Marissa goes to Young Women's Camp

Emily Alana, Meg and Marissa

Marissa's cabin and bunk bed (ever so neat)

Marissa left on Tuesday, June 28 until Friday, July 1 to finish her third year of Young Women's camp.  This was the first time in five years that the girls were NOT camping in tents, instead they were at a ranch south of Elizabethtown.  It was also the first time at this location.  Everything was provided - bunk beds, food, shelter.  Wow!  The girls slept in large dorm-style rooms with 12 girls in each room.  This year they had all the girls of the same "Camp Year" stay together instead of having the girls from each ward stay together.  It has pluses and minuses (as Marissa puts it).  She really liked being with the other girls from Crestwood 2nd since some of those girls go to her school.

Marissa, Alana, Meg, a girl from Bardstown, Sarah, Leah, and Emily

The ranch had a lake for canoeing and a pool for swimming.  They could not swim in the lake because it has snakes.  YUCK!

Her favorite part of camp was canoeing on the lake.  "It was fun!" she exclaimed when asked what her favorite part of camp was.  She also liked the pool, "It was huge", and the skits "I liked all but one skit."

She came home Friday around 11:oo am.  It was a very short camp.  I personally wish they would make Young Women's camp equal to Boy Scout camp.  I think it only fair, but that's just my wish.

Robert at Bellarmine camp all week

At the last minute I decided to sign Robert up to attend an all day (9:00 am - 8:00 pm) soccer camp at Bellarmine University with coach Tim Chastany (Javanon).  It is $300 but, with Jessica in Michigan, Marissa leaving for young women's camp, and Devon working all week, Robert would be home all alone with several of his friends gone on summer vacations.

This is perfect.  Robert can be at camp doing what he loves, with friends that also love soccer while I can get so many things that have been neglected - DONE!  First on the list is to finish all past scrapbooking pages.

After the first day of camp, Robert said he loves it!  I'm so glad.  He eats lunch and dinner there.  They play, do skills, watch videos, eat, etc.  I hope it is entertaining as well as very educational for him.

Robert and Devon have a visitor

With Jessica going to Michigan to visit Jenny, Jenny's younger brother, Seth came to Louisville to spend the week with friends which was great news to Robert and Devon.

Seth came with him mom and stayed with us after church on Sunday until late on Monday night.  We had dinner and family movies and games on Sunday.  Monday I took Robert to his soccer camp, so Devon and Seth were able to sleep in, get a yummy breakfast, play video games.  After lunch I took them to the movies to see Green Lantern while Marissa and I saw Cars 2.  Immediately after the shows we had to take Marissa to gymnastics.  Devon drove around earning some driving time.

The boys continued playing at home.  Badminton, video, ultimate frisbee, and more while I went to DQ to get blizzards for them.  Devon was so happy to have Seth over for the day.

After Robert came home they continued to play outside until Seth had to go to another friend's house.

Jessica left for Michigan

On Sunday (after church) Jessica and her friend, Amanda McCall went with Sister Orr, their best friend Jenny's mom, to Michigan to spend the following week up there with Jenny.

Jenny, Jessica and Amanda have been friends since they were nine, but they became really close about four years ago when they started attending Seminary together.  I'm so glad she was able to get time off work to be with her friends!  She will be rooming with Jenny at BYU in the fall!

Even though it is good for Jessica to be away with her friends I really miss her around the house.  She is of the age that we can have very engaging conversations and yet she is still my daughter.  With her being my first I find myself often in the situation where I feel I am treading uncharted waters, and although that is true I am so grateful to have the loving and guiding advise of our Heavenly Father.

Jessica I hope you have a wonderful and fun time with Jenny and Amanda in Michigan!  See you next week.

Great time at High Adventure

Devon had a great time on his High Adventure trip to Lake Erie.  I already posted that he rescued keys for a lady… what a good boy scout.

Devon working the flight simulator

All the boys in the control tower

The next day they spent hours in the control tower and training center of a local airport.  He won't tell us much about it other than it was incredible and that there are literally thousands of planes in the sky at all times and he saw them on radar.  It left quite an impact.

