August

All Nature helps to swell the song

And chant the same refrain;

July and June have slipped away 

And August's here again.

August 3 - Baptism

I will be forever grateful to Elders Kirby and Jensen for teaching Hailie the discussions. Today was a very special day. Hailie became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Hailie picked Uncle Mike (Mecham) to baptize her. Aunt Audrey (Mecham) gave a talk on baptism, and Elder Jensen gave a talk on the Holy Ghost.

When I walked in the church house in Cleveland, the spirit was so overwhelmingly strong. I couldn't hold back the tears. I was so very thankful to witness this sacred ordinance and feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and power of the priesthood. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is true!

We had lunch in the Cleveland Park after Hailie's baptism.

August 4 - Confirmation

The weekend continued with Hailie's confirmation on Sunday. We attended church at Steve's ward in Elmo. Hailie was confirmed a member of the church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost by Elder Kirby. I am always so grateful for my son-in-laws that can participate in sacred priesthood ordinances. It was certainly a special weekend for all of us. I was grateful that it touched Steve's heart and instilled a renewed desire to have the gospel in his and his family's life.

I took the opportunity to get up and bear my testimony at the beginning of the meeting. I feel so strongly about bearing my testimony to my children and grandchildren every chance I get. I want them to have no doubt that I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and if we live by its precepts, it will bring joy and peace in this life and in the eternities.

Marlane (Hansen) Gordon, came up to me after Sacrament Meeting and asked if I remembered her from our high school years. And, of course, I did! She was from Emery County and came over to Price to take Cosmetology at the College. I was in my senior year of high school and was taking Cosmetology, as well. That is where we met and became friends. She is now an instructor for the Cosmetology program at CEU (now USU).

August 3 (again!) - Birthday Party!

Later in the evening, the family all met at a park in Huntington to celebrate Alia's 5th birthday. Cupcakes and Ice cream for everyone! The playground... a great source for the kids to release their energy. The family get-together was simple, yet fun. After all, it's all about making memories with the family!

Kelsey, Audrey, Amie, Steve, and Shaniel's kids were all there to help in the celebration. Grandparent's, too!

August 4 (again!) - Alia's Birthday Gift

Later in the evening, after we got home, Alia opened up her gift from mommy and daddy. A SCOOTER! And more... knee and elbow pads, and hand guards in case of a crash. Also, a bell for clearing the way. Bonus... it was all wrapped up in a pillow case. Good thinking! 

August 9 - Move In... Move Out!

Alia Bear sitting on the front porch

It only took Audrey and Mike a week to realize they had "bitten off more than they could chew!" That is, moving into our house, working the farm, Mike starting back to school, taking care of a young family, attending to church assignments, and working full time was just not going to work. They made a decision to let go of the most logical thing... the farm! They made a good decision. After much prayer, they once again called on the house in North Ogden they had looked at a month before. When the landlord answered the phone he said, "I knew you would be calling me back!". The house sat and waited for them! Which is unheard of. It is in a very desirable location.. in old town No Odgen, surrounded by old homes and orchards. And the house is so charming on the inside. Even though they are not going to be living with me, it will place Mike closer to WSU and they will be in between my home and his parent's home. It is perfect for them!

August 11 - Oliver Family has a New Home

This is the month of MOVES and NEW HOMES! Steven started a new job with Barney's Trucking and is working from the site out of Payson. We found him an apartment in Santiquin, only 5 miles from work. 

After attending our neighbor's, Landon Anderson, missionary farewell, Dave and I took a drive to Utah County. We picked a table up for Steve and Misty that I found on ksl.com, in Springville, and then made our way down 1-15 another ten miles to the kid's new home. 

Apartment 25 is plenty big for the 4 of them. Three bedrooms and one and a half baths. It is clean, fairly new, and the layout is very nice. It didn't take them long to make this little place their own. They are loyal UTE fans and it was one of the first things up. So brave... being in COUGAR Country!

Steve and Misty took us on a tour of main street, which was only about 25 yards from their place. The walkway, in between the two brick buildings, connects the apartment complex with main street. We had just had a burst of rain... oh, so lovely! The street was wet. The air smelled clean. The temperature was perfect. It was fun to see the family so excited about their new home. It's a new beginning for them. I am so proud of Steven and the choices he has made lately. It reflects in his countenance. He even said the first day there, they met some ward members and inquired about church services. He told me he wanted to take his family to Sacrament Meeting as often as possible. Oh... happy heart!

 Smokey Sunset

On the way home from Steve's house that night, we saw the most spectacular sunset. What was the cause of the most brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow? Forest fires burning around the state of Utah and to the west.

August 12 - Eleven Months Old

When I took this picture of Emilee, she was tired. She wanted to go to sleep. And when she wants to go to sleep, she has to have her binkie and green knitted blanket (made by DeMa). Emilee has a ritual before settling down for a nap. She bunches her blanket up around her middle, using one hand and then the other, like she is kneading bread or something. It is so funny to watch her. The blanket has to be just right... the perfect place for cuddling and snuggling. It doesn't take long for her eyes to close after that.

August 13 - Anniversary ORDERS... Really!

