Library

Summer reading is something I'm not too strict on, but these guys love the freebies they earn by doing something they love. Thanks library.

McCool family

One of my friends from elementary school on up recently bought a house in Ogden. They've been in the military so they've been in Japan, Azores, etc.... since she had kids. They've settled here and we visit about once or twice a year. Ada calls it the boys house because she has 6 boys and 1 girl. I always feel the isn't enough time to catch up. We left at 10:30 in the morning for or 1 1/2 drive that because of an accident took 3.... we had fun chatting, and I put off going home... I hope to see them again soon.

Taking a break

Our amazing neighbors moved last Saturday. They've been great and I wish them luck on their adventure. All the kids love them and none wanted to be left home while we helped them move..... so they came and helped. Along with other neighborhood kids.

Still stuck on Mom

There are nice things about having a Momma's boy. He's with me all the time.... from day one he only wanted me. Eventually he liked Daddy and Uncle Seth.... them he added more. Now he's pretty social, but he still wants to be by my and cuddle often. I was mopping the floor Saturday and he came and fell asleep on the chair because he wanted to be by me. Cute kid.

How to clean the car with kids

Let them play and do it yourself.

Oh what do you do in the summertime

Looks like Ada attracted the girls off the neighborhood to collaborate on her drink stand.

Salem Pond

Two weeks ago we went to Salem Pond to celebrate birthdays and summer.   I invited Cristina's family to join ours.  We had lots of firsts.  Sharon took my boat out for the first time.  Cristina's deathly afraid of water.  I got her out there and she loved it!  She refused to let anyone else take her out though. 

This little Vivien adores grandpa!  He's done teaching Seminary after 37 years.  Thanks to him and the support of my mom, he was in a position to touch many lives and invite the Spirit to help people make changes in their lives for the better.  I went to a couple of his seminary and a couple of his institute classes.  He teaches with the power of the Holy Ghost.  I know that he'll continue that as he and my mom go off to be missionaries.  My mom has also put in her notice.  I have loved her background as a nurse.  I very rarely went to the doctor growing up, and she was there and helped deliver 3 of my kids.  I knew she'd take good care of me.  I loved watching her taking care of my Grandpa Wilcox with her patient and calm experience.  I'm glad they can move on to retirement, I'm glad they've had the opportunities they've had.  And here's to loving the next stage in life.

Seth still adores the boats.  As soon as he sees us pull them out... "Boat? Boat!"

And this now 6 year old, (yes 6!)  still loves going on them by herself.  She loves the control, the freedom and the water.

Yay for sisters!

Awwww!

Ada's disappointed that she's officially too big for her and Dad to fit on the paddle board together.  I'm glad they figured out that game before she grew so much.... now she can do it with her cousins.

My birthday

Jer has pictures of the BBQ that we did with my parents on his phone... I'll have to get those, but Cristina surprised me for my birthday.  She brought me a cake and ceviche. 

Cristian, Cristina, Genesis and my crowd.

We needed to make cookies and brownies for our trek to Salem pond on Saturday, so we taught Lia and Cristina how.  Most of the people I met on my mission didn't know how to use an oven to make anything except a cake.  In fact, my mission friend Myra uses her oven to store all her pots and pans in because it never gets used.  Ada's been and amazing help to these guys.  She's tried to befriend Lia (which has challenges.... language barrier and age barrier. Ada's 4 years younger than her.), helps run groceries to their apartment down all those stairs, and helps all the kids stay happy in the car when we have to play taxi.  We took Cristina to fill an order at the Bishop's Storehouse.  Seth had fallen asleep in the car, so I told Cristina I could keep her baby and Seth in the car while she went in.  Last time we went, she was super nervous and none of the volunteers spoke Spanish.  Ada volunteered to go help them.  The volunteer would say what they had on their list and Ada would point to it on the shelf for Cristina to chose from.  They were able to finish much faster and Cristina appreciated the familiar and friendly face.

Ada is the one that taught Lia how to make brownies.  I was so cute!

Quiet half hour

Right now is a rare occasion.  I have a half an hour of absolute silence.  Not even the dishwasher or washing machine are running.  Sam had piano lessons, Ada decided to walk there and back with him.  Evelyn wanted to play with her friend Rebecca, and she wanted Seth to go with her.... So now it's quiet.  What do I do with the quiet?  Talk about the kids of course.

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting.  Our Primary has started to get a few minutes to the kids to give their testimonies in Sharing Time.  All three of our kids did.  Jer was there for Evelyn's because he was subbing in her class.  He said that she got up and said, "I'm baring my testimony."  Then just stood there, so he got up and helped her finish.  He asked, "Do you believe in Jesus?" "Yes." "Then say that...", etc...   We heard about Ada and Sam's from a couple different sources.  Ada got up and told about Ggma passing away and how sad it made her.  Then she talked about how she remembered that they'd be resurrected and see each other again.  She talked about the peace of the Holy Ghost enveloping her and how it helped her feel better.  Sam talked about how scary it was when our trailer was fishtailing and how all we could do was pray.  Then he talked about he prayed and felt the Holy Ghost calm him down.  I usually don't like stories in testimonies, but at the same time I realize how these personal experiences are what have built their personal testimonies apart from Mom and Dad's.  I love that they have had experiences with the Holy Ghost.  I pray that they'll remember them as they grow older.  I also love how Sister Kennerley pulled Jer aside later and asked, "How old exactly are your kids?!"  Just like the higher scholastic expectations in today's society, I believe that we have to teach our kids at a higher level of spiritual expectation with the challenges that they face earlier in their lives. 

And the younger two are home now.  Apparently the friend wasn't home.  I love my kids and like in Elder Holland's book 'To My Friends'... they help me live in the manner of happiness.  When I focus on them, I find that I am happy.

In fact, today is Sam's 8th birthday.  He jumped out of bed and started yelling, "Seth, Seth!  Wake up!  It's my birthday today!"  Then he ran to my room, cuddled up next to me and asked if we could do our scripture study together.  He's such a good kid.  With all his challenges, I dare say that he'll be a good adult, a good member of the church, a good Dad and a good husband.