I think a diving board is in order

Sunday night into Monday morning, we were hit with severe thunderstorms with wind and lots, and lots, and lots of lightning and rain. It started around 11:00 Sunday and lasted until 3:30 Monday morning and actually beyond. So as with other times when it rained, I checked the hole to see how much water was in it and how long it would set me back from continuing to dig. What I found amazed me.

Anyone for a swim?

Yes, it is completely filled with water. To be exact, that's 144 cubic feet of water sitting in where my storm shelter is supposed to be. Amazing that this amount of rain actually fell in one night!

To say the least, I don't think that I will be digging for a couple weeks , Eh? Looks like I get to focus on other things around the house/land, like cutting/chopping wood for winter.

Our Title of Liberty

Tonight for FHE, I had the opportunity of giving the lesson. I decided to talk about peoples names and why are they important. Abby and Rhyetta mentioned that they identify us, so others know what to call you, and to what family you belong to. I then talked about Captain Moroni and what he did to identify to others what he believed. Captain Moroni, being the righteous military leader that he was, rallied the people behind him using the Title of Liberty declaring to all he fought for freedom, religion, his God, and family.

We decided to follow in his footsteps and we made our own Musser Family "Title of Liberty" or in other words a mission statement.

It reads:

"The Musser Family stands for and defends truth, righteousness, agency, charity, service, healthy living, love, and peace. By living the gospel of Jesus Christ and following the prophet, having fun together, and being kind to each other, our family will be forever happy and safe."

Like Captain Moroni, we plan to post this in our home as a constant reminder of what we believe.

A little setback

Well, I have encountered something that I hope will resolve itself rather quickly, so I can get back digging. A few days ago, my right elbow has started to really hurt when under strain. Yesterday, instead of digging I continued to cut up a fallen tree so our wood supply for the winter will grow. Well, when I was done, I commented to Rhyetta about the pain and she said it sounds like tennis elbow. With that being said I looked it up on WebMd and some of the symptoms listed I am experiencing. Today, I took it easy and just did some light cutting of wood. Picking up branches to cut, and even picking up a cup of water was discomforting.

Now, I am not one to carry on and waaa. I am more likely to work through pain to get a job finished. However, I think it wise to let my elbow rest from the rigor of digging for a bit so it can heal. Unfortunately, there are a myriad of other tasks around the house and yard that need to be tended to. I know my mom would tell me, "Take it easy," and so I am.

And the thunder rolled on day 4 of digging

On digging day 4, the hot weather has broken and there was a cool breeze to work in. After helping dig in the garden for Rhyetta, I decided to get working in "The Hole." I have started to get to just clay now, and let me tell you the fun has just begun.

As Rhyetta worked in the garden and I worked in "The Hole", the thunder started to roll. The clouds were moving in. There were a few sprinkles, but gratefully and thankfully that was it. It is kind of a catch 22. We want it to rain to water the garden and flowers Rhyetta has planted, but I don't so I don't have a big pool in our back yard.


After finishing today, Kian and the other kiddos came out to play. Kian posed for some pictures to show how deep it is getting.

I am so glad that I can provide some fun and excitement for my kids while I dig a hole (3 feet down, 3 to go).

Day 3 of the dig

Today started at 7 am when it was nice and cool and "The Hole" was completely shaded. Unfortunately, the humidity was still hitting me with every shovel full of dirt/clay. I realized today that I am digging into more clay now, and we'll see how that goes. With the first row of dirt thrown out of "The Hole", I made an important discovery. I finally reached the 2 foot mark. HOORAY!!!

The sides come up to my knees.

I finally finished the digging today at 11:25. I am so glad that I started in the morning rather than then the afternoon. I also hope that with all the exercise and sweating I am doing, I am actually working off some poundage. Is that too much to ask for??

With a 9x12x2 hole dug into our backyard, the kiddos have fun climbing in and out, helping me take dirt out, and even helping me put some back in. Even the dogs take advantage of the space.

We are supposed to get thunderstorms starting tonight and lasting until Friday off and on, and so I hope "The Hole" doesn't become "The Pool."

Second Day of Digging

Today I felt like Bob the Builder. Can I do it? Yes I can! The heat and humidity this afternoon was overpowering at times. I think I personally drank 2 1/2 pitcher full of water today. By lunchtime, I had about half of the hole dug for a second time.

Halfway there for the day.

After many rests and cool downs, and a deliciously recharging dinner I managed to finish for the day.

Finally done for Day 2 of digging.

When everything was said and done I came out smelling like roses and as dry as a baby's diaper. At least I can hope I am burning more calories than what I took in today.

It sure was hot and humid today.

Tomorrow, round 3. It's supposed to be an even warmer day, so we'll see how far we get.

If Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear

With the recent tornadoes in Missouri (one within 45 miles of our house), I have really been impressed upon to get our family a storm shelter. I had a thought of burying a used grain silo. In talking with friends from Church, that idea has been shot down. So, I started researching on the web. They have pre-made concrete, fiberglass, and steel shelters you put in the ground. To say the least, we would have to give them all five of our kids to make even the first payment. YIKES! "Not Gonna Do It!"

With those choices out of the way, some of these same friends from Church suggested me building one. I researched DIY storm shelters online. Hey, I can do that! So, the process has begun. I have started digging a 9x12' ( don't ask why those dimensions, that is just at the time seemed right) hole in my backyard, behind my garage. (See mom, doing all that digging in the back yard when I was little is paying off!) The hole is only one foot deep so far and took me 3 hours of digging, drinking water, digging, drinking water, and so forth. It has already claimed the life of my shovel handle (DOAH!). However, I will yet defeat the Lamoni clay (yes, clay! I was told today that it gets worse the deeper you go.) that lies beneath my yard to save hundreds of dollars.

Plus there are some benefits to digging it myself: 1) save money; 2) sweat profusely in the heat and humidity which in turn helps me shed some poundage; 3) helps me get into shape; 4) gives me a sense of accomplishment; and 5) save money.

Thank goodness for 2 months to get this done.

 "The Hole" after one day of digging.

My Life Story

By Abby

Once upon a time in a far away land there was a little house in a little wood. Inside the house was a little family. I was one of them. I was Abby. I had a dog.

She was pretty. She was black, white and golden. I did not know that my dog would die. Her name was Storm.

One day Storm died. Right now I miss her. I still love dogs.

When that day came I was heartbroken but to this day I still miss her. But now I have another dog named Wilbur.

This is how Wilbur came to be my dog. My mother and father had heard of a family that was moving and they had a dog. They were giving the dog away. It was a black lab and beagle. So we went to look at it. It was black, all black! I couldn't believe my eyes.

One day Daddy found a cut on Wilbur. I burst into tears. I was sad. Very sad.

Now for my family's names: me, Kian, Ella, Felicity, Mom, Dad, Klausy and Wilbur. That's 8 people!

Right now I'm happy with my dog. As you know, I still love dogs but my heart is still broken with love. Reader, I hope that you love dogs too.

The End.