Week of 2-10-19

NATE'S TALK, SETTING APARTS, STEVE'S CANCELLED PARTY

Nate did an amazing job on his talk this week!  I've been looking forward to it and it did not disappoint!  It was fun to hear the kids whispering, "Oh I love this story" when he was talking about the moose, and laughter when they knew what was coming next :).  The kids were riveted!  I was too actually, and Molly even let me be!  I loved it.  So proud of him!  He's still getting compliments even a week later.

Luke and Brad both got set apart this Sunday for their new callings.  Brad for 1st counselor in the Teachers Quorum, Luke as President in Deacons Quorum.  Pretty exciting!  So proud of them and their worthiness and willingness to serve!  

We got invited at the last minute to Grandpa's for Steve's birthday, he had decided to call in sick, so we whipped up a guitar pick cake, thanks to some borrowed ingredients, and got all ready to head up there.  As we were driving away from the house, Charity asked that we say a prayer to get their safely as the snow had just started falling.  So we said a prayer.  Seconds after we finished the prayer we got a call from Grandpa and Steve telling us how bad the roads were up there.  They are not usually so inclined to wimp out over weather so it got me thinking.  The only thing holding me back though, was the dang cake I had just slaved over!  I wanted him to see it fresh!  Not in three days when it was all ruined.  But we did what we thought was best and just came home.  Everyone was a little bummed about it so we tried to make the most of the day.  I had the kids tell Steve in little video clips, what they like about Steve.  I even got the idea to make some tortilla snowflakes!  I think they had fun with that.  I know I did :).  Happy Birthday, Steve!  See ya Wednesday!  2-10-19

Kelly's BURNT snowflake- they didn't all look like this and we re-made one for Kelly.  Just the only pic we got :).

Jack figured out how much he loves making paper snowflakes!  He was so enthralled- it was hilarious!

BACKACHE

I was having flashbacks of Kelly's fifth grade year, on Sunday, when Erika was crying about back pain.  I really am not good at that kind of pain!  I need it to come from an injury or something!  We did what we could to try to relieve the pain, but we weren't very successful until I gave her some Ibu.  She was able to sleep.  Then Monday she woke up feeling it again, so we tried some Ibu.  All was well after that and she even went to school later in the day.  This went on like this every time the Ibu wore off.  I finally called the doctor's office on Tuesday, hoping for some ideas and they said to treat it like the beginning of a UTI.  Which is... lots of water and cranberry juice!  I started nagging her to drink it and she really has done better I think.  She must have had some other things with it though because she was in and out of this crazy tiredness!  One of the days she woke up early, got some Ibu, then went back to bed and slept for about seven hours!!  Kinda of crazy!  And depending on what she had to do at school each day she would go or not go... it was nuts.  She was so tired on Valentine's day and really wanted me to bring her home with me after her party- it was so sad to see her like that!  I'm hoping we can get on top of things soon!!  She does seem to be doing better though.  

FHE

Jack gave our lesson this week!  Did such a great job!  I love his little spirit and his sweet little testimony!  He actually has one and it's so super cute!  He loves having the floor and being able to talk to his family about things.  He shared a story from the Friend and then had everyone tell a time when they felt the spirit.  He is so adorable!  I loved it!  We had to skip the game this week because we got started so late, and Molly was asleep anyway.  Then we had icecream sandwiches/Snickers ice cream bars for Nate's treat.  Then we watched the Jazz game :).  2-11-19

ZERO FATALITIES TAKE TWO

Well, I went with Kelly to the Zero Fatalities night.  This was my second time seeing this presentation.  I didn't like it AS MUCH this time.  I figured out it's because they left out the statistics about how much the new graduated drivers license laws have effected the fatality rate.  I just remember that being really amazing!  I wanted to hear it again because I'm a little ticked off by her certain friend whose parents don't seem to think following the new laws is important enough for them... irritates me.  SO anyway.  It was a nice night with Kelly.  2-11-19

BRAD'S FIRST WRESTLING MATCH

We got to see Brad wrestle for the first time!  It was pretty nerve-racking, but so exciting at the same time!  I'm really proud of how well he did!  He tried so hard!  I think this first match showed me that he really has it in him to be good at this.  I think it's a mind sport.  He'll do great!  I hope he doesn't get hurt :).

