Things to Remember Week of 3-19-17

I HAD A DREAM

So Sunday, while I was taking my beloved Sunday nap, I had the strangest, but most vivid dream!  The part that I remembered when I woke up was trying to look up a scriptures for someone.  Someone in the dream had asked me to look up Proverbs 3:5-6 (crazy that I pulled that one out of my head in a dream!).  I was trying to look it up but couldn't!  I had a big set of scriptures in front of me and at first I was going through D&C and then it occurred to me I was in the wrong book and I started trying to figure out if it was in the Old Testament or the New Testament, and I was singing the little songs (in my dream! Crazy right?!) to try to remember which book it was in.  Then I was trying to use my phone to look it up (like that would make it easier or something) and I still couldn't get to the right book fast enough- and for some reason I was feeling a lot of pressure to find this scriptures quickly.  Not sure why.  So THEN a light bulb goes off and I think- SIRI! Of course!  Why hadn't I thought of that?  So I push the button and ask Siri to let me hear Proverbs 3:5-6 and of course, it pulls up some random, dumb video that has nothing to do with the scriptures.  I was very disappointed and frustrated with my phone by then.  And then I woke up.  It was SO WEIRD!!  So of course I started wondering what this dream could mean and why I had that scripture in my head and I thought I could remember it and when I looked it up I had been right- it's the "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct thy paths." one.  That might be slightly off- it's just from memory right now.  It happens to be one of the FEW scriptures still left in my brain- with it's reference apparently- from my scripture mastery/seminary days.  It was all just too remarkable to not read into it.  So I did.  And I have decided that this is a message that Heavenly Father has been trying to get across to me for a few months now.  He just keeps on reinforcing it.  First with the flat tire on Sunday a few months ago and a few other little things, and now this dream.  I really do feel like I need to put way more trust in the Lord.  I need to stop relying on earthly things and the modern conveniences I have on hand, but asking him for help and relying on Him and His infinite wisdom.  I know I will be better off.  I used this dream and lesson to decide that Kelly and Erika might just need blessings for the ailments they are feeling lately.  Maybe they just need to have that comfort too.  So Monday night Nate gave Kelly a blessing.  I hope that helps her a little.  She suffers so much all the time.  I wish I had better answers and I wish all the ones I've learned about and looked up had worked, but I also wish I'd thought to consult Heavenly Father first.  He knows all.  He can help me better than any dumb search engine.  I can see Satan using the internet in this way to pull people away from their faith and exercising it.  I don't want to let him get me.  I'm really grateful for this dream and the reminder.  I hope I can do better in the future.  3-20-17

STEPS

When I weighed in last week I had only lost 1 pound.  Which is good, just not as good as the 3-4 that I had lost the previous two weeks.  Which is actually fine, I know it's not healthy to lose too much too fast.  So I am actually very satisfied with it.  I just realized that I could definitely be more active.  So I'm raising my step goal from 6,000 to 10,000.  Sounds cheesy but I think having the goal and having that on my app is helping me.  I am determined!  AND I have been doing really good at reaching my goal most days since I made this decision.  Go me.  3-20-17

FHE
Erika taught the most well-thought out lesson last night!  I was so impressed!  I had suggested that she work with one of her older sibs on her lesson because I'd been too busy to help her with anything, but much to our surprise, she did it all on her own!  She used what she had learned in her Primary class and just kind of redid that.  It was about the Holy Ghost and we did a fun little object lesson where someone had to leave the room, come back and find something based on what people were saying about where it was.  She related this to how we have to listen to the Holy Ghost and ignore the other voices.  SO COOL!!  I love that she did it all on her own!  She asked questions, bore her testimony!  It was so incredible!  I was so proud of her!  She did really great.  I love that these little LITTLE kids are coming up with their own lessons and that we are all learning something new and able to have discussions and things for our family nights.  It's so cool!  For Jack's game, he created an interesting version of Hide and Go Seek.  He would pick three people to go hide, he was in charge of looking for them and the rest of us were instructed to sing the song that he chose :).  We all got a good little laugh about it, he was so cute, being in charge and all.  It was a pretty fun game :).  For Molly's treat we went and got free soft serve cones at Dairy Queen.  Everyone except Kelly, Erika, Nate and I.  No milk for the girls, Nate got an slushie too, and I actually didn't want anything!  Who would have thought that I'd pass up a blizzard!!  It was looking at the internet and seeing that a small blizzard is 500 calories!!!!  SO not worth it!  I came home and made a protein shake for myself :).  Drank it with a straw to make it feel like a treat :).  Such a dork.  Good stuff though.  3-20-17

PRODUCE
Produce this week went well.  I didn't have any problems until 10:00 that night when Lisa texted to say that Kris hadn't picked hers up.  I basically talked her into dropping out via text when I let her know it was still there and that she needed to pay for it.  We need all the people we can get, but she is SO UNRELIABLE!!  So that was nice.  I was grateful for my mom's help with Jack and Molly while I was sorting.  She came a quarter of the way through and took them home for me.  Which was good because they were not loving it.  Then she stayed most of the day to hang out.  I told her all about my meal plan, let her taste my protein molten lava cake, gave her a tennis ball thing to help with her plantar fascitis.  It was a fun day.  If only I'd gotten more done though.  Oh well.  3-21-17

UGH
Wednesday evening was hectic.  I didn't love it.  I couldn't get dinner done the way I wanted so I ended up calling it a leftover night.  Which was fine especially since Nate, Charity, Kelly, Bradley, and Luke were all gone at mutual and scouts.  Well, Nate and Bradley weren't exactly gone, they were in the backyard making tin foil dinners, but still.  It was a crazy evening.  I felt like I'd been eaten alive by the time I finally went to bed.  I did however lose 2 more pounds this week!! Making my total pounds lost a whopping 17!!  I'm pretty proud of myself really :).  A little more than 10 inches too!  Pretty awesome.  Who would have thought this could happen!  Not me.  3-22-17

