DINNER DATE WITH LUKE- TUCANOS
We started a new tradition for the 18 year olds last year, so we carried it out for Luke on Wednesday night. Took him to Tucanos, jus tLuke and Nate and I. It was such a nice time, hearing about all the things going on in his life. 2-1-24
LUKE'S FAMILY PARTY
We had to kind of squeeze Luke's party in this year, kind of a bummer, but it's like that this time of year. We had Nate's HUGE order night of like 35 orders of brisket burnt ends, right before, so we were cleaning up after that for the hour before. Then the guests showed up- Grandpa Hatch with Heidi's kids (Heidi came a little later), Grandma Ruthie and Jen, Simon and the Taylors. I had to leave to go get some pizza (we were going to serve brisket, but we had so many orders, we ran out- so Little Caesar's it was), when I came back, everyone was camped out in the living room. Kinda strange, but whatever. Some people moved downstairs later. It was a fun party- everyone chatting. I always want to play games, but nobody seems interested. But I think Luke enjoyed it enough. I made him a "sushi cake" which was really just brownies with candy sushi on top. It didn't quite turn out how I wanted, but it was good enough :). Luke gave it a good reaction, that was nice of him. We opened presents- he got mostly food and money :). And then Nate and the older four kids all took off for the Rec Center! Kind of a crazy night to have a party, but it worked! I think Luke felt celebrated. I can't believe he's 18 already!! Bring on all the adult choices and responsibilities! I know Luke is excited for all that. But in all seriousness- he really is such an amazing young man. I am really excited to see what he does with his life and the choices he makes. He's such a good friend and sibling. He gts his school work done without any nagging. He's good at managing his time with really awesome healthy activities and sitting around on the couch playing games. He's actually doing so well at staying productive I feel like. I'm really proud of him and the person he is. He doesn't let other people decide for him and he is very in charge of his own life. I love that he has so much faith and such a strong testimony. He's been so thoughtful about planning for his mission and getting ready to make all the big decisions ahead. I'm just really so proud of him. He's going to do to big things!! Happy birthday Luke!! 2-2-24
We had to kind of squeeze Luke's party in this year, kind of a bummer, but it's like that this time of year. We had Nate's HUGE order night of like 35 orders of brisket burnt ends, right before, so we were cleaning up after that for the hour before. Then the guests showed up- Grandpa Hatch with Heidi's kids (Heidi came a little later), Grandma Ruthie and Jen, Simon and the Taylors. I had to leave to go get some pizza (we were going to serve brisket, but we had so many orders, we ran out- so Little Caesar's it was), when I came back, everyone was camped out in the living room. Kinda strange, but whatever. Some people moved downstairs later. It was a fun party- everyone chatting. I always want to play games, but nobody seems interested. But I think Luke enjoyed it enough. I made him a "sushi cake" which was really just brownies with candy sushi on top. It didn't quite turn out how I wanted, but it was good enough :). Luke gave it a good reaction, that was nice of him. We opened presents- he got mostly food and money :). And then Nate and the older four kids all took off for the Rec Center! Kind of a crazy night to have a party, but it worked! I think Luke felt celebrated. I can't believe he's 18 already!! Bring on all the adult choices and responsibilities! I know Luke is excited for all that. But in all seriousness- he really is such an amazing young man. I am really excited to see what he does with his life and the choices he makes. He's such a good friend and sibling. He gts his school work done without any nagging. He's good at managing his time with really awesome healthy activities and sitting around on the couch playing games. He's actually doing so well at staying productive I feel like. I'm really proud of him and the person he is. He doesn't let other people decide for him and he is very in charge of his own life. I love that he has so much faith and such a strong testimony. He's been so thoughtful about planning for his mission and getting ready to make all the big decisions ahead. I'm just really so proud of him. He's going to do to big things!! Happy birthday Luke!! 2-2-24
LUKE'S ACTUAL BIRTHDAY
I don't feel like we did enough to celebrate Luke yet. I hope he actually does his friend party next week. He had a good day though! I had to go down to the Olympic Oval for Noah's races, so I wasn't here when Luke woke up, but Nate made his egg croissants like he wanted for breakfast. We went to Jack's basketball game- not Erika's because she had been throwing up the night before. He got to have Nate's slaved over ribs for dinner as well. The day was packed with cooking for Malisa's wedding and lazying around, but I think Luke had enough fun with his friends that night to make up for it. It's so crazy that he is 18. I know I keep saying that. It's just too soon. 2-3-24
I don't feel like we did enough to celebrate Luke yet. I hope he actually does his friend party next week. He had a good day though! I had to go down to the Olympic Oval for Noah's races, so I wasn't here when Luke woke up, but Nate made his egg croissants like he wanted for breakfast. We went to Jack's basketball game- not Erika's because she had been throwing up the night before. He got to have Nate's slaved over ribs for dinner as well. The day was packed with cooking for Malisa's wedding and lazying around, but I think Luke had enough fun with his friends that night to make up for it. It's so crazy that he is 18. I know I keep saying that. It's just too soon. 2-3-24
EMAIL FROM ELDER MAYNES- LOTS OF WORK
We've been working a lot and it's been so fun actually. I don't have a lot of time todas so I apologize but I love you all. This Sunday we had the most people show up the ward had ever had sooo we are pretty excited. We have basically ran to every lesson and it's been so fun. Let me know how youre doing and next week ill give yall some more info hopefully.