 2-12-19

RELIEF SOCIETY NIGHT- FAVORITE THINGS
This was a fun activity.  I struggled with wanting to go- as usual- but it ended up being really nice.  I brought my camera flash to show that I love taking pictures.  My awesome lotion that I love- because I love it :).  And Cadbury Mini Eggs.  mmmmmmmmmm.  2-12-19

AUNT DANNY'S OWL CAKE

I skipped playgroup Wednesday so that I could make Aunt Danny's cake for Kathy.  It was a cute, easy cake, I'm still not sure why it took me FIVE STINKIN' HOURS!!!  Seriously, I was getting so mad at the clock the whole time!  I did run into a few little hang ups- the cups overflowing (it was actually cupcakes) and having to redo those.  Then a few other things that I've apparently tried to move on from.  I tried to go all out for them and make the cupcakes from scratch, then filled them with homemade ganauche, and then topped with homemade frosting.  I thought they tasted pretty good! It was nice to see Kathy and Hollie though!  And chat!  I hope they liked the cake!

2-13-19

MOM DOTERRA PICTURES

My mom is starting up a Doterra website so she wanted pictures taken.  I'm the only one around with a camera so she asked me.  I think the one we got is really good!  I was happy with it.  Surprised with how well my wall worked as a backdrop!  I'll have to remember that in the future- just take down my little picture holder.

2-13-19

STEVE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

We finally got to take the guitar pick cake up to Steve's house and celebrate his birthday.  It was lots of fun.  Grandpa got pizza, we all bummed around marveling at all of Dawn's stuff that is now filling the house :).  Looks pretty good though, if you ask me.  Kind of full, but good.  Steve showed us his latest projects.  I'm really proud of him and his new woodworking hobby!  He's been doing a lot of really cool things!  I can't wait until I get my table!  And when I talk him into making me some frames :).  The cake was actually kind of good- the fondant had locked in a lot of the moisture :).  The homemade chocolate frosting was amazing!  Can't go wrong there, apparently.
2-13-19

VALENTINES DAY!!

We had a really nice Heart Day!  I made pink heart shaped pancakes for everyone for breakfast- Jack said they were "even yummier than the other pancakes!" so that was good :).  We sent off the kids to school and then ran around to get all the little odds and ends we needed for parties and such.  It was fun to spend time with Nate and Molly.  We went to Mo' Bettas for lunch.  So yummy.  Then we headed home for class parties!  I went and did our Cupid's arrow shooting game in Erika's class by myself and then went home for 20 minutes to round up some more supplies and go back and do Noah's class while Nate and Molly did Jack's class!  Pretty fun stuff!  I was happy with how the game went for the most part.  I could do without all the obnoxious kids that we come across, but overall- it was a lot of fun!   

When we got home we quickly took Brad and Kelly to their stuff, took Charity her hoodie and then we were off for our date!  We were trying to beat the crowd, but when we got to Red Lobster and they told us hour and twenty minute wait, we realized we hadn't beat it :).  Luckily we only waited for about 30 minutes!  So that was nice.  It was a yummy dinner!  Then we went over to AMC for the movie Alita.  I ended up really enjoying this movie!  I didn't know what to expect when I saw the pictures for it in the lobby of the theater- I had never heard of it.  But it was actually really cool!  Very thought-provoking!  Could have done without all the slicing bodies.  Luckily they were just robots, most of them.  Kinda cool though!  We came home and juggled a few sick kids even had family study time- which was REALLY awesome- we ended up talking about God's Love!  How appropriate on Valentine's day!  Nate surprised me with the details of my gift- he's giving me the gift of painted cabinets!!  I'm so excited!  They come tomorrow!  2-14-19

CABINETS

We spent most of the morning emptying the kitchen of everything so the painters could get started!  This is exciting!  We'll see how it goes!  Hopefully it's really only til tomorrow that it takes to finish :).  We need our kitchen!  Papa John's for dinner tonight :).  Delivered!