LUKE MATURATION

Luke and Nate got to go to his Maturation program on Friday.  I think they had a great time :).  I love Luke's innocence.  I think he learned some good stuff.  He came home early and got to have lunch with Nate, Jack, Molly and I.  Fun stuff :).  3-23-17

GAME NIGHT

We had a really fun game night with the Maughans, Patanes and Caldwells.  I have not had that much fun in a while.  It was really neat getting to know the Patanes a little better and having some fun with friends.  Thanks to Kelly and Charity for babysitting.  Lots of fun.  3-24-17

MARATHON BAPTISM SESSION

Holy moly, you would not believe how packed the temple was today!  The girls insisted that they go to the temple Saturday morning at 6:45!!  I was so shocked when they woke me up- it felt way too early.  But we got there and the entire lobby- outside of the baptistry- was PACKED!!  Completely full!!  We ended up waiting pretty long to even go in the door and show them our recommends!  It was crazy!  I did get to meet an interesting lady who was waiting for her daughter who was inside doing the baptisms for her mother and grandmother!  Pretty cool!  She was different.  I felt bad for her that she didn't have a recommend to go do them with her, but she said she's been sick and wasn't able to get an interview.  She told me all about her daughter's boyfriend on a mission and how him going on a mission was pulling her out of a little bit of a slump.  Kind of cool.  She was really nice.  I saw a few people I knew coming in or leaving from upstairs- that was cool.  We finally got in and then had to wait some more of course.  It was nice though- I love the peace the temple brings.  It's like no other.  I was concerned about Nate and the kids- but of course they were just fine and in fact we came home to a very clean house- floors mopped and everything!!  So to make the stay even longer, Kelly lost her key.  She stood around in her towel drip drying all over the locker room for about a half hour until they brought the master key.  Kind of funny.  Poor girl.  She actually handled it really well.  I was proud of her.  Then we did confirmations.  That took a little waiting too :).  It was a nice time though.  Charity's friend Lindee was with us as well.  We left only three hours after we got there and made a traditional stop at Great Harvest.  I love that my girls love to go to the temple.  3-25-17

Things to Remember Week of 3-12-17

SHE DID IT!!!
Kelly did it!!  She got her Young woman medallion, today, before she finished Beehives!!!  She's so awesome!  I am so proud of her and this accomplishment!  She set out to do something in a certain amount of time and did it!  And she actually did do it.  It's so incredible.  It's been really cool to hear her talk about working on her honor bees already :).  I'm glad she's going to take the momentum and run with it rather than just checking this off her list.  Such a cool girl.  3-12-17

SHARING TIME
I loved my Sharing time again this week!  It went pretty well.  I only wish the Library had had pictures of the Apostles!  But other than that- I think the kids are learning more about the Prophets and Apostles.  3-12-17

BIG KIDS
Today, as Bradley, Kelly and I were leaving Choir practice, it occurred to me that I have two really old kids here!!  (more, but just at that moment)  It was one of those rude awakenings.  I can't believe we're in the stage we're in already!  I feel like life is running and I'm still jogging, just trying to catch up with it.  I love that I have them though, and couldn't escape the feelings that they're still so much fun!  I feel like they're my buddies.  It's cool to be able to talk with them and carry on fun conversations with them.  It's nice that the growing up is still enjoyable.  3-12-17

DAD HOME
Nate took the day off, Sunday, so we were able to spend a lot of the evening with him!  He and I took our Sunday nap together :).  That was nice.  And then later went on a nice long walk around the ward.  It is always a nice little privilege to have him here on Sunday evenings.  Definitely not taken for granted.  3-12-17

FHE
Jack taught us about the Good Samaritan.  He was so cute asking questions and calling on people to answer them.  And how impatient he got when Nate was sharing his awesome experience on his mission.  He whispered to me, "Dat a loooong one... I don't want to ask a long one." HA!  He was so proud of himself.  I loved it.  Everyone was really sweet and contributed.  For the activity we each picked a family in our ward and we made some Scotcheroos to deliver to all of them.  It was a lot of fun.  I only wish we'd started sooner, we didn't deliver them until 8:00/8:30!  And they were super runny still.  They needed more time in the freezer.  Oh well.  We're going to try to put a little more emphasis on service.  For the treat we had Scotcheroos.  3-13-17

POOP
We finally got to hang out with Emily, walked over to the park and talked for a little while, and then Jack needed to poop.  If only the bathroom had been open.  We had to cut it short.  Such a bummer.  3-14-17

LACROSSE
Kelly started back up with LAX!  I don't know why I love Lacrosse so much, but it's just so fun that she has a think like that and gets into it.  She had her first practice Tuesday.  Can't wait for games to start!  3-14-17

ERIKA WELL CHILD VISIT
We finally got Erika in for her well child visit.  Only 5 months late.  She is looking good, minus her random stomach aches.  Hopefully one of the doctor's ideas will help.  3-14-17

BRENT'S BIRTHDAY
We went over to Grandma Hatch's house for Brent's party Tuesday evening, leaving Noah home for scouts.  It was fun!  It's always good to see everyone.  I'm glad the kids are getting some more time with their cousins.  3-14-17

TTM CAFE
We found out we are in the final 4!!!  TTM Cafe is still a hit!  I've been helping out every afternoon, as much as I can.  The kids have been working their hearts out.  I think they need a break from it all though- I'm glad it's going to be over soon.  They act differently when they spend all day in front of a screen!  3-15-17

