Good morning to your happy self from the land of crunchy grass, low lake levels, water conservation, and dry wells. We are desperately in need of rain over here – care to share? There is one subdivision in the ward boundaries whose occupants were notified of having only six inches of water left in their well.
And speaking of dry conditions, we had a juvenile neighbor across the street who was trying out his firework collection, and because it was scaring his dog, went across the street to the ditch beside our house. Between the fireworks and his lighter, he caught the grass on fire. Your father is backing down the driveway to go pick up Sawyer from a basketball practice, sees the fire coming towards the house, and goes into action. While on the run he tells Cooper to get water. Cooper thought of Joe, who has a water tank on the back of his truck for his pest control business. Jarrod ran in the house, grabs our kitchen fire extinguisher, and pulling the pin on the fly, begins to attack the front line, while Cooper's helping with water in a bucket until Joe gets his truck out.. The boy’s mother had called 911, and she brought out her kitchen fire extinguisher to be helpful. Another neighbor tried to use a hose, but it didn’t reach. One lady brought out a half bucket of water. And then Joe arrived.
There were a few circumstances we consider miraculous in reflection, as it could have been so much worse. There was no wind. The field had been recently mowed. Jarrod was not inside the house. And our neighbor had a mobile water source. This will definitely be one of those mission blessings. Thank you for your service. The 40 x 40 foot fire has brought us closer together as neighbors, caused us to think about being better prepared to combat fire, such as having a hose!, and initiated talk in our family of similar circumstances and how to respond. Our neighbor brought over a replacement extinguisher for us, which is much appreciated.
Dad and I took Sawyer to his basketball game. It was fun watching him play, as it’s been a while since I’ve gone. It reminded me too much of basketball season and kids in school. I guess I’m not ready for summer to be over. His team was in triple overtime when his contact was knocked out by a stray finger, so he sat the rest of the game. He made the tying basket on a tip in of a teammate’s shot, blocked their attempt at pulling ahead, and then sat to watch them lose by one basket.
Your individual pod casts have caused some excitement in your younger siblings, as your individual letters. The van was registered this week, and Cooper’s paperwork verified to be in order for his driver license appointment next Friday. So close! We even took the van out for an errand, and I’m wondering how Hunter got it to pass inspection. There is no horn, and there are cracks all over the windshield. But I’m not complaining this year.
Cooper had his second week of try outs. He played close to twenty matches and only lost three. He definitely still prefers doubles, but those matches were all singles. He came home darker, leaner, and more tired.
Sawyer will try out this week for golf. I took him to the country club once, and the driving range twice this weekend. It’s too hot to golf! He and Miller came home browner ;-)
We spent one afternoon in the Aiello’s pool, and I do believe I came home redder.
Sawyer and Cooper are still visiting the orthodontics. I’m trying to get Miller to wiggle his last two teeth out so he can begin while we both have dental insurance.
Breyer tested out of level 1 and is now in level 2 gymnastics, which just means a different class, day and time. She uses the large living room to practice, as well as the neighbor’s trampoline, and is actually very good.
Dad is still working on his tenure portfolio for this fall, as well as his summer classes.
And there are weddings galore. Hannah is marrying a return missionary convert that reminds of your father, next week in the new Hartford, CT temple. And she's a great artist. Greg is marrying in September in the Provo City Center. Stephen Welch in the same temple next week. AnneMarie's sister Jessica yesterday, as well as Madelyn Duncan in Hawaii, and her sister Emily last month in California.
And for my thought of the day. Elder Uchtdorf, in his last Sunday afternoon General Conference address, spoke of the Savior standing before the Roman prefect of Judea, Pontius Pilate, just a few hours before the Savior’s death.
After interrogating his prisoner, Pilate announced, “I find in him no fault at all.” In one final effort to satisfy the mob, Pilate ordered his men to scourge Jesus. This they did, leaving Him bloodied and bruised. They mocked Him, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and clothed Him in a purple robe.
Perhaps Pilate thought this would satisfy the mob’s lust for blood. Perhaps they would take pity on the man. “Behold, I bring him forth to you,” Pilate said, “that ye may know that I find no fault in him. … Behold the man!”
The Son of God stood in the flesh before the people of Jerusalem. They could see Jesus, but they did not truly behold Him. They did not have eyes to see.
Elder Uchtdorf says, “In a figurative sense, we too are invited to “behold the man.” Opinions about Him vary in the world. Ancient and modern prophets testify that He is the Son of God. I do this too. It is significant and important that we each come to know for ourselves. So, when you ponder the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, what do you see? Those who find a way to truly behold the Man find the doorway to life’s greatest joys and the balm to life’s most demanding despairs.”
You are one who leads others to this door.
“So, when you are encompassed by sorrows and grief, behold the Man. When you feel lost or forgotten, behold the Man. When you are despairing, deserted, doubting, damaged, or defeated, behold the Man.
When we truly behold the Man, we learn of Him and seek to align our lives with Him. We repent and strive to refine our natures and daily grow a little closer to Him. We trust Him. We show our love for Him by keeping His commandments and by living up to our sacred covenants.
In other words, we become His disciples.”
When this week becomes difficult, remember you are his disciple as well as missionary.
And we love you.
Mom
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