DATE NIGHT
After cleaning up from camping and getting everything off the trailer, Nate and I snuck away for a date. We shook things up by going to a movie first and then dinner. We went and saw Trap, which was interesting. I'm not sure if I liked it or not. It was entertaining, but just kind of weird. Unsettling with how it ends too. And then we went and got sushi after. So yummy. 8-2-24BUSY SATURDAY
I got up early for some reason and sat down to work on some Primary stuff and didn't get off the couch for quite a while. I'm still collecting people's kids' parts for the program and I had a few other things to work on. I'm finding this to be a pretty time consuming calling. So far. I will get in a groove and won't have to do so much soon I think. Not til the new year. But Nate went and donated plasma, then came home and finished the Maughan's meat. I got the food for Marianne's salad and rice krispie treats, and made those. Then Nate had four baptisms to conduct. We then piled everyone in the car and went to run some errands! We picked up a table in Layton for Charity and Kelly to use in their new house. Then on to finishing the school shopping! Walked through the mall and then through Walmart. That was about all we could take. Still need to find some shorts for Erika, but we did pretty good getting Jack's clothes, shoes, Molly's backpack, and Erika's backpack. We did it! Now it's time to watch some reels with Kelly and pretend like we're going to do something fun later until the night is over and we've done nothing :). 8-3-24
I got up early for some reason and sat down to work on some Primary stuff and didn't get off the couch for quite a while. I'm still collecting people's kids' parts for the program and I had a few other things to work on. I'm finding this to be a pretty time consuming calling. So far. I will get in a groove and won't have to do so much soon I think. Not til the new year. But Nate went and donated plasma, then came home and finished the Maughan's meat. I got the food for Marianne's salad and rice krispie treats, and made those. Then Nate had four baptisms to conduct. We then piled everyone in the car and went to run some errands! We picked up a table in Layton for Charity and Kelly to use in their new house. Then on to finishing the school shopping! Walked through the mall and then through Walmart. That was about all we could take. Still need to find some shorts for Erika, but we did pretty good getting Jack's clothes, shoes, Molly's backpack, and Erika's backpack. We did it! Now it's time to watch some reels with Kelly and pretend like we're going to do something fun later until the night is over and we've done nothing :). 8-3-24
PHONE CALL WITH BRAD
Brad was a little off this week. Said he got cooked this week. He didn't have much else to say about the week, which was kind of sad. He was eating Little Caesar's Pizza heated up on his sandwich maker and then they got their food from their pension which he disappointedly announced was tuna and rice again. Kind of a downer. He got pretty spoiled with eating out every night in Moqugua, but he's toughing it out this week. We told him a lot about our camping trip and all the fishing, I hope that wasn't too homesickening for him. Ya gotta have the down days to appreciate the good ones, so I think there's hope for him. He did say that they baptized a guy they met on his second day in the area, so that was cool. We're so proud of him! I hope he can have a better week coming up. 8-4-24
Brad was a little off this week. Said he got cooked this week. He didn't have much else to say about the week, which was kind of sad. He was eating Little Caesar's Pizza heated up on his sandwich maker and then they got their food from their pension which he disappointedly announced was tuna and rice again. Kind of a downer. He got pretty spoiled with eating out every night in Moqugua, but he's toughing it out this week. We told him a lot about our camping trip and all the fishing, I hope that wasn't too homesickening for him. Ya gotta have the down days to appreciate the good ones, so I think there's hope for him. He did say that they baptized a guy they met on his second day in the area, so that was cool. We're so proud of him! I hope he can have a better week coming up. 8-4-24
LETTER FROM BRAD- [four zipped lips emojis]
I am not writing an email this week I apologize. I should but here's some pictures from this week. Next week will be better
8-5-24
FISHING AND UPTOWN JUNGLE
Nate and the boys settled on a plan B to their backpacking plans in order to accommodate Noah. They are just going to go on day trips each day this week. They went down south, Provo river I believe, on Monday. They didn't have as much luck with the fishing as they wanted. But they had a good time. While they were gone- we had to do something fun, so we went down to Sandy for Uptown Jungle with our Get Out Passes. It was kind of funny because on the way there I thought about Wendy and that she lives around there and has Get Out Passes, so I quickly texted her and surprisingly, she met up with us! So I got to sit and talk with her while Erika, Molly and Sadie played! We have a lot in common when it comes to how we do callings and how we want other people to do callings. Kind of funny. She was kind enough to listen and be interested in the stroke details. It was so nice. Kind of a cool little outing. We had to stop at Cold Stone on our way home :). 8-5-24
