PATIENCE
I taught the Beehives the lesson on Patience. It went okay... not really one of my favorites. Didn't help that Bro. Jacox came in halfway through and made me all nervous. He's actually really nice when he comes, but for some reason, I feel unnecessary pressure. But the part I loved about the lesson was giving the girls their favorite treat and telling them that if they can go all week without eating it, they get another one next Sunday! They were shocked I'd make them do that. Seems reasonable! We'll see how they do. 10-18-15
BLACK TRASH SPIDER
For FHE Charity taught a lesson on honesty. We all have quotes we are supposed to memorize! She did a nice job. Then we finished making our spider! Everyone was so into it and so excited about it- I just love it when we work together on things. Makes my mommy heart happy. Luke chose drumsticks for the treat :). 10-19-15
PRODUCTIVE PLAYGROUP
I LOVED playgroup this week!! In fact, ever since Jami started coming things have felt really different. She adds this element of progress and moving forward that I love. We talked a lot about our own routines with grocery shopping and with bedtimes and a couple other things. I just came away feeling so motivated. I feel like I"m not doing too bad. There are many areas I can improve and felt motivated to do so, but it was nice to feel like I'm doing okay too. She's good at that. Everyone was really, it was so fun! I loved it. It was nice that Nate picked up the girls for me too! 10-21-15
FOOTBALL
This was Bradley's big goose egg game! I will have to post the pics. Once again, someone crashed into him with their head and he ended up with a golf ball on his forehead. It was HUGE!! Poor guy. Didn't really get to play all that much. Which really bummed me out because I had been skipping YW to watch him play! Also, we ran into Lynell Craner at Football this week. She had her big dog there... I can't think of what kind she was, but she just had six puppies eight weeks ago!!! I loved talking to her. She is so awesome. So sweet! And so generous. We were so unprepared for the temps, and she offered everyone blankets to keep warm and then even sacrificed her chair so that I could leave Jack asleep on mine while I fed Molly. Just a really kind person. 10-21-15
HIGHLIGHTS
Well, I did it! I finally made the appointment, and went and got my hair did! Took a lot of convincing, but I really like how it turned out. There are moments I miss my old look, but this is actually somewhat refreshing for me. I think because it's similar to how I used to do it... like TEN YEARS AGO!! Can't believe it!!!.... it makes me feel younger :). Nate keeps telling me he likes it, so he might like it too :). Just kidding. 10-22-15
PORNOGRAPHY
We got to go to the Bishop's house for the pornography discussion. Turned out to be really awesome. I loved all the advice, I loved thinking about those things and planning how we can even better approach the subject with our kids. I feel like we were able to set some new goals and make a plan for our family. 10-22-15
CHARITY DINNER
Charity has been making dinners this week for one of her Personal Progress requirements and it has been so nice! I really appreciate having one less thing to stress about each afternoon! My favorite so far was her sweet and sour chicken! Delicious! 10-22-15
ASSESSMENTS
I got to go help out in Erika's class Friday. Doesn't happen as much as I'd like, but when it does, I get so happy! The minute Erika sees me, she just jumps right up and comes running over to me like it's been years since we last saw each other. Gives me the biggest hug ever! And then runs back to her seat :). It's fun to feel like a celebrity for a second :). This week I did assessments with kids, having them tell me the first sound of words. I was so glad to find out that Erika really is doing well! Especially compared to some of the other kids. I'm not worried about her picking it all up this year! Makes me feel good. 10-23-15
HAUNTED CASTLE
Charity and Kelly, as part of the PTSA helped plan and create the school's haunted house! They have worked so hard on their parts for several weeks now and especially crammed the last few days to get it all done. They were so excited about it all. Unfortunately, it didn't meet up to their expectations. It was more frustrating for them than fun and because they ended it an hour early, Nate and the kids who had wanted to go, missed out! That was a total bummer. I feel bad because they really looked forward to it all. But we did have a nice long talk about expectations and enjoying things for what they are and not being so hard to please. They're good girls. They were making plans for how they were going to do things differently next year :). 10-23-15
NO SCREENS
