August

 Hold on we had to cram the last rays of summer. I stayed at Mom and Dads for a night with just the kids. (I loved staying up and talking with my mom) Jokingly I told the boys we would have to stay, without missing a beat the boys said, "ok, but dad is going to miss us" Azalyn is nothing if not extraordinarily strong willed. That will serve her well as an adult but for now.... I wanted her to sigh "all done" after dinner. After 45 min and her NOT signing it she figured out how to escape from her chair. Mom and Dad took us down to Sierra's to meet up with Timber. (Timber went on the canoe trip, with more help they were able to go faster and farther) We had church on Sierra's lawns, my favorite so far. *Taking a moment and reviewing what we have been teaching the kids.  Fighting for the rights of everyone. EVERYONE can think for themselves. We do not want people to tell us what do to, so we cannot tell other what to do or how to think. The exception if it is endangering us or others. * Timber had to stop in Ogden. The kids and I found a park right by the river. We played in the water and at the park.  Greg was happy to have us all home. He had not seen the boys for 17 days. My phone was here when I got home, I think Denali was more excited than I was. He loves a good mystery. (long story short: Someone had gotten a hold of McCarty and told her she found my phone; we had put McCarty’s number on my home screen. I totally had finders’ guilt)

School: The first week was crazy. Huge blessing Greg was home. Mom cannot be in 2 places at once, but Greg was able to help.  Colvin had the coolest thing for school. The week before school they had a “jumpstart” program. They went to “Class” for an hr. Monday-Thursday. It made him so excited for school to begin, and way less nerves. I have a great feeling about this year and about his teacher.

This was the first year we have had to go school supply shopping. I took the boys on their own (with Azalyn). They had a great time. (I also got stuff for home since I have no faith in how long they will be in school) Since, we were in the spending money mindset (unbelievably bad mind set) we went to Travers Mountain. The Van Heusen stores is going exclusively online, great sales. Greg and I each got a few (3 for me about 10 for Greg) shirts. Greg has dress shirts!!!

Getting new things is always exciting. I got a new Journal. I love seeing blank pages and knowing my life is going to fill them up. I also love seeing a full journal and know I am living my best life.  It is the little things in life that makes me happy. Like a clean house when I go to bed.  Or knowing I can do hard thing, like the water fast. I did another 5 day fast my body does good the first 3 days then I fill like $#^&.  I don't own scales nor plan to ever own scales my "number" does not matter to me. I want to feel good so 3 days only and, I have to start exercising YUCK! (hint on water fast - shot glass the "snake juice")

Since Timber is going to Ogden a lot, she drops in. (she is going to Ogden because her Mother and Father-in-law are not doing great. Long story: too week to travel and Ogden is their hospital) She stopped in and we went to the Provo rec center. I love the outside slides. I was able to take Azalyn down them. Denali slid the whole time. It took Colvin a little while to warm up to the slides but then loved them.  (with Greg out of school for 2 weeks we also got to take him the next week. The slides were fun but jumping into the pool was the winner) Since, Timber's kids were here I invited Julie over. We had an outside movie night. We really need to do that more. Then we went to Julies the next night for pizza. We finally got to take Timbers Kids (2 youngest) to Nickel Manna. Holden and Colvin were a little over welled but all the kids did great with sharing the tickets. The kids had to find a way to keep in touch with cousins. They all linked their Minecraft accounts. They call and play together. (I Love it).  I made Denim and Timber make Tik Tok Videos with me. We tried to brake Denims ankle, but the show must go on (HA HA).

Summer ends when the pool brakes. The air ring got holes so it would not float to hold water in. SAD SAD SAD! On a happy note, we took the kids bowling. I was on fire the best scores ever 230 and 220. We also went to the splash pad as a family again, drove this time. Anything that daddy get to do with us is a huge blessing. (I love his 2 weeks of no school it gives me hope for the future). I slept on the tramp with Denali (Colvin had to make sure daddy did not feel bad being alone) we got ate alive by mosquitoes. We were finally able to do a Bob Ross painting with the boys. It might have been a little over their heads but getting messy is always an adventure.  I had the kids help me move trees in the front yard. They made it so much worse than it was. It is kind of fun to torture your kids a little. Talking about torturing the boys; they had to helping me with laundry. How you ask; they "cleaned" their room by putting EVERYTHING on the floor in the dirty clothing. I loved having helpers, but they hated it. Now they smell all clothing on the floor, before just tossing it in the dirty clothing. I did tell them sock and underwear are always dirt.  The kids also got to help me clean out the garage. I took 2 van fulls of stuff to the shed. I guess we are getting ready for the cold.

*Birthday note. For Dad I was bad and got a video out late.  For Greg's mom we went to the cemetery the next day... I will see if any things come of that. *note Greg talked to a guy in Portland about a job why at the cemetery. He had turned down a job in Portland right before his mom died*

Our ward did the coolest thing, they did a Drive thru BBQ. In your car you drove up and "ordered" (hamburger or hot dog) then they brought a box of food. It was fun. Activity days kind of started back up. I say kind of because it is only once a month but progress.

Greg finally got our camera doorbell working. He had to replace each part once and the box twice, but it works. Denali discovered Zarahemla, I really hate long games, good thing he has cousins to play with.

We ended Aug with fun. We got to go watch Blazen rope in Spanish Fork. Greg and I got a date night at the arena why Darlin and Denali were in charge at home. We finally had a Proctor dinner again. Azalyn got to wear her squeaky shoes and everyone loved them, including her.

Thought: Something beautiful is on the horizon.