Wednesday was Cedar Point.  Devon won the challenge for riding the most roller coasters!  That would be my crazy boy.

Thursday was challenge day:  Devon won the swim/run race.  That's good!  It was also the day at Wright Patterson - again an amazing day of fact learning and presenting.

Friday continued at Wright Patterson and then home!

Over the course of the week they had rain (severe thunderstorms almost every night) and challenges.  Devon came  in second overall in all the challenges.  Congratulations Devon!!!

Saturday was wonderful

Today was a fantastic day!

Marissa babysat, but just for the morning and  Jessica had to work from 10-5:00 (that's good for her but not good for us).  While they were gone I took Devon to open his new checking account (he's official).  We then got some other things done around town - all the while he drove.  He did a great job.  I don't comment nearly as much!  I'm so glad he is learning this very challenging responsibility and opportunity.

Back at home everyone got their chores done quickly so that we could enjoy the beautifully perfect sunny, but not-so-hot day!  Mark and I took Marissa to the pool while Devon took a nap at home (he has to work in the evening).  We were at the pool for three hours.  The weather was perfect, the water temperature was nice (a little on the chilly side, but okay), the food was delicious, the company fantastic, friends, books, music… what more can I say!  

PERFECT day at the POOL.

Robert goes to the Lake with Aaron

On Friday after the Lightning Camp, Robert was invited to spend the weekend with his friend Aaron's family at Rough River Lake.

He had a great time.

Robert caught his first fish

After spending a week at camp a year ago,
and a week at camp this past week,

Robert had still not caught a fish for his Fishing Merit badge.

He was given a one week extension to catch a fish.  Monday Robert went fishing with his friend Aaron Green, but didn't catch anything.  Tuesday Robert had soccer camp and young mens, Wednesday Robert had soccer camp and basketball (plus it was the night of tornados), so Thursday morning Betsy took Robert and Marissa to the Geneva Springs pond to catch a fish, and he did!

He had to release the fish so mom had to buy a whole fish at the market for Robert to cook at home.  He fried the fish in a skillet in olive oil and garlic with lemon.  Mark ate it for dinner!


Robert was so excited.  The pond has a catch and release policy so Robert couldn't bring the fish home to cook SOOO Betsy bought a whole catfish at Kroger and Robert cooked it in the frying pan.  Mark will eat it!

Devon rescues keys for a lady while on High Adventure

When Devon overheard that a lady had dropped her keys down the sewer he jumped into action offering to get them for her.  He had no idea that the sewer goes so DEEP.  The boys removed the sewer cover while Devon's leaders held his legs and lowered Devon into the sewer.

He was the hero of the day, retrieving the keys and bringing joy and happiness to the lady.  Now that is doing a good turn!

I'm so proud of Devon for not just walking past and not offering to help.  There would be nothing wrong with that in that we are each responsible for ourselves, but it is the kindness and the generosity of our teachings that lift us up to be better people!  It is in doing good for others that we are given an even greater joy!

Lightning Camp for Robert

team huddle

Receiving his certificate and autographs

Robert attended the Louisville Lightning Soccer training academy with his friend Aaron Green.  Last year it was a "camp", but this year they are hoping to attract more skilled players by calling it a "training academy."  It's a great opportunity for the boys to work on their soccer skills, indoors and in the evening.  He attended it last year and had a great time.

Devon leaves on High Adventure

Devon met the rest of his High Adventure troop at the church at 8:00 am.  Unfortunately some of the boys got off to a late start and didn't arrive on time, but that's okay.  Devon played football and other sports games in the parking lot while waiting for the others to arrive.  Once all 6 boys (Devon, Ethan, Eduardo, Riley, Jake and Caleb) were there they said a prayer and headed out on their 5-6 hour journey to the shores of Lake Erie.

Their first stop is to do service at the Johnson Farm near Kirtland, OH.  Then they will spend the night at a camping site near Cleveland.

