Fall 2016 - season of change and growth

Fall 2016 - a season of change and growth


Curtis was so excited to start his senior year of high school.  He got a little frustrated when he realized how hard his classes are and it's not all fun and games this year. He finally passed the driver's exam on the third attempt and that really boosted his confidence and mood.  We're still driving with him for a few months.

In the afternoon, Curtis goes to a forestry program at the neighboring high school.  Jonathan and I took turns attending his forestry competitions.  It was fun to watch his sawing events and he placed really well in tree identification, even earning his first ribbon.

The third week of September, Trevor was readmitted to his transitional program. (Long four months working toward that).  He's still working four mornings a week and then goes to Northstar in the afternoons.  He's taking math and science classes online.

Trevor is no longer a teenager.  For his birthday, he picked seven new recipes from his favorite cookbook for me to make for him, so we had a birthday weekend full of yummy food.

Our good friend, Murray, died on Sept 24th.  The Hensches have been our closest friends in New Hampshire and we've spend many holidays and birthdays together.  We've spent several hours a week helping his wife, Lynn, sort through his possessions and sell them.  The ward really rallied around the whole family.  It's been an intense time of loss and growth as we've walked through this with them.

Celebrating Lynn's 50th birthday on Oct 31st with pumpkin pie (made by Jonathan)

Jonathan and I were able to take a quick anniversary trip to the White Mountains during the peak of fall foliage.  We went to Squam Lakes nature center in Holderness and hiked Mt. Fayal to view the lake.  We stayed in N. Conway and went to Echo Lake state park the next morning..  It was relaxing and refreshing trip.

Prepping update:  Jonathan completed CERT training, we took a class from the local PD about responding to an active shooter event and are studying for Ham Radio licensing exam this Saturday (technician for me and general for Jonathan).  Jonathan learned how to turn honey comb into purified bees wax.  I dusted off the pressure canner and learned how to make pickles and relish from our prolific garden.

I also went with a group of gals from church to Time Out For Women in Rochester, NY.  It was a fun weekend and great spiritual recharge.  I've started seeing a counselor and that has really helped me sort through family issues and advocate for me own needs better.

All in all, a good season.  Winter here is hard because it's cold for sooooo long.  We have Jason's wedding to look forward to January 6th in South Jordan.  It will be great to see family and friends.