Of all days, it happened today! Dave finally got his Military Orders. Two irritations with it showing up today... 

#1 It's our Anniversary. Nineteen years!

#2 It came a day late. If you read the date on the actual order, Dave was suppose to report to Germany on the 12th. That's the ARMY for you!

What did we do to celebrate? We tossed the orders aside and went to a dinner and a movie. Our last time for awhile.

Happy Anniversary to US!

August 14 - Plaque

Fed X delivered a very heavy wooden box today. And it took some work to get it opened! The 650th Brigade Command Unit made Dave this plaque as a thank you gift for a job well done as Commander. It will look very nice on his office wall.. and will take up most of the wall space. It is very large!

August 16 - Visit from the Sorensen Family

Dave was spraying the cherry trees on July 21st. And of all days it was a Sunday. He tipped the tractor over on him and hurt his ribs. I'm sure he broke a few. He was just too stubborn to get them checked. So, Clint came up to help Dave with some tractor maintenance and last minute things to do before leaving for Germany. He was still in no shape to crawl under tractors to work. 

Clint is a fast worker and had everything done in no time. We are so thankful for him and Amie. They are always so willing to help in anyway they can. Distance and time are no problem! Before they left for home, Dave took the family in the Safe Room to show them some really neat old pistols (he loves to show them off!). They were all packed in the room like sardines. I had them pose for a picture. They are so goofy!

Can't come to grandma's without playing in the water. Riley, Nicole, and Savanna played in the WATERFALL for awhile. That led to the HOSE. That led to a WATER FIGHT!

It appeared that Riley thought he won the water battle! But wait! After drenching Savanna, she came back with a surprise of her own and turned the hose on Riley. He high tailed it to the house and cracked the door open just enough to taunt the girls but remain in the safe zone. No fair!

August 17 - TriathaMom

Audrey accomplished a life long goal of participating in a triathlon. There were 3 events. Swimming, Biking, and Running. She kicked butt in swimming, which was no surprise at all! Her time was the 2nd fastest in her age category, and 3rd fastest time out of 300 total participants. Way to go Audrey!

We sat on the grass along the last stretch of the running path, waiting for the arrival of our triathaMom!  Alia and Ben was thrilled when they saw their mommy run down the path to the finish line. They both ran in behind her. Grandma was a-cheering!

August 19 - Leaving on a Jet Plane

It's official! Dave left for Germany today. He has been gone so much with the Army that it just seems like another day. I'll be busy with the farm. He'll be busy getting acquainted with his new job and exploring Europe. Both too busy to think much about it. Besides that, I'll be joining him in a couple of months.

August 20 - B.L.T.

I stopped at a local fruit stand and bought some fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. The fresh corn came from Kents in Tremonton (my favorite place! they buy our peaches and purchase local farmer's produce all season long). 

For lunch I made myself a B.L.T. It was the first of the season. When fresh tomatoes are on, it's a must! Adding fresh picked corn on the cob, from a local farmer, and peaches out of our orchard, made for a very scrumptious meal. Nothing beats that!

August 21 - Smarty Pants

Kindergarten assessments were today and Smarty Pants breezed right through it! Alia knew all her numbers, colors, shapes, etc. She could pick out her name from among all the other students names. And she can write her name very well!

Shopping for new clothes and then modeling them is a must before a new year of school starts. Alia put on a fashion show for grandma, mommy, Ben, and Emilee. It was fun to see her personality come out in the clothes she picked out for herself.

August 23 - Mana (pronounced M.awh.na)

Kelsey's family took in a foreign exchange student for one month this summer. Mana is from Japan and is 12 years old. Her birthday is on September 3 and she will turn 13. She is so cute, polite, delightful, and easy and fun to be around. She always had a smile on her face. Her English was very well considering she hadn't spoken it much before. 

Mana wanted to be placed with a family that lived on a farm, had animals, and especially horses. She wanted to ride a horse and do outside chores. And that she did! She collected chicken eggs, watered and fed goats, horses, chickens, and cats. The family spent a week in Yellowstone. They visited the Golden Spike in West Box Elder County. They went to the County Fair and watched the Rodeo. Things that Mana was very happy and excited to experience.

When I asked Mana what she liked best about her stay here, she said "riding a horse!"

Kelsey had a farewell bbq and birthday party for Mana tonight. I gave her some coins. A Utah state quarter (Golden Spike on the back), a Sacagawea dollar, and a Susan B. Anthony dollar. I also gave her a white handkerchief with the Brigham City Temple and dedication date silk screened on it. She loved my gift. We will always remember sweet Mana.

Peaches

Today was the beginning of a very long peach season. Our later peaches just started coming on with a vengeance. Alstars, Suncrest, GloHaven, and Roza. Not to mention donut peaches, white meat peaches, and nectarines!

Stacks of baskets were strategically placed in the rows of peaches that were ripe for the picking. I drove the tractor, picking up baskets as fast as Melchor and his wife, Elda, picked the peaches (they are fast!). 101 half bushel baskets were picked by 10:00 a.m. That's what I call team effort! I made a delivery to Kent's in Tremonton and sold the rest to Chad (another Farmer) and Pineae Nursery in Ogden. 