Nate and the boys settled on a plan B to their backpacking plans in order to accommodate Noah. They are just going to go on day trips each day this week. They went down south, Provo river I believe, on Monday. They didn't have as much luck with the fishing as they wanted. But they had a good time. While they were gone- we had to do something fun, so we went down to Sandy for Uptown Jungle with our Get Out Passes. It was kind of funny because on the way there I thought about Wendy and that she lives around there and has Get Out Passes, so I quickly texted her and surprisingly, she met up with us! So I got to sit and talk with her while Erika, Molly and Sadie played! We have a lot in common when it comes to how we do callings and how we want other people to do callings. Kind of funny. She was kind enough to listen and be interested in the stroke details. It was so nice. Kind of a cool little outing. We had to stop at Cold Stone on our way home :). 8-5-24
FHE
Luke was the lesson and taught us about repentance using a backpack and some weights. Molly was the guinea pig and she told us how heavy it was with all the weights in there. It was a cool lesson! I love it when Luke teaches. We played Chameleon a few rounds for Noah's game and then went to Taco Time for churros for Erika's treat. This was a great FHE, it's been a while since it felt this normal. 8-5-24
Luke was the lesson and taught us about repentance using a backpack and some weights. Molly was the guinea pig and she told us how heavy it was with all the weights in there. It was a cool lesson! I love it when Luke teaches. We played Chameleon a few rounds for Noah's game and then went to Taco Time for churros for Erika's treat. This was a great FHE, it's been a while since it felt this normal. 8-5-24
PEANUT BUTTER
We shipped some peanut butter to Brad today. It cost way too much! HAHA! I was only able to send three squeeze packs. Kind of sad. But maybe again in a couple weeks! I hope he gets it. 8-6-24
We shipped some peanut butter to Brad today. It cost way too much! HAHA! I was only able to send three squeeze packs. Kind of sad. But maybe again in a couple weeks! I hope he gets it. 8-6-24
NOAH PT
Noah had his first PT appointment today. With Maddie. He did really well. She just had a bunch of exercises for him to do to strengthen his right leg. I am hopeful that this will do the trick! Soccer starts soon so I'm hoping he can actually start. We'll see. He seemed optimistic as well. 8-6-24
Noah had his first PT appointment today. With Maddie. He did really well. She just had a bunch of exercises for him to do to strengthen his right leg. I am hopeful that this will do the trick! Soccer starts soon so I'm hoping he can actually start. We'll see. He seemed optimistic as well. 8-6-24
TEMPLE BAPTISMS
The boys all wanted to get in one more day of fishing this week, so we had to cancel my 10:00 appointment at the Layton Temple and decided we'd just walk in at the Bountiful temple later in the day. This ended up being really awesome. I got to go! They had us sit down because we were walk ins but as soon as a woman and her daughter came in and said they didn't have someone to baptize, we were in! It was really cool to have the thought, "You can't go to Layton temple at 10:00, that's okay, I need you at the Bountiful temple at 3:30 anyway :). It's really okay and I'm just happy you're here." I love the temple. I love my Heavenly Father and that He is with me. It was super special to see the kids baptizing each other. Luke did the girl we don't know- super cute with her- she seemed to have some kind of disability (again with Luke) and he was just so sweet with her. So gentle and worked with how she needed to hold on and hold her nose, he's just so awesome. Then Noah got in and baptized Luke (Noah wasn't feeling like being baptized, with the way his head feels when he tips it back. But so cool that he stayed in there and baptized Erika. It's just such a miracle that he can raise his right arm, read the prompter- weird names and all- and then baptize someone. Three weeks ago he couldn't walk, talk or raise his right arm very well and now here we are. Such a blessing. I got to witness Luke doing confirmations too which was way cool. We stopped at Great Harvest on the way home. Good stuff. 8-9-24
