Baby Steps.

I keep waiting until I have a big chunk of time to sit here and blog about the last few months.

Yet, I am slowly learning that every day I wait, I get further and further behind, making it an almost impossible task to catch up.  I have flirted with the idea of chalking the last 3 months off as lost, and starting fresh from today.  But as I look through my pictures, and think through those days and weeks, I feel the need to document the happenings in our lives.  After much deliberation, I have decided to punch the private button on this blog.  This will help me to write in a deeper sense, to try not to skim over heartfelt emotions, to be more candid about my children and to lay it all out for my future to learn from.  

So, starting now,  I will attempt to take a bunch of small 'bites'... hoping that will make this whole thing easier to swallow.  

In January we went on a little hike to Valley of Fire.  January in the desert is always a roller coaster...some days cold, some gloriously warm.  In January, I was still sick with my mystery cough and lingering fevers.  I was actually in a pretty sour mood, starting out on the hike. My chest was still tight and I was frustrated with the fact that I couldn't get better...or even figure out what was wrong with me...and after 2 months of it, I was feeling a bit depressed.  But, I was hoping that the worst was behind me and it did feel so good to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and attempt to fill my lungs with sweet desert goodness.  

The girls took off their shoes halfway through the hike so they could feel the cool sand on their feet.  

I admit, I was hesitant to let them go shoeless, as I always fret that the worst could happen, like:  'what about rusty Indian nails?'.   I am so grateful for Bryan and for the balance that we create together.

The boys picked up treasure after treasure, mulling it over and then throwing it back to nature.

The kids were happy and it made me feel happy that I had succumbed to Bryan's prodding of getting me out of the house for a while.  

As we drove home with the windows down and the warm winter air blowing through our hair, the familiar tune of Louis Armstrong's danced through my head, and I couldn't help but...think to myself,

what a wonderful world!

So far 2017.

We quietly rang in the New Year...got fresh new calendars...and started to fill them up!

Bryan and I had planned to take McCoy with us to my doctor appointment in Las Vegas and then take him somewhere special for lunch to celebrate his birthday.  But, when my appointment was cancelled, McCoy decided he would rather just have lunch at our local 'Scoops'. 

He and Bryan discussed the ins and outs of Ninjago Legos most of the time.

Then we came home and he opened his gifts.

7 years old, and such a big boy.  He is equal parts tease and tender.  He and I have a little game going, where each day (at least once) one of us ask the other if we are so excited for Christmas to come (yes, even in January).   He is fiercely loyal, loving and protective of his little sister...even when she can be a royal pain.  He admires and wants to be like his big brother.  He worries a lot, yet he is tough and fun-loving.  He laughs easily and gives the best gratitude filled prayers.  

I thank my lucky stars that he is mine!

Happy Birthday, my Coy Boy!

The honkers have been hanging out.

Currently, the kale is the only thing growing in the garden.
Although, Bryan recently planted green beans, beets, spinach and carrots.  And the asparagus should be showing their little heads, sometime soon.

Morning chores with the hens.

And guess who already got her braces off?  Not me.

After only 11 months, the orthodontist said Myra's smile was finished.

I still have several months to go.  But I am not bitter, see?!

Sure does look nice.  Feels so good, too!

We've had lots of rainy days this month, but also lots of sunshine.  I really am so grateful to live in the desert...especially this time of year.

And then there's this big boy.  I walked into the house the other day and he was sitting on the couch and, at first glance, I swore he was Bryan.  He is getting so grown up, and so capable and I still am having trouble wrapping my head around these near-adults that live with me.

Myra entered an essay writing competition a couple of months ago with our local Veterans of Foreign Wars.  The topic was "The America I believe in..."  Later, she received a call that she and her parents were invited to the awards ceremony.  This week we attended the ceremony and Myra received 1st place on her essay, got a shiny plaque and $100.  

Here is her essay:

The America I Believe In...

Written by Myra Mortensen

                                                     

Throughout history we can see that several nations with capable armies, wealth and powerful governments have fallen into ruin. Rome, for example, started out with a well-structured government and hard working leaders. For a time there was peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, Rome fell because they began to forget and turn away from their founding principles.

Todays America is like Rome in many ways; it is the greatest nation in the world. People from every nation have come to see if they could catch a glimpse of what makes America so special. One Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville succeeded. In 1831, this is what he had to say about America:    

“ I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her…fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

We as a nation have made, and are making, mistakes that are leading us down the same road the Romans took before they fell. We have unheard-of levels of national debt. An abundance of our country’s inhabitants depend upon the government for their basic needs. Our armed services are spread thin throughout the world. We are forgetting to honor Him who gave us this great nation.

Our country must remember the numerous men and women throughout history who have sacrificed so much, sometimes even their very lives, for this country and its cause of liberty.  If our country will not forget that America’s foundation is based on faith in God and high moral standards, then our country will continue to be great. And that is the America I believe in… the America that is great because she is good.

