4th of July Fun

We had a very fun 4th of July with family. Julia & Austin came from Moscow, Idaho. The night before we went to Jazz in the Park and then to Frenzi's for frozen yogurt. Meredith & the children came to our Stake Pancake Breakfast and Flag Ceremony on the 4th where Crismon spoke briefly. It was so fun to show off our cute William's grandchildren. Emily & Bronson ran a race in Provo, and Dallin's girl's rode their bikes in the city parade. Seth's family came up from Eugene. They stopped at our home first for lunch, then we all went to the Vance's for games in the park, basketball challenge, that Julia won, of course, a BBQ, and then fireworks. Dad & I stayed with Paxton and Isaac as they were down sick with the stomach flu. We soon called Gary & Ondalynn back as Bryson started the sickness and he wanted his Mom.

Cousin's Camp

Tiffany hosted an amazing Cousins Camp for all of the cousins eight years of age and up. She is full of energy, and enthusiasm. They did many fun activities, a scavenger hunt, writing a skit and filming it, service project, hiking Spencer’s Butte, carrying their flag with the theme Stand Fast to the top of the Butte, and more.  

Crismon and I went down on Saturday morning and spoke to our grandchildren. We enjoyed their talent show first and the showing of the very clever video they filmed. It was a great bonding experience for them, no one was left out, and they are still talking about how fun it was. Julia and Austin arrived Saturday night, so we have people all over on beds and floors, but what a party!

Seth and Tiffany closed on their new home just before the cousins camp started. We were able to take a tour through their new home. It is unique! 100 years old, and full of character and charm. There are many work projects for their boys to do, but if anybody can do it, Tiffany has the vision!

June with Family

June is fun with special family time. Paxton graduated from Pre-School. Meredith found out that she was expecting a boy. Dallin takes over as "Mr. Mom" while Janelle starts the Masters Program, Tiffany and the boys came up one day to help me since I had been sick and they knew Meredith was coming. Preston made cookies and Addison made homemade wheat bread for the first time. We celebrated Father's Day at the Vance's and Sydney's 14th birthday. I had to include a picture with me and Sydney when she was a baby. Julia graduated from elementary school and is so happy to move on to middle school. Vivi made some delicious brownies for Dad for Father's Day. It is topped with Sydney's yummy homemade chocolate syrup.

Surviving during a sickness

I have been sick with a bad sinus infection over the last two weeks. I'm so ready to be well again! I'm grateful I was able to go to Sacrament meeting today, but I came home right after as I felt so weak. As I'm sitting in church I'm thinking, "I'm so glad to be here, but being at church when you're not really well, is not the same as being there when you are well." It made me think, maybe when people come to church really hurting spiritually, church is not the same for them either. Maybe they are not feeling the richness of the spirit, or maybe their hearts are heavy and they wish they weren't there. I love the hymns and the spirit they bring, but today it seemed more like a chore to sing them. Concentrating on the messages were not the same. Wellness is such a gift that we need to cherish, because without it, the changes everything else we do.

Surviving the long days of sickness was made more bearable because of great library books I had on hand, and the Hoopla app on my phone where I could listen to them while I laid in bed. Within 10 days I listened to 51 hours, which were 3 books, The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, A Higher Call, and my favorite was Anne of Green Gables. I love these conveniences that we have access to in this modern world.

Not everyday the past two weeks have been sunshine, but we're finally seeing the sun more now after a very long, cold, dark winter. When you live in Oregon you can't get enough of the sunny days, and of course, they lift your spirits, too.