The boys all wanted to get in one more day of fishing this week, so we had to cancel my 10:00 appointment at the Layton Temple and decided we'd just walk in at the Bountiful temple later in the day. This ended up being really awesome. I got to go! They had us sit down because we were walk ins but as soon as a woman and her daughter came in and said they didn't have someone to baptize, we were in! It was really cool to have the thought, "You can't go to Layton temple at 10:00, that's okay, I need you at the Bountiful temple at 3:30 anyway :). It's really okay and I'm just happy you're here." I love the temple. I love my Heavenly Father and that He is with me. It was super special to see the kids baptizing each other. Luke did the girl we don't know- super cute with her- she seemed to have some kind of disability (again with Luke) and he was just so sweet with her. So gentle and worked with how she needed to hold on and hold her nose, he's just so awesome. Then Noah got in and baptized Luke (Noah wasn't feeling like being baptized, with the way his head feels when he tips it back. But so cool that he stayed in there and baptized Erika. It's just such a miracle that he can raise his right arm, read the prompter- weird names and all- and then baptize someone. Three weeks ago he couldn't walk, talk or raise his right arm very well and now here we are. Such a blessing. I got to witness Luke doing confirmations too which was way cool. We stopped at Great Harvest on the way home. Good stuff. 8-9-24
DATE NIGHT
We just did a quick date and went to Slap Fish. So yummy and so nice to finally spend some time together. 8-9-24
We just did a quick date and went to Slap Fish. So yummy and so nice to finally spend some time together. 8-9-24
SANDY BALLOON FESTIVAL
This was a big day! Kind of a long day! But we managed to squeak some fun out of it. We got up at the crack of dawn and went to see the balloons at Storm Mountain Park. Charity and Hunter met up with us. It was way too windy to let them up but a few of them inflated and that was fun :). We have a joke that if Nate is there they don't launch- so far- it's true :). But we were glad he was with us. We came home and everyone kind of just chilled all day. I turned on Night Crossing to watch and fell asleep within the first few minutes- duh. I actually ended up sleeping for almost six hours!! Some much needed rest I think. With the exception of Erika going to Cherry Hill, everyone did pretty much the same thing. Kelly, Luke and Noah went shopping later in the day and then at 6:00 we started getting ready to go to the Balloon Festival again. We've never tried this part of the festival, but I wanted to give it a shot this time. I think it was an okay rough draft. Next time, I would go right at 7:00, get in line for the twisted balloons, face paint and caricatures and THEN get food. We did it backwards and they cut off the lines before we could do any of the free stuff! So that was a huge bummer. We went over and paid too much for playing on the inflatables- Jack, Molly and Sadie. Then went back over to the balloons to get some pictures of "the glow". It was cool, but would have been better if they'd had more balloons. We spent some more time in line for Dole Whips and then watched the drone show. It was fun enough, but I wish we would have known all the ins and outs. Now we do. I loved that EVERYONE came! I mean minus Nate, but even Charity and Hunter joined us. We did have some fun. 8-10-24
FAMILY MEETING
We were 15 minutes early to the meeting thanks to the new route I learned to take :). We got to visit with Grandma a little before. I thought this was a really good meeting. We spent some time talking about miracles we've seen lately in our own lives. I loved hearing everyone's stories and I loved the way it felt. We got to hear about FSY from all the kids who went. Kelly got to talk about her time this summer. Nancy and Grandma talked about some of the miracles on their cruise. Ashlyn talked about some of the miracles she's seen with her tumor/treatments/remission. It was really short and really sweet. There was lots of time to sit and visit afterwards too. So nice!! We headed home when Brad called. 8-11-24
We were 15 minutes early to the meeting thanks to the new route I learned to take :). We got to visit with Grandma a little before. I thought this was a really good meeting. We spent some time talking about miracles we've seen lately in our own lives. I loved hearing everyone's stories and I loved the way it felt. We got to hear about FSY from all the kids who went. Kelly got to talk about her time this summer. Nancy and Grandma talked about some of the miracles on their cruise. Ashlyn talked about some of the miracles she's seen with her tumor/treatments/remission. It was really short and really sweet. There was lots of time to sit and visit afterwards too. So nice!! We headed home when Brad called. 8-11-24
BRAD'S PHONE CALL
He's been calling a little later lately, today he called at about 8:30. We finished up at Grandma's and then headed out when he called. It's always a little tricky to talk to him in the car. Sadie kept interrupting as well, which was a bummer, but it was nice to hear how he is doing. It's been kind of rough lately. He seems mostly happy, but his comp is a little trunky so there's a lot of talk of going home. Hopefully he can get a companion who is ready to really get busy and work hard when transfers come. He hit his year mark on the 7th! 8-11-24
