Empty Bedrooms, Less Laundry & Leftovers

With school starting... it brings changes, and not just in the weather.  The older kids are married with homes of their own and Ash and Erik are in college.  I only have one child left in Public school.  Wow.  It's weird.  But it's good, too. 

 

But first, here's more summer pictures....

 

The lake is fun!  We bought a waverunner and are still trying it on for size.  We aren't sure about it yet.  Thinking about another type or something.  But we still tried to have fun.  It kept having issues.  I love the scenery here at Sand Hollow (near Hurricane & St. Geo).  It's so beautiful! 

What's a little sand with every bite? 

We love having the married kiddos live in Cedar.  We get to see them often.  And we get babysit often, too!  This little man is quite entertaining!

 

 

 

Erik is amazing!  He won't let Cancer issues take over his life in any way.  He ran his first 1/2 marathon Sept 15th.  He accomplished his goals... finish the race and break 2 hours.  He did just that plus came in 2nd place in his age group.  Way to Erik!

Pictures taken at Katie and Cole's Wedding in Manti in August.

 

We had a fun Polatis Fam Reunion in Heber in June!  What a neat place to gather.

 

more pictures of our Family Reunion  http://blessedpolatisnest.blogspot.com/

So here's an update:
Ashley is red shirting this Xcountry season.  She runs a few races this season and has already had the opportunity to shine in Riverside CA.  She ran a 5k in 18:04.  Great run Ash!  She moved into a house with 7 other girls and is loving the college life.  She likes her classes and the Xcountry team and practices.  Her teammates are doing amazing things this fall.  Cam Levins set the pace!  He's so inspiring with his own achievements.  He is sticking around Cedar and helping Coach the teams.  Ash is having fun going out with lots of different guys and hanging out with her roomates. She continues her studies in Physical Therapy.  Her part time job is her running.  Scholarships are really nice!

Erik loves College Life!  His interests are in communications, business and graphic design.  He continues to serve Hot Eats and Cold Treats at Dairy Queen part time.  He loves his job.  He is such a people person that I can see why.  He lives at home. He moved his room downstairs and basically has the downstairs to himself.   He will continue to attend SUU for the full year, then put in his mission papers.  By that time, we'll see what his medical standpoint may be, too.  The doctor checks up on him every 6 weeks.  A quick trip up to SLC to the Huntsman Center.  They are really good to us and make us feel so good.  Even the attendant in the Parking Garage is caring and helpful.  He had a CT scan 6 weeks ago and they did see something, but think it is scar tissue... but when another CT scan is taken the end of October, then the results will show if it's just scar tissue if it hasn't changed or the dreaded cancer again if it looks bigger or different.  So... time will tell.  Otherwise... life keeps going on and Erik does just that.  He has a positive outlook on everything and is really good with rolling with all the punches.

Justin is in 8th grade and loving being the older group in the school.  He is playing football.  He plays offensive line as a tackle.  Sometimes nose guard and sometimes goes in on defense.  They have a pretty good 8th gr team.  He loves his life of "Football-Friends & Food".  He did break his thumb a few weeks ago.  He wears a removable brace and pads and wraps it good so he can still play his game.  His foot just completed the healing process from last spring's mishap.  He was on crutches for 6 weeks with another month or so in a walking boot.  Justin's famous words are "at least we have met our deductible".  We do have a really high deductible and met it early in the year with Erik's medical stuff... Ya... Justin is right, but still.  Justin is quite the entrepreneur for a 13yr old.  He has had a lot of opportunity to earn some good money by working for lots of the neighbors.  He's pretty trustworthy and responsible to take care of their animals and plants while they go out of town.  And helpful with yardwork, too. 

Chris and Allie are doing well.  Chris is back in school.  His interests are coaching and teaching.  He has a couple of part time jobs that fit nicely in his schedule.  One of his jobs on campus, he is able to do all his homework at, so that's cool!  Chris misses running and takes an interest in what Ashley is doing.  Allie is able to still involve herself in soccer in intramurals and stuff.  And Allie landed a nice job at "Image Pro".  She is glad to be done with her schooling.  They attend a married student ward and are the ward mission leaders.  They celebrated their one year anniversary in August!  Wow... I can't believe that time has flown by.

Tim and Brooke are having fun chasing after their little guy.  He has grown up so much.  He loves life!  He's very independent and because of that he is learning about life quickly.  Brooke quit her job (of six years) from Hinton Burdick Accounting and is now doing things on the side.  Since she has her CPA and lots of experience, she'll have no problem picking up clients.  She has recently been accepted to be on the Iron County Care and Shares Board as the Treasurer.  Brooke loves being involved.  Tim continues to learn more and more about Precision Development and is really good at what he does.  He and Dennis make a great team.  Brooke and Tim are busy with church callings in their ward....Elder's Quorum presidency and YW.

Dennis is busy with work... we are so very blessed!  They have a couple of jobs going on right now... a custom home down in Springdale and a small job up in BrianHead.  And they squeeze in home inspections here and there during the week and continue to bid more.  Business has picked up and that is sure promising.  Dennis is an awesome Scoutmaster.  They boys really have fun and are learning lots with their merit badges and their Duty to God stuff.  I am busy with the YW program.  I love the girls and the other leaders that I serve with.  I feel very fortunate to be involved with all of them.  We have a really neat bunch.  And we have 17 Laurels now!  Fun!  I am taking advantage of the quiet uninterrupted hours I have during the middle of the day... working on Christmas projects and catching up on home repairs and deep cleaning...along with all the daily stuff that needs tending.  We have had a good tomato crop and have had some other yummy vegetables that are fun to care for.  Still waiting for this giant watermelon to get ripe!  Can hardly wait... but I will!   Ooooo, and several cantelope too.  I help do Precision's payables and that keeps my brain active... Thank heavens.  What else... I miss watching Camden (cuz Brooke isn't working for Hinton Burdick) so I now have a "grandma day" that he gets to come out and play for a few hours.  Gotta love that!