I feel like I'm a long ways behind on summer projects but I don't know how that could be since summer hasn't really started yet. The weather has been a bit strange like Elise said, but we are loving the sunshine when it comes around. I have been working on this endless chicken coop project. In order to give us more limber for the project, we had to demo the last bit of our back porch. Now you have to be careful going out the back door so you don't fall on your head. Building stairs is on the list for next week as is a picnic table. I really get the project itch when I see delicious wood and hardware just lying around shouting my name. I was excited to help Elise with her bike rack because we started and pretty much finished it in the same afternoon! I need to make one for us now.
Addy finished off her clogging and will be advancing to the intermediate level next year for which she is super excited about. She also had her big piano guild which she has been preparing for since last fall. She had to play seven memorized pieces, transpose a song into two keys, play major and minor scales and sightread a piece. It took a lot of effort but she felt really good about the performance.
Emerson and Henry enjoyed the Father and Sons campout with Garrett this past weekend. I just knew that Henry was going to fall into the fire or start a fire or do something crazy drastic. I think we are going to hire him out for mischief maker. If any of you are lacking some mischief in your life or if your life is just a little to dull and quiet, hire Henry! We can't go five minutes without Henry doing something momentous. Just a few minutes ago he came in and said in a matter of fact voice, "Mom, I let the goats out." Did you really Henry? Yes, there they are, on their way over to the fruit trees. "Addy!" And so it continues...
It was so fun to see all of you at the Gathering! Hopefully we can see each of you again soon. Good luck with the house hunting, packing and moving to those that it applies to. I would love to come help with the moving but I think I would be most helpful just staying home. Love you all!
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Hart Happenings
As I write this I'm listening to the boys creating something in the kitchen. Limeade, I think. We have some nice strawberry jam gelling on the counter and a roast in the crock pot. So much of our life revolves around food! And I think there isn't anything that gives me such a sense of accomplishment or a giddy sense of well-being as some food that we make that turns out delicious!
The strawberries came to us via Ruth, as did our new bike rack. I went over yesterday, dove among her scrap lumber, found some perfect pieces, and we assembled the rack in about an hour! Hopefully this will solve the problem of bikes littering the yard and driveway. They can park them all nice and neat. Hmmmm, looking at that last sentence I can see how that might be an unreasonable expectation, but here's hoping!!!
Shout out to Ruthie. Everyone needs a Ruth nearby. Don't know how I got so lucky, but you all are welcome to move up here and share. She is amazing!
It is has been an interesting week, weather-wise. The mornings are beautiful and warm in the high 60s/low 70s, but come afternoon, storm clouds roll in and bring rain. I think this is actually what spring is supposed to be like, but it is throwing me for a loop!
Business is booming, Alex has more going on than ever but he manages to stay on top of everything and still make time for the projects I need his help with. Superman, eat your heart out.
Highlights of the week:
*We got our bees! They're lovely!
*A visit from mom and dad which resulted in a trampoline for the boys and a freezer in the garage. Thanks a million! I got home from watering the plants at the mall the day after their visit and couldn't find anyone in the house. No breakfast mess, no boys in their beds, when I happened to glance out the window and saw them jumping on the trampoline. And that's where they've been for the rest of the week.
*Lots of soccer! Peter's practices kept getting canceled due to inclement weather, which was a bummer. But their games all went really well. They're getting pretty good, and it is really fun to watch them.
*Jack and I rode our bikes to scouts on Wednesday but then had to ride them home in torrential rain and sleet. He screamed the whole way, but it was fun!
*Alex and Ian went camping with their scout troop in HUMVs to the sand dunes. They had a blast driving those machines up and down the huge dunes. And they all came back alive, which was nice.
*The lilacs are blooming and the world smells lovely!
*We chopped down 2 pine trees that were shading the garden pretty significantly and it is amazing how much longer the sun lasts there now! But man were they a hassle to remove! Our chicken run took a beating in the process. But nothing that we can't repair! Right Ruth? kidding.
Mom, how to we write to Emma on her mission? Do you have an address for her? Mail and email?
