zffbk94qoU6YhqANqX1OUmzZow6z_RkD5ScmtU1slOpn_bfoX3pvRRcmturfRvWJqABV399ip9HPlepfskbAJTNeaFq0UsQoZY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkIeo207cM9UxsB-ZZkqFF62syX3AIF1gXX8JeBNMOT9qt6yXev-bSOmbPuJD0SCcYgUbZMCUPsPLyUd0wEXcUJ5bd2zffbk94qoU6YhqANqX1OUmzZow6z_RkD5ScmtU1slOpn_bfoX3pvRRcmturfRvWJqABV399ip9HPlepfskbAJTNeaFq0UsQoZY=w565-h424" width="565" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />This September was weirdly wet in the first half and then windy. The month found us. . .<p></p><p><i>Visiting. . .</i> our Russell in Utah! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPrWSGOHxHaV-Qqd3UNob1rabbkzyUJ_dJxIhKVAjkMGym3QZ24zrBmyUMrg_pmM2NcJvz1xoHi5QJvL7TGcdaouApJqyIudCzqwcTX2kEm18WIXEzBGMjW6stIKKlWfppNjN1u_LAtX4fNWcxWw89sgo8Be6n2kC5WttSvsNSBsEJSnLzLg91pUeI_7c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPrWSGOHxHaV-Qqd3UNob1rabbkzyUJ_dJxIhKVAjkMGym3QZ24zrBmyUMrg_pmM2NcJvz1xoHi5QJvL7TGcdaouApJqyIudCzqwcTX2kEm18WIXEzBGMjW6stIKKlWfppNjN1u_LAtX4fNWcxWw89sgo8Be6n2kC5WttSvsNSBsEJSnLzLg91pUeI_7c=w498-h373" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpn30-V6Nxli6cuGXIil5aqMle2urJrSCLxS_-wVRr-myJer75autheUvdFfsLwyRfLhRleKNa22Wns2Vg0KZQeTljuhQRq7FeHReHos3wamG9DAByUtkArNLHbbvIXB-zwRvGsiZv48KEBFpjIcxqNNlY6wIifutoEIF0H8Zl64qlKyIEZYIuO_JxOs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpn30-V6Nxli6cuGXIil5aqMle2urJrSCLxS_-wVRr-myJer75autheUvdFfsLwyRfLhRleKNa22Wns2Vg0KZQeTljuhQRq7FeHReHos3wamG9DAByUtkArNLHbbvIXB-zwRvGsiZv48KEBFpjIcxqNNlY6wIifutoEIF0H8Zl64qlKyIEZYIuO_JxOs=w486-h365" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p>It was such a beautiful drive. Parts of the rez were gorgeously green and lovely from the monsoon. I enjoyed reading <i>Harry Potter</i> (book 1) to Rosehips and DC on the way -- that book just seems to belong in the autumn, don't you think? -- also it was super fun to read the Hogwarts Express chapter on the day it was happening, September 1. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Qya_KCM_pR1aFnac68jY1-eSY3ixyjBDRokooS3ZuJKZ3xJUAYTa3O42C5nZTIHKrSymDMCyWMmOa9mR1uexU1jF31iIwiqbeoyKcGEBOsAmqFrEVSNZ4HjnhJzs7lK68M7PC8imSkgsF3Ufv14d-0SSVowNxCxg99b_uhf2QaTD3uX5Y40cDShPp7Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Qya_KCM_pR1aFnac68jY1-eSY3ixyjBDRokooS3ZuJKZ3xJUAYTa3O42C5nZTIHKrSymDMCyWMmOa9mR1uexU1jF31iIwiqbeoyKcGEBOsAmqFrEVSNZ4HjnhJzs7lK68M7PC8imSkgsF3Ufv14d-0SSVowNxCxg99b_uhf2QaTD3uX5Y40cDShPp7Q=w507-h380" width="507" /></a></div><br /><p>Big hug and dinner at Russell's apartment, then we went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple for baptisms. Beautiful evening in a beautiful place!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicNy1WJ72eQDmD8bdAhXrJw23HC_RJMLHZDTCnVykexmo274Kh6U60MXd_duMc2ahVORyvIO2WZE9v83WLBd3X59DBo4LYZ9ONT7dW7-4XoWJ4Wo0N3fbH5Ii0HCpeXz8LH3NQepXBBaqN955u_t_Ub3jKt2uEHX8pl0hjflu8WFQ8Nwl94o5TRhXMiYM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicNy1WJ72eQDmD8bdAhXrJw23HC_RJMLHZDTCnVykexmo274Kh6U60MXd_duMc2ahVORyvIO2WZE9v83WLBd3X59DBo4LYZ9ONT7dW7-4XoWJ4Wo0N3fbH5Ii0HCpeXz8LH3NQepXBBaqN955u_t_Ub3jKt2uEHX8pl0hjflu8WFQ8Nwl94o5TRhXMiYM=w512-h384" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn-nMUzxqNkCYL4vZ3fdF3d2lm_oftZKGmZegKShPIjd5T57eS-wt3uSEWSk6cDU-f9_2FZE6w35vem527dpLb0WkAye3L0o1B6YwCapQdR0Zb84kUslcuPWAY-mMg3lhtvq3_Y_damJceS5XAEHyZfYaRJYJSqgEbKWzRJsLlhoYQLZDt1sNoveYKoC0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn-nMUzxqNkCYL4vZ3fdF3d2lm_oftZKGmZegKShPIjd5T57eS-wt3uSEWSk6cDU-f9_2FZE6w35vem527dpLb0WkAye3L0o1B6YwCapQdR0Zb84kUslcuPWAY-mMg3lhtvq3_Y_damJceS5XAEHyZfYaRJYJSqgEbKWzRJsLlhoYQLZDt1sNoveYKoC0=w373-h496" width="373" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were there for my nephew's baptism in Springville, which was so so cool. I love that boy and I love his family. It was really special to be there with them as he began his own journey of discipleship.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu-_0LYDzhU77LcLvgFcykhD-jOBo41TeyqSvXYiCPGc3cPo4Zw429DgDm3sthCVBJcTIZB7ZRgAoDM8_Nme7C8ibD-0CMXwRAtrBh76nwT9VnpzOtiUsFSKGA7GpWA5ooiarAGigbeklBEarqc_f7LT6XTNJst9zwevD4pmbCgTXC_p_DIrhGGGXHugY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu-_0LYDzhU77LcLvgFcykhD-jOBo41TeyqSvXYiCPGc3cPo4Zw429DgDm3sthCVBJcTIZB7ZRgAoDM8_Nme7C8ibD-0CMXwRAtrBh76nwT9VnpzOtiUsFSKGA7GpWA5ooiarAGigbeklBEarqc_f7LT6XTNJst9zwevD4pmbCgTXC_p_DIrhGGGXHugY=w521-h391" width="521" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We had a delightful day with Russell on campus. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd_8cwOo1HBHsoY37fKp4MfO17fDEepcP8GVqoulbs9mnRouq_iHq9vHkoUO4ybNQ3e70TzWIvkn6MZbHNyYoxz443o18ao0nWZntiwSrqc_kDt6a8YSnzA2TXKGQ7bOFAZ66-Rwg21FpYL_2YGpNANgcfjNU1pIZWteKVomuiX7Peqw4_OJX1381t5O8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd_8cwOo1HBHsoY37fKp4MfO17fDEepcP8GVqoulbs9mnRouq_iHq9vHkoUO4ybNQ3e70TzWIvkn6MZbHNyYoxz443o18ao0nWZntiwSrqc_kDt6a8YSnzA2TXKGQ7bOFAZ66-Rwg21FpYL_2YGpNANgcfjNU1pIZWteKVomuiX7Peqw4_OJX1381t5O8=w526-h395" width="526" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw506xGs3VfkiqN8HTo_JrOHHbwv_a_zP7rezlT4dkQM-Uzr7Re3OnlN26bUsE_yHAyosfkTcC55ZFEwMwGZnK3FGCPekIDNzxcW7qkNvjFJ6M7WluBeEV-F3ER2hFwd4wnn3Pp_7Gepg1hC2A0d_GAQJcfG2V3slHMi8ITEOEaZmGfHGC8uZFVoyqwl4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw506xGs3VfkiqN8HTo_JrOHHbwv_a_zP7rezlT4dkQM-Uzr7Re3OnlN26bUsE_yHAyosfkTcC55ZFEwMwGZnK3FGCPekIDNzxcW7qkNvjFJ6M7WluBeEV-F3ER2hFwd4wnn3Pp_7Gepg1hC2A0d_GAQJcfG2V3slHMi8ITEOEaZmGfHGC8uZFVoyqwl4=w391-h521" width="391" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGV5BmNPvpqNZMxMtjY5iVD1lSD3293fbknZNwGSB9-WyHf04HlEV_fNNTLKFAUfYEhPTIO7bjSlSNM9TC1MPpvGd4Hxd-q8eQJ9cwKyKUlAjGZXTl-Kxpp4G9OpqGBIdfeHVVHAau7AbKiBxQ9sCMBW0nwL3vhcM1vzUEORYQs_K511h8u78NLKovWRg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGV5BmNPvpqNZMxMtjY5iVD1lSD3293fbknZNwGSB9-WyHf04HlEV_fNNTLKFAUfYEhPTIO7bjSlSNM9TC1MPpvGd4Hxd-q8eQJ9cwKyKUlAjGZXTl-Kxpp4G9OpqGBIdfeHVVHAau7AbKiBxQ9sCMBW0nwL3vhcM1vzUEORYQs_K511h8u78NLKovWRg=w424-h565" width="424" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkfnPSMvELU1jpohbTYDQQSMMoNiPULTX2t58mNd9xYbWpYNL8oahMrE0uqGVlOdgwqvubujWnXIP_qo6rQ4VhRl5MJ8q78acINN2ZWKU80Qu8IRmNGXV_vD5P4uGonSaSIzk8RjdRihvEkL5giDYtu1nMeuL1olsSaVUhQIiPxQiBvT7NIclLo2sp3VA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkfnPSMvELU1jpohbTYDQQSMMoNiPULTX2t58mNd9xYbWpYNL8oahMrE0uqGVlOdgwqvubujWnXIP_qo6rQ4VhRl5MJ8q78acINN2ZWKU80Qu8IRmNGXV_vD5P4uGonSaSIzk8RjdRihvEkL5giDYtu1nMeuL1olsSaVUhQIiPxQiBvT7NIclLo2sp3VA=w497-h373" width="497" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drooling over these practice rooms in the new Music Building!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />He bought us tickets to a women's volleyball game -- such a blast! We got to see Cosmo right in front of us! And he was way classier than some of the fans we were sitting by. 😬<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhurQ9__gZaJfcPMW77eMFGHlSV6qp3R24_zMpvtMi3nVA7PnFVLl93Zq_lE_4qsreaQou45Vl1kwWJpIj13ZAWZe_RBOHEpO_3dWdSDH-0udQ03e6ogsikvZIWSsxdF1d9W-_wlCJj5e8V1U5Kow6SyFNpVENc0FEFpK5rfyhLtqHKezJBoM3L1UxrIE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1992" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhurQ9__gZaJfcPMW77eMFGHlSV6qp3R24_zMpvtMi3nVA7PnFVLl93Zq_lE_4qsreaQou45Vl1kwWJpIj13ZAWZe_RBOHEpO_3dWdSDH-0udQ03e6ogsikvZIWSsxdF1d9W-_wlCJj5e8V1U5Kow6SyFNpVENc0FEFpK5rfyhLtqHKezJBoM3L1UxrIE=w590-h334" width="590" /></a></div><br />Dinner at Cafe Rio and then ice cream back at R's apartment. His roommates are so nice! <p></p><p>On Sunday we went to his ward choir practice, where he's the conductor and I got to play the piano. And then to church in the MARB with his fire student ward, loved it so much! 🔥🔥🔥</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHeEakko2D5ouHO6yVzi1geScgJ1YBsNzdtzR7P5Q8LpNikhCw4DPOy7oAURrMPeUN88VvvUNQx9q7fs2guUPnYJgxT_1EvHRVEBRzn-muXxaWgYASwKIWc2Wkto4PwCNFKWkZV0c7nJr0H28pSPje_s0Yaz2JUe1LzpMrBLAFmE3uOVNYSoeitAyCpto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHeEakko2D5ouHO6yVzi1geScgJ1YBsNzdtzR7P5Q8LpNikhCw4DPOy7oAURrMPeUN88VvvUNQx9q7fs2guUPnYJgxT_1EvHRVEBRzn-muXxaWgYASwKIWc2Wkto4PwCNFKWkZV0c7nJr0H28pSPje_s0Yaz2JUe1LzpMrBLAFmE3uOVNYSoeitAyCpto=w334-h445" width="334" /></a></div><br />A heavenly evening with my brother's family who had just welcomed a perfectly beautiful little baby girl 5 days earlier. I held her for a long, long time and just stared into that soft, wise face. Babies are amazing! And I love being an aunt so much! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPEG2-4ipt2w9nlnMfXc9FJ1QQYxI1cXgbz-fzvZEjcPxLouGaGimMaxXQadREyCh64Cq-xPQczjMg8692RstHS-PojTgw4HPK9fQYjpQQ1xReBm3GKHbV-yS8JO57e1dkjkRUol2v4BTU4U4hcBON3oTMyCLVTUefzGbTo9pFICgr-OhzEYka5kySuT0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPEG2-4ipt2w9nlnMfXc9FJ1QQYxI1cXgbz-fzvZEjcPxLouGaGimMaxXQadREyCh64Cq-xPQczjMg8692RstHS-PojTgw4HPK9fQYjpQQ1xReBm3GKHbV-yS8JO57e1dkjkRUol2v4BTU4U4hcBON3oTMyCLVTUefzGbTo9pFICgr-OhzEYka5kySuT0=w281-h374" width="281" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgWGdU4_Nc-UJWlfXi2EExGC2WFlbcqQUzkg-R_jYeDaJTHnSWGYVncle7qhTF4REp7XrxltsTHrxFNPItO4eqPFS3ADh1ILidOSqP3jJl75qi-Uec3-6NYPKtP4SbLeZFmSPX4bLPNQW5i84hWeJ8BH1M0NS5Ezo_qgrai91_tuKr94dktbA0yqmDMdw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgWGdU4_Nc-UJWlfXi2EExGC2WFlbcqQUzkg-R_jYeDaJTHnSWGYVncle7qhTF4REp7XrxltsTHrxFNPItO4eqPFS3ADh1ILidOSqP3jJl75qi-Uec3-6NYPKtP4SbLeZFmSPX4bLPNQW5i84hWeJ8BH1M0NS5Ezo_qgrai91_tuKr94dktbA0yqmDMdw=w354-h472" width="354" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf1VelniS5G8kRAZ5rQPjob2HTzf1ua1hh6eW0vpeGgk-W81VLobfc3948JdOZTfNzC9VktEiAXE3MPNQCZHDOpgd69ld8_2uxl09DsQbWBrHzP9GLRQT75euKbODyhH7Uwf6121pYK1k7ZSmPHyzKNeiDxoLnz9gjSBsE1UyEG3jARThyArv8pHQygqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf1VelniS5G8kRAZ5rQPjob2HTzf1ua1hh6eW0vpeGgk-W81VLobfc3948JdOZTfNzC9VktEiAXE3MPNQCZHDOpgd69ld8_2uxl09DsQbWBrHzP9GLRQT75euKbODyhH7Uwf6121pYK1k7ZSmPHyzKNeiDxoLnz9gjSBsE1UyEG3jARThyArv8pHQygqw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdo8EDZnph469scasOI_WLRV8Zic5qKPIfgzQ10gIJC7w2_drnQJSaoPLmft_hcAc7iyUN6_ENhnd1DWDUYjhhbBU9Fhj7R9VDrrSdrKFbb4y14uaY7GfGAoCa75GIZYtJ2Gs_AnMcJ3XO3WWVC-BNRVqwnKFor0g9xptF9qYiPfoPAe0U8mjvjrxlzaY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdo8EDZnph469scasOI_WLRV8Zic5qKPIfgzQ10gIJC7w2_drnQJSaoPLmft_hcAc7iyUN6_ENhnd1DWDUYjhhbBU9Fhj7R9VDrrSdrKFbb4y14uaY7GfGAoCa75GIZYtJ2Gs_AnMcJ3XO3WWVC-BNRVqwnKFor0g9xptF9qYiPfoPAe0U8mjvjrxlzaY" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-s_W2nzTVerxKKiRvoQMde72SpICBroFcg5mPbA4hM-koz_JgmKMIgxXPATxKGMUZCn9bGyRt3I_79skv00kcEz1U47q2gpR7wVMD0g4Eu7W1fsAOd2KA0IWmrOO3g4gBx6Tw7NLQUdxR8JNF1ho1CUf6KxlrhZrKqE17_snrJKPD50cEtPwv0koydS4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-s_W2nzTVerxKKiRvoQMde72SpICBroFcg5mPbA4hM-koz_JgmKMIgxXPATxKGMUZCn9bGyRt3I_79skv00kcEz1U47q2gpR7wVMD0g4Eu7W1fsAOd2KA0IWmrOO3g4gBx6Tw7NLQUdxR8JNF1ho1CUf6KxlrhZrKqE17_snrJKPD50cEtPwv0koydS4" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Studying. . .</i>with Exacto. We've been working on learning some Japanese with Memrise. And Spanish by myself. And a challenging free class on Coursera from Yale : <i>Moral Foundations of Politics.</i> I took my first real quiz since college and was surprisingly nervous -- but I got 100%! :) We also have "Memorizing Parties" where I'm working on memorizing scriptures, poems, and quotes. Also scripture verses in Spanish.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPl37d6-dPT6Q1zkUrvsYg4ARy1ZvR61kPKkJ1yp4hkoVHeDnv6zqZqAHUG3DggD_j4JxB2mopufHathCp1emBGcieV-998Fi5OuGPozg41auJroqk3F5IcDcQb5pqTtehrH7uugWYra8laACgxdeyOA3Qj1FqBfKbo2JgVUOxrOBGossLjV3SnL5E2Yo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPl37d6-dPT6Q1zkUrvsYg4ARy1ZvR61kPKkJ1yp4hkoVHeDnv6zqZqAHUG3DggD_j4JxB2mopufHathCp1emBGcieV-998Fi5OuGPozg41auJroqk3F5IcDcQb5pqTtehrH7uugWYra8laACgxdeyOA3Qj1FqBfKbo2JgVUOxrOBGossLjV3SnL5E2Yo=w467-h350" width="467" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I watched church over zoom from here</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><i>Convalescing</i>. . . from a nasty virus that lasted over a week. Being that sick for that long, I learned two things: 1) I need to have a personal boundary of stepping away to be alone, probably daily, to write in my journal, pray, meditate. Like Jesus did! 2) I need to remember the helplessness of being sick, the reality of it, the depression that came with it. Sometimes you really can get very sick multiple times in a row, and feel awful for a long time -- it's not laziness or antisocialness. I think I had judged people and also myself in the past for being maybe hypochondriac, you know, not tough enough. But, y'all, stress is real. And it takes a toll on your body and your mental health. (That's why #1!!) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyAxf4eutlvt-vYBMHajnIwOFjyi5BEpzvXjqP_uN2WF7fXPpWbBhQ4QHCqZMpg-AQ5iomecLMk7gXulG9Dp59I-gIu88M5wWhTHvSyWd194r8YNsN31FDOimY1JidepODHATpmZaxn9r1pFSTrOgUJuxIRGAv74syA15FY2z1XLnoIsxgElZO6KZGR68" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyAxf4eutlvt-vYBMHajnIwOFjyi5BEpzvXjqP_uN2WF7fXPpWbBhQ4QHCqZMpg-AQ5iomecLMk7gXulG9Dp59I-gIu88M5wWhTHvSyWd194r8YNsN31FDOimY1JidepODHATpmZaxn9r1pFSTrOgUJuxIRGAv74syA15FY2z1XLnoIsxgElZO6KZGR68=w466-h350" width="466" /></a></div><br /><i>Celebrating</i>. . . a big birthday. DC is now 5-0 years old! His celebration got spread out over three different days, due to travel and my illness, but it was sure fun! He started a new birthday tradition (so did I last December) and I think it's a winner. It's to do a family movie night, where we start early enough to be able to watch the WHOLE thing in one night (I'm notorious for wanting to stop in the middle and go to bed) and have a treat. This year he chose <i>¡Three Amigos!</i> and we had root beer floats. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfDanmqkma9t7xI5QZvW5RPUmE2oj8qV-NCIhYRwasAIv4K1x7fzbFMjl3RL93_CxtBgvQUzE8CqzHNND1Si0dGK2EQV4q5wIHQtQ2ticjyHFtIDhSyJWhX-rNeXOOtOFzlU8QYXLouSxVwg74UtFiHFKEOAy6C6-_Z3hRmV3pngbsQszA3XlFYsokfBI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1125" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfDanmqkma9t7xI5QZvW5RPUmE2oj8qV-NCIhYRwasAIv4K1x7fzbFMjl3RL93_CxtBgvQUzE8CqzHNND1Si0dGK2EQV4q5wIHQtQ2ticjyHFtIDhSyJWhX-rNeXOOtOFzlU8QYXLouSxVwg74UtFiHFKEOAy6C6-_Z3hRmV3pngbsQszA3XlFYsokfBI=w284-h408" width="284" /></a></div><p></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i></i></div><i><br /></i><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdEUh82x2WvWLG-aH5ucx1_L6BcP6OC-fDrFK-95OSkNxmlGSk4RHQMEou_Wci4S37q5QVYnZKu_A8ZsOxided--KQru3vAyFZrtDC7_t1B_gt-RWkUlZlwjjAoJeyp45lpSvBOPUMRiyqYDyFZHb4zP3bKuJUNALA3U74o85zullue1o_NMOJ2aI88aY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdEUh82x2WvWLG-aH5ucx1_L6BcP6OC-fDrFK-95OSkNxmlGSk4RHQMEou_Wci4S37q5QVYnZKu_A8ZsOxided--KQru3vAyFZrtDC7_t1B_gt-RWkUlZlwjjAoJeyp45lpSvBOPUMRiyqYDyFZHb4zP3bKuJUNALA3U74o85zullue1o_NMOJ2aI88aY=w184-h400" width="184" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0WC5N3jc4NM40sOqUn7ZBICxQTHlP5Ih1V-zWIz6-ebHIQh3o3etdDhRy50-2BKSHUUDijGTPS_qtdkMs6Oaz5SfEhvX7ASGL6NMM8cWeOHzFBkAt5w5vZEdD6WFZLbQiKJdilY5zaZKYkuLa-WijLVRhlsoog1YZdbdSRYO40wF1uztfUAGMfFabFpI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0WC5N3jc4NM40sOqUn7ZBICxQTHlP5Ih1V-zWIz6-ebHIQh3o3etdDhRy50-2BKSHUUDijGTPS_qtdkMs6Oaz5SfEhvX7ASGL6NMM8cWeOHzFBkAt5w5vZEdD6WFZLbQiKJdilY5zaZKYkuLa-WijLVRhlsoog1YZdbdSRYO40wF1uztfUAGMfFabFpI=w254-h339" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A birthday gift: I set up part of our basement to be for working out and bought new heavier dumbbells :)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></i><div><i>Filtering. . .</i>movies. We enjoyed a free month of <a href="https://web.clearplay.com/" target="_blank">Clearplay</a>, watching the above-mentioned birthday movie with it, and also <i>Groundhog Day</i>, <i>Inception</i>, and <i>Minari</i>. Note: I realize that probably all of those movies are ones that normal people don't think need filtering. But if you know me very well, you know I am pretty dang sensitive. If I see/hear something disturbing, it is at the forefront of my poor brain for a long, long time. So. . .mentally not good. Also, I am a bit princess-and-the-pea spiritually as well. I crave light, and anything dark or ugly tends to make me feel ill. Maybe that sounds like a good thing, but it has not been an easy world to be that sensitive in! So, Clearplay was nice. I only heard the occasional bad word that was mistimed from the filter and dealt with the non-gory violence that was not filtered. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZGM6o3nqVCTATgvv2YBCD93VSmUSKijuIgyqcGupyUlobLXnc2DBkfoyIBPbBzKIyMGSvLcspGGSRBAyCMXdFsHcTtOhABRRb8pvtyx-JZIHHWHlvwLMV1ZcyBtY3RC-jODLmRYsBqxZp1Dv1TUrOQkRoDYDbqKSBF-mBMa5Q95cwV-Qp13N9tSX4smg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZGM6o3nqVCTATgvv2YBCD93VSmUSKijuIgyqcGupyUlobLXnc2DBkfoyIBPbBzKIyMGSvLcspGGSRBAyCMXdFsHcTtOhABRRb8pvtyx-JZIHHWHlvwLMV1ZcyBtY3RC-jODLmRYsBqxZp1Dv1TUrOQkRoDYDbqKSBF-mBMa5Q95cwV-Qp13N9tSX4smg=w337-h449" width="337" /></a></div><br /><i>Building. . .</i>a pinewood derby car! I never thought we'd do that again! Our ward had an activity where each family got a kit and got to bring their car and race it, and Exacto suggested we do a girl one, since Rosehips and I had never gotten to do one before. (Isn't he sweet? Also, single! 👈) <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdFjRZccXeKoYAE6rzLkIY8XHNBaMBMi7mXcXw2V4a6NVBSbQw8Bouo6yiwu8V5NoudcxU4OAsOcFhr4j7UowJ2lKMo5XnJmIkeozhYIBdYVrDcNDUQcXBM4c6dVE7yiMWsEuHPe3g_l29Bskc6QqxXu-EhED6vj4hj3tmPm8i8NXHNYkhVzfhTjOiGE0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdFjRZccXeKoYAE6rzLkIY8XHNBaMBMi7mXcXw2V4a6NVBSbQw8Bouo6yiwu8V5NoudcxU4OAsOcFhr4j7UowJ2lKMo5XnJmIkeozhYIBdYVrDcNDUQcXBM4c6dVE7yiMWsEuHPe3g_l29Bskc6QqxXu-EhED6vj4hj3tmPm8i8NXHNYkhVzfhTjOiGE0=w453-h340" width="453" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We all helped, and the finished product was named Sherelanda. (Anyone catch that Bluey reference? 😁) Sherelanda performed relatively well, ie she did not come in last. </div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4mpIqBESvNVTj_TqUleLZe57EbxaGfyiBob1FnOEwbN8oVj178K3xUOpW64WlxLJqh9y9ZrjOPByDhuNylD7IFl4s3eQaelUgnecxTI5430BLkol-K_ck1361Pcxn6-QCBnpqFlB8iAtA9YN62wriYvH6mydEdfsokUHkydRF29TOoQkQtj9fr3msWlE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4mpIqBESvNVTj_TqUleLZe57EbxaGfyiBob1FnOEwbN8oVj178K3xUOpW64WlxLJqh9y9ZrjOPByDhuNylD7IFl4s3eQaelUgnecxTI5430BLkol-K_ck1361Pcxn6-QCBnpqFlB8iAtA9YN62wriYvH6mydEdfsokUHkydRF29TOoQkQtj9fr3msWlE=w324-h433" width="324" /></a></div><br /><i>Reading. . . </i>out loud: <i>Harry Potter</i> with Rosehips, and <i>Fellowship of the Ring</i> with her and Exacto, <i>Last Christmas in Paris</i> and Grandpa Green's war letters with Gras<p></p><p>to myself: <i>Out of the Silent Planet</i> and then <i>Perelandra</i> by C. S. Lewis</p><p><i>Fathers and Sons</i> by Turgenev</p><p><i>Aunt Dimity's Death</i> by Nancy Atherton</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLCcSNT8jQFvGVcdc-5JvmGt1MNsnZUxe4y--vaP4WTM4-E1q3_P7j2B9hSLgxr0-a-PwB538KU28Hhx6GWHjs98UgZiiBa8nJWmUVWFjDo5CT7F3UkilViMa-sAMvHE01z3yR8rvD0ZYC0_BJPyNvda4qLVzePhjMIwlCQhv-tiTR8Hz9fAonfqtnT74" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="1400" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLCcSNT8jQFvGVcdc-5JvmGt1MNsnZUxe4y--vaP4WTM4-E1q3_P7j2B9hSLgxr0-a-PwB538KU28Hhx6GWHjs98UgZiiBa8nJWmUVWFjDo5CT7F3UkilViMa-sAMvHE01z3yR8rvD0ZYC0_BJPyNvda4qLVzePhjMIwlCQhv-tiTR8Hz9fAonfqtnT74=w186-h283" width="186" /></a></div><br />If you want to read my (not super articulate) thoughts about the books I read, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/887026-michelle" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. I love it there! I would love to follow you, too! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoKUXL3v40HD_SO0xQUZyRIDN0kGRwxmJqaN_YUp1H1EAq_SioGLDNPZYdM-KLEjxWtShpwiVrwBqdUBRbzHWrI8w0-jLZjTj3chga3geaq8OJO3WSuvMpbbxGmZ1Wr7KuXTdm1qzDYYW5CFZzx7Je28noTPAiuCW_5Qc45JAisk8F3e0lctdKN99tquk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoKUXL3v40HD_SO0xQUZyRIDN0kGRwxmJqaN_YUp1H1EAq_SioGLDNPZYdM-KLEjxWtShpwiVrwBqdUBRbzHWrI8w0-jLZjTj3chga3geaq8OJO3WSuvMpbbxGmZ1Wr7KuXTdm1qzDYYW5CFZzx7Je28noTPAiuCW_5Qc45JAisk8F3e0lctdKN99tquk=w529-h397" width="529" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pay no attention to that cat in the window</i> 😂</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><i>Attending. . .</i> and learning so much from a class called <i><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/emotional-resilience-for-self-reliance?lang=eng" target="_blank">Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience</a>. </i> I LOVE IT! So, there are about 6 of us, all women, who meet every Sunday in the late afternoon and go through one of the lessons in this manual and share our thoughts and feelings. And during the week we have "action partners" and text each other encouragement and follow up on commitments we made. I am really grateful for some of the things I have learned -- probably need to do a separate post for this.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_4S8H1qV-3_gFYdhiDtraN5C09qhsXKFBWJO8OQFwx5oAyAOOcRxd58T3jlQyFgJLnaGjfeiwnRI1WzEnITGp9GNJlfv-CG5PKOoWgdnOF32tXya9a3t7fKnE1_PJEh0pjLU_eBEKkz7KgOJs0Ed2k3uI8xlV7lyY0tMEFKVcAt8x24x1aKQr1Pps7M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_4S8H1qV-3_gFYdhiDtraN5C09qhsXKFBWJO8OQFwx5oAyAOOcRxd58T3jlQyFgJLnaGjfeiwnRI1WzEnITGp9GNJlfv-CG5PKOoWgdnOF32tXya9a3t7fKnE1_PJEh0pjLU_eBEKkz7KgOJs0Ed2k3uI8xlV7lyY0tMEFKVcAt8x24x1aKQr1Pps7M=w364-h485" width="364" /></a></div><br /><i>Rehearsing. . .</i> with those amazing high school choir students and their fantastic conductor. I love my job so much! For music nerds out there, this was my second concert using an iPad for my sheet music, and my first concert where most of it I turned my own "pages." I got too scared last time, and Hummer stepped in and did it for me. This time I did all but three pieces, and DC turned for me. He also played for two of the songs and it was so comforting to have him up there with me! <p></p><p>and </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSv9O4GVH94PfnMJOk3mJKGTy7mSR-3fLgJwKYcAmDJTR-w6IJppgmcQAB9wYZPhvo9R_6GYDFhZw7LPtRj05ZwKEJO3Y091Wvh5U48GuCp2Msz4VO81cRwOfDzOFQxilq_v8sEAlL92OU8MvRVdynaCG4il0VTJNZW3N8RW2pPcmcYdmTuvCOQ_xrwow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2519" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSv9O4GVH94PfnMJOk3mJKGTy7mSR-3fLgJwKYcAmDJTR-w6IJppgmcQAB9wYZPhvo9R_6GYDFhZw7LPtRj05ZwKEJO3Y091Wvh5U48GuCp2Msz4VO81cRwOfDzOFQxilq_v8sEAlL92OU8MvRVdynaCG4il0VTJNZW3N8RW2pPcmcYdmTuvCOQ_xrwow=w461-h330" width="461" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Performing. . . </i>our concert was last Thursday, and it was so fun! Rosehips lent me a dress and did my hair! I loved having my parents there and also Rosehips and Exacto, and receiving kind texts from friends afterwards. My favorite song we did was <i><a href="https://youtu.be/vZBAHL3kbvQ?si=gwFHBUiJGGqIho6Y" target="_blank">My Song in the Night</a></i> (gorgeous new arrangement by Elaine Hagenberg) but I also really enjoyed <i>Crowded Tables</i> with DC's fiddling. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLF6Uc5HG9IWpW85jD3y5qXqOhgFbfCnYPduYympDLg8N3aIn7xfQuCZpxrMjxRv_n4sGnmiEZE6VAmi_rfh07QSiVkWZLg3DPZsyThlzG5I1PujZSku4KG8y7ZBld20SmBewbuGPCHxZkFdXXdSTlDqPGU6d5fjT5-_pXz6kY7TIn_Kma5XykHBavl4U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2058" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLF6Uc5HG9IWpW85jD3y5qXqOhgFbfCnYPduYympDLg8N3aIn7xfQuCZpxrMjxRv_n4sGnmiEZE6VAmi_rfh07QSiVkWZLg3DPZsyThlzG5I1PujZSku4KG8y7ZBld20SmBewbuGPCHxZkFdXXdSTlDqPGU6d5fjT5-_pXz6kY7TIn_Kma5XykHBavl4U=w517-h283" width="517" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibJ4wWQfW55WE8EqOWRpDwntFDy4LWT5Z26WhMpiBnTy5Uhz1Irb_tPAl6vYqKysFzKcqjPvv3WeCntbkidMpzdJh6M66q6eITY7fm4x41C--KeL8HOkLVgFa0kOJX86etfQqruorNM4aeWu5xstFsQMUJ4WARasH1L8R8jF8AS9_SeKB-NU32k7PhMwg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibJ4wWQfW55WE8EqOWRpDwntFDy4LWT5Z26WhMpiBnTy5Uhz1Irb_tPAl6vYqKysFzKcqjPvv3WeCntbkidMpzdJh6M66q6eITY7fm4x41C--KeL8HOkLVgFa0kOJX86etfQqruorNM4aeWu5xstFsQMUJ4WARasH1L8R8jF8AS9_SeKB-NU32k7PhMwg=w372-h279" width="372" /></a></div><p></p><p><br />That wraps it up, I guess! General Conference started on Sep 30 but it'll get its own post, hopefully. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCcprWV0WJhQ8EoZ2LFsuqG_YmxWU-2kf6-vhx7YO9jirN4uuA3nQl1cr_bSQHE9QKcooikSpESfqrCJcdmDE3swiTD9lAXwEeSp4UdxOPNPlROA5UoW2vjGOivs3A-gJ1zzzoIH2W11m7jyA6QFZFCvyQf-qAXzWo3wiglERVFMLDPHNSoB3F8MGwr34" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCcprWV0WJhQ8EoZ2LFsuqG_YmxWU-2kf6-vhx7YO9jirN4uuA3nQl1cr_bSQHE9QKcooikSpESfqrCJcdmDE3swiTD9lAXwEeSp4UdxOPNPlROA5UoW2vjGOivs3A-gJ1zzzoIH2W11m7jyA6QFZFCvyQf-qAXzWo3wiglERVFMLDPHNSoB3F8MGwr34=w564-h423" width="564" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-61759251601096905882023-09-24T15:47:00.005-05:002023-09-24T15:47:37.590-05:00Dear Flammly, There are no true endings. . . <p style="text-align: center;"><i>. . .only everlasting beginnings.</i></p><p>September 24, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAdeK7mXh9PjOU4eaz_xm4o6zaZiXytygDT5NuzfjxU9XeU8mYjNJ2rSBKh5TRNvikR7J7P6jfFzl9Y4Jx15kviCyZEUp8hx31lpuPh0l4labH3vX8ncDQDHMHCmBbkKtPjhYrKZz6pjKVx5pAHF3rV5kId2Npazh0lovINHdDOy_HKLBKPkMZ4_FLxoU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAdeK7mXh9PjOU4eaz_xm4o6zaZiXytygDT5NuzfjxU9XeU8mYjNJ2rSBKh5TRNvikR7J7P6jfFzl9Y4Jx15kviCyZEUp8hx31lpuPh0l4labH3vX8ncDQDHMHCmBbkKtPjhYrKZz6pjKVx5pAHF3rV5kId2Npazh0lovINHdDOy_HKLBKPkMZ4_FLxoU=w385-h289" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You can thank Exacto for the noble pictures of Rosehips</i> 😁</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Dear Flammly, </p><p>It's autumn time! I started my new toothbrush yesterday. :) So far, no real color changes in the trees and the weather has been strange -- weirdly windy for this time of year, giving it the air a sort of hot and cold feel.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSFoZv4tOvf4Lb6i83m9i_cHlSTNG5QUQprn75_xwFxwmxpXDJMrMhr0y9McexsE2QFiDtrom5gV1gBUYcGWEXdcUAGmi7tWwBjLc2ji_T0_CVbKYnwRdLS9gC6W-cOa45hdszCRyb-ottfTk9NJbvuVwkFSGvRP07wrc1nntGrVs1ISV7OBuNmKU_8A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSFoZv4tOvf4Lb6i83m9i_cHlSTNG5QUQprn75_xwFxwmxpXDJMrMhr0y9McexsE2QFiDtrom5gV1gBUYcGWEXdcUAGmi7tWwBjLc2ji_T0_CVbKYnwRdLS9gC6W-cOa45hdszCRyb-ottfTk9NJbvuVwkFSGvRP07wrc1nntGrVs1ISV7OBuNmKU_8A=w393-h295" width="393" /></a></div><br />I had a great week. I rehearsed twice with the choirs for their upcoming concert (I need to practice!) and taught all my piano students. I have 7 students now, counting Rosehips! That's the most I've ever had, I think. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Dc1VWw2RI4KwMDPOcsNM3sEqDq53DlzaZaBKEBlsCHqMuZviZw5WX5Kd31zf9b3pZyhXR_dRaxjXrrs1ydnO1JETpqMeF1N4OeryIem3JhG76y2epob9u58DqLlI7cF5aM9ws7PYghV3pcuUEPv1g-EkumxsjEloLnA_uw_QwLwiNZUVnyVSWkiuy0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Dc1VWw2RI4KwMDPOcsNM3sEqDq53DlzaZaBKEBlsCHqMuZviZw5WX5Kd31zf9b3pZyhXR_dRaxjXrrs1ydnO1JETpqMeF1N4OeryIem3JhG76y2epob9u58DqLlI7cF5aM9ws7PYghV3pcuUEPv1g-EkumxsjEloLnA_uw_QwLwiNZUVnyVSWkiuy0Q=w394-h296" width="394" /></a></div><br />For Family Home Evening we invited Nana and Grandpa to join us in making our traditional <a href="https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/blog/teach/general-conference-teach/general-conference-countdown/">Conference Countdown</a> pictures. We listened to conference music in the Church's Sacred Music app, and just settled in and quietly worked. It was lovely! <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_8w6IrcdoN2jud2N2FJdXlByJNV9PVwSY37CP3xBvbyKadN7dfbqvsaEl3p1fQ8dVYbIzgjokml7-S0vFRkw34FgGiznwOsUhaX8s7Tl1_NHEyYNweWT5Hw2Mdk4B6Zpku_xXrk30GQCEBoR_m-d4YOVCwDt1-O2Mxgy-4phuvuW9JguFGVdCshGfuE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_8w6IrcdoN2jud2N2FJdXlByJNV9PVwSY37CP3xBvbyKadN7dfbqvsaEl3p1fQ8dVYbIzgjokml7-S0vFRkw34FgGiznwOsUhaX8s7Tl1_NHEyYNweWT5Hw2Mdk4B6Zpku_xXrk30GQCEBoR_m-d4YOVCwDt1-O2Mxgy-4phuvuW9JguFGVdCshGfuE" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cottonwood by the well house got cut down this week.</i> 😢</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On Tuesday we had the special opportunity to participate in Laps for Logan, an event planned by our dear friends here who lost their adult son to suicide a few years ago. On the anniversary of his death, we gather at the high school track and walk laps, talking about mental health if we choose, and making an effort to connect with someone new. I loved getting to know a new friend and talking about our experiences with our children and mental health. It was an uplifting, encouraging time! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyKFiApHyDA-S-zlIMkKZj8HTKtPNN9dSNu854-QHDsOOv6gijwq08BZRMQ_58Medw_T1CuvyRJ7tBRmthyA2xg_WTs9dpYYS9sKz50YWHg_1xD4IgWO1ljbItYGliyPoCuB0ZDhVoQ_YGCtfCgUvYVdZgWDN00l7c5O-DFrL8xffIVrs6ExrPc6njFmw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyKFiApHyDA-S-zlIMkKZj8HTKtPNN9dSNu854-QHDsOOv6gijwq08BZRMQ_58Medw_T1CuvyRJ7tBRmthyA2xg_WTs9dpYYS9sKz50YWHg_1xD4IgWO1ljbItYGliyPoCuB0ZDhVoQ_YGCtfCgUvYVdZgWDN00l7c5O-DFrL8xffIVrs6ExrPc6njFmw" width="320" /></a></div><br />And after that Rosehips and I met DC at the church for tithing declaration with our bishop. Hearing her declare that she was a full tithe payer brought me deep joy. He sent us home with a nice little loaf of homemade bread. :)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EwRy1G-uLlFFRk8hKcIu3aZTKrhubIOzJm8V6cy9d89ukNhh1cGXFII_iMgHmuLcoLxWJcJkWiprnnEOlv-NaGKzPMvRUFs-LJVxMd-b7txwWDEnh67U9XgM3TIztqX7GyiUeMbfQZX36M_YOr-9YFbcrNbKLD0ImwQmIGc4hQG8KxMP1N0_1cyYZw8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EwRy1G-uLlFFRk8hKcIu3aZTKrhubIOzJm8V6cy9d89ukNhh1cGXFII_iMgHmuLcoLxWJcJkWiprnnEOlv-NaGKzPMvRUFs-LJVxMd-b7txwWDEnh67U9XgM3TIztqX7GyiUeMbfQZX36M_YOr-9YFbcrNbKLD0ImwQmIGc4hQG8KxMP1N0_1cyYZw8=w437-h328" width="437" /></a></div><br />Wednesday evening I had Young Women work -- we met with the class presidency and took birthday treats to two of the girls. It felt a bit crazy squeezing so much in to just over an hour but it was super fun. On Saturday we had our class activity, playing kickball in the Boones' yard and having a caramel apple bar out of Duncan's trunk.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYw1JdFrXzRiDQOVuRSGO91ZWTMiv8F8Yd2hIqaEt_t2xOKOG52bcsqKPIvFn9V_Uuv7bKXu3GTwziGHuipNApQf9XIipra-blEzNNKK0tUpEdOwYgFfbgcGTcWS0kt5ixl1X41n5D1LWArd4bYJwOzhtniFpg6OHAmwnF2SPiGhU0S3STEVLMOGnxONw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYw1JdFrXzRiDQOVuRSGO91ZWTMiv8F8Yd2hIqaEt_t2xOKOG52bcsqKPIvFn9V_Uuv7bKXu3GTwziGHuipNApQf9XIipra-blEzNNKK0tUpEdOwYgFfbgcGTcWS0kt5ixl1X41n5D1LWArd4bYJwOzhtniFpg6OHAmwnF2SPiGhU0S3STEVLMOGnxONw=w367-h275" width="367" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Thursday evening we had dinner at Nana's and Grandpa's (a leftovers extravaganza! :) and I just felt so grateful and happy to be able to spend time there with them. Then we had a great flammly video call, thank you so much! I love reconnecting with Russell and Ham in their respective lives away from home. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpBbjF6itrYfDATSCB71SoFOS0Ugs_NAWCJ5U602JdvHKZXnnTQEQ2hyp7l9Ijqnnyr8BTArTGgbYrArVzYY7W6ltifeBh7p8ue_2JEyr_f0-UKBy-9J3bqCjGfYuVrGaRwllFbrFDeuJW2IFpEZklvOuOLx_L5_IBmkxZ1xo4NPBslhcoTh3AbHBYd10" width="111" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtFQnCExXVy66tGLjtjEiVVlbHbKDARgCgpJ1fQQ6ngbAsAkuntr7YBSBbzPdRWYHfMmomolpOB6-0LTxtosfZXLc4rpdpI_EGyc_yqXKSfQ68oqyxZiQZLl9Z1vdic4otOaMMrlHyLKlkU5ZeQlWS6mRnCg6Lur4BR1oXfiv6DU6UDlJtepP4oP38dtE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtFQnCExXVy66tGLjtjEiVVlbHbKDARgCgpJ1fQQ6ngbAsAkuntr7YBSBbzPdRWYHfMmomolpOB6-0LTxtosfZXLc4rpdpI_EGyc_yqXKSfQ68oqyxZiQZLl9Z1vdic4otOaMMrlHyLKlkU5ZeQlWS6mRnCg6Lur4BR1oXfiv6DU6UDlJtepP4oP38dtE" width="111" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpBbjF6itrYfDATSCB71SoFOS0Ugs_NAWCJ5U602JdvHKZXnnTQEQ2hyp7l9Ijqnnyr8BTArTGgbYrArVzYY7W6ltifeBh7p8ue_2JEyr_f0-UKBy-9J3bqCjGfYuVrGaRwllFbrFDeuJW2IFpEZklvOuOLx_L5_IBmkxZ1xo4NPBslhcoTh3AbHBYd10" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />Friday I had a delightful conversation with our beloved Janice for her birthday. I am so, so grateful for her in my life! To have a friend like her who knows me so well and loves me so much, <i>and</i> who has wisdom of older years, is just a treasure I thank Heavenly Father for!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbn8OzKz2e0VQfwf6ve3nExntqtFk39Jvm1nUlzwbUTKEYhUjvXD3IkKLE_bR5qvV7Nj6qGZlwCRQXXcchOpJwFkNuPg_9WSo5vB03UbtjGIGJuP0QC_g1ay6BYNbK4ww3c3OL57-WBIg1gWyaMUAUkqLYZ41hqp5Bg7DxX1Jo9h_Up6GIxrQ4YDDhk-Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbn8OzKz2e0VQfwf6ve3nExntqtFk39Jvm1nUlzwbUTKEYhUjvXD3IkKLE_bR5qvV7Nj6qGZlwCRQXXcchOpJwFkNuPg_9WSo5vB03UbtjGIGJuP0QC_g1ay6BYNbK4ww3c3OL57-WBIg1gWyaMUAUkqLYZ41hqp5Bg7DxX1Jo9h_Up6GIxrQ4YDDhk-Q=w368-h276" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Exacto and I ran three times this week, including the whole Knoll Trail on Friday</i> 💪</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Also Rosehips and I got our autumn groove going and did some baking while watching a Hallmark autumn movie. Super fun! That evening we studied 1 Nephi 18 and played Packesel together and watched some <i>Bluey</i> and the first half of <i>Elemental</i>. (DC hasn't seen it yet).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqkyJ7nIzteRSGbs6_mxufuE1c8pAkXtVc54yVhQkuw7E_4lEZd294cTM2TjgvA9mM-m3OVpNMdg_x2H4xWnCIxyAqPsyoFzMd3O741Vm7H49kshObuG9WTtAZcd4S8QK7gNAJFa6MqVUvp_Rf17RK2iWls3gieI6PE0vTUZUN4A5klLod5DKfGGwr0Mo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqkyJ7nIzteRSGbs6_mxufuE1c8pAkXtVc54yVhQkuw7E_4lEZd294cTM2TjgvA9mM-m3OVpNMdg_x2H4xWnCIxyAqPsyoFzMd3O741Vm7H49kshObuG9WTtAZcd4S8QK7gNAJFa6MqVUvp_Rf17RK2iWls3gieI6PE0vTUZUN4A5klLod5DKfGGwr0Mo=w221-h294" width="221" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8kE6hRDR8eV-qa1RFI2rru2H-deKoGbDKiWk69ByA9dgIUowHLuT4SNZlKcnbh4H0JRIYUtHAXlwHYTfKgFgfL7cSfDM13tQDXKVVIU6G0dfGD-8tM04Jhl5rmW3JfwVhz1DeYUcauzjl1amrkKEcAoTxO4ahqVCC_9elDgtn0vadaXHknDKarcnlT8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8kE6hRDR8eV-qa1RFI2rru2H-deKoGbDKiWk69ByA9dgIUowHLuT4SNZlKcnbh4H0JRIYUtHAXlwHYTfKgFgfL7cSfDM13tQDXKVVIU6G0dfGD-8tM04Jhl5rmW3JfwVhz1DeYUcauzjl1amrkKEcAoTxO4ahqVCC_9elDgtn0vadaXHknDKarcnlT8=w292-h389" width="292" /></a></div><br />Yesterday was a full, happy day. We had the honor of joining McCleve relatives for the placing of my Uncle John's headstone in the Snowflake Cemetery. I loved being there talking to cousins and seeing their adorable children, as we watched and helped the monument workers place the granite base and then the beautiful headstone Aunt Laura had designed. I love the words she chose to put on it: "Live for the Reunion" and " There are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKUvLml-CClZbrG5mIatdoEcPJpJdxNvY1KIKIFom-FIF55x7tqEyhmjMbMY0PaHAU4i8QT3LPfR1RoNFrKvll7iYkl5uPwtqtHGAQgGTf49bxJ506XsVTFMqipboTIL1dWLQpwl-MHJQJbj7rOEMcI0Lj0Wuvp1vIB2vH4h0LuQhoNK2oWQNlI9OvExM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKUvLml-CClZbrG5mIatdoEcPJpJdxNvY1KIKIFom-FIF55x7tqEyhmjMbMY0PaHAU4i8QT3LPfR1RoNFrKvll7iYkl5uPwtqtHGAQgGTf49bxJ506XsVTFMqipboTIL1dWLQpwl-MHJQJbj7rOEMcI0Lj0Wuvp1vIB2vH4h0LuQhoNK2oWQNlI9OvExM=w243-h324" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX_hB5XTb7cj7gjbBizmpBOM2msnHUwInuBP8Un3u5SyrzJ9lMFG_r0GbZH9YpydYn_ODtYHQ5WJvVnvT5ee_pc6KM51gzfBonShAmOiohrfUvhnwXN3RO-ushToLa7g68mSelRz2n1BcPlorATb0mAaJe1nYY8YnOEQ-rih7rQC9mMKcrzIyhHwmQy3U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX_hB5XTb7cj7gjbBizmpBOM2msnHUwInuBP8Un3u5SyrzJ9lMFG_r0GbZH9YpydYn_ODtYHQ5WJvVnvT5ee_pc6KM51gzfBonShAmOiohrfUvhnwXN3RO-ushToLa7g68mSelRz2n1BcPlorATb0mAaJe1nYY8YnOEQ-rih7rQC9mMKcrzIyhHwmQy3U=w267-h356" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSSWKnIUu9Oh7an7yZiOkCuwQMy1pOgfOW3fjJym3axPIOvAsB0P2joV1c6o_35a3MrycwZeIxuG8bKfr6f7HaEbuFWxP4RZxtHQxKzTwl7Tp-Uj7HDsdpFJ-v5fXtMy2GBxLBcBM5yhQ2GHjV1NTYRTLHeuvGeh0JbP7LxU2BS36-1pm57u8IfzH3RLc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSSWKnIUu9Oh7an7yZiOkCuwQMy1pOgfOW3fjJym3axPIOvAsB0P2joV1c6o_35a3MrycwZeIxuG8bKfr6f7HaEbuFWxP4RZxtHQxKzTwl7Tp-Uj7HDsdpFJ-v5fXtMy2GBxLBcBM5yhQ2GHjV1NTYRTLHeuvGeh0JbP7LxU2BS36-1pm57u8IfzH3RLc=w257-h343" width="257" /></a></div><br />Grandpa performed an amazing act of love and invited the whole group to a hot meal afterward! He made chicken enchiladas with rice and beans and chips and salsa for about 70 people and Nana made a huge salad and we helped them set it up at Pioneer Park and then take it down afterwards. I loved seeing them serve like that -- it was celestial material for sure! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUTYSahHslDrO56saUhcM_--0CYFjuNidW63QrbUH9QvhQ6joeQCtweUL_E-Hwuv0-HgoUmK8pjMDuMWwxmr4HhzRQvGN7FGqGPl1WL1Iho7YNlTH_rqaSSVgbUKTWx7Bjdvw6oDNZLPsjfY0CtiJbc1GfG4KXCj1jwfV86JDpN7DdP_GHurJ5VSWRBjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUTYSahHslDrO56saUhcM_--0CYFjuNidW63QrbUH9QvhQ6joeQCtweUL_E-Hwuv0-HgoUmK8pjMDuMWwxmr4HhzRQvGN7FGqGPl1WL1Iho7YNlTH_rqaSSVgbUKTWx7Bjdvw6oDNZLPsjfY0CtiJbc1GfG4KXCj1jwfV86JDpN7DdP_GHurJ5VSWRBjw=w242-h323" width="242" /></a></div><br />That evening DC and I joined our game night friends for Tsuro with expansion pack, some hilarious rounds of Secret Hitler, and then Qwirkle. We brought the remnants of the caramel apple bar from the YW activity, and it was of course well received. 😋 Such a fun evening! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrHuKz41fPKHA1H9c3S5E4zdDpAUjkhyaPa4erDbV-ZYZtEHdPCXc_oq8o4ODGJb4TrgRr5znntg1g6K2RD-wTpzRbfVKFhJvx3CZF-svBuIhnm71HsNNDM6IDKtXYN8dSUNEFcD3vhVqdwDCDDSRsBHB_ULY-Lzn3XS1W7Uv_TKoI0DVjh-kMxWE0RA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrHuKz41fPKHA1H9c3S5E4zdDpAUjkhyaPa4erDbV-ZYZtEHdPCXc_oq8o4ODGJb4TrgRr5znntg1g6K2RD-wTpzRbfVKFhJvx3CZF-svBuIhnm71HsNNDM6IDKtXYN8dSUNEFcD3vhVqdwDCDDSRsBHB_ULY-Lzn3XS1W7Uv_TKoI0DVjh-kMxWE0RA=w389-h292" width="389" /></a></div><br />This morning in our family gospel study we watched two Book of Mormon videos (<a href="https://youtu.be/Sqtkfn0Fs68?si=dIWE04-4aYVjG2iY">this one</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/VQhu-s2YHGA?si=H_Zevmd1NIp8ydIb">this one</a>) and Rosehips shared some thoughts about Lehi's family and their journey to the promised land and prophets. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCqlymqWwklMxxcjbevlm5BsN-vVDPjH1CXw139qtxFa6vcU4m02ZF5VynrpFnQ0dD2cd6x0QNCWxhI-FTq9b-r_Xeq0O7ZPW15H0lxdyQbE3RNPRa3BkTmCJONe5QpWB_-skelGnOidrrET03CfUlZUxUUdTirfYn94J-OaaslD9aFEF2QbUvQnPGRRc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1920" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCqlymqWwklMxxcjbevlm5BsN-vVDPjH1CXw139qtxFa6vcU4m02ZF5VynrpFnQ0dD2cd6x0QNCWxhI-FTq9b-r_Xeq0O7ZPW15H0lxdyQbE3RNPRa3BkTmCJONe5QpWB_-skelGnOidrrET03CfUlZUxUUdTirfYn94J-OaaslD9aFEF2QbUvQnPGRRc=w537-h269" width="537" /></a></div><br />It was a more difficult journey than it had to be because they stopped being willing to listen to the prophet and to believe that what he was telling them was what God wanted him to tell them. She said that it's like that for us, too, that if we will listen to the prophet and believe that he's telling us what God wants him to, we will have peace and safety during our life. <p></p><p>I am so grateful for God calling a prophet for us and speaking through him! I can't wait to hear him next weekend! If we will be humble enough to really listen and repent, the Lord can deliver us from the extra-hard parts of our life. </p><p>I love you all so much!</p><p>Love,</p><p>Mommy / Michelle</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiZaSGprjBUmJbhixGO0yrJJKElQh9hcmHgpYLqxO5pwL0-UnNmq2W4zW9tqoRGZcwkwAIgjFlf8vsA-H1-A8b_vdEEZ0J0Fs9ZPxk-o0rTOUqVpF9-1jZ2pfyuoahWftSbTU2mnHaBIsjVwH0EXZrSLBC0mR2Vts368EEWclXDig9VavFQiADhyBHIvI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3766" data-original-width="2886" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiZaSGprjBUmJbhixGO0yrJJKElQh9hcmHgpYLqxO5pwL0-UnNmq2W4zW9tqoRGZcwkwAIgjFlf8vsA-H1-A8b_vdEEZ0J0Fs9ZPxk-o0rTOUqVpF9-1jZ2pfyuoahWftSbTU2mnHaBIsjVwH0EXZrSLBC0mR2Vts368EEWclXDig9VavFQiADhyBHIvI=w308-h402" width="308" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-5675228085936998222023-09-17T15:39:00.000-05:002023-09-17T15:39:03.424-05:00faith stronger than sight<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6gwkL3avK16eAXZIfAOEOKrsfcEKDONDTz_PN0PvSz_4m5JCT6szcjePLKhJULMCpsuR9S6Zhdqz3yYpOJJloHRgQkvknvmv1c57BuL4OcHCvuSoIsaMIHrSq-PH0-OVjJSyzvsHlI80BJpp1299BH0BWkTmP_CkWMJHsr6YjDqGOH2Xf7fbeGz_c5Q/s4032/20230915_012133039_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6gwkL3avK16eAXZIfAOEOKrsfcEKDONDTz_PN0PvSz_4m5JCT6szcjePLKhJULMCpsuR9S6Zhdqz3yYpOJJloHRgQkvknvmv1c57BuL4OcHCvuSoIsaMIHrSq-PH0-OVjJSyzvsHlI80BJpp1299BH0BWkTmP_CkWMJHsr6YjDqGOH2Xf7fbeGz_c5Q/w574-h431/20230915_012133039_iOS.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lord is my light</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>though clouds may arise.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Faith, stronger than sight,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>looks up through the skies</i></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEWmNTU7xF2D6XlqNv7GQNWVYOHKvxXV57P8GVUZEfTDpPnsbEOkoIvTF_1BuxC0pcQsvxfxosHyEPhKfnGyZFElnp6y0ZJxr1ihWe_nYrAdfdaW8XZBqed7wINWhKXprTHMsVlJt_NkVGC7lJg2I9EyFHV0HZSaieLHeMEj7v8Jvmj0VOUxXxHLNTxc/s4032/20230915_012136579_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEWmNTU7xF2D6XlqNv7GQNWVYOHKvxXV57P8GVUZEfTDpPnsbEOkoIvTF_1BuxC0pcQsvxfxosHyEPhKfnGyZFElnp6y0ZJxr1ihWe_nYrAdfdaW8XZBqed7wINWhKXprTHMsVlJt_NkVGC7lJg2I9EyFHV0HZSaieLHeMEj7v8Jvmj0VOUxXxHLNTxc/w576-h433/20230915_012136579_iOS.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>where Jesus forever in glory doth reign</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Then how can I ever in darkness remain?</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p><i>The Lord is my light; </i><i>He is my joy and my song.</i></p><p><i>By day and by night He leads me along.</i></p><div><i><br /></i></div></div><br /><br /></div><p><br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-27164418982590199832023-08-27T21:26:00.000-05:002023-08-27T21:26:12.269-05:00Waffles, wigglesticking, and WEB<p><i>Here's an unfinished one from a couple weeks ago. . . Still fun to read, hopefully!</i></p><p><br /></p><p>August 13, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEZG4fwqjU86AyGWmvjG_KFAjNCop6qwPT73O0gAYAYugBYuCWXVycnm4D-oUTt0VosyUV6pa0bfE9iJ8vYfDHtc7xV6vGhh6QsPb7TeXcSqt24NdxmFTW544dKUce5ptMdWOI8wHYEkZrwBbu_O-7ybx9qzQZG1pWOOA3Nsw04dwrTNUogldqrC28YZ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEZG4fwqjU86AyGWmvjG_KFAjNCop6qwPT73O0gAYAYugBYuCWXVycnm4D-oUTt0VosyUV6pa0bfE9iJ8vYfDHtc7xV6vGhh6QsPb7TeXcSqt24NdxmFTW544dKUce5ptMdWOI8wHYEkZrwBbu_O-7ybx9qzQZG1pWOOA3Nsw04dwrTNUogldqrC28YZ4" width="320" /></a></div>Dear Flammly,<p></p><p>Waffles in the park was great! (<i>were</i> great?) We did it in the evening, since DC had already gone back to work, and we invited Nana and Grandpa. After the waffles was wigglesticking on the basketball court -- the kids are amazing at that! I wish I could do it. I have tried, really hard, but I think I'm too old, plus too uncoordinated to begin with.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZ6MddKJu3iGOaWYBRq9SH6SlbthNTkETbrWvg44ewUqOFibCImv2pkNs_YBLnKxGvYDlITmrP-7muXldAeRK6yyk51k0CnWvxHYtFzYO431ZH_C680Z182VT-U3VgF4FhgvDWR_G4EwHY5nTpUr_QMa3SlXvTbWSEEFK2fBwdlJb_JUYjy9SLIJIcFk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZ6MddKJu3iGOaWYBRq9SH6SlbthNTkETbrWvg44ewUqOFibCImv2pkNs_YBLnKxGvYDlITmrP-7muXldAeRK6yyk51k0CnWvxHYtFzYO431ZH_C680Z182VT-U3VgF4FhgvDWR_G4EwHY5nTpUr_QMa3SlXvTbWSEEFK2fBwdlJb_JUYjy9SLIJIcFk" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then it was just the final stretch to school starting, and goodbye to our freedom. This summer felt exceptionally short to me, and I really wished there were another month or two still. <p></p><p>But this year Rosehips is in 8th grade, and she served as a "WEB leader." WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs; it means a group of 8th grade leaders help groups of 7th graders coming into the junior high to transition happily. </p><p>I was so proud of this girl of ours! She made many phonecalls to actually talk, like out loud, not text, to people she had never met and invite them to orientation. She went to hours of training and preparation, and even taught us one of the games so she could practice with us. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOH14fD15bwdZxUsnkzknI2SuY_r64MQ_4YXghWqCOC8FSCAbdyZqqoKMnJ9KLUXf2w6xgR69NSgISb1VGnpxrjdMkgh7ouanXwwkS3lZMNuukzlPLxzkq4qNRJK7zipELEL5CJlKIb7fkJWdGs6EgEMbQiFcQ9164r1HWTlV1Ka-O6s1nBWQ5gJ4vZDk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOH14fD15bwdZxUsnkzknI2SuY_r64MQ_4YXghWqCOC8FSCAbdyZqqoKMnJ9KLUXf2w6xgR69NSgISb1VGnpxrjdMkgh7ouanXwwkS3lZMNuukzlPLxzkq4qNRJK7zipELEL5CJlKIb7fkJWdGs6EgEMbQiFcQ9164r1HWTlV1Ka-O6s1nBWQ5gJ4vZDk" width="180" /></a>On Tuesday (the day before school started) she helped with a 4-hour orientation activity for the incoming 7th graders. And then on the first day of school she donned her yellow WEB leader shirt again and went early (well, she tried -- she actually had to wait on me because I forgot how early we'd need to have breakfast!) to help "sevvies" find their classes. What a gem she is! I loved seeing her ready to serve and reach out to people -- beautiful girl!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcvTpahpFmT6LR_QIHKEt5tlyEyQB7sK9BDHz0nKBNKqqKiqC7ymxkt5TTD4aSNfIi5S6Yoh5kHVm0IYvtBmPC6pmgqW5Vs2tMfNr7oIyE0cNzKnd2pTwrF4QRM5Gph7d7oeTtjGjASQVStxOdCtPsYg4BCAyQ8U6tBn-wegOOvDcPbS2vFKOEyfTNy-s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcvTpahpFmT6LR_QIHKEt5tlyEyQB7sK9BDHz0nKBNKqqKiqC7ymxkt5TTD4aSNfIi5S6Yoh5kHVm0IYvtBmPC6pmgqW5Vs2tMfNr7oIyE0cNzKnd2pTwrF4QRM5Gph7d7oeTtjGjASQVStxOdCtPsYg4BCAyQ8U6tBn-wegOOvDcPbS2vFKOEyfTNy-s" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-11737311364131114362023-08-27T21:25:00.000-05:002023-08-27T21:25:22.403-05:00Dear Flammly, Thanks for raising your mom!<p>August 27, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Flammly,</p><p>The past two weeks have been growing ones. I think I am growing up as a parent! It sounds ironic, but Elder Uchtdorf said: "<i>And children, thank you for everything you’re doing to raise your parents, because as every parent knows, we often learn as much from our children about faith, hope, and charity as they learn from us!"</i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoCpFZLKtkLicB32gTtkOURwkkgD75qD1YJPMBnORJDYcbzVSb4TsORCDfumeYIynI3v530Aj-vWHKb3ENJjevD0oOe2JyUXkB1n9h8Sb1i9SUyE4RGQMqBItC5Ggo_2mmtxh0xYsOIgxy5v8DOyfJapGBhcPRsFHC8c5soVmk3q7ndQ9hY2Nr2Ha9Oxo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoCpFZLKtkLicB32gTtkOURwkkgD75qD1YJPMBnORJDYcbzVSb4TsORCDfumeYIynI3v530Aj-vWHKb3ENJjevD0oOe2JyUXkB1n9h8Sb1i9SUyE4RGQMqBItC5Ggo_2mmtxh0xYsOIgxy5v8DOyfJapGBhcPRsFHC8c5soVmk3q7ndQ9hY2Nr2Ha9Oxo" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /><br /></i><p></p><p>The last week before Ham left to go back to college was a strange combination of stressful and fun. Stressful for me, because I was worried about his being mentally healthy enough to live on his own again, and fun for all of us I think, because we did things "before you leave." </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRhrzdMWNvg6o-jzdADGazSY5nJXloz6nimL5meRjLr3vrkkB7YPNTKY124mtqnVWltK_DNh8yq7Mif6NjBvp8FwR_1iEYYebenoHSrjsFS1lqmTCIMxA_KBRIThnic3QgUIGJT9By5HNslOgMvB6DNk51OwznhQO0cyoQbskf_WLEliTRZrDlcEs-6tk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRhrzdMWNvg6o-jzdADGazSY5nJXloz6nimL5meRjLr3vrkkB7YPNTKY124mtqnVWltK_DNh8yq7Mif6NjBvp8FwR_1iEYYebenoHSrjsFS1lqmTCIMxA_KBRIThnic3QgUIGJT9By5HNslOgMvB6DNk51OwznhQO0cyoQbskf_WLEliTRZrDlcEs-6tk" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Japanese and Spanish study. Exacto and I started studying Japanese with Memrise back in May, and Ham joined us during the summer. With Spanish I was also using Memrise but it wasn't proving super helpful. Maybe because of my unique background of growing up with hearing it tons but never studying enough to gain fluency. So I started just conjugating verbs, doing several each time I studied, and also reading <i>Sapo y Sepo, Inseparables</i>, and Ham helped me with both of those. His Spanish is amazing for only having a few semesters -- he studied a bunch with Nana and Grandpa during the pandemic and also has had Spanish-speaking friends over WhatsApp in Uruguay and Mexico. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT1G4AccQZTLOjx-Fj84XglJuHmNidVFiVjgaX7WWkgSFXhsl8TnfvSl2SXGWyGEVn2V-4EPFj47jqAt-KF6PG2F9YxIqmy_-mcpo-dh-m_oZFltV5WCia14cXGKy_aYNToIKroe_eX6fcyzl9SWF3H1xGWOZsv2GQXIhQdRZ1GZPtV-1wkQW2w6y69Sw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT1G4AccQZTLOjx-Fj84XglJuHmNidVFiVjgaX7WWkgSFXhsl8TnfvSl2SXGWyGEVn2V-4EPFj47jqAt-KF6PG2F9YxIqmy_-mcpo-dh-m_oZFltV5WCia14cXGKy_aYNToIKroe_eX6fcyzl9SWF3H1xGWOZsv2GQXIhQdRZ1GZPtV-1wkQW2w6y69Sw" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We helped with the annual Community Cleanup, picking up trash near Highland Primary. We did haircuts, with the traditional root beer floats afterward. We finished two books we'd been reading together-- <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72543.The_Door_in_the_Wall">The Door in the Wall</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/707616.The_Year_of_Miss_Agnes">The Year of Miss Agnes</a> -- </i>during a monsoon downpour while we sat on the front porch. Ham helped me for hours to figure out the best way to move pictures from my phone to the computer. He and Exacto have learned a ton about technology and programming lately, and it's coming in quite handy!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9u4YYUzTj7ZWWoNVCq2jtJxZgjzPl41Tw4cW2rm03B5yDJzGWW_HYplYSelzQaumzfOHPxzvmiVNY9BVc2eOg1JCUxRDNmQrj9isHQr8OB7FJQvWqynlSeytnx1GbiNr5VskhtbR5TBm83qIcz44xVaqKrtPWRiu4vO3iJVRLCXtFWfmzavzhyMhyZM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9u4YYUzTj7ZWWoNVCq2jtJxZgjzPl41Tw4cW2rm03B5yDJzGWW_HYplYSelzQaumzfOHPxzvmiVNY9BVc2eOg1JCUxRDNmQrj9isHQr8OB7FJQvWqynlSeytnx1GbiNr5VskhtbR5TBm83qIcz44xVaqKrtPWRiu4vO3iJVRLCXtFWfmzavzhyMhyZM" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The night before we were taking him to Thatcher, Nana and Grandpa took us all out to dinner in H's honor, and he got to choose the restaurant -- Eva's! It was raining as we got there, and it was cozy to sit and eat hot, delicious Mexican food and be together. H and I shared a fried ice cream. Then we were so full we could hardly stand the thought of squeezing back into the car so we went for a walk in the twilight drippiness up Back Street, jumping over puddles and the river next to the curb. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1SLgmnLnvEkNk_mKCXCpSeORRlt4o6p0xYcPYat8T5pQuxSYNWiz4p3e4wN2gtegKpcv4JdU1Q4ElNxOKiumPNeHdHSYrZoiG2zlB_Dko-_SvR2ADHvMC4Q9aPCY0vMX3r8af0jdTAXteC_hkwdAnsHJfemd0GeWh2S9DULba9drw6zGFqV3Qv7rGrC4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1SLgmnLnvEkNk_mKCXCpSeORRlt4o6p0xYcPYat8T5pQuxSYNWiz4p3e4wN2gtegKpcv4JdU1Q4ElNxOKiumPNeHdHSYrZoiG2zlB_Dko-_SvR2ADHvMC4Q9aPCY0vMX3r8af0jdTAXteC_hkwdAnsHJfemd0GeWh2S9DULba9drw6zGFqV3Qv7rGrC4" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Saturday (8/19) Rosehips and Exacto stayed home (and spent some happy time with Nana and Grandpa) while DC and I drove with Ham the 3 hours and 15 minutes to Eastern Arizona College. He checked into his dorm room and my anxiety level, despite my best efforts, was considerably high. It felt like all the things that were wrong at the end of his last semester there were still wrong, and I was afraid he was going to slip back down into the low place he had fallen into then. I told him he didn't have to stay! He really wanted to, though, and tried to assure me it would be okay.</p><p>I went outside by myself (partly to avoid scantily clad young men who were needing to go from the showers to their room!) and prayed and read <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/29uchtdorf?lang=eng">DFU's talk</a> again. I started feeling calmer, and a thought came to me that I needed to look for the good. He does have a roommate now (he didn't last semester); the athletes and other people he's sharing the hallway with, although I perceive them as rough around the edges, are nice people; the institute program there is strong and thriving; he already has a job. . . </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0h9Wv2ayuV-Id7EiMBid-RdSZbNtgJIUxTAiG6pup5pdjffuC_dLGsXZXwFRwr3F0_jqnMpduxBPrM39GJqZqSbidd-ZSBxHlLt0TKWxa3RQVW38MG4eNqEOdDxga2JOYZupmF3lZ6NPusxcrnChPardJcoQX2Xc-A0R-TenfN4CGj8Bq-NxE-kp19ts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0h9Wv2ayuV-Id7EiMBid-RdSZbNtgJIUxTAiG6pup5pdjffuC_dLGsXZXwFRwr3F0_jqnMpduxBPrM39GJqZqSbidd-ZSBxHlLt0TKWxa3RQVW38MG4eNqEOdDxga2JOYZupmF3lZ6NPusxcrnChPardJcoQX2Xc-A0R-TenfN4CGj8Bq-NxE-kp19ts" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>We walked to the biology lab and luckily it was open, so DC got to meet the professor H works with and even see Jafar, the huge snake with an ominous lump in its middle, having just consumed a live chicken. We went to the institute building (beautiful!) and DC gave H a priesthood blessing. A feeling of deep peace and assurance came to me. Heavenly Father is aware. He loves us. All will be well.