Happy Birthday Molly! (FINALLY BLOGGER LET ME UPLOAD THESE PICTURES!!!!)

MOLLY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

She did it!  Molly turned one!  Even though I told her not to- she did it!  I really can't believe a whole year has gone by since the day the doctors first put her in my arms.  It's gone by in a blur.  I almost feel like I must have been gone for part of it or something- it really just went by too fast.  Faster than usual.  Molly has been such an amazing baby!  I've said it a million times, but I'll say it again- best. baby. ever!!  She really just couldn't be better.  She sure doesn't seem one though.  She's still not interested in walking and talking.  She seems to be milking the baby stage just a bit which is how I prefer it- who knows maybe it's because of me.  She eats like a one year old, picking at everything, but not really consuming much.  She doesn't really like much.  Although, she does know how to eat the stuff she does like- you should have seen her put away her craisins at church, in handfuls!  She DEVOURED them!  It was cute.  She sleeps like a charm!  All she needs is her soft blanky (which we have successfully replaced since her first one got gum all over it in the wash- course we still use it at home a little- it'll be nice to have two that work so well) and she's out.  She sleeps all night which is super nice and has for several months now.  She is not the most social person- it takes her a little while to warm up to people.  Not her siblings though- she pretty much owns them.  She seriously runs the roost here- they will do whatever Princess Molly needs.  She and Charity have been good buds for quite a while and only solidified it on our trip.  She falls asleep in Charity's arms all the time.  It's been really fun to watch them bond.  Especially knowing that they won't always have time for each other, not like some of the other people in the family have.  I hope they remember these times.  I hope Molly always remembers how much she is loved and how much her sibs do for her already.  I can only imagine their love will grow.  It was a lot of fun to see everyone get excited for her birthday and want to watch her enjoy it all.  It was kind of a bummer on her actual birthday that we didn't get to have her party and stuff, but she was actually kind of grumpy most of the day- I'm not sure it would have been the best day to party, so maybe it worked out for the best.

I let Jack help with her sign and all he really wanted to do was the one.  He took the blank poster and drew a giant line down the middle of it :).  So I turned that into the 1 for 1st. It wasn't my favorite birthday sign, and I had wanted to make it more girly, but it was neon green.... so anyway.  Here she is- she actually LOVED the sign and crawled all over it before we were able to hang it up :).  

It's taken me too long to get these pictures up here, but it was a lot of fun uploading them and seeing them all for the first time- she was so cute and sweet that day.  I think I was struggling a little that day, with the reality of how old she is, but it is sure fun to look at these pictures.

Cute Will brought over a present for Molly.  She wasn't sure what to do with it, took her a while to figure out "opening a present" even with everyone's help :).

I love this face :).  

First things first- how soft is it?  This was the PERFECT gift for Molly.  SOOOOOO Soft.

I spent some time on her actual birthday to make her cakes.  I didn't want to be doing them all day though, so I chose some really easy styles.  Her smash cake was cake, the other one was rice krispie treat :)

Kelly was invited to her friend's party that same night so she made sure to give Molly her gift before the party.  

I just love this face :)

How soft is it?  Yep, it works!

I think this is her first cheese dippy bread stick thingies.  

Jack wrapped up some toys he had and gave them to Molly right then as well :).

Her party ended up being a lot of fun.  Probably too much stimulation for her, but she handled it well :).  She had her smash cake and "blew out the candle" then opened presents- which was funny because she just wanted to play with each one and didn't really care to open anything :).  She was so sweet and cute the whole time though and let people hold her and made everyone laugh with her cute personality.  It was a lot of fun.  I could have done without the wind, but I was happy we chose Gailey Park because the big kids had a lot of fun on the newish playground.  It was nice to have all the grandparents there plus Sarah and her kids!  What a fun bonus that was since we didn't know they would even be in town :).  Very cool.  

This is what she did for the first 5 minutes, just poked at the lady bugs.  I should have known she would go for those first.  The whole reason I did her smash cake white was so that the frosting tasted good.  We have a horrible track record with smash cakes being gross because I use too much food coloring.  Babies just don't go for it at all.  So I failed miserably putting the ladybugs on there.