It was so lovely to see everyone at the Gathering. I'm so glad that we have established that tradition. I know we look forward to it every year. You are our favorite people of all time. Emma did such a good job with her talk, dealing with her injury, and making some good memories with the nieces and nephews. And it was amazing that we were able to get everyone from everywhere together! Thanks for making the effort, especially those of you who had to travel a LONG ways to get there. It isn't that same if even one of us is missing. Mom, thanks for the delicious food and preparing everything for us. You are such a gracious hostess, grandma, and mom.
Well, we're going to choir practice, so I'd better run.
Signing out.
The strawberries came to us via Ruth, as did our new bike rack. I went over yesterday, dove among her scrap lumber, found some perfect pieces, and we assembled the rack in about an hour! Hopefully this will solve the problem of bikes littering the yard and driveway. They can park them all nice and neat. Hmmmm, looking at that last sentence I can see how that might be an unreasonable expectation, but here's hoping!!!
Shout out to Ruthie. Everyone needs a Ruth nearby. Don't know how I got so lucky, but you all are welcome to move up here and share. She is amazing!
It is has been an interesting week, weather-wise. The mornings are beautiful and warm in the high 60s/low 70s, but come afternoon, storm clouds roll in and bring rain. I think this is actually what spring is supposed to be like, but it is throwing me for a loop!
Business is booming, Alex has more going on than ever but he manages to stay on top of everything and still make time for the projects I need his help with. Superman, eat your heart out.
Highlights of the week:
*We got our bees! They're lovely!
*A visit from mom and dad which resulted in a trampoline for the boys and a freezer in the garage. Thanks a million! I got home from watering the plants at the mall the day after their visit and couldn't find anyone in the house. No breakfast mess, no boys in their beds, when I happened to glance out the window and saw them jumping on the trampoline. And that's where they've been for the rest of the week.
*Lots of soccer! Peter's practices kept getting canceled due to inclement weather, which was a bummer. But their games all went really well. They're getting pretty good, and it is really fun to watch them.
*Jack and I rode our bikes to scouts on Wednesday but then had to ride them home in torrential rain and sleet. He screamed the whole way, but it was fun!
*Alex and Ian went camping with their scout troop in HUMVs to the sand dunes. They had a blast driving those machines up and down the huge dunes. And they all came back alive, which was nice.
*The lilacs are blooming and the world smells lovely!
*We chopped down 2 pine trees that were shading the garden pretty significantly and it is amazing how much longer the sun lasts there now! But man were they a hassle to remove! Our chicken run took a beating in the process. But nothing that we can't repair! Right Ruth? kidding.
Mom, how to we write to Emma on her mission? Do you have an address for her? Mail and email?
It was so lovely to see everyone at the Gathering. I'm so glad that we have established that tradition. I know we look forward to it every year. You are our favorite people of all time. Emma did such a good job with her talk, dealing with her injury, and making some good memories with the nieces and nephews. And it was amazing that we were able to get everyone from everywhere together! Thanks for making the effort, especially those of you who had to travel a LONG ways to get there. It isn't that same if even one of us is missing. Mom, thanks for the delicious food and preparing everything for us. You are such a gracious hostess, grandma, and mom.
Well, we're going to choir practice, so I'd better run.
Signing out.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Manning Moments
Life is good. We haven't been sick for a whole week! We are getting some allergies but we can handle that!
Yesterday was our Stake Conference and it was great! We had Elder Budge from the Seventy come and he was delightful. On Sunday he talked a lot to the youth about how the gospel can really make you happy. He used tons of scriptural examples about things we need to let go of and things to hold onto that will bring us happiness in a true gospel sense. The things we need to let go of that make life harder than it needs to be are: Pride (thinking you know more than God), Guilt (Sins), Grudges, and Unmet Righteous Desires. He then talked about holding onto the Word of God and increasing our capacity to have the Spirit with us. It was a great meeting.
Other than that we are trying to get our yard in shape and stay on top of little things. Wesley is just enamored with balls and we had a little birthday party for him that revolved around balls. Mom gave him a basketball blanket that he loves to sleep with. His other grandparents gave him a small basketball and baseball. We gave him a basketball hoop and he is one happy boy! Wesley has started to say the prayers in our family and he always remembers to bless the garbage truck and sometimes his balls. Very cute! Can't wait to see you all in a few days!
