Much Behind

 School is over.  The kids survived their finals and didn't do to bad. Blake ended up with an 88% average.  Way to go!!

He performed at the school end talent show again this year.  He dressed up in his church clothes, carried a stool out on the stage, sat down and proceeded to eat a granola bar.  He got much laughter and cheers.  It actually was pretty funny.  Him dressing up like it was a great performance was a nice touch.  Leah didn't have an exam that day and so she came with me to watch.  She thought it would be hilarious to fight in front of the kindness wall.

Dave has set up the car hospital in our garage again.  For a few days we only had one vehicle running.  That was fun.  Luckily it happened in the time Dave had time off work. Blake has been busy taking apart the 350 again and seeing what is wrong with it.  He has stripped the engine right out and is working on getting it back together.

In the mean time he is riding the 100 for work and fun. When it's not raining.

On our way to move cows. 

Last week of school Leah and I attended her sports banquet.  We went for softball and was quite surprised when they actually mentioned the basketball team.  And so were pleased that not only did it get a mention but that Leah won the Coaches Award.

This girl is keeping me exhausted.  I have said it before and I will say it again.  I really think I got more sleep with a newborn then with teenage.  There has been a lot of parties and outings the last few weeks. Yesterday she didn't work and was supposed to got watch some basketball and go hiking.  But she decided not to go and stay home.  I guess even she was partied out.  Leah and her friends are trying to make the most of this last summer together.  Next summer they will be moving, going on missions, etc.  She is having fun at work when it is busy, still more party invites.  We let her go to one the other day since she knew the guys' friends.  She  was only allowed to stay 30 mins and said it was a blast.  Dave and I had an adventure last week.  We were on our way to town at 5 in the morning.  We got half way and we heard a big clunk clunk.  I slightly panicked and asked what it was.  Dave said the same thing happened the day before and when he checked it all was fine so it was probably just rocks from the gravel coming off.  Right after our battery light came on and the temp skyrocketed.  Turns out the belt had fallen apart and come off.  We pulled over and thought about our best option.  We knew Leah wouldn't be awake yet to answer her phone and come get us.  He had to be to work in half hour.  What to do?  He texted work and explained he had engine trouble and we decided to drive home to switch cars.  If we could make it. As soon as we turned on the car, it was super hot again and Dave was worried the battery would die.  To try to make a long story short, what we did is turn car on, we could go about 1/2 mile before temp was in the red.  Dave would pop it in neutral and turn the car off.  We could coast for about a mile.  Then as car slowed down he would put it in second and pop the clutch so the car would start itself and save the battery.  Go 1/2 mile again and repeat.  It took a prayer and over an hour to go 30 miles, but we made it home.  Amazing what you can do with a stick shift.  We then woke up Leah and told her she would need to use the truck in the morning, but we would be back before she left in the afternoon, then headed back to town.  Crazy!

 Update on Cora: She has been transferred to Lichfield.  Here she is eating local ice cream her last night on the island with Sis Goodwin. She had served 5 months on Jersey.  Totally loved it but was ready for the change. She met some great people and had some wonderful experiences.  Cora is back with her MTC companion Sis Carter.  She said they worked really well together in the MTC and was looking forward to serving with her again.  Cora would mention once in while that she wasn't sure if the ward like the missionaries.  One time I asked her why she thought that.  She said that she had been told the previous Elders had just worried about getting investigators baptized and not following up with them.  When she got transferred to Jersey, the island had been switched to different England mission and had not had missionaries for 6 months.  They were opening it back up.  And she felt that their job was to build that relationship up again.  She said she felt like they were preparing the field, removing grass and trees, plowing it, and getting it ready to plant. She said they worked so hard to build up that trust again, to become friends with the ward members and less active.  Cora mentioned this a few times over last 5 months.  In her final letter from Jersey she said, "So, the flat in Jersey is in the middle of a wheat field, which is hilarious because this whole time spent in Jersey I feel like I've been prepping the field, mostly planting and now it's finally time to harvest."  She was a little sad to miss the harvest but is pleased with the work she did and knew the rest was some one else's job.  She is looking forward to new adventures and experiences in Lichfield.  Her letters show how much she is growing and learning.  I mentioned to Dave a few days ago, one of the things I love about her letters is how much she talks about her love of obedience. Cora always like to push the line.  She was obedient, but didn't like all the rules and didn't understand some of them and would push as much as she could.  But on her mission she often writes about how obedience is key.  How it brings greater blessing and greater joy.  She has thanked us for all we did and the rules we set. How she has gained a testimony of obedience and the love she has for it in her life. 

