AFTERMATH
We had a nice relaxing day after Halloween, off from school, it really was just a detox day I'm thinking. I even slept in til 10:30 which I haven't done in a VERY long time. Noah made good use of his free day, played spike ball and football over at the field for several hours. Everyone was playing with friends, watching movies, playing games and the Oculus. So fun. 11-1-23
WARD PIE NIGHT
We had a good time at the Pie Night. I think it was a mistake to have it the day after Halloween, though. Not very many people came. Most of the people with kids were not there. It was fun though. We sat by the Maughans and we all were entertained by Nate and Keren Perez's conversation. I enjoyed talking with Sis. Child while Nate was talking to Daniel. She and I had some good conversation about how the Lord will make things right in the end. The things that are confusing and we're not sure why they go the way they do will all make sense and Heavenly Father will sort them all out. Very cool. I'd like to do more for her. The kids had fun with friends and Sadie had fun wandering the halls with Jack and his friends :). 11-1-23
PLAYGROUP KINDA
I wasn't ready in time for playgroup's usual 10:00, but we needed to get out so I offered a later one to everyone at Heritage Park and I did get some takers :). Lisa's boys came with us as they are getting Tivvy today and then we met up with Marianne and Addie as well as Tammy Pickering. It was a nice time. I wish it was easier to talk to two different people at the same time. Kind of a challenge and for some reason I felt responsible for everyone's happiness. Even the park choice was wrong, so I was worried about that for some dumb reason. But it was a good time. Sadie and Owen were at each other's throats so that was a challenge and then the boys wanted to go home. It was good though. 11-2-23
ISAIAH
I recently re-started my Book of Mormon on my own and just happened to be in the Isaiah chapters. I've been trying really hard to get into it because I would really like to be aware of the things that were so important for Isaiah to write. Then, when we re-started our family Book of Mormon study, we were in the 1 Nephi part of Isaiah, so that was funny. Obviously, that's where we stopped when we did. Kind of embarrassing. But we're starting back up- that is good! I loved this cool table I found on BYU's website that puts all the sources for Isaiah together and you can see the differences and look at the different interpretations all together. It's really cool. I need to print it off. It has felt like Heavenly Father is trying to teach me something and I am anxious to figure out what it is. 11-2-23
KELLY'S APPOINTMENT WITH DR. VERELLI
This was supposed to be a follow up appointment for her bleeding issues she had forever ago. She hasn't been having the bleeding since they gave her the one prescription that I can't think of the name of right now. But they wanted to make sure things were looking okay. So we went. A couple of cool things happened at this appointment. 1- her uterus looked amazing. The lining was really thick and looking good. Dr. Verelli said it looked really promising for carrying a pregnancy! Which was very cool. The estrogen is apparently doing it's job and doing it very well. 2- during the ultrasound we were also able to see her right ovary really well as well as some follicles in there! Very awesome since we haven't been as sure about the egg situation, so that was exciting. 3- we were able to talk about the insurance, found out that Kelly isn't actually scheduled in December for the procedure, and that January is the soonest we could do it anyway, and then she confirmed that Kelly would be considered infertile for insurance purposes. So pretty cool little miracles right there. Our insurance is offering this as a brand new thing on the standard plan. Timing. The Lord is amazing. And I never mind taking Kelly to a doctor appointment because we get to talk so much on the way there and back :). This trip did not disappoint. We even took the long way there for some reason, so that was great too :). 11-3-23
DATE NIGHT
Nate and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. We put our names on the list, they told us it would be 10-15 minutes. There was hardly anyone there. We sat down and started talking. About 40 minutes went by and Nate brought up how long we had been sitting there, and we talked about how many big groups and people who had come in and been seated, so he decided to ask how much longer we had. Turns out they forgot about us somehow. Nate had to show them that we'd received a text welcoming us. So kind of funny. We were finally seated and had a great time! I loved their shrimp and lobster taccos!!! SO good!! I don't need the fries next time! We came home so that I could go sit at the church so Noah and his friends could play soccer in the gym. Good times. 11-3-23
NOAH AND HIS FRIENDS
I've spent a little time driving Noah and his friends around and listening to their hilarious conversations and tonight was so funny! I sat in the church foyer while they all played. Before we could do that we had to go back to the other church for Calvin to get his phone he forgot. Then as we were leaving Calvin forgot two other things, needed to go back into the church. It was fine, not a big deal, but then the funny part came when Calvin was getting out of the car starting with Zach Geckler the boys all started rattling off all the things that he needed to remember to grab out of the car. It made me laugh so hard! And Calvin was totally receptive, he wanted to make sure he had everything. SO FUNNY!! 11-3-23
ETHEL AND MARSHALL BRIDAL SHOWER
Erika and I with my camera in tow, headed up to Tios for some Bridal shower fun. And picture taking. We met up with Charity there and got to sit by her, Zoey, Grandma Ruthie, Adele, Ivy and Brynn. We had a good time. Marshall was pretty fun and entertaining the whole time but especially during present opening. We got to know their relationship and Ethel a little better. It was fun to hear about how they met and dated. The food took forever, but was good. I had been asked to take pictures so that was exciting. I hope they liked them. Not really sure what they wanted. We had fun though. Erika and I had fun talking and laughing all the way there and back. Good stuff. 11-4-23
SUNDAY SCHOOL
I had a really hard time planning my lesson this week and couldn't settle on how to teach it so I was relying on the Spirit. We started out talking about Jesus and what we can learn from Hebrews 5 about Him and then Austin asked a pressing question about what it means that God is all-knowing and we trailed off on that for a good 20 minutes. It was interesting, there was some participation, not a ton from the rest of the class (which we had Kelly and Molly and Nate visiting- so fun) but I got the feeling like Austin wasn't going to be satisfied with any response we gave, so we stopped, but it was interesting. We ended up talking a little about the Savior the rest of the time, but it was interesting. I'm not really sure how I feel about how it went, but I'm glad I hadn't been too attached to my lesson. 11-5-23
NO BAKE COOKIES
Molly and Noah made some no bake cookies and then everyone ate them before Molly got any. So she had to make some more :). Crazy stuff! 11-6-23
FHE
Jack was the lesson. He didn't quite know what to do so I showed him the cards I'd printed off earlier and he read those- he did a really good job of leading a discussion and being able to turn that into a lesson. I was really proud of him. Then we played King Pig for Molly's game and had Nate's apple pie things and mine and Molly's chocolate crinkle cookies for Sadie's treat. We had to do the lesson and stuff before dinner because someone turned off the oven on my Pesto Casserole when they put it in the oven. Kind of a drag, but it was delicious after FHE too. 11-6-23
AUBERGINE KITCHEN WITH MY MOM
My mom texted that she wanted to get together soon and today was a good day. So she picked us up some lunch I had ordered at Aubergine Kitchen- their Spicy coconut curry is SO GOOD!! and we hung out for the rest of the afternoon. Pretty fun. We got ot hear about her trip to Oregon and she got to sit in on our call with Bradley. It was a good day. 11-7-23
TALKING WITH ELDER MAYNES
We had a fun call this week with everyone. Kelly joined us halfway through. I want to get Erika a messenger account so she can be on there with us. My mom was here too, she "just happened to be here when Brad called :)". We got to hear about the rats and Brad's crazy week with the possible food poisoning and then the three hour dinner at the place where they cook for themselves. Kinda crazy. He sounded good and optimistic though, even after the crazy nights that week. He had had some real drama with Elder Adams wanting a mega bed one night and then stealing his scriptures and journal- so strange, but he is handling things on his own and doing so well with it all. I'm really proud of him. It was sad to hear that Darwin and Erika are moving and that they have so many cancellations everyday. But he's staying positive. 11-7-23
ELDER MAYNES' EMAIL
Well... this week was different. Not really it was just last week but with less exciting things happening and more less exciting things happening. BUT, I also laughed more thus week than I have the entire mission. Strange how that works huh? We also found out Darwin and Erika are moving out of our zone sooo we sadly won't get to teach them anymore...
