Trying to keep up

I'm behind on my blogging.  Work is taking up way too much of my time these days. 

Last month, Carson and Ray went on Carson's first Cub Scout camp-out.  They had a great time, and photos are still being collected and downloaded.  Look for those soon.

Micah also attended his first day camp at Jeremiah Johnson.  He had a fabulous time.  He brought home lots of fun souvenirs and crafts.  His money for the Trading Post was spent on a bullet necklace.  Here are some photos.

This morning, we got up early (ugh!) and went to Fox field to see the Hot Air Balloons.  This is one of our favorite 4th of July activities.  The fun of seeing those colored balloons in the air never seems to get old.  Carson and Micah could not wait to see the Darth Vader balloon, which made it's first appearance in Provo this year.  We also saw the Coke balloon, the largest balloon in the US.  Of course, we saw some of our other yearly favorites as well.  We watched them go up and color the sky above us.  Happy 4th of July!!

Father's Day

Like children everywhere, I take time to reminisce today about my own father.  And as a family, we do something special for my husband (Ray) who is the father of my children.

My Dad managed to be many things to his daughter.  He was a skilled marksman and took me shooting (much to my mother's dismay).  He taught me his love for nature, fishing, hiking, and what a beautiful world God made for us.  He was very adventurous and wickedly funny.  He loved to have a good time, and colored my life with his wisdom and his laugh.  I love you, Dad!

Ray just got home from Adventure Camp with Carson.  It was Carson's first overnight camp-out with the Cub Scouts.  They both had a lot of fun.  I am happy that Ray is willing to go and do these things with our boys.  Happy Father's Day to you, Ray.

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"In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see."

                       ~Susan Evans McCloud

Wearing two badges

Some people wear "two hats."  Well, I wear two badges. 

I am so happy to say that I was hired by Intermountain Healthcare a little over a week ago.  My job is at the Springville Instacare and Family Practice Clinic.  I am so excited, but must admit that it's a little overwhelming for me right now.  I know I will catch on.  Everyone has those first days.

Since Ray is still unemployed at the moment, I need to keep both of my part-time jobs.  Juggling them and still being a mom, and well . . . we won't get into the myriad of "hats" that I actually wear.  You get the picture.  Anyway, I am very grateful for the new opportunity and hope I live up to it.  I appreciate many employees at Intermountain and the care that they have given to members of my family. 

When I leave for work each day, I actually have to check to make sure I'm wearing the right badge:)  It's sort of humorous to me. 

 

Random memories of Sean

The shock of your death came so swift and unexpected.  It's been strange to read your obituary and all the comments from neighbors and even from Tracy.  It all sounds like you, but an older you than I remember.  My memories go way back to our childhood and growing up, before any of those people even knew you.  I will keep my memories. 

Random memories of you . . .

Your laugh.

Walking home from Firesides at the church.

Babysitting your nieces and nephews together, and you never knowing where to find anything in your own kitchen.

Watching your baseball games, and you running your legs off to talk to me afterward.

Eating at Canton Village in Spanish Fork.  Your piece of chicken slipping from your fork, bouncing in the middle of my food, and then rolling across the floor. 

Rides up the canyon in your Camaro, listening to your favorite album "Foreigner 4."

Me swearing for the 150th time that I would not ride on that motorcycle with you again, and be on the back when you did a wheelie all the way down the street. 

Being Mickey and Minnie mouse in the ward roadshow when we were young, and all the practices for that.

Your letters and phone calls from your mission in Florida.  Even waking us up on Christmas morning.

So many more . . .

Things were not always good between us, Sean.  But there were many lovely days when we were kids without cares or fears.  In our case, those days turned into years.  They were good years, when our parents were friends, and we were also.  You made me feel great about myself.  I will always cherish that.  Be at peace, my friend.

Just for fun

This first pic is just a bath-time mohawk photo.  I just love it so I'm posting it.

 

Summer has come.  I think.  Today is a beautiful sunshiney day, and I haven't been able to spend the time with my boys that I would like to lately.  All the work and all.  So, today we went off to the local Farmer's Market.  We had so much fun walking and browsing and sampling that we stayed over two hours.   We ate some Thai shrimp rolls, spring rolls, and cotton candy.  Dakota couldn't decide what he wanted to take home, so he is saving his money for next time we go.  Proving once again that they are related to me,  Carson chose an Heirloom tomato plant for his garden (Red Zebra).  Micah chose a stunning crystal and a little opalescent owl from the rock shop.  As a side note, the woman selling the rocks and crystals was so nice.  She got out boxes from under the table and held the crystals up to the sun (one by one) so that Micah could choose the perfect one to buy.  Fun!  We can't wait to go again on another sunny Saturday. 

Shocking news

Yesterday I received a phone call from a friend with news she hated to tell me.  A long time friend and neighbor of mine, someone I grew up with, lost his life Tuesday night in a head on collision in American Fork.  Last night, I was feeling the numbness of shock.  Today, all of the 20 or more years of memories are flooding through my mind.  When I can organize them, I will blog further about this.  Life is so precious and so fragile.