He's been calling a little later lately, today he called at about 8:30. We finished up at Grandma's and then headed out when he called. It's always a little tricky to talk to him in the car. Sadie kept interrupting as well, which was a bummer, but it was nice to hear how he is doing. It's been kind of rough lately. He seems mostly happy, but his comp is a little trunky so there's a lot of talk of going home. Hopefully he can get a companion who is ready to really get busy and work hard when transfers come. He hit his year mark on the 7th! 8-11-24
ALTITUDE
We needed to get out Monday, so we chose Altitude from our Get Out Passes. This ended up being pretty fun! I was able to talk Jack into jumping, he, Molly, Sadie and Erika all ran around having fun for an hour and Kelly and I watched :). This is the place Sadie broke her leg at back in January of 2023. She did great though! I was cringing about all the adults jumping on trampolines with their kids. They really should make a rule about that. They seemed like they had fun though! So that was good! We came home to the BIGGEST, COOLEST, MOST EXCITING Storm EVER!! Big huge hail, so much rain! really cool thunder!! So fun!! It ended pretty quickly which was crazy! 8-12-24
We needed to get out Monday, so we chose Altitude from our Get Out Passes. This ended up being pretty fun! I was able to talk Jack into jumping, he, Molly, Sadie and Erika all ran around having fun for an hour and Kelly and I watched :). This is the place Sadie broke her leg at back in January of 2023. She did great though! I was cringing about all the adults jumping on trampolines with their kids. They really should make a rule about that. They seemed like they had fun though! So that was good! We came home to the BIGGEST, COOLEST, MOST EXCITING Storm EVER!! Big huge hail, so much rain! really cool thunder!! So fun!! It ended pretty quickly which was crazy! 8-12-24
FHE
I was the lesson. We talked about the Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (eyes ears mouth and nose) of going to school and making new friends! I was happy I had this idea the other day. We played three rounds of Secret Hitler for Kelly's game and had drumsticks for Luke's treat. 8-12-24
I was the lesson. We talked about the Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (eyes ears mouth and nose) of going to school and making new friends! I was happy I had this idea the other day. We played three rounds of Secret Hitler for Kelly's game and had drumsticks for Luke's treat. 8-12-24
ALL THE BACK TO SCHOOL MEETINGS
We had a lot of little things Tuesday, Hope Squad meeting, Erika went to her back to school night, Jack passed. Then the Elementary school back to school night- kinda ran around getting too much information and signing up for too many things, but it feels like school is starting! Whether we want it to or not. 8-13-24
We had a lot of little things Tuesday, Hope Squad meeting, Erika went to her back to school night, Jack passed. Then the Elementary school back to school night- kinda ran around getting too much information and signing up for too many things, but it feels like school is starting! Whether we want it to or not. 8-13-24
FATHER'S BLESSINGS
I was really happy we were able to do Father's Blessings Wednesday evening. It ended up being a really sweet evening with all the kids. Luke got to stand with Nate and then gave Nate a blessing at the end. It was really cool. I am loving all the new things that these Pre-missionaries get to let us experience with them. We didn't follow any kind of order, let everyone pick the next person, kinda fun. I loved hearing all the things that everyone was blessed with and being able to feel each of their spirits as they sat there. Such a beautiful thing to have this power in our home and I'm so grateful Nate is worthy to do this. Bring on the school year! 8-14-24
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
We had the morning planned out, everyone was getting up way too early, but it really helped with having things run smoothly. I got up at 5:00, read my scriptures, worked out, made lunches and breakfast, and we actually got everyone out the door on time!
We had the morning planned out, everyone was getting up way too early, but it really helped with having things run smoothly. I got up at 5:00, read my scriptures, worked out, made lunches and breakfast, and we actually got everyone out the door on time!
Noah got a ride with his friend, so we just snapped a quick pic inside before he left. He is starting his Junior year! Crazy stuff. He is looking forward to his commercial photography class and Sports Psych. I'm hoping he will have th energy to support his desire to have a normal year despite his challenges with his mobility and brain functioning. He's a tough kid, hopefully he can pull it off.
