Summer in Starr Valley

 I want to write a little about the day to day of this summer. It’s been a little tough living at home. I’m SOOO grateful that I am able to because my family employs me and feeds me and houses me for free. I also really love them. I am just used to having my own space and schedule as a 29 year old woman. But overall it’s been a wonderful blessing.

Right at this moment, I’m in the hammock in the front yard that I’m guessing Carolina installed. The huge trees above me make it so it’s pretty much always shady right here. Just about the only sound I can hear are the leaves rustling in the trees and a few bugs and birds. At least in our yard, everything’s green and gorgeous still, even though it’s August. Hyrum mowed the lawn this week and he didn’t cut it short enough. Haha I think I’m pretty good at mowing the lawn but I’m slow. 

This summer, almost every day I go over to Grandma’s (and Grandpa’s) to help her house clean and organize stuff. And boy, she is organized! She also is such a hard worker for someone with only one lung. She always talks about how I’m doing all the work and she is not doing much. Well, it’s simply not true. We’ve gone through closets and books and pictures for scrapbooks and all kinds of special stuff from their lives in that amazing log house Grandpa built. It’s definitely given me a deeper appreciation for my grandparents. Plus it’s so fun to get to hang out with Grandma every day. Plus, she pays me way too much! What an enormous blessing. 

Next, when I’m not working on my dad’s career camps, I give voice lessons. I am really enjoying it more than I expected. I think about it a lot. It’s a lot more involved than giving piano lessons and sometimes my students don’t respond as quickly as I want them to. Maybe because they are young and I’m trying to teach them too much at once. But I’m getting better, and it’s great! It’s just fun to really see their personalities and get them out of their comfort zones. 

Next, it’s so fun to be surrounded by family. My parents are such wonderful people, and they lead such a positive, disciplined life. I want to be more like them. I love my grandparents and aunts and uncles and the whole Wells Ward. I recognize they aren’t all my family, but it kind of feels like it. I just feel very comfortable and loved. So many quality people! 

Finally, I’m just trucking away getting ready for Spain. It is COMING! I’m so ready, and I can’t wait. I’m a little nervous and a lot excited. Still, I’m grateful for this summer and all that it’s been. Starr Valley is the place to be in the summer.