Boys are tough on pants...

 The trouble caused when boys wear the same size pants.  I had completed the laundry and it was all folded.  I had summoned boys of all ages and sizes to put away their clean clothing.  They had ... except a pair of jeans remained. 

"Emerson, come put your jeans away."

He returned, took a glance at them and said.. "They're not mine." 

"Whittaker, come put your jeans away."

He returned, took a glance at them and said.. "They're not mine."

Trying not to get frustrated I repeated... "One of you needs to put your jeans away."

"Maybe they're Duncan's."

Fine.

"Duncan, come put your jeans away."

"But... mum.. they're not.. "

This was going to go on all night. So, I insisted.  "Would someone please just claim the jeans and put them away."

I was not prepared for what happened next.

Duncan just snatched them and marched to their closet. 

This is how he returned...

The little boys were laughing hysterically.  

Duncan had made his point.  They were NOT his jeans!

I thought the kerfuffle was over... but...

These are also NOT their jeans!

How am I supposed to keep a straight face!?

A year later..

We were all just minding our own business when this came down the hall.

The walking was very difficult with three legs in each pant leg.  

But this one...

This one freaked us out!

Honesty and Integrity

Honesty isn't the best policy... it is the only policy.

I heard it all my growing up years.

Apparently it didn't sink in.

I was first accused of being a liar by Tree and Memo in Texas.  I don't recall the exact circumstances but they wondered how I expected my children to respect me when I lied to them.  I think it had something to do with bedtime and allowing them to think that I was also going to bed... even though I wasn't.  I think I hung my head in shame and continued to pretend life was grand my way.

More recently I was accused of being a liar again.  This time on a more grand scale.  The accusation went something like,  "You lie so often that you aren't even aware of it anymore.  You believe the lies yourself now.  It wouldn't be so bad if your kids could distinguish when you are 'kidding', but they believe you completely.  How will they ever know the truth... or worse.. ever trust you?"

In my defense....

Oh forget it... I've lied.  I am a liar.  What are the 12 steps?  How do I make restitution for the lies?

I began by admitting that they have occurred. 
I began to make a list of them.  I don't even know if I remember them all.
These are the nine I can remember. 

 

• On the way from Utah to Wyoming, we drive past a factory of sorts.. a power station maybe.  The tall smoke stack is always steaming.  It's situated in literally the middle of nowhere.  Surrounded by thousands of acres of sagebrush.  It's almost always blue skies for miles except the steam clouds forming above the factory/power plant stack.  I've always said this is a cloud making factory.  It's one of Wyoming's best industries.  Scientifically... steam does enter into the water cycle which creates cloud formation so I'd say it's a partial lie backed by science in a roundabout way.

• I'm not a fan of cantaloupe.  It's not one I dislike, I just am not a big fan.  So... we don't often have cantaloupe.  However during a visit to Wyoming, we had cantaloupe at a few meals in a row.  There had been a lot of discussion about Antelope on that trip.  Probably hunting season or something.  Anyway... Whittaker who doesn't always hear all the syllables of words really enjoyed eating the cantaloupe.  He called it Antelope though.  He must have asked if we could get antelope at our house, since he really liked it.  Trying to work on his articulation of words, I spent time saying antelope and Cantaloupe very clearly.  He obliged since he's always had speech corrections but then wondered what are they.  Oh... I replied.. (to my chagrin)... Antelope are an animal, like a deer, that live in Wyoming.  Cantaloupe is the melon that he liked to eat.  .... and then I added.... Cantaloupe are the eggs that antelope lay so that's whey we can have them in Wyoming.  

• I blatantly made up a lie when Miles innocently asked about the scar on his head when he was 5 years old.  It came out without any plan.  Instead of telling him he was a miracle and that skilled Dr.'s had performed surgeries to save his life... I told him it was the mark left behind when he had been abducted by aliens.  In my defense, he was pretty excited about the abduction... asked questions which I obliged by embellishing my lie.  The pulsing soft spot was the homing beacon.  Also they could turn him off remotely... that's why he gets tired at the same time every night.  It also explained why he could do big math equations in his head and solve a rubik's cube... those were skills he gained from the aliens.

