Snapshot of Summer 2011

Just to record any random information about life at our house Summer 2011.


Steve went to Scout Camp with Michael in June... who I can't believe is 12 and old enough to go.  Boo Hoo...!  Everyone is growing up too fast.. I am beginning to feel a little panicky about this...no really.


The boys...are eating us out of house and home.  I think it might just continue to get worse.  I make lots of food, big breakfasts, dinners and everything gets eaten up. 


Jonathan is doing personal training at TOSH.......  His coach recommended that he do this to make his running faster and those explosive moves bigger, quicker.  He is working hard to prepare for football.  I admire this boys determination and passion for this sport.  It is so good!


Joseph has a good little group of friends.  The other night he and two friends sat at our kitchen table with the Highschool year book open and they began calling girls to find dates.  It was very entertaining to watch.  And they all managed to get a date!


Joseph is dating and driving and doing all those teenage things.  He also auditioned for and made Vocal Ensemble.  He is so excited.  I am so excited to see him excited about something.... dating, driving, participating in life.  Hooray.


Jacob was just invited to participate on the Boys Competition Team at Olympus Gymnastics!  He is even ecstatic that he gets to go to class for 3 hours twice a week.   Who am I to stand in his way?   He is truly amazingly driven to excel.  I love that.


Steve and I prepared all Summer to be a Pa and Ma on the Stake Youth Trek.  We have been walking together in the evening.  This has been so much fun..like a mini getaway at the end of the day.  Also, we have been reading!  Reading the Book of Mormon, pioneer experiences etc.  I have read Fire of the Covenant.  We all saw the movie, "17 Miracles."  This has been such a great experience and I come away from it in awe and with a stronger testimony and love for the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  




Jonathan and Joseph finished up EFY a couple of weeks ago.  They both declared that their week at EFY was one of the best weeks of their lives so far.    Oh, if we could just keep the good scripture study and prayer habits going......  


Scott is finally sleeping in his own bed.   This is so good.  It was getting crazy there for awhile.  We so loved having him sleep with us but the time had come for him to sleep in his own bed.  


Jacob is usually the first one up in the morning.  He gets right to getting his jobs done and practicing piano.  I love to hear him working at his music first thing in the morning.  I love his determination and drive to excel.  


It has been just delightfully warm this summer.   The days haven't been too hot.  We have only had one day hit over 100 degrees.   


This morning I took Scott on a hike with his little friend Jacob Stout and Mom.  It was an adventure and afterwards Scott was invited to play at Jacob Stout's house for a couple of hours. In the car on the way home, he announced, "this day has been the best day of my life!"  Oh, the simple joys!


I miss my Mom and Dad.  They've been out on their mission a year now.  They are having the best time of their lives and I would be selfish to want them anywhere but right where they are.  Still miss them though.......  


Scott is a very patient little person.  He has to wait in line a lot and does so with a smile and laughter. (most of the time)  I admire this and love him so much.  


This Summer is one in which I am hanging on....while life gets taken inside out ...  this is when all those Sunday School lessons really kick in to gear.  


Without the help and support of my closest friends and everyone of my brothers and sisters (both sides of the family) I am sure I would be a mess right now.  


Exercise is necessary therapy. 


We had an awesome Family Home Evening lesson last night.  As part of the lesson everyone wrote down something nice about each person in the family.  It was very fun and filled our home with an abundance of nest warmth.