Memorial Day

We had such a nice big Memorial Day this year. Dan and his kids came up to play in the creek and have some leftover pulled pork.  We had a lot of fun playing and talking with them.  

These girls can't get enough of Liz.  She's like a movie star to them.

Later on we went up to Nate's parents' house for a BBQ and playing with cousins.

These girls are all so cute together!  I'm so glad my girls have plenty of cousins their ages to play with.

Erika and Sami had a lot of fun together that day.  It's one of the first times they've really bonded. 

This picture is to document Nate's Clash of Clans obsession :).  He sits and talks with Lynn about their clan when they're together :).  Makes me laugh so I have to tease him.

This kid is a ham.  He automatically smiles when he sees the camera :).  

Everyone went over to the school to play basketball and play on the playground.  It was such a HOT day!  Kyson had to come back for bottles of water for everyone.

This picture is to document Luke's obsession with Clash of Clans.  He is seriously hooked.  On the up side, I always have something to threaten when he isn't doing what he's supposed to :).  Leverage :)

I walked over to the school with Meg and some of the littles.  We got to sit and talk and I took pictures.  Lots of chatter about the last week of school and picking teachers for next year.  I gotta say I've never been more nervous about the next year as I am this year.  I need to stop thinking about it all. It's always fun to talk to Meg though.  Wish we could get together more often. 

Cute Sam-o

We made sure to stop at Nana's grave on the way home.  We ate a whole bag of M&Ms while we stood there, left a small bag on the grave, and then said goodbye.  I miss Nana so much.  I couldn't help but wish Grandma and Grandpa Mottishaw's graves were closer... I'd love to visit them regularly. It's all good though.  I still feel them so close pretty often.  I feel like all three of them watch over me in a way.  It's comforting.

5-27-14

Things to Remember Week of 5-25-14

TRAINING MEETING

We had a really awesome training meeting on Sunday.  Nate and I both had to go, so we got the kids as ready as we could before 10:00 and then ditched them all for an hour and a half.  Fortunately they did pretty well, and there wasn't as much damage control as I'd expected :).  The meeting really was cool though.  I mean, it felt a little overwhelming, but at the same time, really nice to have some more direction as far as leading the youth goes.  I really liked Bro. Jacox's analogy to zero gravity and the astronauts that have to get wheeled into rehab to regain their strength and build back the muscle, heart, and bone tissue.  Made total sense and fit so nicely.  I have had similar feelings about my own kids, not wanting to do everything for them and making them too weak to handle things on their own.  I liked the reminder.  I'm excited to give the YW more room to grow and develop.  More opportunities to succeed and fail.  I think it will be cool.  I love my calling.  5-25-14

BIG DAY TUESDAY
We had a lot planned today and I only messed up on one of them!  I was pretty proud of myself :).  Of course there were a lot of things that got cancelled and changed and such, but not because of me :).  Made an early morning trip to Walmart for the glue gun I forgot the night before (we broke the one we've been using for 12+ years a few weeks ago).  Got visit taught.  Visited with Nate's parents, showed them around the yard and got lots of praise and advice on our gardens and flowers.  I loved that they came to support Kelly and see her show- didn't love that the school changed the time of the performance so that all of her supporters got there an hour late!  Changed our plans with Dawn for tomorrow.  Got Noah to school for "First Grade day" where he got to visit a first grade class and eat lunch AT SCHOOL!  WOW!  Saw Kelly's patriotic program with Aunt Jen (she actually came up for the earlier one, missed it, and came BACK up for the later one! Which they had also changed the time on and we would have missed most of it if we had not received clarification on that earlier in the day- like several other parents did not... sad) and Grandma Hatch (Nate even made himself late for work to see it :) ).  LOVED it, will post pictures soon.  Snuck in a little visit to the Principal's office.  Then Kelly and the littles and I celebrated with some Dairy Queen, then hurried back to the school to pick up the kids only to drop them off and go pick up Charity's glasses!!  (pics to come)  Then finally picked up the produce (the one thing I FORGOT), got Luke to his baseball practice, watched his game, and then crammed in dinnertime!  It was a FULL afternoon/evening.  I was feeling bad about not being with my kids most of the day and knowing that I will be gone tomorrow night, I decided that my book club meeting was going to have to be out.  It was a tough decision!  But I made the most of the time with the kids (or attempted to at least), by playing some flies up and baseball in the backyard.  We really did have some fun (also some whining, crying, injuries, and tantrums).  I was grateful that I had the time with them.  We will have to work on the extra stuff... it can't be like that all summer, that's all I can say about that :).  But that was my full day!  I'm happy to report I didn't lose it! :).  5-27-14

