Let It Go

Still happily letting things go as we consider the benefits of a minimalist mindset.

Another load for donation!

Plano Balloon Festival

Prior to Father's Day, I got a call from my cousin, Barbara, who wanted to know if our family could help her out. She gifted her husband, Chad, with two registrations to the 5K at the Plano Balloon Festival!

Fast forward to present and we all got up before the sun to meet up with our cousins and enjoy the launch (which they did, despite a spotty history) and let Barbara and Chad run their race. Good times! They both completed and 3 of their kids ran the fun run. Always nice to be with such a wonderful family.

HomEWork

We knew it would be a tough year and it is, especially for our Sophie. The teachers are sticking to the curriculum and moving on even when there are many left behind. We have had to work with teachers and adjust her 504 plan (accommodations for those with health impairments - ADHD for us!) to help balance her life and help her feel success in math for what she is able to accomplish.

It is a hard go for the whole family as it affects our family's schedule, we experience her and our emotions together, and we try to see the good and not lose her spark. Sadly, see her spark disappear often. It is hard to know how to help and love in just the right way. In the meantime, we have been conversing with her and teachers, praying as a family for assistance, introducing small group instruction  inside and outside of school hours, and try to find way to let her know we are on her side even if we don't agree the ugly should just go away.

As a mom, I am really trying to practice empathy. This is a Christ-like characteristic that I really struggle with so I can see why I have been given many opportunities to practice it. The balance I am trying to achieve is empathy while still holding her accountable to what is actually important and not losing my patience during this repeated process. Lots of stretching for both of us.

Here are just a few tangible ways I share my empathy with her. Notes I post occasionally in her study area to keep her smiling and infrequently, sugary treats.

Bottle Rocket

Neal and Rhys created a bottle rocket for a pack meeting. They looked up fin options, bought materials together, and Rhys learned how to properly spray paint. Sadly, Neal was in CA for a business trip the day of the blast off but we were happy to send video clips his way as Rhys won for both the highest (up) AND farthest (out) distances! He was one happy boy! And that was one very pleased dad!

Mormon Helping Hands

With the flooding in Houston area, many members of our church from surrounding areas spent their weekends doing hurricane cleanup.  They were helping those who needed their destroyed flooring and dry wall removed, along with any damaged furniture. Neal was able to go one weekend and was so happy to help. He said he was overwhelmed by the gratitude people expressed. It was hard work but it was great working toward a common goal to bless others.

Neal and John Bennion

He found, Chad Knudsen, my cousin's husband from Prosper, TX in the high school gym they stayed in overnight. It must have been his bright shirt because there were so many volunteers! There were 4,000 Latter-day Saint volunteers housed in 4 area schools that night.

Neal and Chad

On day two, Neal and our friend, Donovan Bone, saved a western rat snake from a house. Cute little fella.

Love my husband for being the man he is. Sorry for the sorrows being felt by so many in the affected areas.