Happy summer week

 We've enjoyed a hot, but wonderful summer week.  On Wednesday Tony and I experienced Tuacahn for the first time thanks to Mom and Dad's generous tickets and saw Beauty and the Beast.  It was fun to go with Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy and the show did not disappoint.  

We had the pleasure of Melanie and David and their kids here for the weekend.  We attempted the Dinosaur museum, but quickly discovered it was not a museum for kids.  The splash pad at Little Valley Park was a much more successful adventure.  It is fun to be in the stage of life where we really enjoy little kids and don't feel the stress we did as parents.  

Sam had a basketball tournament this weekend.  He gets very emotional and stressed over these games, but ultimately I think having a team is the most important thing he can do.  

Both Sam and Max had job interviews this week and I'm crossing my fingers, although I'm not sure how that will affect the rest of the summer plans.

Last night night Tony and i went out to dig holes for tree support poles.  We were using the post digger pole when we heard a pop and water filled the whole.  We had hit the water main!  After phone calls to Tony's Dad and a lot of fumbling around, we called Wilson.  Dad and Colt came to help dig the hole, and Wilson was a life saver when he fixed the pipe.  He was really tired and it was a hot and muddy, but he showed up.  I couldn't help but noticing Wilson's rash, so we will try to help him with that.  

I'm teaching RS today and Tony is subbing in primary as chorister.  It continues to feel so nice to be back at church.  

Happy Fathers Day

 Fathers Day meant, as always, good food!  We enjoyed breakfast with Mom and Dad Lundberg at Kneader, made even better by free bacon for the Dads.  Today we had delicious salmon on the grill and fresh strawberry pie with Mom and Dad Rippy.  Wilson joined us and was on his best behavior, which involved some irrational Trump support, anti-vaccination and lots of complaining about his aches and pains.  It's been so hot that we stayed indoors most of the weekend reading books, playing games and watching movies-just as if it was a winter snow storm.  

Last week Tony mentioned something about his "superior gametes."  After a good laugh, I had to acknowledge that sometimes it is sad that his superior Dadness is kind of wasted on kids who don't take advantage or appreciate his offerings.  

Last week I helped Mom and Dad the trailer up to Pine Mountain and stayed the day with them meeting their friends and enjoying the cooler temperatures.  If I could figure out a way to spend the summer there, I would in a heartbeat.  

Lundberg Family Reunion

 This weekend was the Lundberg family reunion here in St George.  What a whirlwind weekend of fun.  Aunt Debbie was in charge and she is a master of parties!  On Thursday we met for street tacos and pickleball  tournament at Sullivan Park.  Colt and Rebekah organized the tournament and came dressed to the nines in full pickleball gear.  I was especially happy that Wilson, Max, Sam and Eliza all chose to come.  We got our Lundberg fanny packs with cool 80s sunglasses and chapstick and Debbie served snowcones and Grandma's upsidedown German Chocolate cake.  Maddie brought her famous coconut macaroons and I think she should start a business.  They are the best anyone had ever had.  Of course Tony and Russ started competing right away by putting the fannypacks on their heads and inventing games of skill.  

On Friday we met for a "fun run" that turned into a walk around the park with about 8 people-then breakfast at the Lundbergs.  Tony took the young adults and teenagers to the lake for surfing and the little kids went to Dinosaur park to ride the train and play in the water.  Debbie and I ran to Smiths to get lunch and we spent the afternoon at the church out of the heat.  Debbie had "pull back car races" and games for the kids.  Finally the boaters returned and we hurried to IHOP for dinner with the "core four" while the older kids set up the church for Grandpas surprise 80th birthday. It was so fun to see Grandpas face when he walked into the church for a big surprise from all his posterity.  We had pie and ice cream and had a fun White Elephant gift exchange.  It was especially fun when the competition got heated over some of the things inherited from Aunt Mai, Grandpas sister.  She had jewelry and a collection of McDonalds pins that were highly sought after.  

On Saturday we had an intense pickleball game out our community park between Tony and and Zack (Zack was the winner!) We met again for brunch at our house-(the world's best salad bar and sloppy joes).  Megan and Jason blessed their youngest baby Natalie and we took a family picture.  It was utter chaos and pure joy.  Most of the families left after lunch,  so the Winwards and we spent the afternoon with the Chris Burr and Melanie and David Marshall families at their VRBO.  It was a great rental property; we swam, talked and ordered out Cupbop Korean for dinner.  I think Debbie was exhausted, but she gave her heart for this reunion and it was a wonderful time.  