Road Trip

My parents had asked me if I wanted to hop in to their car and head to my brother's house for his sons baptism.  I totally did and totally didn't.  I had not seen Taylor's kids or my brother and sisters for a few years, but for some reason the thought of the trip was making me really nervous.  I would get panicky at night thinking about it.  Twice my mom called to say they might not be able to go and both times I was thinking, good we aren't supposed to be on the road.  In the end it was a really really great time and I was so glad we had done it. Wednesday Leah had a game in the same town my parents are in.  It was also Levi's birthday.  We all drove out to the game.  Dave did a temple session then met us there.  She played ball and we then had a birthday dinner at Cannon and Nicole's.  My family went home after and I stayed at my parents' house.  We left early Thursday morning and drove all day.  My mom had an Uncle Glendon in Ogden that we stayed with that night.  Sidenote: I got to watch part of the NBA finals at their house.  Whoot whoot!! Friday they made us a lovely breakfast and had a wonderful chat. Then we continues to Salt Lake.  Taylor had his kids Friday and Brody got out of school early afternoon.  We met at a park and colored, snacked, and threw a ball for a few hours and then checked into the hotel so the kids could swim.

Kita had booked hotels for up through an app that she got a great deal.  We were all surprised one night to find out that my moms handicapped room was free. Natalie, Kita and I stayed in one room and my parents another.  Brock and Star came up from each of their houses to spend some time with us that night as well.  We grabbed dinner and chatted at the hotel until Tay needed to take his kids back.  Before bed my sisters did a little late night yoga.  And Kita had a cute purse she gave us.

Saturday Taylor wanted to be nice and early to get changed for the baptism.  As we waited for Brody to arrive, Natalie got a little last minute primping done and we took what Cora calls a brick pick.

Don't these boys look handsome.  I loved Brody's suit.

Such cute kids.  Taylor did an excellent job.  It was a really nice baptism.

After the baptism and a few pictures we went and got some lunch then off to watch Brody's flag football game.  I have no idea who won, but they seemed to have fun. 

The rest of the afternoon was just my siblings and parents.  We missed having Cannon with us.  We did some shopping, napping, ice cream eating.  There was a lady sitting next to Kita at the game that was talking loudly about an ice cream place she wanted to visit after the game.  She gave her friend instruction on how to get there.  Kita took mental notes and we went as well.  Haha, it did not disappoint. Some times eavesdropping is a good thing. A take away dinner and more talking, staying up late and having a blast.  Finally off to bed.  Sunday we pick a church near by and then met back up with Taylor and headed down to Provo to have dinner with Mckay and Josie.  They had kindly invited us to eat on their anniversary.  It had been my parents anniversary the day before and Taylor got a cake for us all to celebrate. Josie made us some delicious enchiladas, we saw their baby room.  Brock and Star joined us also.  After dinner we went and saw Star's house to see where she lived.  Natalie and Kita had had breakfast with Brock and then they headed back to Boise.

We dropped Taylor back off and headed back up to Ogden to get a jump start on the next days drive.  Monday was the long drive home.  I had a wonderful time with my parents.  It was so good to see my siblings and Taylor's kids.  I am really glad that I was able to go.  My own kids and Dave did very well cooking and cleaning as I was away.  It was a wonderful little holiday and we made it back safe and sound.

Sports Wrap Up

Last week Blake had Track and Field.  He entered the discus, javelin and 400m.  Just the day before they changed him from the 400m to the shot put.  He had practiced the javelin and discus a lot.  A LOT! And it payed off.  He ended up getting second in discus and qualified for zones.  Tuesday we headed off early in the morning.  It was a long drive.  Blake was nervous, especially when he saw the big boys he was up against.  He threw a personal best and made it into the top 8.  His next 3 throws were not great, stepped out the front once, out of bounds once, and he was disappointed.  In the end he tied for 4th place.  They can't have a tie so they look at the second farthest throws and he had missed it my 2 cm.  Taking home 5th.  I still thought this was great for our little school competing in zones, but he was not happy with his personal results.

