The End of August

Finally. I think August slows down the hands of time. It seems like it lasts forever. It ended with a wonderful thunderstorm tonight and I am still up listening to the rain. The house is quiet, except for Grumpy's snoring which you can hear from anywhere on the main floor. It used to really bother me, but I have learned to be thankful he is home to snore. We had a really nice dinner on Sunday and almost everyone could be here. Tawna and Nathan's family had the “gomboo” and stayed home to be miserable there. We missed them though. It has been awhile since that many of the kids have been here. We were missing a few grandkids and Robert went to have a fun BBQ with his friends (I see how he is), but it still felt like we had more together this time. Happy chaos and happy noise. We had to leave after dinner, but came home to the dishes rinsed and the first wave in the dishwasher. That was really nice, thanks to those who helped with that.

Labor Day is coming up and I hope all those traveling will do it safely. I worry about all the crazies on the road, and especially my crazies. I went to lunch today with a neighbor I have known for years. Such a sweet lady. I've always wanted to get to know Becky better, and enjoyed the time today so much. We lunched at “Poppy's” - one of the few places you can eat a great meal and shop for home decor. I love to look at the inventory there, and I have loved to buy some of it on occasion too. It was a nice day and I couldn't have asked for a better way for August to be over. A nice memory or two, I love a good thunderstorm and we got all the birthdays celebrated this month.

Now that September is here I am running out of excuses to start cleaning out the closets in the basement. The day is coming. ARGHHHHH! The only nice thing about it is that there are closets, so when they are cleaned out I will have a place to put away all the stuff we are keeping. I hope. I'm starting to really warm to the idea of just packing it ALL out and away to a good cause. 

Football, the last days of baseball, soup and chili weather and planning for the holidays. I love September.

A Little Bit Broken

This is a pic of Grumpy in his hospital attire after a few hours spent in the emergency room. Trimming tall bushes can be hazardous to your health. The trimming technique was to stand in the bed of the truck and trim the tall trees and bushes along the driveway on the east side. It was a good plan. (Especially since ladders aren't such a good idea for Grumpy either.) Papa was in the truck and only moved the truck when Grumpy was through with the section and had tapped the top of the truck that he was ready to move. Not having heard a tap for awhile, Papa turned to look and alas…no Grumpy. He opened the door and got out as he could hear a weird gasping noise to find Grumpy in a heap on the driveway behind the truck struggling to breathe. Apparently Grumpy thought he still had some truck bed left and stepped one step too far as he came to the end of his section. Completely knocked the wind out of him when he landed on his side and bent the trimmer to boot. He was trying to get some air back in his lungs when Papa came around the back of the truck to find him. After he could stand up, he came in the house and went to lie down in the lounge chair. He was pretty sure he had broken some ribs. The worst thing of all was of course telling me. I don't react well to people I care about getting hurt. Especially when it seems so preventable. Realizing accidents do indeed happen, I am not the nicest, most sympathetic person in the world. I hate it when he is hurt, and he knows that.

After taking it easy the rest of the day he was feeling pretty good by Sunday morning. Went to church, taught his class, we made dinner and ate and went to our evening class for the young perspective missionaries. When we got back from class Sunday evening, he made a serious mistake and sneezed. Those of you who know Grumpy well know that sneezing is not just a normal thing for him. It involves his whole body and is actually very violent. (Broken nose from football, etc.) After the sneeze, all is not well. He can't move, he can't breathe, he can barely talk and is close to tears. Robert says, “Mom, I think you better take him in to the ER.” One look at him, and I agree. Robert went to help him into the truck and I go get a book to read and my purse.

