Hilarious

Luke got mad at me for asking him to do his job and homework before playing with his tablet, and his response was much louder than I'd expected, and filled with way more anger than I could have imagined, but the funny part was what he screamed as he stomped off up to his room... "WHY DO YOU JUST WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE SAD?!!"

During Sacrament meeting, I had Jack on my lap, so we were playing a little to keep him interested.  He was facing me and had already slobbered yellow slobber onto my shirt.  He looked down at the yellow dot, pointed to it and said, "Lellow?"  And I said, "Yep, that's yellow."  To which he proudly patted his chest and said, "My.  My."  He knew he'd done it and was really very pleased :).  He loves yellow.

Along with the yellow shirt, I asked Jack if he could see anything else in the room that was yellow.  He looked around for a second, with his hands on his hips and then brought his one had up to his chin and thoughtfully turned back to me and then with a little excitement jabbed his fingers right at my teeth!  "LELLOW!!!!"     yay.

I was sitting on Nana's chair, indexing (actually I was looking for some names to take to the temple and then when I didn't find any, I started indexing :), but who's counting), and Jack was feeding me all the play food.  He had all the food lined up along the arms of the chair, on the foot rest, some in my lap and next to me on the seat.  Then this is the funny part- as he was making the finishing touches on me with the food, he stepped back and then tossed this tiny spatula three feet and it landed on my chest.  He looked at me as if he had just finished his masterpiece and was done with it all, and walked away.  I'm not sure why this was so funny to me, but I keep chuckling about it, so I decided it needed to be documented :).

At dinner, eating Taco Salad, I said out loud, "This is missing something, what is it missing?"  And Luke piped in, "MAYONNAISE!"

Jack totally konked out on his chips during dinner Sunday night.  It was SO cute, we had to take pictures.

Every time he stirred a little, we could hear chips crunching.  It was hilarious.  1-11-15

At the funeral, Jack had his little box of Sweetart hearts from Aunt Jen and I guess he really liked the beginning flavor of them, but not the rest so much because he started handing me his pre-sucked pieces of candy.  At first I didn't notice, then Erika pointed it out.  Then he started moving like a machine, dipping it in his mouth then handing it back to me, not even looking at me anymore.  He would forget to lick it before putting it in my direction and then hurry and pull it back and wipe it on his tongue... it was so funny.  Erika and I were laughing... quietly of course.  1-16-15

Lately Erika has been playing this game on Kelly's "phone" where you dictate your own story and then it plays it back to you with the background music like it's a story on tape or something.  It's been SO funny to listen to.  She is so entertaining!  I hope she gets into acting some day, she's very good at it.  I am afraid her shyness will ruin for her though.  Even when she's playing this game, she gets all shy when she realizes I'm listening.  It's cute though.  She's so fun. 1-23-15

I asked Jack if I could have a kiss and he puckered up his lips, assuming the position then moving in slowly, and after he got to the point where I couldn't see his lips anymore, he quickly stuck out his little tongue and LICKED MY LIPS!!!!!  The little stinker!!  And he had his little stinker smile on, so I think he did it on purpose!!!!  I have to admit I laughed my head off, but it was a little awkward :).  Funny little guy.  1-22-15

We found out Dumbo is a great movie for cheering up Jack :).  The part when Dumbo gets drunk basically and he's blowing lots of bubbles and the mouse is floating up with them and then falling when they pop... apparently it's hilarious.  Jack was busting up!!!  We watched it at least 5 or 6 times with the same reaction from Jack each time, just hysterical laughter, then a "more" at the end.  It was so cute!  We all got a good laugh.  I think it relieved a little tension that had crept into the room when I mentioned showers.  So fun.  1-24-15

Things to Remember Week of 1-18-15

YOUNG WOMEN

This Sunday was the first with our new leaders.  Jami was out of town so I was a little nervous about how it was going to go.  I think it went okay.  No table cloths or centerpieces.  Not sure if I really care about that.  I got to teach the Mia Maids and the Beehives.  We had the lesson on the Holy Ghost and his roles.  I loved it.  Thinking about all of the things that He is there for.  I thought it went okay, but it was a little boring unfortunately.  I wish I had done more.  It was kind of last minute though, so it was all good.  I'm hoping that the Beehives were quiet because the Mia Maids were there and it's not something they do on a regular basis.  I need participation to lead a discussion.  After YW I took Allena's medallion to the Bishop and then came home to be with sick little Erika.  We took a nap together :).  It was perfect.  Then I went to Ward Council at 1:00, then choir with the girls at 2:30.  Felt busy and I was exhausted (and starving) by choir.  I almost passed out while we were singing.  I think it was a combination of the heat, hunger, tiredness, and the long holds on some of the notes.  I got really dizzy and luckily thought about bending over "to pick up my phone" to get some blood back up to my head.  That would have been so embarrassing.  It all worked out though.  That night I let the kids have a movie night since there was no school Monday.  They, on their own, decided to watch 17 Miracles since it was Sunday.  I was proud of them.  Yay for the four day weekend.