LUKE'S AWARD
In the school Awards assembly Luke was presented with the "Pricipal's Classroom Citizenship and Academic Growth" award.  He has received this one before and it makes me so proud.  He is very deserving of this reward, and I like that he is setting such a great example for his sibs.  I wanted to make a big deal about it and point it out to the kids, so we went out to ice cream to celebrate that and his game on Thursday night.  Lots of fun!  Good Job Luke!  5-29-14

KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATION
Mrs. Piper wanted to have a celebration the last day of school so she had the afternoon combine with the morning kids for a water party!  I got to go help.  I was over the Kickball station and what an experience that was.  I'm pretty sure none of them have ever been exposed to kickball :).  Made me laugh.  We had a good time and they liked standing in the pools/bases, so it was all good :).  I had to leave early for Charity's promotion.  5-31-14

Things to Remember Week of 5-18-14

MIA MAIDS
I taught the Mia Maids today, second time teaching them, and for the first time ever I felt like it went really well.  You wouldn't believe the preparation that went into that little 35 minute lesson, and the fasting and praying and worrying :), and I think it all paid off :).  I got really nervous when Bro. Jacox asked if he could sit in and listen, but he really did just sit there.  May have dozed off once or twice ;), but for the first time I felt really good about my lesson!!  It was so exciting for me :).  I hope this is a new page in the book of Christa teaching.  There were of course things that I had wanted to say but didn't get the chance to, as always, and I wish I could slip them in somewhere else, somehow :), but it's all good... there's just WAY too much in those lessons to begin with!  SO anyway.  Good Sunday :).  And to top it off we got to go on the walk about too :).  The kids act like it's Christmas or something when there's a ward walk about.  It's fun for them.  I lectured them about only eating one treat per house... apparently they've been gorging themselves because this was a drastic change... oh well... we'll work on it.  5-18-14

