i'm back

Needed to take time to breath and get away from the blogging-scene for a little while.  Our family was given one of those CWMALI experiences ("Come what may and love it") - we're still dealing with it - but it's almost over and all will be able to go on with their lives - much happier with the outcome.

I really missed writing some of my thoughts and sharing about my amazing family and friends.  Now that I sit down to the computer, I'm not quite sure what to say other than, summer is about over - school buses are rolling through the neighborhood picking up my little neighbor friends.  Mornings and afternoons around here are void of kids laughter however, birds are chirping loudly and it's still warm - thank goodness!


One fun part of having a big family is we're never without someone having a birthday!  Tomorrow, September 5th is baby Toren and Grandma-great's birthday.  We celebrated Toren's birthday yesterday (Labor Day) as Whit and Schuy have work and school Wednesday.  They traveled up for Toren's 2nd birthday and was he ever excited!  Heather and boys came to help celebrate too.  I'm taking Grandma tomorrow and spoil her with lunch, show and some shopping - she will be turning 89 years old and going strong!  There will be a birthday cake as well - no one should go without a cake on their birthday!  Next year there will be a blow-out with her 90th birthday, God willing.

Since I last wrote:

• I happily turned another year younger
• Enjoyed the most amazing and beautiful summer in Idaho
• Spent a summer with no lessons to teach (guitar) . . . ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, nice
• Had a super-fun July 4th - missed it last year when grandma was sick
• Taught a 4H photography class for two days - loved it
• Was set apart as the new secretary in Stake Primary Presidency - Rexburg East Stake
• Bob developed a serious blood clot in his lung - treated, but scary - he was a lucky guy to walk away from it
• Visited Steve Boice for the last time in Utah
• Attended Steve's funeral with family and family I haven't seen for years
• Visited our cutest-everest grandkids - Oli, R.O.B., Hennie and Theo
• Had a wonderful summer walking 4-5 times a week enjoying the summer smells of early morning - love
• Struggled with a foot that will eventually be operated on - sooner than later
• Enjoyed visits from Tyler, Cameron, Leah - love when they come
• Attended a VW car show with Tyler and Bob - love
• Entered 5 photos in our local fair - won first place, second, third - they all placed and won $65 - yeehaww
• Cheered Bob on in his Rush Triathlon just one short month after his blood clot scare
• Grif had a health-scare but all turned out in his favor
• Got out into the fields to photograph harvest - wheat and potato - took lots and lots of photos
• Enjoyed having Bob's brother spend a day with us
• Loved being a mom and grandma more than ever
• Loved spending more time with Bob - enjoyed our walks together

Summer is coming to an end and fall is very, very near - I won't let summer go without a fight (haha - guess who wins!).  It's been such a great and much-appreciated/needed summer.  I feel renewed and ready to head into the winter months.  I'm holding tight to my family, faith and friends to get us through the months and years that lay ahead and:

"Come what may and love it"