Day two, they will spend learning aviation in the Burke Lakefront Airport control tower and being allowed to access the flight simulator properties in the Aviation School.  Then continuing to Great Lakes Science Center "Facing Mars" and ending up at Lakeside - East Harbor State Park camping grounds.

Day three, the plan is to have the boys enjoy themselves at Cedar Point amusement park.

Day four, today is planned as a challenge day.  Challenge #1:  Relay swim and Race on the beach; Challenge #2:  Scavenger Hunt on beach; Challenge #3:  Frisbee golf.  They will spend the afternoon driving to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH and camp there for the night.

Day five, they will tour Wright Patterson Air Force National Museum before returning to the Louisville area.

The weather forecast for the area they will be staying at isn't good for the majority of the time they are there.  They are expecting severe thunderstorms and showers.  Each and every one of the boys and the leaders will be in our prayers while they are away on this high adventure.

Happy Father's Day

We had to wait until 8:30 at night for Mark to come walking through the door from his long trip to LA and St. George, but he did and the kids erupted in celebration for it was Father's Day!

Ironically, Robert said Dad would come home at 8:24 p.m. and Mark walked through the door at 8:24.  It was really quite incredible.  Robert thought he was pretty terrific for calling it on the spot.

It was so good to have Mark home after a long trip, and even more satisfying to have him home on a day that is named in his honor "Father's Day."

We had gifts, cards, and posters up around the house to let him know how much we love him!
Mark is a terrific father.  He plays with the kids, knows how to talk to them, supports them, encourages them, and gives them not only good advise but a good example to follow.  We are so blessed!

Mark's visit with his Dad for Father's Day

It had almost been a year since Mark has had a chance to visit with his dad (other than the weekly phone conversations they have).  Betsy had just been out to see him the first week of May of this year, but Mark didn't have the opportunity to come with her.

Mark had a business trip to LA and decided to take some extra time after the trip and stop off in St. George to see his dad.  It was brilliant.  Mark needed to go and see how his dad was doing for himself.

Mark took his dad to various places around St. George.  He took him out to lunch and up to Zion's National Park.  They had two very full long days with each other (much needed and respected) long days.  I think it is very hard on Mark to see his incredibly intelligent and gifted father lose his memory.  Mark said he has essentially lost everything that has happened in the last 18 years.  It's so sad to know he can't do anything about it and yet it is happening before our eyes.

To sum things up - it was a very special and well spent trip visiting for Mark to visit with his dad.  He was able to celebrate Father's Day with him - how perfect (although we missed him so much back at home where four people call him dad).

Glad Mark could go...

Scout Camp for Robert

Robert in the tent he used for the week

Robert left for Scout Camp on Monday at 6:30 am.  He's been at Camp Crooked Creek with his troop and friends, Reece, Max, Ben, Ryan, Riley, Trevor, Ephriam, and more for the whole week.  They spent the whole week there in tents, cooking their own food and taking care of themselves.  They also had the opportunity to attend merit badge workshops.  This week he worked on the following merit badges:

Emergency Preparedness
Communication
Public Speaking
Swimming
Fish and Wildlife
Art

Not all the boys:  Ben, DJay, Zane (leader), Robert, Ryan,
Ephriam, Max, Devon (didn't attend), and Riley.

He also spent time cooking, cleaning and fishing.   Luckily, they had good weather for the majority of the time.  Wednesday there was a bad thunderstorm that came through in the night, but other than that - they had good weather ranging in the 80 degree marks.  It's been a long week since I had no communication with him.  I hoped and prayed all was going well.

I drove down on Friday with Devon and Marissa to pick him up.  He looked so comfortable there at camp.  He had a great time, but was tired and ready to go home.  I really appreciate all that his leaders did/do to make the scouting experience so wonderful!

Robert's away all week at Scout Camp!

It's only Wednesday and I am really missing my little Robert.  He may be mischievous, but he brings such joy and happiness into our family.

The house seems so quiet without him here.  I didn't realize how much noise, hustle and bustle he brings - most of it in a good way.

Devon got a Job at Tinseltown!