It's been a while since we had to put a ban on screens. I guess with summer and all, the kids were better at playing outside. Since it started getting a little colder and well, let's be honest, since Molly came and slowed things down at our house, the kids have been spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME on screens. So I decided to make Saturday a no screen day. Oddly enough the reward I chose (not that we needed a reward, just that I'd really been wanting to take them to see Inside Out since I was the only one who hadn't seen it yet :) ), was to go see Inside Out at the Kaysville Theater. They all did great! Even got jobs done and such! I was so glad! I think it took some thinking when it came to entertaining ourselves, but we did great! And I LOVED the movie! Just like Erika said I would :). 10-24-15
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Things to Remember Week of 10-11-15
GENERAL CONFERENCE IN REVIEW YW STYLE
I loved hearing all the YW share their favorite/ most memorable part of conference. Their testimonies are such a strength to me. I feel so much love for them. Especially Kelly and Charity. They shared such sweet, pure testimonies. I love that they love conference. They both had their little notebooks that they'd taken notes on during every session. They were so with it. I love that. I'm glad they are building testimonies of their own. Makes me so proud and so happy for them. 10-11-15
FHE
Since Jack was the scribe this week (our new addition to the assignments since adding Molly), I will just say that Kelly had the lesson, she chose to have us put up our Halloween decorations. Unfortunately we were running really low on time so we only got the spider webs up and the spider partially made. It was fun to do it all together though. We had Noah's treat- ice cream! And had to skip Erika's activity. We decided we need to make more of an effort to get started on FHE earlier. Satan has a way of sucking up our Monday evenings with laziness. We're going to do better. 10-12-15
LUNCH WITH HEATHER
Heather and I finally made it out to lunch (Mongolian BBQ-mmmmm). I love hanging out with her because I don't feel the pressure to act a certain way. She is so amazing with all that she has on her plate, I hope I can glean some of her motivation and hard work ethic. I appreciate her not judging me and not making me feel like I'm less than who I am. She's a great friend. So grateful for her. 10-13-15
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NAUGHTY BUDDY
We had a note left on our door from animal control this week. It had a note to call them. After waiting for them to respond to the message Nate left, we found out we were being given a warning about Buddy. Someone had called about and sent in pictures of Buddy pooping on their lawn. They went so far as to say that we "purposely let him out to go poop on their lawn". Kind of sad to think we have neighbors that would rather bring in Animal Control than talk to us about it. I have to admit I was TICKED when I first heard about it. There's something really uncomfortable about someone tattling on you and not knowing who it was. After a few hours of venting and frustration, Nate came to the conclusion that what we were feeling was remorse. We really did feel bad that that had happened. We do feel bad about the fact that Buddy gets out and that he feels the need to poop on peoples' lawns. I haven't been as good at changing my attitude as Nate has mainly because I think that everyone has their thing. We are all living around each other and just like I felt with roommates in college, you just have to put up with the weird things each other has or does. It's a different thing with everyone. Whether it's noise or an animal, there's something. So I feel like I wish people could just cut us some slack, just like we do with their weird things. I hate that they made it sound intentional as well. Pretty much everyone I know around here KNOWS that I do not like it when Buddy gets out. Recently, with Molly, it's been even harder to get him inside when he sneaks out. I've NEVER wanted him out in the front yard. Here I go again. Anyway- just ticks me off. Next time it happens we will be fined. Thanks neighbor. And thanks Buddy. 10-13-15
FLORIDER and CHOIR CONCERT
Our ward did an indexing challenge for the youth and the reward for indexing 40 names was to go to Florider! Charity, Kelly and I had no trouble getting our 40 names... sounds cocky, but we just love to index, so this goal was pretty measly for us :). Unfortunately, Charity's choir concert was that same night, same time. She was totally bummed! Kelly got to go though, and the Bishop got a great picture of her surfing that he texted to me, I'll have to post it :).
