Summer's End and What's New

The days pass quickly, and our end of summer/early September has brought new changes to our family scene. Lindsey gave birth to BRYSON KEALOHA PIERCE [the middle name means "beloved"--and he is] on August 26, her 4th and last C-section. He's a really sweet baby. So, her 4 little boys are keeping them and us ALL busy for now.

Lindsey enrolled Trevor in a charter/homeschooling experience called K12; several other families here have done that, too. Well, she sought some help with the Language Arts, handwriting, and phonics portions, so I have Trevor here 3 mornings a week for those subjects. Twice a week he goes to Waipahu [about an hour away] for in class study with his first-grade peers in history and science and for art on the other day. I've been helping with the driving since L cannot do that yet. He does some of those subjects plus his math with mom at home. PE is his soccer games/practices, so has a great curriculum, and can go at his own speed. Looks like he'll be done in April at this rate. It seems to be what he needed.
So, that keeps me on my toes with prep and mornings with him here. . . driving to Waipahu, driving to soccer practices, tending Kyle--the trampoline jumper and ball boy!!-- so she can teach, and just having "nanna dates" and playtime with all, including Devin who is another sweet playmate and GRANDson.


Quite a variety has been added to my "former" life. And more variety is to come . . .

Our other news is Jenny. Actually, her husband Aaron was just hired here by BYUH as their new physician's assistant. You may recall that Aaron grew up here too. The Health Center Director, Dr. Nielson, has been our and his family's physician so knew Aaron when they invited him to apply about 5 weeks ago when our BYUH PA for several years left for Provo's Health Center. The posted position closed last week, the interview was held early this week, and they accepted the offer last night.

SO, Jenny and Aaron and Kylee will move back to Laie by the end of September!!!! We'll be happy to have another family extension and connection here. Now 3 girls are living here--whoever would have thought they'd come home!!! Megan has started classes and works for the computer "Technology" crew. She moves closer to campus next week, across from Laie Foodland. Hooray, just in time for Jenny's family to use that room until their household goods arrive.


Erin is content to stay in Pennsylvania for awhile, getting that residency which may help with grad school costs. That's on hold another year as they recoup from their second across-an-ocean move. They keep busy with multiple jobs and their wonderful son, just turned one Avery. They will miss Jenny's family near, but fortunately, have a supportive, close branch. He's in YM and she's in Primary. Their central PA area is sooooo beautiful! I KNOW we'll continue to make visits to see them all.

So, besides those things, family history volunteering and individual assistance, Relief Society teaching, etc. and getting ready to teach two classes this coming semester, things are the same ! ! ! ! WHOA!! What an understatement!

For fun, Bill and I venture usually on Saturday afternoons after yardwork to enjoy an Acai bowl at KavaRoots in Sunset, or to Kaneohe, or beyond. Loved Julie and Julia, a fun film, recently. Our gardening in pots has been going well. Good dill, parsley, lettuce, tomatoes, garlic chives and spearmint have been producing, and our 5 yellow hibiscus shrublets are blooming more often now. That Alaska Fish Fertilizer is Amazing!!!

September 1 was the significant date of remembrance in our lives as LDS members. Life is so different from what we might have dreamed 35 years ago, but we are happy with how it has gone and where we've come to...and where we're heading.

Life is so good. We are grateful for that every day.

All of these things make life exciting and fulfilling. That's what they tell me, anyway!