I loved that she had her sisters right there next to her helping her and motivating her to smash her hands in it :).  I just love the thought of these girls being friends.  I know the age difference will be a little bit of an obstacle, but I can hope can't I :).  

Charity's impatience got the best of her :).

She REALLY wanted to share her frosting.  I loved this picture with Charlie's smiling little cheeks in it :).  He's such a sweetheart and it was such a pleasure to have the Hatches there.  

Oh my heck, I want to frame this picture :).  I think it's adorable.

Want some mom?!

Another thing I messed up on was making her smash cake with cake and the other with Rice Krispie treat- she liked the other one better :).  Then she helped Charity eat her cake :).

Unfortunately we didn't get a lot of pictures of the Hatch boys- or Sarah!?  I'm the worst lately with the pictures!  I don't know what's happened.  This was a good one though :).  Matchy matchy Orange squared.

The Ruths :).

I just love this picture :). haha!

See what I mean about the grumpiness.  SO funny.  

But I do love this face.

Noah gave her his bear that he got at the Stowell reunion.  She seemed to love it :)

Shoulda got a picture of Molly testing the softness.  But Charity will do.

I love how she looks at her sibs.

Uncle Steve brought over some cute outfits for her Sunday morning while we were gone, but was so thoughtful to get her a gift.  She is a very loved little girl.  Especially by her Mom!  She is such a little ray of sunshine in our family.  So much peace and joy is felt because of her.  It's so fun to be her mom- I just feel so privileged.  I'm so excited to see what she does with her determination and strength.  She really is just so amazing to me.  I love that she's mine.  9-1-16

Things to Remember 9-11-16

NANA
Thinking about Nana today- it's been 7 years.  I still miss her so much and think about her all the time.  I don't think a day goes by that I don't.  I love that Molly can do her spitting thing- I can't help but think she learned that from Nana even though I've never seen them together.  I hope Nana is doing well and happily enjoying her great-grandchildren from a different perspective.  I love you Nana!!  9-11-16

REGIONAL CONFERENCE
We had a cool Regional Conference today in place of church.  It was broadcast to 200 stakes!  I loved the talks.  Lots of great reminders.  I loved the part about how in the allegory of the olive tree he says not to get rid of too much bad fruit at once (I may be misquoting).  That we can't change everything all at once.  We can change a little at a time.  Good to hear.  I need to remember that.  I loved the reminder to put our phones down.  And I loved thinking about how important it is to follow counsel correctly and immediately.  9-11-16

NEWSLETTER
Bradley had his interview for Newsletter and made it!  He's so excited to be on the committee :).  I'm happy for him.  I think he'll have fun with that.  9-12-16

WELL CHILD CHECK
Molly went in for her 1 year check up!  Everything looked great except for her bum.  She had a major diaper rash that Dr. Tew thought was a fungal infection.  Since the antifungal stuff wasn't working, I went back to the Desitin and wah-la- it's gone!  Annoying.  She is growing great though and only a little behind on the physical development of walking :).  9-12-16

STATE FAIR
We found out about the kids go free day for Monday night and knew that was our night to go :).  The State Fair is SUCH a tradition now!!  We've gone almost every year.  Usually we go to see the kids' artwork, but this time they didn't enter!  Kind of a bummer, and I wish I'd been on top of that, but we still wanted to go!  The kids got to pick a ride this time and we got to experience the Ice Cream Festival- that was amazing :).  So it was a little different.  But so much fun.  I loved watching the kids try the pull-ups!  Noah and Erika wowed us with their skills.  They both won a poster reaching a score in the second level :).  Everyone else did great though!  I'm always so impressed with their hidden talents.  Fun stuff.  9-12-16

1 MINUTE WALK
This week we started the 1 minute walk interval of our "run".  Walk 1 run 3 (7 times).  When I clocked it in the car it was 2 miles!  I am so shocked and so proud of myself!!  It's really nothing short of a miracle!  I only wish my body was handling it better.  I got really sick Tuesday morning and with Charity not wanting to go and my need to spend most of the morning in the bathroom, I didn't get my run in that morning.  Huge bummer!  9-13-16