  Devon got a job.  This is his first job outside the home!  We are so proud of him.  

He filled out the application, took it in, and waited for the phone call that he didn't expect to come.  

First time he tried.  It helped that his sister had already worked for Tinseltown, but Devon had to do his own interviews and he passed both (with flying colors).  This is so awesome.  He had his orientation on Tuesday, and starts Saturday.

Service rendered by scouts

Today I was happy to let Devon drive to a service activity helping a sister in our ward do yard and lawn work for 2 and a half hours.  There were a few boys that showed up and worked outside in the 90+ degree heat.

There is nothing like service.  It is such a wonderful gift to give to someone else - to do something that lends a helping hand.  I'm so grateful he had the opportunity to be of service today!

Summer Job for Jessica

As of today at 10:00 am Jessica was job hunting.

As of 11:00 am this morning, Jessica had already had a preliminary interview at DQ and a request to come back at 2:00

As of 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, Jessica is employed.

After weeks of Mark and I telling her how hard the job market is, and how she should be searching for a job (before school got out), she looks at both of us in bewilderment - she got a job the first day she looked.  

Now on to Devon.  He needs a job too!

Quilts to Kosairs

Today has started off so wonderful.  I have been trying to arrange to deliver some beautiful quilts made by the American Mothers, Inc. Chapter in Lexington to the Kosair's Children hospital for a few months, but we've been playing phone tag, and had schedule match up issues.  Finally, today was the day that we were able to meet.

At 10:30 am I picked up Susan Hill, 2011 Mother of the Year, and together she and I drove to downtown Louisville, Kosair's Children Hospital to deliver the four huge bags of quilts.  When we arrived in the lobby, there were three people waiting to greet us.  Julie was my main contact.

We unloaded all the quilts onto the train trolley (a decorated cart) and took some photos (coming soon).  Just as we were finishing up the photos, a lady that was passing by asked if she could buy a quilt, and then proceeded to explain her story.  It was terrible, her little granddaughter fell under a lawn mower and her arm was severed.  We were happy to give her a quilt.  Seeing the joy in her face, and knowing that was one of fifty people that will receive a beautiful hand made quilt was everything I needed to know this was worthwhile.  She looked at the variety of quilts and chose one with an elephant.  It was precious!

Service is, and always has been a very important aspect of my character and life.  I hope I can instill this value in my children through example and opportunity.  What a great morning!

SUMMER IS HERE

Bringing in Summer with sunshine, friends, water and fun

Jessica's Graduation Party

Erin, Jessica and Hannah
Basketball and Track friends

After Graduation we hosted a party for Jessica and her friends, plus our friends.  It was such a good feeling to celebrate her accomplishments.  Many of Jessica's friends came, but I was so busy having fun that I didn't get pictures of everyone.  Below are a few friends from Jessica's basketball team:  Erin and Hannah.  Erin and Hannah also run track with Jessica; friends from the neighborhood and friends from church!  

Elaine and Josh Teasdale, Mark, and our Cousin-in-law, Steve Whiting

We had our "Jessica" display for her awards, trophies, and photos of friends throughout high school.  We had balloons galore!  Betsy loves throwing parties and having friends over.  She was happy for the excuse to host a party.  She had plenty of food:  turkey wrap rolls, meat and cheese trays, pasta salad, a variety of chips, variety of cookies, variety of drinks, fruits and vegetables and of course, graduation cake.  (thank goodness for Costco)

The Jessica display

Jessica and Sean, our neighbor have been friends since we moved here.  

Basketball was a blast - Nick going up for a lay up

Jessica and her cousin (once removed) Dallin!  

Jessica and Emily Pina, friend from church

Great to have family here!

