The Essence of Abigail

I just wanted to write this happening down not because it was unique, but because it so typifies my sweet Abigail. While changing a messy diaper of Allison's I asked Abigail to take the tightly wrapped soiled diaper to the garbage. She stared at me deep in thought for probably twice as long as it would have taken to accomplish the task. Then she slooowwwly replied, "Yes," and took the diaper. One second later she was back with the dirty diaper in hand and sobbing hysterically. She had bumped her ear on the door handle of the bathroom. So much drama for such a small task I feel like I need some sympathy.

We have survived Scott’s first week of school and so far I am pleased with the organization and professionalism in his new school. I am really enjoying riding bikes to and from school. Abigail bikes four miles on days when we take Scott to and from school. The exercise is good for Scott and it helps us all reconnect before we get home. I am not having as much fun with the children, but I am restoring order to my home. Sam is working on a big presentation so yesterday I took Scott and Abigail to see Prince Caspian at the cheep theatre while Allison slept. I think Scott’s biggest hero was The High King Peter because he was so upset at the end of the movie when it said that he wouldn’t be returning to Narnia. Abigail is becoming very helpful around the house and loves to clean and restore order to things almost as much as me. I am reading “John Adams” by David McCullough and I love reading to Abigail the parts about Abigail Adams. Allison continues to amaze me and others with her advanced behaviors. She puts the silverware away for me perfectly, gets her shoes on when I say its time to go, and is mastering the most difficult board puzzles that I have in the house.

Last week of summer vacation

I feel like we have been successful in having as much fun as we could handle during our last week with Scott home for the summer. Monday I did laundry, but my wonderful children went out into the 90+ weather with me so I could do a four mile run. Scott was a trooper. Abigail and Allison both fell asleep, but Scott stuck with me. We took several water breaks. Before you worry about heat stroke I’ll tell you that we keep our thermostat at 85 degrees in our home and turn it down to a chilly 80 degrees at night. Just this afternoon we came home from church and the children and I were shivering and grabbing blankets because the air had been left at 80 degrees from last night. My point is simply that we have definitely acclimatized to our habitat. Tuesday I let the children play in the water while I lifted weights outside then they went on a bike ride. It was over 100 degrees that afternoon, but the children still biked about two miles in the heat. I pushed Allison on the push tricycle that we have. Wednesday morning when I got up at 5am for my run it was 80 degrees already. Getting groceries was tricky that day in 100+ weather. I was glad we didn’t live more that 5 minutes from Walmart and Sam’s club. Thursday we had a wonderful day at the lake and felt bad for Sam who had to stay at the hospital. Our friends took us on their pontoon boat that could fit 14 adults. I have decided that that is the way to go if you buy a boat! Thursday evening was the Open House for Scott’s school. I am already very impressed with his school. Friday I took the children to the library and we spend the afternoon at the Science Center. Saturday was Sam’s day off this month. He was able to sleep in a little, but we left the house a little after 8am so that we could go to the Columbia, South Carolina temple. We took the children. I did initiatories first and then Sam did a session. There is a really big park right next to the temple that made this much easier. I am sad to see our summer with Scott over, but hope I can make the most of my last year with Abigail at home.

No on looks good in a bathing suit

I’m suppose to be sleeping now but I was startled by a large cockroach in bed with me for the second time this morning and so I’m done with my bed. Luckily Sam hadn’t left yet and he had his shoes on so he was able to kill it for me.
I’m feeling really bad that I didn’t keep my camera closer to me this week. For our fun activity this Friday I took the children to the lake that is about 30 minutes north of us. We had a really great time. There were lots of fish in the water, big birds flying around, and little frogs along the shore for the children to chase. I have also learned an interesting reality: No one looks good in a bathing suit. Especially a bikini. I know this may be a shock to some of you, but I was observing the other people on the beach and they looked flabby, dimply, and large. I didn’t realize how skinny they actually were until they put their beach cover-ups on. Scott actually observed this. He looked at me in my swimming suit and said, “Wow Mom! You look larger!” Okay maybe I’m just being a bit sensitive. Maybe he realized what he said because he tried to cover up with, “well, maybe just stronger, and bigger like you could save someone.” I just wanted to put this in for all those ladies out there that cringe at the thought of putting on a swimming suit. It is a thought that makes me braver every time I hesitate to get in the water and have fun with my family and friends.
We came home from the lake and while we were still in our bathing suits we filled 100 water balloons for the Primary activity Saturday morning. Sam was at the hospital Friday night. So we had home made mac and cheese and I stayed up late working on Primary things. Oh, I’ve been called as the Primary Secretary. I’m so excited to be able to do all the things I wanted to have done, but couldn’t do while I was president.