Octoberfest

October blew in with a vengeance. The boys found the windy silver lining when their blankets blew out behind them, igniting the superhero flame in their imaginations.

They stuffed that superhero power into huge rubber flexiballs and bounced their energy off of each other with hysterical tears of laughter echoing through the shed-turned-playhouse.

The insanity of soccer being played in October in Idaho is almost more than I can support, but I support Hyrum so here I sit bundled for a blizzard. These boys keep me young whether (and weather) I want it or not.

Take grocery shopping as an example. I never have to worry about taking myself seriously when these two are my cart companions.

Levi, Daymia and Derek joined us for our second Weber State football game, which was rainy, cold and full of fun. The next morning we enjoyed an IHOP breakfast and rides in Derek's new car . . . with the top up. October is no time for convertible rides.

I'm grateful that Nathan isn't taking the puberty driven onslaught of acne with too much seriousness. Puberty discussions have become a daily dinner topic and many times, comedic relief.

With Nathan reaching preteen, I find myself watching my baby Hyrum, wishing for time to slow while also enjoying the journey of his progression and growth. He took me on a date and I caught a glimpse of my little boy growing into a gentleman. He sweetly held the door, asked what I would like to eat, ordered for me, and provided delightful conversation without even a hint of the slightest social (aka: bodily function) faux pas.

During the church sponsored family history event we had a visit from our professional family history consultants, Grandpa and Grandma Fullmer. It was wonderful to have them sit around the table with us and coach us through cursive handwriting and confusing forms.

The next day we went to Bear World where the boys saw the playful side of Grandpa and Grandma. What a joy to see some of God's big fluffy creatures and to share in nature with some of our favorite people.

Boys and Apples

The joy of seeing all five of my boys together is that they are all friends. They watch out for and defend each other, even with all the arguments of youth.

Tech time, where they learn from each other and banter over who has the best computer, phone, apps, programs and skills.

Nathan and Hyrum were thrilled to learn that Derek and Justin had a pool at their apartment complex. Though the late September weather left the water rather cool, they had a great time trying to outdo each other in flips, dives, and tan lines.

Though it's still a year away, Hyrum has been contemplating his upcoming orchestra decision. Cello or violin? He talked Justin into giving him some pointers on the violin which solidified his decision. Violin for 5th grade orchestra next fall.

Speaking of 5th grade, where did my baby go? When he came into my room to talk I was surprised at how grown up he was in his athletic wear. I was happy to still see the little boy who wanted to snuggle with his momma.

As part of Nathan's 6th grade class, he had to come up with something for the class to sell as a fundraiser for the classroom. He whipped up a small batch of Edible Cookie Dough and took it for the class to sample to see if it would make the cut.

The class gave an emphatic thumbs up and after a double batch was put together, he filled 32 small cups and sold them at lunch (with the help of his class) during the first week of fundraising.

Rumor got around and we made up 50 cups for the second week...which nearly sold out! He handed out the remaining cups on the bus with complete satisfaction.

Three years after planting, and one transplant later, Nathan finally had apples grow to full ripened size on his apple tree. Most of Hyrum's blew away in the dramatic winds of spring but Nathan's held on through the whole season.

We loved the fresh, organic taste of Nathan's apples but they weren't enough to bottle for the winter season. I was so excited when a friend asked me to join her in picking from another neighbor's tree. As the boys climbed ladders and picked from full grown, established, overbearing trees, they day-dreamed about the potential of their own trees at home.

We picked enough to bottle a year's worth of apple crisp filling and juiced some for immediate drinking. They were the most delicious apples I think I've ever had. Worm free, large, sweet, and heavenly.

Weber State Great

Our first Weber State game was a blast!! The boys were treated like royalty by the Wildcat, the cheerleaders, and the announcers.

They were chosen to go on the field for a time-out kick off where they had to each kick a football down the field and into a kayak. They got to be on the big jumbo tron and were rewarded with a gift card towards a kayak.

