Grandma's new furniture

We had dinner at grandma's house on Sunday. We finally got to see the new sectional. We love it. 

Some good family time 

Homecoming

Yesterday held the promise of football and fun. Josh went to his first tail gate party. The band played and joined in the festivities. 

There was a forcast of rain for the evening. But Craig and I didn't really believe it. The day had been beautiful. We took blankets because I lime to sit on something a little softer than just the metal bleachers. We took jackets because it can get a little chilly in the evening. 

We arrived in plenty of time, I thought. But because it was homecoming the bleachers were already filling up an hour before kickoff. 

A picture waiting for the game to start. 

Boaz felt a few drops on his head and wanted to protect it. 

Craig leaned into for a picture with two of his favorite people. 

Thea had taken the night off at the restaurant where she works so she could see Josh play during half time. 

As we waited, Craig and I watched the clouds grow darker. We heard the announcement that lightening was close and the game was delayed for 30 minutes. 

We watched people gather up blankets and leave the bleachers. Then the announcement came that they were evacuating the metal bleachers. Thea had already headed to the car. She had driven separately. 

We saw a big tent and decided to wait out the rain. 

We were not the only ones that had that idea. The clouds opened and spilled buckets.

I was happy that Craig was there to share the moment and the decisions with. 

Eventually, we filed back into the stands. This time we were right up against the student section. Not as good seats. The band decided that they were done. No anthem, but we stood for the Pledge. Our team started slow, but were coming back. Then Craig got Josh's call. The band was headed home. They have a big day today. A band competition in Caldwell. 

We headed home foe Mexican hot chocolate. 

I still don't know what happened at the game.  But I do know the rain started up again and the lightening lit the sky for quite a while last night. 

Still memories were made and the family was together. 

Local tourist spot

Craig came this weekend. He flew into Idaho Falls. 

After my morning run, I got ready and was in IF early. What could I do for almost an hour and still be close to the airport?

I decided to walk along the Falls. I have lived here almost four years, and I have never wandered the path across from the Falls. 

I love the blocky rocks. I'm pretty sure they are volcanic. The river gurgled merrily over the rugged rocks. In the background, you can see the man-made barrier. I guess it is there to keep the river level and try and tame the Snake. 

I am drawn to the wild aspects of the river. I do understand this river flows through a city and must be somewhat tame. 

Geese love to stand on the barrier. I'm not sure why, but I like it. It's fun to see. 

The man-made barrier is so straight. There is a charm to them. Running water is always wonderful. 

But I prefer God's workmanship. The water can dance and sing in harmony in the rocks. 

The curtain of water from the dike and the dancing water on the rocks. The back drop - the House of The Lord. 

I love to see the temple. 

I did it!

I have been having a hard time lately getting my run in. I pulled a calf muscle and started walking a bit here and a bit there. I've been trying to get back into the run, but I would stop three or more times on my route. I found that so frustrating that I just didn't want to do it anymore. 

This morning I got the boys off to school and set out. I did make one small stop to tie my shoe, but I went right back to my run, so it doesn't count. 

I ran my route today. Just over a mile and a half. 

I'm happy. 

Teaching moment

I love that Josh is happy and willing to teach Boaz how to tie a tie. He is very patient and takes the time to demonstrate at Boaz's pace. 

It is important to keep the tie straight. 

It is important to hold onto the tail. 

All the folds of that knot. 

We were a bit rushed to get to Church 30 minutes early so Josh could help prepare the sacrament. I didn't get a picture of the final product, but Boaz tied his tie with his older brother's help. That is a happy moment for this momma for ever. 

Seminary blessings

There are many blessing associated with seminary. My boy eats lunch with a group over at the seminary building. Seminary is his favorite class, I excluded band from his choices. He is learning to love Church History and the Doctrine and Covenants. 

The blessing that got me writing this post has to do with devotionals. His turn was Friday. He thought about it for several days. We talked about possibilities that he could do. 

I was anxious Friday after school to see how it went. He was waiting for me to ask so he could tell me all about it. He choose to read Joshua 1:9. He thinks Joshua rocks, mostly because he is named after the author. 

The verse says:

9    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

He happily discovered that The Lord told Joshua to be strong and of a good courage several times. 

He told me he doesn't remember what he said, but that he got very emotional. For a 14 year old boy, that is rather embarrassing.