FAMILY

After choir on Sunday I had a long talk with Delores Furnis.  She is so cool.  I was telling her that I loved her husband's talk the previous week, and we just went off, talking about family members leaving and then coming back to the church.  She really gives me a lot of hope for my Dad and Steve.  I hope that their time comes.  It's so hard to watch them make the choices that they are.  To watch them pretend to be happy and content with life just because they don't want to put for the effort to go back.  It is a lot of work.  I hope that they figure things out soon.  It's nice to know it can happen for the people who you would least expect.  1-18-15

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY

We didn't do much during the day.  Not together anyway.  Everyone had their own idea of what they wanted to do.  The big kids have been playing a lot of basketball lately, that's been fun to watch them outside.  They're pretty die hard, even in the cold.  There was lots of screen time, and lots of card playing :).  We found a few new games, Palace, Golf, and Gin Rummy.  None of them have really taken off as much as I'd hoped, but it's nice to play something new :).  Once Dad got home the big plans came into play.  We went to Sky Trampoline Park with the Maughan's.  I was so happy that we were able to use Nate's Federal employee- Federal holiday discount along with the Monday discount.  We got us all in for $36!!  Cheapest activity we've done in a while!  It was great.  It was fun to have the Maughan's there with us.  It never ceases to amaze me what strangers Kate and Erika are when we go places together.  They're hilarious!  Sure has made pancakes a million times easier and quicker.  Nate surprised me with a new pancake griddle that we made our grilled cheese sandwiches on for dinner- I love it.  I have been wanting one of those forever!  That night we had another movie night- Brother Bear.  Good times.  1-19-15

PRESIDENCY MEETING

We met with our Beehive Presidency Tuesday.  It was a very interesting meeting.  I'm feeling really new to everything even though I've been in YW for almost a year.  The Beehives are different territory.  I did/said too much, I need to let Charity do/say more.  I'll do better next time.

1-20-15

TEACHER PREP DAY

I'm still annoyed that they didn't give us Friday instead, but we had Tuesday off this week as well.  It was a nice day too.  The kids and I, the Maughan's and the Clarks all went to the Hill Airforce Base Museum.  I loved it!  It was so great to get out and be with our friends.  I'm not sure how fun it was for the kids, I know that Brad enjoys Nate's lengthy descriptions on things (some of the other kids too), but it was a nice change of pace.  I tried to get some old grumpy pilots to teach us something, or tell us some stories or something, but they weren't on board.  They teased each other a little instead.  They did tell us which helicopter flew in the Seal 6 team, and that he had lots of stories but they were still confidential.  Then they told us how the apache helicopter works.  It was cool.  I enjoy that stuff so much.  Maybe I was the one wishing Nate was there to teach me stuff???  Later that day Charity went shopping for makeup with Savannah and everyone else ran around entertaining themselves nad hanging out with friends.  It was a nice day.  1-20-15

PERSONAL PROGRESS ICE CREAM
We had our second Beehive activity last night.  First one with Michelle.  I'm already really enjoying this class.  These girls are so much fun!  I love the lack of negativity.  I mean, I guess they complained about their teachers and stuff, but it was mostly funny :).  I am loving getting to know these girls.  Hopefully we can find a different focus besides food.... we'll see :).  1-21-15