We've been working a lot and it's been so fun actually. I don't have a lot of time todas so I apologize but I love you all. This Sunday we had the most people show up the ward had ever had sooo we are pretty excited. We have basically ran to every lesson and it's been so fun. Let me know how youre doing and next week ill give yall some more info hopefully.
2-5-24
MAKING COOKIES WITH GRANDMA
Sadie and I FINALLY made it over to grandma Hatch's to make cookies. This has been planned and rescheduled so much! We finally made it over there on Monday though! And it did not disappoint. Sadie was very happy to be there, playing with grandma's toys, and she even liked making the actual cookies as well. She's not a big cookie eater, so she didn't really do much of that, but she ate one. She liked pouring on the sprinkles at the end. We did have ot kind of rush out of there to go get the kids from school and Sadie totally konked out in the car in the first few minutes, but we had fun. Thanks Grandma! 2-5-24
Sadie and I FINALLY made it over to grandma Hatch's to make cookies. This has been planned and rescheduled so much! We finally made it over there on Monday though! And it did not disappoint. Sadie was very happy to be there, playing with grandma's toys, and she even liked making the actual cookies as well. She's not a big cookie eater, so she didn't really do much of that, but she ate one. She liked pouring on the sprinkles at the end. We did have ot kind of rush out of there to go get the kids from school and Sadie totally konked out in the car in the first few minutes, but we had fun. Thanks Grandma! 2-5-24
CALL FROM BRADLEY
While I was at Grandma's house, Brad made his phone call. This was a good call. He looked good. Tired but good. And it was fun to see him. He seemed distracted mentally and it felt a little like he just needed to be doing other things, but he was sweet to talk to us and make time for us. Nate, Kelly for a bit, Erika for a few seconds at the beginning (probably didn't want to get in trouble at school), grandma got to say hi, all joined in on the call. The rest of the kids were at school, so that's been a bummer to not be able to talk to them. Sadie said a little more than usual and wanted to look at him, so that was fun. He did light up quite a bit when he was talking about Luke getting ready for his mission and how excited he is for Luke to be out in the field too. Kinda cute. So that was fun. I am so happy that he is enjoying things right now and that he's able to work a lot and get so much done. I think this new comp is a bit of a work horse and that might get challenging soon, but for now- I'm glad Bradley gets to work- he needed that. 2-5-24
While I was at Grandma's house, Brad made his phone call. This was a good call. He looked good. Tired but good. And it was fun to see him. He seemed distracted mentally and it felt a little like he just needed to be doing other things, but he was sweet to talk to us and make time for us. Nate, Kelly for a bit, Erika for a few seconds at the beginning (probably didn't want to get in trouble at school), grandma got to say hi, all joined in on the call. The rest of the kids were at school, so that's been a bummer to not be able to talk to them. Sadie said a little more than usual and wanted to look at him, so that was fun. He did light up quite a bit when he was talking about Luke getting ready for his mission and how excited he is for Luke to be out in the field too. Kinda cute. So that was fun. I am so happy that he is enjoying things right now and that he's able to work a lot and get so much done. I think this new comp is a bit of a work horse and that might get challenging soon, but for now- I'm glad Bradley gets to work- he needed that. 2-5-24
FHE
Jack had the lesson so he just had us go around the room and ask a question. Any question. We had some cool talks about why you get baptized at age eight. We planned a new study time for Sunday before church. It was good. Then for Molly's activity she was really wanting to go swimming. It didn't quite work out to go as a whole family because Noah and Erika were needing some things at the store, but Nate took the younger three swimming, I took the older three shopping and then we met up at the rec center where Erika got in and swam and the boys and I sat and played on our phones basically. It was a good night. We stopped at the ol' Centerville Arctic Circle for Sadie's treat- shakes and ice cream cones on the way home. We have awesome kids- they were all so grateful for what it all. 2-5-24
Jack had the lesson so he just had us go around the room and ask a question. Any question. We had some cool talks about why you get baptized at age eight. We planned a new study time for Sunday before church. It was good. Then for Molly's activity she was really wanting to go swimming. It didn't quite work out to go as a whole family because Noah and Erika were needing some things at the store, but Nate took the younger three swimming, I took the older three shopping and then we met up at the rec center where Erika got in and swam and the boys and I sat and played on our phones basically. It was a good night. We stopped at the ol' Centerville Arctic Circle for Sadie's treat- shakes and ice cream cones on the way home. We have awesome kids- they were all so grateful for what it all. 2-5-24
KELLY'S VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT- NEW DOCTOR IBRIHIM?
