Service

A couple of weekends ago Grant, Bill and I participated in the Allen Stake's "Day of Service" which commemorated the Church's 100 year anniversary of the welfare program. We were assigned to help a widow in a town about an hour north of here in Bonham. (Garrett was at play practice all day and Christine was volunteering at a local nature preserve for a college class.) We spent a few hours moving sheet metal and rotted wood beams...hard, dirty work. I was so stiff the next day! It was great to sweat and work all in the name of service...even Grant enjoyed the day...but he won't admit it...the Sonic lunch afterwards helped ease his discomfort:)

An industrious streak

On Saturday I transformed a bucket of raspberry puree into a few bottles of jelly...such a feeling of accomplishment seeing all of these jars!

Top 10 Worries...

As I get older, I am finding that my worry list is growing. I have determined that the bigger my kids get, the bigger the worries. Here is a list of things on my mind lately, and in no apparent order.

1. That William will find a "suitable" mate...someone who loves and cherishes him like he deserves:)

2. That Christine will be able to study in college the thing that will bring her the greatest amount of joy...(she has LOTS of passions...hard to narrow things down.)

3. That Garrett will get to and from all of his many activities safely...driving that big truck!

4. That Grant will not stress too much about his classes...really?...he is only 13...plenty of time for stressing later in life:)

5. That Bill can make enough money so that we can retire in a few years...I really want to serve a Church mission with him:)

6. That I can find something to fill my days with that will bring me joy and fulfillment...too much time on my hands these days.

7. That I have taught, or am teaching my kids all that they need to know to survive successfully in life.

8. That I have shared my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ enough to my children so they have no doubt what I believe...

9. That I don't make a fool of myself in front of my gospel doctrine class...I am SO not the smartest person in the room...not even close.

10. That I am living a life that my mom would be proud of.

Who knew?

Garrett was asked to sing in Sacrament Meeting several weeks ago and with me being gone a bit lately, yesterday was THE day...I must admit that I was slightly nervous for him...this was a first. Of course he sang a bit in his high school musical in the spring and he has done his thing at BYU Theatre Camp for the past couple of summers...but this was big. On the way to Church he said "No worries Mom. It's only a song." Anyway, he sang a beautiful arrangement of "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul." He blew everyone away. The Spirit could be felt and there were many tears...of course I shed a couple:) We were very proud of him. He's a natural and starts private voice this week...way overdue.

an oversight....:)

Bill's parents came for a visit the beginning of August for Peyton's baptism and Grant's Eagle court of honor. We had FHE one night and these are a couple of pictures that never were posted...my bad. We love getting together.

Grandma and Papa having some fun with their Texas grandkids for Family Home Evening

The cutest little girl I know...my Little Miss Marra:) I love her.

Riley NOT Jake

Grant has not been a fan of Jake Heaps from the beginning...although he does have a picture with him after the New Mexico Bowl...Jake was the MVP afterall...but this season Grant has nothing nice to say about his ability to QB for BYU...he has threatened to wear a TCU shirt to the BYU/TCU game here in Texas in a couple of weeks...I saw this and thought it was a nice alternative...it was a surprise and he is thrilled:)

Girls and Boys and a Funny Play

Last weekend I had the chance to fly to Salt Lake and spend time with William. I like to pack as much fun as possible into a short amount of time...landing in SLC at 9:30pm on Thursday and staying at a hotel near the airport. I was at the Salt Lake Temple by 9am for my good friends son's sealing...Jordan Eliason was sealed to Trista Henderson:)I was glad to have been there... I left right after the ceremony and drove 2 hours south to Ephraim and William...(of course I stopped in Draper for a Cafe Rio quesadilla for lunch...Heaven!) William, his roommate Ethan and I went to Miller's Malt Shop in Manti so they could have lunch and I could have dessert:)...a grasshopper shake:) I had the pleasure of meeting William's girl...I really like her. We spent great time visiting...I miss my oldest...he is a joy to me.
Although I am not a big Shakespeare fan, I have to say that I loved The Taming of the Shrew. The play was done in what they call "Commedia del Arte" or something like that...awesome colorful costumes and lots of funny lines...really fun. William was a member of the cast ensemble and also played the merchant...a very funny character. (thanks Christine for the overview of the play...I would have been completely lost otherwise)
Saturday Papa and Grandma took us (including NaKya) to breakfast at "The Satisfied Ewe"...Yummo! Grandma did have a little fall...scared me to death, but she is a tough lady and other than some scrapes and bumps, is fine. We are so grateful to have been there and help...we love her.
I was able to attend a BYU game in Provo. It had been many years since I had seen a game there. I went with an old roommate/friend from BYU..Carie Dalebout...we had a great time catching up and cheering the cougars on to victory. I drove back to SLC and stayed at the airport again...arriving at my hotel at midnight. I was up, showered and gone by 5am...my flight home was at 6:20am...an expensive nights sleep:)
Yes, it was a very quick trip. But what a great time! I have much to be grateful for. And I am so proud of my boy and the life he is enjoying...

Evidence that I was on Temple Square:)

William and NaKya

William, the merchant

The merchant up on a tall ladder...his lines in this scene were funny:)

William, "rockin" his knickers:)

Papa and Grandma showing their support

Our dear friends, The Lipscombs...Ethan is the bearded one and William's roommate and a member of the cast:)

Loving my boy

Outside our hotel in Ephraim...THE only place to stay in town:) (After Grandma's little roll on the asphalt)

Carie and I representing...

From our seats in LaVell Edwards Stadium