After a couple of hours we are assured that no lungs or other important organs are punctured and the grin and bear it part of recovery is at hand. Upon returning home he is hungry and wants a piece of Tawna's german chocolate cake. He sat down to eat and was doing pretty well. I went to grab the camera for this rare shot of Grumpy in a hospital gown eating a piece of cake. (Full well intending to blog about it) Robert, or Jade said something, I said something back, we started laughing and this next shot is of Grumpy as he couldn't help laughing. It was a horrible thing to watch. He was hurting so bad as he tried not to laugh, and of course all we could do was laugh. I pulled a really straight face and said “Okay, no more laughing!” We all cracked up then and had to leave the room. We left him in the kitchen struggling with the pain of laughter and a delicious piece of chocolate cake. Poor Grumpy. Bad family, Bad.

In Memorium…

It was high time for new flowers by the time Nana's birthday rolled around this August, so I went out with Taya and Jade to do just that. The girls had not seen the headstone yet, so it was nice that they could go with me. We set out the new arrangement and then just stood and talked for awhile. It was really nice to remember funny things she would do, memories that we made together and just think about her life with us. We must have been there long enough to inspire the cemetery caretakers to get in their little cart and come over to ask if everything was okay with the gravesite. We assured them all was well. It was a sweet time to remember and enjoy some of the things that were Nana. I didn't take new flowers for Curt's headstone this time, but I am looking forward to putting the October arrangements from last year back out for them both. Nana really liked those pumpkins I got for Papa's 80th birthday party. They make me smile every time I look at them. I hope she smiles too.

I Should Explain…

Why do I have cotton on my blog? Long ago and far away my dad was farming. He had some acreage east of Queen Creek. I think they are building a High School on part of it now. When I was about 10 or 12 (maybe, I can't remember how old I was) I got the bright idea that I could work pulling weeds in the cotton fields to earn some of my own money. The term I believe was “chopping cotton”. I'm sure my dad knew this was not going to work out, but happily took me to a field, showed me what to do and left me there. It was August. The sun was hot (hotter than hades) and the rows were long. Really long. I stuck to it for awhile, but figured out that I didn't like this kind of labor. Not only didn't like it, but that I wasn't very good at it. Some of those weeds were strong and stubborn. Much more stubborn than I was. (About weeds anyway). An early foretelling of my lack of green thumb. My dad grew and cared for lots of crops, my mom was really good at growing things, all my moms people were farmers, so what happened to me? I'm sure the burning desire to succeed was just not there for me. In any event, dad showed up after awhile and with a smile on his face paid me dollar and took me back to the shady barn where there was a fan and some cold water. My farming days were over. I do have a deep and abiding appreciation for those who work in the fields of the farmland. They work hard and long. I don't think we appreciate our farming industry nearly enough. I still try and buy the products made from American Cotton Farmers rather than the overseas sources when I can. Just a little thing, but to me it's my way of supporting our farmers here.

August has always felt like my blog art this month. Cotton and other crops getting ready to be harvested, the bright unrelenting sun that just burns the days away. For me as a youth it was the last month of summer as we didn't start school until after Labor Day. I remember riding my bike to my friend Marilyn's house, or running there most of the time in bare feet. I would run along the grass at the edge of the sidewalk for the most part, then through a vacant lot or two. I knew where all the broken glass was, and all the sticker patches. Trial and error of course. I remember that every August without fail our air conditioner would break down in the house we were renting. While it was being repaired we would sleep outside at night on the trampoline. I also spent some time at my grandparents cabin in Greer. We would in some years go for much of the month of August and I would sew like crazy making my school dresses, etc. My grandmother would buy fabric at the T.G.&Y in Showlow and I would make dresses for my cousin that was just older than me. I didn't really know her, she was not a first cousin and their family lived in Tempe I think. Grandma was always trying to help out with clothes and food for them, so I made a few dresses for her. I would also sew for my younger girl cousins and with the money I earned from that would buy, you guessed it, more fabric for me. Much easier to me than chopping cotton. I learned to crochet in that cabin too. I remember the first afgan I made. It was lavender, white and pink. Wow. I was making it to match my room. I eventually finished it, long after it would ever match my room. August has lots of memories for me. Walks down to the creek (where all the stinging nettle was) and up the mountain to the spring house behind the cabin. Trips to the “tootsie roll store” that was really a little country store right outside Springerville with Grandpa. Fishing trips to the surrounding lakes to catch rainbow trout. Over to the Butler's store in Greer, and of course visiting the cabins of neighbors on the mountain. Mac, Mr. and Mrs. Green, and Shreve Peterson are the ones that stick out in my memory.