So we are starting with this new clinic for Kelly's egg retrieval. She had her first virtual appointment and I was able to listen in. Kinda funny, Kelly could see the doctor, hear the doctor and hear me, but she couldn't see me. The doctor could only see and hear Kelly. And I could hear, but not see the doctor and see and hear Kelly. So strange, but it worked. Kelly took care of most of it, I was just the little voice in the background, offering little bits and pieces of information. So anyway. This new doctor of course wants to do all the lab work again. My first instinct was to be like, "We already did all that- just look at her old results, bla bla bla..." but the Spirit keeps chiming in with, "You want to do the labs again. You want to start fresh. This is the chance at a second opinion." I had been wondering if we needed a second opinion on all of this, for quite a while, but talked myself out of it, so maybe this was Heavenly Father's way of making that happen. Not sure why- I don't know how different it could be, but for whatever reason- this feels like a better solution. We'll see. She was a very nice doctor, she seemed to know what she was doing. That was good. I say it was a good productive appointment. She wants to hurry Kelly along and have her in for retrieval by March! So that's awesome. 2-6-24
So we are starting with this new clinic for Kelly's egg retrieval. She had her first virtual appointment and I was able to listen in. Kinda funny, Kelly could see the doctor, hear the doctor and hear me, but she couldn't see me. The doctor could only see and hear Kelly. And I could hear, but not see the doctor and see and hear Kelly. So strange, but it worked. Kelly took care of most of it, I was just the little voice in the background, offering little bits and pieces of information. So anyway. This new doctor of course wants to do all the lab work again. My first instinct was to be like, "We already did all that- just look at her old results, bla bla bla..." but the Spirit keeps chiming in with, "You want to do the labs again. You want to start fresh. This is the chance at a second opinion." I had been wondering if we needed a second opinion on all of this, for quite a while, but talked myself out of it, so maybe this was Heavenly Father's way of making that happen. Not sure why- I don't know how different it could be, but for whatever reason- this feels like a better solution. We'll see. She was a very nice doctor, she seemed to know what she was doing. That was good. I say it was a good productive appointment. She wants to hurry Kelly along and have her in for retrieval by March! So that's awesome. 2-6-24
DATE WITH SADIE- EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO BOUNCE HOUSE INVOLVED
I'm not sure where Sadie got the idea that our date had to have a bounce house, but I decided to make our outings today a date since I'm getting behind on my dates with the kids because it is so hard to get time alone with Sadie- that was sarcasm. I just need to call what we do together our date and move on to the next kid :). So anyway. She had seen some rainbow popcorn on Gabby's Dollhouse and couldn't believe there was such thing. I told her I know a place where they sell rainbow popcorn and we decided we needed to go get some today! After getting her stuffies and most of her room cleaned up- that was her reward. So we went over to Lisa's Passion for Popcorn, picked out some "rainbow popcorn" it was actually a pink, purple, blue, white mix, but it worked. Then we headed over to Gailey Park for some fun on the playground and swings. It was a little cold, but not too bad. We were interrupted with Erika's need for some febreeze, but we had gotten a good half hour in. So that was good. I loved how much Sadie loved this outing. And she was so happy about the popcorn even though I know she doesn't really like that kind of stuff. It was so cute of her!! She's a fun girl. I told her, "Hey! This could be our date!" When we got to the park- because we'd been doing so many things together, and she goes, "Yeah, except without a bounce house." Not sure why that was a thing, but funny girl. I told her bounce houses aren't very fun to go to with just me! So she allowed us to call it a date. 2-6-24
I'm not sure where Sadie got the idea that our date had to have a bounce house, but I decided to make our outings today a date since I'm getting behind on my dates with the kids because it is so hard to get time alone with Sadie- that was sarcasm. I just need to call what we do together our date and move on to the next kid :). So anyway. She had seen some rainbow popcorn on Gabby's Dollhouse and couldn't believe there was such thing. I told her I know a place where they sell rainbow popcorn and we decided we needed to go get some today! After getting her stuffies and most of her room cleaned up- that was her reward. So we went over to Lisa's Passion for Popcorn, picked out some "rainbow popcorn" it was actually a pink, purple, blue, white mix, but it worked. Then we headed over to Gailey Park for some fun on the playground and swings. It was a little cold, but not too bad. We were interrupted with Erika's need for some febreeze, but we had gotten a good half hour in. So that was good. I loved how much Sadie loved this outing. And she was so happy about the popcorn even though I know she doesn't really like that kind of stuff. It was so cute of her!! She's a fun girl. I told her, "Hey! This could be our date!" When we got to the park- because we'd been doing so many things together, and she goes, "Yeah, except without a bounce house." Not sure why that was a thing, but funny girl. I told her bounce houses aren't very fun to go to with just me! So she allowed us to call it a date. 2-6-24
ERIKA'S KJH GAME
Erika did so awesome at her game today! I was SO impressed!! The varsity girls had barely lost their game in a really close one. But then JV came out and totally killed the other team!! Erika was everywhere and at all the right times! It was fun to see her confidence this week and that she was trying so hard. I loved that the coach tried pulling out her starters and sending in a bunch of new girls and then like two minutes later- after the other team finally scored on us- she send the starters back out! SO fun. Erika played almost the whole game. She did awesome. I loved it. She did score a few times and had at least five assists, so she owned at least half of the 21 points! They won 21-5. Great job Erika! And she did it with cat pee all over her jersey!! We had a fun time getting the febreeze to Erika before the game. Dang cat. 2-6-24