The plan since Dave has left....sell all the peaches picked, the same day, so I don't have to haul them to the cooler in Perry. More efficient, less work, easier on the back!

August 24 - Rain!

It was a very good day. It rained! It rained 1/2 inch in less than an hour. This is the first rain we have had all summer long. We needed it so bad. I was so excited... I put my camera on video to capture the sound of the pounding of the rain and thunder as it rolled across the sky. Loved it!

August 26 - Shaniel's watch and handkerchief

Amie left Shaniel's watch here yesterday so I took advantage and wore it to church today. She always wore silver. Silver has always been my favorite metal, as well.  My class ring, as well as both wedding rings, were silver.

Kelsey called me today and said she had something to give me. We met at the Bear River Valley Co-op for lunch (we always get a French dip... so yummy!) Before we went in she surprised me with the beautiful white handkerchief I gave Shaniel. It was tucked in a pile of comforters that Greg brought up on his last visit. 

I had bought all the kids and grandkids the handkerchiefs as a reminder of the special day we had together at the Brigham City Temple Open house. A picture of the Brigham City Temple and dedication date is silk screened on the front of the handkerchief. It made me so happy to get it. It never even crossed my mind to ever even see it again. When you lose someone you love so much everything becomes much more meaningful and significant. Those things become a treasure. Thank you Kelsey... you don't even know how much that meant to me!

I will put the handkerchief in my temple bag. It will always be with me in the house of the Lord. I can't think of a better place to have it.

August 27 - 1st day of school

Kindergarten for your first child is always a big deal! Alia started school today. School where the big kids go. Life will be forever changed for the Mecham family and for Alia. The school years are the middle years. It seems like it was just yesterday I was taking my oldest child, Kelsey, to school for the first time. It brought back so many memories. Memories of change, excitement, fear... all wrapped up in one. I can't remember if I cried a few tears. Most mommy's do! When I asked Audrey how she felt about it, she said she was excited! And, excitement was all over Alia's face, too, when she came out of school for the first time. She couldn't wait to show us what she had done on her first day of school. I have a strong hunch, it's going to be a great year!

For Alia's special day, mommy, Ben, and Emilee shouted out SURPRISE! as Alia slipped quietly walked through the back door. Grandma then took the family out to lunch. Alia's choice... McDonalds. Then, it was out to a real "Ice Cream Parlor", Baskin Robbins. 

August 28 - watering pitcher

I made my rounds around the house today watering plants. Recognize the watering pitcher, or rather, pancake bowl? It was mom's watering can. She always kept it on the sink in the main bathroom, ready to fill with water on watering days. Sometimes it would take her all day long. The yellow stains and years of use remind me of mom's love of plants, and I love that!

August 29 - Day at the Temple

It's been too long since I've been to the temple. Digestive problems interfere far too much with life, at times. I was anxious to attend today.I was the last person to get on the list for the 2:15 p.m. session at the Brigham City Temple. The church made and introduced a new film. It had more dramatics and was about 15 minutes longer. I loved it, but think it was quite lengthy. Almost as long as the 3 hour Sunday block schedule.

The American flag caught my eye as I exited the temple. I took a picture of it blowing in the wind. I created an overlay and faded it out dramatically, to go on the picture I took of the temple.

Emma Goo

  

We often call Emilee "Emma Goo", because she is such a goo! Like goofy, funny, mischievous  curious, and energetic enough to be a level 4 tornado! She has the cutest personality and is always making us laugh. She knows she is funny and takes advantage of every situation to ham it up! Here are some of the things she did this month, causing a burst of laughter.

1. Emille must have quite an imagination. She finds joy in sitting in her car seat, sometimes hours at a time. She is always laughing, clapping her hands, talking. One day, Audrey ran into the store while I sat in the car with the kids. Emilee was doing her usual laughing. I looked back at her and she was stretching up over the car seat as far as she could, with her restraints on. She made sure I was looking at her, all the while laughing, binkie in mouth. She would take it out of her mouth, laugh, put it over her head and throw it, for grandma to pick up and give it back to her, so she could do it again and again. 

2. Emille learned how to chew gum this month, with grandma's help! Gum made its way into her mouth while grandma fed her bubble gum ice cream from Baskin Robbins. Wow! That was very new to her. She knew she had a good thing and wasn't about to give it up. She chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed. It was about 10 minutes of chewing before mommy could convince her to spit it out!

3. Emilee loves her horse. So does Ben and Alia. The rocking horse is in such demand that the kids have to take turns riding it. It was Alia's turn. Emilee couldn't wait! She stood up next to Alia, grabbed the handles, and started shaking Alia off, talking like she was saying... my turn, get off!

4. Emille has a walker of sorts. I like to compare it to mom's walker. But it is plastic, colorful, and has little gadgets to spin and make sounds. Emilee loves to walk the house with it. Little does she realize, that she is actually WALKING! When she comes to a wall, she will back it up, jerk it around in position, and take off again. She is so funny to watch. Emille is a baby, mom was a grandma, but she would do the exact same thing! Babies and the elderly are very much alike.

August Birthdays

Month in Review