PRIMARY FOOD NIGHT
We did our little Pizza Party night!  It was surprisingly a BIG HIT!!  I couldn't believe it really.  Barbara is right- you get food, people come.  I was SHOCKED at the turn out!  We were missing a few, but seriously, we had to get out more chairs!  Luckily we had enough food :).  It was a nice evening, pretty casual.  I enjoyed it a lot.  I'm so grateful for the teachers we have in Primary and for all that they do.  Especially my kids' teachers- they really are awesome.  I only wish I could have done my "Thank you" job and had it be the only time my job was done.  Someday.  3-15-17

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Nate and I went to see Beauty and the Beast and let me just say that I was slightly disappointed.  That's all.  3-16-17

GARAGE DAY
So we did it!  We finally cleaned out the garage!  It was very refreshing.  It's nice to feel like their is a clean area of the house.  And I was super happy to not find any mouse poop or any dead mice :).  Bradley and I made a trip up to the dump when we were done.  We found it all by ourselves and everything.  I loved spending some time with just him even if it was at the dump :). 3-18-17

Things to Remember Week of 3-5-17

SHARING TIME
I was SO happy with how Sharing time went today!  In both Primaries!  I planned and prayed so hard!  And thankfully Heavenly Father helped me out.  I even had several compliments and my kids said they enjoyed it as well.  It was really nice to come away feeling good.  3-5-17

CUB COMMITTEE
Kind of annoying, but we've basically been kicked out of the Super Pack.  It wouldn't be so annoying except that we were staying FOR THEM!  I would have been happy to ditch them a long time ago but because of the numbers, we decided to stay together.  Now we're left scrambling for new leaders and the boys are all going to have changes with den meeting times, bla bla bla... not to mention all the lame changes with Pack Meeting.  I wish we could do something different.  Oh well.  Anyway.  3-5-17

MOM AND SIMON
We had my mom and Simon over for dinner tonight.  Mostly to just give them a little break.  I know things have been stressful for them with all the surgeries and other people to take care of so we thought we'd take care of them :).  Charity made chicken and potatoes in the crock pot.  I was still doing my 15 day challenge, so I didn't eat any, but it was all gone at the end- the kids seemed to love it!  Same with Grandma and Simon.  They stayed and visited for a little while- that was nice.  3-5-17

FHE- JAZZ GAME
Nate couldn't resist the cheaper tickets this Monday, so we headed down to Salt Lake for family night to watch a Jazz Game!  They were playing the Pelicans.  It was so much fun to watch!  We totally killed him in one of the lowest scoring games I've seen.  We were second from the very top row, nose-bleeds, but nobody cared :).  Everyone seemed to have a great time!  I loved watching everyone enjoying it.  Even Molly did pretty well.  I think Nate could have done without all the potty breaks and if I hadn't had the dumb PMS issues I had (why there??), I would have been more helpful.  It was a rough night for me physically.  But good times!  3-6-17

HUBBLE 3D
Thanks to Lisa taking produce for me and Becky tending Jack and Molly, I was able to go on Bradley's field trip with him on Tuesday.  It was really flattering that he wanted me there as much as he did, so I was willing to go to great lengths to get there with him :).  I knew we were going to go see a movie, but I had no idea it was going to be the Hubble movie that I love so much!!  I've seen this three times now- it's AMAZING!!  I seriously feel like it's the most spiritual experience!  Bradley was fun to be with and made me feel so loved, sitting by me and everything!  I just love that kid.  I realized that this was probably one of the last field trips I will ever go on with him!  Kinda crazy.  I need time to slow down!  3-7-17

MEETINGS
After I complained to Barbara about the changes the Bishopric had proposed to us for Cub Scouts, she arranged a meeting with Bro. Pederson.  It was very awkward.  And I felt weird saying that I disagreed with what they'd proposed, but I felt like I was heard.  I support the Bishopric 100%, and if they were making those changes because they'd felt inspired to do so, that would be one thing.  The way it was just didn't feel right.  I hope we can keep things somewhat the way they are for at least a little while.  Until all the new people can get their feet under them.  Very awkward though.  Then that night, we had our Presidency meeting.  Barbara wanted us to share some things about ourselves at the end, so we ended up being there, just talking, til 12:30!!!  That was a 3 1/2 hour meeting.  Kinda nuts.  Although, I did learn some interesting things about all three ladies.  Very crazy.  3-7-17

15 DAY CHALLENGE
So 15 days ago I signed up for a 15 day challenge to help me jump-start my metabolism and lose a little weight.  I wasn't really sure what I was getting into and had no idea how hard it was going to be.  There was a very strict meal plan that I had to follow, two flush days at the beginning and two more at the end.  Very low carb on the flush days and then moderate carb the rest of the time.  There were only three days worth of meals planned out, so I was eating the same things every three days.  It was actually pretty good food though, not a lot of complaints there.  Then there were set workouts for each day as well.  Rest day on Sundays and a treat day on day 6 or 7.  I think I already wrote about that.  Anyway.  I had my doubts since I've had little to no success with any of the other work I've put into myself.  But this was the biggest surprise ever!!  I followed the whole challenge to a T!!  Even having a relatively healthy treat meal!  I did SO GOOD!!  I didn't cheat once!  It was super hard, but I was so proud of myself at the end.  I lost 7 pounds (on top of the mysterious 7 I had lost between 2 months ago and Day 1) by the end and almost 9 inches!  I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!  And I can feel changes in my body.  It's been so awesome!  I got super motivated and with Nate's help I found another thing online- AthleanXX for women.  This is a 90 day program with a meal plan (you can choose to follow it or not) as well as workouts for each day.  Both of these programs have helped me to focus on what I am eating and getting all the right nutrients.  I think it's safe to say that I wasn't eating enough of the right things before and too much of the wrong things.  I needed more protein in my diet and more water- I'm drinking a gallon a day now!  I am really motivated and anxious to lose more weight!  I hope this is the beginning!  3-7-17