Erika did so awesome at her game today! I was SO impressed!! The varsity girls had barely lost their game in a really close one. But then JV came out and totally killed the other team!! Erika was everywhere and at all the right times! It was fun to see her confidence this week and that she was trying so hard. I loved that the coach tried pulling out her starters and sending in a bunch of new girls and then like two minutes later- after the other team finally scored on us- she send the starters back out! SO fun. Erika played almost the whole game. She did awesome. I loved it. She did score a few times and had at least five assists, so she owned at least half of the 21 points! They won 21-5. Great job Erika! And she did it with cat pee all over her jersey!! We had a fun time getting the febreeze to Erika before the game. Dang cat. 2-6-24
OOPS
Tonight when I was picking up Jack from basketball practice, I looked at my texts and had one from the pta dinner lady for KJH asking what time she should pick up her meat tomorrow. What a blessing she asked, Nate and I had both forgotten about the order. It was basically Nate doing them a huge favor and making meat at a VERY reduced price. He only charged about a third what he should have. So anyway. Luckily, Costco was still open, I went and got the meat and buns while Nate did Erika's practice. Then he came home before going to work and put it all in the smoker. So crazy!! Poor Nate! I was glad I could help and glad that it went okay though. So crazy! 2-6-24
Tonight when I was picking up Jack from basketball practice, I looked at my texts and had one from the pta dinner lady for KJH asking what time she should pick up her meat tomorrow. What a blessing she asked, Nate and I had both forgotten about the order. It was basically Nate doing them a huge favor and making meat at a VERY reduced price. He only charged about a third what he should have. So anyway. Luckily, Costco was still open, I went and got the meat and buns while Nate did Erika's practice. Then he came home before going to work and put it all in the smoker. So crazy!! Poor Nate! I was glad I could help and glad that it went okay though. So crazy! 2-6-24
KAYSVILLE PTA MEAT
Nate and I both completely forgot about this catering job. It wasn't really making us much money, so kind of slipped our minds! Luckily I realized it the night before and I was able to run to Costco and get the meat and buns so that Nate could come home after basketball practice and get the meat in the smoker before leaving for the mid. Then he had to work on it Wednesday with no sleep. Kind of unfortunate, but so glad we remembered and were able to pull it off for them. Nate is very nice to do it at such a discount for them. I don't know, but I think we may have created a monster. They will never budget their money right for their dinners because they have Nate to fall back on. Kinda lame, but whatever. It does get Nate's food out there and works as advertising. 2-7-24
Nate and I both completely forgot about this catering job. It wasn't really making us much money, so kind of slipped our minds! Luckily I realized it the night before and I was able to run to Costco and get the meat and buns so that Nate could come home after basketball practice and get the meat in the smoker before leaving for the mid. Then he had to work on it Wednesday with no sleep. Kind of unfortunate, but so glad we remembered and were able to pull it off for them. Nate is very nice to do it at such a discount for them. I don't know, but I think we may have created a monster. They will never budget their money right for their dinners because they have Nate to fall back on. Kinda lame, but whatever. It does get Nate's food out there and works as advertising. 2-7-24
7TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE FOR JACK!!
This was kind of an exciting night for Jack! He actually really enjoyed it! More than most of our 7th graders! They do a new thing now where they just have all the departments set up tables around the school so you can go and ask questions about each one. Jack was very interested in several. I loved that he just really wanted to hit them all. Fun stuff. He's really excited about learning, it's fun to see him so anxious and interested. He and I are both shocked that he's old enough to go to Junior High already!! Should be fun though :). 2-8-2024
This was kind of an exciting night for Jack! He actually really enjoyed it! More than most of our 7th graders! They do a new thing now where they just have all the departments set up tables around the school so you can go and ask questions about each one. Jack was very interested in several. I loved that he just really wanted to hit them all. Fun stuff. He's really excited about learning, it's fun to see him so anxious and interested. He and I are both shocked that he's old enough to go to Junior High already!! Should be fun though :). 2-8-2024
OWEN'S TRAIN PARTY
Sadie got invited to Owen's train birthday party. We had a lot of fun with Enzo, Moses and Owen and all of the fun things Lisa had planned. Sadie is still just so shy and not super relaxed in these situations, but we will get there. We had a great time though! 2-9-24
Sadie got invited to Owen's train birthday party. We had a lot of fun with Enzo, Moses and Owen and all of the fun things Lisa had planned. Sadie is still just so shy and not super relaxed in these situations, but we will get there. We had a great time though! 2-9-24
KELLY'S IN PERSON APPOINTMENT WITH THE NEW DOCTOR
Kelly was scheduled to go get her labs and some other tests done on Friday and I had rearranged some things to be able to be there. I've had the address of this place on my white board ever since the insurance helper gave it to me, so I knew it was in Ogden and that's what I had planned for. Well, unfortunately, Kelly was scheduled for the Pleasant Grove office. Worked out great for her since she was in Orem for Devan, but of course, I was way too far away by the time we found out I had the wrong place. She had to go on her own. She forgot to ask about her IUD and did everything else pretty quickly! I was so bugged. I was available to help Nate with his orders, but that wasn't enough of a consolation prize for me. She did fine though and carried on as usual. 2-9-24
Kelly was scheduled to go get her labs and some other tests done on Friday and I had rearranged some things to be able to be there. I've had the address of this place on my white board ever since the insurance helper gave it to me, so I knew it was in Ogden and that's what I had planned for. Well, unfortunately, Kelly was scheduled for the Pleasant Grove office. Worked out great for her since she was in Orem for Devan, but of course, I was way too far away by the time we found out I had the wrong place. She had to go on her own. She forgot to ask about her IUD and did everything else pretty quickly! I was so bugged. I was available to help Nate with his orders, but that wasn't enough of a consolation prize for me. She did fine though and carried on as usual. 2-9-24