WALK
After a lot of stalling all morning long, Emily and I were finally able to go on our walk around 11:00.  It ended up being just what the doctor ordered!  So nice!!  And we got in a three mile walk which helped me feel better about missing my run.  It was really therapeutic.  9-13-16

KIDS TOWN
We had the most amazing, miraculous experience taking Jack to Kids Town!  I was following Nate's advice and gave Jack a heads up on the Dentist appointment early on in the day.  I wanted him to know about it so that he could choose a reward or treat or something to bribe him with.  So early on in the day I knew he was not excited about it.  He would not budge on the reward idea- he didn't want anything!  When it came time to go he was kicking and screaming all the way to the car, all the way to the place.  It was nuts.  I was stressing.  When we got there, I begged him for a good 5 minutes before finally stumbling on the inspiration to just concede.  I said, "Okay, Jack.  I know you don't want to go.  We do have to tell them that you are not going to go though, so come with me and we will go tell them that you do not want to go to the dentist."  He just jumped right out of the car!  I was shocked to say the least.  So we got up there, even got to use the elevator, which I think was another help!  Then got into the waiting room which ended up being a LOT of fun.  His eyes lit up!  I stuck with the plan though, and told them he was not interested in seeing the dentist, and that we were just going to look around if that was okay.  Luckily they got it.  I filled out the paperwork while Jack scouted the waiting room/kids play area out.  He LOVED it and was having a lot of fun. I seriously couldn't believe it!  Then the male (coincidence, not hardly, more like MIRACLE!) assistant came out and called Jack's name.  Jack almost hesitated, but then I said, "Let's go check out the rest of this cool place, look how fun it looks in there!"  He bought it!  We were in!  I was getting more and more giddy inside!  Then he started to whistle!  And Mr. Male Assistant got all excited for him, gave him all the praise and attention he was looking for!  THEN even caught on to the cute snapping Jack was showing off!  It was SO ADORABLE!  He totally loved it.  He got in the room and saw the fish tank, got all excited about that.  Then with almost no coaxing at all, made his way to the x-ray room and got his x-rays without any trouble.  Then saw the girl next to us get up on the table thing and watch a movie, so guess what Jack did!!!!!  HE GOT ON THE TABLE THING AND WATCHED A MOVIE!!!  AND even let the dentist look in his mouth!!  I couldn't believe it!  I was thanking Heavenly Father profusely- this was seriously the best miracle ever!  If it didn't end with all the talk about how Jack needs to be sedated and have LOTS of cavities filled, it would have been heaven :).  But really, they all need raises!  9-13-16

RELIEF SOCIETY BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Had a good time at the RS night this week.  I was feeling nervous about it and took a lot of convincing but luckily Jami was sitting in the back with an empty chair and I didn't have to leave after walking in late.  It was a great night though!  Even got a couple of helpful hints about making cakes!  Added bonus: the house was spotless when I got home!  10 points for Nate!  9-13-16

SCHOOL CHOIR
Luke and Bradley started the school choir this week!  I was a little surprised that they wanted to join, but I'm so happy they have those opportunities!  They get to ride their bikes with Charity and Kelly in the morning :).  9-14-16

PTA
Went to my first PTA meeting this week.  Got a little more nervous about the whole President thing, but still feel like I don't have all the pieces.  I'm hopeful.  Should be interesting.  9-14-16

FUN RUN
We spent most of the day at the school cheering the kids on at the Fun Run! All my friends were there so that was an added bonus as well.  It was funny that we had to be there for all four runs, the way they divided them up, we had one kid in each one.  But it made it easy to cheer them on one at a time.  I loved watching them!  They are such good runners!  I shouldn't be so surprised, but I am!  I love it!  They all pushed themselves so hard!  Too bad they don't keep track of their time or reward them for laps or something.  9-15-16