TTM CAFE
We've started back up with the TTM Cafe.  I'm slightly less interested in all of this this year.  It feels like it's just the parents and teachers trying to convince the kids that this is important to them and that they want to win.  The kids have taken off and have blown last year's scores out of the water which is pretty amazing.  But the TTM company keeps doing weird things that makes me think they don't want Columbia in the running again and certainly don't want us winning again.  Which irritates me because they didn't even declare a real winner last year.  Such a let down.  So anyway.  Charity and Kelly have been helping every morning and after school most days.  And I've done a couple of the afternoons.  We'll see how it goes- we're in the Elite 8 right now.  3-7-17

ORTHO/DENTIST/SITTING
Wednesday was my sitting day.  I took Bradley to his ortho consultation where we learned that he doesn't have any reason to need braces other than cosmetic, so he is opting out of that.  That was actually kind of a relief.  We got him back to the school before PE, which was a HUGE relief!  Then I went over to the church to open it for Playgroup.  We only stayed for about 15 minutes (the last of which was when the first person showed up) before leaving for the dentist.  Luke and Noah both needed work done.  So that was another two hours of sitting.  Then took them back to school.  Ran a few errands and then headed out to take Kelly to the dentist as well.  This was a bummer of a visit.  It was supposed to be a teeth cleaning visit, but the Hygienist ended up accidentally pulling out one of her really loose teeth.  Then because I was so anxious and the Dentist wanted to help, he ended up pulling the other loose tooth as well.  She is now all ready to get going with the braces, but not so happy with me!  Totally ruined her day by letting them pull those teeth.  Hopefully she can forgive me.  It really was for the best!  Unfortunately for her.  3-8-17

REGISTRATION
We did it!  We are all ready for the 2017-2018 school year!  We registered Bradley a week or so ago for Jr. High.  Then Jack on Monday (after his horrible shots!!!  Poor guy!) for Kindergarten.  Then This week, on her birthday actually, we finished registering Charity for High School!  It's done!  I can't believe we'll have at least one in each school!  Big year for us :).  3-9-17

HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
This was a new one for me.  Charity had already filled out all the classes she wanted after reviewing some of them at the Orientation night.  She knew what she wanted.  We went to her appointment with a counselor from the High School and the first thing the lady says is, "I am a counselor in training." With a big smile.  Later we found out that Charity and I had both felt the same way about that sentence... kind of disappointed we weren't getting a real one.  It was okay though.  The only thing I didn't like was that because Charity said she wanted to be a Home Ec Teacher, this counselor was trying to talk her into getting rid of some of her AP classes to take sewing or Foods, or one of the classes that fit in with that more.  Seemed REALLY LAME for them to be doing that!  She's 15.  I think it's possible she will still want to do that later, but what if she doesn't!!  We don't want her to be stuck in a corner with no other options!  I say if she wants AP classes, let her take AP classes!!!  College credit!!!  I was glad Charity didn't budge too much.  We did find out that she can possibly take Fit for Life online during the summer!  So that's encouraging.  We'll see how it all goes.  It looks to me like she's going to have a great year!  Especially with her AP Psychology class with Mrs. Whitlock!!  So cool :).  3-9-17

LITERACY NIGHT
I thought this went pretty well.  It was super crowded, so I think they had a good turnout.  It was interesting to be involved with a little of the planning this year.  Not that I planned any of it, but just hearing it all.  I did help with rounding up some prizes.  I think the kids had fun.  I only wish there was more of a purpose behind the drawings.  I think they do the drawing because it gets the kids there, but I just think there could be a bigger purpose.  I don't know.  3-9-17

NICE WEATHER
We've had some really nice weather the last few days!  I really couldn't be happier with having the kids out and standing out there visiting with friends... it's a good thing :).  3-11-17

Things to Remember Week of 2-26-17

A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER!
This was one of the biggest (as in special) we've had in a long time!  You could feel it in the air too- big things were happening and the Spirit was here- it was awesome.  We had family council, went to church, Barbara gave us her bench because she was embarrassed that she was hogging it- which she should be since she is one person and her family is always late :)....hahahaha.... I'm kidding.  But it was super nice of her to give us "her" bench.  I will continue to call it that.  I got to watch my cute boy pass the sacrament (he's still cute even when he's wearing non matching suit pants :) )  We had Primary, Sunday school, and YW and YM, just as usual.  Got home and the excitement began!  Wait, I think these big things need their own posts- I can't just group all of this special-ness together.  I will say that the planets aligned ever so nicely for us because all the things that were going to conflict with other things- well, they got canceled!  Pretty "lucky".... slash blessed!!!  I KNOW it was a miracle.  I don't overlook those kinds of things and call them luck.  Choir and something else, oh! my cub committee meeting (although- I would have had the perfect excuse to miss that one, which could have also been a blessing :) HA!).  So anyway- here's the cool stuff that happened:

CHARITY'S BLESSING
My new favorite parenting thing is witnessing them receiving their Patriarchal Blessings.  Charity got hers on Sunday.  What a COOL... AMAZING.... and SPECIAL experience that was!!!  It was so incredible.  I really don't have the words to describe it- I don't know why I keep trying.  It really was just more than I ever expected it to be!  Hearing all the things that Heavenly Father has in store for her and feeling all the love that he has for her!!!  AND hearing all that he knows about her!!  SO INCREDIBLE!!  I love our Patriarch, I think he's amazing.  I loved the Spirit that was there- so touching!  And I LOVE that it strengthened my testimony of the Priesthood again.  Like getting my own, it was just so remarkable to witness the Priesthood in that way.  Just so cool!!  I'm anxious for her to get her copy.  AND I'm anxious for the next seven :).  I really can't wait- totally makes up for the potty-training torture!  2-26-17