DATE NIGHT
We were pretty sure we wouldn't be able to go out on Valentine's so we decided to do a pre Valentine's date. We went to see the movie Argile, which was pretty funny and then got Betos after :). Super fun. Happy Valentine's to us :). 2-9-24
We were pretty sure we wouldn't be able to go out on Valentine's so we decided to do a pre Valentine's date. We went to see the movie Argile, which was pretty funny and then got Betos after :). Super fun. Happy Valentine's to us :). 2-9-24
SHOWER CAKE
I was asked to make a naked cake for Halleigh (David's girlfriend) for her baby shower. She had a topper, so I was literally just making the cake. It was my first time making a naked cake. I wish it hadn't been chocolate, but other than that, it went pretty well. After a while, the chocolate turned the frosting brown, so I learned I need to stop before that happens. But really, it went well. I got to go deliver it to Kathy and Ernie's new house- so pretty! And talk with them for a minute. It was a nice little drive with Nate too, he was so nice to join me! 2-10-24
I was asked to make a naked cake for Halleigh (David's girlfriend) for her baby shower. She had a topper, so I was literally just making the cake. It was my first time making a naked cake. I wish it hadn't been chocolate, but other than that, it went pretty well. After a while, the chocolate turned the frosting brown, so I learned I need to stop before that happens. But really, it went well. I got to go deliver it to Kathy and Ernie's new house- so pretty! And talk with them for a minute. It was a nice little drive with Nate too, he was so nice to join me! 2-10-24
STEVE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
This was a fun time- Charity and Hunter met up with us, Kelly was already down, we picked up Alyssa (Heidi and Porter weren't feeling great) and we all went to Grandpa and Steve's to celebrate Steve. I made brownies and stacked them. Kind of lame, but I really didn't have time for much else. I think he was okay with it. It was fun to see Stevea and Grandpa trying to stop the smoke detector when they burned something in the oven. Fun times. I want to take him out to lunch one of these days. We'll see if that ever happens. 2-10-24
This was a fun time- Charity and Hunter met up with us, Kelly was already down, we picked up Alyssa (Heidi and Porter weren't feeling great) and we all went to Grandpa and Steve's to celebrate Steve. I made brownies and stacked them. Kind of lame, but I really didn't have time for much else. I think he was okay with it. It was fun to see Stevea and Grandpa trying to stop the smoke detector when they burned something in the oven. Fun times. I want to take him out to lunch one of these days. We'll see if that ever happens. 2-10-24
COME FOLLOW ME STUDY
We had our first Sunday Come Follow Me study. Our morning ones are not very well attended and we thought in order to follow the Prophet maybe we needed to scale back a little. So we are still doing our morning ones for those of us who are willing and we've added a more convenient, easier to attend one on Sunday's at 11:00. I like it better this way, makes me feel like we are doing what we can. Noah and I are still having a nice little study time every morning and that's been nice still. It went well. 2-11-24
We had our first Sunday Come Follow Me study. Our morning ones are not very well attended and we thought in order to follow the Prophet maybe we needed to scale back a little. So we are still doing our morning ones for those of us who are willing and we've added a more convenient, easier to attend one on Sunday's at 11:00. I like it better this way, makes me feel like we are doing what we can. Noah and I are still having a nice little study time every morning and that's been nice still. It went well. 2-11-24
LUNCH WITH MARIANNE
We finally got to go to lunch. This was a fun time at Everbowl. She and I don't have a ton in common but I really do enjoy talking with her. A nice little break from life. 2-12-24
We finally got to go to lunch. This was a fun time at Everbowl. She and I don't have a ton in common but I really do enjoy talking with her. A nice little break from life. 2-12-24
BRAD'S PHONE CALL
We got to talk to Brad on Monday. Just short calls lately. Long enough to be able to get all the goods though. Nate and Charity were able to get on with us this week. It's been a bummer for the younger kids to not get to talk to him. He sounds so much happier with this new comp. It's been so awesome to hear about and see the joy in him. He still hasn't moved from the closet, but they have an apartment they are getting ready to live in. Kind of awesome. He's doing so many big things these days!! It's fun to hear about it all. 2-12-24
We got to talk to Brad on Monday. Just short calls lately. Long enough to be able to get all the goods though. Nate and Charity were able to get on with us this week. It's been a bummer for the younger kids to not get to talk to him. He sounds so much happier with this new comp. It's been so awesome to hear about and see the joy in him. He still hasn't moved from the closet, but they have an apartment they are getting ready to live in. Kind of awesome. He's doing so many big things these days!! It's fun to hear about it all. 2-12-24
BRAD'S LETTER- MEAT DONNS
So this week was crazy for the first half and then we got absolutely cooked the second half. On Sunday we made like 10 new friends and had the most people we've ever had at church. Then we had sooo many LIMs and it was awesome for the first half. We also this week got 2 of our buddies on date and then found a future bishop we just need to get him baptized first
anyways the second half of our week we couldn't really get any lessons and our planning was really lacking. We had a huge activity so we invited everyone to that and then it was hard to meet with them the day of or the day before. BUT the activity we had was supposed too be big. We showed up and when it was supposed to start there was 5 people... we were actually super annoyed because of how much effort we put into it haha. But then an hour and 15 after it's supposed to start everyone started showing up. We started at 8:30 and we had more people at the activity than we had at church our first week. It was actually such a powerful activity and ended up being so good even though we had to leave early to get home on time and to eat dinner. This one kid we have on date came to church and his mom didn't come, his grandma wanted to though... so this 9 year old kid took his blind grandma on a 2 mile trip to church and managed to make it on time for the sacrament. Dedication.