The rest of us got to go to Charity's concert. It was a really great concert. Charity's choir (the Concert Choir) sang two songs. One was the Adam's Family. That was a lot of fun. I loved having all of us there (minus Kelly of course) to support her. I hope we can always get most of the family to everyone's things. One of the benefits of having a big family should be all the support. 10-13-15
PLAYGROUP
I really loved Playgroup this week. Bliss, Kenni and I were the only ones there, but it was a really nice time. Good conversation. Kenni left after a while and so it was just me and Bliss sitting there talking for a good two hours. I loved it! She and I got to get out some of our frustrations about YW and some of our thoughts on the youth lead dilemma. We talked about being Moms. It was just really nice and relaxing. I was glad I didn't have to tiptoe around anyone's feelings this week because I feel completely incapable of doing that lately. I feel like I'm constantly saying too much, the wrong thing, or not enough altogether. Frustrating. I'm grateful for good friends. 10-14-15
I loved hearing all the YW share their favorite/ most memorable part of conference. Their testimonies are such a strength to me. I feel so much love for them. Especially Kelly and Charity. They shared such sweet, pure testimonies. I love that they love conference. They both had their little notebooks that they'd taken notes on during every session. They were so with it. I love that. I'm glad they are building testimonies of their own. Makes me so proud and so happy for them. 10-11-15
FHE
Since Jack was the scribe this week (our new addition to the assignments since adding Molly), I will just say that Kelly had the lesson, she chose to have us put up our Halloween decorations. Unfortunately we were running really low on time so we only got the spider webs up and the spider partially made. It was fun to do it all together though. We had Noah's treat- ice cream! And had to skip Erika's activity. We decided we need to make more of an effort to get started on FHE earlier. Satan has a way of sucking up our Monday evenings with laziness. We're going to do better. 10-12-15
LUNCH WITH HEATHER
Heather and I finally made it out to lunch (Mongolian BBQ-mmmmm). I love hanging out with her because I don't feel the pressure to act a certain way. She is so amazing with all that she has on her plate, I hope I can glean some of her motivation and hard work ethic. I appreciate her not judging me and not making me feel like I'm less than who I am. She's a great friend. So grateful for her. 10-13-15
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NAUGHTY BUDDY
We had a note left on our door from animal control this week. It had a note to call them. After waiting for them to respond to the message Nate left, we found out we were being given a warning about Buddy. Someone had called about and sent in pictures of Buddy pooping on their lawn. They went so far as to say that we "purposely let him out to go poop on their lawn". Kind of sad to think we have neighbors that would rather bring in Animal Control than talk to us about it. I have to admit I was TICKED when I first heard about it. There's something really uncomfortable about someone tattling on you and not knowing who it was. After a few hours of venting and frustration, Nate came to the conclusion that what we were feeling was remorse. We really did feel bad that that had happened. We do feel bad about the fact that Buddy gets out and that he feels the need to poop on peoples' lawns. I haven't been as good at changing my attitude as Nate has mainly because I think that everyone has their thing. We are all living around each other and just like I felt with roommates in college, you just have to put up with the weird things each other has or does. It's a different thing with everyone. Whether it's noise or an animal, there's something. So I feel like I wish people could just cut us some slack, just like we do with their weird things. I hate that they made it sound intentional as well. Pretty much everyone I know around here KNOWS that I do not like it when Buddy gets out. Recently, with Molly, it's been even harder to get him inside when he sneaks out. I've NEVER wanted him out in the front yard. Here I go again. Anyway- just ticks me off. Next time it happens we will be fined. Thanks neighbor. And thanks Buddy. 10-13-15
FLORIDER and CHOIR CONCERT
Our ward did an indexing challenge for the youth and the reward for indexing 40 names was to go to Florider! Charity, Kelly and I had no trouble getting our 40 names... sounds cocky, but we just love to index, so this goal was pretty measly for us :). Unfortunately, Charity's choir concert was that same night, same time. She was totally bummed! Kelly got to go though, and the Bishop got a great picture of her surfing that he texted to me, I'll have to post it :).