KELLY'S INTERVIEW FOR HER YW MEDALLION
Kelly set a goal to finish her Personal Progress before she moved out of Beehives and SHE DID IT!!!  I am SO amazed and SO proud of her!  She scheduled her interview with the Bishop for this Sunday and he actually didn't get the word about the interview so he wasn't planning on it and actually ALMOST rescheduled it, but THANKFULLY!!! and probably an answer to the prayers my heart was screaming out at the moment, he didn't!  I was SO RELIEVED!!!  So was Kelly- she has a history of that kind of stuff, but not anymore!  So she passed!!  She should be receiving her medallion any day now!!  So cool!!  What a cool girl!  2-26-17

ERIKA'S GREAT TO BE 8 PROGRAM
This was another biggie since I had been helping plan it and making the cake for it!  Erika and I were both very excited for it!  It ended up going really well!  It's so much fun to think about Erika getting baptized!  I love that my kids are anxious and willing to take that step!  I love that they are so excited for it.  Erika was so cute having all the attention from Mom and Dad- we need to do that more often, we've slipped up-  and it was cute to see her getting all excited but still remaining cool :).  She already knows how it goes, so it wasn't too much new info, but still :).  2-26-17

ALSO
This was the same night as the Priesthood Preview as well- although, none of our family was as involved in that.  Course Nate and Bradley and I were all there.  It was a good little program too.  I'm so grateful for the Priesthood!  It's hard to believe some people go their whole life without ever experiencing it's power and knowing it.  2-26-17

LUKE'S EAR
So, we went the whole weekend hoping the antibiotics would work and much to my dismay they didn't!!  So we took him to the doctor.  Of course he had an ear infection and we found out that dentists give a much lower concentration for antibiotics than doctors would for an ear infection so that is why it wasn't doing anything for his ear.  Kind of interesting and good to know.  Too bad I'll probably forget it.  So we got him a stronger dose- hopefully he will have some relief soon!!  He really can't afford to miss much more school!  2-27-17

VISITING TEACHERS
This was only the 2nd time my visiting teachers have even tried to schedule and appointment to visit me in the almost six months they've been my teachers and they cancelled!  I guess they're planning on coming tomorrow, but so far, they've only come once.  I really like them and think it would be really fun to get to know both of them, but they don't seem motivated.  It's kind of a bummer for me and today I realized that visiting teachers are one of my must haves.  Heavenly Father has almost always blessed me with amazing, faithful, visiting teachers who end up being life long friends some of them, so I shouldn't whine about it.  But I do have to say that this is one of the things that makes it so I can do what I do.  People always ask me, "How do you do it?" and Nate is always the first one that pops in my head.  Not many women have the support and help that I do from Nate, so I feel very blessed and have to acknowledge that he is 90% of why, but I learned that visiting teaching is in there too.  I need that "social" outlet.  It's a low pressure, low stress, social-ish outlet.  And I need it!  I can say that.  I hate it when they don't come, I hate it when I feel like an assignment and they say, "Can we just count our chat last night for this month?"  I need it to feel sincere.  I know beggars can't be choosers, but if I'm being honest, this is how I feel.  I hope this is just temporary, or that I can somehow seem like someone who they want to spend time with- I don' tknow- I just need to get over it maybe.  We'll see.  2-27-17

TREAT MEAL
I was given one treat meal while I'm on this 15 day challenge, and I was trying really hard to talk myself out of a treat meal and just tough my way through it, but I felt like I was going to cave if I didn't.  So I decided to just make it a little bit of a treat- not anything too crazy.  I knew it needed to be under 600 calories so I realized my 1100 calorie FAVORITE Raspberry Chipotle Burrito that I love so much was out (Can you believe it has THAT MANY CALORIES!!!!  And I've been eating them for LUNCH!?  No wonder!).  So I did a little research and found out that a regular Raspberry Chipotle SALAD is only 467 (With the toppings I choose).  So that was it!  I counted down the days and minutes til I could have it- it actually kind of carried me through Sunday- I was dying.  So unfortunately I didn't get to go have a nice sit down lunch with Emily there, but I did get to go pick one up and ate it really quickly with Luke before heading up to the Doc.  It was delicious!  And tasted every bit as good as the burrito!  Okay, I'm lying a little, but it was CLOSE!  Real close!  And knowing it's only a third of the calories!  I could do that.  So anyway.  I feel like this challenge is really changing the way I think about food and nutrition.  I don't think I could ever do cold turkey forever on anything, but this has definitely opened my eyes to how much I eat without really thinking about it.  And the wrong things.  I'm hoping I can stick with some of these new habits I've gained.  I love the idea of losing weight, I'm so happy that I have already started to and that this could be the beginning of something awesome.  I just need to stick with it!!  I think I can.  2-27-17

DAVIS HIGH ORIENTATION
Charity, Nate and I ventured into unfamiliar territory today!!  It was a little crazy!!  I can't believe my baby is going to be in High School next year!!!  Feels so weird to even think about it!  We had a lot of fun though, walking around, clueless, looking for stations for her to go talk to teachers about homework expectations and course requirements.  Kind of exciting really.  She's going to start making decisions that will actually shape her future!!  It was so neat to have listened to her blessing the day before and know that this High School experience will probably be a great foundation for what lies ahead.  I LOVED running into my old AP Psychology teacher from Viewmont, Mrs. Whitlock!  She's been at Davis for three years.  She said she remembered me and could "picture my handwriting in her head"!!!!  WHAT?!!!!!  Either she's really good at lying or she's got one heck of a memory for handwriting.  I did have her for a year and half though.  And I watched her kid in the Day Care.  So anyway.  That will be fun for Charity to have her!  Charity had chosen all of her classes the night before, so it was good to get a feel (so far in advance though!) for what they will be like and what direction she is going!!  It was really cool.  I only wish we'd gotten there on time.  We missed the little rally at the beginning.  I guess we'll have to see what it is next year.  I got to see who Walker is, although not introduced, just have a face to go with the name now :).  2-27-17