So this week was crazy for the first half and then we got absolutely cooked the second half. On Sunday we made like 10 new friends and had the most people we've ever had at church. Then we had sooo many LIMs and it was awesome for the first half. We also this week got 2 of our buddies on date and then found a future bishop we just need to get him baptized first
anyways the second half of our week we couldn't really get any lessons and our planning was really lacking. We had a huge activity so we invited everyone to that and then it was hard to meet with them the day of or the day before. BUT the activity we had was supposed too be big. We showed up and when it was supposed to start there was 5 people... we were actually super annoyed because of how much effort we put into it haha. But then an hour and 15 after it's supposed to start everyone started showing up. We started at 8:30 and we had more people at the activity than we had at church our first week. It was actually such a powerful activity and ended up being so good even though we had to leave early to get home on time and to eat dinner. This one kid we have on date came to church and his mom didn't come, his grandma wanted to though... so this 9 year old kid took his blind grandma on a 2 mile trip to church and managed to make it on time for the sacrament. Dedication.Funny thing happened this week when we were trying to get a lesson with this one family inactive. They said they didn't have time and obviously we knew we had to have this lesson so what did I do? Asked to use his bathroom of course. He said yes of course. We made it in. But then I went to go to the bathroom this grandma that lives in their house had to as well... welll she was prepared and already took her pants off before she got to the door and as I turn the corner it just got very uncomfortable very fast. So I sat down and said I could wait for a minute haha. Anyways we asked since we were already there if we could have a lesson and it was sooo powerful!!
We also found a house for us this week. They just need to finish building it in 1-2 weeks. It's actually one of the nicest houses here in Moquegua and I'm so hyped because it's so much bigger than our little closet we have right now.
My comp also got pretty sick and we aren't sure what it is but basically he could barely walk up the stairs this week so we were a bit slowed down from running to every lesson. But he's getting better.
My comp also was trying to kick rocks through my legs as we all do when we are walking to appointments. He managed to slip as he kicked a rock and his feet flew out from under him. And then he just landed completely on his back and managed to crack our brand new phone president just gave us. And then he kinda just wrecked his body.
There's also this restaurant called meat donns that is a guy that went to the US and learned how to make burgers and then came back here. Basically it's the best burgers ever and we are so addicted. So we have found every excuse to go there but it's sorta expensive so good thing we aren't paying for taxis because we run everywhere. Anyways they're basically the highlight of the week whenever we have them and so we had to celebrate when we found a house and went there.
Our ward plan has been going pretty well. Everyone kind of woke up this week because at our mission coordination meeting we got 20 leaders there! They were all pretty hyped and ready to get working. Everyone has family that's not members so we've been trying to find all those familias that we can activate and then bring new members a long with them.
Spiritual thought
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life
Now let me add a work to verse 20...
Wherefore, ye must almost press forward with almost a steadfastness in Christ, having almost a perfect brightness of hope, and almost a love of God and of almost all men. Wherefore, if ye shall almost press forward, almost feasting upon the word of Christ, and almost endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall almost have eternal life
FHE
Erika taught a lovely lesson. We played signs for Jack's game and had Berry Station for Molly's treat. So fun. 2-12-24
Erika taught a lovely lesson. We played signs for Jack's game and had Berry Station for Molly's treat. So fun. 2-12-24
LUNCH WITH ANNIE
I got to go to lunch with Annie this week. Sadie came, we went to Chick-fil-a so that Sadie could play. Which she did a little. It was so nice to talk to Annie. She's so awesome. I hope she gets some answers on her medical issues soon. She gave me that picture she drew of the girl with Jesus, for my mom. So cool! 2-13-24
I got to go to lunch with Annie this week. Sadie came, we went to Chick-fil-a so that Sadie could play. Which she did a little. It was so nice to talk to Annie. She's so awesome. I hope she gets some answers on her medical issues soon. She gave me that picture she drew of the girl with Jesus, for my mom. So cool! 2-13-24
KELLY FINANCIAL APPOINTMENT
Right as we got in the car to go home from lunch with Annie, I got the call from Kelly for her financial appointment. It was mostly good news. I guess I am still worried that the insurance company has some loophole. But we'll be hopeful. It went well. I was so glad we left when we did because I was able to be on that call. 2-13-24
Right as we got in the car to go home from lunch with Annie, I got the call from Kelly for her financial appointment. It was mostly good news. I guess I am still worried that the insurance company has some loophole. But we'll be hopeful. It went well. I was so glad we left when we did because I was able to be on that call. 2-13-24
COLUMBIA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
This was a fun new thing at the school. We all brought blankets and pillows to go watch Wonder at the Elementary school. Just Jack, Molly, Sadie and I- the big kids were at basketball practice. But it was actually kind of fun. They sold popcorn and suckers and we all just sat there and watched. I got to chat with Mrs. Beckstead for a little while- that was fun. It was just a really good time. Funny to think that I tried to do this for our school back when I was PTA president. I wonder how they paid permission to play that movie. That was the big hang up back then. 2-13-24
This was a fun new thing at the school. We all brought blankets and pillows to go watch Wonder at the Elementary school. Just Jack, Molly, Sadie and I- the big kids were at basketball practice. But it was actually kind of fun. They sold popcorn and suckers and we all just sat there and watched. I got to chat with Mrs. Beckstead for a little while- that was fun. It was just a really good time. Funny to think that I tried to do this for our school back when I was PTA president. I wonder how they paid permission to play that movie. That was the big hang up back then. 2-13-24
VALENTINE'S DAY!
