I am happy to keep a blog. It gives me a reason to reflect on the rainbows in my life. Today was so full of color and light that I can honestly say it chased away any residual clouds from previous stormy days.
At 4 AM Scott and I lay awake in our room. We were waiting for the alarm to go off at 4:45 AM. Danielle and Micah were invited to go on a trip with their grandparents to a ranch in Nevada. They were to be ready at the door at 5 AM. I think Scott and I were both a little nervous about having our family divided and potentially not waking up in time. We didn't sleep well. I helped wash Danielle's hair, dress her and put the most beautiful french braids with ribbons in her hair I had ever done. I take a little too much pride in having girls with braids, curls or fancy ribbons! I felt pleased with my work and then took extra time with Micah.
We said our goodbyes and then I set out on a long run. It has been 5 weeks since I have run more than 5 miles. I broke my toe and it has been a little ginger. I was determined to run 10 miles despite my lack of sleep. I took Scott's MP3 player. As I listened to tunes and pounded the pavement, I didn't even feel the distance on my legs. At about 9 miles I started playing games in my head, should I keep going? I have been feeling disappointed that I did not run the Great Potato Half Marathon last weekend. It was too expensive and not wise timing with family and a hurt toe. I really wanted to prove to myself that I had it in me to go the distance. (There is very little personal time in a mother's life and reading and exercise is my guilty pleasure) When I came up on 10 miles I looked at my watch and realized that if I ran 7:30 minute miles the last three miles I would hit a benchmark time. I started circling my neighborhood over and over until I hit exactly 13.1 miles on my Garmin. Yea...I overcame a huge hurdle this morning. It was all in my head, just like anything that requires self-discipline. I was pleased to clock in a PR of 1:45:33 with still gas in the tank and without the adrenaline of a race. It was a great boost to the start of the day.
In the afternoon we took our remaining five children to the park. Man it seemed quiet all day. We really missed Danielle and Micah! Funny how that happens! We ate a picnic and played for hours.
We climbed trees and crossed a little stream.
I love watching the kids delight in the outdoors.
We left Castle Park and I dropped Scott, James, Isaac and Thomas off at Pierce Park Golf course. The manager was kind and refused to charge us for any of the boys. The four of them golfed best shot for nine holes.
While the boys golfed I was able to take Gideon and Eliza and get an oil, lube and filter, vacuum and wash the van and run a return to the store. It worked out perfectly.
After many hours in the sun it is not uncommon to want to come home and veg in the AC for a while. I had another vision in mind. We unloaded the van and started mowing, weeding and sweeping the yard and driveway. Everyone participated. Gideon ran around stealing every ones yard tools while Eliza and Isaac played basketball with the pine cones, shooting into the garbage bag. Eventually we got all the yard work done by 6:30 PM. (Picture compliments of an oldest son who caught me by surprise) 
Scott made some BBQ chili dogs and I bathed Thomas, Gideon and Eliza. We even did curlers in the hair for Sunday morning (don't expect any pictures, she pulled them out in her bed because they were "bumpy"). Scott left at 7:30 PM for a boys night out. He went to a grill to watch an ultimate fighting match with my dad and brother.
After many hours in the sun it is not uncommon to want to come home and veg in the AC for a while. I had another vision in mind. We unloaded the van and started mowing, weeding and sweeping the yard and driveway. Everyone participated. Gideon ran around stealing every ones yard tools while Eliza and Isaac played basketball with the pine cones, shooting into the garbage bag. Eventually we got all the yard work done by 6:30 PM. (Picture compliments of an oldest son who caught me by surprise) Scott made some BBQ chili dogs and I bathed Thomas, Gideon and Eliza. We even did curlers in the hair for Sunday morning (don't expect any pictures, she pulled them out in her bed because they were "bumpy"). Scott left at 7:30 PM for a boys night out. He went to a grill to watch an ultimate fighting match with my dad and brother. Everyone is in bed now (Scott is reading the Princess Academy teehee) and I find myself sitting here downloading pictures. I am feeling extremely grateful for such a successful day. We loved spending quality time together away from the day to day stress. These are the days I wish I could bottle and save for those that feel like down pours. I have so much to delight and find happiness in and I believe the words of many who say "these are the best days of your life, enjoy them they go by too fast"! My cup is definitely half full today.
Eliza has sure loved Mrs. Laura's Advantage Preschool. Eliza is the first child that we have sent to regular preschool. We have done co-ops and Joy School in the past. She was initially shy but soon made many friends. This week the kids put on a performance at a local retirement home.
Shoshone Falls
This is a sharp group of Scouts.
Scott and James loved the mountain biking. James Kyle said it was tough.
Gideon is particularly fond of Grandma Stevens. He demands her love and affection above all other grandchildren. He snuggles his head on her shoulder often and rocks with her. Grandma says that Gideon is The General in the family. 
We love our little General. He is such a bright spot in our day.He is growing up each day and is a constant reminder that our baby days are over. He is still so sweet to snuggle and loves to read, especially 
We are so grateful for Grandmas and a tiny General Gideon.
We spent the week celebrating the safe arrival home of Elder Jonathon Stevens! He served valiantly in Argentina for two years.
We 
Elder Stevens shared many stories and spoke in church twice. We love his humble, sweet spirit.
The house was crowded with people, noise, laughter, tired babies and the love of a tight knit family.
The women never stopped preparing meals, feeding children and cleaning up.
Last but not least the cousins never stopped playing, loving every minute of it. Well....most of the cousins most of the time. What would we do without a loving family and the example of a faithful missionary paving the way?
