June is Over and July is Almost Over

Oh, my goodness. I'm not very good at this. Let's see. June was good. After graduation, I geared up to help at our stake YW camp at Mutual Dell in American Fork Canyon. It was a success. The girls really had a great time rock climbing, canoeing, crafting, snacking, basketballing, etc. I helped on the stake level, but got to eat with our ward and saw Mel quite a bit. I was still finishing up work, too.

Me and my girls at camp. Allie and Kobi came to visit one night.

Me and the other Stake Leaders after our music video. 

Accidentally photobombed by Rosemary Bowden, YW president

Work is done for the summer! After camp, we embarked on a re-do of the basement. That started when Keenan and I went into RC Willey just to see if there was a good deal on a sectional couch for down there. The one we had was getting worn out. It's super comfy, but the fabric was wearing. Well, I fell in love with a fridge instead. I also decided that if I just covered the cushions on the sectional, I could use that money for a fridge. So, we bought the fridge and I started on the sectional. I lucked out and found coordinating fabric for only $5/yard. So, new sectional for under $150 counting fabric, thread and fiberfill. It looked great...but not with the current decor. The girls, especially Mel, have wanted to re-do the basement for a long time, so that was a good excuse.

We removed the chair rail, re-textured, primed, painted and decorated. We did new window treatments, new pillows, new wall decor, etc. It turned out great and was less than $700 for the entire project. I think I'm gonna retire from painting entire floors of the house. I don't mind doing a bedroom here and there, but next time the upstairs or downstairs needs painting, I'll be calling a painter.

Spray painted this dresser and framed old patterns. This is just as you walk down the stairs. Frames and patterns purchased at DI.

Made bird pillows, bought the other pillows or brought them from upstairs.

Collage made of Derek's art, Bolivian water color, Dutch plate, memento from NYC trip, pics of kids, etc. Frames purchased at DI and spray painted.

Just a bit simplified and more functional.

Ha, the curtains are shower curtains with blackout fabric sewn behind them. They work wonderfully!

Close-up of our cute pillows. This sectional is so dang comfortable. It's better now with more pillows.

Derek and Rachel and kids also came for a visit in June. We spent one evening with them in the canyon, roasting hot dogs and making "smars" as Rosie called them. Those kids are so dang cute. I may have to go visit them this December.

Rachel's friend Chris joined us. He's a really nice guy.

Cute Charlie

Rosie enjoying the healthy part of dinner

Allie and I had decided that we were definitely doing NOTHING for the 4th of July. Then Karen called and let us know Crocketts were coming for the 4th. Well, the 4th is always a blast with the entire Crockett clan, so our plans changed quickly. Keenan had also volunteered to help with Provo's huge Freedom Run. At the last minute, Karen, Sam and I decided to help. We got some good shirts and cool red, white and blue socks out of the deal. It was amazing to see how much work went into the race. Lots and lots of volunteers. We finished the day at Scott and Candice Crockett's house in Lindon. We had a BBQ and hung out til dark, then watched fireworks. They had a bunch, as did neighbors all around, so anywhere we looked, we saw fireworks. It was really a nice 4th of July. One of my favorites. Mel wasn't with us, though. She spent the day with Kobi and her family, which was fun for them.

Allie, me, Elle and Karen

It's not July without the founding fathers. Statue in front of Scheels sporting goods store. Elle, grandma Hunter and Connor

Ali and Steve from work helped at the Freedom Run. Keenan and Steve got to say "GO." They also got to read participant's names as they crossed the finish line. We even announced when a 97-year old woman was approaching the finish line. Cool, huh?

I love my kids and I love spending time with them, but if they have fun plans with great kids, I'm not inclined to force them to come with us. I would on Christmas, but not on the 4th.

We have new callings in our family. Keenan was called to be the 2nd counselor in the bishopric and I was called to be a laurel advisor. I'm really excited to be with Mel in YW. It's a new presidency, so it should be fun. Not that the old presidency was bad. Keenan is really excited about his calling. His BFF, Darren Medeiros, came down for his sustaining and ordination and setting apart. It was great to see him. Someone asked me if we were ok on Sundays with him gone. My reply was that there was just one fewer person napping at our house on Sunday afternoon.

Mel went to EFY last week and loved it. She's missing it already. Allie worked a lot, so it gave me a taste of life with just one kid (a working kid) at home. It's pretty lonely. I'll need to blog more or do more indexing on family search or something. I hope I don't turn to eating or shopping. Time will tell. Mel landed a job at Old Navy. She's been working there for a little over a month. It's great to see her have a job, some responsibility and spending money. She's a good kid. I just wish I could get the employee discount, but I can't.

Finally, we recently enjoyed Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil-A. If you dress like a cow, you get a free meal. Mel was at EFY, but Keenan, Allie and I enjoyed our free meals. I even made shirts that we can use year after year. Now, that's a true cow.

Yes, I plan to save our headbands, too. We were some good looking cows!