CARNIVAL
Our kids LOVE carnivals.  It's so exciting for them.  They decided to use their own hard-earned money for our school carnival.  They had SO MUCH FUN!!  They all kind of wandered around on their own and in small groups, helping each other get treats and play games with shared tickets.  I liked talking with Charity about how the place was run.  She liked the idea of doing something like that for Uncle Jared's Yard sale in August.  I wish I hadn't missed her on the rock wall, she is getting pretty good at that.  She had a few friends there that she stayed busy with.  Unfortunately her brand new flip flops only lasted a few days and broke during the first few minutes of the carnival... lame.  She didn't seem to mind going around barefoot :).  Poor Kelly got a bloody nose from the kids playing on the little fence that went around the Whizzer ride, along with her aching back and hip.  So her nose and head hurt, but I was proud of her for not letting it stop her from having a good time.  She was sweet to take Erika around and even went on the train- she admitted she was a little embarrassed- but totally enjoyed watching Erika experience it :).  She had decided to save money and just get the tickets, so she didn't get to go on quite as many rides and stuff as Luke and Brad and Charity, but she had a good time.  Bradley made it to the top of the rock wall!  He was pretty proud of himself :).  He ran around with friends and with Noah or Luke most of the night.  He was pretty cute on the Whizzer, pretending to barf off the side :).  He just seemed really grown up the whole evening.  Sharing his tickets, cotton candy, and winning all sorts of prizes.  Luke was Mr. Independent all evening too.  Took off with his tickets and wristband and we hardly saw him!  He was with a friend from his class, and they just did everything they possibly could :).  I loved seeing him with his pockets bulging with prizes and goodies :).  He was taking care of business :).  I did get to see him on the wrecking ball- that was a lot of fun- looked like his kind of playground :).  Noah had a great time, running around with Erika for the first part and Bradley later.  He was exhausted by the end of the evening.  He looked so cute on the Whizzer, just like a big kid!  I loved that he was about to do what he wanted and didn't have to do what everyone else was doing.  He usually just goes along, so this was his chance to do it his way :).  He loved the Shark Slide.  Erika had a great time!  I was happy that she found very little to complain about the whole time :).  She followed Noah around to all the bouncy things and then dragged Kelly around to everything else :).  She benefited from Kelly's tickets too I think.  She had a blast on the Whizzer too, and told me how scary the Shark Slide was :).  It's so fun to see her trying new things and being brave.  Fun girl.  Jack had Nate wrapped around his sticky little finger for the evening.  He did become quite content just playing on the playground  and rolling around in the wood chips :).  I love his methodical thinking (or at least that's what I'm calling it).  Everything he does is so well thought out and he plans so many of his movements.  I like how Nate put it- he is not just going to get by in life- when he wants something he is very determined until he gets it.  There's no brushing him off!  It's cute.  Reminds me of how Bradley and Noah were when they were his age.  All business too :).  He wouldn't have much to do with me all night unless I had cotton candy or a snow cone in my hands.  It's all good I guess- but I missed my lovies from him today.  He is a sweetie.  So anyway.  The Carnival was a big hit with the Maynes kids!  Who knew we could blow so much money on a school function :).  Good thing some of the money goes to the school.

BEES GAME
I had the privilege of going with Kelly on her Bees Game field trip.  What a FUN day that was!  We marveled at how fast they could throw the ball, how loudly the ball hit their mitts.  Walked around looking for dippin dots :).  Ate Kettle corn and soft pretzel.  And even watched some baseball!  Miraculously, we ran into some of Kelly's old friends from Holbrook and she was able to go catch up with some of them for a few minutes.  That was the highlight for Kelly and something she had planned and looked forward to doing :).  My favorite part was just spending time with Kelly.  It was more like a date for she and I than anything.  We were total buds.  I loved it.  Made us want to get the family to one of the Bees games.  If it hadn't been so hot, I'm not sure we would have been as exhausted at the end, but it was totally worth it :).  5-20-14

NO SCHOOL
Noah had no school for three days this week, and can I just say how nice it was to not have to take him to school in the middle of the day!  I know I sound crazy, but I canNOT wait til next school year when we do not have the broken up day that accompanies the Kindergarten schedule.  I will miss my Noah- don't get me wrong, I just will not miss the schedule one bit!  5-21-14

TESTING
Noah went in for his end of year testing and Mrs. Piper was SO surprised and SO pleased with how well he is doing.  She knew he was doing well, but he even surprised her with just how well.  It was a nice relief and actually kind of made my day to hear how good he did.  He really surprised us all with his achievements this year.  For someone who started out hardly knowing any of the letters and barely being able to say the alphabet it sure is cool to find out he's at a first grade reading level!  5-21-14

BIKE RIDE
For Mia Maids this week we went on a bike ride.  I loved it!  I was so worried that they would go too fast for me, or I'd slow them down or something, but it wasn't like that at all.  And I got to sit and talk with some of them along the way.  It was such a nice evening.  5-21-14

MONKEY BARS
At playgroup on Thursday, Erika got brave and attempted the monkey bars!!  She just needed me to get her started and then she was off!  It's so exciting!  She tried a second time without my help and ended up falling and getting a million little cuts on her forehead from the sand when she hit the ground, but it was all in the name of being awesome... which she is... so she keeps trying!  I'm so proud of her.  She really is so brave and learning and doing new things is so fun for her. Fun for me too.  Cool Stuff.  5-22-14