SEVEN WEEKS
I realized today that nobody is reading this :).  In a way I like that.  I put a lot of personal information on this blog, especially in these journaling posts, so it was a little exciting to know that it wasn't too public, but then I realized NOBODY IS READING THIS!!!  Not even my family!  It's insane that I knew I could post something I wanted to keep a secret from family on my family blog :).  It's fine really.  I'm looking forward to them getting mad at me for not telling them my news (we're planning on telling everyone around 20 weeks when we find out what it is... if all goes according to plan... that's when the kids will find out at least), then I can say, "It's been on my blog since the day I found out!!!!  Even before I found out, when I was just suspecting!!!"  Then THEY can feel bad, instead of me :).  Do I sound like a horrible person?  Probably.  That's okay.  We go through this every time and usually I just feel bad that I kept it a secret- this time I will not :).  In fact, I've been HORRIBLE at keeping my secret!  So it's all good :).  Anyway- back to my update- the nausea is definitely picking up.  If I eat something every 15 minutes I'm usually fine.  But if I wait at all, it's like death.  And it's not just nausea, it's PAINFUL!  I think it's a little bit of the reflux I've seen in the past.  The Tums help a little.  Anyway, not good.  I'm already feeling pain in my back, but that might be because I've been so lazy.  Course, I have to add that I have been getting up at my usual time, reading my scriptures (most mornings- I have missed a couple :(  ), making breakfast and lunches, doing a load of dishes and a load of laundry, all before 8:00.  It's been great to keep up my routine- this has almost never happened during one of my pregnancies!  I'm making progress :).  So I'm not AS lazy as I've been in the past.  I notice my fast heartbeat at night.  There have been a few nights where I cannot fall asleep very well... that's mostly because I already feel weird when I lay on my stomach- like I get light headed- seems soon for that.  Who knows where all my organs are though, I'm sure things are just mixed up and causing different problems.  When you take things apart and put them back together seven different times, you're bound to end up with a problem or a missed piece here or there.  That's my insides for ya.  I'm happy with how I feel emotionally.  Or maybe I should day, how I am dealing with how I feel emotionally :).  I'm doing good at not REacting too quickly.  My very first feelings about MOST things are ANGER and FRUSTRATION.  So I'm having to turn those down and put them aside while I consider the reality of the situation.  It's interesting to witness this about myself and then be able to adjust it and make things right.  I think this is a first for me too.  Hopefully I can stay sane enough to do this throughout the rest of the 7 1/2 months!  (when I say it like that, it doesn't sound so long for some reason :) ).  I'm doing better at just enjoying this, rather than feeling like something bad is going to happen.  I know I've always beat the odds, so I'm just going to keep hoping for that again.  I do believe in miracles.  I can't wait to meet this baby.  I feel like this baby is so special.  1-22-15

JACK
I've been wanting to post about some of the cute thing Jack does lately, for a while now.  I finally remembered :).  So every morning, when he wakes up (too early, thanks to Noah :)), he comes down stairs, all squinty-eyed and puffy-faced, stumbling through the kitchen, the first thing he does is give his Mommy a great, big hug!!  It's THE cutest thing.  He is a pro at hugging, even throws in his cute little pat with his hand.  He can hug forever.  I've always tried to have the rule that I let go when they do, but sometimes with Jack, for time's sake, I have to cut it a little short.  He is a sweetie.  I always ask him how he is doing and his cute little reply, "Goog" in his little man voice- oh I just love it!  Then I set him down on the counter next to where I'm working and we cook breakfast together :).  He asks if it's nummy after each ingredient is added.  He knows (now, after experience) that some of the steps are less tasty than others :).  Cute little guy.  As soon as I have a serving done, he is ready to hop down and go eat :).  We have quite the routine.  When it's time for me to go somewhere or for him (like when he goes all the way downstairs) he will come up to me and wave his cute little hand, say, "bye! bye!" then offer me a big hug and even a kiss sometimes.  I love it.  He's very serious through it all :).  He's been into scissors a lot lately, especially these fake, little, red ones that belong in a doctor kit.  I think it's actually for lifting up a test tube or something, it's round on the end.  He has been a good boy about not playing with the real ones, except for cutting paper, and is pretty fun with the fake ones.  I won't be surprised if ends up cutting his hair or something, but he'd be only our second kid to do that, so maybe it would be kind of fun :).  I'm kidding.  He is a good kisser :).  Comes at you with very full lips and slowly eases all the way in.  Makes me laugh.  He's not always in the mood to kiss though :).  He always tells me when something is his by putting his hand on his chest and saying, "my".  Last thing, when I'm rocking him to sleep, if I say, "K, it's time to stop wiggling and close your eyes and go to sleep!"  He will flop his little self over into his usual position and do just that!  It's adorable.  I can't say it right away though, I have to give him a few minutes, but he's such a good boy!  Almost always does what we say :).  Almost.  1-22-15

DO YOUR SENSES DECEIVE YOU?
Kelly was one of the three winners to go on to the District level Science Fair!!  WAHOO!!!  She came home so bummed that she only got second place in her class spelling bee, so being bombarded with "Kelly! YOU WON!" When she walked into the cafeteria for the open house was pretty extreme!  She deserves it if you ask me.  This girl always does her projects entirely on her own.  I may have offered a little piece of advice here and there, but she's the one that has to nag me the entire time, to buy supplies, or get going on it.  She's amazing.  I'm really proud of her!  I hope she gets to move on even further, but what a cool accomplishment either way.  We celebrated with DQ the next night :).  1-22-15