They send the local 1st place essay on to the VFW District to be judged, and Myra's essay won 2nd place in District.

What a gal!


Bryan and Myles have been working really hard in our front circle area.  They have been shoveling, sifting and piling rocks to fill the outside area of the circle.  They are about 10 feet from being finished and it is looking swell!  Now, to level the center and dig us a fire pit.

So many wonderful things to look forward to in 2017.

June 2016.

Another month bites the dust, as Father Time continues in hyper-drive.

Two posts in one month is better than zero...so I am going to give myself that.

Truly the heat did hit.  Hard.  And the best way to fight the sun, is to get soaked.

It was McCoy's turn to go on our 'one-on-one monthly grocery shopping date' with me.

He used the money that Grandma Castle kindly gave him, from Great Grandpa's change bucket, to buy Legos.  

Myles, true to form, put his portion of the money directly into his bank account.

Myra and Maisy are still deciding on the fate of theirs.

See what I mean about the heat?!

Ugh

Myra and Myles harvested all the melons.  The watermelons were delicious.  The best we have grown yet.  We are saving the seeds and will be planting again early next year.  From all of those melons that filled the wheelbarrow we have eaten all but three of the smallest ones which will surely be gone by the weeks end.  Did I ever mention that Myra LOVES watermelon?  She would eat an entire melon every day, if I let her.  Speaking of, Myra has been helping my Aunt Esther with her cats this past week and each evening she spends some time visiting with and getting to know her better.  Myra has been asking her questions about my great grandmother Nellie Hinckley Robison (whom Myra Nellie was named after).  My Aunt Esther remembers Grandma Nellie, and Myra loves hearing stories about her life.  Myra came running home the other night and exclaimed that she found out that watermelon was Grandma Nellie's favorite, too!  She loved to eat it.  How fun to find a bond that spans the ages.  Now Myra claims that it's in her DNA to eat watermelon...and lots of it.

The cantaloupe was small...but tasty.

My brother Michael graduated from the Police Academy last week.  It was so fun to go and celebrate his hard work and accomplishments.  He was #3 in his graduating class only .2 points behind the Salutatorian.  We are all so proud of him, and his adorable little family who have loved and sacrificed so that he could succeed. 

Blast the blurry photos.  My phone shots are low-budget, at best.

But...you get the drift.

Afterwards, we ate at Biaggios.  Tastiest food in all of Las Vegas! (Like anyone could even know that...but, it is incredibly tasty.)  Rene had to jet before the picture was taken...and we had all already eaten way more than should be humanly possible...but, here we are, nonetheless.

I am seriously thinking about taking away all of our kids toys and making them play with deformed goods from the garden from now on.  The hours of joy, I tell you what.  Also...Maisy took scissors to her bangs.  Luckily the bottom layer got the worst of it...but good grief.  Can anyone say buzz?

Bryan working on something with Maisy's help.  Too hot for wearing pants for the 3 years old and under crew.

Must be nice.

On Monday, we took Myles on a pre-birthday date.  He wanted to go to Discovery Park with his Cedar City cousins, where the weather is much cooler: only 98*. 

Afterwards we ate at Chuckies and then Bryan took the three older kids to see Finding Dory...while Maisy and I went and visited Grandma Olive.

When they returned from the theater, McCoy was complaining of a sore throat.  By the time we got home he was feeling pretty dumpy.  

 Even so, Myles still had to open a few gifts (he only wanted cold hard cash to put in his bank account for his big day).  But, we figured he needed a few little things to open.  Next year...I am thinking I will wrap deformed veggies?

McCoy chose to spend half of his allotment of Great Grandpa's coins on Legos...for Myles.
Sweet brothers.

I sure do love my biggest boy. 

A game of Castle Panic ensued...and then it was bedtime.

McCoy had a long restless night feeling like duke.  

By the time I woke the next day, Myles had finished his school work and was in the midst of a great battle.

Yesterday, on his actual birthday, he attended his last Webelos den meeting and his first 11 year old scout meeting.  All dressed up in his new Boy Scout uniform, he looks so grown up.

A Scout is...loving.

When he returned from his various activities, he made a wish...

And then we all lit sparklers (even though it wasn't dark yet) and celebrated our Myles.

A few weeks ago Myles' primary teacher sent a text to Bryan saying that he was so grateful for Myles and for the way that he is completely respectful, reverent and willing to participate in class.  Bryan and I reminisced about when Myles was a toddler and so bull-headed and hard to manage.  We never imagined then that Myles would win praise for being reverent...or willing to do anything that he didn't think of himself.  Time sure changes things.  Its a good lesson to learn, for what is hard now, may be just the opposite in a few years.  Myles is still very head-strong...but in so many wonderful ways.  He is also, quite easily, our current most mellow child...and he is such a joy to have and be around.