Yesterday was our Stake Conference and it was great! We had Elder Budge from the Seventy come and he was delightful. On Sunday he talked a lot to the youth about how the gospel can really make you happy. He used tons of scriptural examples about things we need to let go of and things to hold onto that will bring us happiness in a true gospel sense. The things we need to let go of that make life harder than it needs to be are: Pride (thinking you know more than God), Guilt (Sins), Grudges, and Unmet Righteous Desires. He then talked about holding onto the Word of God and increasing our capacity to have the Spirit with us. It was a great meeting.
Other than that we are trying to get our yard in shape and stay on top of little things. Wesley is just enamored with balls and we had a little birthday party for him that revolved around balls. Mom gave him a basketball blanket that he loves to sleep with. His other grandparents gave him a small basketball and baseball. We gave him a basketball hoop and he is one happy boy! Wesley has started to say the prayers in our family and he always remembers to bless the garbage truck and sometimes his balls. Very cute! Can't wait to see you all in a few days!
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Flake Fun
This week was fairly normal. Nothing much to report. Our garden is coming up which is fun. That's all that we have to report! Can't wait to see everyone next week!
Nilsson News
Hello all! I just have to say how much I love the warm, sun-shiney weather! It is so fun to sit and listen to, through an open window, the kids playing in the backyard. They are much more pleasant when they have freedom to run and explore. Henry however, seems to be growing more and more defiant. Lately when I ask him to do something, he turns and scowls and says, "Let me do what I want!" Oh boy. The agency thing isn't going so well for us.
Addy had her final clogging recital this past week and she did terrific. We had fun seeing grandma and the Harts. We also enjoyed seeing Ian perform in his very last Tavaci choir concert. School things are starting to wind down and summer is winding into full speed.
Our chicken coop is coming along. Slowly. The chicks are growing. Not so slowly. The greenhouse plants are growing. Slowly. The weeds are growing. Not so slowly. Yesterday we went and picked up a load of railroad ties that we found for a good deal. You had to purchase them in bundles of 20 and the ad said to bring your trailer and they would load it for you. I guess we had the wrong kind of trailer because when we got there, they couldn't load them using the forklift and we had to load them one by one. Approximately 3,000 pounds worth. When we got home, we had to unload them one by one. 3,000 pounds worth. Definitely a work out! Thomas, add that one to your circuit! I have a many great plans for these railroad ties so let the projects begin!
Mom, I wish I could be more help with the house hunting. It brings back all sorts of anxious memories from two years ago when we moved. But I learned the Lord always pulls through at the very last minute. I think he finds humor in our hopes of planning ahead and being in control of our lives.
We are super excited to see all of you in just a few days! This has really snuck up on us but we are looking forward to it!
Addy had her final clogging recital this past week and she did terrific. We had fun seeing grandma and the Harts. We also enjoyed seeing Ian perform in his very last Tavaci choir concert. School things are starting to wind down and summer is winding into full speed.
Our chicken coop is coming along. Slowly. The chicks are growing. Not so slowly. The greenhouse plants are growing. Slowly. The weeds are growing. Not so slowly. Yesterday we went and picked up a load of railroad ties that we found for a good deal. You had to purchase them in bundles of 20 and the ad said to bring your trailer and they would load it for you. I guess we had the wrong kind of trailer because when we got there, they couldn't load them using the forklift and we had to load them one by one. Approximately 3,000 pounds worth. When we got home, we had to unload them one by one. 3,000 pounds worth. Definitely a work out! Thomas, add that one to your circuit! I have a many great plans for these railroad ties so let the projects begin!
Mom, I wish I could be more help with the house hunting. It brings back all sorts of anxious memories from two years ago when we moved. But I learned the Lord always pulls through at the very last minute. I think he finds humor in our hopes of planning ahead and being in control of our lives.
We are super excited to see all of you in just a few days! This has really snuck up on us but we are looking forward to it!
Hart Happenings
This week passed by in a blur! Alex and I came screeching into Saturday night looking at each other confused that we were at Sunday again already!
The Farmer's Market opened this weekend which is something I really look forward to every year. The Harts + mom came and represented at the Community Garden table. So fun! Lots of sunshine and garden chatter. Doesn't get much better than that.
