August 09 Highland Post

Sorry it's been a while. I've sort of been hoping to have some good news - and now we do! We closed on the home we have been trying to buy (it was a short sale) since last November. It is in our neighborhood and has a pasture in the back for Dot so we are THRILLED! We'll also be in better shape to have visitors (not that it stopped us with our little rental) but we'll have a bit more space now. The hardwood floors had some "issues" so they started refinishing those today and we will start tearing out some water/mold damaged carpet and sheetrock tomorrow.

I'll post some pictures eventually... I'm in NYC for business and we'd like to at least get some weeds pulled before taking pictures. The house is in pretty decent shape given the fact that the old owners had left the irrigation water running - so unlike a lot of short sale properties with completely dead lawns, we have green lawns and thriving weeds in the otherwise empty flower beds.

The goal is to be in - in time for Hannah's Birthday on August 21st. This is the makeup for the birthday that was supposed to be big last year (the 12th is a big one for us) but she didn't have established friends yet so she didn't get the big party she would have liked. So, this is MAKE UP time. We did the same for poor Emma who reminded us that last year on her 8th birthday (another big one in our home) we were moving. She didn't appreciate that. Anyway, she had a great Birthday this year!

The summer has been crazy busy and it's nearly over. School starts next week for us (the 20th I think). All of the kids have their schedules, teachers etc. Emma will be in 4th grade - again as the only one left in elementary while Hannah goes to 8th and Jarom 9th grade (both at the Jr. High). Logan is going into her Jr. year... AND SHE IS DRIVING!!! AAAAAAGGGHHH!!! I can't believe it. Actually, she is a very good driver and has started to figure out where she is now that she is forced to pay attention.

Logan and Hannah had Girls camp - I spent one night with them - it was GREAT. Jarom came with me to Scout Camp as a JR. Staff member (we had 6 older boys as Jr. Staff) for a week in the Uinta mountains. It was AWESOME! Then our family spent the week in Idaho at the Cabin which was soo much fun for everyone. The kids really enjoyed seeing their cousins. I then went to the Varsity Scout High Adventure with Jarom and I was DONE camping until last weekend for Father and Sons - which was only 15 minutes from our house up American Fork Canyon and only a brief overnighter. Whew! Now the Zanders have invited Jarom and I to hike the narrows with them... I'm planning on it if I can pull it off. So one more night in a tent before the summer is over :-)

Lareen is doing great - has lost 22 pounds or so over the last 3 months and she is thrilled about that. Personally I didn't see the need, but she insisted that she did and the best part is that her legs are feeling better than they have in years so in that regard I'm thrilled. Everyone is happy and healthy and we feel so very blessed. My job is great and honestly we can't imagine why we are so blessed when so many are struggling right now. We know so many who are struggling with health, finances, job loss, or other issues that we keep in our prayers and try to do what we can to serve. One of our neighbors is struggling with breast cancer after having spent a year unemployed and they have an adopted daughter who is also struggling with a number of difficulties as well. We look at their lives and realize that all of us at different times have struggles and it is up to each of us to do all we can to help lighten the burdens of those we can help. Anyway... enough on that. We just are so grateful.

We love and appreciate all of you,

The Packer Family