Anyways Tuesday was super exciting. We had an all day P day which is very rare and we only get it once a year. Half the mission came to the mission stake center and watched tangled or played basketball. We had a basketball tournament and it was sooo exciting. Everyone actually tries so hard and it was incredibly competitive. I also went to the Columbia store again because it's gotten so cold here and I no longer have to freeze to death everytime we go contacting after dinner.
Wednesday- The all-day P day KILLED ME. It was not good. It didn't help that every appointment we had fell through. We spent the entire day knocking and ended up helping this family move these huge dressers and closets for a FAT minute. We found out transfer news today and I'm staying with my comp which is nice because I don't have to pack all my stuff or adjust to a new area yet. One of my favorite elders in the mission got transfered which was very sad.
Thursday- new low today. We were finding all day and knocking doors because our appointments fell through again. Once we got home my comp was being so extremely lame. Not gonna go into detail but I reached a new low and it was not good. I prayed a lot and studied a lot before bed so it made up for it.
Friday- Somehow all the appointments fell through AGAIN and we were finding all day. We did get money from a member to go get dinner so our apartment went to olive garden. Soooo goood! I had like 800 breadsticks and stuffed myself with pasta haha. Welll, as me and elder Adam's were leaving I felt like I had to go to the bathroom. We drove to this sketchy Mexican restaurant and the bathroom was like smaller than a port a potty. Somehow I managed to throw up in the garbage can that was like super tiny and then spent 20 more minutes on the toilet cuz I was dying. The rest of the night was VERY ROUGH. It was bad.
Saturday- we had breakfast with the stake president and it was so fun. Ended up talking to him about fishing for like 30 minutes which was so fun!! I finished the Book of Mormon today too!! I started it in the MTC and managed to finish it right at the end of the transfer. Today was sooo good. During language study my cousins came and said hi again which was AWESOME! I seriously love them so much and it's so exciting to see them. They gave us food and only got to talk for a couple minutes butttt it made my week so much better. We had Stake conference today and it was so good! Elder Adam's left 20 minutes into it to go to the bathroom. 45 minutes later we got curious if he was still alive so one of the elders went to check on him. 10 minutes later they both came back and elder Adam's was sooo sweaty. They told me the story and here it goes: Elder Nielson walks in and there's an out of order sign on the door. Walks in and sees Elder Adam's vigorously plunging the toilet and mopping the floor. His suit coat, tie, and white shirt are on the top of the stall. Elder Adam's is soaked in sweat and looks terrified. Apparently he clogged the toilet and it overflowed so he was trying to mop it up but it wouldn't stop flooding so he kept vigorously trying to mop and plunge it but then realized he was getting super sweaty so he takes off his coat and shirt so they don't get sweaty and just kept going at it trying to fix it. Eventually it stopped and he fixed it so he dried himself off and then came back to the last bit of stake conference. Apparently the plumbing was broken because this morning they filled up the Baptismal font and it was black.
Sunday- Today was good because we had stake conference again and the talks were so good! We went finding but Elder Adam's was letting me speak a lot more and I felt so confident with my door contacts and they all went pretty good! We also had 0 New People today until 5-9 when we taught 6 lessons and got 6 new people to invite us back over to meet again.
Monday- today was amazing because we had district council with the new greenies and they're all such amazing Elders! I LOVE my district and zone because they're all genuinely amazing missionaries and love the work. Minus a few who flirt with the sisters a little too much... the Tongan elders get money from the ward everyday so they offered to buy us McDonald's which was so exciting. Tip for incoming missionaries: (if you have any tongan wards in you mission, find the elders in that ward and befriend them. They Tongans give them so much money and they don't know where to spend it all so they'd probably buy you food) today we had to make a video for my facebook and for some reason I just couldn't speak and everytime I got it right a car drove by and you couldn't hear me. We spent out entire language study time and facebook time trying to get it to work. And to be honest I laughed more in that one hour than I have this entire mission. It was seriously so much fun. We then went and taught two guys and had such powerful lessons. Then invited them to be baptized where they go "yes, but I can't change my beliefs because my parents were catholic." BRUHHHH. It's difficult but hopefully as they read and feel the spirit they'll feel a change of heart. Remember that dumpster that had a ton of rats under it? Today we counted 50. It reminded me of ratatouille where the whole gang is just hanging out. While we taught this dude next to the dumpster for some reason the rats kept running between our legs.
It's amazing to me how slow this week was but as I trusted in God he helped make it a week where I laughed the most. As you go through difficult times my friends, learn to laugh. It makes everything so much easier. As I learn Spanish I've learned to laugh at my mistakes instead of dwelling on them. It seriously helps.
Spiritual thought- I've been learning a lot about effort lately. And noticed the lack of effort in a lot of people's lives we try to teach. Our stake president talked about how when panning for gold, the tiny flakes aren't worth very much but as you collect each flake slowly but surely it becomes worth something. As we are willing to put forth effort in the little things everyday like praying and reading scriptures, it will become part of us. I also want to put an emphasis on holding on to the spiritual experiences you all have experienced and keeping them close to you. That is our Mai emphasis on teaching our friends is to help them have these experiences that build strong testimonies. As you do this I promise you will feel your conversion grow and see how strong your faith really is.
