Rebecca Races to the Finish

Rebecca had to run the mile at school today. She was a little nervous and went running with Jared earlier this week to practice. Today she came home with some bad news - she threw up after finishing the race. So did another boy in her class. She was feeling better by the time she got home. I asked her if she was the last to finish. She said she didn't know. I assumed she would take after me and not be the greatest at running, since she prefers to stay indoors and read books or write stories most of the time. Jared, (the therapist) came home and asked her about the run. Apparently he is better at getting information out of people then I am. Maybe that's because that's what he has to do at work all day. Actually Rebecca finished 4th in her class - ( the 2nd girl). I was so proud of her for pushing herself so hard. She is so determined. She must have gotten her athletic abilities from her dad. I remember trying to pass the Cooper's Test (running in high school in a certain time limit). I walked and had my social hour most days with my friend Lyndall. Then when I had to pass the test so I wouldn't jeopardize my 4.0 GPA I ran my heart out, and I barely made the cutoff for the A. I felt like I ran my guts out because I came close to throwing up too! Its nice to see my kids surpass me.

You know you're too busy when...

You start washing water. I've been trying to clean up the garden, freeze corn, harvest potatoes, make a grocery list, arrange my schedule for helping at the school, enter in receipts and clean the house this morning between loads of laundry. I just went to switch the laundry over and discovered I washed a batch full of nothin'! Well, actually there was downy and soap in the water:). I thought the washer sounded a little weird from downstairs, but I just figured I put in too many towels so it was a bit too full. I better get back to work - but what a really want to do is kick back and read our new book - Undaunted by Gerald Lund. Someone gave Jared a gift certificate to Deseret Book so he bought this new release about the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. It is hard to put down, so I haven't touched it yet today.

Family Article by Elder Nelson

I read this talk a few days ago the Elder Russell M. Nelson gave at the World Conference on families . I love how Elder Nelson shared his personal family experiences with trials. It reminded me of the cherished good times I have with my family as well as the trials and the challenges that life throws to everyone - even an apostle. I am so thankful for my family even though I never realized what a refining experience parenthood is. I used to think I was a patient person, but being a mom has shown me another side of myself to help me remember that I still have plenty to learn. One of my favorite parts of his message is when he shares about his experience of seeing his first wife pass away while by his side from a heart problem. Even though he is an expert heart surgeon, he couldn't save her life. This was just a reminder to me that even with our very best efforts we can't control all of the things in our life that happen to us, but we can control how we react and what we learn from them.

Neal Family Reunion

We hosted the Neal family reunion at our house this year. We had a great time swimming at the Ross Park Aquatic Center and eating good food. The giant slip-n-slide was a great hit (even thought you can't tell by the looks on their faces). And of course we ate a lot of delicious food. Here are a few pictures.

The kids made a fun trip to the petting zoo. Poor Jacob got sick with the flu and had to stay in bed for a whole day.

First Day of School A Couple Weeks Late

I just found my card reader so here are a few pics of the first day of school. Emily & Dan wanted to be big too so they got all dressed up for school, packed their lunches and backpacks and came and knocked on the door for "homeschool."
Jacob really had to force a smile for his picture. I don't think he was quite ready for his summer of freedom to end.
Rebecca loves school- she made bubble gum for science on the 2nd day of school.

Postcard Swingers

I was washing dishes and saw this outside the window. Doesn't it remind you of a postcard?

Our New LawnMower

JACOB
Jacob has been mowing the backyard for a while with some help. He's really getting good because he's so meticulous about where he puts the wheels so he doesn't miss any spots. I think he does a better job then me! I love to see him out there working.