• Whittaker gave open mouthed slobbery kisses.  After bedtime kisses I would always wipe my cheek after tucking them in.  One night after tucking in Whittaker and Emerson, they kissed me extra sloppily.  I instinctively reached up and rubbed my cheek.  One of them called out... "Don't wipe off the kiss!"... I responded... "Oh I'm not wiping it off, I'm rubbing it in so it will last longer!"  Now they ALWAYS rub it in for me when they kiss me.  Sometimes they remind me to rub it in so it will last all night!

• Whittaker is shorter than the others.  Whittaker has learning delays.  Whittaker rode a bike later.  Whittaker learned to read later and slower.  In contrast, Emerson who is three years younger can read better, ride a bike years earlier, is a big boy and will any day be taller than Whittaker.  In order to help prepare him for being outgrown by the baby brother and for being a bit behind academically than a younger kid I tried to explain that everyone does things at their own pace.  I also explained that people all grow differently.  I showed a family picture with my siblings.  I showed how tall I am and how three of my younger siblings were taller than me.  Even Caleb and Sarah were taller than me, but I'm still older.  We talked about how we all learn when we are ready.  I thought I'd been pretty clear and that maybe he'd be able to handle the inevitable future of being the shortest sibling and the bigger issue... the delays academically.  I was not prepared for a few days later hearing him explain it to someone else.   "I'm the oldest in the family but I age slower, like my mum.  That's why she's 26."  Oh dear.  

• Which leads me to the, "I'm 26 years old".  I'm not afraid of getting older... I just don't feel older than 26 yet... plus it's my favourite number so why not enjoy that age the longest. 

• For many years as I've shopped at Costco, I've purchased one of the tasty rotisserie chickens.  They're hot and smell so good, so when I get to the car I can rarely resist the tempting smells.  I prefer dark meat so I would eat a drumstick on the way home.  Once home the questioning about the missing leg began... My response, "That's how Costco sells their rotisserie chickens... Sometimes only one leg... and sometimes they don't have any of the tasty, crispy skin either!"  I would like to point out that I rarely shopped alone in the decade of shopping at Costco and managed to eat that drumstick while driving with many children in the vehicle.  

• Recently while in a dollar store, the little boys were fiddling with everything in the store.  When we arrived at the check out there were so many gadgets  on the counter, there was hardly anywhere to put my purchases.  I was tired and the boys were infringing on my personal bubble plus fiddling with stuff again.  They finally reached into a jar of pens with enormous, plastic diamond's on the ends and each were shaking them in case they lit up or made noise.  Trying not to lose my patience, I said, "Don't wave that around... you don't know what kind of power you might be unleashing with that wand"  The check out lady stopped mid scan of my purchases and looked right at me.  "I need to remember that!  Every kid in here picks those up and waves them around."  Instead of feeling pleased that I'd brightened her day or given her a humorous way to deal with obnoxious behaviour... I realized... I just lied... again!

• Most recently, just over a week ago.  Here at home while watching General conference on tv. We had explained that the choir performances were pre-recorded.  That because of Covid19 there wasn't an audience.  Emerson still didn't understand.  After the first few songs, he asked, "How come the ladies keep changing their dresses?"  So we explained pre-recorded from different events again.  We thought he understood this time.  Later he said, "It's too bad no one showed up to hear the people talk.  But lots of people like coming to hear the choir."  Everyone said, "It's pre-recorded!  No one is there because of the virus." Okay.. but then later...  "The guys only have to change their ties, but the ladies change really fast!"  *sigh*  "Yup, ladies are just awesome like that."  I did try! 

I have attempted to come clean on the lies that I have remembered.  Apparently some have been told for so long that even when I tell the truth now, some still don't believe me... I tried.

A Ladies Man...

When Duncan was younger he was the chicken whisperer.  He could have all the hens follow him around like the pied piper.  He often went out to visit them.  He may be older now and these are different hens, but the attraction is still there.

The ladies love him...

Jam sessions

Some of our laid back days of autumn.