HEALTHY KIDS RACE SERIES
Thanks to Jami we heard about and signed up for these races.  This was extra-curricular and I worried about it being another thing in our schedule, but once we got there and got started, I was so glad!!  The kids LOVED it!  They all pushed themselves so hard and were able to finish with really good times!  I couldn't believe it!  Jack went first- he was SO cute!  His was a 50 yard dash.  He was cute because he seemed to be slowing down to let the other boys catch up to him so that they were all running together :).  He ended up finishing in 4th place :).  I loved it!  Erika was next.  She did FANTASTIC!!  Came in 2nd place girl, by only a few seconds!  Noah finished WAY before the second place boy.  He did fantastic!  I couldn't believe it!  Luke came in 2nd place by a couple of seconds as well.  And Bradley was 2nd also!  Pretty awesome considering they had all run about 3 miles earlier that day!  I couldn't be more proud!  And I love this HKRS thing- they even have a food challenge for the kids and offer lots of fun training ideas- it is really cool!  I am loving it already.  Can't wait to see how next week goes when they have a fresh run!  Should be cool :).  9-15-16

CANINE UNIT
For our first Pack Meeting in the Ponds ward we got to have the Police and their awesome dogs show us some pretty cool stunts!!!  I was so wishing I didn't have a dress on (from my temple recommend interview with the Stake President) and could wear the big suit and get chewed on by the dog :).  So cool! The kids loved it!  I didn't love much of the first part of the pack meeting and hopefully I get used to it, but anyway- WAY COOL!  9-15-16

NATE
Thursday night Charity stayed up way too late so in the morning she was not feeling up to running.  I did the unthinkable and woke up Nate to go with me instead :).  He jumped up and totally saved the day! (I'm way too scared to go running by myself :) )  I owe him big time.  9-16-16

PIANO LESSONS
Noah and Erika started piano lessons with Grandma today!  I think it went well.  I'm not 100% sure because I was sleeping through most of it!  HELLO!  Not sure what happened there!  But from what I heard, it's great!  They're super excited!  9-16-16

CLAIRE
Friday night we met up with Claire (after a very quick and easy planning session via text after seeing her art at the State Fair) at Liberty park Friday night!  It is ALWAYS so fun to see her!  And it's totally like we've never been apart when we do!  Pick right up where we left off!  It's been several years now.  It's so fun to hear from her though and laugh :).  She totally cracks me up.  We've got another hang out scheduled for September 30th because we just didn't get enough of her :).  I just love Claire!  9-16-16

BUDDY
So Buddy was somehow left out in the backyard last night and since someone had left the gate open, he went wandering.  Who knows when or how but this morning, we found him with a very serious injury, limping up to the house.  Poor little guy was bleeding and squeaking in pain.  I felt so bad for him!  I called the vet and scheduled his visit and then Nate and I quickly made plans for him to take Kelly to her game, run Buddy to the pet hospital, then go back to Kelly's game with five of the kids, while I took Erika, Molly and Luke out to Sandy for her Lacrosse stuff.  It was a pretty hectic morning.  We got word that Buddy had compound fractures in both bones of his front left leg.  Poor doggie!!  I was actually really sad for him!  And it was of course even more sad when I heard how much it was going to cost!  I mean, I love Buddy and we love our animals, but I do think there is a dollar amount that is just too much to justify paying.  Fortunately for Buddy, Nate's limit is much higher than mine.  I am glad though, it would have been sad to let him go.  He got splinted and wrapped up (no major fusing of posts and whatnot- that was WAY too expensive) so hopefully this works and he's better in the 6-8 months it should take to heal.  I feel so bad for him when he's laying there whimpering.   It's neat to see Charity stepping up to take care of him and remember his pills and stuff.  She's so responsible and such a loving girl.  I have always loved that about having Buddy.  So hopefully things go well!  9-17-16

CHILI COOK OFF
 Our ward (I better stop calling it the Ponds Park ward and get used to calling it ours) has had a tradition of this chili cook off so carrying on with it, we had one tonight.  Nate worked so I just took the kids by myself, which actually went really well and I had lots of awesome help with Molly and Jack (thank you Charity and Kelly!).  I wish I'd branched out teensy bit more to meet people, but I did learn some new names and felt like the evening was a success.  Hopefully with a calling I will be able to really make some new friends and form some new bonds.  I'm getting excited about it really.  9-17-16

