June

Fair and green is the marsh in June; Wide and warm in the sunny noon. The flowering rushes fringe the pool With slender shadows, dim and cool.  

June 6 - Morning orchard work

Tera and Tianna spent the weekend with us. When they got up in the morning, they went to the balcony to watch grandpa Dave at work in the orchard. They kept hollering at him, to get his attention. But the tractor was too noisy. They decided to go outside to get closer, but was met with a swarm of mosquitoes. It didn't take them long to head back indoors!

Afternoon fun

Later in the day, Audrey and I took all the kids (Alia, Ben, Emilee, Tianna, Tera, Makaela, Brayden) to the summer matinee and then had lunch in the park. The kids enjoyed play time together.

June 7 - Drywall

The drywall on the new addition went up today.

June 8 - Pictures

It took a joint effort to get Makaela ready for pictures today. Kelsey and I sewed her skirt, Morgann did her hair, and Chad washed the horse. She's ready to go! Brayden was easy peasy. He was no work at all. Throw on his pants, his shirt, and shoes.. and he's good to go.

June 9 - Saturday night bath...

in grandma's awesome farm house sink! Perfect size for a little Emma Goo!

June 12 - nine months old

Emilee is crawling and starting to pull herself up to things. She is the busiest little munchkin I've ever seen. She does not sit still for one minute. No time for chillin'!

June 13 - Daisies

The daisies are in full bloom. They are so pretty. Our landscaping would not have been complete without them. They have always been one of my favorite flowers. Daisies were the flowers used in my wedding. And I like that they were Shaniel's favorite flower, as well. It makes me so happy to see them.

June 15 - Father's Day cards

Ben and Alia having fun making Father's Day cards for the grandpa's.

June 17 - Treasures

Today, and most every day, Shaniel and mom are on my mind. I miss them both so much. I can be going along about my day, when all of a sudden a rush of memories of Shaniel enter my thoughts and I cry for a minute or two, and sometimes longer. I feel panic rise in my chest and throat, still trying to accept the fact that she is really gone. I suppose that will happen on occasion for the rest of my life. 

On my nightstand sits mom's trinket boxes. They are filled with treasures. Mom's pearl necklace; purple crochet-edged handkerchief of grandma Bentley's; Shaniel's watch, bracelet and CNS items; necklace charms from Shaniel's funeral and mother's day; a locket on a chain that holds pictures of Shaniel; and the beautiful angel Makaela made for me when mom passed away. I love wearing my treasures. Somehow I feel connected and closer to mom and Shaniel when I do. And, when I am feeling lonely for them, lifting the lid off the trinket box and touching the treasures one by one, bringing to mind all the fond memories of my association with them, gives me comfort in knowing they are not far away.

June 19 - Oliver family

Steve, Misty and the kids stayed with us last night. It was their first stop on their trip to Oregon. A long-needed vacation. They will be spending the next week along the shores of the west coast. I am anxious to hear how about their vacation. Love this family!

June 22 - Bentley Family Reunion

This was my first year attending the cousin's Bentley Reunion. It was fun getting to know some of my cousins that I didn't know very well and getting re-acquainted with those I hadn't seen in a number of years. And, I am looking forward to my assignment as family Historian.  

Uncle Jerry, Aunt Colleen, and Uncle Kob are the only children living. I feel like I need to visit with them and learn more about my ancestors. There is no time like the present to just do it... and so I will! No more procrastinating!

June 30 - Change of Command

It was a bittersweet day today... Dave relinquished his command to the incoming commander. He was loved and respected by all those he served and worked with. 

The weekend events took place at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was HOT - temps ranging in between 117 and 125 degrees. Amie and Clint came down for the celebrations and ceremony. We were so glad they came. It mean't a lot to Dave.

Sequence of events:

• Reception, including food and drinks, held Saturday evening to honor Dave and welcome the new commander.

• Change of Command Ceremony held Sunday morning at the hanger on Nellis Air Force Base

• Change of Command Ceremony  

Honors to the Nation - presentation of the flags and singing of the national anthem

Promotion Ceremony - passing of the flag from out-going commander to in-coming commander

Final inspection of troops by Dave

Remarks - last speech to troops by Dave

Presentation of a dozen red roses to the commander's wife; and they are beautiful!

Presentation of awards, plaques, and gifts given to out-going commander - Dave 

The Army Song 

Final reception and farewell 

I did need a box of tissue... the ceremony was very moving. The tears started when the soldiers entered with the flags and all joined in singing the national anthem. And one of my very favorite songs... The Army Song. There's a special feeling in the military that you don't get anywhere else. They are true heroes and warriors for freedom's sake. I feel honored and blessed to be associated with these fine and outstanding people. We have met some truly wonderful people over the years. 

Concluding with the Army song is always the highlight to every ceremony. It just uplifts you to a new level of pride and patriotism. I love to sing it, and I especially love to hear all the soldiers come together in unison singing in such determined, robust voices. One mind... one heart! It is truly an unforgettable experience. 

The Army Song

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.

Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.

We're the Army and proud of our name!

We're the Army and proudly proclaim:

First to fight for the right,

And to build the Nation's might,

And the Army Goes Rolling Along

Proud of all we have done,

Fighting till the battle's won,

And the Army goes Rolling Along.

Then it's Hi, Hi, Hey!

The Army's on its way.

Count off the cadence loud and strong

For where e'er we go,

You will always know

That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

June Birthdays

Audrey - June 30

She is my youngest child. She turned 27 years old today. Can't believe it! She shares a birthday with my sister, Leslie.

Audrey is kind. She is sweet. She is thoughtful. She always has a smile on her face. She is talented. She is a very good mother. She is the best daughter a mother could ever ask for. She is perfect for me. She is my sunshine! I love her.

Month in Review