While Jill was visiting we had many a musical jam session.  

She also taught us to make pepper jelly.  mmmm...we're all hooked.  We sent Miles to get crackers but he couldn't find any in the store... as in he couldn't find them.. not that they didn't have any.  We did eventually procure some crackers however these days we discovered that they're really yummy on cucumber slices!  We also mixed a softened cream cheese and a jar of jelly together and it was a great veggie dip. 

Sarah and Boomer

At Sarah's recent visit we had a photo shoot before Miles was to leave for Texas.  

Afterwards we snapped some candids of Sarah and Boomer.  They're so well colour coordinated. 

Barnwood Christmas

This year's 'homemade' Christmas became 'barnmade'. 

The old barn at the ranch has been a project lately.  The hundred year old roof was sagging and caving in.  It needed to be replaced.  

The workers were pleased to remove and replace the roof.  Others were eager to have some other projects tackled.  Tina had the bathroom redone.

There was still a stack of leftover barn wood.  I knew that Rob was claiming most of it for a project at his house so I piped up.  I would like some please.  Most of it was too rough for use indoors as wall, or shelves.. or wainscotting but I had an idea.  

I simply wanted the nativity barn wood to be used to create nativities.  Now each home has a piece of the nativity barn to remind them of the spirit of the nativity year round.  

Gingerbread houses at Retirement Center

I've been in charge of the homeschool co-op's monthly visit to the retirement center.   

Scheduling the time was the easy part I learned.  I also needed to decide on the activities.  We had been reading to the elderly, but clearly that wasn't a hit.  Many were nodding off while the kids read and since most couldn't hear well, having ten children reading all at once didn't work well.  

We did a playdough time.  Both elderly and children tried to eat the dough.  Soo... for December I decided to let them eat.   

This was the biggest hit.   We didn't have enough room for everyone.  We've never had so many attend our events.  It also lasted two hours instead of the normal one hour.  Some really got into the decorating, others liked licking the frosting off the crackers and others just watched as their child/partner created masterpieces.  All snacked a little. 

We had so many leftover supplies...  My boys decided we could make houses again at home. 

From Point A to Point B

I haven't traveled with Caleb in some time, so I'm not sure why driving with your tongue out is photo worthy... but I am pleased that he takes photos of the journey.

Historic landmarks are nice but familiar ones are even better.

This cloud maker is the half way point of our trip from SLC to home.  I suppose it's another false story I have perpetuated to my children over the years.. but ...  I don't actually know nor do I really want to know what it is... because I like calling out... we've reached the cloud maker!  

And truly Wyoming has these incredibly HUGE blue skies... some lovely wispy white clouds add some lovely interest.

Other familiar landmarks are the 'big, big, big, big waters' (always sung)

The striped rocks... and one that I haven't mentioned to the kids because it likely wouldn't have any meaning to them... but there is a grove of somewhat dead trees surrounded by ... nothing... and it resembles a scene in the movie, 'Return to Snowy river'.  

I'll snap a pic on my next trip.

Of all the familiar landmarks, the ones along the last 3 miles are the loveliest.  They signify how close... a potty is!  How close rest is.   How close a hot meal is.  How close the end is.  How close 'home' is.

I loved hearing that the girls called out, "Hi Henry!" as they passed the stone house.

Lumber Jane

When you're hauling logs in Wyoming, you better look the part. 

Monkeyin' around

Sometimes... there's nothing to do but hang around.

and try to overcome our fears.

Did you catch the reference to rule #1?

For some there is no fear.

For others... they really want to be like the big kids.

Feeding Ground Fun

Elk Feeding..

Sam the guide and feeder, set down the rules.  

Sam was hilarious

1.  Don't fall off the sled

2.  Don't lose any strings

3.  Don't break the bales

4.  Don't lose any points

(but wait... points?)  How do you get points.  Sam distributes the points...  arbitrarily.

He giveth and he taketh away.

Beautiful sights

Gettin' the job done

After feeding, it's time to enjoy the long drive back... 

in style! 

After a few miles, it's time to close the gate to the feeding grounds.... 

If you take too long... the ride  may begin to pull away.. then...