Things to Remember Week of 9-4-16

WEEK TWO
So the second week of Ponds Park ward was much better!  I was so pleased with how Molly did!  She stayed mostly calm (aside from her random screeches that are really disruptive, don't get me wrong, they just don't last at all- still trying to find a cure for this) through Sacrament meeting.  Didn't have to take her out in the hall at all!  Then She fell asleep in Nate's arms in Sunday School and he ended up taking her to Priesthood which he finally got to go to!  YAY!  I think she was a good girl in there too.  It was a nice Sunday :). I also loved witnessing Jonah's baby blessing.  There was a really peaceful Spirit during and then when Travis held him up and I saw his cute little eyes looking upward, like babies do, the Spirit just poured over me!  It was really sweet!  I don't know that I've ever felt the Spirit so strongly during a baby blessing that wasn't my own baby.  Very cool.  During testimony meeting, none of my kids were getting up for the first half which is VERY unusual, and I started to worry that they just didn't feel comfortable enough in the new ward (which is also still very unusual) and then Charity went up and sat in the choir seats in preparation to bear her testimony.  I was SO glad.  Then Diane Hill bore her testimony and in the beginning mentioned she was glad one of the Maynes kids was up there because she was feeling like testimony meeting was missing something.  Right then a bunch more of them ran up to the front to bear their testimonies too :).  She seriously made my day.  For the first time ever Bradley leaned over and asked me if he "should bear his testimony".  I have a strict rule (for myself) that I not tell them to bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting.  I have ALWAYS wanted it to be their own thing, their own idea.  So I said, "If you feel like you should then I think you should and you are part of this ward so you are more than welcome to."  I'm glad he took that the right way and went up there :).  WE even got to hear from Luke who doesn't bear his testimony as often as the others.  There was a lot of sweet peace during their blessings as well.  One of the cool things about this ward transition for me is that I am usually VERY uncomfortable there and because of the discomfort, the peaceful feelings from the Spirit stand out and are much more noticeable than they are when I am comfortable and feeling at home.  So that has been an interesting side effect.   I am starting to get to know people and remembering a lot of names, which I'm proud of.  They are still so welcoming and make us all feel special.  It's nice.  I wish I had a calling.  I loved Choir practice!  I feel like I've lost some of my singing talent because I've been hiding it under a bushel for the past 2 years... I'm glad we're back in the saddle again.  Kelly came with me and it was a lot of fun- nice big choir!   9-4-16

PEPPERED SHRIMP ALFREDO
Another one for the books- Charity cooked a delicious Sunday dinner for us!  She never ceases to amaze me with her initiative and her abilities!

HOW OLD ARE YOU?
When Jack wants to know how old you are he asks, "What's your number?"  Makes me laugh.  And think of Gataca :).

LABOR DAY
I was supposed to spend the day making potato salad, but I procrastinated and played cards most of the day instead.  Charity worked on some homework for about 6 hours!  Everyone else was using the revolving door and were in and out with their friends most of the day.  It was a fun day.  We had a good time.  And I must say, it was a much needed break from life.  I did however keep up on the laundry and dishes, so I didn't take a break from that :).  9-5-16

FHE
For Jack's lesson, I had him use one of my pre-made lessons from my old FHE group in Eagle Mountain.  It ended up being a LOT of fun and he did such a cute job!  He sure embraces the being in charge role.  I'm glad he does.  He loved calling on people to "pick an apple off the tree" and talking about making good choices.  I loved that he shared his personal experience of sharing his toys with his friends.  That was awesome.  I love teaching him how to teach the Gospel.  He's adorable.  Nate passed out Fat Boys for the treat :).  And Molly's activity was singing "If You're Happy And You Know It".  She LOVED everyone's attention!!  So adorable!  9-6-16

