HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  This has always been one of my favorite holidays - it's summer and warm, and we are so blessed to live in the United States of America.  It is not perfect, but it was a nation created by men inspired and led by God, and we experience freedoms that many in the world do not.  

I hope you had a great week, celebrating the holiday with your families.  Angella celebrated the week by taking care of Ben, who got his tonsils and adenoids removed on July 1st.  He was pretty droopy at the hospital but didn't take him long to bounce back. 

There were a few moments of uncertainty about whether he would have to stay in the hospital overnight, but once his oxygen levels and heart rate were able to be maintained at a certain level, they sent him on his way.  

 Jonathan, Kate, and Sayre spent the week working (Kate and Jonathan), swimming, playing card games, and yesterday, bowling.  I think they also got to see some fireworks last night.  Kate took some family photos for a friend this week, and called shortly afterwards, looking a little bedraggled - she said it was so hot and humid.  (it reminded me a little of in the Work and the Glory when so many of the saints, just getting to Nauvoo,  came down with Malaria).  

 

 Next week, Jonathan heads to Canada for the International Trombone Festival, and Kate and Sayre are coming to Colorado for a short visit.  We are looking forward so much to spending time with them. 😄

 Adam took the kids up to the mountains this week for some ATV'ing/trail bike riding, and just had a few minor mishaps 😊 Everyone survived (even the ATV's), Lily came home with a scarred elbow, and Jake's bike needs a new part.  On the 4th, they found a spot for fireworks behind the new Ford Amphitheatre, a prime viewing location to see the shows.  

  As I am writing this, Adam, Cory, and kids are on their way to Arizona for a week of "fun in the sun.  See you soon!

 Kim sent me this photo this morning, reminding me that just a year ago we were attending Mass at St. Peter's Bacillica at the Vatican in Rome.  It was such an amazing experience.  

Chris just reminded me about how hot and humid it was, and we were so thirsty that we stopped at a McDonald's just outside Vatican City, where we got the best Cokes and some delicious cheese bread.  

ALSO, Max just got a new and better job at the MTC.  He is amazing and I know he will do great things!

Dad and I spent many days this week working in the backyard, and although we're not finished, it's looking much better.  On Thursday, I stayed with Helma, who was in the hospital, while her daughter, Donna, took some time for herself and got her hair done.  At one point, a technician came in and performed an echocardiogram.  It was an amazing perspective to see how the heart works and a testimony to me of the miracle in the creation of our bodies.  

We've also celebrated this week, watching The Patriot, Gettysburg, and 1776 - 😁

 As everyone knows, I am NOT a gardener, and most everything I plant eventually dies.  However, this summer I had these plants that started to grow - at first I thought they were weeds, but they looked like pretty weeds, so I didn't pull them out.  AND then they blossomed 😁!  I vaguely remember last year, planting some lilies (and of course they died), but they must be perennials, because they reappeared 🌼.  

 One last thought I wanted to share with you . . . 

 A couple of weeks ago, Jake was here and I asked him what his favorite Primary song was.  He said it is a song called "My Own Sacred Grove".  I had not heard of it before, so he sang a couple of the lines to me.  It still wasn't familiar, but today in our Primary, they began teaching it to our kids.  I love it and hope it will be included in our Primary program in the Fall - Please listen when you have a minute ❤

My Own Sacred Grove

"I will find my own Sacred Grove, away from the noise of the world.

I will turn to prayer, for I know He's there,

I will find my own Sacred Grove."

Primary really is the best place to be!

Dad and I are taking a break this week to spend a few days in Phoenix with whoever happens to show up. I am looking forward to NOT worrying about the house and yard, and spending lots of time reading, swimming, and visiting.  

LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO MUCH!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO ANGELLA AND CHRIS!  They both celebrate their birthdays on June 26th.

 It was nice to have dinner with Angella and Ben on Thursday.  She picked Texas Roadhouse which we hadn't been to for a long time - it was so good.  

Angella works so hard to take care of her family and new apartment.  She is a great example to me of working through the challenges and relying on the Lord when needing extra help.  We love you, Angella!

 Chris and Kim celebrated with dinner out and a trip to the Temple.  Chris is such a blessing to our family.  His kindness and sense of humor make him one of my favorite people in the world. He makes us laugh and is the best tour guide and travel agent ever.   Thank you, Chris ❤

 

 We were so sad to see Kim leave Tuesday afternoon, but we had such a wonderful visit.  "Rosarita" really came to town, and she helped me get so many things done around the house.   Someone else was really droopy after she left . . . Wednesday evening, we couldn't get Sendai to eat her dinner, and by Friday, when she still wasn't eating, we contacted our Vet and were able to take her in yesterday morning.  He prescribed antibiotics and a probiotic, and she is doing much better.  She has regained her appetite and appears to have more energy. Yay!  