The video stopped just before Duncan hit a patch of ice and met the ground in a sudden gust of gravity.  He didn't run quite so much after that... but he did get back in the sled.  He also took a little ribbing from the older, cruder set!

Week 10 -- Feliz Ano Nuevo!

Happy new year every one I hope you are doing well with your resolutions.

This week has been a bit slow no one really wanted to meat with us. So as a zone we got together with a massive chalk board and wrote four questions on it.

1. What is the purpose of life? 

2. What are you grateful for? 

3. What happens after death?

4. What is happiness? 

We had some amazing responses to all the questions I think the coolest thing was when we started talking to some one and they said I don't speak English. 

And me and my companion translated for them and even they were able to answer. I would love to see what all your answers are. 

A really cool poem about perspective I found this week. 

Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don't try to convince me that
There's something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look, 
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some goodness does shine through once in awhile
Satisfaction and happiness don't last.
And it's not true that
It's all in the mind and heart
Because
True happiness can be obtained
Only if one's surroundings are good
It's not true that good exists
I'm sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My attitude
It's all beyond my control
And you'll never in a million years hear me say that
Today was a good day

If you can't figure it out try reading it backwards (not word for word but one phrase at a time)

Any way I hope every one will have a great day witch in turn will be a great week. 

Sinceramente

Élder Noble

Trying on his companion's glasses.

The massive chalkboard!

Our call this week was filled with silliness.  We took him outside to check out our new ice skating rink and impressed many of the elders with how much snow we had and a quick look at the thermometer and our negative teen temps had them feeling much better 'the cold' in Texas.  

It was exciting to discover that we finally stumped Miles.  For years we have tried to find a brain teaser or rubik's cube type puzzle that he couldn't solve in the first day... typically in the first hour!  But this year we happened upon a brain teaser puzzle that consisted of horses.  The 4 sided squares each had either a horse head or a horse tail .  There were 16 squares.  The horses needed to be matched up heads and tails.  And the horses had to match in colour and pattern.  Apparently he couldn't solve it on Christmas day before heading out for other activities.  All week he spent a few minutes trying to figure it out.  The other elders who stopped by became obsessed with solving it.  On the p-day before new'years, he was told to bring it to the stake center where the entire zone was planning to meet for a conference and some volleyball.  He brought the puzzle and as we chatted on the phone a table surrounded by elders sat trying to systematically figure it out.  They made a chart to mathematically attempt to solve it, but to no avail... they went home disappointed.  What a pleasure for us to know we stumped Miles!

Boxing Day

So if Christmas Eve was perfect, and Christmas Day fun filled exhaustion... what do you do for Boxing Day?

After installing the bathroom door lock, much of Boxing day was spent recuperating.  We gathered wood.  We showered.  Some napped...

Oh.. and the big guys.. Caleb, Duncan, Elowen and Esther went to feed the Elk... on a sleigh.

I've since heard phrases such as, "That was the best ever"... "I want to do that again!" ... "That was the  most fun."... "Sam was hilarious!"

... so much fun it's its own post!

But other than Elk...

We continued the excitement with colouring

We pulled off some high fashion.

There were a few trips to gopher hill.  

Sledding happened a few times each day.

But when it was too cold to sled any longer they headed inside to entertain themselves in other ways.

... playing with the spinning top... body style.

We tidied a bit and mopped the floor while we listened to an audio book and prepared to end the day with a live facebook chat with a favourite author.

Some may have nodded off a bit while listening to the book.

A successful day when people are exhausted.
It's possible some hot cocoa and apple cider were partaken of... but I have no photographic evidence..

Two days into the visit.
What will we think to do next?

Such a lot of fuss

Christmas bells, Ice rinks, Friends visiting and goodies couldn't top this Christmas surprise.

It was 'given', jointly to Caleb and Elowen.  However neither of them took it home with them.  Neither of them installed it... but ...

both of them were ecstatic to receive it and to use it while they were here!

It was the most sought after installation after Christmas.  

Patrick wasted no time and read the instructions and went straight to work...

... installing the lock on the bathroom door. 