We had a very mild Valentine's day this year. It was late start, so everyone slept in. I didn't do anything fun for the kids. Unless you count the pink pancakes. Kind of a bummer, but I guess we can't have it all. I didn't do any class parties this year. It was just kind of lame if I'm being honest. I spent most of the day working on Nate's gift. The date night idea dice were a little more work than I had anticipated, so it took me way longer. But they did turn out really cute. I gave him those and a Jazz shirt, jersey and hat. So that was fun. He gave me a necklace and some flowers! Lots of fun. We did manage to squeeze in another Valentines date. We went to Slapfish and it was practically empty, so that was pretty awesome. NOrmally we assume places will be packed on Valentines. Not so this time! We had a great time. 2-14-24
We had a very mild Valentine's day this year. It was late start, so everyone slept in. I didn't do anything fun for the kids. Unless you count the pink pancakes. Kind of a bummer, but I guess we can't have it all. I didn't do any class parties this year. It was just kind of lame if I'm being honest. I spent most of the day working on Nate's gift. The date night idea dice were a little more work than I had anticipated, so it took me way longer. But they did turn out really cute. I gave him those and a Jazz shirt, jersey and hat. So that was fun. He gave me a necklace and some flowers! Lots of fun. We did manage to squeeze in another Valentines date. We went to Slapfish and it was practically empty, so that was pretty awesome. NOrmally we assume places will be packed on Valentines. Not so this time! We had a great time. 2-14-24
SIMPLOT
Kelly, Devan and I got to drive the high schoolers up to Idaho for Simplot! This was a pretty fun trip! I am not sure how we made Pocatello fun and exciting but we did! The drive up was pretty uneventful. We dropped the kids off at the arena, drove over to our Airbnb, checked in- which took rocket science. I was pleasantly surprised with this place. It wasn't the lap of luxury, but it was good enough. I would have loved to have been in the same hotel with the team though. I think next time I go I will try harder to get in on that. This place was fine though! We brought our things in, relaxed for a bit and then headed out to go find the Soda Shak. It was nowhere to be seen. Over the next few days, we came up with a few different theories about where the soda shak might be- only a summer item, closed, who knew. Either way, it was not where we had been lead and we even walked all the way through the Pine Ridge Mall to find it. Which happens to be a very cool mall! I would love to take the littles there some day! After the disappointment of not getting drinks, we drove over to the arena to watch Luke and Noah do their hurdles. We found grandma and Simon right away, sat by them and ate their nachos. We weren't sure if Luke was even going to be able to compete after hurting his ankle the day before, but I got the text that he was going to and we were all on the edge of our seat watching! He did great with his circumstances. The guy next to him had knocked over his hurdle and it was blocking Luke's so instead of just tipping over he tripped on it and landed in the splits!! It was so crazy! I was so worried for a second there. He got right up, finished strong, and looked pretty good after! I was so proud of him!! Noah had a great run too! He's been dissecting his form on each hurdle and decided he has some work to do there, but he also got a PR. So pretty awesome!! I'm proud of both of them! They did great! After hugging them and giving their run our stamp of approval, we left to go get some dinner at Olive Garden! This was fun. I loved talking with Kelly and Devan. It was easy to carry on a conversation. I probably talked too much, but they were patient :). So much fun though. We went to Walmart to get some snacks. Then we headed back to the apartment and watched Couples Retreat for a little while, until Devan was uncomfortable, and then changed it to You, Me and Dupree. Kind of a funny night for movies. But that was fun. I had to go take Noah and Blake back to the hotel pretty late in the night. That was a fun little adventure. We got up early the next day to go to the arena and watch the relays. Grandma and Simon were there. They had come up just for Simplot but stayed in Idaho Falls by the temple and so we saw them quite a bit, but not the entire time. We got to watch Noah first, he did awesome, kind of lost his legs at the end of his lap of the 4X200, but did a great job for someone who doesn't normally run the 200. Then we waited an hour to watch Luke in the 4X400. He did awesome! It's fun that they get that opportunity. We went and gave them hugs and then took off for some Pocatello fun :).We went back to the apartment, relaxed, got dressed to go to the temple. Then headed up to the Pocatello temple! This was a highlight. The drive there was interesting. We weren't sure we were going to make it up the hill after having to stop behind a truck that got a little stuck. We had a lady behind us stop and try to help us by talking me through it, but eventually (finally) moved her truck so we could back up and get a running start up the hill. I was so glad we made it up. Took us longer than we had planned and I was worried we'd be late, but we were able to get dressed and use the STINKY bathroom all in time to catch the end of the line heading into the endowment room. Pretty lucky really! It was a nice session, sitting by Kelly is always a pleasure to be with. My mom and Simon were there as well and that was a fun thing too. After the temple, we went to Walmart to get some food for lunch and my CeraVe face wash that they apparently don't carry in Pocatello Walmart. So annoying. Then we went back to the apartment to eat and relax a little. We watched the first half of Prestige. After that we headed out to get some drinks from somewhere and ended up finding the actual Soda shak!! We were so happy about it!! I got the Michael Scott :). After that, it gets a little hazy on when and what things we did. We had dinner at Mod Pizza which was actually really good. And watched the rest of Prestige and then Safe Haven which was awesome. We got to sleep in on Saturday. Didn't get out of the house until about 10:30 to check out and then went to the Soda Shak with our $5 gift card this time. I got the drink called "Third Wheel" which was super funny. Then we parked at the mall so that I could do my hair (totally forgot to straighten it after letting it dry all morning before leaving) and Kelly and Devan walked through