my family

My run this morning was great with this overcast sky. The humidity was above 80% so I really needed the cloudy morning. I ran my usual 4 miles. I try and run 4-5 times a week. I truly enjoy running.

I'm loving my hydrangeas!! Do you see that one blossom that's as tall as CJ? I haven't done a thing but praise their beauty. This morning I cut a few, plus the cone flowers, to enjoy inside.

Then there's this beauty!! These roses have never looked so good! I haven't done much for these either and to be honest they're a little sad. But man this one sure looks and smells good!

This afternoon I chatted with McKinzie and Bailee, separately. I do love talking with my girls. McKinzie is doing well. She didn't want to hurt my feelings but she's glad we don't live close. It didn't hurt. I totally understand. I know I/we would be overbearing. She has wonderful friends there to help when she really needs it. Plus, she calls me when she needs me too. 

Bailee has decided to not come home when this semester ends. When she first told me my heart hurt. Now, I'm excited for her. She's planning on going to Alberta with her friend, Cara. Evidently Bailee has been dubbed an "honorary Canadian" by her friend. ;) She'll come home for a few weeks in August and finish her teeth and be here while I take Karlee to BYU. Five more weeks and we'll be on our way. Wahoo!!

After dinner Mason walked 6 miles on the treadmill. He enjoys this more since he can watch TV while he walks. At least he had his 30 lbs pack on. 

Also after dinner, Brian mowed while I weeded the garden. I've already ate a few handfuls of cherry tomatoes and a cucumber. I brought more in tonight. It seems they have ripened earlier than last year.  I'm loving it!

As it started to get dark CJ and I shot a few baskets then noticed the lightning bugs. Of course we decided to catch a few. This is one of the coolest things about living in Illinois. They're pretty easy to catch too. It's been a good day. 

an award

Today Mason received an award for his "Duty to God". It reads, Mason is recognized for faithfully fulfilling his duties as a deacon, developing attributes of spiritual strength, living the standards of the Church, and preparing himself to be ordained to the office of teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. 

We are very proud of you Mason! We love you!!

birthday girl

This was taken yesterday with her two best friends. They went to eat at one of their favorites then went to a shooting range. Overall the day was tough for McKinzie. I know she didn't want to celebrate her day.

I've texted her a little today, hoping to FaceTime later on. So far I think her day has been ok. Besides it being her 25th birthday it's one month since Goeff's passing. I know the entire year will be like this, doing things that once brought joy will now be painful. Every first is going to be difficult. 

She's tired of hearing this...McKinzie is strong. She is wise beyond her years. When friends and family ask how she is doing I say, "She's lonely, miserable at times, but she's strong. She's been a single mom before so she knows she can do it. She just doesn't want to. She misses Geoff." 

McKinzie I want you to know how proud we are of you. We know you will be happy one day although there will always be an ache in your heart. Someone missing...Geoff. But you will find joy in the everyday again. 

You have brought so much joy to my life. I love your sense of humor/sarcasm. You are a good mom, teaching your children about Christ and to be considerate of others. You have become a friend, one of my best friends. I ache that you ache. 

I hope you have an ok birthday. I know not much will be great right now. But I pray that one day you will find greatness in your days to come. I love you!! Happy birthday!!

training

While in Texas Mason and I went shopping for supplies for his 50 miler. When we found this cart I think Mason was more excited than Retta. He actually tried to climb in it! 

We found shirts, boots, socks, pants, and a long sleeve shirt. After the purchase I gently mentioned to Mason that he would be paying for the high adventure himself. He was not please to say the least. I figured paying for his gear and food was plenty. 

These girls loved this cart from Home Depot on a different shopping trip. 

Today Mason and I went on a 4 mile hike while he was carrying a 30 lbs pack. After the first mile and half he wanted to be done. He was hot, sticky, achy, and buggy. By mile 3 he was doing much better. He'll hike again on Wednesday and Friday. Hopefully 6 miles on Friday. Hang in there Mason. It'll be worth it. 

late Father's Day

In May, Bailee asked Brian what he wanted for Father's Day. He asked for the testimony of each family member to be put in a book. None of us were excited to write our testimony but we did.

The Saturday before we gave Brian his gifts since he and the kids were headed back to Chicago.

I don't think we've ever been so grateful for a gift. Wednesday, before Geoff left for Utah, he wrote down his testimony. His testimony will be a keepsake for all his family. Brian scanned it and McKinzie printed and framed it for Anne, his mom. I'm so grateful Brian asked for this gift and grateful that Bailee followed through to put it together. We have had a few tender mercies since his death. 

running

Over the last 3 1/2 weeks I've only ran twice until today. Two days in a row this week! And it's only Tuesday. Yesterday was an adventure. I had planned on getting up at 6 to run. Thunder woke me up before my alarm. It finally stopped raining shortly after 7. Off I went. I was amazed with all the puddles. I had to change up my route due to flooding. 

I took Tank with me and I was so glad very few prople were out due to the storms. There were a couple times I barely kept ahold of him. I don't know how Kinzie takes him on walks. 

This morning I was up at 6. Clouds often makes sunrises and sunsets better. This morning it didn't disappoint. 

When I returned from my run McKinzie and I talked about me going home. I'm not surprised she's ready for me to leave. It's not easy having extra people in your home. I know I would have sent EVERYBODY home just a few days after the funeral. I'm glad I've been able to stay and help. If she needs me back of course I'll come. 

new look

A few days after we came back from San Francisco I took Adam to the eye doctor for McKinzie. He was struggling with a "lazy eye". The Dr. agreed there was a concern but under the age of 10 surgery is never needed. Whew! That was a relief.

He checked his vision and both his eyes needed a prescription. His left eye, the one struggling, had very poor vision. This little boy needed glasses and it never affected his reading or school work. He's such a smartie!

After his appointment we went for a donut. Just the two of us.

A couple weeks later we picked up his glasses. We all think he looks like Clark Kent. ;)

It is amazing at how much these glasses changed his looks. Still a cutie! Both these boys are.