Mom came up to check on one of those 4 new babies and snuck in Addie's dance recital and Peter's soccer game while she was at it. She is one busy lady and we are always so grateful to see her!
We acquired a new addition to our family this week. It is a Raleigh Classic Cruiser in all its 1960's glory. We have had so much fun riding bikes together around the neighborhood in the nice weather.
The trees are in bloom, the lettuce, peas, and garlic are up in the garden and the chicken have been relocated to their newly-refurbished, fortified, high-security chicken coop. Hopefully nothing will be able to get in this one.
Alex is really happy about the fact that he got to mow the lawn this week.
Ian performed in his last Tavaci concert this week. He has officially graduated from the program and is looking forward to his next ventures.
The kids' garden classes that I am in charge of commence this coming week. It'll be fun to get things rolling there. It looks like we will have a good group of kids and some enthusiastic volunteers. Cheers!
Can't wait for the family gathering. Always my favorite time to rub shoulders with my favorite people!
I just finished reading a great allegory about life and deepened discipleship. It's about this little crippled girl named Much Afraid who lives in the Valley of Humiliation with all her relatives, the Fearings. She lives with her Aunt Dismal Forebodings, and surrounded by other cousins like Pride, Bitterness, Resentment, Self-Pity, etc...All Much Afraid wants to do is go to the High Places with the Shepherd, and the allegory is about how that ends up happening. Such a good story! The book is called Hind's Feet on High Places. Highly recommended!
Anyway, love to everyone! Enjoy the sunshine!
The Farmer's Market opened this weekend which is something I really look forward to every year. The Harts + mom came and represented at the Community Garden table. So fun! Lots of sunshine and garden chatter. Doesn't get much better than that.
Mom came up to check on one of those 4 new babies and snuck in Addie's dance recital and Peter's soccer game while she was at it. She is one busy lady and we are always so grateful to see her!
We acquired a new addition to our family this week. It is a Raleigh Classic Cruiser in all its 1960's glory. We have had so much fun riding bikes together around the neighborhood in the nice weather.
The trees are in bloom, the lettuce, peas, and garlic are up in the garden and the chicken have been relocated to their newly-refurbished, fortified, high-security chicken coop. Hopefully nothing will be able to get in this one.
Alex is really happy about the fact that he got to mow the lawn this week.
Ian performed in his last Tavaci concert this week. He has officially graduated from the program and is looking forward to his next ventures.
The kids' garden classes that I am in charge of commence this coming week. It'll be fun to get things rolling there. It looks like we will have a good group of kids and some enthusiastic volunteers. Cheers!
Can't wait for the family gathering. Always my favorite time to rub shoulders with my favorite people!
I just finished reading a great allegory about life and deepened discipleship. It's about this little crippled girl named Much Afraid who lives in the Valley of Humiliation with all her relatives, the Fearings. She lives with her Aunt Dismal Forebodings, and surrounded by other cousins like Pride, Bitterness, Resentment, Self-Pity, etc...All Much Afraid wants to do is go to the High Places with the Shepherd, and the allegory is about how that ends up happening. Such a good story! The book is called Hind's Feet on High Places. Highly recommended!
Anyway, love to everyone! Enjoy the sunshine!
HP HQ Highlights
I have been laughing and crying and trying to absorb all the news I've read this morning from the latest blog posts we've missed reading recently. Thank you for the inspiring thoughts. How grateful to be reminded that one sin at a time is all we need to work on and that the Lord is always available regardless of ... And, "oh my heck" (Dorothy Seamons), who in the world reveals kitten genders??!! I can't stop laughing about that one....
Anyway, my brain has been so full and the days so busy that I'm feeling quite dysfunctional - can't figure out what to do first. Not that I've been extremely functional in the past, but it is worse now than ever! I spent two weeks trying to get overdue babies to come, and they finally all came! Four babies in six days was a bit crazy! Then I have to take care of them afterward, so it is busy still. Glad they are all here, safe and sound and happy. It really is a miracle each time and I'm grateful to have a hand in it.
In the middle of the birthing times, we managed to make an offer on a house. It was rejected. They wanted us to be a back up offer, but for a lot more money. No thanks. Now we are looking in earnest. Around and around this valley we drive. Perhaps we'll end up in Snowflake or Idaho Falls or Utah County, after all! Keep your eyes out for a house for us, wherever you are!!