Erika and Jack are at the Junior High together this year! Erika in 9th, she's excited for second term when she and Kate are in the office together. Even though Terrie isn't here anymore. She is also excited to be the oldest in the school and varsity for the sports. Gonna be good! This year counts, so hopefully she makes it count!
Jack is in 7th. He is confident that he will do just fine. Very excited for his science classes and Robotics! He is so chill, I think he will do great. I'm glad he has Erika when he needs her, but he really is going to do great!
Molly is in 3rd grade. She got Mrs. Johnson- yay! She is excited for cursive and business days- hopefully they still do those. She was quick to get ready that morning and so happy to show her little sister around. She's the big sis now in the Elementary school!
Sadie is in Kindergarten! She got Mrs. Piper of course, which we were happy about. She is very excited and seems to be taking everything in stride. She was so exhausted these first few days, and at times more grumpy than usual, but she has done great! I'm so proud of her! Mrs. Piper said that she has expressed an interest in learning math. Even though they've learned numbers and patterns, she's still telling her they need to learn math :). Funny girl. She wants to show off her 2+3=5 skills. HA!
Erika and Jack are at the Junior High together this year! Erika in 9th, she's excited for second term when she and Kate are in the office together. Even though Terrie isn't here anymore. She is also excited to be the oldest in the school and varsity for the sports. Gonna be good! This year counts, so hopefully she makes it count!
Jack is in 7th. He is confident that he will do just fine. Very excited for his science classes and Robotics! He is so chill, I think he will do great. I'm glad he has Erika when he needs her, but he really is going to do great!
Molly is in 3rd grade. She got Mrs. Johnson- yay! She is excited for cursive and business days- hopefully they still do those. She was quick to get ready that morning and so happy to show her little sister around. She's the big sis now in the Elementary school!
Sadie is in Kindergarten! She got Mrs. Piper of course, which we were happy about. She is very excited and seems to be taking everything in stride. She was so exhausted these first few days, and at times more grumpy than usual, but she has done great! I'm so proud of her! Mrs. Piper said that she has expressed an interest in learning math. Even though they've learned numbers and patterns, she's still telling her they need to learn math :). Funny girl. She wants to show off her 2+3=5 skills. HA!
I managed to survive my first day :). It actually felt so short- I washed the mountain of dishes and then went to lunch with my dad and it was time to go get them, so... but there's still time to experience an empty house. We'll get there. 2024-2025 school year- here we come! 8-15-24
PRIMARY ICE CREAM TRUCK
I got to participate in the Back to School Ice Cream Truck this year. Kinda fun! We met up at Kris's and loaded up Suzanne's son's truck. I was chosen to sit in the bed and pass out the ice creams from the coolers. So I was riding in the truck sitting on a cooler the whole time. Wearing green heart glasses. Fun stuff. The downside- we took WAY longer than I thought we would and I missed taking the girls to soccer practice. Broke some hearts, but they toughed it out. I felt so bad. 8-15-24
I got to participate in the Back to School Ice Cream Truck this year. Kinda fun! We met up at Kris's and loaded up Suzanne's son's truck. I was chosen to sit in the bed and pass out the ice creams from the coolers. So I was riding in the truck sitting on a cooler the whole time. Wearing green heart glasses. Fun stuff. The downside- we took WAY longer than I thought we would and I missed taking the girls to soccer practice. Broke some hearts, but they toughed it out. I felt so bad. 8-15-24
KELLY EGG CYCLE
We've started another cycle for Kelly. Very exciting. We'll see how it goes. 8-16-24
DATE NIGHT/SURPRISE MOVIE NIGHT!
