Another Short Trip

For over two years since we moved here I've meant to get up to my aunt
and uncle's near Duschesne (?) where they've built a fantabulous home
on 20 wild acres. We brought my mom up yesterday afternoon for a few
days of country relaxation.

The very first item of business was the five kittens under the porch.
Then, another batch of five was found this morning in the cab of the
old decorative army truck with mommy cat #2.

Tae Kwon Do Testing

I never would have thought we'd be such a TKD family. But here we are,
and Noah's begging to start. Just before his birthday, David surprised
me by coming home with a dobok and a white belt. We've watched enough
belt testings by now that he felt it may suit him. He soon learned the
gym is much harder on adult students than the kids, but he's still
glad he has someone to kick his behind twice a week. We love Kim's TKD!
Congrats to Ben who is now High Red, the last belt before the four
deputy black belts start. Did his board break with a flying kick.
Sophie graduated from the easier, white through green class and is a
full fledged blue. And David is no longer a novice and is getting
lots of kudos on his form from Master Kim and the black belts.

Middle Wheeler Creek Hike

My littlest ones are starting to lose their enthusiasm for hiking, I'm
afraid, and I need to consider on future hikes that I may likely have
a child on back or shoulders. Some trail mix with a heavy dose of M&Ms
maybe. This is about 40 minutes up by Pineview and is a gorgeous hike.
I would like to do the whole thing with just older kids or adults soon.

More Pasadena friends

We're on a roll getting time with old friends. After our wonderful
Colorado trip the Nickersons came through town. I'd tell you all about
what's going in with them, except it's classified. :). It was SO nice
to sit and chat like old times.

Last Colorado pics

Farewell, Berthoud

Colorado was amazing, I still have a few more pictures to post.  Patricia is really a saint--one of the few people I know truly without guile, a patient mother with a rare combination of a peaceful spirit and an adventurous soul.  It is such a blessing to call her friend.  

We have great plans for this week.  It has been a great summer so far.  I take GREAT offense that the retail stores are already doing "back to school."  I call BOYCOTT!

(Patricia and I worked a bit clearing her chicken run and I found a snake. Just in case you're wondering what that is there.)

Gorgeous hike

This short loop is close to their chapel, is was so peaceful.

Views around the farm

True Americana

This amazing old silo on Patricia's farm is truly a historical gem,
complete with the handprints of the original masons, a sign of true
Americana. The place has so many great outbuildings. The tool shop is
on the left and the chicken coop is on the right. She has four poults
which will begin to lay in September.

The Dutoit Farm I

The farm house (with front patch that will be a soccer field next
year), house from rear with Patricia and farm cat, the seed house, the
smoke house and the new silos. Today Patricia and I investigated and
speculated about the big red barn and checked out the amazing old root
cellar. The place is full of dreams and schemes and enough scraps from
decades-old old dreams and schemes to help build the new ones. Today
for lunch we had summer fruit and broiled open face tomato cheese
sandwiches under an ancient weeping willow. I hear the Jewish phrase
"Next year in Jerusalem" ringing in the back on my head as I wonder
how our future farm will be different and the same. And, will it
really be next year?

At the Dutoit's in Colorado!

You can expect quite a few posts in the next few days as we enjoy the
gorgeous country just outside of Berthoud, CO. (Pronounced "bertha"
with a D at the end.) Their farm is over a hundred years old and
surrounded by green corn fields and amber waves of grain. Pictures to
come. Today it's raining so we went to a free movie then to a magic/
juggling pirate show here at the library. The kids loved it, even the
too-cool tween sitting back by me had a smile on his face. Kudos to
Ann Lincoln the magic pirate juggler. Thanks to Patricia for her
hospitality and a very fun day!

Enjoying what comes vs. Pursuing Pleasure/Avoiding Pain

I know this quote is common, but I thought of it this morning and it seemed more true than ever.

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. 
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Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." 
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~ Gordon B. Hinckley

The quote of the day

This one really hit home today:

“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”3

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

Red Butte Gardens

How come I've never been to this place? It reminds me of the arboretum
in LA we used to frequent so often. The roses were amazing and the
whole place smelled divine. (Thanks, Claritin!). Got some rare
chatting time with Sis. in law Carla visiting from Las Vegas and the
kids got in some serious green time. Heading home to slave away on the
computer before doing the Tae Kwon Do drill at 4.

Kids, you've officially been parented today, so don't be coming to me
asking for more! :-)