Abundant Recompense Copy

A Friday or two before school started, we had a weenie roast/campout. Camping in the back yard is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for the children. As a bonus, Bri was here. Addison was so excited when he found out she was coming. He said he'd been thinking we needed to invite some people. It was a simple affair: hot dogs, chips, watermelon and s'mores. We ate and played outside and watched for the first star to come out. Bri helped Leah to be the first one to see it. We put Asa inside in his crib at bedtime and then went out and got the tent ready to go with all the sleeping gear. Then we sat around the fire and had storytime in our jammies, which Addison and Bryn had really been looking forward to. We all took turns telling stories - some funny, some real, some imaginary. It was lots of fun. The favorites this time around were mission stories from Dad and Bri. Then we sang songs like "Down By the Bay." Loved it. Something about being around a f...

(Originally posted at LDS Earth Stewardship . I don't know what it is about peach season that brings out the philosopher in us, but Michelle got her Deep Thoughts in last year and I figured it was my turn.) I live in northern Utah, and we have two peach trees in the backyard, planted soon after we moved into our house eight years ago. Those Elbertas are about the most delicious fruit I’ve ever tasted, and the anticipation of the peaches coming on brings a smile all year long. The next best thing to a sun-ripened peach in late summer is a bottled one in midwinter. Most of my kids actually prefer the latter, and no sooner have the lids of the Mason jars sealed with a pop then the kids are begging us to open them. Never mind that the branches out back are still heavy with fresh ones. Growing and preserving peaches connects us to something older than ourselves. I do not love every feature of Wasatch Front Mormon culture. In uncharitable moments I can be snide about most of it, in fact...

Our summer has been very full and very busy. It seems like it's been taken over by trying to sell the blasted house mostly. It was something of a shock when we dropped the kids off at the bus stop this morning and realized that it's over. I'm glad we got some pictures of things other than cleaning and remodeling and worrying to prove that we had some fun!  Brother Grove's birthday Exploring the "castle park" with Kim and her kids.  More trips to Loy Blake, the new fave. Grilling in the rain. Nate is so dedicated.  Scrambling to grab candy at the parade. I think we got more candy than we did on Halloween! Leah's ducks in a row at bath time. Addison, inspired by an old Friend magazine, made this for his lunch one day. A little friend. Lots and lots of reading. This was the summer that Addison and Bryn really became readers. Also, I've paid so many overdue fines I think I should be part-owner of the library. Reading before bed. We did the summer reading p...

A while back we took some photos for a book for my Granma's birthday. They turned out cute!

Last Wednesday was Brynny's last day of tumbling for now, since school starts tomorrow. It was kind of sad to be done, for me at least, but we decided to be careful with the family schedule and try to keep it pretty open for now. If we really miss it a month down the road, we can always go back, right? Anyway, she did so great at it! She got strong and flexible, and continued to be our fearless Brynny. I was impressed with her meticulousness. Even if the exercises weren't anything particularly fun or cool, she tried her best and did them well, and seemed to enjoy it. Here she is on her last day. When tumbling was done I gave her a big hug and told her how proud I am of her, and then let her watch these videos and see what she can do. She could not stop smiling while she watched! Check our girl out!

Back in February we started doing some one-on-one date nights with the three oldest kids. While every week would be nice, it hasn't happened that way and we've just done the best we can. It has been such a good move for our family! Between our numbers these days and the constant stress and busyness that comes with trying to sell a house, not to mention just daily life, we have needed and relished this time with our children. They are so cool and fun and wonderful! We haven't taken photos of every single one, but here are a few. Mom and Addison at the ice cream store. "Now a silly one!" Dad and Leah walked around the temple and then went to Farr's for ice cream. Addison and Mom at the Nickelcade! Bryn and Dad hitting the pool. Leah and Mom beefing up our fingernail polish supply at the Walmart. These are from a Mom-Bryn date last week. We went to the dollar store, where she spent one of her dollars, grabbed a donut, and headed to the duck pond.  Last night Dad ...