Betsy and her friends:  Terri Rolfes, Paula Heagy, Maureen Green, Betsy, Elane Teasdale

Badminton

Nick and his mom, priceless

the cake!

more to come

Jessica Graduates Cum Laude from NOHS

Saturday - this Saturday is such a special day.  So far in this "senior year" process I had been doing pretty good.  What I mean by that is, after the initial impact of having Jessica achieve "senior" rank shock, I actually started to enjoy the year with her.  Okay, the first day of school was hard because she wrote "Today is the last first day of HS" and so the tears flowed, but after that, I really started to enjoy her senior year.  She had great classes, she was driving Devon to seminary, she had great friends - we had them over often.  She was on yearbook, so she was attending field hockey and football games (she would have been even without the yearbook assignment). It was great to see her embrace her senior year experiences.  

Then basketball season came, and even with her last game and senior night I was more excited and proud of her than I was sad that it was the end.  I guess it still hasn't hit me that girls basketball season is over.  I just really savored and enjoyed each game - most plays of each game (especially when she was double doubling almost every game).  She was named MVP - what a great ending to a great season!

Track started as soon as basketball ended and the coaches finally listened to me - I asked them to TRY her at distance and they did.  What a fit!  She had an amazing track season - her best ever - the teams best ever!  She placed 3 times at regional and twice at state.  In all of this excitement I never remembered to think it was for the last time.  I just really beamed with joy and pride at her accomplishments and happiness.  

But Saturday it unsuspectingly snuck up on me and got me at a specific moment.  I'd been doing fine all week - actually too busy to even think about it what with Monday being Memorial Day, Tuesday the track banquet - I'm hosting it, Wednesday was 8th grade cookout, games and dance, plus Javanon tryouts, Thursday was Marissa's graduation, Friday were all the parties, so here it is Saturday and we are making the house ready for our party, and getting things in order to leave for Jessica's graduation.  It wasn't until the very last part of that that the tears got me.  

I asked Jessica to put on her cap and gown - she looked so grown up - not 18 but more like 21 - more than 21 - she looked confident and radiant and beautiful.  Full of life, ambition, love and energy.  Her eyes shined with happiness.  It was at that moment that I called, "Mark, come here!"  and somewhere in between "Mark" and "come here" my eyes swelled with pools of water just along the lower edge and then my vision became blurry.  I started to call him in joy and then the emotions of the reality of her accomplishments and this milestone hit me.  

She was so sweet!  She says comfortingly, "Awe, mom, your not crying.  It's okay."  And we hug, embrace for a long moment.  Okay, I can go on.  The reality has set in, the moment is going to happen whether I'm prepared for it or not so let's get it going and enjoy ourselves!  

Jessica with her parents, Mark and Betsy

She had to be there early, so Mark took her there while I got the kids some food and headed out after them.  Our cousin-in-law and his son, Dallin came for the day meeting us there.  Mark had saved great seats for us.  I

Crossing the stage recognized for Cum Laude

The first part of the ceremony was dedicated to the students that graduated Magna Sum Laude, Sum Laude, Cum Laude and with honors.  Jessica was presented for graduating Cum Laude.  She's done an excellent job keeping her grades up even with sports, church and service activities.

Then the speech and the giving out of diplomas.  Jessica beamed like a ray of sunshine when Paul Upchurch, Superintendent of Oldham County handed the diploma to her.  She had previously met him and felt honored with his personal touch and candor.

Receiving her diploma from Superintendent Paul Upchurch

The song from "Anastasia" comes to mind - "It's one, two, three, and suddenly.  I see it at a glance.  She's radiant and confident and born to take this chance … I taught her well, I planned it all …"

radiant (exhilaration)

confidence (look at that smile)

gratitude

the hats go flying:  it's official

Jessica with coaches and teachers:  Pfaff and Grimm

Best Friends, Jessica and Amanda McCall

hugging

Jessica and Maddy Roacsh - more best friends

So nice to have family visit:  Steve Whiting and Dallin came

Jessica's family is so happy for her and proud of her

More best friends:  Frannie and Atalee

Austin Peterson and Jessica have been friends since 4th grade

Alex Holbrook and Jessica were in classes together in 4th grade

David Hock and Jessica - so sweet!

David and his angels:  Frannie, Maddy, Jessica and Atalee

Maddy and Jessica are so alike!  So happy for both of them

more to come