SONS OF UTAH PIONEERS
Nate picked up a catering job with Emily's Dad for the Sons of Utah Pioneers.  It's been a long time coming and he's been really anxious and excited for it.  We worked SO HARD Tuesday (well, and Nate had really been working on it for a LOT longer of course, but this was the big day for it). I was making potato salad ALL DAY.  I really didn't stop for most of the morning.  Once I had made enough for 132 ice cream scoop-fulls, I stopped.  It ended up being about 80 potatoes, 3 bottles of mayo (kinda gross), 4 jars of pickles, 9 cans of olives (proabably should have used more), and 30 eggs.  I thought it turned out great, but the whole time I worried that my Grandma Mottishaw's delicious potato salad recipe, the only potato salad I will (happily) eat, might not be enough.  Hopefully it was though because I couldn't bring myself to change it in any way :).  It really is the best, it's just not all that fancy :).  It does lack in the crunch department.  Anyway, Nate was definitely running on nerves near the end, but pulled it off!!  I was so proud of him! We even got the food there, right on time! From what Emily said, they liked it!  And passed on Nate's info to a few even!  So that's cool!  Well done, babe!  9-6-16

MOM
While I was making potato salad, my mom stopped by and kept me company for the afternoon.  That was nice.  9-6-16

LACROSSE
We've officially started back up with Lacrosse!  Kelly decided at the very last possible minute (okay, maybe an hour and a half before the late registration coupon expired) to do Fall Lacrosse. She started practices this week and seems to feel like a pro this year- it's kind of nice to have her loving it and being comfortable from the first practice.  9-6-16

AMAZING RACE
The girls went to their second YW activity with the new ward this week.  They seemed to enjoy it enough.  Still having their reservations.  I don't blame them.  This ward is doing so much to help them feel comfortable though, so hopefully it comes with time at least.  I keep praying for them.  9-7-16

PRESSURE COOKER
Wednesday I got my free pressure cooker :).  It was fun to open it with Jack and Will :).  They were so thrilled about it all :).  I don't think they knew why.  I signed up for Viewpoints FOREVER ago and just a few months ago started receiving emails with surveys to sign up to receive free samples of products to review.  This was my first one.  It's a REALLY nice pressure cooker.  Something I NEVER would have bought myself.  I found some good recipes and we have eaten out of it a few times already.  I really love how fast it is.  That I don't have to plan ahead to cook in it like the crock pot.  Super easy too.  I did my review so hopefully I got points for that too.  I hope I get more free stuff :).  9-7-16

PTA PRESIDENT ELECT
So last week at the PTA breakfast, I gave Natalie the word that I would be the President Elect, but that I was hoping to find someone to do it with me.  I couldn't talk Emily into it (rightfully so), but Jami did take the bate and on Thursday sent me the "I'm in" text.  Then Friday at the vision screening, I signed something making it official!  We'll see how it all goes.  I'm a little nervous, but feeling pretty confident that I can learn enough this year to pull it off next year.  I'm interested to see why Mr. Denhalter was so persuasive.  We'll see.  9-9-16

LISA'S BIRTHDAY LUNCH
I got invited to go with Emily and Lisa to Cafe Rio to celebrate Lisa's birthday.  That was fun.  Nate let me leave Molly home so it was just Jack with me.  He was such a good boy.  I love how he holds my hand still :).  It was a great time chatting it up with my friends.  Stopped at Bountiful Park after for a few minutes and I got to carry Jack out of there kicking and screaming so that was lots of fun :).  9-9-16

LISA'S PASSION FOR POPCORN
Different Lisa :).  I had called Lisa's Passion for Popcorn earlier in the week to see if they would want to donate something to use as motivation for the kids for the Fun Run fundraiser.  I was thinking maybe a gift card or something and the guy I talked to was anxious to give us something more tangible for the kids, that they could get excited about so he offered a few gift baskets!  I had no idea they would give us what they did though!!  I picked up two giant boxes of three HUGE gift baskets full of fun food.  I couldn't believe their generosity!! I'm feeling weird about having asked for it, but how cool!  We might end up dividing the baskets up... not sure, but whatever. 9-9-16