The rest of us got to go to Charity's concert. It was a really great concert. Charity's choir (the Concert Choir) sang two songs. One was the Adam's Family. That was a lot of fun. I loved having all of us there (minus Kelly of course) to support her. I hope we can always get most of the family to everyone's things. One of the benefits of having a big family should be all the support. 10-13-15
PLAYGROUP
I really loved Playgroup this week. Bliss, Kenni and I were the only ones there, but it was a really nice time. Good conversation. Kenni left after a while and so it was just me and Bliss sitting there talking for a good two hours. I loved it! She and I got to get out some of our frustrations about YW and some of our thoughts on the youth lead dilemma. We talked about being Moms. It was just really nice and relaxing. I was glad I didn't have to tiptoe around anyone's feelings this week because I feel completely incapable of doing that lately. I feel like I'm constantly saying too much, the wrong thing, or not enough altogether. Frustrating. I'm grateful for good friends. 10-14-15
Sunday, October 18, 2015
The Maynes' Go Marching (with apostrophe errors removed :) )
I assigned Noah the task of writing the Ants Go Marching song to go with our family (now that we have 10 people). He had been making up different versions and as we were all walking across a parking lot to Cafe Rio in Park City on the way home from the Maughan's cabin, it seemed like the perfect song for our family. That night, Noah performed his version for me. Here it is:
The Mayneses go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah,
The Maynees' go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah,
The Mayneses go marching one by one,
Then Jackie stops to change his bumb,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah,
The Mayneses go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah,
The Mayneses go marching two by two,
Then Erika stops to tie her shoe,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
\boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah,
The Mayneses go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah.
The Mayneses go marching three by three,
And Noah stops to go pee,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah,
The Mayneses go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah.
The Mayneses go marching four by four,
And Charity stops to take a tour,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching five by five,
And Kelly stops to draw a hive,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching six by six,c
And Daddy stops to buy Chex Mix,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching seven by seven,
And Mom stops at 7-11,
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching eight by eight
And Molly stopped because she ate
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching nine by nine
And Bradley stops to cast a line
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
The Mayneses go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The Mayneses go marching ten by ten
And Lukey stops to do TTM
And we all go marching down and around the town...
boom, boom, boom
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Things to Remember Week of 10-4-15
GENERAL CONFERENCE
I LOVED General Conference this weekend! It was so refreshing! We all watched together. Played the Bingo and then did our treat buffet with the things that are said in each talk. The kids love this tradition and I'm really happy with how well it keeps their attention. It is simply miraculous how well all of our kids do now days. Gone are the days when I don't get to hear what's going on! I love it. I loved seeing my girls taking notes again. They've done that for years now and it makes me so glad. I don't think I started taking notes until I was in Seminary. Good for them. Bradley was buddies with Erika and helped her with all the activities and Bingo... I love their relationship. They also took off during the break and after the last session to go fishing together! Caught 38 fish together Saturday evening!! Holy Moly! Luke was a good listener, kept track of everything he learned... and seriously, had some pretty profound things to say when I asked him what he had learned. He teased me a lot the whole time too. We all loved watching the boys all get up and do pull-ups whenever they said "the word" that I picked before each talk. I can't believe how many pull-ups Nate can do now!! Pretty cool! Noah was taking notes just like his big sisters and had quite a few pages filled when it was over! Pretty impressive! He did get tired, as we all do during the last sessions of the day... but really- so impressive. Erika sat there and even though Brad was keeping track of things for her, she paid very close attention! I couldn't believe what she had learned when I asked. Very cool. From the mouths of babes. These kids amaze me. I don't know how I got so lucky. Even Jack, although he was using the ottoman and foam pad for acrobatics, he was still right there, in the room with us, the entire time. So cool. And he was relatively quiet for a three year old. Molly of course cuddled with me the whole time and got in some much needed (on her part :) ) zzzzzz's. I loved the talks about mothers and women. Good reminders for me. I loved the challenge to ask what is keeping me from progressing, and to simplify my life. I love the idea of ponderizing a scripture a week. Sounds just awesome! I love hearing from our leaders and knowing that it is coming from our Father in Heaven. It was awesome to see the sustaining of our new Apostles! Three of them at once!! I was nervous, to be honest, not sure I would like them, but of course, I already do!! They're definitely called by God. 10-4-15
