LITTLE BOYS ON THE FARM

 Sierra is back from girls camp but they still got up this morning and helped me feed the baby calves. Logan is a ham. He wanted me to take his picture. He woke up this morning and went and got on the potty all by himself. He is officially a big boy. We went and bought him a Paw Patrol backpack for being so big today. He hugged it all day and even took it to bed. He tried to pack it to go to grandma’s house. All the kids have a backpack to throw clothes into when head over to Utah. He hasn’t had one. I guess it is time. I have wanted him to grow up since he was born and now I am sad. 

BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DAY

 

It rained off and on today. We are so grateful. We are in the middle of a drought and our prayers have been frequenting the heavens on behalf of the parched earth.

Madison got back from girls camp today. It was her first time going because COVID cancelled everything last year. She had a blast and she reminded me that she is turning 13 in October. I will have two teenagers in my home. How has she grown up so much? 

She has had a rough past year. I would definitely say out of all my kids, last year was the hardest for her. She was homeschooled for part of the year and then she couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to go back to school. The charter school had no openings, so she went to the public school. She didn’t have any friends in her classes, so she ate lunch alone and walked the halls alone for the last semester of school. All the kids had already established their friend circles. She always has the best attitude about life though. She never complains and is always happy to be participating in this crazy world.

Logan climbed on the potty and did number two all by himself today. Am I finally officially done with diapers? Fingers crossed.

SUMMER

1. 

I can’t believe it has almost been a year since I last posted. This past year has been a rollercoaster. Sierra’s last day of school was today. I am pondering this crazy year on my back porch under a golden moon. This year has been ridiculous and amazingly transformative. I homeschooled the boys for the last year. I have become a more confident teacher. I am excited for next year. I know I am going to see tremendous growth in James and Ashton. I can’t believe Sierra will be in 11th grade. She has grown up so much and I am so proud of the woman she is becoming. She is responsible, she works hard and she is good. Madison is becoming more solid and courageous. I love all of my sweet children. 

I wish I could convey in words how much I have learned about educating a child. I try to explain to my family and friends but they don’t understand because they have not been on this journey with me.  James has been a difficult child to teach. He is sweet and he works hard and for that I am eternally grateful but I feel as though I am trying to reprogram his brain and his brain does not want to be reprogrammed. I feel like it is one step forward and ten steps back every day. However, I have witnessed the miraculous power of faith. The combination of prayer and hard work can move mountains 

 
 

AIRBNB

Tamara came into town and decorated our farmhouse so we could transform it into an AIRBNB. She did a really great job. We are happy that this sweet little home can be loved still. We put so much of our hearts and souls into it and although it was no longer able to fit our growing family, we still have so many choice memories in our first home.

LOGAN'S THIRD BIRTHDAY

 

JAMES'S BAPTISM

James was so excited for his baptism. We were still in the throws of COVID-19, so he got to have his baptism all to himself with a zoom link to anyone who wanted to watch. His Grandma and Grandpa Craven came along with Tamara and Chase and their little ones. We felt blessed to have family support especially during such a difficult time in the world. 

Aunt Karalee came and set up video games on the television. James loved it. We had a feast to celebrate this new phase of his life.  

 

ASHTON'S SIXTH BIRTHDAY

 

LEXI's WEDDING

SISTER WALTER

Well, we officially have our first missionary cousin. Grace entered the virtual MTC last Tuesday. We got to spend time with Sister Walter before she was set apart watching a movie and eating brownies and ice-cream. We also went swimming at the lake. Then we got to spend time with her after she was set apart what a unique experience. Often I have heard of youth choosing to delay their mission because of COVID,  and certainly being stuck in an apartment with your companion sharing the gospel virtually doesn't sound like what we typically think of as a mission; however, what a blessing and a sacred honor to be chosen to lead the way forward to utilizing technology to share the gospel. Grace you were born for such a time as this, go forth!

We spent time at the lake and at the pool. Ashton took off in one of the paddle boats and we didn't see him for the rest of the morning. He would jump off from time to time and go for a swim and then someone would race out to help him back into the boat because he couldn't do it on his own. He looked so independent, happy and free. 

FIRST SUNDAY BACK AT CHURCH SINCE MY BIRTHDAY

Miriam Vasquez came over with her two little girls and her little boy to play. She brought over stuff for a Mexican lunch. It was so good. She is so kind to show us her secrets. We loved playing with friends. Logan and I made chocolate cake to share.

Our first day back to church was last Sunday. Logan slipped out of my arms and hit his head on the corner of the pew. Blood was everywhere. I had to go into the bathroom to clean him up even though it was against COVID rules. Right before the sacrament was to be passed the bishop announced that we were going to keep our cups.  Ashton cried out, "This is the best church day ever!" I thought he was grateful to be back at church, then he whispered, "Because we get to keep our cups!" They passed the bread in cups too, to help prevent contamination. The children each got two small cups to play with. 

LOGUS

Our little Logan is our world. Sierra turned the piano bench upside down and pushed Logan around on it. Logan and I made Maggie's Cake for dessert while the other kids played board games all afternoon. He kept stealing the cards or the game pieces, so he needed a distraction. 

Dad is gone to the mountains to find himself. We had a quiet weekend. We went to sacrament meeting at the Ellsworth's home. We sat in the backyard and felt the wind and the rain on our faces and partook of the sacrament in psychedelic cups. Logan ran around and played on their slide. Every Sabbath Day with COVID is unique, and full of more learning experiences