Summer 2010 - June

Yes, I know I've been horribly delinquent in posting to this darn blog. Sometimes, though, I just don't feel like sitting at my computer trying to think of something to type. Especially in the summer, when NO ONE should be sitting at the computer either typing or reading silly blogs. Get outside and play people!

However, for posterity's sake (and to appease "certain people," I'll post a quick catch-up of the past couple months. Sorry that there aren't many pictures to go with this. I'm terrible about remembering to pull out the blasted camera.

End Of School
Our last day of school was Tuesday, June 15th. Technically though, from what I could gather, the last real day of school was sometime around the end of May. They spent most of those last few weeks of classtime in June watching movies, going on field trips, having field days, etc. Not much learning going on there. Can't we just cut out all the crap & let the kids out a few weeks earlier??

Girls' Weekend
The weekend after school got out, I was able to enjoy a very fun, very relaxing weekend with some friends. No kids, no husbands, no housework . . . We kayaked and chatted and hiked to see a beautiful waterfall. It was a delightful way to start off our summer break.

Diabetes Screening
On a not-so-relaxing note, I had to go in twice for the dreaded Glucose Screen. I have developed gestational diabetes with 3 of my last 4 pregnancies, so I had to do both the 1-hour and the 3-hour fasting (Blech!) test. Glory, glory hallelujah - I DON'T have it! I guess my no-sugar thing for the past 2 years has really paid off.

Pioneer Trek
(Sorry the picture is so dark. It was taken about 5a.m. You can click on it for a better look.)

Jared spent 4 days at the end of June on a Pioneer Trek. They were bussed to a remote spot in SE Washington, where they were split into family groups - a "Ma," a "Pa," and 5-6 "siblings." Dressed in full, pretty-darn-authenic pioneer era clothes, each family was given a handcart to load up with all of their gear and they PUSHED/PULLED it along a dirt trail. It was stinkin' HOT and downright exhausting, but they worked together as a family and had some amazing experiences. Not to sound too cliche, but Jared definitely came back a changed boy from that Trek.

One of the most significant moments for Jared on the Trek was when they re-inacted the Mormon Battalion. This was an historical event in pioneer history when many of the men left the wagon trains to go serve with the US Army during the Mexican-American War. At one point during Trek, when they were all so hot & tired, the boys were asked to step aside (as if they had gone off to join the Mormon Battalion) and the girls were left to toil with the handcarts. Jared said that it was so hard to watch his "sisters" struggle with the cart and to not be able to help them.

The first day, they pushed those heavy carts until 2am. When they were finally able to stop for the night, they were each given a cup of broth & a piece of bread to eat. This was also a strong reminder to them of how very fortunate we are, and what incredible sacrifices and hardships the early pioneers faced while walking along the trail.

It wasn't all drudgery, though. The rest of the time they ate much better, and there were many evenings of hoedowns and pioneer games. I have talked with Jared and many other kids who went on this pioneer trek. Not once have they focused on the difficulties or complained about how hard it was. Every kid I've talked to raves about what a fabulous experience it was. For Jared, the best part was making so many new friendships (in particular, getting to know a sweet "sister" who was in the handcart behind his). :-)

Little Dragons

June was also the last month of Adana's "Little Dragons" martial arts class. This was a timely, much-appreciated Christmas gift from her grandparents. She participated every Tuesday & Thursday from January - June. She learned not only to throw a mean jab/cross and front kick, but Sifu Rick also spent a great deal of time focusing on character values, such as Courtesy and Patience. I have noticed a significant improvement in her ability to control herself and her behavior since taking this class. Thanks Mom & Dad!!

Especially For Youth

We wrapped up June with yet another fun activity for Jared. He got home from Trek late Saturday night, rested on Sunday, then Monday morning I took him down to University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for a week-long EFY camp. This is an amazing camp run by our church. It is all about building testimony and self-esteem and relationships. It is always positive and always super FUN. Jared, just off his spiritual high at Trek, was well-prepared to have a great time at EFY. And he did! Again, he made a bunch of new friends from all over the Seattle area and came away with many great memories. It was so tough for me to have him gone for 2 weeks in a row, but I loved to see the personal & spiritual growth in him when he returned.