CHURCH BALL
We started YW Basketball tonight.  That was a lot of fun.  Would have been more fun if we'd had more than four girls there.  Our shortest ones at that :).  But they played so well and so hard!!  I was so proud of them.  8-30.  We lost.  But if you saw the other team, six girls who all towered WAY over our little girls, you'd be surprised we got that many points!!  It was a lot of fun to watch and cheer them on.  This will be a fun season.  Hopefully we can get more girls out.  1-22-15

SLEEP
Nate and I totally took a sleep day today, Friday, pretty much all day.  Well, until about 12:00.  It was actually really nice, as embarrassing as it was.  WE did all of our morning stuff, got the kids off to school.  Sat and talked for a few minutes and then konked out on the couches with the littles.  It was funny.  I woke up a few times, but couldn't get myself off the couch.  Even after Erika and Jack woke up, I was still just immovable.  Not until noon when I realized I had completely wasted my entire day, then I sat up, indexed a little and then somehow managed to get myself up to the laundry room for some folding.  It was nuts.  Hopefully we don't make this a habit, but like I said, it was nice.  1-24-15

KELLY TIME WITH MOMMY
Kelly and I finally got our much needed date.  She wrote me the sweetest note a few nights before about how she just needed to spend some time alone with me and of course how much she loves me :).  So we did it!  Dylan's for shakes.  We played the game that "dad made up" (apparently he's taking credit for my question game now that stinker!) the whole time and it was a blast.  I told Kelly about some of the things I did as a teenager that I will probably regret telling her, but oh well... what's done is done.  Hopefully she just forgets about it all :).  yeah right.  Good times though.  1-24-15

NOAH'S WISH CAME TRUE!
Back at the airplane museum on Tuesday, Emily told all the kids about how if they make a wish on this coin funnel thing their wish is sure to come true.  So they did.  I completely forgot about the whole thing until Friday after I taught Noah how to crochet and he had crocheted his first chain of stitches.  He said, "I've gotta tell Emily now!"  I wasn't sure who he was talking about so I asked and he said, "Emily Maughan" kinda like, DUH!  I still hadn't put it together (go figure) until he reminded me of the wishes.  He then told me that his wish had been that I would teach him how to crochet!  What a cute little boy :).  He's already a pro at it, although the thought of having to do one row at a time seems a little overwhelming to him and he is "taking a break" from it now :).  I think he was hoping to be able to make himself a stuffed animal right away :).  Erika jumped right in and wanted to learn as well.  She had a lot more trouble and was getting discouraged so I taught her the hand knitting that Alicia and Becky taught me when we were kids.  She loves it :).  She's made tons of bracelets and necklaces- cute girl.  It's fun that they wanted to do something like that.  I love the flashback of memories with these old crafts.  1-23-15

BASKETBALL
Heidi and John came to the basketball games today.  My mom and Simon came to Charity's.  The boys played great, won by a long shot, both of them playing so hard.  It's obvious that their hours of practicing outside is paying off- they have lots more confidence now. It's a lot of fun to watch them play and improve.  Charity's game was less than enjoyable.  So much drama!  A few of the girls were a few minutes late and therefore we couldn't "play a game".  Must be a new rule, but the guy in charge would not let us play at all.  Not even after I begged.  Luckily the coaches from the opposing team thought it would be fun to still play, so they reffed (while the official refs just sat on the sidelines and watched!!!  HELLO!!!  Apparently they're okay with getting paid to do nothing).  It was a fun game, but I was ticked the whole time.  Plus, I had to listen to all the crap this mom was dishing out about our coaching problem and how Nate needs to be at the games.  I wish people would just sign up to be the coach if they're going to be available.  I was bugged.  She was rude.  It was a short game, we lost by a couple points, but Charity played hard.  She did great.  I wish the drama could be kept away from this Mama right now.  My adrenaline is in overdrive.  Along with many other hormones that I couldn't mention.... didn't pay enough attention to the hormone unit in Physiology darn it.  Better luck next week??  1-24-15