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjr60Au0xpYT8pMivBh3nJIAklfcMahID3npl2N_mxueDpevXvigXgzEDgJ_NuWcsNnLvdWSTWkkzdLe2C_bqm8oh-vXq5E-Lp2i7wilo4b6-gCzkeGeFVG4reKA3rEkfHeaF6wV9wTsFViaSJyiPrZBa37J4yv7CD3_sp48GHt41kfgLQLps9zUL_T58" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjr60Au0xpYT8pMivBh3nJIAklfcMahID3npl2N_mxueDpevXvigXgzEDgJ_NuWcsNnLvdWSTWkkzdLe2C_bqm8oh-vXq5E-Lp2i7wilo4b6-gCzkeGeFVG4reKA3rEkfHeaF6wV9wTsFViaSJyiPrZBa37J4yv7CD3_sp48GHt41kfgLQLps9zUL_T58" width="320" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><p></p><p>We had dinner at La Casita, got a few things at Walmart (so fun to treat our college kids sometimes!), and then said goodbye back at the dorms. We drove home -- only if you have dropped off a young adult child to live far away from home do you know what this can feel like 😭 -- and talked and talked on the way. </p><p>This first week back to just 4 of us at home was good! I settled more into my rouzine for this fall, and enjoyed the process of tweaking it and adjusting the balance. I'm always hunting for the perfect schedule for my days and I love trying different things out and seeing what works in this particular season.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRNd69S-fMjLWXM0ryhgrPrUdP8HtqRlaXYxAzIOpvzmOracFePJFuG6QNngIQl8-C6h-xiVjmulKRWMEm5Y3Ay2q2tRzbif1zW2vf2D8uz-skFxQF5W0sRKRgziVkLqjFqpFWu8PM1bCY_kJ4i25ef1Y2RTh2fGcIcz6mQR6xiXB1ktoHgcDQuVJdfEI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRNd69S-fMjLWXM0ryhgrPrUdP8HtqRlaXYxAzIOpvzmOracFePJFuG6QNngIQl8-C6h-xiVjmulKRWMEm5Y3Ay2q2tRzbif1zW2vf2D8uz-skFxQF5W0sRKRgziVkLqjFqpFWu8PM1bCY_kJ4i25ef1Y2RTh2fGcIcz6mQR6xiXB1ktoHgcDQuVJdfEI" width="221" /></a></div><br />We had a family birthday party celebrating the 47th birthday of Nana's and Grandpa's family. Grandpa served a delicious fancy dinner, and Aunt Amanda brought her famous chocolate cake and we even lit candles and sang to them. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0fKMXDLMBJelxVMpxv3Gt_3-mcWAREcMvQzFUBw4azZ09Ryxbnwm1_CjdOFFhkNWV-TVoBwGPUFGfq9lVXiNHzIz1n2SYf4_ji0QRp30zl4p_AY-EPKf4fBnY-gVE2AS1hrRP6oVxfEzlze6JuSPoQdm-jfToWBnoLu4irNOLi0EXsZXTtuaTtAM3kL0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0fKMXDLMBJelxVMpxv3Gt_3-mcWAREcMvQzFUBw4azZ09Ryxbnwm1_CjdOFFhkNWV-TVoBwGPUFGfq9lVXiNHzIz1n2SYf4_ji0QRp30zl4p_AY-EPKf4fBnY-gVE2AS1hrRP6oVxfEzlze6JuSPoQdm-jfToWBnoLu4irNOLi0EXsZXTtuaTtAM3kL0" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjBYiR2JjjKuYlmJefQ6ssby2HnoGM0FymL7cQquq0g16cEtsWKNKhePOxaqqj7O7I1-vg53Hi_VpdCu27cXpkZD4llbPyH6SgeZM7RrrsYbMR4-NidVrlDcdlu38MVwq7r2qN3SZyEqIFWX6B9PsDx89jCLCda0Yu8PjK5jIYnm1b1BqG6zeExOF3gM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjBYiR2JjjKuYlmJefQ6ssby2HnoGM0FymL7cQquq0g16cEtsWKNKhePOxaqqj7O7I1-vg53Hi_VpdCu27cXpkZD4llbPyH6SgeZM7RrrsYbMR4-NidVrlDcdlu38MVwq7r2qN3SZyEqIFWX6B9PsDx89jCLCda0Yu8PjK5jIYnm1b1BqG6zeExOF3gM" width="135" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcdIjiWfCCitA0rmoaCfLASwP6MvxSg2CMumzpI_rVzOw1fegdv3kreAmYKSRdjv7Yc7VfNJaKGMY47ze6-he3mHxUTwRicyOHawiIHw3cbX6yl7ht-rj4e407CtydC9SK76aMukps_kBB1YG-VDhwofBDAHX2XqqtKFReEZYnd3J81tDNC8f_k-CXWmo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcdIjiWfCCitA0rmoaCfLASwP6MvxSg2CMumzpI_rVzOw1fegdv3kreAmYKSRdjv7Yc7VfNJaKGMY47ze6-he3mHxUTwRicyOHawiIHw3cbX6yl7ht-rj4e407CtydC9SK76aMukps_kBB1YG-VDhwofBDAHX2XqqtKFReEZYnd3J81tDNC8f_k-CXWmo" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Did some work in the basement finally! The mice disaster down there is getting cleaned up, and I have hope again for that area of the house. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXjj7JPYCObymSaZXq2o9GnzC1FMwJPfIDw8edwm8h4nZ9d3A_S_Fd5Ikeuqu4BP4tV89PzW5dWz0W3S8szfICqkwx3_Sd5SPnxpqAF9RHtvTbNmy7QkqFt9XVUaMv1DeeTqaR96cFwxDZoQ6fQaXLxGM_Re4v9TXyj8kVeHI8smbg9Tjm5_f9IKkK5cs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXjj7JPYCObymSaZXq2o9GnzC1FMwJPfIDw8edwm8h4nZ9d3A_S_Fd5Ikeuqu4BP4tV89PzW5dWz0W3S8szfICqkwx3_Sd5SPnxpqAF9RHtvTbNmy7QkqFt9XVUaMv1DeeTqaR96cFwxDZoQ6fQaXLxGM_Re4v9TXyj8kVeHI8smbg9Tjm5_f9IKkK5cs" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcPkYZiXM2hxtRUDIpeA4Ldzc1LjF07A7YIlnm319wdIbbaWohGFXKjw3szDMgvvnIl6chVYaMi8imbnojwAwnAzVyaOvdnG9Wg1qZv4PpffJKCSqBcIpu6wYyJ9222bQj0k_uYfNUY44JcN2nW5y6NfDvWY8ANPYBaqXI0F3ZOJ68pXwOXQ-kxETGH_M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcPkYZiXM2hxtRUDIpeA4Ldzc1LjF07A7YIlnm319wdIbbaWohGFXKjw3szDMgvvnIl6chVYaMi8imbnojwAwnAzVyaOvdnG9Wg1qZv4PpffJKCSqBcIpu6wYyJ9222bQj0k_uYfNUY44JcN2nW5y6NfDvWY8ANPYBaqXI0F3ZOJ68pXwOXQ-kxETGH_M" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>There was lots more rain, including when we were supposed to be doing a water balloon Human Battleship activity for YW! (But the alternate activity of watching the <a href="https://youtu.be/ZVtcWsng6SE?si=qDr8z9i2JE2Nbcwp">Youth Music and Arts Festival</a> at Danica's house with hot cocoa was really fun!)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Bpx8rPnYIeREd1b9Cix9xSJdy1n02buJd7T9ccidT_sfJm8XwqLOJIegSdvgLE4qSR-dKZxPc55TlFrE2RE0BoT6oRwrSB-528anwLz8WTd1ZxxmPaofJpc5C352Q9zMau1J7365Ldfprae3PBSO1I0Kuhls-aLXtsxtR5coUTwLPNDEVuWvXiGZLZg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Bpx8rPnYIeREd1b9Cix9xSJdy1n02buJd7T9ccidT_sfJm8XwqLOJIegSdvgLE4qSR-dKZxPc55TlFrE2RE0BoT6oRwrSB-528anwLz8WTd1ZxxmPaofJpc5C352Q9zMau1J7365Ldfprae3PBSO1I0Kuhls-aLXtsxtR5coUTwLPNDEVuWvXiGZLZg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFdVSuOKW6s_DMla0GTFHfnb2P5rp2-KohPqQz1q9JySjV-nhgXXNgUcsMpFz_YwTYg8w6YRfyct1ERnDsU9gLnAd1_ezRRP63ftKaG8kh02LqdAU8Y6XJbtZzZidpGO9Q-FMzbFB3WQ5o0mJJ1VXDu3keUfrJe7ejy8o0cHW8cULbIg6QWXnRGFQpZ9M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFdVSuOKW6s_DMla0GTFHfnb2P5rp2-KohPqQz1q9JySjV-nhgXXNgUcsMpFz_YwTYg8w6YRfyct1ERnDsU9gLnAd1_ezRRP63ftKaG8kh02LqdAU8Y6XJbtZzZidpGO9Q-FMzbFB3WQ5o0mJJ1VXDu3keUfrJe7ejy8o0cHW8cULbIg6QWXnRGFQpZ9M" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbXvozDaBZe-goJ-O2tqX_goWvrQ57bnW7Gw3H0HvhlGQvZ9POsNMBu6qw8AdbFdu-MQu0ffL53SZDtHZHdphq4y7jH3CUoQv9KgBocED4ejtrLKBhMsrkuAMRLwOt1l0CQHR19io_PTCtdBeKEvs8rb8Dwj8c30ok4nqfjl3h4f7L9dmJY6Dcyl2V94s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbXvozDaBZe-goJ-O2tqX_goWvrQ57bnW7Gw3H0HvhlGQvZ9POsNMBu6qw8AdbFdu-MQu0ffL53SZDtHZHdphq4y7jH3CUoQv9KgBocED4ejtrLKBhMsrkuAMRLwOt1l0CQHR19io_PTCtdBeKEvs8rb8Dwj8c30ok4nqfjl3h4f7L9dmJY6Dcyl2V94s" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br />Exacto and I had several nice runs on the Knoll Trail, including our first one to go the entire length of it. Also we are studying together on a free class from Yale called <a href="https://www.coursera.org/learn/moral-politics/home/week/2">Moral Foundations of Politics</a> that I am really loving, especially with E's help. He made some good progress on the dry-stack retaining wall in the backyard (it is beautiful!) and I got a maple tree planted in our flower bed. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxuSdvOXQ_aLvNUWNqdnEspuJnyOLA1cv-6CoKtwx2qHjqFGfRDqbzwGgwKXvhQbDcoAl1o3G23k83o7x57_WFAxK_5ndVRk9nKPhPHzTckU8OsWP6-zLUxIZRNBUW1rIJC4ginNjWBuUqs_0eJCQDyy_kCLNVjnnkxZc0wq_gr1lL8v8SnC6KAnaMkV0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxuSdvOXQ_aLvNUWNqdnEspuJnyOLA1cv-6CoKtwx2qHjqFGfRDqbzwGgwKXvhQbDcoAl1o3G23k83o7x57_WFAxK_5ndVRk9nKPhPHzTckU8OsWP6-zLUxIZRNBUW1rIJC4ginNjWBuUqs_0eJCQDyy_kCLNVjnnkxZc0wq_gr1lL8v8SnC6KAnaMkV0" width="111" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I was grateful to hear that H made it to all his classes that first day and was happy with them. And then Thursday evening he called and we talked for a while, and he told me not to worry, that he was doing well! Those things and my therapy appointment on Friday led to the realization that it's okay, I can grow up now. <br /></p><blockquote><i>What you can and must do for the rising generation is provide rich, nourishing soil with access to flowing heavenly water. Remove weeds and anything that would block heavenly sunlight. Create the best possible conditions for growth. Patiently allow the rising generation to make inspired choices, and let God work His miracle. The result will be more beautiful and more stunning and more joyful than anything you could accomplish just by yourself.</i></blockquote><p></p><p>I loved my date with DC on Friday night, going to the temple and then an adventure getting ice cream (Snowflake is crazier than you'd think on a Friday night!). And I loved our Saturday at home yesterday, especially lingering after breakfast to hear Rosehips and Exacto tell funny memories from when they were little, working with Rosehips on organizing her new tote with special papers, harvesting 5.7 lbs cherry tomatoes and roughly 127 lbs. of zucchini with Exacto, and a delightful video call with Fluffy, excited about our upcoming visit to Provo. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcAGlowYt4wT7cXmDdqL2ol_X5Q7IIrqzhd1Xm2NTyapzY1hE839jGiBaVLzLjSQDQxX1EMsnt6isEbs1UEDh1nQjgRBuU7DSOjBs8RpXrood9eGQ8i7gZaLyZxkv9uJ1q-jr5h0EwBypWJeUQ-VZZmK0XHDJSnJ3iZRhs98TdTTs9G5_iytCnZ0Eb49g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcAGlowYt4wT7cXmDdqL2ol_X5Q7IIrqzhd1Xm2NTyapzY1hE839jGiBaVLzLjSQDQxX1EMsnt6isEbs1UEDh1nQjgRBuU7DSOjBs8RpXrood9eGQ8i7gZaLyZxkv9uJ1q-jr5h0EwBypWJeUQ-VZZmK0XHDJSnJ3iZRhs98TdTTs9G5_iytCnZ0Eb49g" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Ruytk7sbJRuv3pV9Mns7pzIPIEQxGOwANYcpiGQ_J8dQvJv4rX11xLozNF4afgFmIH8mEe0MgZv0kD7aNo26JLcpG0Y1v2WR_Qb2E5vhSVkGAmhuSEKe8KOxf74S7sTeGLDjwXAkG_rzMKkoHIpz_3cBFWNr0OQDhpuCRXgVqOXHNO5MWOzJ2ZP5y7U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Ruytk7sbJRuv3pV9Mns7pzIPIEQxGOwANYcpiGQ_J8dQvJv4rX11xLozNF4afgFmIH8mEe0MgZv0kD7aNo26JLcpG0Y1v2WR_Qb2E5vhSVkGAmhuSEKe8KOxf74S7sTeGLDjwXAkG_rzMKkoHIpz_3cBFWNr0OQDhpuCRXgVqOXHNO5MWOzJ2ZP5y7U" width="111" /></a></div><br />Life is good. I love each of you with all my heart!<p></p><p>Mommy</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIetpksUyGJI7PmZRs7qWmmhADucjptFiRY-CqR5SfDTmBhYi2-HZNRORrKkwvLp7texURVvYWKfETP0A9hEDTBCC5g_qzug0yqg5yeTc9-hV6-KRlVZN8h1FKZZpZat1Pn5ToU9ODyX14GFe8qqJ-NN4RSwX0-Z-KnJLT5EGBkalEZo-RRMQIO6IkYcg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIetpksUyGJI7PmZRs7qWmmhADucjptFiRY-CqR5SfDTmBhYi2-HZNRORrKkwvLp7texURVvYWKfETP0A9hEDTBCC5g_qzug0yqg5yeTc9-hV6-KRlVZN8h1FKZZpZat1Pn5ToU9ODyX14GFe8qqJ-NN4RSwX0-Z-KnJLT5EGBkalEZo-RRMQIO6IkYcg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Quotable<br />8/16<br />Grandpa, regarding sensitivity: "We need to be more like nectarines and less like peaches."Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-20419977708329005162023-08-06T19:15:00.000-05:002023-08-06T19:15:01.437-05:00Dear Flammly, The reunion was great!<p>August 6, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Flammly,</p><p>I've gotten to spend time with all of you during these last three weeks and I have LOVED it! Thank you for coming to visit for a couple weeks, Fluffy! Enjoying having Exacto here for a little while longer before he heads out for a research job and Ham for two more weeks until he returns to Thatcher for school. And so glad that Rosehips is only in 8th grade and we still get years with her home! </p><p>It was a great Bailey reunion. We had my brother Russ and his kids and my brother Mark and his family sleeping here at our house, which was soooo fun. Actually one of the highlights of the whole reunion for me was having my little 3yo nephew H come out in the mornings, saying, "I sleep at Aunt Shell's house!" and sitting on the stairs and just chatting, etc. It was sooo sweet! </p><p>DC and I slept in the brand-new basement bedroom that was just barely almost finished just in time. There's a ton of natural light down there for it being a basement room, and it was still nice and cool. (Our house has no central cooling system). </p><p>The meals turned out fine, I think! There was a ton of help from my siblings and their families, and on Friday night we got Samoan food from a lovely local family with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VelmasLittleUmukuka/">food truck</a> (The Best!). Some of my favorite foods we served: oven scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes, <a href="https://www.melskitchencafe.com/thin-and-chewy-funfetti-blondies-from-scratch/" target="_blank">funfetti bars</a>, taco salad with lentil chili, biscuits and gravy, the cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs. . . okay, I'm fasting right now so I'd better stop! 🤤</p><p>Favorite activities: watching <i>Emperor's New Groove</i> outside on the grass and having Doug and Carmen bring us s'mores while we lounged (there I go again! 😂), NINE-SQUARE! (this has become an epic tradition at our reunions and this year did not disappoint), water balloon volleyball with our families as teams and then dodgeball, water bottle rockets with Grandpa and also his spoonerist fairy tales, the fun crossword puzzle my sister Mandy made with family names, the devotionals (especially Nana's and Heather's), pushing H on the baby swing at sunset, having E teach me how to play Slapjack, and just talking and talking with all those beautiful people I love so deeply.</p><p>This Bailey family we belong to has problems like everyone else. We don't all agree all the time (do we <i>ever</i> all agree? haha!) but we definitely love each other a lot. I think each one of us would do just about anything for any other member of the family. I am super grateful for the strength and influence of the adult members of the family on my children. Ham's cockroach habitat had interested visitors, and a couple of people helped him practice job interview questions for his interview at Sonic that happened during the reunion. There were late night conversations and hugs and real questions about life. So, so grateful for all of them!</p><p>Fluffy arrived with Uncle DJ and Aunt Heather's family the day the Bailey reunion started and he stayed about 2 1/2 weeks. I think home was just what he needed after a really tough few months.</p><p>He soaked in a ton of extended family time, especially with Mandy's family staying an extra week after the reunion. He went running with Grandpa (even came in 1st overall at the Pioneer Days 10K!), practiced the piano, and got his laptop all organized for the new semester (Exacto and Ham helped install Linux on it!). There were late-night cousin game nights and flammly scripture study and FHE and temple trips. It was just SO nice to have all my living children home for a while and to feel more connected as a flammly again!</p><p>We did lots with Nana and Grandpa and Mandy's family. . . Cover Your Cookies (always with real cookies at the end -- the loser picks first! :), marshmallow roasting at the firepit, ramada meals together (except when it was too hot), pickleball, the Rim Trail with lunch afterward at The House, swimming while watching <i>Moana</i> projected onto the wall, and Pioneer Days.</p><p>Pioneer Days in Snowflake are the biggest celebration of the year. Our little town of about 6000 swells by several more thousand as people come up from the excruciatingly hot Phoenix Valley and have huge family reunions and there's tons of activities for a couple of days. We went to the parade and rodeo (so fun!) and the Arts & Crafts Fair (we loved the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonoranscavengers/" target="_blank">Sonoran Sc</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonoranscavengers/" target="_blank">avengers</a> booth and also the Hawaiian clothes - Mom bought me a huge comfy romper 😍). It was unusually hot -- we've had kind of a bummer monsoon season this year -- but we would nap and cool off then head out for more.</p><p>Exacto and I ran in the Pioneer Days 5K and Fluffy and Grandpa did the 10K. It was Exacto's first-ever official race, and I loved running with him! Even though the course was a bit brutal (rocky, hilly, sandy) we talked happily and saw the beautiful nature and the lovely view of the temple and it was really fun. </p><p>Rosehips went with her older cousin A to the youth dance and had a really fun time too! (Until some kid threw a firework into the mosh pit. Not cool!) They both came home happy and telling all the details -- I loved it.</p><p>I came down with a nasty virus (or maybe it was bacterial after all?) the next Sunday and was coughing, having trouble sleeping, feverish / achy, ears clogged for the next few days. The fatigue and clogged ears have lasted a couple of weeks. Luckily I was only out of commission for a few days and was still able to get back to enjoying this precious family time soon. (Not like last year when I got covid during the only time Fluffy was visiting! 😓)</p><p>We had to delay it a couple days, but I was even still able to sing at our first-ever End-of-Summer Flammly Recital! The idea came from Tasia's family -- they practice their instruments all summer and then they all perform what they worked on. We performed at Nana's and Grandpa's house and invited Grandpa to perform on the piano, too. </p><p>Here was our program for this first one:</p><p>DC - Bach E major partita movement <i>Gavotte and rondeau</i> - solo violin</p><p>Fluffy - Brahms A major intermezzo Op 118 No 2 - solo piano</p><p>Rosehips and me - <i>The Lord is My Light</i> (<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/faithsongpublicationsllc/music/alphabetical-list-2/the-lord-is-my-light" target="_blank">gorgeous setting by Rachel Mohlman</a>) and <i>Come to My Garden</i> from "The Secret Garden" - vocal duet, with Fluffy accompanying and Ham page-turning</p><p>Grandpa - <i>Promenade</i> from "Pictures at an Exhibition" - solo piano</p><p>DC and me - Brahms sonata in G major, 1st movment - piano and violin, Exacto page-turning</p><p>The performance was really fun, but even more fun was the practicing to get ready! I really loved giving myself the time to do this. Usually I think that's for fun, and I should wait till all the work is done before I go play the piano or sing. But I could see how doing something creative like that every day, even before the work was done, brought me joy and more mental strength. I think it helped me be able to work better later! </p><p>Also it was happy "bondy" time for me and Rosehips and me and DC and later with our accompanist and pageturners. </p><p>More happy bondy time was doing "stowies" with my chilluns. Exacto and Rosehips and I finished <i>The Hobbit</i> and are now well into <i>Fellowship of the Ring</i>. DC and I also read together at night before going to sleep -- we've done it for years now -- and we finished <i>Fierce Marriage</i>, a book I gave him for Christmas. (I do recommend for Christian couples!) We're loving reading his Grandpa Green's letters from World War II, also. </p><p>Rosehips and I have been steadily watching all of <i>The Chosen</i> and LOVING it! I was very skeptical at first -- I didn't ever plan to watch it -- I suspected it would be too casual a treatment of people / things that are sacred to me. But my friend Danica assured me that Jesus is always portrayed with respect and she thought I would actually really like the series. So we watched the first three episodes with Danica's family and then I watched some more with DC and now Rosehips and I have run ahead and are into Season 3. I really, really love it. Not every thing about it, but almost everything. It is so cool to see and think more about how Jesus might respond to little real life things. To see His unfailing love for every single person, even the annoying ones, portrayed. To see His disciples struggle with the same things I struggle with. I feel like it makes me think more often about Him and it makes His involvement in my life seem more actual and real. </p><p>There are many parts and quotes I love, but one of my favorite moments is from the episode with the man being lowered from the roof by his friends to be healed. It's a chaotic moment -- for the first time a large crowd is gathering to try to hear Jesus. Some are afraid it's about to cause the Romans to get involved and punish them. Some are Pharisees demanding answers to angry questions. And Jesus pauses to look up at one of the paralyzed man's friends, a woman from Ethiopia, who has been so desperate to get her friend to Jesus. He says to her: "Your faith is beautiful."</p><p>I know that the scriptures don't record Him ever saying those actual words. But I felt the Spirit tell me that He does feel that way. That our faith <i>is</i> beautiful to Him!</p><p>I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week!</p><p>Love,</p><p>Mommy</p><p>aka Michelle</p><p>P.S. Nana and Grandpa received their mission call two weeks ago, and it was strange but kind of appropriate to watch it over Zoom (due to my illness). We watched from the front porch as they read it -- Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission for 18 months, entering the Provo MTC on November 27! I am so proud of them, both for their willingness to serve and for the talents and strength they will bring to their service! I'm sure I'll share more thoughts as we get closer to their departure.</p><p>Quotables</p><p>7/27 - After Fluffy finished playing his Brahms intermezzo at the flammly recital, we paused because of the sheer beauty of it, then clapped. Ham: "I almost said amen!"</p><div dir="auto">7/11</div><div>Ham: "My brain is as tired as a 10-year-old Chromebook. . . .that still has its original operating system."</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-81190397094323972942023-07-09T15:25:00.001-05:002023-07-09T19:01:01.138-05:00Dear Flammly, our parakeet likes Enya. . .<p>July 9, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Flammly,</p><p>Lots of work and lots of learning this week. Also lots of joy! Family members are already starting to arrive for the reunion that officially starts on Wednesday evening, and it has been fun to be with them and especially to have lots of time with Nana and Grandpa this week.</p><p>The 4th of July was full of yummy food! We went to a flag-raising by the Main Street Chapel in the morning, and then came home for freedom toast with Nana and Grandpa. (Usually we go to Show Low and do that with the Baileys there, but there was illness and we stayed in Snowflake). </p><p>I loved working all together in our kitchen to prepare food for the cookout. Each of us chose part of it to work on, and it turned out soooo yummy! We had hot dogs with pico de gallo, coleslaw, broccoli salad, grilled veggie kabobs, root beer, mac and cheese, and homemade ice cream. The weather was weirdly hot and windy, so we ended up eating inside.</p><p>Then we went swimming, just us and Nana and Grandpa. I was trying to keep my hair dry, but the others played Monkey-in-the-Middle. </p><p>Other highlights of the week:</p><p>Going to the temple with DC on Wednesday. It had been a while since I did an endowment session, and I learned so much and felt love from Heavenly Father so clearly! I am really grateful for a couple of things the Spirit taught me, too, that are helping me with problems I've been facing. </p><p>A sweet little Young Women class activity at my parents' pool. Only 4 girls came, but one of their moms filled in for the other leader and I loved sitting and visiting with her while the girls swam and frolicked in the water. </p><p>Enjoying a "Super Dad" date with my Dad (it was my Father's Day gift for him 😊). We went running on the S Trail (I was relieved it went well -- Dad just ran his 14th marathon in June and I've only been running about 20 minutes regularly!) and then we got breakfast at Cupido's. It was so fun to spend that time together! My Dad is one of my most favorite people in the world -- I feel soooo lucky to have him!</p><p>An outstanding FHE lesson from Rosehips, reading from the Book of Mormon (Alma, Amulek, Zeezrom) and sharing her thoughts and testimony and watching the video to go with it. The Spirit was strong! It was so awesome!</p><p>Having our traditional post-haircut root beer floats on the front porch in the windy heat.</p><p>A moonlight walk with Ham. He's been on such a late schedule -- he was literally nocturnal for the last part of the semester, and is still having trouble getting to sleep before the wee sma's. I took a nap that day so I could stay up late with him and talk when he was feeling awake. The full moon on the desert landscape after a long, hot day is a breathtaking, unforgettable thing.</p><p>Running with Exacto. Yesterday we did about 3 1/2 miles and he told me about the Navajo creation story and also how the stars were placed so randomly over the sky. He took Navajo during his last semester at BYU and really enjoys learning more about that culture and its history. </p><p>Watching <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_Academia">My Hero Academia</a> with Ham. Not sure how much DC likes it, especially since he's on a super early schedule and is always falling asleep by the time we start watching, but it's still bonding time for the flammly, I guess! 😪😂</p><p>Progress on the basement bedroom project. Drywall was finished this week, then painting, then the flooring got started yesterday. We've been hoping to use the room for people to stay in during the reunion, but we'll see! 🤞</p><p>Rosehips helping me make a busload of whole-wheat pancakes for the reunion (multiplied <a href="https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/whole-wheat-pancakes/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> times 17!). And practicing our duets together for the flammly recital. </p><p>Dinner at the ramada with about half the Bailey family, including my sweet brother and his family here from Wisconsin! I loved pushing little 3yo H on the swing. He's a smart cookie and we talked about all the things we could see from there. Last night we had dinner at Streets on Main and it was so yummy and fun. We came home and had s'mores (or just a couple of sugar-free marshmallows, in my case) by the fire pit. </p><p>Yesterday I had a migraine and spent most of the day in bed. (<i>That was not a highlight, btw.