Running Through Molasses

That's pretty much what this summer has been for me. Running through dark, thick, syrupy molasses. Delicious, of course, but hard hard hard work.

• I helped plan three family reunions (two of which I had to attend sans-husband because he was working) and attended one other blessed one that I had nothing to stress over. 
• I helped with my sister-in-law Aubrey's beautiful wedding. 
• I made sure Grant got to spend plenty of time with Jake's brother, Josh, before he left on his mission. 
• Our ward went on a handcart trek in Wyoming. 
• I taught at EFY for the first time, on top of teaching The Book of Revelation for Institute. 
• We've had three fender-benders, and even though they weren't our fault, we've still spent too much time away from our dear little car. My car finally went the way of the world, so we gave it to my Dad to see if he could resurrect it enough for anyone in Idaho to drive. We've also been having crazy troubles getting Josh's truck fixed and inspected so Jake can drive it. 
• Jake's been creating a book for his grandma with all of the personal histories we can find at her house, at the library, and online. 
• We've been to Idaho twice to see my family (and the tractors and trucks that Grant loves), and have had many of them come here for a few days to see us. 
• We've been planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting our garden in all the in-between hours. 
• We helped my brother and his little family pack up to move to Ogden, and have been spending as much time as possible with my sister who is moving to Texas in a few short weeks (she is Grant's hero). 
• We've been trying to juggle callings and church activities, and are learning the joys and sorrows associated with a little boy who hates sitting on Mom's lap during Church, but who also cries for two hours when we leave him in nursery (he's had ups and downs, but my fingers are crossed that he'll be getting better soon!).

So, now that all of those things are behind us, there are only two weeks of summer left before Jake starts his second (and hopefully last!) year of grad school. What is there still to do? Take a week off of stress and work and have a family vacation, of course!!!  I don't know if six days will nearly be long enough to heal from the craziest summers either of us have ever had, but we're willing to give it a wholehearted effort. :)

I've finally scrapbooked about 2/3 of our summer (they aren't great, but they're done!). Pretty soon I'll be able to post them in some semblance of order.

To quote Spamalot, "I am not yet dead!"  So bring on the fun, molasses or not!