FHE
Bradley taught us about gossip and we played telephone to demonstrate how easy it is to hear the wrong thing and have things that you say get changed. He did a great job. Erika chose Dippin' Dots for the treat :). Jack had gone to bed early so we missed out on his activity. Bummer. 10-5-15
ANNIVERSARY
14 years ago on Tuesday was the day Nate and I met! I still remember that day- well, actually just that moment- like it was yesterday. Always reminds me how some of the most insignificant things can turn into life changing or in this case, life MAKING things. I'm so glad I went to that reunion with Brent. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father shaped our dating and courtship time. There were so many miracles involved. What a blessing. I can't believe how much my love for Nate has grown too. It's amazing what 14 years can do. 10-6-15
GIRLS NIGHT
Emily, Lisa and I finally went out on Tuesday night. It was a late start since there was a Relief Society night, and we ended up staying out REALLY late, but it was a nice time. I kept wanting it to be more relaxing than it was. I am still struggling with social things right now. It's so hard for me to find a balance. Need to work on that. But grateful for friends to spend time with. 10-6-15
BRADLEY'S BIRTHDAY
I think Bradley had a good birthday this year. He woke up to streamers all over his room and up the stairs, a beautiful sign that Kelly made for him (cute story: in the store when we were buying posters Kelly whispered to me- but loud enough that Bradley could hear (not sure if that was intentional or not)- "Can I make Brad's sign?" The look on Bradley's face was priceless. Meant a lot to me because for some reason those two have been butting heads a lot lately. Makes me happy to know that they are still friends deep down. We had French Toast for breakfast- Bradley's choice. Nate had brought home a giant Texas donut to surprise Brad with. He snacked on it all day :). He had asked me if he could open a present before school since I usually let the kids do that- but this time- there weren't any!! We had been waiting for the perfect gift to fall in our laps... slackers... he was disappointed, but I think it was okay. He got to be the Star Citizen (or whatever he called it) for the day at school. That sounded like fun. We had planned his family party for that evening so that family could come to his flag football game. So we all headed over to the park to watch the birthday boy play. Their team kind of got creamed which was a total bummer, but we all had fun. Came home for the rest of the party- donuts and ice cream, presents and lots of visiting. We had both sets of grandparents there! Bradley was spoiled rotten with gifts :). It was a nice fun evening. Happy Birthday to Bradley! It's crazy to think that Bradley is 11 now! That seems so old. I'm so proud of who he is though. He really is such a great kid. So helpful around the house- he really is one of my go to kids when I need something done right away. He's such a fun big brother to his younger siblings. Always so fun and happy with them, and never afraid to hang out with someone smaller than him. Which would be anyone in this house :). He's the tallest! And he's not done growing I don't think! He seems to enjoy school. I love getting his no missing work emails- he is a GREAT student. I love how passionate he has become about fishing. He LOVES to take one of his little sibs and walk over to the ponds. He and Erika reeled in about 37 fish! It's cool that he takes Noah or Erika with him. He asked me the other day when he will be able to take Jack :). He's an amazing basketball player and keeps getting better and better. He spends a LOT of his time shooting hoops in the front. He has been enjoying Flag Football this season. I think he would like it more if his coach was less flaky and if the assistant coach wasn't so mean. But he's been doing great! I love his confidence and I love hearing about his games and all the drama between the boys :). At recess too. I love that Bradley talks to me! He's a good friend. I'm so glad that Heavenly Father let me be his mom. I know that he's a special spirit and that he will do big things in this life. I hope I can help point him in the right directions. 10-7-15
BABYSITTING