Me and elder Nielson making breakfast
I LOVE the temple and sunrises
I swear this was prettier before my phones awful camera ruined it, looks kinda cool though
PERSONAL STUDY
I had a really interesting personal study today. I had all these things coming to my mind and ideas of things I want to change. The words, "Something you once considered necessary will not be anymore" kept going through my head all day. I had read President Nelson's talk from 2019 in Women's session about the priesthood and how to access it's power. It was really awesome. It has had a huge impact on my mind and heart. I am going to start walking every night. Or at least any time I can. I think it will be a good thing for me. And it felt like a prompting. I hope more things come to me. 11-8-23
I had a really interesting personal study today. I had all these things coming to my mind and ideas of things I want to change. The words, "Something you once considered necessary will not be anymore" kept going through my head all day. I had read President Nelson's talk from 2019 in Women's session about the priesthood and how to access it's power. It was really awesome. It has had a huge impact on my mind and heart. I am going to start walking every night. Or at least any time I can. I think it will be a good thing for me. And it felt like a prompting. I hope more things come to me. 11-8-23
ERIKA DERMATOLOGIST
Erika had her warts frozen AGAIN today. HOpefully this is the last time! We're crossing our fingers. Well, Erika isn't because she has blisters and bandaids all over- poor thing! But we're hopeful. I think she should get a priesthood blessing. 11-8-23
Erika had her warts frozen AGAIN today. HOpefully this is the last time! We're crossing our fingers. Well, Erika isn't because she has blisters and bandaids all over- poor thing! But we're hopeful. I think she should get a priesthood blessing. 11-8-23
MOLLY AND ERIKA
They had activity days and YW together this week- a little spa day. They both came home very happy about it :). It was cute to see their nails all done and hear about them doing each other's. So cute and so fun. I'm glad they will get a year together once Molly goes into yw. 11-8-23
They had activity days and YW together this week- a little spa day. They both came home very happy about it :). It was cute to see their nails all done and hear about them doing each other's. So cute and so fun. I'm glad they will get a year together once Molly goes into yw. 11-8-23
LATE NIGHT WALK
In an effort to follow the prompting I had earlier- I took Jack and Sadie on my first 8:00 walk. It was dark and a little cold, but we managed. And I loved it! It was so refreshing and such a good time with Jack. He was so sweet to carry Sadie's scooter and insisted in fact that he do it- such a gentleman- and we got to look at the stars and planets. It was really cool. Sadie didn't think it was that great, but didn't mind riding on my shoulders half the time either. I thought it was great! I need more. 11-8-23
In an effort to follow the prompting I had earlier- I took Jack and Sadie on my first 8:00 walk. It was dark and a little cold, but we managed. And I loved it! It was so refreshing and such a good time with Jack. He was so sweet to carry Sadie's scooter and insisted in fact that he do it- such a gentleman- and we got to look at the stars and planets. It was really cool. Sadie didn't think it was that great, but didn't mind riding on my shoulders half the time either. I thought it was great! I need more. 11-8-23
LUNCH WITH JULIE
I got to go to lunch with Julie today! That was awesome. We went to Olive Garden at Valley Fair Mall. She's so fun to talk to. I love that we just don't have enough time to say everything. There's never any quiet. I like hearing about her family and their challenges and successes. I miss her so much! Having a friend with similar values who makes me laugh and feel so good- I'm lucky to have Julie in my life and so glad she's back in Utah. 11-9-23
I got to go to lunch with Julie today! That was awesome. We went to Olive Garden at Valley Fair Mall. She's so fun to talk to. I love that we just don't have enough time to say everything. There's never any quiet. I like hearing about her family and their challenges and successes. I miss her so much! Having a friend with similar values who makes me laugh and feel so good- I'm lucky to have Julie in my life and so glad she's back in Utah. 11-9-23
ERIKA'S FAMILY PARTY
We had a great turnout to Erika's party this year! Jared came! He's staying in Ogden and came down for the fun. Grandma Ruthie and Jen. Grandma Hatch and Simon. Grandpa Hatch. Heidi and her kids. We had a great time talking it up the whole time. I was going to jump in with Fish Bowl if things got slow, but it really didn't. Nate was running around making pizzas for everyone for the first half, which I still feel bad about, but I enjoyed talking with everyone and had a great time. Erika seemed happy as well. Her cake ended up way cuter than I thought and used exactly the amount of frosting I made!! Miraculously!! Cute colors that she picked out. So cute! 11-9-23
We had a great turnout to Erika's party this year! Jared came! He's staying in Ogden and came down for the fun. Grandma Ruthie and Jen. Grandma Hatch and Simon. Grandpa Hatch. Heidi and her kids. We had a great time talking it up the whole time. I was going to jump in with Fish Bowl if things got slow, but it really didn't. Nate was running around making pizzas for everyone for the first half, which I still feel bad about, but I enjoyed talking with everyone and had a great time. Erika seemed happy as well. Her cake ended up way cuter than I thought and used exactly the amount of frosting I made!! Miraculously!! Cute colors that she picked out. So cute! 11-9-23
ERIKA'S 14th BIRTHDAY AND FRIEND PARTY!
We tried really hard to make this a special day and Erika was so appreciative! It was really fun to spoil her! We made her sign the night before- Kelly, Molly and I. It turned out so cute! She seemed to like it the next morning. She got crepes for breakfast and cute drawings of favorite memories for study time. I'm gonna have to come up with something new for next year. She struggled a little when the zipper on the new pants Kelly gave her, broke! So sad. She made do with her orange ones and wiped the tears and carried on, she's so amazing how she can do that. She chose Chick-fil-a for lunch when we checked her out. It was fun to have Kelly and Sadie with all of us. She had her school dance after school, Molly' s performance, and then her family party that night!! So big day for her! I was so pleased with her party and the politeness of her friends. We wish they'd eaten more, especially the Salted Caramel Cupcakes I made :) but so fun! They just made smores in the backyard and played basketball and goofed around down in the creek and then came in to watch Spider Man No Way Home. Fun party. Fun girl. I'm so proud of Erika. We are blessed to have her in our family. 11-10-23
MOLLY'S SHOW OF GRATITUDE- DRESS REHEARSAL
This was so much fun and so cool that it was so simple. We got to go to the end of Molly's dance class and watch her perform the dance they've worked so hard on. She had the biggest support- Nate, me, Kelly, Luke, Noah, Erika, Jack, Molly and Sadie all there to watch, cheer her on, and hold up cute signs Kelly made! It was so cute. Molly8 did great! She's such a sweet little dancer! I can't wait for her big performance tomorrow at the rest home! 11-10-23
This was so much fun and so cool that it was so simple. We got to go to the end of Molly's dance class and watch her perform the dance they've worked so hard on. She had the biggest support- Nate, me, Kelly, Luke, Noah, Erika, Jack, Molly and Sadie all there to watch, cheer her on, and hold up cute signs Kelly made! It was so cute. Molly8 did great! She's such a sweet little dancer! I can't wait for her big performance tomorrow at the rest home! 11-10-23
SMOKED ORDERS- CHILI
Nate finally let me help with things since he was busy cleaning up the backyard for Erika's party and getting the zipline back up and running. I got to chop onions and peppers and then I packaged up the cups of my freshly shredded (in my new blender) cheese and sour cream, as well as packaging each serving of chili, rolls, cheese and sour cream. I was so happy to be helping. It was a big week- 31 orders! Pretty fun and also very busy with all of Erika's birthday festivities. But we did it! 11-10-23
DATE NIGHT??