  Kate and Jonathan are home from their week in Arizona at the Allen Family Reunion.  Kate said they had a great time.  Sayre got in a lot of cousin time and spent hours in the pool.  I am looking forward to our time in Phoenix in a couple of weeks.  For me, there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my family and creating memories that last forever. (especially as the grandkids are growing up so quickly). 

 Got to have Hollie and Ben Friday night and had such a great  time with them.  Saturday, Ben wanted to go to the Mall, and had a list of things he wanted to do - go to the food court and get a pretzel, play at the play place, and get ice cream.  We accomplished it all, and by the time we got home, he was so, so tired.  It didn't take much for him to go to sleep, and he even slept in this morning.  

 So you all know I am not really a "meme" person, but this showed up in a Facebook feed last week, and I loved it so much I just had to share - 

Now, I am not pointing fingers at anyone here - even Dad thought this was funny.  But we do have a couple of projects we hope to finally get done.  😁

ALSO - I am not sure if anyone would be interested in this hall tree.  Grandpa made it years ago and it really is a nice piece of furniture. The photo is not the best, but it has a mirror. and a wooden box that fits in the front for keys, glasses, etc., and hooks for coats.  

 It is one of the last pieces of furniture in Shannon's storage unit and we will probably put it on marketplace, or give to Goodwill in the next couple of weeks.  

      Can you believe this week we will celebrate the 4th of July?  It is one of my favorite holidays, and I always look forward to it, however, I would like to drag our Summer time out just a little longer.  It seems that once the 4th has come and gone, we start seeing the store shelves stocked with back-to-school clothes, books, etc., and Fall leaves and pumpkins on display.  I love our warm weather and having breakfast outside in the mornings. 🌞

 Dad and I are so excited to be going to the Temple in a few weeks with the cutest couple in our ward.  They have 5 children and just joined the Church a year ago.  They came to our home for the Temple Prep classes, so we were invited to be with them and help them during their first time there.  We have really missed our Temple shift on Saturdays.  There is just something special about being in the Temple and feeling all of the stress and anxiety from the week slip away, replaced with peace and calm.  I love this quote by President Nelson - 

“Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples.”

 

   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SAMANTHA!   Sammi celebrated her 19th birthday on Wednesday this week - Where does the time go?????  I remember still the day Adam called and said she had arrived.  She is fun and funny, and always makes us laugh.  She has the most tender heart, yet can be fierce if the need arises (i.e. the megaphone she carries in her car to encourage other drivers to get out of her way, and the knife she sleeps and sometimes carries in her purse. 😁).  We love you Sammi and can't wait to see what your future holds ❤

Samantha spent her birthday afternoon at the Outlets in Castle Rock.  Paul drove us and did an amazing job, and we just had a fun day wandering through shops.  

Not only did we wander through the shops, some of us also found the Furniture For Life store - massage chairs - and had to take a break 😀

Before he got sick on Tuesday, Adam was able to get his table stained and set up in their theatre room.  He did a great job, and I think it looks so nice.  

 They also put in new carpeting and Cory did some painting.  

  I am ready for a movie night! 

  BEST SURPRISE OF THE WEEK!

  Last Sunday evening, Dad and I were relaxing, watching an episode of All Creatures Great and Small, when we heard voices coming through our front door.  Kim got a flight into the Springs, and Sammi and Lily picked her up at the airport.  What a treat!!! We have stayed busy this week pulling weeds, planting flowers, shopping, cooking (mostly Kim), visiting Shannon, and relaxing outside under the pergola.  Our days have been full, and we have walked a lot of steps.  She is going to try to go home on Tuesday, so tomorrow is our last chance to stir things up in Colorado Springs.  

BLIZZARD'S IN JUNE, ANYONE?

Yesterday, after we left Shannon, Kim and I went to Dairy Queen with Angella, Ben, and Eilis, to see Hollie and take in some Dairy Queen blizzards. YUM!  They were truly delicious, and we had a fun time visiting.  

 Eilis got a promotion at Canes, so she is working more hours, which leaves Hollie home to watch Ben while Angella is working.  I love watching how these girls take such good care of him - (and only torment him occasionally 😊)  They are great sisters and work hard at taking care of each other and Ben.  

FAMILY NEWS ~

*Dad had hand surgery this week, and it went very well.  He is healing, though his finger is still very sore.

*Friday we got our new refrigerator!  Yay!!!