It was a long day for one event.  We got groceries and headed home.  I had just returned from Utah the night before and really enjoyed spending the one on one time with Blake.  We had some good talks and laughs.


Wednesday I got to spend the whole day with Leah.  My house was not getting cleaned or laundry done or bread made, but I really had a great time these two days as I had just returned, to catch up with my kids.  Leah and I had some deep heartfelt conversations.  This girl is going places.  It was their league finals for softball.  They lost the first game by 2 which put them to the B side.  By the end of the tournament they were so glad they had lost the first game.  The A side had some tough teams and it would have been a short day.  They won all the rest of their games, one in overtime (extra inning? not sure what you call it).  I had no idea that softball could be intense. They ended with 5th in the league.  Not to shabby at all. And the rest of the games were just fun to play.  It was a good day.  Picture of all the Grade 11 players below, photo bombed by their coach Mr. Monts. :)

For randomly deciding to pick up this sport after the season started, Leah did pretty good.  She worked hard each practice and learned a ton.  The girls were all so patient and helpful and the coaches were amazing.  She loved being on a team that was there for the love of the sport and kind to each other, with out any drama.  They supported and encouraged one other.  As a team should.

Leah is looking forward to next year already.

Things are wrapping up as school comes to a close.  Leah has one week left until exams, Blake has 3 weeks.  Weather is beautiful, we need rain. Leah is enjoying her job, but still wishes she could get more than a few days notice for work schedule.  She has been invited to many beach parties after work by boys at the park.  She thinks it is funny.

Boy to Man

We had a very relaxing, much needed, lovely long weekend. Leah had school on Friday then worked that evening.  Blake and Dave had the whole thing off.  We had a grand start to the rain we need.  At church everyone kept saying thanks for the rain we got and I was like uhmmm thanks for the rain we have gotten SO FAR..... lets be hopeful here! We got a lot of things unpacked onto our new shelves in the storage room and all of Cora's boxes out of the spare room.  Still some work to do, but we are picking away at it.  Saturday Blake went to 5 Guys and to see End Game with Joe and Avery.  Leah had plans to go that night but then she had to work.  Much disappointment.

 from Leah.  She will try again next week.  Dave and I feed the missionaries Saturday and watched a movie after they left until it was time to pick up Blake and Leah got home. Sunday after church Leah headed straight to work.  We had a very quick dinner then Blake and Dave had some work that couldn't wait to be done on the coop. They got back in time for Toone's and the missionaries to arrive for milkshakes. Leah got a text just as she got off work about a party and her and Emily almost decided to go, but then thought by the time they could get there is would be winding down.  So they just hung out at our house for a while longer and picked outfits for their double date on Monday.  We found some gems.  Hahaha

Monday we were all home.  Cora called and we had a nice visit with her.  She said her mission is always so fun and has so many miracles and lots of work that by the time Monday rolls around to write a letter it is just to much.  They did have a lovely lady in their ward ask if they could do their laundry.  There is no washer in the flat and it takes a while to walk into town and switch loads etc. They were very grateful. After we had a great discussion with our Come Follow Me.  It has been a few weeks since we have had a nice long time to sit and really get in to it.  I love this program, it was so great to hear the insight and understanding our kids have.  Cora had even sent a message about some stuff she thought of that we included in our family discussion.  Then Blake was off to work and Leah off to her date.  Don't worry she didn't really wear either of those outfits. She had a great time and her and Emily stayed to go to a show after.  Dave and I puttered around, planted potatoes, more storage room stuff, Dave did budget for the farm and his mom.  It was a grand day.  As Blake headed off to work he took the 350.  I knew he was out growing the 100, that is why they have been fixing it up, but I had expected the 350 to still look big for him.  It does not.