FHE
Nate taught the lesson on Prayer.  He used my peanut butter and jelly analogy, but glammed it up a bit :).  Not his exact words, but I can't think of his right now.  It was less feminine than glam.  OH!  FLAIR!!  He was going to give it some flair :).  haha... sounds funnier now than it did then... HA!  Then we played Down by the Bank- because time was running low- we got home late from the orientation- and everyone got Dairy Queen blizzards for the treat- except me of course.  I had a protein dessert :).  2-27-17

LeAnn
For the longest time LeAnn has been inviting me over for pancakes.  Something about having a lot of pancake mix and wanting to use it up.  We were FINALLY able to schedule something this Tuesday, but as I was confirming it with her, I realized I can't eat pancakes!!!!  AH!  SO I embarrassingly told her that I can't actually eat, but that I still wanted to come over (how rude is that?).  It ended up being a VERY much needed visit!!  I just love LeAnn!  She's so good to me!  She's so matter-of-fact.  Makes me happy :).  We talked for a good hour before Jack started needing to go home.  It was really a nice breath of fresh air.  2-28-17

ONE
So ONE of my visiting teachers remembered our rescheduled appointment.  She came and the few minutes that we talked were great.  I really like her!  She seems nervous or awkward or something, but she's still fun to talk to.  Then her son pooped in his pullup.  So she left.  It was so nice of her to come.  It really restored my faith in... them :). Haha!  I sound like a brat don't I?   2-28-17

DIFFERENT
Wednesday turned out way different from my plan.  That always throws me off.  I'm a creature of habit.  I live for habits.  This makes me have to think and that makes me tired.  So I was tired on Wednesday too.
Rather than doing a really hard workout, like I had the day before, my workout was pretty easy.  Bummed me out until I realized I could go do Insanity that morning too!
Rather than doing Insanity with everyone, I decided I needed a shower instead so that I would be ready at a moment's notice.
Rather than going to playgroup, I decided to let Molly sleep.
Rather than being on time for PTA meeting, I decided to forget when it started and walk in late.
Then instead of enjoying the meeting and feeling motivated about next eyar- I felt the complete opposite.  These feelings are lingering.
Rather than staying at the meeting til it ended, I had to run out early, tossing all the tickets I'd gotten for prizes to Natalie, and go get Nate's Lug wrench before being late to meet him at his work at 1:00.  And of course, instead of taking the right exit to Nate's work, I drove right past it and had to get off a couple exits later to get back on.  See what I mean about off?!!

The rest of the day was pretty normal.  Sort of.  Emotionally I was a wreck.  I couldn't get myself to smile.  It was really crappy.  I hate days like that!  I had psyched myself up for the evening, knowing Nate and three big kids were going to be gone til probably 11:00, to play games and have fun with the littles before bed, but of course that was thrown out the window too with all the drama and injuries that evening.  Such a drag.  Fit though.  I needed an attitude adjustment that didn't come until the next day.  Glad every day isn't like this one!!  3-1-17

FLOW RIDER
Nate and the kids/YM/YW had a blast at Flowrider!  It was fun to hear all their stories and how everyone did :).  Made me super jealous, but not at the same time :).  3-1-17

NOPE
So I thought that while me and the littles were home together for a longer evening than usual on Wednesday that we would "have some extra fun!"  I couldn't think of what to do or what kind of fun, but we were going to have it!  It was going to be great!  Nope.  Not so much.   It was actually pretty miserable.  I just couldn't catch a break with the kids.  Everyone was WAY off!  I remember at one point noticing that we had 3 of the 5 kids here crying- and not just crying, but CRYING! like SCREAMING CRYING! all at one time.  It was nuts.  Not my favorite.  3-1-17

RED UMBRELLA
So Emily and I went back to Bennion Craft again this week for another painting class!  It was SO MUCH FUN!!  I could seriously make a hobby out of this!  I love the classes!  This painting was a little more complicated.  I kind of thought it would be.  But it was still a lot of fun.  I was shocked at how much I liked my picture.  Of course there are things I don't like, but honestly- it's really not bad if I do say so myself.  If I could do it over again, I would shape my water differently (I feel like that was the helper girl's fault because she wiped off my brush where I wanted to do water) and I would do better trees... they're really not my favorite part.  They're fine, but they look too generic.  So anyway.  I was super happy with how my umbrella looked!  All those years of drawing umbrellas sure paid off :).  AND I would do leaves further down on my trees.  There.  That's all.  Sort of :).  I totally love doing the painting though!  Who would have thought I'd enjoy something like that!  Not me!  I wish Grandma Mottishaw were here to see them!  I mean, I'm sure she can see them, but I"d love to be able to see her reaction.  Anyway- can't wait for the flower one!  Thanks to Charity for babysitting for me!  Poor Nate had overtime that evening.  3-2-17

SHOTS
Bradley needed his Jr. High shots so I scheduled his well-child visit the same time as Molly's :).  It was fun to take them to the doctor together.  They are both looking good.  Poor Bradley was NOT looking forward to the shots.  It was a testament to his sensitive side when his red little face had tear streaks down them as he was getting up ONto the table.  Before they even started he was losing it emotionally.  Such a sweet kid.  I really can't get enough of that kid.  He just surprises me so much.  He's growing up so fast and so well.  I really couldn't be happier.  He was tough during the shots and didn't shed too many tears.  He got his frosty on the way home.  We decided that if he didn't cry he could have a frosty and then when he said he was bummed that he probably wouldn't get one because he was probably going to cry, I decided that then we'd have to get him a frosty because we felt bad for how sad and hurt he was!  So either way :).  Too bad I didn't get one!  Only 5 more days!  Molly luckily didn't have any shots this time.  He's going to wait til her next check up to worry about her bowl-legged-ness.  I hope that's a good thing :).  She didn't love the whole visit.  She is one of my "don't try to distract me or trick me into doing things" kids so the doctor's office isn't her favorite.  She is onto them the minute they start with the cheerful voice and compliments.  We'll see how long she takes to get over that :).  Love that girl.  She's such a sweetie.  I love that she is so anxious to see the world and test things out.  She's learning things at a million miles a minute!  It's fun to watch her enjoying it all.  3-3-17

