When Life Gives You Lemons

Tonight I attended a lemon party. What is a lemon party, you ask? It was an excuse for my friend to throw a party. She decorates her whole house with lemons during the summer and she wanted to have a celebration before putting away the bright, happy decorations to make room for fall and Halloween.

We were all asked to bring a lemony dish to share. I googled "gluten free lemon recipes" and found this one. It turned out pretty well. It kind of had a strawberry lemonade taste.

Making Faces

Topher the Builder

As soon as Topher arrived home from school today he got to work. He built this "gingerbread" house out of graham crackers and cream cheese. He was quite pleased with his creation.

The Story Lady

I was asked to help with a ward activity on Saturday. Our old ward did a family history activity and I got to be the story lady. I read three books I particularly love that connect with family history: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (each person's story matters, we should keep journals), Some Dogs Do (there are talents and traits that are passed down through families), and Owl Moon (family traditions are meaningful). I had a pretty steady stream of audience members coming to my storytelling station, including one little boy who only wanted to hear stories and was quite put out when his mom tried to move to another station.

I love that I got to be part of this activity by doing something that brings me joy.

Brothers

Called to Serve

Peter got a very special, much anticipated email. With his permission, I'll share most of it here.

Home Again, Home Again

Bryan flew out to Utah on Sunday and spent most of the week driving home with Peter. They arrived just before 3:00 this morning.

Topher is especially happy that they're home.

Figuratively, Not Literally (I Think)

We attended our old ward on Sunday (in addition to our current ward) to hear one of Peter's friends speak about his recently concluded mission. We stayed for the second hour and it just so happened that Topher's favorite primary teacher was subbing that day. She took him by the hand and walked him into the primary room, which helped calm the nervousness he was feeling.

At bedtime that night I asked how primary was. 

Topher: It was good, did you know that Sister D was a sub?

Me: Yes, I think Sister K is the regular teacher.

Topher: Oh yeah! She is. 

And then he told me why Sister K wasn't at church that day.

Topher: Her friend in North Carolina lost her mom and she went to help find her.

And as soon as my brain caught up to what he said I had to stifle a gasp. I'm pretty sure that's not what was meant by lost, but since I haven't confirmed that, I have yet to correct his interpretation.

Faster and Faster

Cooper had another cross country meet today. He continues to do well. He ran an 18:54 and placed 15th overall, 6th from his school. We arrived just a few minutes before the race ended, but we were there to see him cross the finish line!

A Full Social Calendar

We had a weekend full of events.

Friday night we went to a Hobbit party and ate and visited until late.

Saturday night we went to a Ukulele Orchestra party and ate and visited and played music until late.

Sunday night we went to a missionary homecoming and chatted until late.

And that led to Topher asking this morning, "Do we have another party tonight?"

We did not.

Only homework and sleep.

And that's okay.