</i>)</p><p>I have been reaching for heaven a lot, needing help with knowing how to be a parent to adult children. I realized this week that I have been trying to coach--or even manage--their choices way too much. These grown-up sons of mine are smart and they are good! I love the people they have become and are still becoming! And they were God's children before they were ever mine. He is totally aware of what experiences they need and what choices they are making, and He loves them even more completely than I do (that part is hard to imagine). </p><p>I just get to keep loving them and cheering them on. I have had a couple of ideas come to me of things I can do that would be good in supporting them. But mostly I need to watch and love, not judge, pray hard, and then let Him work in their lives as they choose to let Him. </p><p>E, F, and H, if y'all ever <i>do</i> want advice about anything, you can ask! 😅 And I am always here for you with love. Always.</p><p>A quote from C.S. Lewis this time. I just finished reading his <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30626.Letters_to_Children?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dUoMRBrgXu&rank=1">Letters to Children</a></i>, which I highly recommend. Such a lovely peek into his life and mind!</p><p>This is from just a few weeks before his death, in November 1963:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>Dear Ruth. . . ,</i></p><p><i><span> Many thanks for your kind letter, and it was very good of you to write and tell me that you like my books; and what a very good letter you write for your age!</span><br /></i></p><p><i> If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so. I'm so thankful that you realized [the] "hidden story" in the Narnian books. It is odd, children nearly </i>always<i> do, grown-ups hardly ever.</i></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>I love that -- "If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so." </p><p>He is so good! I love Him with all my heart for His watchful care over me and all the good things in my life.</p><p>Love to each of you,</p><p>Mommy</p><p>P.S. Another letter excerpt that made me giggle:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>Dear Martin,</i></p><p><i><span> Thanks for your letter of the 15th. You don't tell me how your sister is; be sure to mention this the next time you write. I think your proposed metre is far too rollicking and comic for any original in so solemn a metre as the Virgilian hexameter. To such a time as yours I would put only works like</span><br /></i></p><p><i><span><span> "A pound of that cheese and an ounce of the butter," </span></span></i><i>Aeneas replied with his usual stutter.</i></p></blockquote><p>Makes me think of the poem ChatGPT wrote for your prompt "Tell about a pingpong match in the style of the Iliad." 😆</p><p>P.P.S. This afternoon after church, Johann was shrieking relentlessly for no apparent reason. I was about to cause another "solar eclipse" (this is when the parakeets get temporarily banished to the bathroom with the door shut), but Exacto turned on some Enya for him and he switched to warbling! <a href="https://youtu.be/7wfYIMyS_dI">This song</a> seemed to work the best (Orinoco Flow was maybe too rhythmic and he fell out of his trance). . .</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-77106524887596144762023-07-02T15:50:00.000-05:002023-07-02T15:50:01.333-05:00!Querida Flammilia, Hoy tenemos tortas!<p>July 2, 2023</p><p>Fast Sunday</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><br /></p><p>Querida flammilia y amigos,</p><p>It has been such a nice week, with the Baker family reunion at the beginning of it, and Independence Day celebrating at the end of it, and a quick trip to the Valley in between!</p><p>DC was in charge of the reunion this year, and it was so nice to have it close to where we live. We stayed at the absolutely lovely <a href="https://www.lazyoaks.com/">Lazy Oaks Resort</a> on Rainbow Lake in Pinetop-Lakeside. We each had our own little cabin (ours was the <i>Poplars</i>), and there was a grassy shaded area with picnic tables and a swing where we could gather all together for meals and evening stuff. There was access to kayaks and life jackets, and that was my favorite part, I think, just going out on the lake and seeing all the birds -- swallows and cormorants and herons and eagles. </p><p>Exacto, Fluffy, and Rosehips all went on the lake early Monday morning and saw herons skydiving into the water to catch fish! Hummer and a cousin kayaked out to the middle where a dead tree poked up out of the lake and they took turns climbing it and not dropping their phones in the lake! (I DID drop my phone in the lake and it's okay now. . . do you want to hear the story?)</p><p>Rosehips and I went on a long, long kayaking trip and had the best heart-to-heart talk on the way and the n the toughest time getting back because the wind had come up and there were pretty high wave peaks. We were so strong! We made it eventually! </p><p>I love DC's family. We have been married longer than anyone else in the family except Grandma and Grandpa Baker, and since I was married at the shockingly young age of 19, I've kind of grown up with his family, too. They are a down-to-earth, funny, creative, loving, widely varied, really kind bunch of people, and I'm happy to be part of them! </p><p>Breakfasts and lunches were mostly on our own in our own little cabins, but dinners were together and the older cousins loved to stay up late playing games together. One of my brothers-in-law brought a screen and a projector, so there was also a family history slideshow and a special video celebrating Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary (happened 3 years ago during covid so we still hadn't really celebrated together).</p><p>I loved that we still had a group scripture study every night with the ones who wanted to join and the ones who didn't want were not pressured or made to feel bad, just invited. I loved that some went on the little hike together and some didn't but everyone wanted to be at the slideshow and special video. I loved hearing my sister-in-law of another faith pray like Jesus was standing right in front of her. I loved talking to my beautiful Italian sister-in-law who was just baptized a few years ago about her love for the temple. There's just a strong feeling of acceptance and real joy in being together, despite different choices family members have made. </p><p>Wednesday morning we had the extended goodbyes that is traditional in DC's family. There's an unwritten rule that you can't leave until you have hugged every single person and talked to them individually, and it's the sweetest thing but it takes forever and I'm the type of person who hates saying goodbye so it just feels like slowly pulling duct tape off my arm but I know it's because they love each other and me so I try to calm down and just feel the love, lol!</p><p>So grateful everyone had a happy time and all the travel went safely and that we got to be together again!</p><p>Friday I went with Ham and Exacto to The Great Valley so that H could have a therapy appointment. I am so, so glad he's trying to take care of his health! It's been a tough year for him so far. We got yummy Salad-and-Go and went to Hobby Lobby before heading back up the mountain, and H and I enjoyed some crocheting on the way back (he started a harness for Arthur <span face=""Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Noto Color Emoji", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols, "EmojiOne Mozilla", "Twemoji Mozilla", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji Compat", emoji, noto-emojipedia-fallback" style="font-size: 16px;">🐇 </span>and I started my first <a href="https://thoresbycottage.com/2018/08/28/crochet-cat-pattern/">amigumuri project</a>) while Exacto drove. It was fun to read out loud lots of <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/707616.The_Year_of_Miss_Agnes?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=H2i6OeQh5W&rank=1">The Year of Miss Agnes</a></i>, too. </p><p>Yesterday it was nice to be home and finally get more work done on planning the food for my family's reunion which starts in less than two weeks! <span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">😨</span> And then in the evening we went to the Taylor Rodeo. Nana says her Daddy used to take her and her sisters every year, after buying them new Wranglers at the store. She loves going, and even invited us to come early to save our seats and watch people. </p><p>I was a little hesitant because ever since the pandemic and the political ugliness that began around that time, I've been a little afraid to be at a rodeo. But I wanted to spend time with my Mom and I knew it was important to her, so I went, and I'm so glad! It was delightful! It never got too political and the rodeo events were really cool (there was a new breakaway women's calf-roping event I'd never seen before) and it was the most love I have felt for my country in a long time. </p><p>I've always been patriotic, but the word had started to take on a disagreeable tinge over the past few years and I think I'd started to forget its true meaning. Last night as I pledged allegiance and sang the national anthem with 9000 people and then watched the fireworks and sang <i>I'm Proud to Be An American</i>, my heart felt full of gratitude and love for this truly amazing country I was lucky enough to be born into. And then the next song was <i>I Love You, Arizona </i>and I got super teary! </p><p>Dad and DC brought us ham tortas from Cupidos, and we sat near some people from Tucson that were super nice and fun to talk to (we cheered for the cowboy from Marana together!) and Ham got excited about the macarena song because it sounded like everyone was singing about cicadas, lol (<a class="sciname species secondary-name" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/504396" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" target="_self"><i>Pacarina shoemakeri</i></a>).</p><p>I am thoughtful this morning about influence and agency and parenting and "the joy of the saints." </p><p>As a disciple of Jesus and a mother, how do I "feed His sheep" if the sheep maybe doesn't <i>want</i> to be fed? </p><p>I have a new perspective on that after DC sharing some of his thoughts this morning. He said "feed His sheep" makes him think of the tree in Lehi's dream. The tree had shining, white fruit, and represented the love of God. We can eat the fruit and experience the love of God and invite our family and friends to do that, too. We can share the love of God ourselves! Maybe others can feel His love through us, and<i> that</i> is feeding His sheep!<br /><br /><br /><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.<br /><br />And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?<br /><br />And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.<br /></i><br /><i>And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.</i></p><p style="text-align: right;">~ 1 Nephi 11:20-23</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: right;"></p><p><br /></p><p>And so, please always remember: </p><p><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 17px;">👉</span>You are most likely to be happy when you are living by the teachings of Jesus Christ! </p><p>Live His gospel and have fun, too!</p><p>Love,</p><p>Mommy</p><p><br /></p><br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-42917957938484525182023-01-08T14:48:00.002-06:002023-01-08T14:48:55.883-06:00Dear Flammly, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>January 8, 2023</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Flammly,</p><p>This first week of 2023 has been a good one, and I am happy to have some time on this Fast Sunday to tell you about it. (It's amazing how much time is saved by not eating. . .maybe we should always not eat! jk lol)</p><p>New Year's day was quiet and simple. We went to church, then came home for snacks and a thoughtful <i>Come, Follow Me</i> discussion led by Exacto about how we learn and how we can know when we have found truth. He is such a good teacher! He really has a gift for engaging our interest and making us want to share our thoughts.</p><p>It was a gloomy, overcast several days. My sweet friend Danica brought over a bag of sunshine! She knows of my proneness to seasonal depression and was thinking of me. (Her husband keeps bees, and the honey is from them! So cool! And the little sun is citrus-scented. :)</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqRVCOsq4-ckJilqGNTwTn4ojZb7Vjsl5TmaCcq84JtXsPT5PcYmuE31QkRdBB_HjEROpzUBsQggqYVL8Y84n9YPkeR3d5zsmNeJ-TJz1cyvY-RlPQngtaaWxwv5HJDAHWTDdAKsp2rgZkomyLDQnMEYSvjFCXrPh5YWCHWbfzJ1LQFaAy3fxdflB/s2400/tuxpi.com.1673209450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqRVCOsq4-ckJilqGNTwTn4ojZb7Vjsl5TmaCcq84JtXsPT5PcYmuE31QkRdBB_HjEROpzUBsQggqYVL8Y84n9YPkeR3d5zsmNeJ-TJz1cyvY-RlPQngtaaWxwv5HJDAHWTDdAKsp2rgZkomyLDQnMEYSvjFCXrPh5YWCHWbfzJ1LQFaAy3fxdflB/w240-h320/tuxpi.com.1673209450.jpg" title="the sun has a citrus scent :)" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We had our traditional black-eyed pea cornbread casserole (for good luck in the new year!) and <strike>collard</strike> spinach greens (for prosperity!) and started a game of Monopoly that went on till Thursday (Exacto was the only one with good luck and prosperity, haha).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwxIW5UqhEMhLA8uQgSDAlmZ_mLTrwnlLl2GKOVXQ1uasv-rahC3p10vGqyhpIBhEo_XOjdPBhOXQAATWnuYMRano6dB1QJwODW_I7kx0LYR39OEd0cIdlTMIYghGilY81ef16eROerxNzxrfNq548-9Mwv0D-mAw8ePhYl5CKhZ-1fjdvxnznDkg/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwxIW5UqhEMhLA8uQgSDAlmZ_mLTrwnlLl2GKOVXQ1uasv-rahC3p10vGqyhpIBhEo_XOjdPBhOXQAATWnuYMRano6dB1QJwODW_I7kx0LYR39OEd0cIdlTMIYghGilY81ef16eROerxNzxrfNq548-9Mwv0D-mAw8ePhYl5CKhZ-1fjdvxnznDkg/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Monday it was blowing snow. Exacto and Rosehips and I went on a short, frigid walk with his bow and arrows (so noble!). In the evening we had a nice FHE where we all shared stuff we were learning in our personal scripture study, then we watched <i>How to Train Your Dragon 3</i> and had kettlecorn. I really liked that movie! I think it's my favorite of the three. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrvtQ8UX2AAPr7zr9N-3CTkzQN4XMWUuwL6fECDP06cnFPkRMaLWBV3FZhPPhbcCkg5-8kA0LkJfGu5ZKLN4uWqH0jWooU0MHuM0HAHFkOqaOH-Z05YYGjc75J7tmS-xSWNao-FmcdwAYG4m-kFA4ChKToOV9zUoGh5YAhjlvxGtwJjV9O8XwNVE8/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrvtQ8UX2AAPr7zr9N-3CTkzQN4XMWUuwL6fECDP06cnFPkRMaLWBV3FZhPPhbcCkg5-8kA0LkJfGu5ZKLN4uWqH0jWooU0MHuM0HAHFkOqaOH-Z05YYGjc75J7tmS-xSWNao-FmcdwAYG4m-kFA4ChKToOV9zUoGh5YAhjlvxGtwJjV9O8XwNVE8/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Tuesday there was more snow and it was rainy/overcast all day and DC was back to work. Exacto and I still went running (woot woot!) and I went to a Young Women presidency meeting. Sushi for dinner, which we'd been craving ever since playing SushiGo! over the break. :) </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGTciFE7NwkXC9iHNRsnzLw9S3DDe0PpodmO7jPZFZBkL9DyJEUe8Doj-7ZE50I_ppNLajgS55wtRT-OPXACGg6TY0atxd3RWc_330WQ3OE7799T88sNFhBh9YHSartwvNHO7WuGJqFsl1pc0hDztm2Bbzc5MeeCg68dN275rQFOGOMuUNgkd07iq/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGTciFE7NwkXC9iHNRsnzLw9S3DDe0PpodmO7jPZFZBkL9DyJEUe8Doj-7ZE50I_ppNLajgS55wtRT-OPXACGg6TY0atxd3RWc_330WQ3OE7799T88sNFhBh9YHSartwvNHO7WuGJqFsl1pc0hDztm2Bbzc5MeeCg68dN275rQFOGOMuUNgkd07iq/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>That evening Rosehips and I had a cozy Hallmark movie night at my cousin Kim's house. It was so fun! We watched <i>Enchanted Christmas</i> and they had set out a tv tray just for us (and one for them) so we all had easy access to yummy popcorn and lemonade. E showed us all his art work (he's so talented!) and we cracked up at C's constant replaying of the Pooh Bear song and it was really nice to just spend fun time together. Kim was always one of my favorites, growing up, and I love having her in my life again!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxsHIR-YEedGgAT_UrYjRKIYbJJ__oCt8X0cZv6RPJKiSHXll427qTBQhMsHulcfj3hp2RFTxLhoLQ4jYwWkQfFivd0s6tYBBdJPW6v3xTE-bRK4WWy4_rEP6UnJBoRt8doc428cUF6raq6_atlkjuqS7Cf5kciEpQe_mNTvxwHLFAS8hGxQzpBNw/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxsHIR-YEedGgAT_UrYjRKIYbJJ__oCt8X0cZv6RPJKiSHXll427qTBQhMsHulcfj3hp2RFTxLhoLQ4jYwWkQfFivd0s6tYBBdJPW6v3xTE-bRK4WWy4_rEP6UnJBoRt8doc428cUF6raq6_atlkjuqS7Cf5kciEpQe_mNTvxwHLFAS8hGxQzpBNw/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Wednesday the sun finally came back! We went to Five-Mile Draw to see if perhaps there would be thick enough ice for Rosehips to try out her new ice skates on, but alas, it was only sparse or thin. Exacto and Hummer explored the west side of the canyon while I talked to Fluffy and had a very happy conversation over videocall about his upcoming plans.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlLz7ZvA7UtXK2Wywwfv52Ns7P0qFl7mA9GaAerC44YUmOph-Jqv3M2yckY3T7Ep270Oqcy77CkJRD4NvmhUCXWw5mmxInO2gkuVLUWEy38ORHEQzSnGYOcOPdPj5jQpKc7y4cPnaBWwhCuu-0oCJXjpI6UxY4g07bjRR98GORJV-XHUCLmklyVNj/s2400/tuxpi.com.1673209382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlLz7ZvA7UtXK2Wywwfv52Ns7P0qFl7mA9GaAerC44YUmOph-Jqv3M2yckY3T7Ep270Oqcy77CkJRD4NvmhUCXWw5mmxInO2gkuVLUWEy38ORHEQzSnGYOcOPdPj5jQpKc7y4cPnaBWwhCuu-0oCJXjpI6UxY4g07bjRR98GORJV-XHUCLmklyVNj/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209382.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGWtWUmBWvW7QK_yUKirVJU8GzguQPH8UVDPfNJQMsxaZUJoVQKiaQLt5UAcuvTiMEWBi9T7XNHXoNA3q4yL0G3w1no_uWt_wu_FQlhm7iZ-ZPfpgAoXdUHTY1Ezv54VU6Vv2pYKvo_t0hIZNwNb8uTz0HX9ujQah2zxfeTbURd4wcNZVYNc6Xyey/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGWtWUmBWvW7QK_yUKirVJU8GzguQPH8UVDPfNJQMsxaZUJoVQKiaQLt5UAcuvTiMEWBi9T7XNHXoNA3q4yL0G3w1no_uWt_wu_FQlhm7iZ-ZPfpgAoXdUHTY1Ezv54VU6Vv2pYKvo_t0hIZNwNb8uTz0HX9ujQah2zxfeTbURd4wcNZVYNc6Xyey/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209399.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGElCTXXi6JnvnIJnvewOD5BtUnuGAICC-4kSfAxwLrxsQ4ayPsBFpS4uJz18_dhGbDV2bGvOlZuSqbrYSZ-yV2TWx4_Tw5v9lkpdi-0c7zhoX2SFl_tR1COqwNwr_H6jtYtg3fnV_yvuu1zC1oqJcx3E5uBPSA97GDtjV3sI6EbHY9KQsAf515-E/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGElCTXXi6JnvnIJnvewOD5BtUnuGAICC-4kSfAxwLrxsQ4ayPsBFpS4uJz18_dhGbDV2bGvOlZuSqbrYSZ-yV2TWx4_Tw5v9lkpdi-0c7zhoX2SFl_tR1COqwNwr_H6jtYtg3fnV_yvuu1zC1oqJcx3E5uBPSA97GDtjV3sI6EbHY9KQsAf515-E/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH7IdwSuL5uSt8TlPrZ-8zj_hsAfvIgrZccnGiSLdz3coFF4JPsz4HhkYIb4EUNJ3327L3BAnlywxwKmLFwW0HL-a4RyrTPBpZSzbKHjyoCFyNZXMTQqQt84YEhGtHO3R8JpB8C_X2NAoEmc-qZPzx5F_fHU9TL_7tYC3WLoQccsSg5WkakbEJLTF/s2400/tuxpi.com.1673209426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH7IdwSuL5uSt8TlPrZ-8zj_hsAfvIgrZccnGiSLdz3coFF4JPsz4HhkYIb4EUNJ3327L3BAnlywxwKmLFwW0HL-a4RyrTPBpZSzbKHjyoCFyNZXMTQqQt84YEhGtHO3R8JpB8C_X2NAoEmc-qZPzx5F_fHU9TL_7tYC3WLoQccsSg5WkakbEJLTF/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209426.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>We had an afternoon activity for YW, since school hasn't resumed yet, and it was so fun! Just games and brainstorming for future activities, but those girls are a joy to be with and I loved getting to know some of the younger new ones better. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiJCGjFk3vSq6D9J4-WQFh4uSx4eOk5bqAgORds1pzL2D4gq06sF0OamDrFjddTgzXEtkzPRgg_W3IjzgLpaGjdHTTHtsS5LJ2JETks5zkr3WGTyLVHmvX2mifBzl0ZNB_pWP6JEaoG3HOAzM_B--bUy7sKrAo7yp05n2nPz4ilW9pmFYBBj87N19/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiJCGjFk3vSq6D9J4-WQFh4uSx4eOk5bqAgORds1pzL2D4gq06sF0OamDrFjddTgzXEtkzPRgg_W3IjzgLpaGjdHTTHtsS5LJ2JETks5zkr3WGTyLVHmvX2mifBzl0ZNB_pWP6JEaoG3HOAzM_B--bUy7sKrAo7yp05n2nPz4ilW9pmFYBBj87N19/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209479.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Thursday we braved the chilly partly sunny day for a picnic at Pioneer Park. We brought the "wiggle sticks" along and Exacto, Hummer, and Rosehips did their amazing stuff on the basketball court (even attracting the attention of a couple walking their dog), then we read under the cottonwood trees by the stage. I'm reading <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47520.Castle_in_the_Air?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Rvyy4yKzTV&rank=1" target="_blank">Castle in the Air</a></i> to them, trying to finish before Hummer heads back to school, and it is so fun! I am so glad they still want me to read to them! It's really one of my love languages. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6dHbquaZsUdJuDRZrGg2cAZEW4LCD_OBvW7z22h7HP9LQPKg5G4T3YUxpCZXNf1DE_q-BUXeU1ULBgKWxGt-ibsgY8fYU9ZeWhKpL1q5XCfZy1xtiiMR0V402T11_ImCg90TdpylYu1LbmS_nPVHBFf3e7SGBUpo0YJcCBzKVYGG-D4chI--V62D/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6dHbquaZsUdJuDRZrGg2cAZEW4LCD_OBvW7z22h7HP9LQPKg5G4T3YUxpCZXNf1DE_q-BUXeU1ULBgKWxGt-ibsgY8fYU9ZeWhKpL1q5XCfZy1xtiiMR0V402T11_ImCg90TdpylYu1LbmS_nPVHBFf3e7SGBUpo0YJcCBzKVYGG-D4chI--V62D/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Friday there was another chipmunk sighting from the breakfast nook! We started eating in there because the regular table was being "monopolized" (heehee) and it's been fun to see how much wildlife we'd been missing. This chipmunk loves to perch on a particular rock and survey the landscape and he's there almost every time we have a meal. What is he looking for? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1MfBoSv7uXdPcRaXPiLedEO-6ZkDAGgvSc-w-zQzvhIqCH0U9OHIpd_euH5MJoMtP13c1i1fb6npxSELWg_DF4lCMR-s9G7ga1VByguDg4-s9WLL1CboE7NxVhhh3oojSMLQEmQ3bDo_RrbzEb8FpAxo9R6yRCLdOKXeZ_ICDSD8Gs7UPQvx_ELp/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1MfBoSv7uXdPcRaXPiLedEO-6ZkDAGgvSc-w-zQzvhIqCH0U9OHIpd_euH5MJoMtP13c1i1fb6npxSELWg_DF4lCMR-s9G7ga1VByguDg4-s9WLL1CboE7NxVhhh3oojSMLQEmQ3bDo_RrbzEb8FpAxo9R6yRCLdOKXeZ_ICDSD8Gs7UPQvx_ELp/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209494.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>That evening DC and I headed to the Valley for a Phoenix Symphony concert that Nana and Grandpa had invited us to. We were so excited to have the time together and to hear Mozart's 3rd violin concerto and to get more grapefruit! Alas, it was not to be. After stopping briefly in Payson to get fish and chips for dinner, we headed south on 87 for a mile or two, then were forced to pull over. The road was closed due to an accident about 6 hours earlier (shudder!). Any alternate route would have gotten us to symphony hall about when the concert was ending, so we turned around and headed home, with a small detour to get (very tall!) ice cream cones at McDonald's. :) It was disappointing to miss the concert and an opportunity to be with my parents, but we were really grateful to be safe and also to have all that time to talk and reconnect with each other!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51Hz3vFwZhSmyU4MhawP0p4Y0EMSk8JpXK5r1JkPiP00YFGr7fglzzPOBJfLkC2iAnVkHkImX4GrUmA-doBlH87YM0d6EpJlESJZ9MPuAg6eEyBiPtfnlPgNPuq8_QRISCGlz106S9TSKRid5PhMrjv5C7fHcOxEo7IgalVAr1OCn1deLX2i2C46j/s3200/tuxpi.com.1673209509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51Hz3vFwZhSmyU4MhawP0p4Y0EMSk8JpXK5r1JkPiP00YFGr7fglzzPOBJfLkC2iAnVkHkImX4GrUmA-doBlH87YM0d6EpJlESJZ9MPuAg6eEyBiPtfnlPgNPuq8_QRISCGlz106S9TSKRid5PhMrjv5C7fHcOxEo7IgalVAr1OCn1deLX2i2C46j/s320/tuxpi.com.1673209509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I've been thinking about something DC shared this morning in our family scripture study. He mentioned that several people in the Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2 are told by angels to "fear not", and asked what things we are afraid of or anxious about. I shared a few things. I tend to get anxious whenever asked or assigned to do something like give a talk or a lesson -- even teaching piano lessons gives me anxiety sometimes. My biggest fears tend to be related to family members, their safety, the possible results of choices they're making, etc. You, my beloved children, are the source of my greatest joy and so also my greatest concerns! </p><p>Then he shared these two scriptures:</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Timothy 1:7 </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind</i></span></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p>and</p><p><br /></p><p>Doctrine and Covenants 122:9</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Fear not<span style="background-color: white;"> what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.</span></i></span></div><p><br /></p><p>And so, fear not. Fear is not from God, and He will be with you, giving you power, love, and a sound mind.</p><p>Love,</p><p>Mommy</p><p>gip</p><p>Michelle</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-40653408320514882992022-12-31T09:17:00.001-06:002022-12-31T09:21:00.473-06:00Happy New Year!Here’s our Christmas card and the little silly insert we included. Our love and best wishes to you all!<div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1OQUbZQSLiiI6KJ9C5XiOPrTZDR1K1QRJ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1OQUbZQSLiiI6KJ9C5XiOPrTZDR1K1QRJ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-24682017393608954922022-10-26T10:06:00.001-05:002023-01-08T12:49:20.836-06:00"Dear Flammly, . . ." a letter from your devoted mother<p> </p><p><i>Here's a flammly letter I started last fall, with the pictures I had planned to include. . . .</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mQ9WhC-bU9-JcNlMiek248s971mEr91imPDZQzJ5dJ5T1CNZ_i8TyL9un2JixKnH79O-rZlOMdX57Al8W-1Gl5t4J9TevvAthbOE99AauBrO85-nlu_co-TkVb-aq-9aiUC5HWN8raWI0cDgtlwQdQDXKrQ2xhqmgYvVaoIBn0R0t69wVjLKgxij/s3200/20221017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mQ9WhC-bU9-JcNlMiek248s971mEr91imPDZQzJ5dJ5T1CNZ_i8TyL9un2JixKnH79O-rZlOMdX57Al8W-1Gl5t4J9TevvAthbOE99AauBrO85-nlu_co-TkVb-aq-9aiUC5HWN8raWI0cDgtlwQdQDXKrQ2xhqmgYvVaoIBn0R0t69wVjLKgxij/s320/20221017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>October 26, 2022</p><p>Snowflake, Arizona</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFuE3N_CNRHnj6P-8Z87-gwIDWdF6Fp7UFf4G_wbaFF6fJ6ATrsVoCdeblKTViuYnXF00NlJZixmK-mA-dvoY8FQZ2Y0dlJ23JFRhO5OXKwMA8etQyQb22lMejctsrYadcBY9ewTgOzLPCODW1woy8xU_k3iIiKp5YmjkjJ1QBJvCYTeyuQMLP9AZ/s2400/20221018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFuE3N_CNRHnj6P-8Z87-gwIDWdF6Fp7UFf4G_wbaFF6fJ6ATrsVoCdeblKTViuYnXF00NlJZixmK-mA-dvoY8FQZ2Y0dlJ23JFRhO5OXKwMA8etQyQb22lMejctsrYadcBY9ewTgOzLPCODW1woy8xU_k3iIiKp5YmjkjJ1QBJvCYTeyuQMLP9AZ/s320/20221018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Dear Flammly,</p><p>We have now had our first freeze. It was two nights ago, and we celebrated by having our Redwall Feast the following day. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfpsQyjk-FuUIYF0CWA7nATI4xpOC6He0uF4pO0AMOubgqa4c4f-cTT7GnrPKLvpzCdIkrafsu-EH7MGIOrreWt-mQP7MnSnZ52ZgPCB2NemW3gGf9BTaAQj6mPR-Q3QUH7oW9YO4DmxDyPd-aEZ64SYwR9oE6Vaxky6WE5v_8MnUjOSkiLyRGgyW/s2400/20221022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfpsQyjk-FuUIYF0CWA7nATI4xpOC6He0uF4pO0AMOubgqa4c4f-cTT7GnrPKLvpzCdIkrafsu-EH7MGIOrreWt-mQP7MnSnZ52ZgPCB2NemW3gGf9BTaAQj6mPR-Q3QUH7oW9YO4DmxDyPd-aEZ64SYwR9oE6Vaxky6WE5v_8MnUjOSkiLyRGgyW/s320/20221022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>It took a full 4 hours to prepare! But how nice it was to have the oven running for so long, both ovens part of the time. Our kitchen was toasty and pleasant as we worked and as we sat down under dollar store paper lanterns and ate on our fine china. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4JH8s-rAsVaj8eFUiVu3WcanJwqf-EZh58u64P25Svr6mx_vx4bwgcTH_ns2vDlVF8-CHlBteuFJN9ZTDY9b89Myj9Rxw5L2RjGB2X8sYYX7jlaGI_sToq0d4ip2XbmrGTxwiIlQ-72jLLh7ag2cpmMrMs9kTP1NhU_emVkfIkwMw8ZOWvkt48Rv/s2400/20221024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4JH8s-rAsVaj8eFUiVu3WcanJwqf-EZh58u64P25Svr6mx_vx4bwgcTH_ns2vDlVF8-CHlBteuFJN9ZTDY9b89Myj9Rxw5L2RjGB2X8sYYX7jlaGI_sToq0d4ip2XbmrGTxwiIlQ-72jLLh7ag2cpmMrMs9kTP1NhU_emVkfIkwMw8ZOWvkt48Rv/s320/20221024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were too tired and hungry to actually pull out the Redwall book that describes the feast. And a Pandora station had to suffice for the English fiddle music I had envisioned DC playing (<i>after the 3rd time it gave us Ashokan Farewell we turned it off! lol</i>). But it was still magical with the candlelight and such. </p><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvaC9nY0NqZWpoe0OssSVObxGSKco_wKbDqKHg0HflTLZZizLI5_bd0oX9uimn_exp-ECU3BA2Jjq64t8_75ZiZuy7Ts-LJYzZ3l0b0Hx5yvn_RPrK6eFGbq854el8U3zJayHmS76gjRNojvFEz0R050PtVn9-7OXo6ebobi76rGra7oBa0m3wdWI/s3200/20221026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvaC9nY0NqZWpoe0OssSVObxGSKco_wKbDqKHg0HflTLZZizLI5_bd0oX9uimn_exp-ECU3BA2Jjq64t8_75ZiZuy7Ts-LJYzZ3l0b0Hx5yvn_RPrK6eFGbq854el8U3zJayHmS76gjRNojvFEz0R050PtVn9-7OXo6ebobi76rGra7oBa0m3wdWI/s320/20221026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><i>Quotables</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>10/23</i><br />Rosehips snuggling into DC’s side of the bed… “McCleve family rule!”<br /><br /><i>10/20</i><br />I was teaching a piano lesson to my nephew A (10 years old) and we got a little off track, discussing age. . .<br />Me: "I’m only almost 45."<br />A, sweetly: "Aunt Michelle, the years have been kind to you!"<br /><br /><i>10/19</i><br />DC was putting on his winter coat for the first time. . . <br />Rosehips: "You're wearing your big, fat coat!<br />DC: "I'm putting on my fatted coat."<br /><br />Rosehips is an unwilling witness to our displays of affection whenever DC gets home from work. At first she would cover her ears and shut her eyes, but that didn't always coincide with the duration of the special moment. Her new tactic? Approaching us with open arms when we embrace, saying enthusiastically, "Group kiss!"</div><div><br /></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-53547568883944440062022-10-19T17:57:00.000-05:002022-10-19T17:57:06.747-05:00Back to one of my happy places<div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaroB0kfFMlpgdA1JCyLsKK4sQFRVtwtwNy-OTkjJI3WNTEg3Zvie_ShDYcBuZHUvQTJ71rP4P2jBMNDxkMFK4pJRomaEsQXmLVfovEVEcCu29m2ZES4Zd4payuejZ_9-VW8jtmO96oUkgG5swZc_pBLwFIOpJ1LWtQa40zEoOOoe-Na_LE7Owln/s604/rosehips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="387" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaroB0kfFMlpgdA1JCyLsKK4sQFRVtwtwNy-OTkjJI3WNTEg3Zvie_ShDYcBuZHUvQTJ71rP4P2jBMNDxkMFK4pJRomaEsQXmLVfovEVEcCu29m2ZES4Zd4payuejZ_9-VW8jtmO96oUkgG5swZc_pBLwFIOpJ1LWtQa40zEoOOoe-Na_LE7Owln/w150-h234/rosehips.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Quotable:</i></div><i><div><i>5/8/22</i></div>We were discussing what Rosebud's new blog nickname should be, since she's probably outgrown "Rosebud." <br />Hummer: "How about Rosehips?"</i><div><br />I am happy to be back here on the blog! I almost retired it permanently for several reasons. I wasn't sure if blogging is still relevant to people in the social media age. My google account storage was full and I couldn't upload any more pictures. The computer was full. My phone was full. After the chaos of building and moving into the house, and having sons starting to grow up and leave home, I needed to decide if it was still worth the time. <div><br /></div><div>I found over the last five years that I really, really missed it! It is one of my favorite creative outlets, and I feel happier when I'm writing! Then when Fluffy was on his mission, he and Hummer started reading the archives and sharing things from them, and I could see they loved it and I wished I had continued. Even though I am a consistent journaller, this blog is also a valuable family record. So, welcome back to me! And welcome back to anyone reading this! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Hummer, for the gift of more google account storage, for helping me get past all the full technology, and for encouraging me to return! <div><br /></div><div>To recap briefly what has happened in the Fiddler's Flammly these last 5 years. . . </div><div><br /></div><br /><div>2017-2018 </div><div>There was a desperate struggle with finances, contractors, inspectors, and mental health, but with some help from amazing and kind friends and family members we succeeded in moving into this house unfinished in April 2018. I took a class in starting an e-commerce business and ran an online shop <i>Swallow Ridge</i> while homeschooling Rosehips. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBXOTRvAnDInkgmjUBHXvkY6bmZjNsp4OM55Lm-jk5F0SjqlvG2mB9dwpfGoQvXlYb4wxVcpgT2j0-zUFckmKGSgHXajK5U01n79UFcQ3oELyxg61FuZZ_KWwFkHUajXfFab3GNm4Ky2s8N9Um-yBQKWbGtXOxokqwpZGYqh5iq4Th7lXmoQcEnfT/s3200/tuxpi.com.1666133035.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="April 2018" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBXOTRvAnDInkgmjUBHXvkY6bmZjNsp4OM55Lm-jk5F0SjqlvG2mB9dwpfGoQvXlYb4wxVcpgT2j0-zUFckmKGSgHXajK5U01n79UFcQ3oELyxg61FuZZ_KWwFkHUajXfFab3GNm4Ky2s8N9Um-yBQKWbGtXOxokqwpZGYqh5iq4Th7lXmoQcEnfT/w377-h283/tuxpi.com.1666133035.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div><br /></div>2019 </div><div>My mental health struggles continued. Hummer got a bad virus towards the end of participating in the school musical and started having significant, unexplained fatigue almost continually. We welcomed Exacto home from his mission in March! He then returned to BYU in May. Fluffy graduated from Snowflake HS and left a few weeks later to serve in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwTdIGHvFoXJ5WBbBbVUGc2QEQ5VKQFlPuNnjdQvsMiY23OltSSOi1mH17AB-63I4LJ4fPxiIZx3eT5ZH-_ofPnpJsskDqj-rhwYBJniHX2YmANNRxmRyGALjPhskiNOMxcMxMusmGjuTldH_XzgowiJoEXqfHlqImHRerFDW95evBiZebZsyyL1x/s2400/tuxpi.com.1666133664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwTdIGHvFoXJ5WBbBbVUGc2QEQ5VKQFlPuNnjdQvsMiY23OltSSOi1mH17AB-63I4LJ4fPxiIZx3eT5ZH-_ofPnpJsskDqj-rhwYBJniHX2YmANNRxmRyGALjPhskiNOMxcMxMusmGjuTldH_XzgowiJoEXqfHlqImHRerFDW95evBiZebZsyyL1x/s320/tuxpi.com.1666133664.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2020 </div><div>My parents began serving a mission (Uruguay Montevideo Oeste) and were even able to continue remotely as the pandemic took over. Fluffy was able to stay in North Carolina. Exacto came home and spent 8 months with us here in Snowflake! We had the best summer ever, despite all the world drama. Hikes and dinners outside with my parents and "ramada church" and that lovely slower pace of life just together. . . That fall Rosehips resumed public school for 5th grade, with masks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIy8gA4nfCT6ZWl9UBemxs1P7F5lr_WZUW2aqQBOl2ohXWJWO4a9-jY1S0IrDmqa-ve3wSgAFuVH61pwTW1g7y8l2YGIZ53uZuCezA_H1b3aYGZNbtKgCbQd375UQBW25fB5m1R5wi70OFuuALZ2IZy_xh7Qh5HNMcIke3QfxySe_bFSMMd86AaiH/s1104/NCRM%20June%202020%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1104" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIy8gA4nfCT6ZWl9UBemxs1P7F5lr_WZUW2aqQBOl2ohXWJWO4a9-jY1S0IrDmqa-ve3wSgAFuVH61pwTW1g7y8l2YGIZ53uZuCezA_H1b3aYGZNbtKgCbQd375UQBW25fB5m1R5wi70OFuuALZ2IZy_xh7Qh5HNMcIke3QfxySe_bFSMMd86AaiH/s320/NCRM%20June%202020%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEJCkm49myPFpul4gayAhDin_r-fmlBCDeKC76lCO6IV-EWTrIIXuDDPVS6YWAnrBvKkklLf7rWqOOdE7cihdM_wLpyyzMnpKlHradjKE85HAQc6tGlLqOeuhkJZQ8kTsNDO9opeYH_GpooN2YdbCf-czrpGNXZ2lktVQLtjf5CWYsP5WZxtpJA8j/s2048/April%202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEJCkm49myPFpul4gayAhDin_r-fmlBCDeKC76lCO6IV-EWTrIIXuDDPVS6YWAnrBvKkklLf7rWqOOdE7cihdM_wLpyyzMnpKlHradjKE85HAQc6tGlLqOeuhkJZQ8kTsNDO9opeYH_GpooN2YdbCf-czrpGNXZ2lktVQLtjf5CWYsP5WZxtpJA8j/s320/April%202020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>2021 </div><div>My beloved Dad took on the project of installing a drip/sprinkler system in our rocky, desert yard! Fluffy came home from his mission and began university studies at BYU, rooming with Exacto. We made an epic drive across the country, visiting our old homes in Arkansas and Tallahassee, and touring Fluffy's misson. My parents returned in person to Uruguay. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FL58D14hIEQ3zfhI4OVyif_n5D2eISXx3gMfbedVvJL9AUk3E7m6THcuGJCw_AXEdZyEdqTjEk7UZExTQjy4ds8UZp6lJ8oHp_GFTKp9MYgWrRVcxLZxRL6dhdtlqr11n8KlGA8M8nIXpaMk18wEsSjz4w2HNNXLuRRS1jMg7zzHP4fn6h9uhoMY/s2400/Benjamin's%20grave%20July%202021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FL58D14hIEQ3zfhI4OVyif_n5D2eISXx3gMfbedVvJL9AUk3E7m6THcuGJCw_AXEdZyEdqTjEk7UZExTQjy4ds8UZp6lJ8oHp_GFTKp9MYgWrRVcxLZxRL6dhdtlqr11n8KlGA8M8nIXpaMk18wEsSjz4w2HNNXLuRRS1jMg7zzHP4fn6h9uhoMY/s320/Benjamin's%20grave%20July%202021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2022 </div><div>My parents finished and came home from what turned out to be 2 1/2 years of missionary service. Hummer graduated from high school (phew!), attended FSY in Thatcher, Arizona, and decided to begin college there! Rosehips started junior high. Exacto and Fluffy are still rooming together at BYU, and Exacto will graduate this December. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IwSoKA-uSjblN9cmdZ5xe3El68hPvvSbNfLzcvpwJNLiAzEC61HDmo-cbaR9J0iaKPSi0JbS_y8y3Boc2ZsWoTXdZR7AARiEzZ5G0HNORfIrN44MltridD3p2hi9RG98ab8h08IYtMkCMQhpvT2_Doqjg3NGkUKrmQVMBNcHvbiWEe1MMBNJCPgQ/s3200/Hummer's%20graduation%20May%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IwSoKA-uSjblN9cmdZ5xe3El68hPvvSbNfLzcvpwJNLiAzEC61HDmo-cbaR9J0iaKPSi0JbS_y8y3Boc2ZsWoTXdZR7AARiEzZ5G0HNORfIrN44MltridD3p2hi9RG98ab8h08IYtMkCMQhpvT2_Doqjg3NGkUKrmQVMBNcHvbiWEe1MMBNJCPgQ/s320/Hummer's%20graduation%20May%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The house is still quite unfinished, and Hummer and I are still experiencing our physical / mental symptoms, but I have learned so much during these years, and there is a peace now in my life that I was missing for awhile! I am looking forward to sharing some of what I have been learning, and what my plans for the future are. It's amazing how the hard things in life are exactly what propel us forward sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGRW1kWE6sUGjNUsZ_9OHQKvljJwC2ImHxTzK94kfoJCK81eHLtpUup-Z-Upa3LUE9UQcikl4QRs8bo9_ukDyuwhoCMDXyICDj3ckPWsP9IE5t8PUoN9AUCqtN03Sn_umtq0aSo_0RWhZtfqB4GYPIH9yBWEl98RpJwBeV5fYzGOIcbhc-8Tw2E2l/s2190/The_Princess_and_Curdie_(1908)_(14577762130).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2190" data-original-width="1548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGRW1kWE6sUGjNUsZ_9OHQKvljJwC2ImHxTzK94kfoJCK81eHLtpUup-Z-Upa3LUE9UQcikl4QRs8bo9_ukDyuwhoCMDXyICDj3ckPWsP9IE5t8PUoN9AUCqtN03Sn_umtq0aSo_0RWhZtfqB4GYPIH9yBWEl98RpJwBeV5fYzGOIcbhc-8Tw2E2l/s320/The_Princess_and_Curdie_(1908)_(14577762130).jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>He took the rope they had tied him with, for Curdie's hindrances were always his furtherance. . . </i></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">
--George MacDonald, from <i>The Princess and Curdie,</i> chapter 16</span>
</div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-17782177381784405182022-05-08T14:30:00.000-05:002022-05-08T14:30:17.524-05:00Happy Mother's Day!!!!<p>Hi Mommy! There is storage in your google account now so you can start doing your blog again! </p><p> I love you!!</p><p>-Hyrum </p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-7051073668394361662017-11-03T08:15:00.001-05:002017-11-03T08:15:17.016-05:0010 years<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPHAs3fbHUNXLQQI3pMeA1jzt3X2foIynk2TtZM36xJ_t1wAESH-A94uIkmdhBneRBNYckBVECrtWInXG5KY3NhVz83jkyzopRWYG-RQvvjPSNNpTC37fwJGlv6b2r-sIVXXQ80taBsE/s1600-h/IMG_0729%255B11%255D"><img title="IMG_0729" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0729" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8yPomA-XH_iCa861eY46GBRpFJ6kOX6dKfepH3iENa_qyiczn73WQMoLOr7xI9oQbB9F0sUlDvS3OPaPy2SZTeom26BYcoGiDaBeNfl1ZEoaqXGTp_v3P74-4j075EpA0Kbwy_Kjf-M/?imgmax=800" width="265" height="353" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>A beloved friend in Arkansas – Meghan --  sent these photos to me three days ago. </p> <p>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSGrrHIyX66MIRo0I3HhMamDVVCKYEyPSsHkKqG4IP_97DtWGTUdzsyZ8Hw1EqduyJM4MnNdQ1x3t-PcN0bKX0Mebxivofr2WFbG3zSX7hEogAfA5kylk752C0LpJHLA2_sCOELl_im4/s1600-h/IMG_0730%255B10%255D"><img title="IMG_0730" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxpItuDl2DolHAi8FJ5MdFTcGrCPiB6Ukg-H5wvWgZnLtfQw8jMq1xV41uWKj3vGs414u03EwPR6i0EwIU6nBSlNLhqQ0ObY9W9MNQlth1gdA5vpj6g_-3_McuuglzURS03H9nI7sMWE/?imgmax=800" width="387" height="290" /></a>.</p> <p>I was glad to see that it still has the little bunny and candle lantern and bird that we had placed there on our brief visits in the past couple of years. Also some of the shiny rocks. :)</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiscKhVfvL2iodVDFQYG20eVwvmGjBllEGWLxVGIxzj0R1VuBitM7MKIqa4jzdHtxtNZUgPXkGhs-VS3t-wyKJcx_-4GmgGzGeuAPBLNC_hcJAKw6-qPvs_gaxb6ITbKkFm6iWlBYG2A8/s1600-h/IMG_0733%255B9%255D"><img title="IMG_0733" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiwS9_qDeSVMckAkIuuaL1JDkinkeEEnH0bG19QfD7PUqyew3ukel9SKeDuiHj1F35lmEREyvllrrKr9oLrWwjEhNgzT21-nEy5j_tEu-YSmMTywj9ZC4tSLu-kHH6Md3dbG-i4xcslw/?imgmax=800" width="283" height="377" /></a>.</p> <p>I am so grateful that 10 years have passed. Ten years have changed the pain I felt at first – like I could cry for years and years and still have tears that needed to fall – to a deep but softened longing for the time when we’re together again. I know that in this life I always have something of greatest joy to look forward to. Someday I will hold this sweet baby boy again and get to enjoy the time of watching him grow and then a forever with our family all together. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrM42pg83Hq9y2vW0MXXr50jQjAetLg5mrVUo7hG3NKvPG6cMsslyYBnCYAQwxQAv8TwMPQp4rs6MNA2KlA2h1aaHpK5SyruhGHFA12q-UUCGQFOUpinU1rG7VdbTpqJEGFyUtiUKWUE/s1600-h/IMG_0736%255B10%255D"><img title="IMG_0736" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0736" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzmrdyHOfdAAeV5K8HyxIHQdYo_A22Vqrt80WdrQD-Y76RymHqYUkUSVASpVVtFT9FOM35Ke0uvHKKl73ftrtXNo_4lF4VgYfhp0mSeHiEQUAuGH9mU-lVybMQ-WuLxp9I0sZFA8wZDA/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>It’s interesting but since Exacto has been on his mission, it has felt less painful to me to not have the family together. It’s like I have two sons on missions and although I miss them both I am grateful they are where they are and doing what they’re doing, and I know the separation is temporary. For the last 10 years there has always been a gap in our family pictures and a gap in the phrase, “our whole family.” Now that gap is just a little bigger and easier to explain.</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuquO9r2MCNgz6C7_yMJRJT_A_iPwk4Gmyp3r-IWijSyHmb7Y0eTYtYFewD63dS5N40B-6RldNrxC2Z5eXQarqoEUT7drcfTyhb5lpmJIdGXEuE2rIeuAeeg093fcrDDyP6QN3CfJwDE/s1600-h/IMG_0738%255B8%255D"><img title="IMG_0738" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DNBowyXyKfxgA2cpZH2lizeUkeluOcmRNtz6Zwg88w_yB4z__9gnqxAM5ZIYi_yiKCWYOKv-1A3T4FBOfxJiCMwTFbJFj3YY5xvSPBXTuJa5vi4X5iAQpxeJIdmOjGwUumHKFhpZw0M/?imgmax=800" width="278" height="371" /></a>.</p> <p>That tree is so gorgeous right now! How grateful I am that Meghan could go take these pictures when she did. How grateful I am for a friend like her to remember me at this time! I haven’t seen her for 4 years. I know there are several dear friends back in Arkansas and also in other places who always remember. True friendship like this is precious indeed.</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTaBMup3pAFXJP19pZbHfA3CAMyNlJCDl7GUiptWpRNj3_cOPWoFJiPQpZd5O1ADQeyAlqwhKRNKfGCcv__7PZaf86mHEzowcMh43mQB9krjbIIAPoyhtPaHcolDph7HhFYTdWsC-Zh0/s1600-h/IMG_0739%255B11%255D"><img title="IMG_0739" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuWER0oHD_CGmxdTkwMifMLWeDNorGkOBdjFX0Jc356m3ySfClH2zWzJfqhfeWAjvuy_dA6Np41xiu678-fE-F1SJdHWvhFipyHDRKF40OWCif7Fe73HfpN7iFxyiHesEMohb0M9NrTk/?imgmax=800" width="280" height="373" /></a>.</p> <p>So grateful for loving friends.</p> <p>Grateful for a beautiful addition to our family 10 years ago.</p> <p>Grateful for <a href="https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation">the Plan of Happiness</a> that promises eternal families.</p> <p>Grateful for <a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod?lang=eng&_r=1">our Savior Jesus Christ</a> who makes it possible.</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-42884013130454893332017-09-30T16:27:00.001-05:002017-10-03T16:35:42.983-05:00good things and what I learned - { september }<p align="center">Swallow Ridge at the Beginning of September</p> <p align="center"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UIk23MPWMI4rqFam70Ovl1rN0ocJ_2BsaTfu7BmmakeB8zudt8hcW3QamOwIZuh0vR75oOAFlE-FjO0udeIFZcNC0ojkGyDmYi_W09kC5oe6KnpK6OKl1AwmLUQkAI6ZYXge0rG-VAE/s1600-h/IMG_1458%255B13%255D"><img title="IMG_1458" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iWx5-memYhmr1ezqizFaVMEB_bDLOQ63MdJdNwghBJ1cfjDALiYXCUWUQV1DUnZZf3jn7sVdMiAeIIBhIokp1pP7dnEOhpCqhBqm4tiOlI8WWVnZD2Byw4ManAI_g_3S0IU1cGVlYbY/?imgmax=800" width="491" height="368" /></a></em></p> <p align="center"><em>cheesy iPhone pictures – I’ll try to get some with my big girl camera next time</em></p> <p>What I Learned:</p> <p>~ Drywall likes to go before stucco, but roofers like to go after stucco. But. . . .drywall can’t go before roofers because of the threat of rain damage. This creates a fun little catch-22 that gets subs irritated with you. I learned to just choose what seemed best to me, and darn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.</p> <p>~ Check all your windows with code requirements BEFORE ordering! Our inspector found 5 windows that have to be replaced with tempered glass, costing us more than $1000.  </p> <p>~ It’s okay to have to reschedule people. And then reschedule them again. And then again. I was feeling like a major annoyance to my roofers – and maybe I am – but I <em>am</em> paying them quite a lot of money, and it is not my fault that other trades are taking longer than we thought they would. Now I try to just cheerfully call and update them. “Yes, it looks like it will actually be in another decade or so. Sorry about that!” </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nANEi6zUUZ4w7GHIdnFAKWDX2gW4xb_yKK8JGbhGmvrmc7wqNRNOzamdJFwuH2__TLNHHPdtYLhBWxQbAE7Xy01LFGwiFkX5csKdkr4TiNWO-qUmavW-EinoGIP0dE1JMVYwTjZWQws/s1600-h/IMG_1767%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_1767" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1767" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP_0XFBNs6sUx7y-hio2KtuXJ7jZHUpdo874bAbeLo_FZkI-DXFqFSoJeiI9VcTDixmjGdEal_Z4OYQNXv21qgfpIVZWd7aHdhYz8Iv3h7f1BGD3wQv8ekHA9cuVfxPiuwO7cwXbQKzE/?imgmax=800" width="505" height="379" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>~ This house still feels like an albatross when I think of the money involved. It is really hard not to get into the If-Only trap of thinking. But since I am saying what I learned . . . . I would definitely do more research on who should draw up plans. An architect would have been a much better choice for us and saved us lots of money, way more than what we “saved” by hiring a draftsman. Oh, well. Since we <em>are</em> ending up with a bigger, fancier house than we had set out to build, it helps me to think more of the comfort we will be able to provide to our family and visitors as well as the years of happy memories I hope we will make here. I also like thinking of all the blood, sweat, and tears we will be putting into it ourselves once drywall is done. It makes me feel all pioneerish and awesome. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlIk4Ught9LnOJGfY78CpCFopDU6qPQa9YyxP9un27GPMTqNFaKlUBgSvAVH_H8grookRF4gL6gJ9T-n7aVzBbG1EPUEpISQzzBSPOe3nxrWrs2d5mAtmXoJrehdt0MFbBzkR7KYoowA/s1600-h/IMG_1717%255B9%255D"><img title="IMG_1717" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1717" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdFaXG3T-ny56sfpi_snHuQ02LTB56KAMz2Je5httFl7k-GdhFwg5uyXv7-jpxyqFmpCIkDbbDW8qcmGe1kFqbqelBrf590o6w_QEaqmFM0AvGrwa9zwC8nM0eyLsNuGGwfkZVP19nSM/?imgmax=800" width="587" height="440" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>Good Things That Happened with Swallow Ridge in September:</p> <p>~ Rough-in was completed for our hydronic baseboard heaters, our electrical, and our plumbing.</p> <p>~ We scored a cooktop and dishwasher that will work well in our kitchen on Craigslist for $225! For both! </p> <p>~ The roofers came back and fixed the dry-in with cap nails so that hopefully it doesn’t start blowing off again. I was grateful for the individualized help we received from a friend of my parents, who has retired from roofing but is expert in that field and who came and watched, making sure it got done right.</p> <p>~ My mom has been a huge help translating for our stucco guy and me. Her Spanish is amazing and she is friendly to boot!, so not only are we able to communicate but she makes it fun.</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2bwAIm18ap_NgY57qDEiqJuFAq4XBjza920tApqTHKZM0lX8ZhcPCq4hSksIgyqThWwWbGJD_MbvN1T7nWh1BZWKH4EN7HSsbQOgf4eTVokeS8SODDCHncYYD5qxToDnrdwmTAj4hgY/s1600-h/IMG_1605%255B9%255D"><img title="IMG_1605" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IEZ385jUwNs6PYiZYijD5aMi2QvPY6NK2hjdboJCFg6vZSlF-EK_yvW2h-XslWP99LFu5cQCd38N7KqkFvVJWqPMeiLUn5VKhyzs-Irkg61gGu5mBVGNRCnZr7oxURBij1h-4_-LFyE/?imgmax=800" width="483" height="362" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>check out that Cutie in the sunset light – can’t wait to sit on our front porch together :)</em></p> <p>~ Most of the first layer of stucco is on! Woot! It took most of the month for two workers (only :() to install the lath. But once they started putting the cement on it seemed to go much faster.</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoLfhKT2AFsEwsp2PcuzPfLLWxKgLkStvS_br9mWNSGoGO8fsIJUP1dqGkFy08NNy_SXqIwIP_UFVnt86BJV9rMtWgcAw0V-8OLgSd10vjG-PVFwT1EXBzZZVoG7GlKVDA9gAYxVd85w/s1600-h/IMG_1712%255B8%255D"><img title="IMG_1712" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKjzM7GdcUdPLTRmW4xMM-dn-HUJHYCT2m5sm9lt0r2bZ_fB0z3viKXDOL5fCh-nibT3kzTGOGUU1PVL8QOeiCdhyTbyoaHrxb4Aru0H0IR7cE7600PFY9wZoag6FIpAPs0VyZlKxPOw/?imgmax=800" width="473" height="355" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>~ My parents have some old, but solid wood salvage cabinets in storage that they are willing to give us. I will need to clean them well and refinish them but I am so happy about the money saved on cabinets. Woohoo!</p> <p>~ All the exterior doors were installed without anyone getting hurt (see August’s post when it comes for an injury story). Also I never have to work with that sub again, which is a relief (just one of those personal things – some personalities are more pleasant to work with than others!).</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2epbmiz6-6eZ4Se1n-KgSA3Yedhu6-xInS4QAUYPuS025X3hfb0zhvi-MEkbcIpi0NkhjRgl7VCIgSecSOS0edtw0aunAVyWlM-UzitxOCpNgQiWoSUFPZxBqymLpqjFNHAvLbJ-DsY/s1600-h/IMG_1769%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_1769" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1769" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8xkAt-S6AZ2I49djbKqcOV_RmPiQNFOdU2li-2ALynImmHy9dbFftsHEi7hW0_c78DSTPleEBO6NNT0cVjbwmLs5BIMCNzr9cG0u6-vWgNhxS2D6Rj3lIG1OD_yqh0PDb5c61WCilsQ/?imgmax=800" width="349" height="262" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>the result of much communication between me and multiple framers – woot!</em></p> <p>~ Our electric company has been on the ball. They got our design approved and all the easement paperwork to us. They’re waiting on us now to get the trenching done and conduit laid (can you believe they leave that up to the homeowners? yikes). Power is scheduled to be connected on 11/4.</p> <p>~ Framers came back and fixed many of the little problems still hanging on, also got it all set for drywall. They even did some of the blocking for our kitchen cabinets for free.</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84weKTQEsU5BbV-I5nA9sTmQyz0KxSHeOc37xK7bDWN9XSbR4BwzF8605Xd6BCxUPfneaqPgaVgXsEzo29-_gflrRw1NLctIFZ8uCL_bABCoMm50ZUjccd05pMV1Z9GvAu4XLsW3VyT8/s1600-h/IMG_1768%255B9%255D"><img title="IMG_1768" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu_w8GCVh5Ssgp-tOOmaBWGDQj9VWoEmVAC0g_5heHChEChrPzREhM46iABCQKVfEbkReODp_7Q9yuenmvMeaFDqAQSj6C90l8aoR_hIHBve4ZKwb3xWP-38BObwGXCqUi8_qLdFcqPg/?imgmax=800" width="330" height="440" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>looking up at that sweet chimney chase</em></p> <p>~ Trenching was completed on the last day of September. Our backyard looks like a war zone, but it was a huge blessing that an excavator was enough to get through the solid rock – we didn’t need to use a hammer hoe, which would have cost more than double. Now what to do with the stacks of boulders sitting on what is supposed to be our backyard lawn!? lol</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6fDmURofHZDWe8omNGqPAMYDe6uuGTh-8yHaUHRctHVUA6xWokAKbuDA7q5bS7oSzt-yP4PtYlpl32jZ8CKe55Oe3w9zEC4d-AhwDU9sQsqLVtSd5wIUnDr7gdL9WsVugpcXp5ArtIk/s1600-h/IMG_1780%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1780" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNxFrLQHV8jBTlSl4U3wTH6Xe9FYFIyTNFZKHu0Sni_ohGdUTupKG_9wWK4yYZvDbtWcPd0jkLeWyMxR4RmkhDqp6XmpJdM5LNleHaXFiQGBB4mAjJMOoewO2ji6GzkCX3CAnY1pIln8/?imgmax=800" width="348" height="464" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>trench through the backyard</em></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Swallow Ridge at the End of September</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPTa62lA1vB62H26toVzNrXRw87-b4t6-PeoXitfzE1XyKdR_XjFofsBvgH5fdRZP8vBYhEIGpKX5IFyJZVxuwma3uzouW30v-c_GFoRGWELyvJJuUy62c6ObnaVHXcH_htDq5KWoyd4/s1600-h/IMG_1787%255B8%255D"><img title="IMG_1787" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1787" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnjhnkOEK3iMR1Yw64xUSXKc8TiRz0BvtmUMFsh5ffzX6F6U7nVwbrLr5ax1YDvIoqYhv12Pnpq2y1yw0podw3QKkq9AOjxp3l82ZFdsK3gxCVlSigcorZoLteNE7QRsjxFdcYV1VCno/?imgmax=800" width="491" height="368" /></a></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-11680147413065480092017-09-11T16:46:00.001-05:002017-09-11T16:47:30.510-05:00I’m not complainin’!