Charity and Kelly have been babysitting for a while now, but recently things have really picked up. They get a call almost weekly to tend. I am so proud of them and that they are willing to do that. They're making some pretty good money in the process. I can't believe how much some people pay. Good for them :). 10-8-15
MOLLY'S SHOW AND TELL
Erika had the great idea to take Molly for show and tell. We got special permission from Mrs. Piper and made it happen! It was so much fun for me to watch cute little Erika carry her precious baby Molly around and show her off to each of her classmates! With such a look of pride on her face! She is so in love with her little sister. It's so sweet! I can't help but think that these two knew each other before meeting here on earth. I always think about the days when Erika would talk about her "Baby sister" who was nowhere near coming. She would save small clothes for her in her underwear drawer, and just make plans and preparations for her. It was so cool. One of the reasons I knew we were going to get a little girl and that she was for sure coming was because of Erika. Who knows I guess, but sure seems like the case. I hope these two get a few precious years together at least. 10-9-15
STONE
Nate and the boys went and worked on their stone job up in Fruit Heights on Saturday. Gotta get that done before the snow falls. I can't wait to see it- I know it's going to be amazing. I love that the boys get to have that time with their dad and that they might even be learning a trade in the process. I think Nate enjoys their company as well. 10-10-15
I LOVED General Conference this weekend! It was so refreshing! We all watched together. Played the Bingo and then did our treat buffet with the things that are said in each talk. The kids love this tradition and I'm really happy with how well it keeps their attention. It is simply miraculous how well all of our kids do now days. Gone are the days when I don't get to hear what's going on! I love it. I loved seeing my girls taking notes again. They've done that for years now and it makes me so glad. I don't think I started taking notes until I was in Seminary. Good for them. Bradley was buddies with Erika and helped her with all the activities and Bingo... I love their relationship. They also took off during the break and after the last session to go fishing together! Caught 38 fish together Saturday evening!! Holy Moly! Luke was a good listener, kept track of everything he learned... and seriously, had some pretty profound things to say when I asked him what he had learned. He teased me a lot the whole time too. We all loved watching the boys all get up and do pull-ups whenever they said "the word" that I picked before each talk. I can't believe how many pull-ups Nate can do now!! Pretty cool! Noah was taking notes just like his big sisters and had quite a few pages filled when it was over! Pretty impressive! He did get tired, as we all do during the last sessions of the day... but really- so impressive. Erika sat there and even though Brad was keeping track of things for her, she paid very close attention! I couldn't believe what she had learned when I asked. Very cool. From the mouths of babes. These kids amaze me. I don't know how I got so lucky. Even Jack, although he was using the ottoman and foam pad for acrobatics, he was still right there, in the room with us, the entire time. So cool. And he was relatively quiet for a three year old. Molly of course cuddled with me the whole time and got in some much needed (on her part :) ) zzzzzz's. I loved the talks about mothers and women. Good reminders for me. I loved the challenge to ask what is keeping me from progressing, and to simplify my life. I love the idea of ponderizing a scripture a week. Sounds just awesome! I love hearing from our leaders and knowing that it is coming from our Father in Heaven. It was awesome to see the sustaining of our new Apostles! Three of them at once!! I was nervous, to be honest, not sure I would like them, but of course, I already do!! They're definitely called by God. 10-4-15
FHE
Bradley taught us about gossip and we played telephone to demonstrate how easy it is to hear the wrong thing and have things that you say get changed. He did a great job. Erika chose Dippin' Dots for the treat :). Jack had gone to bed early so we missed out on his activity. Bummer. 10-5-15
ANNIVERSARY
14 years ago on Tuesday was the day Nate and I met! I still remember that day- well, actually just that moment- like it was yesterday. Always reminds me how some of the most insignificant things can turn into life changing or in this case, life MAKING things. I'm so glad I went to that reunion with Brent. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father shaped our dating and courtship time. There were so many miracles involved. What a blessing. I can't believe how much my love for Nate has grown too. It's amazing what 14 years can do. 10-6-15
GIRLS NIGHT