There are hard things in families.  People take more than their share of food, we have differing views on politics, we have mental illness like depression.  There are times of marital discord and disobedient, even naughty children.  What feels good about a reunion, is the opportunity to come together and find the good in each other.   We can dote over cute kids, be empathetic for parents struggling and cheer on teenagers struggling with their identity.  I like the way we can all pour out love on Tony's parents as we bring them "joy in their posterity."  I'm happy to be a Lundberg.

benefits of St George

 One of the best parts of St George is the chance to host company.  This week the Schill family spent a few days with us and we loved every minute.  Emily and Otto have been through a lot after Otto was burned by boiling water just after Emily had a new baby.  They serve in leadership positions in Iowa and have all the stress of student debt and raising 5 little ones.  We felt so lucky that they would share some time with us.  Mostly we indulged in glorious conversation and marveled at how cut their kids were playing with our limited toy supply of chevron cars.  Otto and Emily are 10 years younger than us and light years ahead of us in wisdom.  We even had the chance to slip away for some delicious Indian food on a double date (plus baby Elliot).

The day after the Schills left the Arslanians came.  We've missed them.  Their sweet kids have always filled my cup and we enjoy everything about Jon and Laiken.  They too have such wisdom in their parenting and strength in their testimonies and it strengthens us.  

SOH Service Trip

 Last weekend was solid evidence (as if we needed more) that the most effective way for Tony and I to reconnect, fill our souls, and rest is to serve at Chispa.  I'm not saying we don't like a good get away to an all inclusive to Mexico, but nothing refuels like spending a weekend in Tijuana.  The majority of this refueling comes from being with Jeff and Betsy and Brad and Kim.  We really missed Jason and Andrea, but they made the right choice staying home to celebrate Lily's graduation.  

Tony and I  drove down to Sand Diego after work on Wednesday and stayed at the lovely Half Moon Inn on Sanctuary Island.   We got up early and went for a run on the pier and Tony went for a swim while I dealt with the drama at home. In Max's continued pattern of "middle finger behavior" he snuck his friends in after a senior party and Eliza woke up at 4:00am to kids sleeping all over the house.  She kicked them out, called Grandma and Grandpa to come check in, and then went to work.  I'm super grateful for her unflappable, problems solving gifts.  She will be a better Mom than I was as a result.  

After this sucker punch to the gut, we met Brad, Kim, Betsy and Jeff at Breakfast Republic (double yum).  In minutes we felt safe and cared for and the good conversation that is a hallmark of our time with covenant friends began.  We ran errands at Target and Home Depot, dropped our car off at the Americana and crossed the border.  We had fun painting the neighbor's house, then spent a while at Chispa brainstorming ideas for service.  We enjoyed the BEST shrimp tacos in Mexico at Ricardo's house.  That night Tony reviewed the video footage at home and leaned into the hurt and betrayal until he shut down.  It was hard to watch, but I was grateful to have everyone's support.

On Friday we visited the site of the next June project, called "the trapezoid house."  6 people were living together, sleeping in cars and 3-4 in a bed.  Daisy, the mom was a beautiful strong woman who taught math from home.  I'm so excited for the beautiful family to have a house.  The FOMO of not going in June is killing us.  After measuring the site for a house we visited Myrna who had had a miraculous surgery to remove an ovarian tumor in torsion the size of a grapefruit.  It's a blessing and a miracle that Myrna is alive.  She and her husband are so generous and kind.  

On Saturday we spent the day painting at a "church," a little sanctuary in a very poor area where an older woman takes children in.  Brad's wheels were spinning and he's already dreaming of a new floor and upgrades for the next group.  After visiting with an attorney to help Brad and Kim open a NPO we drove to Roasarita for lobster, walks on the beach, and tortillas the size of compact cars.  We had a wonderful time being together as couples and friends.  

Sunday was our big day of service, but not the kind I ever anticipated.  After church, Vero organized interviews and focus groups for the women in the neighborhood to explore what their needs were.  Tony spent the time translating and I chimed in when I could.  They filled out forms and gave good feedback.  We were surprised with some of the answers and requests they gave, but hopefully will be able to be less "americanized" when the women's and children's center is built.  Almost all the women want Zumba and healthy eating classes.  I realized that the service we gave Sunday was to give unheard women a voice.  They seemed to really appreciate having a man in a white shirt and tie listen intently, while everyone else took notes on every word they said.  After 4 hours of translation Tony had to take a nap!  That night Vero made us chicken mole and Elotes (street corn).  What a meal to end on!

Monday we crossed the border in just over an hour and went straight back to Breakfast Republic.  We hugged everyone goodbye and were back in St George by 8:00 that night.  None of our hard stuff went away, but both Tony and I felt refreshed and reunited.  Whatever happens at home, we have to remember the value of taking the time to give ourselves self care. We've been held hostage a long time by our kids.  It felt good to refuse to negotiate with terrorists for a weekend.