I worked on my Blue and Gold invites while I waited for the painters to get here.

This was a cute Kelly/Molly moment.  Love those.

2-15-19

PAINTING THE CABINETS
So Nate surprised me with getting our cabinets painted as my Valentine's gift.  And then surprised me even more when he said it was happening this weekend!  It took a little finagling Friday night, not leaving kids home with strangers in the house, but still getting everyone where they needed to be.  Then Saturday was another juggling act with all of us home.  The evening being the trickiest!  We couldn't be in the house with the paint fumes, so we had to leave!  It was pretty funny how it ended up working out- we got out for lunch, to Pizza Pie Cafe- and then after Nate left for work, the kids and I headed over to the church.  Brad and Noah were at the Clemens'.  Luke had been dying to go play basketball at the church, so I finally delivered on that wish.  We were there for a good hour.  Kelly did Charity's hair for her Lover's Feast, the sickies (Molly and Jack) and I cuddled on the couch and got in a few little power naps.  I was too nervous to fall asleep completely.  We must have looked so funny to the guy who had been practicing on the piano.  Like a homeless family.  But whatever.  I kept wondering if that was okay for us to be doing that and then I finally just decided, if I can't take my family to the church when we are in need of shelter, then what kind of church is it?  And hopefully it still was okay :) because I know it's the true Church!  HA! After that we ran to Smith's to get some unmentionables for Charity, dropped her off at Davis.  Then went down to Grandma Hatch's for Chinese New Year.  We were there for about two hours- kind of overstayed our welcome of course, but we really needed to kill some more time.  It was weird when I realized we really have very few places we can go in these situations.  We probably could have gone to my dad's, but anyway.  Around 7:30 we headed out to get Kelly and Brad home to get ready for their Regional Dance.  Then we dropped them off.  THEN the highlight of the night- we took our lucky money to Walmart and blew it all on fun toys :).  The kids all got $5.00 each and I would say most of them spent it pretty wisely!  I was pleasantly surprised, really, with how they did.  Those situations always give you a little insight into their personalities I feel like.  So by then it was 9:30 pm.  We got news that the painters were done and out of the house, so we came home!!  What a good feeling that was!  And I can't get over how nice our kitchen looks!  I LOVE being in there now!  The kids' reactions were the best too!  I only wish I'd thought to capture it on video- they were so cute!  Jack's,  "my friends are really going to like this!"  Cracks me up.  It really is so refreshing!  Can't wait to get rid of the brown now!  I am so happy with my choice to do the black on the bottom and couldn't be happier with how that looks!  It really is nice!  Hopefully we can keep it that way for a while!  A while being like a decade or two!  I was stressed about the paint fumes for the rest of the evening and night, but we all survived :).  2-16-19

Basketball- Noah and Erika

Brought my camera to the games this week!  Horrible lighting and I probably should have played around with the settings a little more, but you get the idea :).  I have LOVED Noah's confidence this season!  You can see it in his playing style.  It makes me happy to see my kids feeling good at things.

He shot a whole bunch of free throws that game. 

Erika was really fun to watch this season as well.  You'll see from these pictures she's the queen of defense!  She really learned some good teamwork skills this year.  I loved that she wanted to include everyone.  And we were all so happy when Kirra finally passed her the ball!  hahahaha!

Always the first one down the court!

Still one of the best ball handlers on her team and so good at getting it down there and sharing it with her team.

Week of 2-3-19

CHARITY'S BRACES OFF!