I have found this process very interesting the last few months, as my son goes from being a boy, on his way to becoming a man. I know every mom goes through it, but still this is new to me. He is definitely shooting up.  He has grown 4 inches in the last 3 months.  He is now into a size 11 shoe.  His voice is starting to change.  I remember Taylor always having us look at his peach fuzz mustache, Blake has started to do the same, and his muscles.  He loves the physical work at Sis Smith's as he grows and develops.  We had thought about him becoming a life guard, but as he said, "you can't build muscles like this walking around a pool." :) But there is so much more than the physical. It is the maturing of his mind and his actions. He takes pride in himself. His appearance and his actions. He takes his responsibility as a priesthood holder of God very serious and makes sure his actions are always aligned to be worthy of that.  He wants to get better grades, he wants to work harder, he wants to go out and help his dad.  He is confident in who he is and his abilities yet always striving to be better.  He looks for the good in other and notices when they need something.  The world doesn't just revolve around him anymore, he sees others, their joy and pain.  Yet he is still a such boy and watches to many YouTube videos and makes weird noises. He sing songs over and over and over. He makes sure he gives everyone one of us a hug at night and whenever anyone leaves. He always tells us he loves us. He takes care of his sister and drives her crazy. I love hearing what he has learned and his testimony.  If there is something he wants he will try to make it.  A few days ago he made himself a discus and measured out the distance he is running for track and field so he can practice at home.  He loved working on the dirt bike and taking the engine apart to rebuild it.  Every day I am in awe of this man-boy of mine. As he decides what kind of person he is going to be and put it into action.  Because he wants to and not just because he is obedient to what we have asked of him.  He is starting to get more of a social life and make friends that are not just in this little school.  I marvel as I watch and am excited to see the man he will become in the next few years. 

Life at our House

Beginning of May, both Leah and Blake had field trips the same day.  Leah went to a war museum for Social and Blake had a Science Talk day where he participated in some quiz offs and some building classes. They both really enjoyed it. That weekend they had a Stake Youth Conference.  This was Blake's first one and he was not super excited to go. As they drove out of the yard together, Dave commented how strange and cool it was to have both our kids going off together for Stake Youth Conference. Leah had a a very very rough week with school friends. Then a few more things went down that night.  She spent part of the time in the bathroom on the phone with me crying.  She almost didn't return Saturday.  I think if she had not had to give rides to people she probably would not have. But Saturday was much better and by the end of the afternoon she was good again and had even been invited with her boys to go into town for some game and a movie.  She was totally down for it, but had to give rides home to some people so she missed it. Blake had a great time.  He was nervous since the kids he knows are all a year younger and couldn't attend yet.  But he had some fun groups and watched out for his sister.  There is always lots going on at these activities and they do a good job of getting everyone involved.  Dave and I decided to go on an actual date Friday while they were gone.  We had dinner at the golf club and came home to watch a movie.  Here the kids are ready to take off Saturday morning.

Blake has been getting lots of hours in with his job. He can solve a rubik cube in under 30 seconds now and is saving up for a 12 sided one.  He has an app that he has solved a 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8.  He hopes one day to own them all not just on an app. He has really stepped up his studying. He is a pretty smart kid and has always had good grades, but he has started doing review tests at home and practicing writing assignments.  His grades have improved more and he is amazed.  We just laugh at him and say yay no duh!! :) 

Leah has been loving softball.  She can really bat well now.  Her goal was to hit the green by the end of the season and she is now almost constant with that.  She is working on grounders.  They make her nervous and she misses a lot.  Practice, practice.  They have won about half their games and she is getting better every day.  Stressing as school comes to an end and she is starting to review for finals.  We have been looking into scholarships and other things for college for her.  It is a weird time of life as they are getting ready to leave home.  We help as she moves forward, making plans, looking into schools, and be coming more independent at the same time you just want to keep them extra close before they leave. She got a job working at the canteen at our local campground.  Sunday was her first day of work and she enjoyed it already.  It is going to be good for her.  We just hope they give her a schedule more than a few days out as they get more organized.  This waiting day by day is annoying already.  She can't make any plans.

Leah had a tournament this weekend and a surprise birthday party.  She was a couple hours late to the party and felt kinda gross, but it was fun as usual.