The main highlight was watching Justin cheer at his first college football game. Though his role was to be a tumbler and vocal support, his teammate let him do the stunts while we were there to watch.

It's amazing to see where his hard work, skill and talent have taken him.

He was great and we were proud.

Kailee Jo

Erika Jo went to Ohio with LeRoy for a Legal Shield conference and I got to spend a few days with Miss Kailee Jo. She is such a pleasant, entertaining little girl.

She and Charlie get along so well, especially because she is constantly giving him treats, both his and hers. She also loves to dress up in anything around her with multiple layers of clothes or, in this case (top left), the boys soccer shin guards. Nathan and Hyrum loved the nighttime routine of reading to her and I loved watching them dote on her!

As we waited for Erika to get home, we played Cover Your Assets. She and Levi were a great team and quite adorable too.

This was a game to document because I won! That doesn't happen often and I won in a grand way. I love Sundays when Levi and Daymia come over. We don't always play games but we always enjoy their company.

After Erika got home, Kailee and the boys joined her for a little play time and music study. The relationship that the boys have with Erika is so rewarding! They adore her!

Bear World with LeRoy

Though I have had a season pass to Bear World, LeRoy has never gone with us. We decided it was time to change that so we made a family trip with Levi and Daymia, which always makes an experience more fun and memorable.

LeRoy acted all tough guy at the entrance but he was a gushy pushover for those big cuddly bears.

As usual, we all loved the petting zoo. LeRoy was particularly fond of the wart hog and the chubby goat while Nathan and I loved on the dear and new baby fawns.

New to all of us was the curator tour where we got to ride on a truck and feed the bears. It was SO AMAZING! We called out and they came; we held food out to them and they stood tall to receive it; they caught the food we tossed down to them. They looked so fluffy and soft and adorable!

I must say that Bear World is better with Daymia on the ride. She takes in all that nature and animal goodness with glee and it makes me appreciate it even more.

Homecoming and a Hot Date

I admit it's a bit strange to party for Homecoming without a kid in high school but these two did enough to make up for it.

Nathan was invited by his friend, Rhett, to ride the spirit bus in the parade and to the game. They had fun running Chinese fire drills on main street and doing cheers with the football players at each stop.

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LeRoy and I cashed in his birthday tickets and went to the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill concert in Utah.

LeRoy was very excited to get a concert shirt and to be surrounded by so many country music fans.
We had great seats that allowed us to see Tim and Faith both on the large screen and on stage.

Some of the reasons we like Tim and Faith is their long-lasting relationship, their faith in God, and many of their songs have great messages. 

Back to School: Madison and Weber

Nathan is now in 6th grade at Madison Middle School and Hyrum is in 4th grade at Hibbard Elementary. This is a big year for each of them because it's the last year they will spend in their respective schools.

My Littles are not so little anymore!

Nathan has always thrived in school, both socially and academically, and this year is starting the same. He has Mrs. Christensen, Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Weathersby for a rotating schedule (gradual prep for Jr. High) and feels so big having an actual locker.

Hyrum has struggled and hated school from day one. I've never had him reply that he liked school and every single day his favorite thing is recess where he can be by himself and let his imagination go (he literally zips his imagination up in his backpack each morning). He has hated math, reading, and anything that doesn't have to do with creating or building. This year started with the same dread. But then, he came home EXCITED! He loves his teacher, Mrs. Summer, (her methods and personality are perfect for him) and was thrilled to introduce me to her at Back to School night last night. He is voluntarily reading on his own (never before without drudgery). It's only the 3rd day but he's getting up on his own and gets ready without me telling him to and he was SMILING when he walked out the door. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I have a feeling that this year will be a great year for him.

My Littles are not so little anymore! 

Justin started his first year at Weber State in Ogden with 8 math credits that he earned while in high school. Not bad for a first semester start as a freshman!

School will keep him busy, work at the testing center will bring in a little cash, and cheer will take up the rest of his time. Thankfully, he seems to love all of it and is quite expert at setting and keeping to a good study/work/sleep schedule.