Charity finally got her braces off!!  It was a very blessed day for her!  Much anticipated for the past month and a half!  She was so excited to have them off that she missed that they had left a bracket on!  She noticed on the way home, her back molar still had a bracket on it!  Kinda nuts.  She had to wait til later in the day to get it off.  Kinda funny, mostly annoying :).  But we're so happy for her!  She looks beautiful still and really loves the way her teeth look now!  :).  2-6-19

Molly's cute new shirt :).

BRAD WRESTLING
Well, it's really real- we put in all of Brad's paper work and fees and bought his shoes and head gear for him to be on the wrestling team!  He's been working his little butt off with all the conditioning every morning at 6:00!!  I've been so proud of him, getting himself up and ready to go on his own!  It's been fun to see him have something too.  I am nervous about it, because it's the unknown of course, but really excited for him!  Can't wait to see how he does with it.
 2-6-19

VARSITY!!!
Kelly made the varsity team this week!  It was a long three days of tryouts which slowly progressed from "I did so good today!" on Monday to, "I'm not going to make it!....  I really don't want to be on JV... I'm going to be with all the dumb little girls!" on Wednesday.  I was never really able to talk her off the cliff she was sitting on Wednesday night, but I can't express my joy when I got the texts during my Presidency meeting, from her and Nate, that she made Varsity!!  Pretty cool!  I never worried about her making it until that last day of tryouts because of her weird attitude and stories about them pulling girls out and asking them if they would prefer to be Varsity or JV, but she did get me a little concerned!  All along though I've known she would make it!  She's so good!  Plus, they had her on varsity last year for a couple games!  It was a no-brainer!  SO anyway!  Go KELZ!!!  2-6-19

BOOKING HOTEL ROOMS
So as soon as we found out Kelly was on the Varsity team, we were invited to the Best of the West Tournament and told that we needed to book our room by midnight that night- I got this email at about 11:30!!!  It ended up not working to use the team rooms, but with Nate's charisma we were able to book a room BY the team, using Nate's government discount it ended up costing the same as the team discount :).  SO that was nice :).  We're going to Vegas!!  In two weeks!  Pretty thrilling :).  2-7-19

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Erika and I went to Kelly's game this week, with church ball.  It's pretty funny to watch our little team.  I say little because they're all under 12 basically.  With the exception of Kelly and Cameron Last.  Well, usually they have Charity too, but she was on her day date, which I should probably document but I might just have her write about it.  ANyway- It was fun to sit and chat with ward members, and they did make a few baskets- Kelly made a bunch- but overall, it's pretty cute!  The little girls are so little!  They try so hard and do so well with what they can!  The opposing team this week was WAY bigger than them.  So that was a bummer, but they actually did pretty good considering.  2-7-19

Week of 1-27-19

FHE
We hurried and cleaned the church so we could get back and have time for Family Night.  It was Molly's turn to teach the lesson and she and I worked and slaved over a cute memory game and an object lesson for her to show everyone.  We talked about baptismal covenants and how to feel the spirit.  It was cool :).  And Molly did great!  She loved being in charge and totally milked that for all it was worth, calling on who she wanted and not calling on people she didn't think needed a second turn.  We ate the cookies Sis. Oleikan had made for us after church cleaning as my treat and played button button (with a bottle cap) for Nate's game.  It was a great family night.  1-28-19

BORN TO BE WILD FIELD TRIP WITH ERIKA
Erika and I got to go on a field trip together!  I rode the bus this time and it was well worth it- just sitting by Erika.  She's such a cool girl.  I just feel cooler when I'm sitting with her.  We thought we were seeing the Hubble Movie (my favorite) but it ended up being Born to be Wild.  Which ended up being a lot of fun to watch!  Erika giggled through the ENTIRE movie!  We both agreed that Jack would have loved it and laughed the whole time too :).  It had baby orangutans and baby elephants.  They did the cutest stuff.  Especially the orangutans.  I always love seeing my kids in their element and seeing Erika stick up for Anna on the bus made me happy.  She's a good girl.  She seeks justice for those around her.  Makes me proud of her.