We missed our Thursday and Friday date nights this week for Erika's parties, so our plan was to go for lunch Saturday, but we found an even better idea, when we got up in the morning I had this urge to straighten up the storage room and Nate was totally on board to help me! We spent a good two hours going through the whole room, getting rid of things that expired and stuff we don't need, empty boxes and LOTS of fruit snack wrappers! The kids think they're being so sneaky. Wouldn't it be so much more sneaky if you threw away the wrappers of the food you're stealing?? Anyway- it was really good time together, lots of talking and it was SO nice to have Nate's help with all the high up and heavy stuff!! He takes such good care of me. 11-11-23
We missed our Thursday and Friday date nights this week for Erika's parties, so our plan was to go for lunch Saturday, but we found an even better idea, when we got up in the morning I had this urge to straighten up the storage room and Nate was totally on board to help me! We spent a good two hours going through the whole room, getting rid of things that expired and stuff we don't need, empty boxes and LOTS of fruit snack wrappers! The kids think they're being so sneaky. Wouldn't it be so much more sneaky if you threw away the wrappers of the food you're stealing?? Anyway- it was really good time together, lots of talking and it was SO nice to have Nate's help with all the high up and heavy stuff!! He takes such good care of me. 11-11-23
MOLLY'S SHOW OF GRATITUDE PERFORMANCE
Molly and I got to drive up to the Fairfield Village Senior Living Center up in Layton together. She was only allowed one person to watch her, so I got to go :). I don't think I ever even asked if Nate wanted to take her, oops. But we got in there, found where she was supposed to wait, and then the show started! It was super easy and painless! I loved it! I loved the theme- Gratitude- all of the dances were based on people in our community we are thankful for. So that was cute. The costumes and props were perfect. It was fun to see all of them, I only wish Molly could have watched them with me, her class was second to last, so she was sitting in the green room for most of the show. She would have loved watching I think. She did amazing! Hers was a patriotic tribute to veterans! She had a white leotard and tutu and a red, white and blue clip in her hair. So fun! She looked great and did awesome! I loved it and was so proud of her! 11-11-23
Molly and I got to drive up to the Fairfield Village Senior Living Center up in Layton together. She was only allowed one person to watch her, so I got to go :). I don't think I ever even asked if Nate wanted to take her, oops. But we got in there, found where she was supposed to wait, and then the show started! It was super easy and painless! I loved it! I loved the theme- Gratitude- all of the dances were based on people in our community we are thankful for. So that was cute. The costumes and props were perfect. It was fun to see all of them, I only wish Molly could have watched them with me, her class was second to last, so she was sitting in the green room for most of the show. She would have loved watching I think. She did amazing! Hers was a patriotic tribute to veterans! She had a white leotard and tutu and a red, white and blue clip in her hair. So fun! She looked great and did awesome! I loved it and was so proud of her! 11-11-23
SUNDAY FUNDAY
We had so much stuff on Sunday this week! I am starting to feel like we need to cut some things out, not sure what it will be. Nate had his meetings all morning, went to church early, Luke, Noah and Erika all had interviews with the Bishop at 2:30, I had choir at 3:00 and Luke and Noah had Preparation for LIfe at 3:00, then I had my ministering interview at 4:20, then Jack, Erika and I had Jack's Priesthood Preview at 6:30!! So much stuff! I felt like I wasn't even at home which is crazy when Nate's not even home all evening either. This was a hard day for me for some reason. Probably my period, but I struggled with keeping the tears in all day. I think Richelle started it when she asked me how I was doing. Then the teacher class during second hour drama... it was rough I tell ya! Glad it's over though. Life continues and will be fine. 11-12-23
We had so much stuff on Sunday this week! I am starting to feel like we need to cut some things out, not sure what it will be. Nate had his meetings all morning, went to church early, Luke, Noah and Erika all had interviews with the Bishop at 2:30, I had choir at 3:00 and Luke and Noah had Preparation for LIfe at 3:00, then I had my ministering interview at 4:20, then Jack, Erika and I had Jack's Priesthood Preview at 6:30!! So much stuff! I felt like I wasn't even at home which is crazy when Nate's not even home all evening either. This was a hard day for me for some reason. Probably my period, but I struggled with keeping the tears in all day. I think Richelle started it when she asked me how I was doing. Then the teacher class during second hour drama... it was rough I tell ya! Glad it's over though. Life continues and will be fine. 11-12-23
JACK PRIESTHOOD PREVIEW
This was probably the best Priesthood Preview I have ever been to! And I've been to a LOT! Richelle and Jeff spoke at it and totally blew the temple part out of the water! I loved it! Then all the youth who had talks did so well!! I especially loved Trenton's shout out to women and how they can use the Priesthood! Very cool! I loved the whole thing! I think it helped Jack to think about these things and I feel like they approached all of it with things that he is interested in- such a blessing! 11-12-23
This was probably the best Priesthood Preview I have ever been to! And I've been to a LOT! Richelle and Jeff spoke at it and totally blew the temple part out of the water! I loved it! Then all the youth who had talks did so well!! I especially loved Trenton's shout out to women and how they can use the Priesthood! Very cool! I loved the whole thing! I think it helped Jack to think about these things and I feel like they approached all of it with things that he is interested in- such a blessing! 11-12-23
COUCHES
I found some couches on KSL and we were able to pick them up on Saturday! We had to change the living room around a little which is okay by me, but they look good! I need to find some throw pillows still. 11-13-23
I found some couches on KSL and we were able to pick them up on Saturday! We had to change the living room around a little which is okay by me, but they look good! I need to find some throw pillows still. 11-13-23
FHE
Erika taught the lesson about being doers of the word and not just hearers. She did great. We went to Arctic Circle for the treat and Jack was in too much pain to think about a game, so we skipped it. Much to some kids' dismay. 11-13-23
Erika taught the lesson about being doers of the word and not just hearers. She did great. We went to Arctic Circle for the treat and Jack was in too much pain to think about a game, so we skipped it. Much to some kids' dismay. 11-13-23
JACK ABSCESSED TOOTH
Poor Jackie was having a lot of pain in his tooth, we finally took him in and found out it was an abscess. He was prescribed some antibiotics and will hopefully not have to take the tylenol too much longer. His poor cheek was so swollen this morning. Poor guy. I hope it starts feeling better soon. 11-13-23
Poor Jackie was having a lot of pain in his tooth, we finally took him in and found out it was an abscess. He was prescribed some antibiotics and will hopefully not have to take the tylenol too much longer. His poor cheek was so swollen this morning. Poor guy. I hope it starts feeling better soon. 11-13-23
BRADLEY'S ANKLE/PHONE CALL