Nate and I went to Applebee's on our date this week and it was a nice little regroup. We sat there longer than usual, Nate was eating really slowly, which was funny, and I didn't say anything because we were having a nice time talking and then suddenly Nate got a call from Kelly saying that she needed us home right away, everyone was fighting. So the whole drive home I thought it was really weird that they were having problems and texted Kelly about it. She made some stuff up and I shared my opinions and then when we got home I was surprised with a sign on the door saying that it was a movie theater! Then Sadie greeted us with Movie tickets and we were escorted downstairs to the family room where they had covered the couches in blankets and set up a treat station on the bench in front of the fireplace. Charity and Hunter were here! Fun surprise! Lots of popcorn, drinks and candy. It was so cute! I felt so special!! It was so fun of them! We watched Top Gun Maverick and I quoted everything to my heart's content :). Fun memories! 8-16-24
Nate and I went to Applebee's on our date this week and it was a nice little regroup. We sat there longer than usual, Nate was eating really slowly, which was funny, and I didn't say anything because we were having a nice time talking and then suddenly Nate got a call from Kelly saying that she needed us home right away, everyone was fighting. So the whole drive home I thought it was really weird that they were having problems and texted Kelly about it. She made some stuff up and I shared my opinions and then when we got home I was surprised with a sign on the door saying that it was a movie theater! Then Sadie greeted us with Movie tickets and we were escorted downstairs to the family room where they had covered the couches in blankets and set up a treat station on the bench in front of the fireplace. Charity and Hunter were here! Fun surprise! Lots of popcorn, drinks and candy. It was so cute! I felt so special!! It was so fun of them! We watched Top Gun Maverick and I quoted everything to my heart's content :). Fun memories! 8-16-24
PICKLEBALL SATURDAY MORNING
This was a fun little impromptu hang out. We went over to Baseball park and played pickleball. We couldn't get everyone to join in and some were not having a good time. Poor Noah found out that pickleball is not one of his regained skills yet. That was hard. But Nate, Luke, Kelly, and I all played a bunch. Erika too. It was fun. We had a good time. 8-17--24
This was a fun little impromptu hang out. We went over to Baseball park and played pickleball. We couldn't get everyone to join in and some were not having a good time. Poor Noah found out that pickleball is not one of his regained skills yet. That was hard. But Nate, Luke, Kelly, and I all played a bunch. Erika too. It was fun. We had a good time. 8-17--24
TEMPLE WITH MY MOM
I had scheduled a temple date for Nate and I and then he found out he didn't have a recommend so I last minute invited my mom to come with me. It was the newly shortened endowment session. I have to say I love it! I don't feel like I'm missing anything at all. It was nice to hang out with my mom too. 8-17-24
I had scheduled a temple date for Nate and I and then he found out he didn't have a recommend so I last minute invited my mom to come with me. It was the newly shortened endowment session. I have to say I love it! I don't feel like I'm missing anything at all. It was nice to hang out with my mom too. 8-17-24
BRAD'S PHONE CALL
We got to talk to Brad tonight. He was so distracted, it was hard to keep the conversation going, But we just love seeing him and knowing he's happy. He did find out transfers while we were talking to him and he announced that he and Elder Manwaring will be sticking together another transfer. 8-18-24
We got to talk to Brad tonight. He was so distracted, it was hard to keep the conversation going, But we just love seeing him and knowing he's happy. He did find out transfers while we were talking to him and he announced that he and Elder Manwaring will be sticking together another transfer. 8-18-24
RELIEF SOCIETY NIGHT
I went to this even though I didn't feel like going. It ended up being a lot of fun for the short time I was there. It was in Lindsey Cutler's backyard. We all ended up in a big circle. They passed around some questions, we all went around answering our question. Some of them were fun, some seriously. I gave Barbara the extra one I had and she actually answered it. It was a funny one, "Are you planning on getting married any time soon?" She's funny. I got the question, "Is there a small thing you could do now that would cause a big change later?" I talked about possibly starting school. Everyone kept talking to me and referencing what I said, which was weird, but it was a fun night. I had to get up and go pick up Noah from soccer practice before it was over, but it was a good time. 8-20-24
I went to this even though I didn't feel like going. It ended up being a lot of fun for the short time I was there. It was in Lindsey Cutler's backyard. We all ended up in a big circle. They passed around some questions, we all went around answering our question. Some of them were fun, some seriously. I gave Barbara the extra one I had and she actually answered it. It was a funny one, "Are you planning on getting married any time soon?" She's funny. I got the question, "Is there a small thing you could do now that would cause a big change later?" I talked about possibly starting school. Everyone kept talking to me and referencing what I said, which was weird, but it was a fun night. I had to get up and go pick up Noah from soccer practice before it was over, but it was a good time. 8-20-24