Emily, Lisa and I finally went out on Tuesday night. It was a late start since there was a Relief Society night, and we ended up staying out REALLY late, but it was a nice time. I kept wanting it to be more relaxing than it was. I am still struggling with social things right now. It's so hard for me to find a balance. Need to work on that. But grateful for friends to spend time with. 10-6-15
BRADLEY'S BIRTHDAY
I think Bradley had a good birthday this year. He woke up to streamers all over his room and up the stairs, a beautiful sign that Kelly made for him (cute story: in the store when we were buying posters Kelly whispered to me- but loud enough that Bradley could hear (not sure if that was intentional or not)- "Can I make Brad's sign?" The look on Bradley's face was priceless. Meant a lot to me because for some reason those two have been butting heads a lot lately. Makes me happy to know that they are still friends deep down. We had French Toast for breakfast- Bradley's choice. Nate had brought home a giant Texas donut to surprise Brad with. He snacked on it all day :). He had asked me if he could open a present before school since I usually let the kids do that- but this time- there weren't any!! We had been waiting for the perfect gift to fall in our laps... slackers... he was disappointed, but I think it was okay. He got to be the Star Citizen (or whatever he called it) for the day at school. That sounded like fun. We had planned his family party for that evening so that family could come to his flag football game. So we all headed over to the park to watch the birthday boy play. Their team kind of got creamed which was a total bummer, but we all had fun. Came home for the rest of the party- donuts and ice cream, presents and lots of visiting. We had both sets of grandparents there! Bradley was spoiled rotten with gifts :). It was a nice fun evening. Happy Birthday to Bradley! It's crazy to think that Bradley is 11 now! That seems so old. I'm so proud of who he is though. He really is such a great kid. So helpful around the house- he really is one of my go to kids when I need something done right away. He's such a fun big brother to his younger siblings. Always so fun and happy with them, and never afraid to hang out with someone smaller than him. Which would be anyone in this house :). He's the tallest! And he's not done growing I don't think! He seems to enjoy school. I love getting his no missing work emails- he is a GREAT student. I love how passionate he has become about fishing. He LOVES to take one of his little sibs and walk over to the ponds. He and Erika reeled in about 37 fish! It's cool that he takes Noah or Erika with him. He asked me the other day when he will be able to take Jack :). He's an amazing basketball player and keeps getting better and better. He spends a LOT of his time shooting hoops in the front. He has been enjoying Flag Football this season. I think he would like it more if his coach was less flaky and if the assistant coach wasn't so mean. But he's been doing great! I love his confidence and I love hearing about his games and all the drama between the boys :). At recess too. I love that Bradley talks to me! He's a good friend. I'm so glad that Heavenly Father let me be his mom. I know that he's a special spirit and that he will do big things in this life. I hope I can help point him in the right directions. 10-7-15
BABYSITTING
Charity and Kelly have been babysitting for a while now, but recently things have really picked up. They get a call almost weekly to tend. I am so proud of them and that they are willing to do that. They're making some pretty good money in the process. I can't believe how much some people pay. Good for them :). 10-8-15
MOLLY'S SHOW AND TELL
Erika had the great idea to take Molly for show and tell. We got special permission from Mrs. Piper and made it happen! It was so much fun for me to watch cute little Erika carry her precious baby Molly around and show her off to each of her classmates! With such a look of pride on her face! She is so in love with her little sister. It's so sweet! I can't help but think that these two knew each other before meeting here on earth. I always think about the days when Erika would talk about her "Baby sister" who was nowhere near coming. She would save small clothes for her in her underwear drawer, and just make plans and preparations for her. It was so cool. One of the reasons I knew we were going to get a little girl and that she was for sure coming was because of Erika. Who knows I guess, but sure seems like the case. I hope these two get a few precious years together at least. 10-9-15
STONE
Nate and the boys went and worked on their stone job up in Fruit Heights on Saturday. Gotta get that done before the snow falls. I can't wait to see it- I know it's going to be amazing. I love that the boys get to have that time with their dad and that they might even be learning a trade in the process. I think Nate enjoys their company as well. 10-10-15
Monday, October 5, 2015
Molly Edits
I think this one is my very favorite.
I wish I could photoshop a bow or a flower on her head in this one, for some reason she looks like a boy. Still love the picture though.