I got a text with a picture of Brad's swollen ankle up on a chair in a dark gym and then a few minutes later, a phone call from him telling me that he thought his ankle might be broken. I was at the dentist with Erika for a teeth cleaning so I offered the help I could, but he was going to have to ask for the blessing, have someone get him some ibuprofen, and find his comp to take him to the Doc. It was kind of a stressful afternoon waiting to hear back from him. He finally called for our family video chat and was in a lot of pain still, but was able to joke around, walk, and put us on hold while he talked to the mission doc. We couldn't remember which ankle and when he hurt last. Just so happens it was his left one that he hurt last year, sprained, but still pre-existing, so we did have to use our own insurance, but all was well with that. He finally left the call to go to the doctor pretty late and then while I was getting in bed I got the text from him that it was not broken. Such a relief!! Such a MIRACLE!! I was very grateful. We were so worried that he was going to miss out on his transfer to Peru this next transfer if he was too injured. So no worries now. We were all a little less talkative this week, not sure what was wrong with his ankle. But we did get to hear about all of his eating adventures and food comas as well as not throwing up. He sounded like he was doing pretty good, but definitely in pain and very tired. He only fell asleep with his eyes open once. We all loved his little voice clip he sent after the call with the story about Erika and Darwin's little girls putting flowers by Jesus' feet at the temple visitors center. He shared the news that they can have meals from members any time now and that they can listen to any music that is uplifting. That sounded like really good news for Brad. I told him about the email from Pres. Larsen that seems to be plans for him to go to Peru on December 15th. We don't actually know what it is, but we're hoping it means his visa is here. I hope we didn't jump the gun on that one, telling him. I know he'll have his hopes up. Course he was already planning on that anyway since everyone else in his district has gotten their visas already. We'll see how this goes. Prayer is a real power. I hope he has a good week. 11-14-23
I got a text with a picture of Brad's swollen ankle up on a chair in a dark gym and then a few minutes later, a phone call from him telling me that he thought his ankle might be broken. I was at the dentist with Erika for a teeth cleaning so I offered the help I could, but he was going to have to ask for the blessing, have someone get him some ibuprofen, and find his comp to take him to the Doc. It was kind of a stressful afternoon waiting to hear back from him. He finally called for our family video chat and was in a lot of pain still, but was able to joke around, walk, and put us on hold while he talked to the mission doc. We couldn't remember which ankle and when he hurt last. Just so happens it was his left one that he hurt last year, sprained, but still pre-existing, so we did have to use our own insurance, but all was well with that. He finally left the call to go to the doctor pretty late and then while I was getting in bed I got the text from him that it was not broken. Such a relief!! Such a MIRACLE!! I was very grateful. We were so worried that he was going to miss out on his transfer to Peru this next transfer if he was too injured. So no worries now. We were all a little less talkative this week, not sure what was wrong with his ankle. But we did get to hear about all of his eating adventures and food comas as well as not throwing up. He sounded like he was doing pretty good, but definitely in pain and very tired. He only fell asleep with his eyes open once. We all loved his little voice clip he sent after the call with the story about Erika and Darwin's little girls putting flowers by Jesus' feet at the temple visitors center. He shared the news that they can have meals from members any time now and that they can listen to any music that is uplifting. That sounded like really good news for Brad. I told him about the email from Pres. Larsen that seems to be plans for him to go to Peru on December 15th. We don't actually know what it is, but we're hoping it means his visa is here. I hope we didn't jump the gun on that one, telling him. I know he'll have his hopes up. Course he was already planning on that anyway since everyone else in his district has gotten their visas already. We'll see how this goes. Prayer is a real power. I hope he has a good week. 11-14-23
I Lied... it got worse sorta- Elder Maynes' Letter
Actually this week was amazing. We had soooo many miracles and blessings It was fantastic.
Tuesday-Pday:
Actually this week was amazing. We had soooo many miracles and blessings It was fantastic.
Tuesday-Pday:
SOOOO HYPE. We played basketball all day and then me my comp and 3 other elders wanted to go to a korean barbecue all-you-can-eat restaurant. The food was AMAZING. This place is so expensive though so we planned to use our grocery money and live off of cereal for the next week. While we were eating, a tongan member showed up and actually offered to pay for us! And the Tongans don't let you say no when they offer money so we said yes obviously because we can't turn that down. At this restaurant we get to cook our own food in front of us on the grill so they just keep bring our authentic meats in different rounds. We made it 8 rounds which was insane because it was just 4 people on a team and we were competing. I almost threw up multiple times and I no longer will be going back there. It put elder Adam's into a food coma for 3 hours after. It definitely messed us up for a few days and WOULD NOT have been worth the money it costed. Good experience tho. Pretty sure my heart my stop...
Wednesday: We got some super exciting news along with us being able to be fed by members whenever we want instead of just Saturdays and Sundays. It's not really different for us cuz we have like 8 people.in our ward. The Tongan elders are going to be eating different
Thursday: SO AWESOME
I thought people only asked why we served a mission in roleplays but we finally had someone ask that in a lesson and me and Elder Adam's got to share our "why." The spirit was sooo strong and they are working towards baptism so that's awesome!
Friday: for our breakfast we went to this abandoned church building that still works and we have keys to it. We made breakfast burritos and they were AMAZING. We then had our P-study and we all had an amazingggg experience. Probably because it was in a church but it was a very good experience. This church is cool though it's like sooo old and has a ton of cool old documents in it. We then we to zone training right after that and it was really awesome! We studied our mission calls and realized they changed them a little bit in the past year and how cool it is what they added/changed. Me and elder Adam's had so much fun knocking doors today. We've started having a lot more fun doing these things because we're becoming a lot more comfortable.
Saturday: eh not much happened, we got to have dinner with hermana Matilde and she makes the BEST street tacos. I love them so much they're so good. The English elders come with us and so we just talk in spanish the whole time and have to translate for them so they can understand what she's saying. She's usually telling them they don't eat enough.
Sunday: Sundays are always our most productive and beneficial days it's freaking awesome. We were able to get in contact with every one of our friends which took took day and we didnt have lunch or dinner but every single friend answered! So we have a lesson with every single one and I'm super excited to teach them and help them make covenants. We have like 10 people that are right on the fence from being baptized it's so hard getting that last step. Elder Adam's has been making me lead out our lessons which is TERRIFYING cuz I usually just wait til he looks at me to add my 2 cents but they've all been such powerful lessons! I've learned the Hispanics understand I'm trying and are willing to help so they can understand too.
Monday- AHHHHHHHH
DARWIN AND ERIKA WANT TO MOVE BACK INTO OUR AREA! Which made us so freaking happy and so we had a temple tour today. The spirit was probably the strongest I've ever felt it and they could feel it too. They're adorable little daughter just talked with me and elder Adam's the whole time. They are soooo close to being baptized and are going to pray about it. I am so excited for them because they have such strong testimonies already they just need to take a step of faith. Their adorable daughter was gathering flowers and said she was "getting them for jesus" and then went into the visitor center with the Jesus statue and put them at his feet. I almost cried it was amazing. All our other lessons fell through but we didn't care because of that spiritual high we were on. It was awesome.
So about the title now.... today we were playing basketball... I did something... my ankle is huge now. That's all. I'll give an update next week but it hurts v bad rn so I've been laying on bed all day.
Spiritual thought:
Go visit the temple. It's one of the easiest ways to feel the spirit. If you are worthy to go in, get worthy. If you're not old enough go walk around the outside. Temples are here so we can do the Lord's work on earth so don't be afraid to sacrifice your time to the Lord.
DARWIN AND ERIKA
cutie flowers from their daughter
Tongans gave us a lobster
Breakfast in church
Beautiful sunrise, too bad it's an apartment complex...
Us at K-town: as you can tell we are all dying and trying not to throw up everywhere.