Dave has had a few frustrating weeks. They have lost a lot of calves and a cow.  Work with the transition to new buildings has hit lots of daily snags.  He has been working 50-60 hour weeks and then still trying to catch Leah's games and help Blake with projects and do his share of farm stuff.  He is pretty exhausted all the time.  We hope and pray for some turn around soon.  But he likes his job and the people he works with.  And when things do go smoothly he loves it. He got some shelves built in our storage room and we are unpacking.  He said it is like Christmas an it is time to move in. :)

Blake has spent the last few days, in between work, taking apart the 350 and putting it all back together again.  He got it running, except a fuel leak.  So last night he took it apart again and has been looking for the problem.  He is so excited to ride this bigger bike.  He does have a bit of fear of the power coming out of it.  Which makes Leah and I feel better.  He will be a little cautious. He took it for a spin and LOVED it.

Cora is doing great still.  Loves the island, the people, flying.  She told us Sunday that so far she has had 18 flights in the last 3 months.  She flew out again yesterday for a mid-trainers meeting.  She absolutely loves her mission president and her companion.  Her new companion is from a farm in Idaho.  She plays sports and works hard.  They have a lot in common. Cora is training now, which totally freaked her out. I know she will be excellent at it tho.

She got to fly back for zone conference 2 weeks ago and got to see a few of her MTC zone.

They are having a great time.  Finding friends and teaching lots.

It is always so fun when she calls.  Cora has a love for life that is fantastic and makes everyone around her smile.  She has a unique personality that is so entertaining.  We have got a few letters from people, in response her mass email that she has me send out, and they all say how much they look forward to her emails for the fun point of view on life she has.  She loves the work and is fully embracing missionary life.  She is so in her element.

Nothing is new with me.  Never is:)  Running to kids games and activities, late night chats, RS stuff, always laundry cooking dishes cleaning packing lunches, making bread and muffins.  Just mom life.  We had my parents up for Mother's Day.  That was nice to spend a few days with them.  We love the Come Follow Me.  Sometimes Cora will tell us what she has learned and we share insights with her back. Life is just rolling along.  Everything seems so mundane and not important and yet even these quiet simple days can mean so much when we look back on them.  Building bonds, testimonies, and experiences on a daily basis.  Simple and small acts that hopefully have great rewards.  Just keep praying.

Easter Break

Everyone had Good Friday off.  We didn't do much and it was perfect.  Dave was really needing a break from work.  We slept in, ate breakfast, did a bit of cleaning, read, and sat in the front room and talked about nothing.  It was fantastic. Leah went out with friends that night.  They went bowling and back to a friends for a fire and a game of fugitive.  Saturday we didn't do much either.  Blake helped me get a start on cleaning my windows.  It was pretty scary up there. Dave and Blake did some work on some of our vehicles and Leah actually did some room cleaning.  It was shocking really.  We cleaned church and threw a ball around.

Sunday had some nice Easter lessons.  We were in desperate need of groceries.  I have been trying to shop every two weeks, then we label half of it to not use until the second week.  I think it has been helping us to stay closer to our food budget, but I had a few appointments close to my usual shop day and didn't want to go to town twice.  We were overdue and I had forgotten about Easter when I did last shop.  So we had no ham and no Easter candy.  But is was ok.  Monday, Dave thought he had the day off, but in the end he didn't.  Because he thought he was going to be home, Cora had planned to call him, she ended up talking with us instead. (She called him this past Monday at 4 AM before he went to work.  He was really happy to talk to her)  Leah then went over to meet with friends to practice softball and have a picnic. Tuesday we finally went to town.  Leah did some of our grocery shopping while I was at one appointment, we ate our packed lunch, then I dropped them at the Mill to watch a movie while I did second appointment and finished shopping.  Wednesday was another lazy day.  Leah was supposed to have another ball practice and a date, but she didn't feel comfortable with the people she was going with and cancelled. Thursday the kids and I spent way to much time playing iMessage games as we talked in the front room. Leah is way to good and has gotten many crowns.  I did not even know you got crowns. That afternoon they did temple baptism with the ward youth.  When Leah got there she realized her recommend was expired.  Good thing bishop was there to help her out. And they ate at the cafeteria.  It was Dave's week to check cows, so I asked if he wanted to go on a date with me.  We decided to have a gourmet grilled cheese and get into our finest coveralls to check cows and play match maker with a mom and orphaned calf.  We were then going to ride in the finest of vehicles, the grain truck, to take water to the bulls.  I tell you, after 20 years of marriage we go all out for special occasions. It was a fun night.  Jared had already put cow and calf together, but we checked everything else off.  Friday Blake and Dave had to work.  Leah and I cleaned, did laundry, made bread and treats, and cleaned the church.  Leah left to go hang out with Emily before they went to the stake dance.  When the boys got home they did farm stuff and then we watched a movie. Saturday was another nice sleep in.  Blake off to work again, Dave farm stuff, Leah and I not much till she left to go to a party that got shut down early because of the blizzard.  We knew blizzard was coming, so Dave tethered the tramp, block things that could blow away, and got ready for it.  We were quite surprised they still had party.  If it had been anymore than 10 mins away, I would not have let Leah go.  We cleaned and found new toothbrushes and washed sheets just in case any of her friends needed to crash for the night. Dave, Blake and Jared went out to herd the cows into a bit of a shelter.  After they left it was only 15 mins or so before we could not even see the end of our deck.  Dave totally drove in the ditch on the way back home.  They had two calves run off, but could not see to even go find them. You could not see ANYTHING!  The water in our toilets was sloshing around.  I have never seen that before and our house was swaying.  Sunday morning the wind had died some. Dave and Jared were up early to find the lost calves.  Our early church meetings were cancelled.  Blake was really hoping church would be cancelled, but it wasn't.  It was a nice needed break.  We are already looking forward to May long.