Okay, this one is just funny. I crack up every time I see it :). She is a facial expressions girl. Reminds me of Luke really. So many different faces :).
I tried to make it look pretty even though it's more funny... didn't really work :) haha... I love this girl!
But this! THIS is so sweet!! I love it!
Random Pictures (mostly Molly of course)
Molly finally got to try out her new swing. So far she is not totally in love with it.
long little Molly
This is the outfit I bought Molly just before she was born. I thought I hadn't gotten any pictures of her in it before she outgrew it, but I got this little surprise when I uploaded my camera.
Molly's Blessing Day
This is my attempt at fixing this picture- it looks a million times better. For some reason it was completely washed out and had that crazy sun glare- not sure what went wrong, but I guess this will do. Definitely not getting framed that's for sure.
This day just came and went! It was so weird how quickly it all happened! We chose it only a couple of weeks ago, when we realized we didn't want to have a baby blessing the day after Halloween or into the more wintery/germy months. Plus, I don't like to wait. I like my babies to have their blessings soon after they get here. Not sure why it matters to me, but it does. So we finally got her beautiful dress on Thursday. It was so pretty! I wish it had fit her a little better, but she looked so sweet in it. Erika picked out a headband that just happened to have the exact same flower as the dress! Pretty cool :). Erika really was so excited for Molly's day. The night before, she said to me, "I don't know if I"m going to be able to sleep tonight! I'm SO excited!" Like it was Christmas or something :). I hope Molly gets to know how much Erika loves her right now. I hope it all continues. So, anyway! We got the house all ready for the thing afterward, food too, and we were even early for church! I was so proud of us! Everyone that could be there was, and there were a LOT of people there! I was so glad! We had heard that there weren't going to be many, but that was not the case. This is who stood in the circle: Molly's Daddy, Grandpa Russ, Uncle Lynn, Uncle Jared, Uncle Dan, Uncle John (the only one from my side!) Uncle Darren, Uncle Mark, Uncle Chris, Joe, Gage, Bishop McGrath, Brother Steve McColley (our home teacher). Hopefully I didn't leave anyone out. Her blessing was beautiful. Nate always does such a good job. It's crazy to think this was the last baby blessing he will give! She was blessed with some beautiful things, I will probably record those in her baby book though. I loved thinking about her and her future and what she will accomplish. She was given the name Molly Hope Maynes (glad Nate didn't try to change it at the last minute or anything ;). I hope she likes her name, I think it fits her and is a cute name. I was so frustrated all day because of what I said in my testimony. I was so anxious to bear my testimony which is weird for me. But then I got up there and rambled a bunch of ramblings and didn't really say much of a testimony. Kinda bummed about that. And embarrassed. Oh well. I did love hearing all of Molly's brothers and sisters (well, except Luke and Jack- they opted out this week- although, Jack did want to go up there... three is too young in my opinion :) ) testimonies and hearing them say how much they love their baby sister. She really is SO LOVED. It's really cool to think about how many people would have her back. She will never have to look around for a friend or for support. I think it will always be just right here for her. Makes me happy. That's what I love most about big families. We hurried home after to get the little brunch thing going. I like doing those, but at the same time, I hate missing the last two hours of church, cutting fasting short, and being so chaotic and running around working on Sunday. I wish there was another way to do those things. I also sit around and second guess everything after everyone leaves. Not my favorite part. But whatever. It was a nice day and I LOVED how much support we had there. It was really nice to have so many there and get to visit with everyone after. Poor Nate had to go to work not long after it had kind of ended. That really stunk! But it was really such a great day! I feel so blessed to be Molly's mom and so blessed to have the family that we do. 9-27-15
Sisters (minus Charity of course, but I loved how beautiful they looked in this one too)
I attempted a little blessing day photo shoot throughout the day and didn't feel like I'd been successful at all, but fortunately once I got them on Lightroom, I found a few I really liked. I will post them in a minute. Here are a few that I found particularly amusing :). Good ones to show future boyfriends :).
These ones were pretty good without editing!
Molly and her boys!
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