The lovely fragrant weather is wonderful and has pulled us outside where we (mostly Dad) weed, mow, clean, prune, clip, dig, organize, sneeze and wheeze. I love these first ventures out in the spring. So refreshing and wonderful. It does feel a little strange not to be planting something in the ground, though.
Emma has moved home. It is very nice to have her here. There are still several things to acquire and accomplish before next weekend, but we'll get them done, I'm sure. I had hoped we'd have purchased another home before she left on her mission so she would at least know where she'd be coming home to, but unless that happens in the next couple of days, it will be a surprise when she returns!
I know I've mentioned it to some of you, but perhaps not all because of my brain fog, so I wanted to be sure you all are aware that J R Allred passed away. I miss him. Lots of changes in our neighborhood in a short time. Iva Lou Balls turned 94 last week and is not doing real well. Emma plans to visit her and several of the older ladies this week. They likely won't be here when she gets back. Sad, sad thought. The changes are good for those leaving, not as easy for those of us still here. It is really changing the dynamic of our neighborhood. I suppose that's inevitable.
One of the dumbest things I've done occurred last week. I purchased airline tickets for Thomas and Victoria to come for the family gathering. It didn't go through, so I purchased them again. Well, apparently Thomas and Victoria cannot both have two seats for the same flight for one price. It did work the first time, so I unknowingly duplicated the purchase - urrrrggggh! We are arguing with the airlines to see if they will refund the tickets that cannot be used. I really don't like it when I do things like that.
So, the family gathering. It will be loads of fun! Watch for an email today. TODAY, I say. It will come today and tell you everything you need to know.
I love you all and can't wait to see you in 5 days!!!
Anyway, my brain has been so full and the days so busy that I'm feeling quite dysfunctional - can't figure out what to do first. Not that I've been extremely functional in the past, but it is worse now than ever! I spent two weeks trying to get overdue babies to come, and they finally all came! Four babies in six days was a bit crazy! Then I have to take care of them afterward, so it is busy still. Glad they are all here, safe and sound and happy. It really is a miracle each time and I'm grateful to have a hand in it.
In the middle of the birthing times, we managed to make an offer on a house. It was rejected. They wanted us to be a back up offer, but for a lot more money. No thanks. Now we are looking in earnest. Around and around this valley we drive. Perhaps we'll end up in Snowflake or Idaho Falls or Utah County, after all! Keep your eyes out for a house for us, wherever you are!!
The lovely fragrant weather is wonderful and has pulled us outside where we (mostly Dad) weed, mow, clean, prune, clip, dig, organize, sneeze and wheeze. I love these first ventures out in the spring. So refreshing and wonderful. It does feel a little strange not to be planting something in the ground, though.
Emma has moved home. It is very nice to have her here. There are still several things to acquire and accomplish before next weekend, but we'll get them done, I'm sure. I had hoped we'd have purchased another home before she left on her mission so she would at least know where she'd be coming home to, but unless that happens in the next couple of days, it will be a surprise when she returns!
I know I've mentioned it to some of you, but perhaps not all because of my brain fog, so I wanted to be sure you all are aware that J R Allred passed away. I miss him. Lots of changes in our neighborhood in a short time. Iva Lou Balls turned 94 last week and is not doing real well. Emma plans to visit her and several of the older ladies this week. They likely won't be here when she gets back. Sad, sad thought. The changes are good for those leaving, not as easy for those of us still here. It is really changing the dynamic of our neighborhood. I suppose that's inevitable.
One of the dumbest things I've done occurred last week. I purchased airline tickets for Thomas and Victoria to come for the family gathering. It didn't go through, so I purchased them again. Well, apparently Thomas and Victoria cannot both have two seats for the same flight for one price. It did work the first time, so I unknowingly duplicated the purchase - urrrrggggh! We are arguing with the airlines to see if they will refund the tickets that cannot be used. I really don't like it when I do things like that.
So, the family gathering. It will be loads of fun! Watch for an email today. TODAY, I say. It will come today and tell you everything you need to know.
I love you all and can't wait to see you in 5 days!!!
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