BASKETBALL
Well, this was it!  Our last games of the season.  Such a sad day.  Unfortunately, Noah's friend James had his birthday party at the same time as Noah's game so he chose to go to that and missed his last game.  But he did have a good time at James' Nerf Gun Party.  Meanwhile, the rest of us went to Bradley and Luke's game and boy was that thrilling!!!  Such a fun game!  I mean, minus the obnoxious parents from the other team behind us.  They were so very rude.  The refs were crappy (as usual- we had the same two refs at almost every game), but there were SO many good plays and moves by everyone on the team!  It was so much fun to watch!  I really love watching my boys play!  I get so excited every time!  Luke made all but one of the five or six shots he took- some pretty amazing steals as well!  And Bradley made a bunch too :). Together they made up about 3/4 of all the points.  Pretty awesome.  3-4-17

Things to Remember Week of 2-19-17

PRESIDENT'S DAY
The kids had Monday off so we decided to do some fun things.  In the morning I took everyone to Granny Annie's for scones which ended up being... not the best idea.  Molly was NOT happy, Bob, not happy.  She screamed a lot.  We got lots of weird looks.  That was annoying.  I think everyone enjoyed their scones though.  I LOVED Brad's, "If anyone can't finish theirs, I will take it." all business-like, then scooting plates around to accommodate all of his donations.  It was cute.  He really is getting big/old.  Luke was hilarious to watch too- his scone was drowning in melted honey butter and he was holding it in his hands, totally making a huge mess.  It was fun.  I love that we can do stuff like that, even when it is less than ideal.  Later on in the day we went to see Moana at the Kaysville Theater.  This was our second time seeing it, but everyone loves it so much it was fun to see it again.  We did have to stand in a really long (time-wise) line before getting in and the place was PACKED!  But Nate showed up shortly after it started and took Molly for me!  So sweet!  She ended up falling asleep for him, so that was good.  It was a fun afternoon.  2-21-17

FHE
I taught the lesson this week, we did the ol' try to put the toothpaste back in the tube analogy for the things we say.  Hopefully some of it sank in with some of them.  Kelly had the great idea to go get F'reals at Maverick for the treat and we all watched the All Star/Slam Dunk contest for our activity.  That was actually quite the highlight- listening to everyone's comments and cheers... and sadness when Gordon Hayward got out.  We have some major Jazz fans here.  2-20-17

15 DAY CHALLENGE
I signed up for this free 15 day challenge thing on Facebook.  It was supposed to start Monday, but I forgot so Tuesday was my big DAY 1!  It's got pretty strict meal plans and workouts for the whole 15 days.  You have to drink a gallon of water a day too, which has been interesting.  I think all the trips to the bathroom are really helping with my step count.  I'm on day 2 and so far the program is really amazing!  It's been really cool so far.  I think the only reason I can follow it and not eat basically anything is because it's 15 days.  I'm hoping it will train me to eat better and help me to get a better feel of how I need to be working out and the nutrition I need.  Plus, it's supposed to help kind of jump start my metabolism.  I've been getting TONS of protein, which is pretty crazy for me and now that I think of it- probably a big part of why I am already losing weight.  Course, I didn't weigh myself Tuesday morning like I was supposed to, I weighed Tuesday evening, but the cool thing was that I am 7 pounds down from what I was the last time I weighed myself.  Probably the stomach bug helped a little with that, but I'm hoping to lose even more still.  We'll see how it goes.  I hope I can stick with it the whole time.  I'm doing so well so far!  I even got back into my routine of getting up at 5:00 and reading scriptures and working out before everyone else gets up.  It's been really awesome for the two days I've done it so far.  I really enjoy feeling like I'm making progress. 2-21-17

FIELD TRIP WITH NOAH
I finally got to go on a field trip with Noah!  It's either been a while, or it was the first time... Noah could tell ya.  We went to the movie theater to see a fun movie about some orphaned baby monkeys and some orphaned baby elephants who had been rescued and cared for and then released back into the wild.  It was a pretty cute movie- I loved watching the baby monkey drinking it's milk from two large sprite bottles :).  Noah held my hand the whole time and was a total gentleman.  I loved it!  Minus my potty breaks!  Drinking a gallon of water a day makes for a lot of bathroom breaks. 2-21-17

POOR LUKEY
Wednesday morning Luke came up to my room screaming.  He was having so much pain in his ear he could hardly think.  I felt so bad for him and immediately thought about Jaxx Thaxton who had just had his ear drum burst a week or so ago.  I kept waiting to see some drainage but didn't.  I let him stay home from school.  We tried some home remedies and did what we could to comfort him and cover up the pain, but then he noticed some pain in his gums next to his spacer and they were pretty swollen.  So I got him an appointment to see the dentist Thursday.  It was of course infected, Dr. Morgan removed the spacer and told him to swish with Listerine five times a day, then also wrote him a prescription for some antibiotics if things didn't get better.  I felt so bad for him.  He was in so much pain, but I also hate antibiotics, so we waited.  It was only a day though before I caved and went and filled the prescription.  The infection was so bad that it's STILL hurting!  Not as bad, he's able to eat and move around, but still hurting a little even three days of antibiotics later.  I'm worried it's the wrong strain or something, but anyway.  I hope it helps soon!  Poor kid has missed so much school!  2-22-17