After my Junior year in high school, we didn't go to the cabin anymore. I haven't been there since, except to drive by it a couple of times in our travels. I didn't have a real close relationship to my maternal grandparents, but of all the memories I do have the happiest are at the cabin. I appreciate the time we were able to spend there and the great memories and skills I took with me from those days. It was like a time bubble there and life was slower and more simple. It is my dream to try and leave a legacy like that to my family someday. Who knows, it could happen. With luck and lots of prayer.

August is only half here now. I can't say I'm ever sorry to see it go. We still have a few birthdays to celebrate and commemorate. Even an anniversary at the end of the month. Only crazy people get married in August in Arizona. But then, we are all a little crazy. Pre-requisite in this family. September, although still hot brings the promise of cooler days and speaks loud and clear that the best months are just around the corner.

School Boyz

I got to see Jade and Jeff's boys before they left for the first day of school. They were so excited - especially Aden. Gone are the days when he stayed in the car and watched brothers go to school without him. He gets to be a big boy and go to school with them. Happy Day. I know Jade will post more about their adventures, but this pic I had was too cute not to post. So fun.

Yay for School

Celebration is in order when the kids get to go back to school and start learning good stuff again. We decided to go to California Pizza Kitchen to commemorate the occasion. Robert was able to come, so represented all the guys that couldn't (or wouldn't). Thanks for coming with us Robert, we love it when you can come out with us. It was a fun time, it was great to talk and laugh and I personally loved it. Tawna had some concerns about her salad - she may not put this restaurant on her top 100 list. The waitress was nice and took the pic of all of us together, but apparently missed the concept of “all of us” and only got a part of Tawna. Oh well. We had a great time and I think everyone is getting used to their days of getting things done sans kids. The kids are getting used to school and all the great things that they will learn and do this year. Works for me!


Emmy looks like she is posing for this pic. So stinkin' cute! Taya has a while before she joins the ranks of everyone in school. It comes faster than you think though.


Lots of fun talk with Tawna, Summer and Stacie.


Could this be technical talk? Jade and Robert figuring something out.


It was quite a group. These are some of the best times. I love being a mom.

Back in the Heat…

Grumpy and I went north for the weekend and WOW, what a difference! We only went as far as Heber/Overguaard , but it was far enough to catch a break on the general temperature. It never got over 80º and the nights were very cool. It was wonderful. Grumpy had some points on a Best Western venue, so we took advantage of that and stayed free. We didn't do anything too important, just hung out with our friends Leigh and Farrell and checked out a restaurant or two. On Saturday night we had a really nice dinner at the Mogollon Air Park in the hanger of one of the residents there. Met a lot of nice people, and saw a friend of Papa and Nana's from Chandler long ago. Ruth Pew. Her son has a nice cabin there and she goes up to stay in the summers. It was really fun to talk to her. She had some stories to share about Papa “buzzing” the homes and farms long ago. She remembered being outside hanging diapers on the clothesline one morning and Papa came over on the low side and then made a quick turn straight up. When the jet wash hit the ground it blew all the diapers off the line and her chickens in the air. She said she got a kick out of that and just laughed.

I know there are lots of little anecdotes like that out there with people who knew Nana and Papa back when. It's always fun to hear them when the chance presents itself. It was a great weekend and I always love spending time with Grumpy. I just wish the weekend had a couple more days in it.

Back to reality.

School started for everyone except Jade's boys today. They will begin on Wednesday, so they are enjoying their last two days of summer. I am counting the days so August will be gone soon and cooler weather is more imminent. Maintaining sanity so far, but it isn't easy. We need a girls night this week. I think “Julie and Julia” would be a good pick. Anybody?

Emmy Is One!

