7/9/23

Things I forgot last week: The doorknob (from the garage to the house) BROKE --as in, would NOT open--the DAY BEFORE WE LEFT (!!!) while I was trying to get packed. It only took me 3 hours to dismantle the whole knob, which didn't even work, then use a credit card to shimmy it open (NOT as easy as the movies make it look!), and then replace the doorknob. Schwew! -nice victory, but lousy timing! Also, SETH!! These were words coming out of his mouth all through our trip to Yellowstone: -I am just SOO HAPPY!! -I LOVE this day!!! This is the day we got to YELLOWSTONE!! -this juice tastes like HEAVEN!!! (Powerade Grandpa handed out as we left) -Mom, Is this a dream?? -This is my BEST DAY!! -(on hikes) This is an AMAZING ADVENTURE!! I love this age and his enthusiasm--it's especially helpful for balancing angsty teenage/9 yo days! He had more "BEST DAYS" with Thomas and Lily coming over for the 4th this week. We first had a fun firepit at Barfuss's Sunday night with corn hole, s'mores, ice cream, and funny stories--they are the best of people! Started the 493 loads of laundry Monday, before afternoon presidency meeting, and that night Maddie and Brian's family came over to spend the night. We woke up and had a red, white and blue crepes (the filling was colorful, not the crepes) breakfast w/ "Take your hat off" playing in the background, then decided last minute to try the Perry parade since it was at 11, and try a new splashpad park in Brigham City after that. The parade was blissfully SHORT AND cloudy with just enough candy/bouncy balls to make the kids happy! We drove over to the splash pad that I was sure would be packed, and HAD THE PLACE TO OURSELVES!! When we couldn't find a way to turn the water on, Dad happened to know the judge that lived across the street, and got his help finding the button. The water was so gushing, we called it our late "Old Faithful", and the kids had a blast while we had our little picnic. Poor Dad rolled his ankle right after we got home, playing basketball with Brent, and was pretty laid up the rest of the day, but otherwise, it was baby naps and games, and getting food ready for grilling burgers for dinner. Right before we ate, Joan invited us over to swim, and the big kids had the most fun there, playing some version of "King of the Mountain" on a swim board and taking littles down the slide. We came home to sparklers and just watched fireworks in the neighborhood, but the cute Cambodian familiy around the corner provided QUITE the show!!! It was amazing and so close!! Besides Dad's ankle, it was such a perfect day, which for all of the last minute plans, was a miracle in my book! Maddie's family left Wed after I had left for my cardiology checkup. Everything fine there, just always ends up a long day with travel/testing/etc. Thursday morning, I had a blast weeding at Doreen's with Cindy Parry, Stef K, and Kristan Hess, then Anne had dental and ortho appts getting her final teeth fixings done! I tried a few RS visits, and then that night we girls went to Logan for Oliver! WHICH WAS PHENOMENAL!!! This Cache Valley theater is SO GREAT!! Made me want to go every week!--& so many great themes about love, healthy relationships, and value--Jane was pretty drawn in with the orphan story and dark London conditions! Friday we had the funeral for Amy Rown's mom, so most of my day was there, getting tables set up, playing for a couple of songs, then helping with the dinner. I was nervous when I pulled a muscle in my back working out that morning, but we made it! It was a long day, but again, being with women in service is THEE MOST JOY!! We had to really stifle our laughter over embarrassing stories, etc., as the family came in. It was just so fun, and I was glad a couple of sisters who don't come out as much were there to help. Anne was making fun of her "elderly" parents as we left for date night, but we had fun watching the 3rd Guardians of the Galaxy. Yesterday was free Weber County activities, so we packed in Treehouse Museum in the morning, shopping around lunchtime, and the Dinosaur park before bringing pizza home for dinner (another best day for Seth!). Lots of fun times, and I keep thinking we're ALMOST ready to start our summer schedule! Had the best time gathering with Duncans (& McDonnell's) for Makeala's talk this morning. As the opening song started with "Dearest Children, God is Near You" that is EXACTLY what it felt like! I thought of G&G Skip and Prim on THEIR mission in AZ and all of the sweet fruits of their life gathered together like that. The funeral Friday was like that too. I LOVE funerals! No life or family is perfect--Amy vented about all of her family drama as they got everything ready, and I knew about difficulties between her and her mom, but STILL, the funeral was BEAUTIFUL because LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! I mean, it's a huge mix of good AND bad, messes and hurts, BUT taken overall it makes this great arc of SO MUCH BEAUTY from all that is learned and loved and created--there's just so much goodness to every life. I love being reminded of that perspective when the day to day gets dull or dreary. Met a sweet Peruvian family at Stacey's house this morning, also had family in Medellin! So excited for all your new adventures (imagine Seth with all this newness!) Love you, Love you, Mom