Dec. 26, 2019

Week 9 -- Feliz Navidad

This week has been crazy.

Christmas as a missionary is a little strange all are days are focused on Christ so when there is a day dedicated to him it's not much different then any other day. But it was fun to spend time with members and party with my zone. 

As for the rest of the week... Where do I start the last three days of the week (not including Sunday) I had blitz's in three different places all day we went to so many houses looking for people to teach and we found a lot mainly for the English sisters but every one matters. It has been an exhausting week it has been really hard to come home from a long day of blitzing and then stay up and help my companion with his district leader duties but it has been fun.

I can't talk about the people I am teaching specifically but they are making great progress and we have one on date to be baptized. 

Speaking of baptism the ASL elders had one this week and we attended. It was such a spiritual experience to seen some one get baptized it always is and it is really cool to watch the ceremony in ASL we had are zone leader translate for us.

Élder Noble

Just a funny trick of the light... a flashlight only... but perhaps the force is stong in this one.

A Christmas gathering

Some p-day silliness on Christmas day.

We had a fun visit on Christmas day.  He called a few times through out the day.  We were able to put on a fun show of ringing our bells for him and his companion.  We even took him out on the sleds for a quick romp in the snow.  

https://www.facebook.com/jordan.hunter.5473/videos/2523164034476461/

https://www.facebook.com/jordan.hunter.5473/videos/2523214311138100/

https://www.facebook.com/jordan.hunter.5473/videos/2523284097797788/

Christmas Day

Christmas Bells...

...were ringing.  This was a hit Christmas morning.  We kept it a fairly sensible and simple Christmas.  We had decided on one fairly large family gift... I had had a few ideas but none that truly included everyone... Then while up late one night I stumbled across Merry Bells..  I was intrigued.  I watched a few videos and hmmed and hawed... I finally caved and made the purchase at over 50% off.  I had almost forgotten about them until the package arrived.  

Who knew they would take over Christmas!  They were played almost exclusively from dawn to dusk and even later... and they were played almost daily for the next two weeks.  

They became proficient in next to no time!

They mastered all the songs in single note and moved on to harmonized ringing!

Then they decided to increase the difficulty... the sped up the songs!

Ring a ling .. ding dong..

Partway through the day the Walkers arrived to join our festivities and Whittaker had requested we play a game.  A ridiculous hat wearing, oven mitt wearing, fork wielding, unwrap a chocolate bar that has been wrapped 50 times kind of game.

While all of this was going on, some of us worked on the 1000 piece nativity puzzle and enjoyed a video chat with Miles.  We even paused the game and played some bells for him and his companion.

No holiday is exempt from chores... especially when chores mean keeping us warm!

The exhausted but happy sledders had used up every bit of daylight careening around on the sleds and finally called it a night.  The sled made one last trip across the yard filled with firewood.

After a long winters day of sledding and ringing bells, a warm winter's evening of fun and games was enjoyed.  It had been a day of fun and lots of nibbling on goodies and treats.  We had left over soup from the Ranch nativity and all the extra cookies plus martinelli's juice.  Walkers, Caleb and the girls and of course us, filled our little house with fun all day.

Bell ringing really happened all day long and included all.

Christmas Angels

Christmas Eve has become the highlight of the season... as it should be.

It was made even more special this year because of our special guests.  Caleb and Esther and Elowen arrived on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.  We were eager for their arrival and to begin enjoyng their visit.

We began with the bonfire and the Nativity at the ranch.

This year 230 people enjoyed the camaraderie and the unseasonable winter warmth.  

Shepherds, Angels, townsfolk, census takers, wise men and the holy family.  

The warbling tones of the violin streaming Silent Night, Holy Night

Mary singing a lullaby to her newborn infant.

Testimonies born of a Saviour born to redeem the world.

Afterwards... a bit of silliness... Cookies and cocoa and some clandestine rearranging of ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Then back to the main house to enjoy soups and visits... with some amazing masseuses.

We tried to get a photo of the lanterns that lined the driveway from the bonfire to the barn.

A spectacular first evening of a visit!

Dec. 24, 2019