Things to Remember Week of 1-11-15

SCRIPTURES FHE
Noah was the lesson tonight and he gave the sweetest lesson!  I was so proud of him.  He thought of it all by himself and then carried it all out, all by himself!  What a cool little seven year old we have. His idea (that he's had for a while now) was to have everyone tell their favorite scripture and read it and then say why it is their favorite.  What a cool, simple, and very special night we had!  Everyone had a really great scripture to share.  With the exception of Luke, but that's because he was ticked off at me for punishing him earlier, not because he doesn't have one.  Even Erika thought about her favorite scripture story about Mary Magdalene at the tomb after Jesus has been resurrected.  She loves that "because it makes her feel good" :).  So sweet.  That's been her favorite for a while now, so it really is a special one.  I will have to get Noah's notebook tomorrow to get everyone else's.  He had us write them down in his little notebook and tell a little about them.  It was so organized and complete :).  I loved it.  Then he shared his own at the end and closed with his testimony.  My heart skipped a few beats I think.  He's so adorable.  I am so grateful for Family Night.  My testimony of it has grown so much.  I know it's important.  1-12-15

EARLY
Charity and I went to the temple this morning.  Woke up at 4:30, then were out the door by 5:00.  What a great way to start the day!!  We were both feeling it.  I love that Richelle helped Charity find the family name that she did, I'm glad it took some effort and time on Charity's part, and I am really glad that I got to be there to witness it all!  What a cool experience to go through for an ancestor that you found!  Makes me want to dig a little deeper myself and find some names to do.  Charity and I also decided we need to start doing a Beehive temple day once a month.  I think that could really strengthen and bring a little unity to our class.  Hopefully that's allowed, I need to ask.  Anyway, this was a nice morning.  1-13-15

YOUNG WOMEN
Best. Presidency. meeting. EVER!  That's all I'm going to say.  1-13-15

PLAY GROUP
Playgroup was at my house today.  I needed about 10  hours to get my house presentable, unfortunately all I had was 1.  Erika and Jack both felt like that hour could best be spent cuddling.  So I cleaned up the living room and then cuddled.  The rest of my house was so embarrassing.  I convinced myself that it doesn't matter and decided not to cancel.  I needed playgroup!  Hopefully they all don't turn me in to DCFS.  I can't believe I just let Bliss walk upstairs.... so embarrassing.  First impression=fail.  Oh a much lighter note- I told Emily my news and she was happy- that made me happy :). Hopefully I can do better at keeping it a secret from here on out. :).  1-14-15

BEEHIVES
First activity with the Beehives went well!  They wanted to do makeovers so Savannah taught us all about make up while putting it on the girls.  She knows SO MUCH!  I'm amazed.  She did a great job.  We took pictures and then delivered little gifts to Keri and Liz.  It felt good.  I'm glad.  1-14-15

SIX WEEKS
I'm feeling okay.  I decided to call this "okay" so that when things get really bad, I am still able to function.  I can't help but think that my waking up early every morning, still, is what's making it all bearable.  I kept feeling like that would help with Jack's pregnancy, but I never did it.  Seems to be working.  I'm super shaky and have chills a lot.  Super tired, and nauseous, but I'm still feeling so blessed!  This is a blessing.  One that I hope I get to see through to the end and have a cute little baby to show for it.  I keep hoping I didn't just nag Heavenly Father to death and this really isn't meant to be.  Hope not.  I'll keep praying :).  I keep having this voice in my head reminding me that this is not MY baby.  This is one of Heavenly Father's Spirits in need of a body.  I hope that the spirit that goes with the body that is growing inside of me is one that gets to stay for a while and grace us with their presence.  I know that I can't have everything I want.  I'm trying to keep these things in mind while still maintaining some positive hope :).  It's interesting.  Nate keeps asking me what names I have in mind.  I'm stuck on a few, maybe we should look at some books or something.  Names are hard!  Especially boy ones.  I scheduled my first appointment, it's on Friday the 13th.  Weird.  Hopefully it goes well.  1-15-15

BOMBAY HOUSE
We were FINALLY able to find a day to go out with Heidi and John.  It's been a month now since we started trying to plan.  We had SO much fun!  It was so nice to be able to sit and talk, uninterrupted.  I know that we're not as fun without Buddy and Jack, for John, but he put up with us anyway :).  The food was fantastic!  We'll have to go back.  Thanks again, Heidi!  1-15-15

AUNT IONE BUSH
We went to Nate's Aunt Ione's funeral today.  What a cool lady she was.  She personified charity.  She made everyone she knew feel like her favorite.  She had nine kids even though her health was less than the best and apparently was a pretty cool mom.  I loved the story about her pounding the broomstick on the floor of the upstairs to get kids to quiet down (or in Sam's case, not be so quiet ;) ).  She just sounded like a really amazing person.  It was neat that everyone involved Patience who was streaming via facetime, from the hospital.  What a cool family.  I feel blessed to witness and be a part of such a neat family.  1-16-15