SULLY
Nate and I went to see Sully Friday night.  The movie about the pilot landing the plane in the Hudson.  Pretty cool show!  I loved hearing Nate commenting on things during it.  The NTSB and the ATC viewpoint... hits a little close to home.  I loved it too.  Even got a little emotional thinking about how that would have been to be in their shoes.  It's crazy to think that saving 155 lives could be misconstrued as bad.  I'm glad things worked out.  We went to Panda Express after since Nate hadn't eaten all evening.  He was suffering with a lot of pain in his stomach from the antibiotics for his tooth infection.  Poor guy! Hopefully the yogurt we got him helps.  It was a MUCH needed date night!  SO glad we finally got to be together and alone!  It's been at least a month and a half!  9-9-16

"RUNNING"
Charity, Kelly and I started "running" in the morning.  I call it that because it's probably more like jogging, but we're wanting it to be running.  We started this training program to work up to becoming better runners.  I have to say we have done REALLY well!  Getting up at 5:00 in the morning all week except Wednesday when Charity left her running shoes at school.  It's been difficult but I must say I really enjoy it!  And I noticed a huge change in my mood and emotional health, the day we didn't go was my down day and I don't think that's a coincidence.  Physical health seems to have improved as well.  My body is incredibly sore during and right after, but I've been shocked at how it's helped my hips!!  They feel better than they did before! Kinda like when I started riding my bike.  My theory is correct, this is a pain that is cured with physical activity, not hindered.  It's pretty awesome.  And I must point out what a miracle it is that my feet have been doing so well!  They hurt like crazy during and right after, and of course my shin splints are INSANE, but in the morning, when I get up to go, my feet feel brand new!  No pain, no tightness, no soreness at all!!  This is pretty miraculous considering my feet and my past.  I don't think I've been "running" since 1998.  Yep, that bad.  I haven't tried or wanted to since then.  This whole running thing came to me as kind of a personal revelation recently and I'm SO glad I decided to start on it this week.  It's been remarkable to say the least.  I feel so much better.  I hope we can keep it up-  9-10-16

TALLEST
Noah and Jack were standing face to face on the bench at the table and Jack moved in closer and said, "Who's the tallest?"  HA!!  Noah is a whole head taller, so he slid his hand over the top of Jack's head, toward him, his hand touching the base of his neck and answered, "I am."  As if he was surprised at the results :).  Funny boys.  9-10-16

MAGIC TRICKS
Noah has been mastering some of his magic tricks, finding new ones on YouTube all the time, and teaching his tricks to some of his siblings.  The other day he was showing one to Jack and I heard this conversation:
Noah: When I die you're going to keep showing them [his magic tricks] to people.
Jack: I don't want you to die.
Noah: I'm not going to die right now.
Jack: Yeah, cuz you don't grow.
HA!!
9-10-16

LACROSSE
Erika went to her first lacrosse... practice?  I'm not sure what to call it.  It's kind of like a clinic.  She's too young to have games, but she does have a two hour practice on Saturdays.  She seemed to really like it!  She's definitely one of the few that takes it more seriously than some of the other girls :).  Doesn't surprise me.  She looked so cute out there though.  I'm glad she is doing something she wants to do.  It was fun when everyone else showed up (it was in Sandy so we drove two cars and traded with Nate so the rest of us could head on up to Park City for Kelly's game) and was watching her and giving her attention.  She loved that too.
Kelly had her first game.  It was a lot of fun to watch and got me all excited for the new season.  They didn't win, but maybe when they all learn each other's names and get few more practices under their belts, they'll do better.  They only lost by three and it was supposedly one of the best teams, so that was encouraging.  Kelly did great!  Even got in trouble for screaming in the other teams' faces on defense.  Apparently that's illegal.  Oops.  Better luck with the next refs :).  9-10-16

PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
The kids earned a movie night this week.  We went to the dollar store for treats and came home and watched, my choice, Phantom Tollbooth :).  I've been making the kids suffer through some of my childhood movies every month or so.  We were supposed to watch Chipmunk Adventure, but this was plan B.  They seemed okay with it.  Nobody fell asleep and nobody hated me afterward.  Some of them actually liked it too.  It was fun to see it again, myself, and catch so much more than I ever did as a kid.  Funny show.  9-10-16