Diabolical Plan - Part 1..............

Remember my concern about keeping my kids busy this summer?

I think I've got an idea.

Last week Jacob and Peter spent the entire week working on the yard. Their dad offered them an undisclosed amount of money to rake, weed, and mulch the 'natural area' in our backyard. It's a pretty big area and it needed LOTS of work. It kept them outside and busy most of the week. And they did a great job, too.

My plan for this week is even better. I signed up the four still at home (Jacob, Mary, Sam and Peter) to help out with Cub Scout Day Camp. They will spend the week serving as Den Leaders and Den Chiefs for a bunch of cub scouts. They will be gone every day from 8 until about 4:30.

I figure that if they can't find paying jobs, then I will find non-paying jobs for them. The next week, Mary will be volunteering at our church Girl's Camp for the week (that one is a sleepover camp!) And I may just send Jacob to Boy Scout camp in July if he is still unemployed. If this doesn't make them want to get 'real' jobs, I don't know what will!!

I wonder what other organizations need help this summer........

Jacob.....

I mentioned a month or so ago that Jacob had gone out to Utah.

He had trouble finding a job and missed his family (at least that's my story) so he came home again about 10 days ago.

Because Jacob knows how bored I am on the weekends (remember Peter's accident two weeks ago?) he took pity on me last Friday (the 13th!!) and broke his collarbone. That's just the kind of guy he is.....always thinking of others. 'Hmm...mom might be bored this weekend....what can I do to liven things up? I know, maybe if I break a bone!!' Here is his x-ray for your viewing pleasure....

So, now I have two broken boys. Peter was back at the Doc last Wednesday, and things are looking good enough with his leg that they put a cast on. The doc is still not sure that he won't need surgery, but for now, it looks like he might be okay. He will still need a cast for 4-6 weeks, but that's loads better than the surgery option where recovery can take months.

Back to Jacob.....He went snowboarding with a friend on Friday up in N.C. I reminded him as he walked out the door that he has no health insurance and to be careful (I know, I know....it's all my fault!!) He called me about 2 in the afternoon, FROM THE HOSPITAL, to let me know. (My theory has always been that if my kid is capable of calling me after an accident, that's good news. Much better than a stranger calling me to tell me about it.) Luckily, he had a friend with him who was able to stay with him at the hospital and deliver him home after he was released. As you can see from the x-ray, he did a good job breaking the collarbone. His shoulder is hurting, too, as is his knee, but hopefully those will be okay. Apparently, they don't do much for broken collarbones. He has a sling, but that's about it. He should be okay in 4-5 weeks.

Do you think I should take up a collection at the grocery store to help pay his ER bill?

Go West, Young Man, Go West!!

Jacob has decided to move to Utah. He left two weeks ago and made the L-O-N-G drive from South Carolina to Cedar City. It only took him 4 days. Of course, he had to stop in Memphis to visit friends, and then again in Las Vegas (where he served his mission) for more visiting.

He is currently living with his Grandfather in Cedar City, looking for work and trying to decide if Cedar is the place for him. If not, he has other options in the Provo/Orem area. So far, in his Utah adventure, he has gone snowboarding at Brianhead and driven his Grandfather to Salt Lake City for a doctor's appointment.

His decision to move west was prompted by the facts that A) He had no job here and jobs seem to be pretty scarce right now, B) He was tired of living at home, and C) The 'dating pool' here consists of about 3 people. You can tell by the picture that he has literally been climbing the walls since he returned from his mission a year and a half ago.

So he's off to the land of 'Zion' to seek his fortune and make his way in the world. We miss him, but wish him luck on his quest. Jacob.....we love you, and hope you find what you're looking for!!

(P.S. If anyone knows of any jobs available in Cedar City or Provo/Orem let me know, I've got just the guy for the job!!)