WARDLES
We were on our way to Andrea's house and after having quite a few things go wrong and make us late, Erika started crying and saying that she felt like she was going to throw up.  I wanted to go so bad that I didn't listen to her and we pushed on.  Then suddenly I got the feeling that we should not go.  I kept fighting it because I really wanted to see Andrea, and made several excuses for why we should go, but in the end, we turned around (well it was North Salt Lake- hard to believe it had taken us almost 45 minutes to get that far with traffic and all) and came home.  I'm still bummed, but it was probably for the best.  I've got to figure out what is wrong with Erika.  I think she's allergic to something.  She feels nauseous all the time.  Maybe it's sympathy pains??  nah.  1-16-15

SATURDAY
Kind of a blah day today.  But we got a break from the basketball games- not that we don't love them, it's just nice to have our Saturday to our own choosing.  I went to an indexing/arbitrating meeting- kinda lame, although I did come away with one little nugget of priceless information!  We can use question marks in place of letters we can't read (so now I don't have to write the whole word as unreadable, and an asterisk in place of multiple letters... very cool.  Richelle was so sweet about me, she's always building me up and making me feel so good.  I blame her for my indexing addiction :).  So by the time Nate had to go to work I realized we hadn't done much as a family today so I decided to take the kids to a movie.  We had missed the early time, but if we could get all Saturday evening things done BEFORE the movie, we could go to the 7:30 one.  They did so well!  We went to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  Cute show.  I could have done without some of the adult content, but overall- very cute.  My kids seemed to like it.  Jack even sat relatively still through the whole thing.  What am I saying- he wasn't STILL, he was all over the place, but he stayed on my lap the whole time.  That's more like it.  He's a wiggle worm.  But I was grateful for his ability to be entertained through most of the movie.  As long as there is something yellow on the screen we were able to bring him back to it too :).  His cute moment was when the movie said, "hello" and he did his cute, little, sing-song, "HELLO!"  Cutie.  I'm hoping I don't get what Erika has, I hate the thought of a virus while I"m pregnant.  1-17-15

Been Thinking

So, I've been getting ready to teach the Mia Maids this Sunday.  The lesson I chose to focus on is about Heavenly Father and our relationship with Him.  I have felt so much love from Him throughout my life and especially since I became a mom.  I'm so grateful for the witnesses of that love.  Nate gave me a book a few years ago called Divine Signatures.  I can't think of who it's by all of a sudden.  But it quickly became one of my favorite books.  A lot like the Tender Mercies talk by Elder Bednar, it talks about the little things in life that bear witness of our Heavenly Father's love and how pure and simple it is.  This idea, and the ability to notice these moments in my life has really changed my life.  I love it when something goes right, I smile, and then immediately my thoughts are drawn to Heavenly Father and the inescapable feeling that "He loves me".  Those are the moments that carry me through to the next one.
I've decided I want to document some of them here.  I will add until I get 5 or so and then post it, so probably every month or so.  It's always been true in my life that when I am looking for things, positive or negative, and make it a priority to share them, they happen more readily.  That is my hope with this :).  I can always use more tender mercies.  So here is my first list:

1. On Tuesday, before picking up the produce, I made my 2 week menu/shopping list (I usually wait til after so that I can incorporate the stuff I got in my basket into the week), I'm not sure why I didn't wait this week except that I had a lot to do that day and needed to hurry.  Well, as I was packing my box with all the produce at Jami's house, almost everything I pulled out of the box was something I'd put on my list!  Even the random things that I don't USUALLY get (from the store, or from produce).  I couldn't help but thank my Heavenly Father for that.  Saved me some time and money and made me smile.  1-6-15

2. All week I had been running my schedule on Sunday through my mind, we had a pretty busy day planned.  The part that kept stumping me and giving me a headache was that I was thinking I would get set apart for my new calling right after church.  I figured the whole leadership would be set apart together since that is what usually happens and I couldn't imagine that taking less than an hour.  Well, we needed to be to my Mom's ward by 1:00 to sing in her Sacrament meeting, so I just couldn't figure out how that would work.  I didn't want to miss either or be late for my Mom's ward.  SO anyway, it was stressing me out.  Well, something wonderful happened, and I attribute it to how much Heavenly Father loves me- after the Bishop announced who was going to be in the YW leadership, he said, "Please come to the RS room at 3:30 this afternoon to be set apart"!!  I bet I smiled pretty big because that was a very aaaahhhhh moment.  Not an AAAAHHHH!!! moment, but a relaxed, release of a week's worth of tension, how did you know? aaaaaahhhhhh.  It was heavenly.  1-11-15