11-14-23
WALKS
I don't know if I already mentioned this, but I felt prompted to start walking every night. It's been going really good! Sadie loves it and begs me for our walk all day now :). It's been a great way to get out and get some fresh air. Will be nicer when it's light out. 11-15-23
I don't know if I already mentioned this, but I felt prompted to start walking every night. It's been going really good! Sadie loves it and begs me for our walk all day now :). It's been a great way to get out and get some fresh air. Will be nicer when it's light out. 11-15-23
SMOKED
Nate was offering chicken wings and mac and cheese this week so I got to help! My new blender happens to have a grating feature that has revolutionized our cheese grating abilities. Took about five minutes to grate two giant blocks of cheese! We didn't even need all the cheese, we just kept grating :). We had fun working together though. I was able to help quite a bit with the plating as well. Made me happy to contribute. He did a great job- got TONS of compliments on his mac and cheese which was fun. He really just have a gift I've decided. Such a blessing. He had about 30 orders though which was awesome. 11-17-23
DATE NIGHT
Nate and I got to go see the Davis Production of Scarlet Pimpernel. Nate loves this play so we made sure to make it a priority. A few of the guys in our ward (Boston and McKay Clemens and Tony Nybo) were in it also so that was fun to be able to see them and support. We loved the play, they did an amazing job- the singing was incredible!- but we both agree that our favorite part was watching the lead, Will Hoagland's, older sister cheering and getting all into the play the entire time. She was WAY into it! So cute!! Made us laugh when we asked her if she was related, I had guessed that she was his sister, so that was fun. We talked about her other brother Ty and her mom. Anyway- great family! We kept talking about how our kids would be just as awesome at something like that. And they have really. Just cool sibling love is the coolest. And Will really did a phenomenal job. Very impressive. 11-17-23
Nate and I got to go see the Davis Production of Scarlet Pimpernel. Nate loves this play so we made sure to make it a priority. A few of the guys in our ward (Boston and McKay Clemens and Tony Nybo) were in it also so that was fun to be able to see them and support. We loved the play, they did an amazing job- the singing was incredible!- but we both agree that our favorite part was watching the lead, Will Hoagland's, older sister cheering and getting all into the play the entire time. She was WAY into it! So cute!! Made us laugh when we asked her if she was related, I had guessed that she was his sister, so that was fun. We talked about her other brother Ty and her mom. Anyway- great family! We kept talking about how our kids would be just as awesome at something like that. And they have really. Just cool sibling love is the coolest. And Will really did a phenomenal job. Very impressive. 11-17-23
OREM TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
This was a really nice outing. We made our way (without Molly, she had a birthday party) down to Orem stopping at Becky's to deliver food. We picked up Charity and since it was raining, drove over to the church for the shuttle. We could have walked from her place though, it's SO CLOSE. There wasn't a video so we just hopped right on the shuttle and went over. This temple is beautiful and such a magnificent addition there, right next to the freeway! Really incredible looking- I can't wait to see it at night all lit up! Anyway, the inside was beautiful of course! We loved the colors and the use of the cherry blossoms throughout. It had almost a Christmassy feel with the almost red and green. I loved it!! I couldn't believe the size of some of the sealing rooms!! HUGE!! Who has that many people?? We didn't even have that many :). But it was fun to tell Sadie all about holding hands over the alter and talking about Luke being able to go through soon! I love these opportunities to experience the temple and get more familiar with it. It will be such a fmiliar place when they all finally get to go. We went to Via 313 Pizza place after and had a lot of fun laughing and talking. We had to get home by 3:00 for Noah to get ready for his day date and to relieve Grandma Hatch from babysitting Molly- she was so nice to go pick her up from her party and then entertain her for a few hours. Sounded like they had fun.. We of course missed Brad, but he's doing much more important things. Good stuff! 11-18-23
NUTCRACKER WITH ERIKA AND MOLLY
We had a girls night Saturday at the Nutcracker. This is a fun new tradition we've carried out for a few years now. We stopped at The Habit in Layton for some hamburgers and good enough grilled cheese sandwich for Molly before heading up to Weber. Erika had a bunch of friends in it this time. We had fun looking for Lexie, Kate, Myra and Miriam and Hudson Stolpp. We had really great seats, next to the Scheisses and in front of the Christensens. I really enjoyed it this year and I think Molly did too, more so than last year. She followed along really well and wasn't as bored or confused. Helps that she's a dancer now! Erika and I both really enjoyed watching the live orchestra- pretty cool! The only thing we didn't like was buying a bunch of concessions and then not being allowed to take them back in with us. Why do you sell stuff you can't take back into the show?! So strange. We set Molly's drink down by a garbage can and found it when we got done. Too bad we thought about that after we threw away Erika's sprite. So strange. it was a fun night out! 11-18-23
We had a girls night Saturday at the Nutcracker. This is a fun new tradition we've carried out for a few years now. We stopped at The Habit in Layton for some hamburgers and good enough grilled cheese sandwich for Molly before heading up to Weber. Erika had a bunch of friends in it this time. We had fun looking for Lexie, Kate, Myra and Miriam and Hudson Stolpp. We had really great seats, next to the Scheisses and in front of the Christensens. I really enjoyed it this year and I think Molly did too, more so than last year. She followed along really well and wasn't as bored or confused. Helps that she's a dancer now! Erika and I both really enjoyed watching the live orchestra- pretty cool! The only thing we didn't like was buying a bunch of concessions and then not being allowed to take them back in with us. Why do you sell stuff you can't take back into the show?! So strange. We set Molly's drink down by a garbage can and found it when we got done. Too bad we thought about that after we threw away Erika's sprite. So strange. it was a fun night out! 11-18-23
MR. FLYNN POP IN
About an hour and a half before we were supposed to have dinner with Grandpa and Steve, Mr. Flynn randomly stopped by. It's funny how he does this occasionally. He always reminds us of all of his property and offers he's making on property in Palmyra. He reminds us that we want to go visit and that we need to stay at his BnB. He was really fun to sit and talk to. He had brought two GIANT boxes of Crave cookies (he might actually think we have "18 kids") there were two dozen, very huge cookies! His reaction when Luke quickly shouted out "February" when he asked if anyone remembered his birthday was HILARIOUS!!! He's so funny. I wish we knew when new pants day was so we could celebrate it. Funny guy. I hope we actually do make it to Palmyra one of these days. 11-22-23
THANKSGIVING DINNER NUMBER 1
We planned a Wednesday night Thanksgiving dinner with Steve when we learned that he didn't have any plans at all. We invited Grandpa as well and this ended up being one of my most favorite Thanksgivings yet! We all had so much fun laughing and talking the entire dinner!! We did go around and say five things we are thankful for and that was cool and fun, but then after that everyone was just so talkative- everyone involved. It was awesome. I really loved it. Steve says it was one of his favorite Thanksgivings also. So that's a win :). I made stove top stuffing, homemade rolls, an oreo cream pie and a cheese cake in honor of Nana- this was my first time making a cheese cake, I feel like it went pretty well! Dad said it was like Nana's, so that's a win!! Nate made EVERYTHING else. Turkey breast, sausage and pepper stuffing and mashed potatoes. 11-22-23
THANKSGIVING DAY
