good moments all around

Friday morning Bailee invited me to run with her at a local nature preserve. It's not far from our house but I never really consider running anywhere but my usual routine, out my back door. We ran two miles together then I ran a couple more by myself. It was beautiful! I'll be going back. 

Later that day Bailee and I made a treat, Cheese Danishes. We decided to try a few with strawberry and raspberry jam. Yum!!

Earlier in the week Bailee started looking for kittens online to adopt. Oscar has been gone for a year and we need a mouser. Then on Wednesday Cali left two dead mice at the front door. She must have heard us talking and she's not about to let a cute kitten move in on her territory. Thursday there was another dead mouse. We've stopped looking.. :D

I'm loving the fields around here. All the fields are either corn or soybean. These are soybeans. I love the colors they've turned as the growing season comes to an end. The corn fields around here as just as beautiful. I love how straight the rows are. I love how tall the stalks grow. I love how the grass around the fields are mowed and green. 

Throughout this upcoming season, I need to remember there's so much to love here. There's beauty every       where. 

I don't think I've mentioned that Carson was casted in the "Pippi Longstocking" musical!! He's VERY excited!! He got the part of one of the robbers. I think he's mostly in the first act though. He was wishing he had more lines. After his second rehearsal I picked him up and the first thing he said was, "I like singing!!" We were both surprised with the realization. I'm so glad he's enjoying this. I hope he continues to enjoy every moment. 

a scout kind of night

Tonight was Carson's first night as a Webelos. He was as excited tonight as his first day as a Wolf!

Mason also had an exciting night at the court of honor where he received 5 more merit badges. He earned horsemanship, climbing, kayaking, life saving and mammal study. He had also earned chess, at scout camp, but somehow he didn't receive it tonight. Plus, he conducted the meeting tonight. He did great!!

a beautiful start

I love the sunrises of late! This morning was another beauty. While I took Stella out I was in awe of this pink sky.

Another part of my life I'm loving is our garden. I bottles 7 quarts of tomatoes today! I did 3 quarts last week too. There are still more on the plant that I'll need to bottle. Maybe I should think about making salsa. That would be something new for me. 

There are a number of things I haven't blogged about from the summer that I need to share. Now that the Stake camp out is over I don't feel as stressed so hopefully I'm able to share all of our fun soon. I know...one day at a time. ;)

double digits for this boy

I can't believe this boy is 10 years old!! He is such a fun kid! Friday I went to school to have lunch with him. He chose Panda. Yum!!

Today has been such a busy day. I planned and help run our Stake 11 year old camp out. As a presidency we were out at the camp site till 10 last night then we were back this morning at 6:30. The weather was perfect! And the boys were great!! I'm so grateful for our Wards 11 year old leaders. They were very helpful with executing the workshops this morning. Most of the boys will be able to pass off their Tenderfoot requirements. 

This afternoon Carson auditioned for his first play! It's a musical!! He was so nervous. He did great and we should hear if he got a part on Sunday. 

Then this afternoon and evening we had a party in our backyard. Carson had 8 friends come over and they played hard! They LOVED the bounce house!!

They played so hard they brought the bounce house down!! We played one game then they made up games and ran around the entire yard. No joke!! They should all sleep well tonight. I stopped them long enough to have cake and open presents. 

After the party Carson opened his gifts from the family. 

I think it's been a great day and an even more amazing party!!

I love you Carson!! I'm so glad you're a part of our family!! You bring so much joy to us!! I'm sure the next 10 years will be just as adventurous!! Happy birthday!!

17 years

This girl has had only a few birthdays at school. This could be her last too! I wanted to make it special for her. I delivered balloons to her as she was arriving back to school from the career center. Now EVERYONE will know it's her special day. When she got home from school she said she was sung to 7 times!

Bailee left her a message in her parking spot as well. ☺️ For dinner we went to Outback. (Bonus for me. No cooking!)

After presents and cake Karlee told me this has been her best birthday ever! Whew! This day has been a success!

I love you Karlee!! 

Happy 50th Anniversary!!

August 6 was Larry and Julie's 50 wedding anniversary! Us kids put together an open house for them. I think it turned out pretty nice.

Holly and I brainstormed about the centerpieces. She put together the centerpieces, while I brought the gold ribbon.

I started working on this wall hanging back in February. This is my first project I did completely on my own. Julie chose a couple of fabric lines for me to choose from. She sent me family pictures from the early years. Then I started drawing out my idea on graph paper. I'm pleased at how it turned out. There are a few mistakes, but I won't point them out. ;)

Claudia put together this book for people to sign. She also put together a slide show that ran throughout the afternoon.

Janae had the invitations printed and had them mailed out to everyone. We tried to divide the cost between everyone so no one was over burdened. I think we did a fairly good job with that.

 Shon and Holly took care of the refreshments. They were treats that Larry and Julie enjoy. M&Ms, peanuts, chocolate, and popcorn. The staples of life!

Carson took the next four pictures.  He had fun being a photographer. Overall he did a great job! 

Of course we had family pictures done!

 

cliff jumping

After the falls we went to the reservoir for swimming and jumping. 

 

 I couldn't believe Carson jumped with all the rest! He loved it!!

 

 

 

After swimming I headed to Boise to pick Brian up from the airport. His flight didn't come in till 11 so I stopped by Richard and Tanya's for a bit. It was great visiting with them.