PICNIC ON THE PLAYGROUND
I got to go to the school for picnic on the playground this week!  Noah, Erika, Jack and I made some yummy fruit dip, cut the stems off strawberries, grabbed some Little Caesar's (cheap/easy to carry), and made our way to a nice shady spot behind the school.  I enjoy seeing my kids in their element.  They all just ran around doing whatever they wanted- I like that.  I sat and talked with Jami a little, but mostly just sat :).  Kind of relaxing really.  I wasn't sure how it would all go without Nate's help like last year, but Noah and Erika helped carry stuff, so it was all good.  Fun tradition.  5-23-14

MOTTISHAW ANNIVERSARY
I guess Grandma and Grandpa Mottishaw moved to Utah from Pocatello on Memorial day of 1964, because this was the 50th year reunion.  My Mom thought we needed to celebrate.  It was a pretty cloudy (and even rained a little) day, but we managed to have a really good time.  Nate made pulled pork.  I enjoyed visiting with Nancy a little.  After food, we all played a game of kickball!!!  SO fun!  It was only the Widdisons, Hatches and us, but sure made for a great time.  I hope Grandma and Grandpa were there.  I miss them.  5-24-14

Uploaded from my phone- hope there aren't repeats

Falling asleep on Daddy- feels so good.

Helping Daddy work out

He worked so hard to get this one out!

Got these from my Dad for sibling day... couldn't resist posting them on here.  Brent's wedding reception. April 2007

Sequoias end of the summer- 1992

Not sure when this was... looks like 1994 or 95, look how little Steve is!

Of course, our wedding day!  (not sure why nobody's smiling... )

Another from Brent's wedding day

Our awesome gigantic snowman we built with Grandpa in Eagle Mountain.  I'll never forget how much fun we had doing that!!  Best. snowman. ever.

Jack.  Just the way he is :).

Soon after Misty had her kittens, following one of many long searches for them, we found Misty and her kittens snoozing in Kelly's drawer :).  Crazy kitty.

awwww!  I think this is tiger?

More teeth missing :)

Cute Noah made this little flier when he was going to put on a puppet show.  This is what it means:

for show, either puppet show, dance show and parade and air plane show, magic show.  Bradley help. :)  So adorable.  I love little kid handwriting.

This is Luke's cool owie from the baseball during practice- I only took a picture because you can see the seams from the baseball on his cheek!!  pretty cool right?!

One of the fun things about letting Charity have an Instagram (accessible only through our phones) is all the cute little things I have saved on my phone from her.  Here's one of her cute selfies :).

Our fun Young WOmen's rock climbing activity at iRock.  That was so much fun!  I wanna take the family for FHe or something.

Charity had a blast

Misty's babies

This was one of the things Charity got off her instagram.  Fit perfectly with my RS night speaker.  I love that she saved it though... 

milk mustache selfie :)

cute little Oreo (or Morgan as Kelly named her the last day we had her)

I wish this wasn't sideways!  This is the candy gram Charity made me for Mother's Day.  I loved making these when I was little, sure was fun to get one :).  It says, "You are a 'sweetart'!  I Love you to 'pieces'.  Thanks for wiping all my 'Goobers'.  After having 7 kids you're still 1 'Hot Tamale'

Love Charity.  Cute girl.

This adorable little picture and letter was made my Erika with the help of her older sibs... so sweet.

I think this was a post teeth pulling selfie

Another funny YW activity. I think I already mentioned that I laughed harder than I've laughed in a very long time.  Crazy girls.  Yes, that is broccoli and carrots taped to her garbage bag dress.

We had to go out in public after :)

Me and Bradley at his movie field trip.  He's such a sweet boy.

Another masterpiece from Erika

love it.