3.  Heavenly Father woke me up at 4:11am (about 20 minutes before my alarm was going to go off) so that I would be sure to get up at 4:30 to go to the temple with Charity.  He gets all the credit for my waking up on time.  1-13-15

4. When Charity and I got in the car to go to the temple this morning, the car wouldn't start!  I made a comment about how Satan always tries to get in the way of us going to the temple and that it's all good because then we get more blessings.  I was trying to remain calm about it because I do know that the terminals can get a little loose, and it's a quick fix, but I was also praying a little prayer inside that this wasn't something bigger, requiring something more.  Lucky for us, it was just the loose terminals.  It started right back up.  And I smiled :).  1-13-15

5.  Jack's been dry most mornings when he wakes up in his underoos!  It's been miraculous to be able to start the day with him sitting on his potty and scoring a touchdown!  1-16-15

Noah's SEVEN!!

The girls took over Saturday night and made Noah's sign and put up the streamers like little angels (I was exhausted!), so that Noah could have his wish come true.  He was very vocal this year about his expectations.  I finally had to get after him and let him know that the fun things we do for birthdays are to be fun surprises and as a way for us to show them that we love them.  Not as something we are expected to do.  He was getting pretty demanding.  Anyway.  He understood and stopped, and I think he was pleasantly surprised when he woke up that morning.  Well, I know he was :).  That cute smile told all.  I was in a pretty big hurry to get out the door at 8:30 for my "meeting with the Bishopric" aka: telling everyone else in the YW leadership that they are going to be released that day.  I can't believe they made them wait that long to find out!  I would have died.  Course I was dying all week not knowing who else was going to be in, might have been nice to not find out til Sunday... not sure.  Anyway.  I had to hurry so Noah quickly opened his three presents from us, and I was off.    

Sunday was busy!  I had my meeting, then taught the Mia Maids for the last time (after a long and teary goodbye from Debbie- I was wondering if I was even going to get to teach at all :) ).  It went well at least, felt like I got enough in and then the cute YW all came around to all the rooms and thanked and hugged us all.  I felt like such a decepticon not telling them that I was staying in, just moving to Beehives, but the Bishop said!  So we hugged and cried (I am actually pretty sad to be leaving my Mia Maids).  Then I went to Sunday School while Nate went to Nursery with Jack.  Poor little guy is not picking up the potty thing.  He's just not ready.  But now we have to decide if we want to go back to diapers and possibly stunt the whole thing even more, or struggle and wade through pee and poop for the next... who knows how long!  But anyway- Then it was time for Sacrament meeting.  The moment I'd been waiting for AAAAAAAALL week!  I am SO excited about our new leadership.  I won't lie, I will miss the old crew, but this will be a nice change.  Jami Caldwell- Pres.  Lisa Clark- 1st.  Kay Casier- Sec.  Bliss Blackburn- Laurel.  Sheryl Maughan- Mia Maid.  And my favorite part- Michelle Jackson- Beehive.  Michelle will be so fun to work with. So it's a good team I think.  I can't wait to get started.  We had an interesting talk in Sac mtg today, Bro. Furnis gave his whole talk with a fake accent :) and glasses with fake eyebrows.  It was hilarious at first, but once I was able to focus on what he was saying, I realized it was a very touching talk.  He had me in tears through part of it.  I love hearing about other people's miracles.  After church, we were able to casually make our way home and ate a little lunch before heading off to my Mom's ward.  The girls were so excited to sing.  I was so nervous to play.  Her ward had four talks planned and our musical number.  Even before it started I wondered how we were going to fit it all in, but that was confirmed when the second guy, following the youth speaker, spoke for a good half hour!  I say good because it was a really great talk.  I loved what he said about not letting yourself keep yourself from salvation.  Sounded better when he said it.  Then the next guy made a few jokes about how the first guy hadn't left much time and then he took about 10 minutes himself!  It was probably only 5 minutes to the hour when we were finally up.  The girls did great!!  I was practically in tears the whole time and thus screwed up big time on the piano.  Not that it matters, nobody was listening to the piano :).  They sang "Gethsemane" our new favorite song.  Erika even did a great job on her solo!  I couldn't believe she went through with it all.  Proud Mama.  Everyone showered them with compliments after the meeting (which got out about 20 minutes overtime!), "Even the Bishop was crying!"  We hurried back for Choir practice and then left that early so that I could go to my setting apart at 3:30.  Still smiling about how it was not right after church :).  That was incredible.  I am so grateful for the things that were said in my blessing that will help me make the most of this calling.  It's such a good reminder.  I appreciate being able to be there for everyone else's as well.  Gives you a little insight into each person.  I like that.  It will be a fun group.  I was so happy that Nate took off work so that he could be there with me and be part of the circle.  That means so much to me.  After that hurried home to get started on dinner and then rushed on up to the Family Meeting.  It was the first one in a very long time.  We were out of the mode.  It was a long meeting :).  But it's always so good to see everyone.  I loved talking to Becky and Meg for a minute.  Nate's mom was really sweet to me too.  