We talked about where that emotion comes from and what it means. I had to drag it out of him that it was the Spirit, but he knew it was. I said it was a gift and that we should honor the Spirit by recognizing him when he blesses us with such a confirmation. 

He told me that in seminary the teacher says that it is time for the students to find out for themselves if the gospel is true. But that he already knows. He has always known. He can't remember not knowing.  

He got a lot of good feedback from the teacher and his class mates. I hope he puts as much effort into  the next time. 

I look at him and think he is much farther ahead than I was at his age. The righteousness of the rising generation amazes me. 

Family ride

Craig came home this weekend. We tried to fit as much family time as possible. We started off with a family bike ride. 

He was on top of things enough to take a picture. Thea is the leader, then Boaz, Josh and I am last in the picture. Obviously, Craig was behind me with the camera. 

Later in the day we went to a movie. "Guardians of the Galaxy" was a fun flick. It is fun to spend time with Craig. Somehow he just makes the day better. 

Sunrise

Taking Boaz to the bus stop, we saw this. 

I took a picture to send to Craig. 

Learning a new skill

This past Sunday was the week Craig stayed in Kansas. He comes home every other weekend. This past week I went through Boaz's closet and found two youth ties. 

So, on Sunday, Boaz decided to wear a real tie; not just a zipper one. 

Josh is a new teacher and so we need to be to Church a half hour early so he could prepare the sacrament. I grabbed a tie to teach Boaz how to tie a tie when we got to Church. 

Josh saw what I was doing and said, "I got this Mom". He proceeded to undo his tie and show his little brother the complexities of tying a tie. 

His first attempt.  I think he did a good job. I took a picture and sent to to Craig to document the occasion. 

At the fair

A great picture of Boaz and Tayvin. 

Learning about centrifical force. 

We didn't get a picture of Josh and Bowen on their ride. But Josh got a souvineer. His phone fell out of his pocket at the apex of a big ride. We are currently waiting for the replacement phone we found on Amazon. A much better deal. And since we no longer have land line, and considering how busy Josh's life is getting, he needs a phone. 

Fair food for all. 

The highlight, we went to the bull rides. Ivan came up and Brad and Kris came.  I didn't get any pictures, but I screamed a lot. So fun. 

First day of school

I took some pictures of the boys for Craig. Craig is working in Kansas for a bit. 

Boaz is starting in fifth grade. This is his last year in elementary school. He is getting so big. 

He loves this shirt. A good find at Walmart. 

The bright socks make him happy, and they almost match. 

Josh posed in protest. 

Not a happy face. But making a statement wearing his Flash shirt. 

I caught a smile. 

Laughing as I continued to snap pictures. 

Josh is a Freshman in High School. That freaks me out a bit. I remember high school. It was fun, but I remember lots of kids going off the deep end.  But Josh is enrolled in seminary. He has great young men's leaders. We read scriptures every morning (almost). I am refocusing on Family Home Evening. Summer always messes with my routine. And he is a good boy. He has good friends. And I talk and listen. He talks and sometimes listens. 

We'll make it through high school. 

I give myself this pep talk often. 

Marching band

Josh and I went to the high school to register him. We are staying in Southeast Idaho and I have been getting back into the swing of things. 

We spoke with the counseling office secretary, filled out the class request form and made an appointment to speak with a counselor. In the process, we decided to stop by the band room. We met the new band teacher. He was having a small meeting that we inturrupted. I felt bad, but when he found out that Josh played the trombone he got super excited. It was the last possible day to join the marching band.

Josh had to make a decision - marching band or cross country. I wanted him to decide. I thought he would choose cross country. I had him call his dad and talk it over with him. Craig is very good at planning and seeing long term. He had some good points and Josh decided on band. 

We have spent two weeks doing band camp. Six hours a day the first week and four or so hours a day the second week. I've paid half the fees, hemmed a uniform, run him back and forth and attended the first football game of the year (the weekend before school started).

I don't have a good picture of just him in his uniform, but is have a few of the band. 

On the field. 

Josh is the trombone in the middle of the picture. 

The show. 

I think Josh is on the left edge of the picture. Trying to get a close up on the phone is a bit harder than just a regular camera. 

Josh is the third trombone in the band. They were so excited to have him. He has enjoyed the practices, but the performances freak him out a bit. It is a lot to learn; marching, memorizing the music, and the routines. 

It keeps him busy and focused. Isn't that what you want for a high school student?  I think so.