HOPE SQUAD- ERIKA
Erika had her first Hope Squad meeting this week. Sounds like she's going to have some fun in there. I'm proud of her for being nominated and that she is willing to sacrifice the time for it. Getting to school earlier on a late start day is a big deal! 8-21-24
SHERRY FACETIME
Sherry and I got to facetime again this week. That was nice. We have to set a timer so we don't talk too long. Still a great recharge though! 8-23-24
Sherry and I got to facetime again this week. That was nice. We have to set a timer so we don't talk too long. Still a great recharge though! 8-23-24
WATCHING BEA
Lisa and Gary were taking Corbin to his birth mom's wedding in Las Vegas so they farmed out all their kids to different houses. Bea chose to come to ours! She was so quiet and we almost forgot she was here sometimes :). But I think she had a little fun with us. 8-23-24
Lisa and Gary were taking Corbin to his birth mom's wedding in Las Vegas so they farmed out all their kids to different houses. Bea chose to come to ours! She was so quiet and we almost forgot she was here sometimes :). But I think she had a little fun with us. 8-23-24
DATE WITH CHARITY
We had to kind of squeeze this date in, but I was so glad we made it work! She made some time for me in between work and a wedding. I drove down there, got to see her new house in Provo and then we headed over to Provo's Fiiz, whatever it was, I can't remember. We tried some new flavors and a Scotcheroo that was really really dense. Seemed different than ours. Same flavor tho. It was so nice to be with Charity. She is fun to talk to and fun to be with. I'm excited for her life ahead and I feel like she is going to do great things!! Love that girl! I had to hurry home for my date with Nate :). 8-23-24
We had to kind of squeeze this date in, but I was so glad we made it work! She made some time for me in between work and a wedding. I drove down there, got to see her new house in Provo and then we headed over to Provo's Fiiz, whatever it was, I can't remember. We tried some new flavors and a Scotcheroo that was really really dense. Seemed different than ours. Same flavor tho. It was so nice to be with Charity. She is fun to talk to and fun to be with. I'm excited for her life ahead and I feel like she is going to do great things!! Love that girl! I had to hurry home for my date with Nate :). 8-23-24
DATE NIGHT
I think this was the night we went to the Habit and then to see a movie, I'm not sure which one it was. We love our date nights though! 8-23-24
FIRST SOCCER GAMES OF THE SEASON
We rushed around to soccer games- Noah didn't play his, he's still not soccering yet, but the girls had theirs. They both did awesome! Molly got like four goals! Same with Erika! It was a fun day for soccer. 8-24-24
We rushed around to soccer games- Noah didn't play his, he's still not soccering yet, but the girls had theirs. They both did awesome! Molly got like four goals! Same with Erika! It was a fun day for soccer. 8-24-24
JACK'S FAMILY PARTY- ECHO RESERVOIR
Jack's party didn't quite go as planned this year. We were supposed to go to Pineview and then thanks to E. Coli it evolved into going to Echo reservoir in insane wind in the evening, trying not to blow away the entire time!! Nobody felt like getting out on the paddleboards, some of the girls went out in the water, but it was kind of a bust. I was bummed, but Jack was positive about it and seemed to make the most of it. We did have plenty of snacks which was fun. Steve even came!! Nate took the day off so we got to have him there on a Saturday night. Charity and Hunter and Kelly were all there. Grandma and Simon joined us after a while. It was a fun time together. Jack got a few gifts and was happy with the stack of rice krispie treats I made :). All was well. 8-24-24
Jack's party didn't quite go as planned this year. We were supposed to go to Pineview and then thanks to E. Coli it evolved into going to Echo reservoir in insane wind in the evening, trying not to blow away the entire time!! Nobody felt like getting out on the paddleboards, some of the girls went out in the water, but it was kind of a bust. I was bummed, but Jack was positive about it and seemed to make the most of it. We did have plenty of snacks which was fun. Steve even came!! Nate took the day off so we got to have him there on a Saturday night. Charity and Hunter and Kelly were all there. Grandma and Simon joined us after a while. It was a fun time together. Jack got a few gifts and was happy with the stack of rice krispie treats I made :). All was well. 8-24-24
JACK'S ACTUAL BIRTHDAY
I feel so weird about Jack's birthday this year, but one thing we did right was the "12 hours of his birthday". I am so happy I started this tradition. It's been so fun. Jack loved it. He was very polite and didn't nag me when I was a little late. But he got lots of fun little gifts and goodies. Having your birthday on Sunday can be a bummer, but he made the most of it. He did get to talk to Brad on his birthday! And he got lots of presents!
