Parks & Projects

Hi Elder Penrod,

How was your week? How has everything been going? How have your lessons been? Did you learn anything new at church this week?

We had a pretty busy week this last week. The kids are done with school. I think Curtis only went twice last week even though the schedule officially was that they attend all week. He even had teachers tell him covertly to not show up to class on some of the days, haha. Bethany was the only one that went to school on Friday.

Cameron had an unofficial 9th grade sluff day and Curtis said that not even the teachers were planning on being there on that day, lol. Dad was able to accomplish a lot this past week. He has been able to get the trampoline base set up and most of his corrugated sheet metal attached (he will be burying the trampoline so it will need some sides to keep the dirt from getting under it). He also attached quite a bit of the siding. Learned how to make pocket holes for screws and made trim for the windows. It is coming along really well and looks great. He now has a jig and lots of pocket hole screws that are left over and I told him now he can make me furniture. Not sure what he thought of that idea.

It was Carson Masuisui's farewell on Sunday, He did an amazing job. He talked about all the things that he has been through and how perseverance has been his mantra. I had no idea that he had to have eye surgery because he was going blind. That family has been through so much but they are always so strong. He bore his testimony in Fiji and it was just amazing. They also had a musical number sung by his uncle, I think. It was a beautiful rendition of Because I Have Been Given Much and a Pea Faigata le Ala Taumafai (it was a Samoan rendition of If the Way be Full of Trial, Weary Not). It was really a special day. Dad was a little jealous because they had a full on Luau the night before, roasted pig and everything, and he wasn't invited, haha. So cool to see.

Some other interesting things to note this week:

Bethany will be my only kid in Junior High this year, thus marking another reminder that all my sweet kids are growing up.

Cameron is heading to High school. He is quite a bit taller than me and is loving it. Every now and then he will wrap his arms around my head and place it on his shoulder like I am the little kid and tell me "there there" 

Curtis is officially a Senior. He and his friends were going over senior trip ideas with each other this last weekend and Alaska came up. We will see what they decide to do.

Dad was able to get a lot of things done despite the excavator that we reserved being canceled due to getting broken.

Angela has a new boyfriend who has 3 daughters ages 8,11, and 15. They came to a picnic yesterday and he seems really nice and the girls are very sweet.

Scot is realizing that garments are another layer of clothing that gets really warm during the summer months, haha.Eventually it feel weird to not have them on but I do remember how it was a bit to get used to.

I hope you are doing well. I will leave you with one last thought. I have noticed that my songs in primary go better when I prepare during the week and then before the lesson have a prayer that all will work out and that the kids will feel the spirit. It seems like they listen more and are more receptive when I do my part in inviting Heavenly Father to be there with me as I teach.

I love you, I hope you are well and I look forward to talking with you today.

Love you tons!

-Mom