In the morning Charity, Kelly, Luke, Noah and I all went to Barnes Park to play pickleball with Matt, Eve and Eve's soon to be fiance. This was SO MUCH FUN!! I mean, I was sore and hurting for a day or two after- sadly, but it was so much fun!! I loved it. I got to be partners with Luke for most of the time. We played 1v1 for the first round, then got killed by everyone else. Then Charity and I got to sit and talk while Kelly, Luke and Matt and Noah played. So fun. I love that they let me join them. After that we sat around a little- Charity and Kelly went to the airport to welcome Evan home from his mission- and then we got the food all ready to drive up to Grandma Ruthie's house. Nate made six turkey breasts. I made the sweet potatoes and Stovetop Stuffing (my way :) ) once we were there. We had a good time here too. I was glad there was a little more room the way the tables and chairs were set up and it wasn't too crowded. The food was good, I got to sit by Kelly, Molly, Jack, Erika, Sadie and Grandma Ruthie! So fun! After dinner we broke out the glue gun and candy and made our gingerbread houses. This year was a fun one for these- everyone got into it. I made three batches of frosting and that was more than enough even with a few of the bags (these are the CRAPPY bags Walmart sold me for way too much money) splitting open. I used the recipe from last year. Works like a charm. Sadie was so excited to make a house and did all of it on her own! I was shocked at how good she did! Molly struggled with hers this year, wanting to do them at home first and then not quite knowing how she wanted it to look. I felt bad, but we eventually worked together and made a pretty cute two story house! I don't know if she's done a two story one before. She had a cute santa/sleigh on top which seemed really creative! Jack glued his own grahams and then just used the glue to attach the candy! Pretty genius. Until he wanted to eat the candy of course. His turned out great though- he had some cool structural masterpieces like the deck... pretty fun! Erika worked hard on hers and it paid off! She had fun and turned out a really nice house. She was very helpful with everyone around her- I was grateful for that. Noah got into it this year and had fun also. His looked great! Luke was different this year- didn't fill his with candy. But I think he had fun making it. Sad part was when Noah dropped the box carrying Luke and Kelly's houses and Luke's basically crumbled to pieces. Kinda sad. He handled it very well. Kelly needed a flimsy cereal box cardboard for her house so that she could go all out on the landscaping. It looked great of course! She only had the roof fall off when Noah dropped it, so that was a relief. Charity made the cutest little Hawaiian shack! I loved how it turned out. She felt criticized by Zoey, so she didn't think it was as cool, but it looked great and it was fun to have her make them with us this year. Nate and I watched as usual. It was a crowded table full of all the candy Kelly and Erika had bought from Winco for us. But such a fun time!! I love this tradition. 11-23-23
In the morning Charity, Kelly, Luke, Noah and I all went to Barnes Park to play pickleball with Matt, Eve and Eve's soon to be fiance. This was SO MUCH FUN!! I mean, I was sore and hurting for a day or two after- sadly, but it was so much fun!! I loved it. I got to be partners with Luke for most of the time. We played 1v1 for the first round, then got killed by everyone else. Then Charity and I got to sit and talk while Kelly, Luke and Matt and Noah played. So fun. I love that they let me join them. After that we sat around a little- Charity and Kelly went to the airport to welcome Evan home from his mission- and then we got the food all ready to drive up to Grandma Ruthie's house. Nate made six turkey breasts. I made the sweet potatoes and Stovetop Stuffing (my way :) ) once we were there. We had a good time here too. I was glad there was a little more room the way the tables and chairs were set up and it wasn't too crowded. The food was good, I got to sit by Kelly, Molly, Jack, Erika, Sadie and Grandma Ruthie! So fun! After dinner we broke out the glue gun and candy and made our gingerbread houses. This year was a fun one for these- everyone got into it. I made three batches of frosting and that was more than enough even with a few of the bags (these are the CRAPPY bags Walmart sold me for way too much money) splitting open. I used the recipe from last year. Works like a charm. Sadie was so excited to make a house and did all of it on her own! I was shocked at how good she did! Molly struggled with hers this year, wanting to do them at home first and then not quite knowing how she wanted it to look. I felt bad, but we eventually worked together and made a pretty cute two story house! I don't know if she's done a two story one before. She had a cute santa/sleigh on top which seemed really creative! Jack glued his own grahams and then just used the glue to attach the candy! Pretty genius. Until he wanted to eat the candy of course. His turned out great though- he had some cool structural masterpieces like the deck... pretty fun! Erika worked hard on hers and it paid off! She had fun and turned out a really nice house. She was very helpful with everyone around her- I was grateful for that. Noah got into it this year and had fun also. His looked great! Luke was different this year- didn't fill his with candy. But I think he had fun making it. Sad part was when Noah dropped the box carrying Luke and Kelly's houses and Luke's basically crumbled to pieces. Kinda sad. He handled it very well. Kelly needed a flimsy cereal box cardboard for her house so that she could go all out on the landscaping. It looked great of course! She only had the roof fall off when Noah dropped it, so that was a relief. Charity made the cutest little Hawaiian shack! I loved how it turned out. She felt criticized by Zoey, so she didn't think it was as cool, but it looked great and it was fun to have her make them with us this year. Nate and I watched as usual. It was a crowded table full of all the candy Kelly and Erika had bought from Winco for us. But such a fun time!! I love this tradition. 11-23-23
THANKSGIVING BREAK
We had a lot of fun this break! I actually REALLY loved it! It was the perfect amount of sitting around, movie watching, board game playing and getting out and having fun with family. I felt so refreshed after! We watched all of the Hunger Games movies (gotta go see the new one) and a few Christmas movies once Thursday was over. It was really great! 11-21-23--11-26-23
TOP GOLF WITH THE FAMILY
I knew I was going to have to battle for time with the girls- they are so busy when they come down even- so I planned a fun outing to TopGolf! This ended up being so much fun! We went on Friday, 11:00 in the morning :). Everyone was there (we missed Brad) and Kelly brought Devan. It was so much fun!! Charity, Kelly, Devan, Luke, Noah and Molly were on one bay and Nate, me, Erika, Jack and Sadie were on the other one. We had fun playing Angry Birds and Bejewelled and trying to hit the little black car out on the field. Oddly enough- I actually hit it!! I won the $10 prize I offered HA! We had some fries there, but the food there is SO overpriced, we just planned on getting food on the way home. That couldn't have been more stupid of a plan though. Molly was craving a good grilled cheese sandwich so the Habit was all I could think about. We came all the way back to Station Park and of course- it's Black Friday- it was PACKED!! Took forever to get our food and by the time it was ready we had realized there's no way we were going to get a place to sit for 11 people, so we go it to go, but it took us almost a half hour to get home!! So nuts!! My hamburger was soggy which was a total bummer, but we enjoyed our expensive meal and had fun talking and laughing. We of course crashed on the couch after lunch and most people took naps! This was a highlight of the week for sure. 11-24-23
