county fair fun

Tall One's pod at Elevation. Elevation is a week long PE class offered by our new online school.  It included lots of rock climbing, rope ascending, swimming, leadership, teamwork, self introspect.  He had an amazing time.  We want to remember Elevated Ethics:  serve, go first, build, and respect.  While he enjoyed this we enjoyed our county fair.

 The fair has become a week of tradition.  We always enter critters in the small animal barn.  Ike did especially well this year earning best in breed and  2nd in showmanship.  He also sold 5 bunnies and enjoyed the rewards of salesmanship.

 These are my sunshine/sunflowers.

 Roping is a favorite part of the "fun on the farm" exhibit.  I am amazed how much these rural kids enjoy this tour of where our food comes from.

 This is a new event this year that was a lot of fun for kids of all ages.  The shorter one was for short people only.  It worked pretty good though Tall One scraped his nose with the big ball.  They were pretty heavy/duty.

Cute children, summer fun!

 We have loved having Elise and her children come and visit.

 It has led to camp outs, park visits, 

story time,

 bubbles,

and lots of beautiful smiles.

Power Within

One week ago I had the opportunity of attending a power training.  Not knowing quite what to expect but trusting my good friends recommendation, I committed with Tall One and we dragged Mr. O. along.  We were given an amazing deal on the price and spent the next two days changing from the inside.

I have never experienced anything quite like it.  We felt safe yet challenged.  I did things I have never done before.  I accepted assignments I would normal run from and then received a re-do on them.  I felt stretched physically, mentally, emotionally, and feed spiritually.  This kind of training is usually done for corporations building a team, professionals seeking power.  For us, a group of youth and parents,  we were an exception.  It worked so well to our advantage.  We were equals as we watched one another struggle with similar challenges, doubts, tears, and triumphs.  I got to observe my own 15 yo stretch in uncomfortable ways, rise to new challenges.  I got to see my husband of 27 years have new "a ha" moments and become teachable in a way he normal refuses to even consider.  We found power within each of us that we hadn't even been looking for.  We faced blocks that have kept us from progressing.  We learned to think beyond the boundaries and find solutions.  We even began to trust the process we did not understand and then walked across hot coals in our bare feet without pain or logical explanation.

I learned that life is bigger than I think.  I can do more than I thought.  Fear does not bless my life and failing does not end it.  I learned that when we join in community or fellowship we become stronger, we become closer to one another.  When we look into another's eyes seeking to really see - we do.  There is so much we can learn by listening to others and the things they see in us.  There are ways I can bless others by speaking up and sharing the power I see in them.

I also learned that having a vision is important.  Remembering that vision is important.  Writing it down, praying over it, and writing again is important.  Having a goal, a direction,  a road map is important and listening to my guide and my loved ones is important.  Being willing to be teachable, accepting feedback, and making course corrections is important. I learned that I can do hard things, even impossible things, when I need to (and its easier when surrounded by good people cheering you on).

I have a vision.  I will fight for my vision. I am a powerful woman with a purpose and I am not alone.

Rock Climbing fun

Tall One's first effort at lead climbing was a success.  Our girl on the ropes kept us all safe.

Sunshine and I had our first try at climbing and stopped when we were ready.

Ike made it to the top.  Sure is good to have him back.  Fun to have this option so close to home.

Apricot Jam

I have been praying for apricots.  I wanted to make jam.  Found one tree but had few apricots on it.  While at the store buying sugar and canning lids the checker asked what I would be canning.  I told her I was hoping someone would give me apricots.  She offered her neighbors tree!  It worked out great and we have had plenty of apricots with enough to share.

To make apricot jam find apricots and pick them.

 Because we didn't know if we would get back that way again the boys just picked everything they could reach and we spread them out on a big table.  They have been ripening some every day.  Every 2 days I do a double batch of jam.

 Wash ripe fruit well. Take out pit and drop fruit in blender.  Puree.

 Measure pureed fruit into large pot.  Stir in sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stir occasionally.

Boil 12 minutes. It will foam, just watch that it doesn't go over.  After a few minutes of boiling, the foam goes away.  Ladle into clean jars then place lids on having brought the lids and rings to a boil.  I then steam process them for 15 minutes, label jars, and enjoy the beauty of freshly bottled jam.

Apricot Jam

9 cup apricots pureed

4 Tb lemon juice

8 cups sugar

Bring to full rolling boil for 12 minutes.  Pour injars.  Process 15 minutes.  Makes about 6 pints. (3/4 of an ice cream bucket for 1 batch.)

Squash Season

Zucchini Avocado Salad

2 cups cubed zucchini

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed.

1/4 cup oil (I used olive)

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt

Steam the zucchini for about 4 minutes or until tender.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix well. Serve chiled.

I'm okay.

Sometimes (often) plans don't go as expected.

Wednesday

• Mr. O. invited me to accompany him to Seattle for a short job and then an over night get-away.  Amber helped me buy my standby ticket and the flight looked good.
• Got news the the transmission in our new car is shot.
• Organized family to take car of each other while gone.

Thursday

• Up by 4:40 to get to the airport for an 8:30 flight.  Green smoothie for both of us
• arrive on time to airport.  Check my bag.   Chosen to be randomly checked for explosives but still clear security.
• watch Mr. O board flight while told there isn't room for me
• wait 2.5 hours for next flight, get my walking in between terminals
• watch as next flight fills up without me.  Realize the next several flights don't look good.
• find a free shuttle to tour temple square (extra long due to construction).  Mr. O had the keys to the car.
• do a session at the temple, find lunch, find the trax station, ride trax which stops for a time at 700 S because of a broken down train and again at 2100 S.
• walk to sisters house and get a ride to empty parents house where our old (still working great but didn't sell) car is waiting.
• wait for 5:00 traffic to clear(?) and begin drive home.  Call a sister and a sister in law to go to a movie, both decline.  ( really want to see 17 Miracles but it may take a miracle itself)
• spend 1 hour going 2 miles because of car accident ahead.  I worry that someone may be hurt, been there.
• shop at Sam's club, arrive home just after 10
• never cried or felt sorry for myself.
• Mr. O spent night doing reports in a nice hotel room alone. He doesn't cry.

It really should have been a huge disappointment but I was able to just roll along.  I feel so empowered and blessed.  It felt fine.  No worries.  It will all work out.  I knew I was being watched over and I could handle the challenges.  There was a time when I would have wanted to find a quiet corner and cry but I was fine.  

Friday

• I get to make apricot jam.
• Mr. O comes home and brings my bag.  I have my personal items again.  We are all home.  I like home best.  I'm okay.

another week of fun

Tall One likes attending EFY and organized it again this year.  He recruited all the cousins he could (Thanks, Anna) and she recruited a friend.  We choose the stay-at-home option because it is so much more economical. It is so fun to see them nervously begin the week knowing they will have to make new friends and reach out to then get through a great week and by Friday be so sorry to say goodbye to their new friends.  There is something very special that happens when sharing intense learning, fun, and seeking the spirit that allows a connecting and a bonding that brings people close together.

 I love seeing large groups of youth respectfully and anxiously listening and sharing, learning and growing, in gospel subjects.  Scriptures are involved and God's word is taught.

This is just one of maybe 6 such groups gathered in this place for the week.

 We had to go to the city and stay in Grandma's house so they could do their stay-at-home program.  While the youth were busy with their all day activities we found some fun things to do.

 The children's museum was a lot of fun.

 I remember this horse from when my first children came to the children's museum.

 Doodle loved playing house in this great playhouse

We also went on some great bike rides

 Spent time with cousins and at the park

It was a lot of fun.