I feel so weird about Jack's birthday this year, but one thing we did right was the "12 hours of his birthday". I am so happy I started this tradition. It's been so fun. Jack loved it. He was very polite and didn't nag me when I was a little late. But he got lots of fun little gifts and goodies. Having your birthday on Sunday can be a bummer, but he made the most of it. He did get to talk to Brad on his birthday! And he got lots of presents!
ERIKA'S CELLO TRIO
Erika finally got to perform the song she's been working on for weeks! She, Kate Cutler and Addie Allred played Child's Prayer in a cello trio! It was SO beautiful!! I loved it! She did amazing. It was fun that Charity and Grandma and Simon made it for the performance. 8-24-24
Erika finally got to perform the song she's been working on for weeks! She, Kate Cutler and Addie Allred played Child's Prayer in a cello trio! It was SO beautiful!! I loved it! She did amazing. It was fun that Charity and Grandma and Simon made it for the performance. 8-24-24
JOB INTERVIEW DAY
So this is a weird thing I didn't see coming. For some reason I felt this urgency to get a job and find a way to help with the income. So I put a resume up on Indeed and started really looking. I was able to apply at a few places. I ended up having two interviews in one day- one with Lisa's Popcorn and one with Ministering Angels (a home health company). I felt like they both went well. It was strange to be doing job interviews for the first time in 22 years. Kinda crazy. 8-27-24
So this is a weird thing I didn't see coming. For some reason I felt this urgency to get a job and find a way to help with the income. So I put a resume up on Indeed and started really looking. I was able to apply at a few places. I ended up having two interviews in one day- one with Lisa's Popcorn and one with Ministering Angels (a home health company). I felt like they both went well. It was strange to be doing job interviews for the first time in 22 years. Kinda crazy. 8-27-24
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
While the big kids are gone to youth activities, the little girls and I try to get out and play like little girls. Kelly is here so she came with us! We went to Barnes park and I loved watching Molly and Kelly play catch with the lacrosse sticks. Molly is getting pretty good. She might have a future in Lacrosse! Sadie made a new friend :). 8-28-24
While the big kids are gone to youth activities, the little girls and I try to get out and play like little girls. Kelly is here so she came with us! We went to Barnes park and I loved watching Molly and Kelly play catch with the lacrosse sticks. Molly is getting pretty good. She might have a future in Lacrosse! Sadie made a new friend :). 8-28-24
BOWLING DATE WITH KELLY
This was a fun new idea! Kelly suggested we go bowling! We had so much fun! I was afraid my hurt foot was going to get in the way, but I actually did fine and even won. Had to say it, sorry Kelz :). Very memorable. 8-30-24
This was a fun new idea! Kelly suggested we go bowling! We had so much fun! I was afraid my hurt foot was going to get in the way, but I actually did fine and even won. Had to say it, sorry Kelz :). Very memorable. 8-30-24
MOLLY'S FAMILY PARTY
This was a fun party for Molly! She wanted to go swimming at the Rec Center, so we had a little pizza lunch at the Bountiful park pavilion beforehand. It was so fun that Meg and her family came as well as Steve, Grandma Ruthie, Jen, Grandma Hatch, Simon, and Grandpa Hatch showed up after all the fun. WE had a great time though! Everyone goofed around and ate food and then the little people all went inside and swam for quite a while! Molly was in heaven! I think she loved her gifts and had a fun time. 8-31-24
This was a fun party for Molly! She wanted to go swimming at the Rec Center, so we had a little pizza lunch at the Bountiful park pavilion beforehand. It was so fun that Meg and her family came as well as Steve, Grandma Ruthie, Jen, Grandma Hatch, Simon, and Grandpa Hatch showed up after all the fun. WE had a great time though! Everyone goofed around and ate food and then the little people all went inside and swam for quite a while! Molly was in heaven! I think she loved her gifts and had a fun time. 8-31-24