I knew I was going to have to battle for time with the girls- they are so busy when they come down even- so I planned a fun outing to TopGolf! This ended up being so much fun! We went on Friday, 11:00 in the morning :). Everyone was there (we missed Brad) and Kelly brought Devan. It was so much fun!! Charity, Kelly, Devan, Luke, Noah and Molly were on one bay and Nate, me, Erika, Jack and Sadie were on the other one. We had fun playing Angry Birds and Bejewelled and trying to hit the little black car out on the field. Oddly enough- I actually hit it!! I won the $10 prize I offered HA! We had some fries there, but the food there is SO overpriced, we just planned on getting food on the way home. That couldn't have been more stupid of a plan though. Molly was craving a good grilled cheese sandwich so the Habit was all I could think about. We came all the way back to Station Park and of course- it's Black Friday- it was PACKED!! Took forever to get our food and by the time it was ready we had realized there's no way we were going to get a place to sit for 11 people, so we go it to go, but it took us almost a half hour to get home!! So nuts!! My hamburger was soggy which was a total bummer, but we enjoyed our expensive meal and had fun talking and laughing. We of course crashed on the couch after lunch and most people took naps! This was a highlight of the week for sure. 11-24-23
DATE NIGHT
We squeezed in a little date night- just went to Applebee's because we wanted to get home and enjoy everyone's company some more, but it was really good. I was glad we made time for it- it's always a refreshing, recharge for me to get out and talk with Nate. Came home and watched Home Alone :). 11-24-23
We squeezed in a little date night- just went to Applebee's because we wanted to get home and enjoy everyone's company some more, but it was really good. I was glad we made time for it- it's always a refreshing, recharge for me to get out and talk with Nate. Came home and watched Home Alone :). 11-24-23
ELF
Saturday was turning out to be a bit boring for those of us who didn't make better plans, so we spontaneously decided we needed to go see Elf at the Kaysville Theater :). In the middle of the day. It was SO much fun!! I didn't think it would be that fun, but I'd forgotten how funny that movie was and seeing it on the big screen again and with yummy popcorn and my cute kiddos (Kelly, Erika, Jack, Molly and Sadie) we really couldn't go wrong. We watched some more movies when we got home and really just relaxed all evening. 11-25-23
Saturday was turning out to be a bit boring for those of us who didn't make better plans, so we spontaneously decided we needed to go see Elf at the Kaysville Theater :). In the middle of the day. It was SO much fun!! I didn't think it would be that fun, but I'd forgotten how funny that movie was and seeing it on the big screen again and with yummy popcorn and my cute kiddos (Kelly, Erika, Jack, Molly and Sadie) we really couldn't go wrong. We watched some more movies when we got home and really just relaxed all evening. 11-25-23
EVAN'S HOMECOMING
All week I had been trying to make it so that Nate would be able to come to Evan's homecoming even if it was just for church, with us. I had it all figured out and then I started mentioning it to the kids. Unfortunately, this was the Sunday for EVERYTHING. Erika was supposed to teach her class- she had actually made arrangements though, because I told her soon enough, not the case for everyone else. Luke and Noah had the sacrament prep and bread. Jack had his Family history presentation at the Caldwell's that he was in charge of and Molly had a talk in Primary!! So crazy!! I felt really bad texting Nancy that we weren't going to make it and I knew she was sad. Hopefully they understand eventually. 11-26-23
All week I had been trying to make it so that Nate would be able to come to Evan's homecoming even if it was just for church, with us. I had it all figured out and then I started mentioning it to the kids. Unfortunately, this was the Sunday for EVERYTHING. Erika was supposed to teach her class- she had actually made arrangements though, because I told her soon enough, not the case for everyone else. Luke and Noah had the sacrament prep and bread. Jack had his Family history presentation at the Caldwell's that he was in charge of and Molly had a talk in Primary!! So crazy!! I felt really bad texting Nancy that we weren't going to make it and I knew she was sad. Hopefully they understand eventually. 11-26-23
FHE
Luke taught the lesson on keeping the commandments. He did a great job. He's really good at winging it! Nobody would ever know he didn't have it prepared before. We watched the Jazz game for Noah's activity and Erika chose Dairy Queen for the treat. Good times! 11-27-23
RS NIGHT
Nate and I got to go and sit together at the Relief Society dinner this Tuesday. They go all out on this one and make it really nice which is fun. Nate was there in place of Bishop and Jay, but then they had a bunch of husbands who had been assigned to help serve. Kind of funny that Nate was just sitting there eating with us. And there was only a little that he could eat as he has started the Carnivore diet. I was bugged with the men all setting the extra desserts in front of Nate, thinking they could tempt him to eat it, but Nate made it funny and stood his ground. We loved that Layne had defended him and praised his self-discipline. He's right. But this was a fun meeting, they had some musical numbers and Loreen spoke and then they shared things that people had reported were done for them by sisters in the ward. Kinda cool! Half of them were mine :). It was a nice time. 11-28-23
Nate and I got to go and sit together at the Relief Society dinner this Tuesday. They go all out on this one and make it really nice which is fun. Nate was there in place of Bishop and Jay, but then they had a bunch of husbands who had been assigned to help serve. Kind of funny that Nate was just sitting there eating with us. And there was only a little that he could eat as he has started the Carnivore diet. I was bugged with the men all setting the extra desserts in front of Nate, thinking they could tempt him to eat it, but Nate made it funny and stood his ground. We loved that Layne had defended him and praised his self-discipline. He's right. But this was a fun meeting, they had some musical numbers and Loreen spoke and then they shared things that people had reported were done for them by sisters in the ward. Kinda cool! Half of them were mine :). It was a nice time. 11-28-23
WEDNESDAY
We had Panda with the boys and finally mailed Brad's Christmas Package as we chatted basically all day :). It was fun. In the evening, the littles and I went to the mall playground for some getting wiggles out- it was so fun that Sadie made a friend within the first couple minutes of being there. Jack and Molly struggled to get along at first, but persisted and ended up having a good time together. That was a relief. Nate showed up halfway through and we got to chat some more. It was a good day! 11-29-23
We had Panda with the boys and finally mailed Brad's Christmas Package as we chatted basically all day :). It was fun. In the evening, the littles and I went to the mall playground for some getting wiggles out- it was so fun that Sadie made a friend within the first couple minutes of being there. Jack and Molly struggled to get along at first, but persisted and ended up having a good time together. That was a relief. Nate showed up halfway through and we got to chat some more. It was a good day! 11-29-23
ERIKA"S DENTIST APPOINTMENT AND GLUTEN FREE
I don't think I'm going to have Erika get the gas next time we go to the dentist. She gets really upset really easily when she's on that. They had to give her a bunch of shots to numb her which was a bummer, he kept asking if she could feel stuff and then giving her another shot if she could. Took forever and she was making jokes about how she just lied so they'd hurry and finish. She was in a ton of pain after. It was sad. During her appointment Dr. Morgan was telling me all the gluten free things his family has been eating and I was starting to feel kind of bad that I hadn't gone all out more for Kelly's eating. I was feeling pumped and went to Bowman's as soon as I could to buy all the stuff he said and of course, EVERYTHING had almonds or milk or eggs in them. So deflated. Back to the drawing board. 11-30-23
DATE NIGHT
Nate and I moved our date to Thursday because of the Ward Party and were able to go to dinner at Slapfish and then to see the movie The Shift. Pretty cool movie. I liked it better when Nate called it a "futuristic version of Job"- that fit really well and made me like it more. It was a cool movie though. I mostly like that we can get truth in a movie theater for a change. 11-30-23