Leah is 17

Leah turned 17 yesterday.  We celebrated with Chicken Caesar Salad and opening presents on Thursday.  Don't mind the very short shorts, she had just gotten home from practice.  Leah randomly decided to take up softball last week.  So we had to buy all the gear.  Good thing we had a birthday excuse.  She is loving being part of a team again, and being there with girls that actually want to.  Her physics teachers had been asking her to play for two years.  And one day she just said yes.  First practice he asked her if she had every played before.  She answered that she had not and he said, 'You are not good'.  She laughed and thanked him for boosting her ego and he went on to tell her that she has a lot of potential and more determination and heart than anyone else.  He has confidence in her.  She is very frustrated with her batting, but practice, practice.  Leah did not get her #4 sadly.  But they did assign her #17, which we think is hilarious.

Friday she did a job shadow at the hospital in the x-ray and ultrasound department.  When she arrived she saw that she was in the job shadow with two friends of her's from another high school.  They had so much fun together.  They gave ultrasounds to each other and did x-rays.  They helped with some real patients and learned a ton.  Since Leah has had so many issues they pulled up a lot of her x-rays and then explained them to the other 8 kids that were there. They were fascinated by her cyst.  She also found out that yes her ribs and pinky were both broken during basketball.  They watched her food digest, saw many brain scans and learned about brain freeze and concussion, and got to ask a lot of questions.  She loved every minute of it.  After I took her to the mall to met Emily.  Leah had gotten a little money for her birthday and they did some shopping, laughed, talked, ate, and caught a movie.  Today during conference session she had her usual birthday dinner of spaghetti and cookie dough ice cream cake.

We are constantly amazed at the young women that Leah is becoming.  As a kids she was so into Disney princesses and fairytales that Dave used to comment that the sky was pink in her world.  I swear she lived in this la-la land.  She was stubborn and sassy and the cutest little thing.  Look at those beautiful big green eyes.  And she loves her scar.

She fell asleep everywhere.  Right in the middle of tasks or eating.  We lost her many times when she was asleep.

And she has turned into this stubborn, sassy, gorgeous young women, who has a hard time sleeping.

But her stubbornness is in a positive way.  She is so focused on doing well in school she spends hours every night doing homework.  No more la-la land.   Even if there is not an assignment, she bring things home to go over and study.  She has extremely high standards in everything she does.  The gospel, her schoolwork, her job, her closest friends, and how she interacts with others at school.  Everything except her room of course.  She has a huge group of friends and meets new people every where she goes. Leah is the type of kid that the teacher will assign her the group at school with the kids that are hard to get along with because they know she will be kind to them.  Her sasssy-ness, well she comes by that rightly and I am a little proud of it. :)   Dave and I are so proud of what she is becoming and who she is already.  We marvel at her drive and at how outgoing she is.  She has a very off beat humor that is hilarious if you get it.  She loves every sport she can watch and watching friends is her favorite thing to do.  Love this girl to bit and I can't wait to see where she goes.

 Happy Birthday beautiful girl.  I am glad it was an awesome day for you.