<p>So blessed. So grateful.</p> <p>I apologize for the negativity that came through my last couple of posts. I think that I will do better to focus on the good things that are happening. Building a house is stressful for anyone that takes it on, but what an incredible blessing to be able to do it!</p> <p>I have worked through some (most?) of my more complicated feelings about the mistakes I’ve made and I’m ready to continue the process with a better attitude! </p> <p>Here are some of the things that have helped:</p> <p>**Realizing that this house will be a place of joy for us. We will have many joyful moments there and create lots of good memories.</p> <p>**Thinking of the house as an asset we can use to help other people. To invite family and guests and have it be a place of refuge and comfort for them.</p> <p>**Getting a clearer perspective of what seemed a mountainous trial to me. It is after all, just a house. And if my decisions have caused us financial strain, sometimes that is just part of life. I need to move on and learn from my mistakes, but not grind myself into the ground over them.</p> <p>**Thinking of Houston. And Florida. My prayers are with the people of those areas destroyed by the hurricanes! </p> <p>**Talking, talking, talking. With DC, the best man in the world for me. My true and loving friend and companion. </p> <p>**Church! I wish we had it every other day instead of every 7 days. After our meetings yesterday I came home feeling strengthened and refreshed. Joseph Smith had it so much harder. So many awesome people have had it so much harder. They kept fighting through their challenges and I want to, too.</p> <p> I’m going to retrofit some posts <em>(builder-talk :)</em> about the building process of this house, including photos, things I learned (so hopefully my mistakes can help someone else!), and good things that have happened along the way. . . .stay tuned. :) </p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-65193964739705137832017-08-21T17:07:00.001-05:002017-08-21T17:08:19.507-05:00Overzealous to inherit<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98Cutws2ebGCsMuQD8BADB83nlVQby5uD8S3fPrQ12RlPDbb8gk_mUbp3j8PYIDHK-5MDwlsPEeyIdCpkUDq-oGeCPMJ-hI0jkqiwY_bAMW44DZ6mr6RXPW-3fb9Q0kWPSYvLfF_5qaw/s1600-h/IMG_112110"><img title="IMG_1121" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtYZrkqdKsiiBQaV5sEQBe7B0VGAuESTHoLTTXxjfHm0ZwBOfIhLIOOBwPBDNMc0LgXlNBYIkQFNiiDOC3-S3NAhAJWuAQUmY0Dj8PZF5_daU1FX9u6-IfDSCUxIDr3plJfTZtPd8Eqk/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="492" /></a></p> <p>Bending under the weight of wholesome prodigality,</p> <p>Heavy with red lovelies of liquid crunch,</p> <p>This improbable desert bounty needs props.</p> <p>Lacking foresight and common sense,</p> <p>Over-eager to bring forth good-natured fruit,</p> <p>It ran ahead of its strength.</p> <p>.</p> <p>Never mind the obvious result when you</p> <p>Just put too many apples on one tree.</p> <p>Maybe some can be spared for that darn rabbit.</p> <p>Many will fall and ferment.</p> <p>Maybe the strain will be too much.</p> <p>.</p> <p>Next time -- if there is a next time --</p> <p>Do plan ahead and tally up your apples</p> <p>Before the buds come on, for goodness’ sake. </p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-80477156271827847002017-08-18T17:28:00.001-05:002017-08-18T17:28:25.050-05:00Day 68 – { the price of an education }<p>Things are very well here. I feel incredibly blessed. Not only are my children healthy and doing well but we get to build a house. Not only do we get to build a house but it’s right next to my parents’ home, in a beautiful, quiet place. DC has a good job, we have a son serving as a missionary, we live only a few minutes from a temple. . .I could list blessings for a really long time. </p> <p>Lately, though, the stress I have been under as general contractor of this house we’re building has started to kind of squash me. Unluckily I planned to wean myself off my antidepressants this summer, while there was plenty of light and the house was supposed to be done, but everything took much longer than anticipated and I am facing the most amount of stress right now, just as I am nearly off my meds completely.</p> <p>The pressure includes all of the normal parts of overseeing the building of a house—hiring and communicating with subcontractors, making about a kapillion decisions, figuring out how to resolve the problems that come up nearly every day—but also the financial pressure. Without being an expert in this field, I have done my very best in designing and planning this house. I studied books and websites and thought hard and changed things around and tried always to find a happy medium between luxurious and stingy as I decided what this house would be like.</p> <p>The truth is, you can’t really know what a house is going to cost, until you actually build it. Or at least you can get a good idea from bidding every single thing out and doing all the shopping in advance for all the materials and fixtures. But, by the time you’ve done all that, a year’s gone by, and most of the prices are now out of date or the materials you chose are no longer available, etc. We didn’t have a year to do that, anyway. Another huge blessing is that we’re living with my parents right now, and while that is wonderful, we know that they don’t plan on our staying for long. In fact, it’s already been more than twice as long as we told them it would be. </p> <p>So I’ve tried to work quickly as well as prudently and thoughtfully. The result is that we are about 2/3 of the way through building a really lovely house. . . .and we have run out of money. </p> <p>This week I realized how stuck that makes us. </p> <p>We can’t go forward or backward! The plumbing and electric rough-in are nearly done. It needs wrap, which needs to be lath for stucco, since that will be our siding later on, but the roof is dried in. Way too late to back up and change the design. On the other hand, the money that is left from our private construction loan will get us about up to drywall. No drywall, no flooring, no appliances, no cabinets. It’s not going to be livable yet.</p> <p>I feel like I have gotten us into the hugest mess of our lives. The only thing can compare it to is when DC failed his Level II fieldwork while we were in Fort Collins. That was a disaster. Emotionally and financially it set us back so much. DC felt truly awful. Here we had sold our house in Arkansas, moved the family across the country, gone into tens of thousands of dollars of debt, and now it looked like it might be for nothing. How grateful we are that it was only a bump in the road, and ended up being a blessing in disguise. It gave us another year in Fort Collins, a wonderful year. Exacto got to finish his senior year without changing schools again. We got to see the beautiful temple finished. DC got another year of time to try to learn this new profession that was like another language to him. It’s all working out just fine.</p> <p>So I am hoping that somehow this is just another bump in our road. That it will end up being for our good. I feel like an absolute fool—that I should have realized that I was building too big / too nice of a house. But in my defense, I had a variety of estimates given me as to what it costs to build here. And the design drastically affects the cost. My draftsman made mistakes, too, that have been expensive to fix. So it’s not all completely my fault and all along I have prayed over this house, pleading with heaven not to let me make any disastrous mistakes as I took on this responsibility.</p> <p>It will be rough ahead. The only solution I see is to try to find another private lender to give us just enough to finish and move in, probably leaving lots of work for us to do ourselves. This will require me to take on some part-time work or piano students (or maybe we can do fostercare? that is something I have considered several times since moving here. there’s quite a foster care crisis here in AZ). This also will require us to learn a lot of skills we don’t currently have.</p> <p>I see us setting our own doors, installing our own stone veneer, building our own closet shelves, doing our own flooring and painting (at least we’ve done those before :), all the landscaping, installing sprinkler and drip systems, etc. I can see cheap or free light fixtures and appliances in this beautiful home, being grateful to have what we need until we can afford what is pretty or nice. </p> <p>It’s going to be okay. Right?</p> <p>I have started (out of necessity) to incorporate mediation into my daily routine. I’m already exercising and trying to eat well, and still feeling the anxiety get to me lately. So yep, meditation. I really love a <a href="http://christianmeditationpodcast.libsyn.com/">Christian mediation podcast</a> I found recently. It’s done by a hospital chaplain who uses the KJV of the Bible. It’s really beautiful and very helpful. </p> <p>Today I meditated on the story of Christ asleep on the boat as the disciples start to panic with the storm threatening to overwhelm and sink them all. I have been feeling like the disciples, that this is more that I can handle, but that Christ will help me if I call to Him. Then along with my study of Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/perfect-love-casteth-out-fear?lang=eng"><em>Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear</em></a><em>, </em>I can see that He does not want me to be afraid. He does want to change my heart. I feel that if I look to Him and do my very best to live like Him, putting my faith in Him, that this storm too shall pass and soon we will see what this experience was for. I hope.</p> <p>I am grateful for what I am learning. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf0f9nabY71s6eLS_kn_-WY983XPdUjZ8pcr_7HvL_PeyYFQhRXfdQrYq3IyH1S3iYZkEg1WnmKK6D2xTf7N9Uopl1N6Pf5xSKRTLnaYx78ruoUZrMgqcwy_BDJCC5mhnuBuuUK1947o/s1600-h/100+days+of+gratitude+tag%255B3%255D"><img title="100 days of gratitude tag" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="100 days of gratitude tag" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzg68jZd2SEBb22Dp1VN25CmlevM0oasXF4DVFWpe04HPun8eE3UsgKe-g1Z6EpEvolGiu9IoqV1PuqUlZLSSun7gxBHUh5OKM-vPhDwKBSJG7R2jPIBZV_jIOwFx6XTJVTfavNIvT-c/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-85453146699637167702017-06-15T20:13:00.000-05:002017-06-27T20:20:00.642-05:00building a house is fun to do, fun to do, fun to do<p><em>Adapted from a letter to Elder Baker dated 6/12/17. His birthday is 6/15 so this was his birthday letter.</em></p> <p><em>.</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLJSMeieTwHjefO3EG-QW838ijOXdpS6AiH07yv6lhK-1Uag1rDh8nfLfTQ3MRvUmY4mnmM0eYAp_e4Ey6yC2NHlasmxLr31VL0dQ0KqXn9N5URa7swSpyAM_-_3TFsFw-k9N3J5ihHE/s1600-h/9+-+A+hike+past+the+dome+house%255B12%255D"><img title="9 - A hike past the dome house" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 - A hike past the dome house" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVXAduHglITqt0XzvuXG0SA_g-QmXwLL-s1FH0ZcHqqjL1tP6KkX_ZxK0ja1rqdwOu40q0KgzQ833BSJwnGc3dsYDorJPTAtEsoaeLelhNdpH8wdV4MAi_OJQNgfM4lTRFGg6EQJ-_3s/?imgmax=800" width="508" height="382" /></a></em></p> <p>The Week in a Nutshell</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYW6GVU3kfy68vg_MS8Yrmd3jrGSLTsaJdRa9Q5j-f7H6qL69Cx66ycqHkdarYwwmoj2vC9PwL6GDRtrvtj10xA2w-z8-p1gJDAt43Y-KS6HetoeEQ4MeaLDwyb-dTjXDqpyQ2w-wrDQ/s1600-h/2+-+Tucson%2521%255B10%255D"><img title="2 - Tucson!" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2 - Tucson!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSdCWa-u0BxS43wpQPsghgYnI8bHSwNjJNovHfk7XcxRdETrlMWpWU2TX-8QyFbgwvsfwtyhS9QawCsNsoeq0gMjuP6-nN6Z5lV8QWg1MLUBMz-KRyNCLVM1ltQT5KZTgMl2jRylaD7U/?imgmax=800" width="523" height="392" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>We went to Tucson! We hiked partway up the trail to Wasson Peak, but Rosebud petered out after about 5 minutes and after dragging her along for a while we decided maybe it was a great time to go visit my old house. It was interesting to see the purple garage again, which was further enhanced by the teal trim. We visited Uncle Charles and Aunt Alba in their home for the last time. So many memories there. It felt like going back in time 30 years to sit and have lunch with them at that table where we had so many birthday celebrations and holidays. They accompanied us to the Tucson Temple Open House. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbFPyN3ac0COv-6k8zlChh3NBReQbKL3tg1k-0cWXmo5ucfl7kWgAFLZwJ2hvONaFp0F3iyZyxMNx9fmXgy-rallq_CRBL-IjWSLYesLDociN8VoX6yH4zmwiyh1iAFxBUFppPS9Pe4g/s1600-h/3+-+With+Aunt+Alba+and+Uncle+Charles%255B8%255D"><img title="3 - With Aunt Alba and Uncle Charles" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 - With Aunt Alba and Uncle Charles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan4oIf3T-SK6aFJBixsyPyFHL6iSZGMYGrk253EjDr_oDm2aNpDomq66T6sG9O2PMM2LeJ9NL30AqFOTzDSx7nnggV91f5gQffVO5n5U-jgBRYaG7bFwEtb8KMYxvODHkkoCzm8KkBPo/?imgmax=800" width="513" height="385" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>The tour began at the Tucson North Stake Center, which is where I was baptized! Also my 1st grade year was there and we peeked briefly into my classroom. :) They showed a video there then had us board charter buses to be taken about 5 minutes away to the temple. I loved seeing the Tucson Temple, especially the baptistry and all the unique and Christ-centered art. It is amazing to think that if I were still there growing up, I would be able to go do baptisms every week. What a blessing to the Saints there! </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTwC01rMy98q3ciLv1W7zf-IL-01ChTexKqvtSFHu5NGhlvbZnAv7MCSmDrHjYsRYM36Mts8Kygfip6Qc-NWsGU2vi9VYioocwnTLUCwpRbWikzfwvg-XLJ39PrIhTOfjSPYMMPkxDFc/s1600-h/4+-+Just+after+the+tour%255B9%255D"><img title="4 - Just after the tour" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="4 - Just after the tour" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BvLUiB5NJ7LJbjYflKlhDrQ3iM_ppJK_yP93NGbmqFqDusKBMF8Z7GdE3BHBQCDI3iMwdUrmxMErxaE1sgnfo-a-C30D89fOOCYBTbcnhPLIxm_y3HDI2Hnb4gjaE6JxYbGjjLfUTCk/?imgmax=800" width="507" height="380" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih21v0XV3i7Y0O9GWCup4-qwyzOh3-kUWJUBSLkZi1zpZGwVUAiWiQWB09Rx3GNl1urv0avnA7aJgZmMIut9EoID9jSH68XxZOXAJzA2gHYGCofgRjomvH5fv_4Q9BvgPnCE355IpxoTA/s1600-h/5+-+The+best+picture+we+got%252C+unfortunately%255B8%255D"><img title="5 - The best picture we got, unfortunately" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="5 - The best picture we got, unfortunately" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrMsHbJ-XNHSIr9LK5vYSIRk-OkZZyiPwWMoiF_4dLkYbZ6rFQeTvnIUQrSA8x581F5dSbREUx-iQOZ_kYia5DFlgeqhLQNPq2J7ZK_pghgCiyaKdP1qK7CxWaxxBaMa2-7DetgvewEo/?imgmax=800" width="377" height="503" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>We visited my cousins W and R before leaving for Mesa. They attend a day program for disabled adults. R was having a hard day, but W smiled and I was able to hug him. I hope their transition to living in Houston goes well.</p> <p>The house. Oh, the house. It was one of the more frustrating and stressful weeks. Communication problems with the framer, who rarely answers my calls or texts and who sent only 2 people to work for a few hours each day. Finding out from one of those two that there was a drop in the floor of two of the attic bedrooms. Following up with the truss company, it was revealed that it was a 12-inch drop! And in Fluffy's and Ham's room it went right across the middle! I still can hardly believe that the truss company thought this was a great idea. After many conversations with various people, including one over email with an architect, it is looking like we will need to use rafters and joists on those two bedrooms instead of trusses. This is fine but I have lost my confidence in the remaining truss design and want to have a structural engineer review it and make sure all is well. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWay_tJwKSGAj6vffBSTwBrTjE_W_r1Y5CiIVMI4u5XMzHcwgOSIbC7oT-LxVC-P5GLmL8d6ajDCZcSLXntvVFGMHttPnqXdiaHfu7Wa9oFAL_MIZ-d_cnKdMI6a3Qllot0ryDBJRi2Ek/s1600-h/6+-+The+dadgum+house%255B9%255D"><img title="6 - The dadgum house" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 - The dadgum house" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWt2fhxMF557gMyKZH8w5C14O2ZDv72UBYj-UxFf8NadpmA2FGBpyydsGm733gYAbU83Ey32BGD6Hgs7x32Nr2M2LVLTVgJo69CKqvz-Oa5mvQC7krS3j98oxqARioIoKTOBuGRm1C2Q/?imgmax=800" width="549" height="412" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>There was some small progress otherwise. I decided on and hired our electrician. Vent blocks were installed and the walls poured for the areas with crawlspace. Also I was able to build a tentative schedule for all the remaining work. I project that the house will be finished in mid-October. Building a house is not for the faint-hearted!</p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3vIxJyrO6H5-8WuNCnSns0NH45sHitFOw2JVEWPxhoViizMij5wDovSzQn4GyjIGS-2qlaPHFgL-f8wkb6t09N_baqTSqVe7GbqEdzPYIZl4W7l2tk5pQQuip8NMMIRALGIdZONrlss/s1600-h/1+-+Russell+driving+in+The+Valley%255B8%255D"><img title="1 - Russell driving in The Valley" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1 - Russell driving in The Valley" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8m854CUrlJOGJZkiNehDVGbSJJ_YYMfPelogRAIT-EtVHjYdzapB-hLEes2KzcK-HsAiJXeHlATfjidDNmzA7X3A8zx3HDJ6VEOaWCxE91MIIt4KfI66oCPUUiuIPZa1-s4mbQGepT4/?imgmax=800" width="507" height="380" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>In happier news: Fluffy got his driver's license! The next day Fluffy went on his 2nd date! And then the day after that Fluffy took the ACT! I imagine he will tell you about all those things in his letter. It was a big week for him, and I had some growing pains as his mother. Especially about the date. But I think that it is very good for him to develop friendships like this and feel that it's part of the plan Heavenly Father has for his life. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u6R2XEajCOdUxfqR1DluZQNExRN1Wf3mteA-FdLPlTDzCqDHCdxfHLB_u1UzgIJhhj-se1OO_6QRyGDy7aoUjM590KmyLRvLyZyo4-QOwAtkhdp8n3HoUYOFOIiS20SiFGwN3X-gV_U/s1600-h/8+-+Date+with+Daddy%255B10%255D"><img title="8 - Date with Daddy" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="8 - Date with Daddy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT2Ct3D-hBTMneghOOMn4I8ixtjOWV2v5am4NX6YWbO5_7eNwkX4YrLTSEGlxKIoqVYcETO5yKcMAoVwUbMOF03SI7LH7OCA-sxRtTvDtW3zktvUZxw99xkRh7-lwuR7M2UNy2whsmyY/?imgmax=800" width="507" height="380" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>Daddy and I had a fun date while Fluffy was on his fun date (Sweet Honey Ham babysat Rosebud and they had fun, too :). We used a gift card to eat at Burger King, then walked on the golf course trails around the temple. There is so much grass out there! And a lovely pond. Then we used a gift card to get pie at Trapper's and sat on one of those Taylor benches that they have all along main street. We were sitting on one at Main Street and Center Street. Cars were zooming by us as we ate our pie and in between the zooming we could hear a livestock auction going on at the rodeo grounds. It was cool. Then we crossed the street to the museum and found a gazebo with a picnic table and trees all around! (Guess where we'll eat next time? :).</p> <p>Yesterday was a beautiful day. I was blessed to feel more peace about the situation with the house and just felt a lot of joy in being able to go to church and be with the family. Bishop B had asked Grandpa and Daddy to bless with sacrament with Russell*, so I played the organ for the sacrament hymn. As I heard Russell and then Grandpa bless the sacrament, and saw the three of them reverently administering the bread and water, with Hyrum passing it to me near the organ, I felt so much gratitude. For each one of those worthy men / young men, for the restored gospel and how it has blessed my life since birth, for the ordinance of the sacrament itself, and for the Atonement of our Savior! </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIis8OA9yfQxe73rmOeVlUvsK4SVSN2Zp59vjyWDwI7qNLUvtaO2URsYqtiV1rQF3qEpaIqQz2gZEwSHFBsRP6XDecCHiL5pQ7pQBu45OXBgVF68mrOxLudsu6iKm-_KbjcRIEARF8J4/s1600-h/7+-+Sunset%255B9%255D"><img title="7 - Sunset" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="7 - Sunset" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34fJAS9J9Y-1qje7xcbkboxYkn8Sh8i0i31pTc8QvbACISuyyqGkVfzUFXp4czjOoAWKrhIEyHZfuMKiNsdphIHfOMfvzve2li_-_8jnI3G1U7RMNnEpkrY14bFfBCQj-HjpZEZ2Jpp8/?imgmax=800" width="540" height="405" /></a></p> <p><i> <br />"And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God. . .I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence. . . ."</i></p> <p>Alma 38:2-3</p> <p>I love you, Clyn. How grateful I am that you came into our family 19 years ago! You are so bright and good and fun to be with, and you have brought me and Daddy so much joy. I hope your birthday is happy and memorable, with lots of service and also treats. :)</p> <p>Love,</p> <p>Mommy</p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em>Quotables</em></p> <p>- - - - - - - - -</p> <p>The T’s were visiting us, and after breakfast Ena (age 3) had sticky hands.</p> <p>Nana: "Ena, do you need some wipes?"</p> <p>Ena, at the top of her lungs: "EAT some WIPES?!" and then she laughed very hard. </p> <p>- - - - - - - - - </p> <p>After Becky sat on the floor so as to be near Baby S while folding a blanket, he crawled away and I came in, surprised to see her sitting on the floor with a blanket on her while everyone was doing their chores. I looked at her quizzically and she explained the situation and said: "Fickle, thy name is baby!"</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-18249354218814601082017-06-10T21:43:00.001-05:002017-06-10T21:48:37.540-05:00first week of summer and “large, or to exceed all”<p>Adapted from a letter to Elder Baker, dated 6/6/17. . . .</p> <p>Last week was a nice one, being the first full week of summer vacation. We have worked out a good routine, I think, with Daddy being in charge of the cute ones in the morning while I work on the house, and then in the afternoon I am in charge of the cute ones while he works on various things. Super Kid makes breakfast every weekday morning, and the other two make dinner. There is lots of frolicking with kittens, chasing lizards, visiting the fish, working for Nana and Grandpa, etc. Rosebud has begun a 4-week tumbling class that meets 3 times a week. She is learning a lot! She can do a tripod, bridge, and tuck roll, and is really improving her cartwheel. </p> <p>It was another big week for the house! Framing done in the basement and floor joists for the main level in. Excavation for the garage and master bedroom done, footings dug and poured, walls laid. I started bidding electrical and stucco. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCuPxwdINq-2wz8u1xBhXMqFv2oAuh4nJbwVDDrU2J1uPwL3A8puJjXc4sk2mghLEv8CpGYflqQBdwzbNZSGykbjcRlSYlbuV0TlUh-e_csOzHizTXA81EB01ugqy6FHyS8WzAfBl1tQ/s1600-h/IMG_8459%255B10%255D"><img title="footings dug for master bedroom and bath" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="footings dug for master bedroom and bath" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SoU6d-xS6085jjc0bskX2kG8dSzh2-0f2LwFpkzB-Ijp61hGdvd9hyazHDAAqGU_LmnyYHqQTDXUemkN6sN4Xps-AQyGd4ohYXLZsTVm0IVHCG5tcKNZGReC8E4MzxaGw0BzHHFdH9I/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT8y6fi-M5x9nIx5_VkgleLQDUQwksNgxFOk2atfXJTZ5BiayrxG7jjLNtED4D4LLx4tIjlaJK2QVrHC3NJPBmAuMwYYPKqsqUxCllXIZg2ao1gKaThasNFlHFzvo54mVNTuER4K8FvI/s1600-h/IMG_8469%255B9%255D"><img title="basement framing" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="basement framing" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tTi0rPBR0KTSXTj9g4vEiQIoG-TpwLCbUJ6-GBHdKF2keFDTdr6DofRX9wgo_K71nmOhqqS3TVS6r92pEePWIq6BiltkivRb83p1JYZ5Ug1Rqpf5kldMZONXl9blsoYqA8lLkodBMvA/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="493" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TwN1R6GOdsoNUS_Ko4fpzBBEz1QGg9PNqLe6U5quR4DwALk_a6XTP68TOhQ_A7jMUwILFzVVHGsEQWKjX4CiOhQVQkapOymkkUALYo9J5AAjWSferaaRK3y2ST1_zDdnq7plvrQLu3A/s1600-h/IMG_8470%255B9%255D"><img title="Mariah comes to inspect" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Mariah comes to inspect" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy2ctOUKmyWIEWtFr_WRjONL1-fk34oNWQbOq2PyWUrDowZJelWPaL07zWMf8lR6RIjNOKdopz5WlcqQR8wLuqqDePZozxLQ2n23Rs2i4nmN1_OBj2jjY6dbMonR5slWMlza5YxHD-8o/?imgmax=800" width="593" height="445" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9jW50NCeePkvghCS-n_oien4vxtpinefesVZMb7QgzsgApn-95DSuNxbFlADyIa71rIIi2ij32MLjAocBMBrXMaBiWuiqNej7kAyE1Eep2Q6g78_xP10hqlkOyj79JRK_ajahX_dQP4/s1600-h/IMG_8492%255B10%255D"><img title="footings poured for master bedroom and bath" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="footings poured for master bedroom and bath" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvjDu6j3ak3ZIhf-klgzSo1dFQNxHf7llhwoz_iUvGkef0Q8ZWLbJ-PK_r2NoOf5QAdJ7b_qd2vGOPOyJpduUTUoMCHQyXKMPpOTrIKWu0RHwAPQvCyPjVnarwPsSfjC5tus-fZw_UHw/?imgmax=800" width="592" height="444" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzWGqolEe43sBr76DI8UlSUFLMt1i8ki7op2NhobL-IK1gmetypszj9XBn7ufc62lBm5mQ60klyHbu6EbxFHFlkph1mNL6PPR4jZ6ktSSooKsfwqz7oZqylUcfTTC-JBraZZmZ_nq7YQ/s1600-h/IMG_8500%255B9%255D"><img title="pouring footings for garage" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="pouring footings for garage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZpLqe_QU1kYLHROd4Q0Tl8UcB6VVip7m7_bsiiRZfrXh5XVF78VOOMlCv1AOQgHDXusdv_VASrUDnIbrit_qH7u7jpO6dz3yCnxPu-eacQaTZC_Bebol5fbvzeneJjug8P7154SvTIU/?imgmax=800" width="590" height="443" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1OolNsUxqjxAkGc8rVh9tc57VbWdsZRfgUX973UhQqwT3hFCDIdd78wbGZIfuSPK-ZIZRgyBV5Ym9aHgKN314zvDLU19xeEBIOnFVpHfSVLit6fqwLdr2qe1aW1tGnM-cfI6A-cX-BI/s1600-h/IMG_8546%255B9%255D"><img title="prepping for garage slab pour" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="prepping for garage slab pour" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAfIyVOyHRSpXDJVK2Fq35wZX2Z_zB57nPg49qpv4c2-4RCFTW5xO2ctZ5y4LDO32R8MnGPLfwZOIrY7ZbDPqib-2NtwS13cnJSGqQgWFxD6XNGWvijmjtWhjKTRrh35QWXBRbyJSDGA/?imgmax=800" width="589" height="442" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>Monday was Memorial Day. We had a nice picnic at Pioneer Park (Nana and Grandpa were gone still to OK, so it was just us 5). The cute ones brought their rollerblades, and Rosebud brought Moana, who did not have a good time. Afterward we went to the Taylor Cemetery and found 8 of our ancestors who are buried there! </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZngwTCrsCgjpCjUNU3BOJtwRycA8Z3y8qOaOpY05GFRlI2LQCgy2B9qucw9EDeMx5dEuJKq9fFN1QUuk07f7G09-lC3qyoESsL66jiPEucQtH2wRvhbMni9gbeC1i7xJu6x1eM9YWVCE/s1600-h/IMG_8432%255B11%255D"><img title="Memorial Day" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Memorial Day" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk901gE8HTFWiSc3-nk5EjLcu3Xy9g-UmnEAKeWwHEFxg6fN38YUH3GOH0j4zly3yK1v0GhWvAzbhzkmPaqzfX0ZUQCmMmu3shAhFSoclYuXHAhyphenhyphenw-fpF1IVPUHkzZCeF82wIQXokqTU/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="505" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>Tuesday evening we enjoyed playing Sorry and Trash together, and we watched the Great British Bakeoff. We watched GBB nearly every night this week. :) </p> <p>Wednesday evening Fluffy and Ham had a combined activity at Caldwell's pond, and walked all the way home afterward, across the highway and through the desert, with their trunks and flip-flops on! Rosebud went swimming with Daddy, and I sat and read nearby. Well, not much reading because Puffball came, too, and thought he needed to be right in my lap and be petted the whole time.  </p> <p>Thursday Puffball and Mariah finally started to get along. Before this she would hiss at him and chase him like a whirling dervish into the woodpile. Now they have some sort of truce and Puffball is allowed to be within a foot or two of her. Fluffy took a practice ACT and did very well. We watched the championship round of the National Spelling Bee and of course some more GBB.</p> <p>Friday I went to the 5:30am session at the temple. It was a beautiful, strengthening experience to be there. I was so grateful to have been able to go and be attentive in spite of the early hour! Nana and Grandpa had gotten home late the night before, but we only got to spend a few hours with them before leaving for the Valley for Fluffy's BD wish. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCGsNh_WM8BUmWSYkKVJ2741J1pz1ibupEZXHJQyB9WgdIrP0tlsIsdtGF8XAbz20fFNBIIhJJklp-mwO-YVBCsDhvvi3ENmyrWBiLJRx1b2dVIudVktjWYU7dX-fZdbW9tNs2c-zh90/s1600-h/IMG_8547%255B11%255D"><img title="Fluffy, meet Esmerelda" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fluffy, meet Esmerelda" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprLy8t_0BrGHYai00_t0cDF6bDqxyQ0pLeINbZiqryDGAHkfWnW2iGJ_uzq6hDqxCAb7ica7xNri2t820Gg6-YZW2J1UdeoaJ7uyKIq6OOGsYpzL6uHPyn_l8MHRmrqrDw60Keu-Gfrk/?imgmax=800" width="555" height="416" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p>It was a fun evening with the Ws. Fluffy and Ham babysat while Uncle Daniel and Aunt Becky went on a double date with us. We ate at a Thai restaurant and then did some scavenger-hunt type challenges for each other at Kohl's. </p> <p>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BKIQ7xlRZqUOFbEsmV5G6jGfMe2a3dhvZF7WFGu-7nH-MFHMlB9j7Uql66wc6TajkAHyP4s2fNGhYJQUxBhidirm_JVmwp_v_r8QhtDdi_3Nonm9VNNAgDrov3a5RmMSEA67ixhaadQ/s1600-h/IMG_8556%255B10%255D"><img title="double date - Thai restaurant" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="double date - Thai restaurant" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xeN3drFto2pHWdKtg7bdcpXZ7hbtE4IXGqGdYrdvkrSTdyrtKh6ik4Chd8YcURs5VxJ6bW_TbUDIcr543JXGalqte0wBxRgJVepVfzzOvpYNCBZG4KTvWT5KXXe2PNRA8XZzQC7_ZF0/?imgmax=800" width="495" height="371" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KXsr5dl4iWQCxOjd263U3GLliVYeLzgcKZlP96oq6CkIjqI_le1ct5m4X8lsBblnK9bzVATj4wNIQmZvnu0Oa7ryh7Y3k-ixiGzL9D_-lRfuZZrlp2BuOKbKK3NZbuWjQXcHRHZpQiA/s1600-h/IMG_8561%255B10%255D"><img title="scary sight at Kohl's" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="scary sight at Kohl's" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNzTatGIbClEQ-RpvTdJpe_RFVM-nQcOcU_kukDTI9UnImoh-wqtD6oE-5tlup8LVuOAVQlWamAN3QR1ivsnMLHoqaxdC8EysV5TktX-9db0j4jYetpEvavvN__WOyrhIrEHL1iojj-o/?imgmax=800" width="494" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>The truly alarming thing is that there were also ties and pants to match.</em></p> <p>Saturday we all went to the Mesa Temple Visitors Center and got to see the two new movies the Church has produced, <i>Days of Harmony </i>and <i>A Day for the Eternities</i>. They tell the story of the translation of the Book of Mormon from Oliver Cowdery's perspective and then David Whitmer's perspective. They are both excellent! As I watched the portrayal of April 6, 1830 I felt deeply grateful to be a member of the restored church of Jesus Christ! To have been able to make covenants and receive Priesthood ordinances and partake of the Sacrament every week my whole life -- it is wonderful! </p> <p><a href="https://history.lds.org/article/days-of-harmony?lang=eng"><img src="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/media/960x540/LDS_Priesthood_Site_Film14.jpg" width="619" height="348" /></a></p> <p>Later we went swimming at a city pool with a slide and then watched <i>Blackbeard's Ghost</i> back at the Ws. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgN7VHJ59_O73fhbtegC8C0AAm9yVkxuQc-NsfF1Gln3QwX4PpH0kSPexjrGh78At5TSUql7bEBdUMV6AVVyXAPOpTX9O4MjwmeU8IJaegGWQqgQ4e-t3mTOkoU3tROnGR7I1hyphenhyphenn9OVM/s1600-h/IMG_8576%255B15%255D"><img title="IMG_8576" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpd4UKVHEGGkVMJB-_F0E45POg3Lk-8tbBu_VfKKwe9wyGrHaC9TfmiKUDgMpUmP5hwWg3Etp-bNr5P6sMzXt7Rv3dgBrCDBjqK24fu8XKG_8fqQnH1ZQB-DhY7RM2DUV4-xBmaw0uFw/?imgmax=800" width="588" height="470" /></a></p> <p>Sunday I fasted for you and also for E. It was lovely to attend meetings with the Ws and the Van Baileys. Aunt Becky taught Sunday School -- I loved her lesson about the Kingdoms of Glory. Baby S fell asleep on my lap. <3 :) </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHwHg1EjSol5KDtNQokj3wwIRSSwoTBMeOnoSscB8FjbQM2av9s26PUCJFrloneuoTKrH0WzH1Id9sGmAozoA5QMcDy7w2lm1S-kay4eZ2Qst0Rw2YIM6bHPblfRGllg-JtoyKrWlv-Q/s1600-h/IMG_8588%255B8%255D"><img title="IMG_8588" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_8588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHJ1vshwO-xhLSQljVO94eYLo2v4VJqrP07xGmWZ0n3vA6jQj1hyOJ3wJ2upX5DgFXT0CijB_Aml-YHU46Pfw2PL9tAhcumEp_WazJqc_8AKe0r6HkAr8GyrPIlyYXGKdv8ya-3rcnX8/?imgmax=800" width="392" height="473" /></a></p> <p>The evening was idyllic in the Ws' backyard. Did Ham tell you about the bunnies the Ws got for free for him?A family in their neighborhood had gotten bunnies in two consecutive Snowflake rodeos and those ones had babies and two girl ones were now grown up and needing a home. So the Ws have been keeping them in their yard until we could come get them! One is white and one is a lovely light brown. They are ripliancum* bunnies with double chins.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0DgQKMgeHQP6x19nZ-4vs3Qb5ccBBz4Y1yIebNxbdejsgDW_-aa5Hxa2w-OfjBUgEetgFzew8ciJMPqqwEgXjJyS6r-wE-BMRgckrDdJ65phrOpg6G6R7vWg-dAtlraYh4l2ZmMtbz0/s1600-h/IMG_8609%255B9%255D"><img title="Ham working on knots" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Ham working on knots" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9UcCLkHkLNwNAa-nuW68-Sa1hKZec4YLicr99rcGUyRYBYASSyNiXL92UBxIJh6BKkz9f-jau4sSLm1k_F-aqM3eqmg7ix0VgJvG1UpnMHW438SlVaktnLT11v4aEUPchHeuLcJUXAo/?imgmax=800" width="515" height="386" /></a></p> <p><em>*Ham’s term for very large bunnies</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE1vIwbUQTsQ4I-fpyhsEg4k6HVHs9ovWQtH1bChQhD08n1Ay7PhVWGIi4UZRlSh0k3W1DZbBU0BG1kuCBJsT0uj-mZtZScdMuwW97Y0pI6QAD0pFKbqU5UTbZaCejAn8Mbiy7lYWqHg/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img title="image" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavM3ghfb-rwaF3A0EjKKizP8Bst_VvaqvFxr0lh4tYpBA1a3-5FRd7ANTJCVr7z8nlTWjTdSpbzTBFv8q2TYz_dMGox9twmuPSszeKg3kOdP58mlAbQ7CqSDrqGh7RtaeKX_S3dynm0s/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="110" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKrihtiNXkAD8Ix8-E8PKlzOKAjp-lD5AeBu23I_AlIx-2BtVRfBhojVJr48HWj431mgXLiHRh-qMZu-SRH1q4zZZa5lEQqt-eM5Xj7Fw5TDcWcyxyUynrF6G_4lOHyHmdwHboyI1u0w/s1600-h/IMG_8611%255B10%255D"><img title="heavenly evening at the W's - lucinda near box" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="heavenly evening at the W's - lucinda near box" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2BeJMdrWGwRKj2hdD0-jeBoj68gQqKvezx9grSTC-8af4olap5Uo9N2-iJy2EsKWlFodPvnnTH5F9cZi8inptpt_4nSFO60ckO0z7UgdjD5jKQ_Vwj3_000fDm7HL42PsVv-LMIj46s/?imgmax=800" width="513" height="385" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe1ZczwPVqrP2pRw56M_QD42Qsu1toPvfadlWKkXWRvZKHtvjp8hqHMzz8-nYVQIdJ7rGX8RT3E4V0KM720h-MR9P9GDYsmgpflZMg1LCpNcC0wiglTP_l69jf4KSUNpMG-93HaVfFOI/s1600-h/IMG_8624%255B8%255D"><img title="Ham and Uncle Daniel pioneering" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Ham and Uncle Daniel pioneering" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkPNKd0GAi9xPkTr_tn-DgAuLuY4IYtdIB7bUKyLD8czAYVTAuinbYDXwWVI3dSD4ecQSUbBk0q3kvx1KqyZQZf23NXiTHr5XUyK4ikEoaHjhcyjWB13YbknCEZTR92tyEkoRXUtC-Rg/?imgmax=800" width="357" height="476" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Uncle Daniel helping Ham pass off some rank advancement requirements. #bombdotcom</em></p> <p>When I was reading in D&C 138 this week I was especially struck by the verses toward the end, including verse 56.</p> <p><i>Even before they were born, they, <b>with many others</b>, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.</i></p> <p>I love you, Clyn! </p> <p>~Mommy</p> <p>Quotable</p> <p>At the dinner table, we were remembering when we watched you open your call.</p> <p>Rosebud: He was still at BYU?</p> <p>Me: Yeah, remember we webcammed with him.</p> <p>Hummer, correcting my verb: Web<em>come</em>.</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-72138768637967565692017-06-07T19:26:00.001-05:002017-06-07T19:26:30.134-05:00adopted by ranchers and Fluffy’s first date<p align="right"><em>When a man is kind to dumb animals, I always say he has got some good in him</em>. <br />― <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/98909.Owen_Wister">Owen Wister</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3280421">The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains</a></p> <p align="left">Adapted from a letter to Elder Baker, dated 5/29/17. . . .</p> <p align="center">I will try to tell you briefly about an eventful and interesting week. On Monday, we had Fluffy's BD dinner and party. Rosebud fell asleep right after school and slept for several hours. Between that and work on setting up the bunny palace and planting the big evergreen, the celebration ran really late but it was so fun! Rosebud gave the sweetest FHE lesson spotlighting Fluffy, and the strawberry meringue cake was a smash hit. Also we played a game and he opened presents.</p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1-yQIjLRKR5V1g5c_AqIFtQq5q7RZonRRGuZNi3mSG6kN_xkRJkaFAw4qGYabYi717zWyGhqKhyphenhyphen0HfeUwB3TcJGxv538t0MKzIBl6wWrzJl2NagxiGPxwosKuliy761mkkdZAqKihFs/s1600-h/1+-+Russell%2527s+BD+cake%255B17%255D"><img title="1 - Russell's BD cake" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1 - Russell's BD cake" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYtBrPdaXBUdLhY8mhpk5wJHzoIizryXgecXQUmF74iKh8i0iOS6Cb-B9pl7lqzpCXywsqoL_pypSoPhn1m-o5-ivHQpEs-vGrtyplVVhlX9FRVr0QThKl3VX2IZgfqBiBY5ULoSjZpA/?imgmax=800" width="467" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Tuesday we had an adventure with Grandpa's red truck. I used it to pick up the kids from school so that Ham could bring home his aquarium from school and so we could go to Hector's Hay and Feed and pick up 3 bales of straw to stack behind the bunny hutch (wind shelter, hopefully). </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP0jIrWQb6fkpBQ7C1Q-Wy_XKJ-Irq_dfSoY_ExSzbPygDBD1xkIFQM20Jsd1Ap9Km8FkL2Dx-GHnlCtczWabtIlwIOuMQ4gRL55LIt_apx_DtkwxSssmU4h9djYhFYVWKAFj1P1znGI/s1600-h/3+-+Puffball+inspecting+the+construction+site+after+hours%255B5%255D"><img title="3 - Puffball inspecting the construction site after hours" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 - Puffball inspecting the construction site after hours" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRW8Wv5zAUqS38fkjqHOFkX_r9rgiOxFi5LzcOnmon5D4QbuYhmPzDV3cljL4gfD1NRtUBXdg1a9WcpiVy_R0nqGrtQtjC0HJcsTjzELQaYSVtMr-YQEAH5m-oK6R1G495hXJGbINVrI/?imgmax=800" width="516" height="387" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Wednesday was Daddy's last day of work until the end of July! Woohoo! He is going to look for some non-contract work but for now he's free as a lark for the first time in years. It is so nice! Uncle Duff and Aunt Lori and B and A arrived in the afternoon -- they came to visit for Lori's sister's HS graduation. It was so fun to hang out with them and Nana and Grandpa treated us all to dinner at Eva's. </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuCWZuASJ0W9TCK8djXt1fbG8caEn3Iju9TUcfJW9q1E3WiHfZ__fvzAwr-WvUxaXd5YfI9MGBYTEAnjbjlWH3ykPJDZ9xnRJqbxmPUp-1CTTvmTC8gevHeZ0Bw5-W7Cy8J8NeKEobKY/s1600-h/2+-+Benjamin%252C+Nana%252C+Puffball%252C+Abby%255B5%255D"><img title="2 - Benjamin, Nana, Puffball, Abby" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2 - Benjamin, Nana, Puffball, Abby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh164jJWhqYCFJGZ36BA_4fjhYFDvvgv1dxFNh4MFc_cV3yqXqhpYwcw8vVOSvybWqhnr0-K2oEx7aQu_vTzCdr6tBZbSU6XCxC3Mw-FEacxxxufsWO-VB6M9wcZg93xsnWOalzXGj3qzY/?imgmax=800" width="492" height="369" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuejJjlTJQOccC64QM3Xa3hNaS4FB_DuASEBfKzGHMSxtopIOyzF-OVi0ZyUob69vPYCyk4eCBIjCIIh78B-xYyDuUUVSVqmuOxVC7fMGMbLm3NC0jvu0tZTJAxkSPgU4UVw-O-_90yg/s1600-h/7+-+Uncle+Duff+teaching+Daddy+how+to+do+Magic+Eye%255B5%255D"><img title="7 - Uncle Duff teaching Daddy how to do Magic Eye" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="7 - Uncle Duff teaching Daddy how to do Magic Eye" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdwNbnUvPWLPqDtqGf6J2orGvQXAE3rQnzx2W5kbHOUutwXVTg_ocSTm15tSXxnIAW1wnA8BVLB6o8oR_aqKhNpkDx5nG7AD7fTwS5kRm-rOTGMPTc9OA-R8j0kvi6Q3J3KeIqteCUic/?imgmax=800" width="490" height="368" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>. uncle duff (in his last year of optometry school) teaching DC how to do magic eye :).</em></p> <p align="center">Thursday Uncle Duff offered to take the kids to their last day of school, and that was a fun bonding time for them (especially regarding having the radio on). Little B and I helped my Dad to plant the garden and it brought back delightful memories of Tucson childhood days. Rosebud's caterpillar hatched! She named it Swirl. Nana taught me and Uncle Duff and Ham a new card game called Trash (it’s kind of therapeutic, actually). Nana and Grandpa left to fly to Oklahoma. That evening Fluffy sang in the seminary choir for Snowflake Stake Seminary Graduation, held in the Main Street Chapel for the first time since about Nana's graduating class. :) We stayed up very late visiting afterward.</p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVC_3QAmxVXqu5XEogH_UY-C8eFSRhDtK1xFtWUMXqCPGwDwGyAA42KNZFZYW_3ferLabwrKYBGkGDgK3p6xBM15DspL7elbGZCJS0TSXQ7zb64HhNj6FLzgN1ywc1h5jGss7gt_dntU/s1600-h/4+-+Rosemary%2527s+hatched+butterfly+Swirl%255B5%255D"><img title="4 - Rosemary's hatched butterfly Swirl" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="4 - Rosemary's hatched butterfly Swirl" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_ljFaqwmmqc0DCnUsHJX3o5qimo1nJziD5SGfbEcdegJ4jicNeLiG_5KAyFoUhJkK5SvRdHOXmXNyncD0m19jcZ4xPa3jlPjFeG_HzhXA96zMAO1U5PyVJ6_nXe-jA0y-7qz6_GK-kY/?imgmax=800" width="502" height="335" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6sCRW5xzMwl_pkOOwRVqM9tCh38mxj6LbpR0tPeumNMN8hfqc5qNBlojE7HI-_tFJnJcC4UEtO4Q5PKtpoG4WB86-67hJsTgWziyHlzJIdWnurDt7hMhGENi3Kl5TnwYuKWSTScb9FA/s1600-h/5+-+Basement+walls+done%2521%255B10%255D"><img title="5 - Basement walls done!" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="5 - Basement walls done!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn1MpvHlxOq7_FkFAPVLSM3f1sPA49nGoZ1zw6P2ZGK6ziLgwry7MV1tIKWJC1BVXR7Ad-s0vOdna2mtV7Hvq2uakuJUM-3Vxm8EkLeFizPnr3uCziVW-xfR8v5exSwHgAIW93axORIw/?imgmax=800" width="499" height="374" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Friday the framing on the house began! It was pretty chaotic out there because the concrete guys were still working on the outside, waterproofing and installing the french drains, so very loud, and the wind was crazy-high, blowing dust like you wouldn't believe. It was happy, though, to see so much progress going on at once. That evening Daddy and I had a very fun date, playing tennis at a park in town until the sun set, then having a yummy dinner at El Cupidos, then watching some <em>Great British Bakeoff</em> and having ice cream. </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K392zeOLBhEREVRmbCq6HOhy9HBw-G8mAn0AS4NbAL75hW6AbrMmCaL7qLk-0sZNQxM8P0uJF46xD0MjaP5AU7qLAihNm2WhHO8NG8gj3NGjmvo-FUfcnZsR1c8_t99KQgH-saEJf_0/s1600-h/6+-+Waterproofing+and+beginning+of+framing%255B5%255D"><img title="6 - Waterproofing and beginning of framing" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 - Waterproofing and beginning of framing" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGHpoQ9jTSnPgZ8Lcnat2YggPMs6K0mb7AeQdENtyG7rhW8o0kwv6zsBKs73DxhmD8Di5JpI8ttv0ZFt42qKkqA4O1xan5jsLMYbay_MP84UpgCV3YRGeWZ-GjyCcTJvCU7jtIyfUSK0/?imgmax=800" width="544" height="408" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Saturday was zauber interesting. It was the Flakes' day to do calf-branding, and at the service auction we had purchased the opportunity to help with it and have lunch afterwards. There was a bonus attached -- Rocky Mountain oysters -- but all of us declined that (ew). It was truly amazing to see real cowboys at work and to get to "help." They let us try everything we wanted to. We tagged ears, gave shots, and branded. Fluffy, Ham, and Rosebud rode horses, too. </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkutrwh9IfOOcE2G1wxkOZPg0StJDknxd8t2STNh_Ce5rZ3QYmuplNZlIm75b0kysPMPzbJJoF6VK6AFKUXl_vA6r7ArRJSKpy_kC-WnfXF-lRzZN9Q02uTmAs45xOfvl9CYhwIXTrEA/s1600-h/8+-+Russell+branding%255B5%255D"><img title="8 - Russell branding" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="8 - Russell branding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA8xuTl7DHQeJJ1Eo67IK1OJtxLvF2ixy1TyWym_S1XsNKk8GX8GwDXdBymMrkFWOkYxtsjJ-O_aO_a0uAAaXUO3N4HkHYQscTl7n60VWKJq9GC5J9h2oBDwGlRKQsg8E4lnsPUzuexs/?imgmax=800" width="352" height="440" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRrzHFkpSLUV1HRSIHPSoQ9NYTculjSUdcjbscmCdn703DqcFs6e0jf4SHO4fkOPplJRRxLpSIpX0PxNuLda3cvhT90KqewaGxQoN2Ec-NKA2cL0jCcn2GqjzTXIt76H5MFmadbt5BrU/s1600-h/9+-+Rosemary+riding%255B5%255D"><img title="9 - Rosemary riding" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 - Rosemary riding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBD0aUnAPlADZu1fVY4RGyTHBc66CgrBpNGc-h_KBK17FH-QpQQnYjVLtB5SJuHcsun4pCdzYq0-vS8QMNkePY59mdoa-qPQdQP-04wZAS_Fir6wLZKCth6F2FO6gZSt1IpJvcMT3N8g/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="333" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqC3xCQMBa9YFHUmKNa87lcUaoL9RHcWX1EyyiLuj9n9FPyln-mVITtF2RppJmJ1ipk5CzNoMj8dUJxKGRdxAuByrHQ5UljRDfzfRKLT3-CoVDnz0TyiBAepnq9y7bdM_DyHedtjJjBY/s1600-h/10+-+Me+branding%255B6%255D"><img title="10 - Me branding" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="10 - Me branding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QoLpbuYRmfvyV2G7gGHNAEwusVbreCJ_nmAuhNpjcQNJQv5LypkMxU7FYWkUSGAc4HJDbI2uF7zRSH632-QpAx7cm-tUPGmi0Ro9P5dHKfhTtu5ZC6JFCsOnaCrqvhrurj1SjzKkFQw/?imgmax=800" width="328" height="410" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmpj9xxP2b_QuOy3cHM11dB-l6B8bdXi3erjDh0J724SkogMseRYbhuJN3I7KMiCkVdgv_LqWwNm0LFY50hOrhidVJ4JpCtunJ9ZjORf_ua-tc5aD0nvNwtU2QwOFZJ5O77fIinzasNw/s1600-h/11+-+Hyrum+riding%255B6%255D"><img title="11 - Hyrum riding" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 - Hyrum riding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bYvJ7iMwt71truc5_MQOpbm5inR8OM4kCtsTxBt4m4_8ovQOBEVm1fVuY6gjYFP5F4Eka1LeySQLg2RzGNcM8vyQkxfN7ahVZfl_I8OGkfFfjAHvMYsHI8Qn5ttjzNGRuvGXuWh0gVs/?imgmax=800" width="572" height="381" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4lOpMzQpuGt6Wuyhi0GJ1u15lGGvAdJySPI5ajlvH-UBTVUib5XIzMLDPHYyXnS5yn20trGEE3dMxHPe-lOxojguv88JG5bUqKN4_u4HLv10T84gEzZ5RdfmjZi8FuuS-HbU-X44S_I/s1600-h/12+-+Hyrum+giving+a+shot%255B6%255D"><img title="12 - Hyrum giving a shot" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="12 - Hyrum giving a shot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUcktN0Q2u3tplYW4lD1VQQDqO_cg2EPgfPu2FXWiag8dxO9BeHD8Jo0QotDYp2LMzv6nnOwA_iwiH2AJl9u3-J7iMl-1hqF0Ycq74WZXnVvPhi6_7UorlWye8KU2f8CnO4YoWPC0NHk/?imgmax=800" width="422" height="281" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTKj26ZuH9NZzCzYSNdRzwE8UaHg_qDDYLbf1XmZVfjihzqj7WDH1mCpJf_TEgLUHjC9cLXfHrQP065_KGfm39r08Q-gcYieGwUmwzuX1lfwmNGu3nNH_DjLxaySaAsJjfCTC2m1lOUE/s1600-h/13+-+Russell+riding%255B5%255D"><img title="13 - Russell riding" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="13 - Russell riding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAHv21pXqdMqPFTdlnvWZbnY0o7rwIuQVxhZXXXcnDiLhejpPxZWQ7xgWxQAHXx2EGCKFL2YB5Y_12FnPLqa7EwM-H8ihSWldjn-T8QPM8n1skvvSV_owBzH6Q4xh3UYnxS9XupX_5_8/?imgmax=800" width="573" height="382" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">In the evening Fluffy went on his first date! With me! It was so fun! He had planned it very well, and was a perfect gentleman, opening my door every single time we went in or out. Also he was very fun to talk to. We ordered a pizza, then drove on Taylor's Lovelake Rd (near where you were baptized, I think) while we waited for it to be ready. We ate at a park – Fluffy had planned ahead and brought plates and water bottles. Next we went to 5-Mile Draw and hiked down into the canyon while the sun set. We saw a beautiful caterpillar that I've never seen before. Then we drove the temple and sat by the waterfall and talked and talked for a long time. And last we went to McDonalds and Fluffy bought us chocolate-covered ice cream cones! So happy! </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbtWvY1pJnJfoX-i00R5o2jsuTnpHdyLNSaVFbigHPLGHAAX2D7D9PSdmS_EhaQvW8RAb5LGwfKwnHzRTIkNNuMvN45wP0_Om7sA_gZMlAWQxPHaRsA15P8rRSSv8rTvx91e8TAS987Q/s1600-h/15+-+Russell%2527s+first+date%2521%255B5%255D"><img title="15 - Russell's first date!" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="15 - Russell's first date!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9yZ5E2bdhPKfNoPB_mg6D4fo9NXLukC4unrDheGnhv-mV6YoqdL9vhVYlO-Mle3Cx8hZs4bFuS5VFJO130rcg-D8sRknC48TP-t0KgQ22CQ13nH2pJoOkSJ64zXit5exsqmO4ZeSyms/?imgmax=800" width="361" height="271" /></a></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center">Sunday was nice but I was groggy all day because I slept in too late. :( Daddy played in sacrament meeting to accompany R Flake singing <i>My Heavenly Father Loves Me</i>. It was really lovely. I had a spiritual experience in choir practice after church. We are singing Sally Deford's setting of <i>The Lord is My Shepherd</i>, and Bro. Flake had Daddy pull out his violin and play the obbligato while we rehearsed it. The words of the last verse touched me so deeply. I felt how much the Lord has blessed me, and how much the Savior loves us all! </p> <p align="center"><i>Thy mercy will follow me all of my days,</i></p> <p align="center"><i>And in thine own house thou preparest my place,</i></p> <p align="center"><i>With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er,</i></p> <p align="center"><i>Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?</i></p> <p align="center">I feel so grateful for the care He has always given me. He truly is my shepherd. I want to serve Him better!</p> <p align="center">I love you, son.</p> <p align="center">Love,</p> <p align="center">Mommy</p> <p align="left"></p> <p align="left">Quotable</p> <p align="left">Ham talking to our cat Puffball: "You want to go outside? In your glitterbox?" (Unfortunately this is the sandbox, as opposed to a regular litterbox).</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-51756770546419138352017-05-25T18:34:00.001-05:002017-05-25T18:37:32.070-05:00how firm a foundation<p align="right"><em>I just throw on foundation and under-eye concealer, then dust bronzer on my cheeks so they look defined.</em> ~Camila Alves</p> <p>(Sorry! LOL! I searched for quotes about having a firm foundation and that one came up and I just couldn’t resist.)</p> <p>Adapted from a letter to Elder Baker, dated 5/22/17. . . .</p> <p align="center">Monday I went and played for a short rehearsal at the high school. It was a super busy day with the house. I am fielding lots of texts and calls as general contractor, and I feel like I can hardly leave the house during normal work hours. In fact, I had to take a call just before the choir director began a song, right there onstage with the whole honor choir waiting for me! </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClMLe5q9gzhns56Nh5PxJNZkwh1EBl4vbJLHWblizQZ9G4ijy-27NAwB2uG5yBK9i2Fvjy_nS9Cw9GDWOlsPEAPzSPCqK93wtPWW1Y8ycXsIzKrgzf0zOc7K5iLjYjn7XEpHPGannlsY/s1600-h/1+-+Basement+pouring+day%255B8%255D"><img title="1 - Basement pouring day" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1 - Basement pouring day" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL3kFfgv8g64ENoh5PwgOVrZFylks-7of7pVGyXudHwlS5Nz6zcAA-pkf3aNWGhgoviKhk_PCQuoXwoFus7pyNyJgAXEqL4B6pHOdVraOXscNU3PKktVigBY8aUey0OkjJmrYu_fkqiM/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="352" /></a></p> <p align="center">  Tuesday was a big day. The concrete for the basement was poured. It took from 7am to about 1:30pm, and was so interesting to watch. Hummer stayed home from school and we worked together on digging holes for trees and spent lots of time just watching in amazement. We were relieved that the threatening clouds never did dump, but only sprinkled a couple of times. It was surprisingly cold and of course breezy. That night was the high school choir concert and I played for 6 songs. They were all from movies or musicals, including <i>Moana</i>. :)</p> <p align="center"> .