May 15, 2010 (posted a day late! Just in case you are watching)

Today started with frantic grocery shopping followed immediately by a service project at the church. For our service, we pulled weeds and cleaned up the grounds at our building while other ward members worked in a garden at a local nursing home.

After the weed pulling, some of Kaili's girlfriends came by to hang out while I made jam. Mangoes have been about 7 dollars for a box of 12 lately, so I made a batch of mango jam, them I made a batch of strawberry-rhubarb jam. Both of them have been big hits with the family and they have already almost finished off a jar of each.

Later, a couple of my girlfriends (Kaili's friend's moms) came over and we had a dinner of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs (thanks, Adam). It was a very busy, but productive day and an enjoyable evening. We have really been enjoying the deck for some of our meals. After the kids did the kitchen clean up, the boys headed out to play pool and hang out with some of the guys for awhile.

Several folks have commented on how quiet our place is, but I don't really see it as all THAT quiet. It reminds me of Granma Jessie's house in the respect that, when I am outside, mixed in with the bird's song and lawn mower's drone, I can hear, in the distance, the sound of the Ryan Road traffic, punctuated with the occasional siren, loud motorcycle or plane. I think because we are on a cudesac, somewhat nestled in the trees, and the deck isactually limb-level, the illusion of being in a more rural setting is created.