Porter's Back

Phil joined Porter at scout camp on Friday night after work, and they came home Saturday. The kids decorated his room with streamers for his homecoming. Heidi thought that was the funnest thing, it looked like a huge spider web. He earned 6 merit badges. He said the hardest and best was the Life Saving. He had no idea that it involved so much swimming when he decided to pick it. He's never had swim lessons, just the occasional swimming with friends. I'm proud of him. You can't see much of a difference in him through pictures, other than that he went way to long without a shower and needs a hair cut, but this was a great experience for Porter and he loved it.
Father's day was nice. Phil didn't have all his usual meetings so we were able to spend some time together as a family. He even had time for family history. For his present this year the kids wrote all the things they love about their dad on rocks and we put them in a glass container that said "our dad rocks". The kids had fun thinking of all the words they could to describe their dad. Heidi was so excited about it, but we had the funny feeling that Heidi was going to give it away too soon. We tried to prep her with how to respond when dad asks "what did you guys get me for father's day?". Our plan was to have her make a squeak sound in answer to the question. It was quite hard to get her to say anything but "rocks". But after a lot of practice we finally thought she had it down. So come father's day, she hands the present to Phil, and with a huge smile and lots of giggling, she says "rocks".

Where's Porter and Squirt?

Porter left this morning for scout camp. He is really excited. There are eleven boys going from our ward, plus he'll get the chance to meet a lot of other boys at camp. A week ago they had an overnight camp out, this time it's a whole week. Heidi is so attached to him, this will be hard for her (and him). Last night she was crying. The other kids are sad too, but I think it's because they know how much work he does around here. :) He will be missed!
Meagan bought herself a couple of fish this weekend, Bubbles and Squirt. Squirt died Sunday morning. Phil will try and tell you about a time when I tried to perform CPR on one of our dying fish, not true - don't believe it. We also have a bunny named Scratch. I think Meagan would have a zoo if we let her. She loves animals.
Well, Porter is off having a good time. I really can't say how it's going for Squirt. And the rest of us will survive. After cleaning up the house, I think we'll go swimming!

Life is Good

Our family has had its share of not so comfortable times. "It's Ok, it will all work out" has been my motto. By no means do I think my life is suddenly perfect or that I've reached some awaited destination. Our family is happy and we have what we need. It feels nice to be so blessed. And even though I've believed my motto: I really do feel like it's all working out. Phil's motto has always been "Enjoy the journey". I really do feel that I've enjoyed my life to this point; but, I think I've always felt like there was a little black cloud following me around. No major things have chased the cloud away, I just don't see it anymore. I guess it' s the idea that when you count your blessings, there's suddenly more to count.
I have a beautiful family. And this last week I found the cord to the digital camera that allows me to download pictures to the computer. So now I can be better at capturing my family's life in pictures. We also now have a second car in the family. My kids and I are mobile. And right now, even though it's June in Arizona, there is a nice cool breeze coming through my house, and it feels good. Life is good.