I sure do love this kid! Thank Heaven for 11!

Alrighty June...over and out.

Glorious.

In the 10 years that I have been blogging, I have never gone an entire month without posting...until now.  Good grief!  

Quite obviously, whether or not I document it, life goes on.  We are still growing and learning and loving...and I know that is what really counts.  Yet, the gnawing feeling from neglecting this little place won't let up.  So here I go, trying my best to appease it and make amends with the past month.

Hot days have come our way...and there will be many more to follow.  The forecast says 116* for early next week, which is pretty much disgusting.  We will be harvesting most of our spring/summer garden before then, as it will mostly turn to crisp at those temperatures.   And then, we can take a little break and look forward to Fall.  Oh wondrous, glorious Fall!

Our garden has been hoppin' this past month.  Lots and lots of pickle processing going on at Garden Cottage.  Also...singing for our supper?!

Between the hot spells there have been many nice evenings to spend outdoors.

Our one living apricot tree sure does make us proud!

Bryan and Myles were off helping a neighborhood family move when the time came to harvest or give em' all to the birds.  So I shook the dickens out of the tree and my three helpers gathered/ate them with me.  We pitted and froze bags and bags for summertime smoothies.

The next two blurry photos are of Myles' final days as a Cub Scout.  He has loved every minute of being a Cub...even after he was positive that he wanted nothing to do with scouting prior to that first Pinewood Derby,  which made a believer out of him.

We went to the scout office and spent a small fortune on his new Boy Scout uniform.  And now McCoy is counting down the days until he turns 8 and can be a Cub Scout, just like his big brother was.

Our neighbors have some of the prettiest purple flowers I have ever seen in their yard.  I love living next door to them!

Myra woke up early one morning and harvested the entire onion patch, solo.

That's a big job, even for a crew.

She laid them all out to dry, and the following week she trimmed all the tops and put them nicely into our onion storage shelves.  She has truly become the best helper this mom could ever dream of!

Another beautiful evening outdoors.  This time Bryan sawed off all of our west cypress trees. They have been struggling with a nasty borer for a couple of years.  Everything we have done to help...has not worked.  So, farewell to the trees.  

Girl's Camp happened...and it was Glorious!

All of our months and months of planning and work came together in wonderful ways on the mountain.  How fun it was to be there with all of those young women that we have prayed so much for.  The huge slip n' slide turned out to be a favorite for many of the girls.  I loved that I had a chance to run over and watch Myra and our Ward take their turn going down.  Bryan got to come up and spend a couple of the days with me...helping with the Girls Camp video and the COPE course and then he would return to my folks' house to stay the night with the kids.  I was so grateful for him, and for my mom...knowing that my three younger babes were safe and happy helped me to focus on the girls at camp.  As we descended the mountain, once camp was finished, my cup was truly running over!  

(*photo taken by my cute sis-in-law.)

I am so excited to do it all again next year, to improve where we lacked and to help the Young Women strengthen their testimonies of Christ and solidify their true identities as Daughters of God.

Myra back to harvesting, this time with grape tomatoes.  After a week away, they were mighty bountiful...to say the least.

Lots of watermelons and cantaloupe growing.  Hoping they will resist the high heat...and the squash bugs.  At least long enough that we can have a little taste.

The pumpkin harvest was a success...even though the squash bugs moved in, big time.   Now we have lots of pumpkins that will patiently wait with us for Fall to come to the desert.

There is so much more that I am missing...and I suppose that is what I get for taking such a long break from posting.   As the summer heat sets in for good...I am certain I will find more time to keep things updated here.  Or else, leave town altogether. :)  We do have lots of wonderful things on the calendar that we are very much looking forward to.

Oh, and Bryan and I attended our 20 year (say, what?!) High School Class Reunion.  It was so much fun to see and laugh with dear friends there.  

I will be turning 38 years old next month.  I was telling Bryan the other day, that I still feel like a 13 year old on the inside.  Well, sometimes.  Somedays I feel like a dad-gum 97 year old.  But mostly I feel like a little girl just trying my best to maneuver this crazy world...and pretty much just hanging on, for dear life, by my gnawed off fingernails..  

Even so, life is so full of wonder and goodness.  I am learning to trust more in God's plan for me.  I am learning to not sweat the small stuff...quite so much.  And I am learning, ever learning...that life is all about learning.  And if there ever comes a time that I get to feeling like I have a handle on this whole crazy thing...I am sure I will be a dad-gum 97 year old...and probably forgotten all I had learned anyway.

So, my friends...one day at a time.  

One step at a time.

A willingness to open my heart and my mind.

With a grateful heart and a prayer in my pocket.

With a little more love.

And a little more kindness.

And a whole lot of laughter.

Life truly is Glorious!