On the way home, it was Noah's birthday again :).  Kind of felt like I didn't really get to celebrate with him much, even though we'd been celebrataing for three days.  We did sing to him at Nate's Parents' house, and he was bummed that they changed from the candy bar birthday gift that Lynn and Ali handed out to the cake mixes :).  I would have been a little bummed too :).  But anyway, on the way home, we sang to him and then everyone told what they think is special about Noah.  Erika: he's plays with her and he's funny.  Bradley: Kelly: Charity: Nate: His imagination and his smile.  Me: His sweet cuddliness (my comfy Noah pillow) and his quick forgiving.  Luke: He's nice.   He's a well-loved little boy.  I think he had a good birthday.  It's hard to believe he's seven.  It's hard to believe (because I always have to associate the two) that we have been back from Alaska for seven years!  Time is flyin'!  1-11-15

I can't believe I didn't get one picture of him on his actual birthday.  Such a bummer.

Noah's Family Party

I made Noah's Jet cake.  I'm still not happy with it.  The wings are wrong, but I don't know how I was supposed to do them.  Then the red frosting didn't work out because I ran out of red food coloring, so we resorted to Noah's SECOND choice.  Oh well.  He loved it- that's all that matters right?

He was so funny during this party.  There's not little kids at these anymore, so no offense to everyone, they're a little on the boring side.  Noah was funny about that, funny about how few gifts he was getting :).  We had to talk about a lot of it afterward, but it was cute. He was very gracious though, hugged everyone and said thanks a lot.  Cute boy.

Party #2 was a success.  

Noah's "Jet Party"

I made these cute cupcakes can you tell they have mini F-18's on them?!  They're flying over the earth too, that seems less noticeable in the pictures than it did in real life.

Noah invited 14 of his closest friends to his party with paper airlplane invitations.  We had a lot of fun!

Nate drew this amazing jet so that we could play pin the flame on the jet.  I think Josh won that game- he "didn't even cheat!" according to Kelly.  Pretty amazing because he was RIGHT ON!  

Then we had the air show/jet races.  This would have gone better had there not been dog poop all over the yard.  But it was nice to be able to do it outside instead.

We did our parachute game, dropping parachute guys down from the upstairs by my bedroom.  It was fun, but not near as fun as I'd anticipated.  No pictures.  Probably because I was wallowing in disappointment (jk :) ).  

After that, Noah wanted to open presents.

I got pictures of Noah with each friend.  I think this is fun to look at later.  Has been for some of the older kids anyway.   This is Josh.

Corbin

Elyse

McKay

Tom

Harris

Talmage

Katherine

Crazy faces

More crazy-ness

Normally there are plates of barely touched cupcakes after parties like these, but I was happy to see almost no leftovers!  They were pretty good :)

We had a lot of time left at the end, so we played a few rounds of heads down thumbs up (McKay's request), and then 4 corners.  Those were pretty fun if you ask me.  Then everyone left.  I thought it went well.  Good times.

Later in the day Paleontologist Noah was digging for dinosaur bones- pretty fun gift.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This was all I got of the confetti balloon popping at midnight.  My dang camera didn't turn on fast enough!  They sure loved that though!  Might have been the highlight for the three littles- go Kelly!  This is everyone running upstairs to grab their noise making pots and pans.

 Poor Jack Jack hit rock bottom, right at midnight.  There was no reasoning with him, so Nate and I kissed and then he took Jack up to bed.  Jack enjoyed the fireworks from his bedroom window, the rest of us went out onto the porch and watched fireworks, banged pots and pans, and cheered!  It was fun to see the Clarks out there too.

This must have been later in the day, but Nate learned how to make sausage with his new grinder- they turned out pretty good.  I love having them hanging all over the kitchen.