</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFthz5DUjFbknQYhZ3OuxIHfH3ydasTJl1tgVoUOTnmJ_h52QKVi3B94xI1d7h6VU7CgWqCCx7iY2YZ3llVljdqAd8JAy5LT6nRK_fWb_lxNyimnQHEBXMXO9d62OSNtUc3HuB8nQ-EyQ/s1600-h/3+-+Russell%2527s+BD+lunch%255B4%255D"><img title="3 - Russell's BD lunch" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="3 - Russell's BD lunch" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sUBfeniP9apWiMia5J-JPDDKcJKWVkXFtQ0dsgOL1uNw6PfUHwgj30_YDuIEa4cFBiG0bAf2CHEWcmMM4UiY1zX6xvTVEoToYrE96geUUZJA1vzs5CYLqq0Wnh3SDz4TnxvvqdVhspE/?imgmax=800" width="435" height="326" /></a></p> <p align="center"> Wednesday was Fluffy's birthday! I can't believe that sweet fluffy baby of mine is 16 now! We had a special breakfast and invited Nana and Grandpa to join us. We put candles on Fluffy's pancakes and sang to him. Daddy had the day off, and we had the special experience of going to perform with Fluffy for his choir performance project. He sang the <i>Erbarme Dich</i> aria from <i>St. Matthew Passion</i> and Daddy played the violin part (I played the piano). It was so beautiful, and the choir was such a gracious, generous audience! Then we took Fluffy to Emalee's Carniceria for lunch. </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKTNN5MBvLN0IArSS5uxp3uCf_GZ-B9UbDywTiT63SIFxYANUymXJHXPbH05t6xRclO0bIHA2RR-S3b9qAOoF0JEmXai2njEEyop4e0FSFceKQM7MTlsJm36kySmF-ZnH8gTDnrduQZM/s1600-h/4+-+Bunny+palace+in+transit%255B4%255D"><img title="4 - Bunny palace in transit" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="4 - Bunny palace in transit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWOvxAcZEyXhGQUddLPLF7OU8u1P2DTmzmsWnCixzQ2RngB61GX6RO-ehyphenhyphenbn-Osr6hxNo_Jnl_YxbGnqHbxsTSgkJtQefRUqQxcLzs_xVXRh9zibb1ZcN94FwZEcARzXl_02U3hxJ8rU/?imgmax=800" width="440" height="330" /></a></p> <p align="center"> Later that day the menfolk worked on getting Hummer’s Bunny Palace from the workshop out to our property. Hummer and Grandpa have been working on it for months and it is huge and beautiful. We hope many bunnies will live happily and luxuriously there. <em>(In the photo above, Rosebud is trying to get her kitten Moana out from under the truck.)</em></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEd70TiXbT5Rv5UlkXKkmaC3fcdIGcDdyGm6O71R8OiSzLA8oaKkAveajPwmj-NObdfVgOZt6m9KO5zBBKrNpjUquFYuQ8BqW9Baf0wMrMCqfDlbkVIYu6J2w_PMTkvTTpUSfb6vuZZI/s1600-h/5+-+Field+day+at+GWA%255B4%255D"><img title="5 - Field day at GWA" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="5 - Field day at GWA" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECu3ZQ_j0qUezZ1ym3ujcJTcA3IwzWJWMmWUpg7dxUXWXlpHvn3WROyw7NhR8gvAbC4eDZgJJfKWdHfLzObEWqdHvc2Ho2ZUC5YMUB2rEc8S0db4vdHQS6L71QowvEGaNmycni_YxafA/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="336" /></a></p> <p align="center">  Thursday workers came back to the house to continue the blockwork on the basement walls. Rosebud stayed home sick from school. Hummer got dragged to school. This was ironic, because it was going to be Field Day, and while H did not want to go, Rosebud really wanted to go but couldn't. She had a bad headache and bright red tonsils, which made me suspect strep throat. She rested and watched <i>Moana</i> and took a nap in the afternoon. She still noticed out her bedroom window, though, when Puffball caught a mouse out at the pavilion! He is such an awesome cat. I took Rosebud to the doctor and she tested negative for strep. I guess it's just a bad virus. </p> <p align="center">That night Fluffy went to the Madrigals concert and was introduced as one of the new Madrigals. The rest of us stayed home and enjoyed a visit from the missionaries, who followed up on our family mission plan. I am grateful for experiences I have already had and things I am already learning as a result of this mission plan. I think I had been leaving my charity in the car when I go to Walmart! But this last time I remembered the mission plan and knew this would be an opportunity to make someone smile. I ended up having a wonderful conversation with the cashier! </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kbwfom1A2e0RudQjSlTfnVeInlHT30X-oIj9dxwPaIJ_cgVvj2R3wG6Pl8YlFN8JPn2q8elZlZTsHLgmgy2i18rmwGvXpl0fmbyEO_bmLA4MrIyIBDiBC_t-pG_gfBLU1sv1KOuq-iM/s1600-h/6+-+Cornelius%252C+Olivia%252C+Rosemary%255B7%255D"><img title="6 - Cornelius, Olivia, Rosemary" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="6 - Cornelius, Olivia, Rosemary" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIclJrYNuJ7uXqOcisqW_EMusy41BdiBkOQBNEK7uHekNkPG7BrnryNII2Z7JJivdImRTJMIcKx_lOqeqxrb98irAKLFha6jOEhU4rgoDaPB3T_T0SpLORy6NaMyz0-1Bk_FKmHtkOX2o/?imgmax=800" width="332" height="442" /></a></p> <p align="center">  <em>Rosebud with Cornelius and Olivia.</em></p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrUqfBY8kucjbQF7Tp-CceplevfU97MEYtX2Wkc5ZBJWpzvyd6QLi-jL6R6dlVCLx38OFmykkS9jz7c_UPjc7jnckbAWnRjRhAhpRtuxio0DB82sC8KzDChF5-gTvsQKru8L8S1msyq0/s1600-h/7+-+Ham+giving+himself+a+haircut%255B6%255D"><img title="7 - Ham giving himself a haircut" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="7 - Ham giving himself a haircut" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH-AKYsYzLdTmBQowC2xKPXzp1Zze34FgccOsGrhYP5tfg-kJsiMG60EwA3ekxcNYi512fV7XP0_5B2DKAiFQp9YqBhF6NIO-PRYGkdLF1imjzFY2H6g5y5sGJkh8omfvjVJJBcTUAqc/?imgmax=800" width="356" height="474" /></a></p> <p align="center">  <em>Hummer giving himself a haircut for the first time. It actually looked good! :)</em></p> <p align="center">Friday morning at 5:15am Fluffy was kidnapped by two senior choir students to be taken to a breakfast for the Madrigals. Later Fluffy and Hummer and a friend went to the temple and did baptisms. That evening was the Fathers and Sons campout near Vernon, AZ. While Grandpa, Daddy, Fluffy, and Hummer were gone to that, Nana and Rosebud and I went to "High Tea" at the Celebrations restaurant. It was so elegant and fun. Later we painted our nails and watched the "Great British Bakeoff" show.</p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BVgOaSinDw1w3uMHQ4k-wbbTFqeiU6512JIdi_wz5yJDWFAoTwoLX2BUDai5f71GLvsVY02FosaD1z7bj1w5VCqNz0OpzMZM7hkDPLoYzoJ3EFn0Oy3InLK55UGo8oy1fbNqZzSLMck/s1600-h/8+-+Mother-Daughter+date%255B4%255D"><img title="8 - Mother-Daughter date" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="8 - Mother-Daughter date" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZhcvxJ65dl0tGFT0f0_kAo2Lv3Wmjrn52KftV_RSfINsjRMfS14DLNO4vQjwQH7MkxGnAdvNesgzuEtcaQQ-FFTc6zTrHVNX97OAbJw5uPm115yEqkiuTtG4SCQUSm6XGikJ69Uhufg/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOmMm5x7MVrMedWAQ772qA3mHMXe-k5fWnMkhB0R_xnqAISHDnPQ2_Yrzqn9kukiYZvY13FNT9kXTyaHOqwAdzWOKMmkhuJSV7plUmn3_s1ee3VF_JmvCPsRCq3t5pqgDeCN5mqq2Woo/s1600-h/9+-+High+Tea+at+Celebrations%255B4%255D"><img title="9 - High Tea at Celebrations" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="9 - High Tea at Celebrations" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2qGHkpDiP7fFOuk0x0aQspP2Ka3ZhjtN3ij3A35ddO2DBHMN3GSJCLozISIRDx7e4lBCJ9RluuCc0CLJC3l-jCVM_n7qCnk5iXPgqNYy0NWJsIfFwpg4j_jpv0RH0eG8Ddv5VDcXM6E/?imgmax=800" width="358" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="center">  .</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQCjOfvKYSAMx48luJrOIsnbJSk0R0g2Lm8LJdG-sEr4r9XXYOOd-EAdGmMR8uZp-3-2QtDj1gnVeyHhDbp4wn2pyqVmUV8PRaDbgiW1BDcB7BajdT1HTxH_fWfoVis0qfEwekdXRqXU/s1600-h/11+-+Rosemary+in+the+hammock%255B4%255D"><img title="11 - Rosemary in the hammock" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="11 - Rosemary in the hammock" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiJra0luX-2TOrM4EEupFJpYrkY_EatvIKHMyovSd7xOBNdpxTXFlReh2BrfjzJA7zWXagtEdc8MtO33l9AhpBkgSHckV5g-6yPcXNS_D27-thA1TeoyHzgWtmlKsM13t_QOryGO5gvo/?imgmax=800" width="455" height="342" /></a></p> <p align="center">Saturday we had a classic day at home, with lots of productivity and hanging out with cats. Saturday jobs, haircuts, digging tree holes (we planted the Christmas tree! :), and Hummer even got Rosebud's hammock installed in the ash tree behind our apartment. Daddy and I went on a date where we walked on the sidewalks around the temple neighborhood, which are nicely lit at night. Then we watched some GBB and had ice cream. </p> <p align="center">.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-H8UujolSrl65qK5rZPejuis1FeoWJjfXUyAhOAXAqVsp99BrZHXnDI4KDID5b4BYAkCZ2Yiyr2-eO2z5d2v2p67XvFn3CwOvR3bHcmqxkgoVCPAccLYHAU_MHlLfrQ3nIwMZv_TDZo0/s1600-h/12+-+Moana+and+Olivia%255B3%255D"><img title="12 - Moana and Olivia" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="12 - Moana and Olivia" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7AP_u2f1eVPzq1KggYDdqEvS8bolAe3Tki80Z1_JDt8ueKiptuWIZ595UXUcFjJKgKddaeP3XMwPmxzc7fGJU71OENNRN3E44KHvv7Or8f8bpYmKX5iXdyscbp7L45tPdE9kEStNNs8/?imgmax=800" width="322" height="429" /></a></p> <p>Now it is Monday afternoon, and I am trying to hurry and finish this up before going to pick up your siblings and get busy with Fluffy's BD dinner and party. But first I have to tell you about yesterday. Yesterday Fluffy was ordained to the office of priest by Daddy. Grandpa and Bishop assisted. It is wonderful to se the light and goodness in Fluffy's face! He is growing into such an awesome young man! </p> <p>I am always mindful of you in my prayers and at many other times, too. I love you so much, Exacto! Have a wonderful week!</p> <p>Love,</p> <p>Mommy</p> <p>.</p> <p>Our Family Mission Plan</p> <p>Daily -- Pray for missionary opportunities</p> <p>        -- Make someone smile (by serving them, finding out sth about them, complimenting them, talking friendly, making them laugh, etc.)</p> <p>        -- Report at dinner</p> <p>Sundays -- Notice and make a visitor feel welcomed and loved</p> <p>              -- Look around and ask, "Who is missing?"</p> <p>              -- Review this plan at our family council and make any changes we feel inspired to make</p> <p>Monthly -- Invite someone to a family activity, FHE, church activity, or service opportunity</p> <p>            -- Fast for missionary opportunities</p> <p>.</p> <p>quotable</p> <p>Rosebud and I were discussing the crazy chicken on <i>Moana</i>, to whom I referred by the feminine pronoun.</p> <p>Rosebud: You think Hei Hei's a girl?</p> <p>Me: Yes.</p> <p>Rosebud: He's definitely a boy. I can tell by his personality!</p> <p>(Later she clarified: "He's super silly. He's one of my favorite characters.")</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-15925288080252911562017-05-23T19:14:00.001-05:002017-05-23T19:42:29.113-05:00when last we met. . . .I was rejoicing in our upcoming move to Snowflake, AZ. In June it will have been a year since we moved in with my parents and DC started his new career as an occupational therapist and I started mine as a general contractor for our house. Fluffy had 10th grade at SHS, and Hummer and Rosebud went to a little charter school.<br />
It has been a wonderful first year here! <br />
Exacto had a semester at BYU and is now serving as a full-time missionary in southern Germany. It is an extremely high priority for me to write to him weekly, and that means I am going through my pictures weekly and keeping up with my journal. That means I could just adapt a letter to him for my blog, right?<br />
That’s my plan anyway. I really prefer blogging over any other form of social media. (Although IG is a close second – so fun! And quieter than FB, if you know what I mean :). With blogging I have a chance to share more completely what’s going on in my mind and heart, and I like that people can choose whether they see it or not. <br />
I’m hoping to post abridgements of my letters to Exacto, updates on the building of our house, more days of gratitude, and just any thoughts or happy things I want to share. <br />
Anyway, I really miss being here and hope that now we’re settling down probably permanently (WOOOT!), I can return to my happy spot here. I seriously need to update those sidebar pictures. Wow. <br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-54036052957316583562016-05-27T16:47:00.003-05:002016-05-27T16:47:46.806-05:00Day 67 - { snowflake }A couple of years ago I was talking to my brother and his wife about where we'd want to live when DC finished school. There were about 5 places we were planning to apply. They asked which was our top choice. I said I knew it was really unlikely that it could ever happen but I would truly love to be able to live in Snowflake, Arizona right next to my parents. (They have a standing offer to give a few acres to build on to any of their children who "come home.")<br />
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My sister-in-law (who grew up in gorgeous southern California) seemed surprised and asked me why. I jokingly answered that I wanted to be the favorite child, the first one to move so close. We laughed and left it at that, but there are many more reasons why I've been dreaming of moving there for the past 10 years or so.<br />
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<b>The Sky</b> - <a href="http://mamasboys4.blogspot.com/2009/05/day-28-my-lake-isle-of-inisfree_31.html">huger than you can believe</a>, breathtaking summer storms, heartbreaking sunsets<br />
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<b>The Climate </b>- cooler than Phoenix, warmer than Flagstaff, but still 4 seasons<br />
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<b>A Temple and A Stoplight</b> - one of each :) (I wonder if it has the world record for being the smallest town with a temple? It wouldn't surprise me!)<br />
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<b>The Culture</b> - unique mix of ranchers, Mormon pioneer descendants, live-off-the-grid independents, just really nice people all around<br />
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<b>Quiet, Simple Life</b> - at least that's how it always seems when I visit. I love the throbbing energy of big cities but for home I really crave privacy and space and simplicity.<br />
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<b>Lower Cost of Living</b> - right now the cost to build is <i>less than half</i> of what it is here in Fort Collins<br />
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<b>Mom and Dad</b> - since Exacto was born and 8 weeks later we moved to Tallahassee, we have never lived closer than 11 hours to my parents. We've been blessed with lots of visits but I have longed so much to have my kids know my parents the way I knew my grandparents when they lived by us in Tucson! It was the best to be able to ride our bikes less than a mile to go visit or help them, and I feel so much closer to them because of that time. This is definitely Reason #1.<br />
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DC graduated from Colorado State University a week and a half ago (WOOT!) with a job already in hand (WOOT AGAIN!). It's been a really long haul for us, these last 3 years, and he does still have to pass the national boards before he can start working, but it has all been more than worth it. Because Heaven has intervened for us and sent a miracle. We are moving to Snowflake!!!<br />
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Snowflake has a population of about 5000 people. We had always hoped but knew it just wasn't likely. I can hardly believe that DC was able to get a job nearby that will provide for our family! He will be a school OT, traveling to schools around Navajo County. This year he's assigned to a school in Winslow (1 hour away) and a reservation school in Whiteriver (just over 1 hour away). The company he will be working for provides a car and pays for the gas, so we're good with that. :)<br />
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I am so amazed and grateful that we get to move to Snowflake! I know that Heavenly Father heard the desires of my heart and answered our prayers!<br />
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video with cheese (but I really do love you, Arizona :)</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865484768333384280.post-43595579579170225982015-10-05T13:50:00.001-05:002015-10-05T13:50:10.543-05:00general conference and family portraits<p>We did our traditional countdown-to-conference pictures for FHE this week. Each of us gets assigned a day and then we choose a quote from the last conference and put on the poster with an illustration. It helps rev up the excitement. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yq2cGVh9jzc/VhLF9oD7qwI/AAAAAAAAMzU/FFKGWt2_9NU/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klLrijKQmEw/VhLF-CbGDjI/AAAAAAAAMzc/2i6POtS0zFQ/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="433" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7O12J11adQ/VhLF-5KRdiI/AAAAAAAAMzk/HTxqND_Bscg/s1600-h/041%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="041" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7a_f0FYwFGI/VhLF_qRqAOI/AAAAAAAAMzs/YAxhQIoDcRo/041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="420" /></a></p> <p>.</p> <p>Autumn has really arrived now, with temperatures dropping into the 60s and 40s, and some lovely rain and overcast days this week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cPhTF64qHm8/VhLGAI5GhSI/AAAAAAAAMzw/HLObIBK969s/s1600-h/006%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAQcVvDP3KNiYlnhbZB7Untgk8yOBJkMEWHWilS_WHDthS0YD8rawLv_Lfima-31IoiYoyVrwce-kxjbfBZjB55bpTkhl8Nv_1895ymUmM1s4a67IrECXp3CDazfM3B4_mPL3fl38XFY/?imgmax=800" width="369" height="458" /></a> .</p> <p>One of the highlights of conference weekend was having my brother and his wife and daughter come for a few hours. For the past 8 months he has been my closest sibling, living only about 45 minutes away. Now they’re moving to Wisconsin, and taking my adorable niece with them. :( </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EaYS-pHKjXw/VhLGBJn3OGI/AAAAAAAAM0E/WFjFwM_eGAc/s1600-h/030%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="030" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="030" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGGGuRgRC18/VhLGBsmgp2I/AAAAAAAAM0M/p7eKTfqDuGY/030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="341" /></a> .</p> <p>Another favorite conference tradition of ours is to put a bunch of blank cards in a bowl with pens, and then have a treat nearby. During each session we write questions for each other about the talks (or songs :). For each question we can take a treat from the treat bowl. Then after the session we read the questions to each other and try to answer. Super fun and it helps us pay attention. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGvEhb6OL84/VhLGCWTg6aI/AAAAAAAAM0U/H8tAn_U3XVo/s1600-h/033%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#efc1d5"></font><img title="033" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="033" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OwWosS9HKRk/VhLGDHGPwOI/AAAAAAAAM0c/S3HIj_73ygc/033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="341" /></a> .</p> <p>Saying goodbye. :(</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDJJBCGiMRY/VhLGDvCSN8I/AAAAAAAAM0k/q24INWwvOJg/s1600-h/036%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="036" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="036" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Xjc3gxe6po/VhLGESk5K7I/AAAAAAAAM0s/Mhip_yKuBWY/036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="346" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-da-vVZOEkUk/VhLGFILnXgI/AAAAAAAAM00/FiEev34P3uo/s1600-h/038%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFHMe92DGIM/VhLGF64YhxI/AAAAAAAAM08/4If18FH_fYU/038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="346" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XgfHA1iaHxk/VhLGGqfisoI/AAAAAAAAM1E/nFwTGAc_HKk/s1600-h/039%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="039" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="039" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Z6nvNy-zdY/VhLGHlhbCbI/AAAAAAAAM1M/JsJuD42D3MY/039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="346" /></a> Man, are we going to miss those guys! </p> <p>This week we also had some family portraits taken, as well as Exacto’s senior portraits. I am so relieved they are done and we have them! Maybe only you mothers out there know what I mean, but I was seriously euphoric after we got these back, even if they’re not perfect.</p> <p>I am really happy with them and highly recommend our photographer <a href="http://brookeclaytonphotography.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brooke Clayton</a> to anyone in this area!</p> <p> Some of my fav’s. . . .</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ajzZF4hJdiE/VhLGIHQfSdI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/9MBIKN_L9zU/s1600-h/DSC_0011%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZykKaAawME/VhLGI5ge9AI/AAAAAAAAM1c/NCI8R2XVQQo/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="341" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56WkMRKsru4/VhLGJujeuXI/AAAAAAAAM1k/Btmfb5clQ5s/s1600-h/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0019 (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-751QaWVz40U/VhLGKQMsGAI/AAAAAAAAM1s/4h3oqYg66a4/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="346" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-42XE2AThGlM/VhLGK1ZgFhI/AAAAAAAAM10/Kg1EtzGzK0Y/s1600-h/DSC_0030%252520-%252520Version%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030 - Version 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0030 - Version 2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AjQE9V2_B8k/VhLGLhaMAXI/AAAAAAAAM18/-M3C6DuoAng/DSC_0030%252520-%252520Version%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="340" /></a> .</p> <p>I think this next one’s my favorite.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KJDK5TK4-68/VhLGMLKu7SI/AAAAAAAAM2E/ac3_OT5gOKc/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MT2TSXj1PA/VhLGMg-XrgI/AAAAAAAAM2M/s6An7gIe6cM/DSC_0030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="430" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PFpm_e7yCxI/VhLGNareY8I/AAAAAAAAM2U/YqOmzXdCkuU/s1600-h/DSC_0043%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0043 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0043 (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfLSYgQ2H4E/VhLGN59g3NI/AAAAAAAAM2c/cBhaNSgg-MM/DSC_0043%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="473" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nwzqs6TjHiA/VhLGOmFIJNI/AAAAAAAAM2k/Aao07a0qMYA/s1600-h/DSC_0046%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0046 (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_5dz8cHuBg/VhLGPHa6rYI/AAAAAAAAM2s/pjk9sNDqiZQ/DSC_0046%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="341" /></a> .</p> <p>I really love the background in this one. See the Horsetooth?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWqu4pEgzPM/VhLGP-Tp0EI/AAAAAAAAM20/Vhkn9P2Vi7M/s1600-h/DSC_0070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#efc1d5"></font><img title="DSC_0070" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0070" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gb7pESMzijY/VhLGQkJYuHI/AAAAAAAAM28/nGfOTfT6Z58/DSC_0070_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="436" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CvsZOC-O4jw/VhLGRU-1LWI/AAAAAAAAM3A/kupHSO54RJ0/s1600-h/DSC_0089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0089" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0089" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXNlQLS1i8I/VhLGR5ThmHI/AAAAAAAAM3M/_MqnkM3wk1o/DSC_0089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="549" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IewHtUMiegQ/VhLGSg4FWBI/AAAAAAAAM3Q/jmLO6tIWTv0/s1600-h/DSC_0090%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0090" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0090" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sfukXmsnyKw/VhLGTKWzA-I/AAAAAAAAM3c/lTcdFzRElMA/DSC_0090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="434" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1aLlEmPDB4/VhLGTlT67dI/AAAAAAAAM3k/V7SVVnRtswc/s1600-h/DSC_0112%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0112" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0112" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4MpsV-WO4M/VhLGUZoLfUI/AAAAAAAAM3s/qMD5HukIMqY/DSC_0112_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="340" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TF7RK4Zq3TU/VhLGU2O8tbI/AAAAAAAAM30/YLTENQ74DYM/s1600-h/DSC_0121%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0121" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0121" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWyRnYm-sm4/VhLGV8tAIUI/AAAAAAAAM38/luB65rKWeW4/DSC_0121_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="340" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jUXqFZX9sV4/VhLGWJJd0kI/AAAAAAAAM4E/Cn74WD-Atl8/s1600-h/DSC_0133%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0133" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2evEcDr_eA/VhLGW4sWDII/AAAAAAAAM4M/eU7WBR8R11A/DSC_0133_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="340" /></a> </p> <p>My favorite of Exacto. . . .</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeWv2X3loHw/VhLGXdzDKsI/AAAAAAAAM4U/cg5GClQkLZE/s1600-h/DSC_0164%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#efc1d5"></font><img title="DSC_0164 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0164 (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NHVg30RJLqY/VhLGYJXyH7I/AAAAAAAAM4c/uhdM5UKfAns/DSC_0164%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="340" /></a> </p> <p>I’m really glad to have gotten some good Colorado portraits of us before we leave (probably) next year! Maybe now I can update the big 2010 portrait I’ve had on our wall since Rosebud was a baby.  . . .:)</p> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16257277238236544458noreply@blogger.com5