KINDA CUTE
I probably shouldn't write about this because it incriminates me, but it made me so happy, I have to record it.  On Wednesday Nate, Charity, Noah and Erika had eye doctor appointments.  It was at 3:00, so Nate had to check them all our of school to go.  Well, I had forgotten to tell Bradley (Luke was home with his ear hurting) that he would be walking home alone, so around about 3:50, Bradley comes bursting into the house completely out of breath and says, "Did Noah come home yet?!!" Completely panicked!  Being the flaky mom that I am, I got worried and after thinking about it for a second though, no- he didn't!  Where could he be??  THEN it occurred to me that he was at the eye doctor and it all was clear what had happened.  I told Bradley and he was SO relieved!  It made me happy to think that he'd been so stressed and worried about his brother and probably waited at the school longer than he'd want to, then missed out walking home with his friends, and probably ran all the way home! just for his little brother.  Pretty sweet :).  Sorry Brad!  2-22-17

OUR NEW OVEN!
Last week we shopped for and bought our new oven- we'd been waiting for the President's sale deals for a little over a month, and meals without an oven were getting kind of old.  Although, I will say that I was surprised at how almost effortless it was to not have an oven.  With the toaster oven, crock pot, and pressure cooker it was almost not noticeable.  Well, it became more noticeable :).  But really, I was surprised and relieved that we survived waiting til the deals were out :).  We did save $400, so I'd say it was worth it :).  We got a double oven (mostly for Nate and his smoking- now I can cook dinner while he's cooking food for other people), which I LOVE and we have been switching to stainless steel appliances, so we got that.  It's really awesome.  I am loving the convection abilities.  Anyway- we were pretty excited when it was delivered :).  We couldn't get Bradley, Luke, Noah, Erika and Molly to care too much, but JACK! Jack was pretty thrilled about it!  Whenever he gets bored he tells me, "I sure love our new oven."  And when he learned that it has a LIGHT!  And that he can watch the cookies baking, he was ecstatic!  "WHOA, MOM!!  You got one that has a LIGHT in it!!"  Like we'd gone all out, spared no expense :)... funny boy.  He was seriously in awe.  Sat there and watched it like it was the coolest thing ever.  I love that kids so easy to please.  2-23-17

7TH GRADE REGISTRATION
Bradley and I finally sat down and went through his soon-to-be first schedule for Jr. High on Thursday night.  He was feeling really excited and looking forward to 7th grade after orientation so this was kind of fun, but when we had to start crossing things out and found out that he couldn't do EVERYTHING he wanted, he got a little discouraged.  During the last few days before, he had talked about possibly being in band and playing the trumpet!  This was new and very creative and I was thrilled that he wanted to learn an instrument, but with it being double blocked for both semesters, it would take up 2 whole credits and he'd have to get rid of four of the other classes he'd chosen!  He was not thrilled about that.  After much deliberation he settled on not being in band.  I'm glad he was able to make a decision and we talked about no regrets a little more the next day too, so hopefully he's happy with his choices.  He signed up for all the honors classes and higher math, although, he's going to go to the district offices next month to retake the placement test since he was a few points low to take the accelerated honors class.  I'm pretty sure with all the improvement he's made math-wise and all of his TTM, I think he will pass it just fine.  We'll see.  They use 5th grade's SAGE test scores to determine placement.  So anyway, then he chose a lot of electives.  Astronomy, Business Marketing, Theater, Technology, 3D art, PE for another half year, and Study Hall.  I think he's going to have a really fun year!  I'm really excited for him.  The girls were helpful with the registering.  2-23-17

EXTRA RECESS
I got to go to the school to help with the rewarded extra recess for the 6th and 1st graders!  They just attached it onto their existing recesses, so Bradley's got done before Erika's started, but I had a lot of fun with them!  We played Lightning, Four Square, Tag... lots of fun.  So glad I volunteered!  2-24-17

GRANDPA RUSS AND GRANDMA RUTHIE
After tending Kenni's girls we rushed off to the Care Center that Grandpa Russ is living in right now.  It was such a shock to walk into the events room and see lots of really elderly people, people who were very incapacitated, and then Nate's parents in the back of the room.  Kind of hard to think that they're getting old enough to be in a place like that.  They're not, so it's okay, but they are getting closer.  So weird.  I hate watching people get old.  We sat and watched the little banjo, guitar, harmonica group play a few more songs before heading off to Grandpa's room.  It was a really nice visit.  Bradley told him about his recent Chess merit badge tournament.  He teased everyone profusely, especially Charity :).  Everyone helped themselves to the sugar free Sprite.  He got Molly to fist pump and everyone was very sweet and talkative as well.  It was a really nice visit.  Unfortunately Jack had an accident on his way to the restroom.  That cut our visit a little short because he needed to leave.  And actually is probably for the best since we needed to be home for our double date with Becky and Eric.  But it was really nice to see them and see them doing well.  Not sure how long he'll be there, but they're making themselves at home which is great.  2-24-17

LA LA LAND
We went to see La La Land with Becky and Eric.  I liked the movie, but it wasn't really my favorite.  I wasn't as interested in the singing and dancing as I thought I would be.  I LOVE musicals, but I guess I just like them better in play form.  Seemed kind of low budget or something- not sure why.  I don't love the idea of looking back on the past and wondering how things could have gone.  Nate felt the same way.  It was plenty entertaining though.  We headed over to Costa Vida after, I had to order just lettuce and peppers for my salad and brought my own 115g of cooked chicken and my own dressing (which is really good by the way- not as good as Costa Vida's of course, but still very good!).  It was a little embarrassing, but NOBODY even brought it up AT ALL!  So it was all good.  I appreciated that.  2-24-17

BASKETBALL
Noah's team played SO HARD!  It was so much fun to watch them and with all the parent involvement and cheering- it was a lively game :).  I loved it :).  Luke's ear was still bugging him on Saturday so he opted out of his basketball game.  It was a major bummer because they played a very exciting game.  We won by one point!  One more game left of the season!  2-25-17