1-29-19

BRAD NATIONAL ANTHEM
We got to go see Brad brave the National Anthem at the girls basketball game.  I was SO PROUD of him!!  That took SO MUCH COURAGE!  He did a great job!  He missed like one word and Mrs. Clark helped him with it, but we were so proud of him.  He really did awesome and the crowd went wild when he was done- it was cool!  Such a cool experience!  1-29-19

GUESTS AND GOODIES
I refuse to call it "VIP Come Read With Me" like they do now-- it's dorky.  But we went this morning, 8:00 sharp!  I couldn't believe we made it there on time before the crowd.  The kids love the donuts and visiting with their friends and then we braved the Book Fair (or as Molly calls it- Book Fairy or Fairy Book) after.  There were about a million people in there... not my idea of a good time to buy books.  We'll get ours later on today when we have conferences.  1-30-19

OUR POOR COUNTRY
I found out this week that New York passed a law that made full-term abortion legal.  It makes me so sick just thinking about it.  Virginia is about to pass it as well.  I don't even think I have anything to say about it, I just can't believe we've come to this.  And the constant ringing in my mind of "why is it considered a double homicide if you kill a pregnant woman, but it's okay for a pregnant woman to kill that other person inside of her."  WHY WHY WHY?!  1-30-19

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
We had our conferences this week!  Pretty exciting!  Everyone is doing great!  We had to move Jack's to Friday because his teacher's daughter had a baby, but other than that- it was all good news!  I love to hear about Noah's fun creative writing and his amazing Utah compose scores.  All of his scores on everything looked really great!  Mrs. Moncur was so complimentary of him and his behavior in the classroom.  He wants to do better at focusing in class.  Erika's was fun too- with Mrs. Masterson giving her knuckles after everything she told us.  Erika is still doing really well in all areas.  She is especially good at typing and getting better at reading.  We talked about making sure she reads books on her reading level, so that was helpful.  She is going to raise her bead read goal and keep practicing her math facts.  Jackie's conference was really great because he has reached his grade reading level!  Almost above it even!  That happened almost overnight!  So cool!  He's doing great in most other areas as well.  We are really proud of him.  It's fun to hear Mrs. Burns talk about him- she really knows Jack and loves him.  That's nice.  She gave him his part for the program too, which is exciting.  1-30-19

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE DINNER
I did my second parent teacher conference dinner!  Well, I should say, "we" because I couldn't have done it all without Nate's help.  I didn't make him cook everything this time, which was nice, but he did help me IMMENSELY!  So I had planned on doing Texas Roadhouse because they supposedly give good deals to schools and such, but they never returned my call, so I went with something I like better- Cafe Rio :).  It was super easy to order online and I even did it only a few days ahead, and everything was REALLY great!  I got flour tortillas for the Green Enchiladas.  They came with rice and beans and chips and salsa as well as salad!  I was super impressed with how they packaged everything, provided sternos and everything- it was really nice!  Made it fairly easy.  And luckily I had Nate there to help me because the time on the school website was wrong and I needed to have it set up an hour earlier than planned.  Cafe Rio would only let me change my time by a little bit, so it was super chaotic for a few minutes there, getting it all set up.  But I heard great reviews from the teachers and we got to take home several pans of enchiladas, so AWESOME!  They were amazing.  I ate them for several days.  I like being able to spoil the teachers a little.  I do wish however that Julia wouldn't tell me that there are 40 people to feed when THERE'S NOT!!  I don't even think we fed 25!  Either that or they all eat like birds.  I ordered food for 35 because I knew she overestimated, but there was still SO MUCH leftover.  Kind of annoying, but also kind of not.  I shared a pan with Jami too :).  So glad to have that done and overwith!  1-31-19