It doesn't seem possible she is a year old. I love the way she is walking all over now thinking she is such hot stuff. I love her personality and her cute little grins. And her chins. All of them. Happy Birthday Emersyn Rae. You are a delight and a joy.

Love you.

Back to the Movies…

I just had to do it. Robert hadn't seen Harry Potter, “The Half Blood Prince”, so of course I had to go with him. I enjoyed it the second time just as much. I always like catching a few more clues to the plot, little wisdom's that Dumbledor offers and even the innuendo's that slip by the first time. I could see it again, and probably will. I went to see “The Proposal” last week and it was good. I liked the story line, but could have done without the scene in the buff. Even at that, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I'm truly sorry the Summer Movie Fun movies are over. I'm equally sorry they ended it with “Igor”. Not on my top 100 list. I think the kids liked it though, so it was fun to be there with them. There are some good shows coming out and I even got on a site that listed the live theater's in the area. There are some good plays coming up and I hope I can remember to check out the possibility of getting some tickets. Among them are “Beauty and the Beast”, (that is a known entity) and then there is “Little House on the Prairie” with Melissa Gilbert starring as Ma, (Carolyn Ingalls). It's a new musical just getting started and I want to go see it.

I am looking forward to the debut of “G.I. Joe” and “Julie & Julia”, both coming out the 7th. The previews for both of those look like they will be good. I can probably get Grumpy to go to G.I. Joe, but I'm thinking he will pass on the Julie & Julia feature. I'm sure I can find someone to go with.

Thanks Robert for the fun evening. It's not often these days I get a chance to spend a whole evening with my son. I had a great time. Now, I think I must start reading the Harry Potter series. That's one series I haven't wanted to read until the movies were out. I usually read the books before the movies, but I think I will like the characters cast in my head per the movies. We'll see.

August is Here!

In spite of the heat, the summer seems to have flown by. Not that we don't still have some summer heat left to get through. With school starting in August now instead of September at least there is some relief from the boredom doldrums of the kids. I find myself thinking about Christmas and wondering what to do about that this year. I try not to procrastinate EVERYTHING in my life after all. August is full of birthdays, an anniversary and events that will keep us busy. G.I. Joe is coming out, woooo hooooo. I hope it's good. Emersyn has her first birthday, and Kaitlin and Daron are back from their mom's. I'm sure everyone is enjoying their long anticipated beach trip to San Clemente (which Grumpy and I are missing due to circumstances beyond our control). It will be quite a crowd with Tawna, Nathan, Faith and Chance, Taya, Kevin, Kaitlin, Daron, and Madison, Richard, Stacie, Megan, Austin, Rylan and Carson, Jade, Jeff, Jaxon, Ryker and Aden. They will all meet up with John and Francis, Rachel and her two little cuties for some fun in the ocean. I hope they take lots of pictures so we can at least enjoy it vicariously.

We have a boatload of birthdays this month besides Emmy. Nathan, Daron, Chance, Jeff, Nana, Lacy, Jacque, and Sydney will all turn another year older. Daniel and Chelsey will celebrate their anniversary and of course the mighty cheer and rejoicing of school starting will inspire many a mommy luncheon. I know we are planning a lunch out on the first day of school. Two more of my girls will finally have all their kids in school full time. I remember what a milestone that was for me.

Peaches are coming in mid-August and I can't wait to get some into jars. I love peaches and I love canning. Tomatoes too. This harvest season coming up is just what I need to kick start me into getting ready for the holidays. So much to do, so little time. Today we are finally doing Summer's fried chicken birthday dinner. Typical of my lazy ways in the summertime, it takes me a while to get around to stuff. It's just easier and cooler to do as little as possible. I'll be making aprons this week too for our RS homemaking (ooops, I mean Enrichment) night coming up in September. If I actually get them done I'll post pictures of them. I got the pattern a couple of years ago with the intent of making all the moms and daughters in the family a matching set. Maybe next year.

I'm glad August is here. It means cooler weather really is on it's way soon. Thankfully.