*Thursday, Kim came upstairs and gave us the bad news that our walls and carpet in the downstairs bedroom and bathroom were the victims of a leaking pipe.  It turned out that our kitchen faucet was broken and AGAIN it leaked into the downstairs, so AGAIN we have to have sheetrock repair done and replace the carpet. (we did the sheetrock just a couple of months ago for the same issue 😒)

*Shannon has declined quite a bit over the last 10 days.  Kim and I visited her on Friday and Saturday, and she spoke very little, often being unresponsive to questions.  She used a walker on Friday, and we walked for a few minutes before she became tired.  She can no longer feed herself. The person we spoke with at Lark Springs is unsure if this might be temporary. 

*Grant had minor surgery on Friday also, and Chris has been his caregiver this weekend.

*Max did not love climbing Mt Timpanogas 😄

* Kate, Jonathan, and Sayre are off to Phoenix on Tuesday for their family reunion.

* Kate says everyone needs to look for these at Costco 

SUNDAY SELFIES

 We took Sendai with us to Adam's house tonight. She did fairly well, staying away from the fence (only slipped up once), and spent quite a bit of time in the house.

With so many crazy things happening in our family over the last couple of weeks, we could easily get discouraged and frustrated.  But we haven't felt that.  We know that Heavenly Father is watching over us and is helping us to learn patience and to listen to the Holy Ghost.  We feel His love and know that He has answered our prayers time and again.  Love you so much!

 

SO MANY GREAT THINGS TO CELEBRATE THIS WEEK!

1.  TODAY is Spencer's birthday!  Spencer taught us all about being grandparents, and little did we know that it would bring more joy into our lives than we ever thought possible.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SPENCER!  WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH ❤

2.  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the most wonderful men in my life!

 

Your goodness as a father is reflected in the most amazing grandchildren who bless our lives.  Thank you so much for loving your wives and children. 

 

 That is one of the things I always remember about my dad - how much he loved and honored our mom.  I miss him ❤

Oops, trouble in paradise this week . . .

Dad and Adam were in the garage working on a table Adam is building for their theatre room, when Dad lost the tip of his little finger to the jointer 😩.  We spent most of the remainder of the day in the emergency room, where they soaked, cleaned, snipped a little here and there, ex-rayed, and finally bandaged up the best they could and then referred Dad to a hand surgeon. 

All of that happened on Wednesday, and Dad was able to see the hand surgeon Friday morning.  There isn't much they can do for the finger except clean it thoroughly and remove what nail is left, and hope that a new nail will grow back.  He will be going back this week to have that done. 

DON'T STOP READING YET BECAUSE WEDNESDAY ISN'T OVER . . .

 We were so tired by the time we got home from the emergency room and I told Dad I just really needed a scoop of ice cream.  Dad said he would like some also, so when I got the ice cream out and opened it up, the entire container was like soup.  We discovered that not only was our freezer not working, but the entire refrigerator had died 😢. 

Jake came over on Thursday with Adam and helped me take all of the food in the refrigerator upstairs to the one we have in the kitchen downstairs.  AND I just don't know what it is about not having a fridge close at hand. I've had the worst time feeling motivated to cook anything if I have to go downstairs to get the ingredients. (it could be that it is so full it is hard to find anything)   Dad and I went out Friday evening and bought a new one.  Thanks so much to Kim for suggesting we look at a place that sells slightly scratched or dented ones, and to Adam, who knew where such a place was in Colorado Springs .   

  It was so fun to see Jake this week.  He is always such a great helper and never slows down.  When they were ready to leave Thursday evening, this is just a little bit of what his shirt looked like. I told him to leave it with me and I would use my magic stain stick on it.  He reminds me so much of Adam when he was little - his clothes always had a little bit of dirt mixed with his lunch and dinner on the front.    To my surprise, the stain remover worked!

I think I like to do laundry almost as much as Kim does. 😁

Tomorrow I will finish up my last assignment for the Humanities course I am taking.  I didn't think I would, but actually ended up really enjoying it.  Thanks to Kate and Jonathan, who helped me with selections for the classical music part.   As part of our final project, we had to describe two books considered to be classics that we will read over the next couple of years.  I am embarrassed to say that I have never read Jane Eyre, so that was at the top of my list, as well as The Grapes of Wrath.  

  I feel we have really been watched over and blessed this week. Adam was here when Dad hurt himself and was able to get him into the house before passed out (it looked pretty gruesome).  Adam and Chris Riggs gave Dad a blessing, and I know that has helped in the healing process.  I have had a mild headache for the last 10 days (I think it is eye strain) but this morning I woke up and it was gone! Yay!  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for our Savior who understands our pains and trials and blesses us with the strength to get through them.   

Have wonderful, wonderful week!