He is sharing an apartment with Derek which they both seem to really like. After all those years of begging to have their own rooms and me insisting that they would thank me one day, they actually have thanked me. I love seeing my kids as each others best friends!

Summer's End

The summer went way too fast, especially for my garden. Some of my favorite times throughout the summer was when I caught my boys rummaging through the tomato, carrots, strawberries, peas. No technology necessary, just good old fashioned gardening.

Our cantaloupe, watermelon and pumpkin crops were so plentiful that we ended up giving some away. I've now been spoiled by such sweet, perfectly flavorful fruit that store bought just tastes bland.


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The dry, hot summer led to many fires throughout our area as well as much of the USA. Montana had so many fires that it was said the whole state was burning away.

A truck driving over dried fields started a fire only a few miles from us, out by the Menan Buttes. In a matter of hours, what looked like a manageable fire grew to an evacuation warning for people just 1 mile away on the other side of the Snake River.

Helicopters ran consistently, fire agencies worked overtime and in two days they had it contained. The air however, took much longer to clear. Through a constant headache from the charred air, I was grateful that no homes or lives were lost. My perspective is forever changed having watched our neighbors lose their home only months previously.

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Vivien and Gabor shared tidbits from their trips over the summer as well.

Each time I see photos of their traveling spots I have the urge again to go visit. Then reality and our finances pull me back and I live vicariously through them.


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My dad, Grandpa Evan Fullmer, asked the boys the last time he saw them, what their favorite scripture story was. After one-line answers he challenged them that the next time he saw them he would ask again.

They instead (at a mother's nudging) wrote and mailed him hand written letters of their current favorite stories. Though I prompted the writing, I was touched and impressed with their detailed sharing.

Nathan wrote out another note for me, prompted by his reading in the Book of Mormon of the 2000 stripling warriors. Again, I am touched by his depth of understanding and application to his own life.

Complete with art work.

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I'm not sure where or why this fits in but it seems like it should be included.

What a kid!

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Hyrum and I had a startling, scary experience on the way home from the orthodontist one morning.

While driving on US 20, a large truck went flying perpendicular across the freeway, missing us by only a car length. While going southbound, he had crossed the median and through a miracle, he did not hit anyone as he went between the vehicles traveling northward. Nor did he flip and he left our two lanes of traffic and barreled through the shoulder, a fence, and flew over a mound of brush to land on top of the train tracks.




Hyrum and I were shaken to tears and I immediately pulled over, as did the others who had witnessed it. Others got out to make sure the driver was okay. The police showed up and took statements and I sat for a few minutes longer to catch my breath, pray with and offer words of comfort to Hyrum, and we went on our way. Gratitude for our safety is an understatement.

Hyrum decided on his own that he would no longer sit in the front seat. He isn't tall enough for it anyway - the airbag could injure him if engaged. He also gained a testimony of prayer before traveling since we had prayed for safety and a beautiful morning before we left for the orthodontist.

Original Story:

IDAHO FALLS — A pickup truck crashed near railroad tracks on U.S. Highway 20 on Monday morning.

Idaho State Police said around 9:30 a.m., a Dodge pickup went across all lanes and ended up on the northbound side of the railroad tracks between the Hitt and St. Leon Road exits. Troopers are still at the crash and investigating the incident.

UPDATE:

The following is an update from Idaho State Police at 4:40 p.m.

On Monday, August 7, 2017, at approximately 9:18 a.m., the Idaho State Police investigated a one-vehicle injury crash on US20 at milepost 313, near the Hitt Road exit, near Ucon.

Tyler J Sutton, 30, of Rigby, was driving westbound in a 2015 Ram 1500 pickup when he drove off the left shoulder. The vehicle continued to go through the median, crossing the eastbound lanes of US20, then through a fence, where it came to rest on the railroad tracks.

Sutton was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken by private vehicle for medical evaluation. This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.