Just checking in

In May, we had a "photo shoot" for the Laurels to create photo gifts for Mother's Day. This was my photo, above. I had chosen Silver Reef for our shoot. The girls really liked the place and I was so relieved I'd "called it right." I sometimes focus too much on everything I do wrong and on everything that goes wrong. So there's my nod to doing something right.

Today is Pioneer Day here in Utah. We watched the parade here in one of the Tri-Cities and then watched some of the Days of 47 Parade on TV. We're waiting for B to get dressed and we're going to go on a drive to Cedar Mountain to see the wild flowers.

Mom seemed to be about the same when I saw her last. She was still in pain and still could not walk.

B has worked pretty steadily for the past three weeks. He is completing a training for SEATS (Single Engine Air Tankers) which is task-based and not hours-based. He will be finished when he's trained with all the required tasks. He took today off.

T still needs to practice driving for his driving permit. On the one hand, I'm not in any hurry for T to get his license. On the other hand, I believe he needs to know how to drive and needs a driver's license but we can practice for the next two years for all I care. Additionally, we need to keep practicing so he doesn't forget what he's learned. He isn't very enthusiastic about practicing so that is an ongoing effort.

L had a swim meet last weekend. It was the shortest swim meet ever. There were so many kids to swim at the meet that they had the races in age-based sessions throughout the day. That made it short for the observers like me but that put all three of L's events virtually back to back. That about wore her out. :-)

J will go to scout camp next week. He has some misgivings about going but I think he'll love it. He is enjoying the new computer that he bought this month. He's had some friends to hang out with this week. He was happy about that.

L and J were each in skit for our YM/YW talent show this past Tuesday. One of my Laurels was in charge of the talent show. I think the kids who participated enjoyed being a part of the show.

We've had some "milestones" at Tom's house (the rental next to Mom's house). The kitchen cabinets are all installed (although some finishing touches are needed for the cabinets but not many). The front porch has been remodeled and the cement around the house is nearly finished. Then, the next big outside project is the stucco. That will be the "cherry on top" of the whole series of outdoor projects when the whole outside of the house comes together. Then, to my knowledge, after a couple of small projects (gravel for the drive and railings for the porch) only the landscaping will remain to be done outside. The next big project inside is the installation of the A/C and furnace, which is "on deck." Really, until the A/C is in, it is just too hot to work inside that house. Is it just me, or is it too hot when it is 113 degrees outside and like a bake oven inside?!