the mall a little. I was pretty quick and then sat there playing on my phone for a little bit. Then we met up with Grandma and Simon at the cemetery to say hi to my grandparents. I just love thinking about my grandma and grandpa Mottishaw and grandma and grandpa Stowell. It's so awesome that I had such amazing people to look up to and pattern my life after. They were all very awesome. It's fun to be there with my mom, I know she loves it as well. Kelly and Devan were nice to humor us all. We also stood by Steven and Jeffrey's grave for a bit as well and my mom talked about how When Grandma had Jeffrey she was alone, Grandpa was off at war, and Grandpa Stowell was the one there, to give him a name and a blessing. She had only given him a first name at the moment, probably a little out of it having almost bled to death, but I guess it really bothered her forever that she didn't give him one. She was such a sweetheart. I wish I could be more like her in all her perfect ways. She's just amazing. After the graves we drove around alittle and did some window shopping at Hobby Lobby and Cafe Rio for lunch, then to a park for some pickle ball for Kelly and Devan and some napping in the car for me. That back row is actually perfect for a good cat nap. I loved it. And needed it. Something about this trip really wore me out. They played for about an hour. Then we made our way back to the arena to kind of wish it over quicker so we could go home :). It was fun to watch the 3200 M girl- she lapped the girl in 2nd place!! So amazing! Broke some records. Not sure which records, but some of them. At some point they said fastest in the US, but Luke insists that's now what it was. So anyway. We finally got to see the Davis 4X4 that made it to the finals. They didn't' do very well, but it was fun to watch the whole team cheer for each of them as they went around. It was a very long day and everyone was very tired. We were on the road pretty soon after that and had the quietest two hour drive I've ever had with a full van of kids. We voted to not stop for food. I had a great time on this trip. Hopefully Kelly did as well! Lots of fun! 2-15-24--2-17-24
CHARITY SINGING IN GRANDMA'S WARD
I got to my mom's church at 8:30 to practice on the chapel piano- best decision. Got to run through it a bunch of times. I left my music up on the piano so Charity and I weren't able to run through it when he got there at 8:58, so that was a bummer and then after the sacrament the music blew off of the piano when someone walked by it. So when the first talk got over and we went up for Charity to sing, I had to bend over to get the music, put it on the piano and then like a guardian angel, this guy who had been sitting there, to give the second talk, he came up and magically stuck a piece of tape behind my music to secure it to the piano. Very cool. Charity did awesome!! I messed up a bunch, but hopefully it didn't distract from her beautiful singing. She's awesome. I had to scoot out of there as soon as she was done, but it was a neat experience. It was cool that grandma made that happen. We need to have her sing in our ward. 2-18-24
I got to my mom's church at 8:30 to practice on the chapel piano- best decision. Got to run through it a bunch of times. I left my music up on the piano so Charity and I weren't able to run through it when he got there at 8:58, so that was a bummer and then after the sacrament the music blew off of the piano when someone walked by it. So when the first talk got over and we went up for Charity to sing, I had to bend over to get the music, put it on the piano and then like a guardian angel, this guy who had been sitting there, to give the second talk, he came up and magically stuck a piece of tape behind my music to secure it to the piano. Very cool. Charity did awesome!! I messed up a bunch, but hopefully it didn't distract from her beautiful singing. She's awesome. I had to scoot out of there as soon as she was done, but it was a neat experience. It was cool that grandma made that happen. We need to have her sing in our ward. 2-18-24
BRADLEY'S PHONE CALL
Brad surprised us with a phone call on Sunday night! We actually missed the first two attempts! Luckily we were able to get his attention to try again. It was so fun that he got to chat with each kid this time!! Short, but very good! Only downside was Nate basically missed it. Only got on for a few minutes. We even got Charity on there for a few minutes. I loved hearing about the water balloon and the dog that his comp dodged. He sounds really great! I cannot believe he didn't get the backpack I sent him!! So frustrating. But he was really okay with it. Next district conference I guess. We loved how the phone got frozen while Brad was making a funny face. 2-18-24
Brad surprised us with a phone call on Sunday night! We actually missed the first two attempts! Luckily we were able to get his attention to try again. It was so fun that he got to chat with each kid this time!! Short, but very good! Only downside was Nate basically missed it. Only got on for a few minutes. We even got Charity on there for a few minutes. I loved hearing about the water balloon and the dog that his comp dodged. He sounds really great! I cannot believe he didn't get the backpack I sent him!! So frustrating. But he was really okay with it. Next district conference I guess. We loved how the phone got frozen while Brad was making a funny face. 2-18-24
BRAD''S EMAIL- CARNAVAL
Muy buenos dÃas hermanos y hermanas
This week was pretty relaxing we had the first half and I don't remember much from the first half because genuinely not much happened. Minus that last P day I hurt my back and wasn't able to walk very well or stand up and sit down so that was a difficult few days. Obviously I'm better now though. We put our buddy Carlos on date for March and we're actually so excited for him because he clearly is progressing so well and just genuinely wants too change his life. This week we had zone conference so it made for an eventful couple days.
Friday we had to leave mega early to go to Tacna which is a city super close to Chile so everything in Tacna is super cheap and people go there all the time to buy some nice cheap stuff. We got there and ended up being super early so we went to the church and played ping pong for hoursss. We also had our interviews and mine went sooo much better from last time because I was sorta depressed last transfer. But obviously everyone has to go through that phase so we're totally chilling now. We then got to sleep in this super nice hotel but it was just 80000 degrees at night so we were actually suffering. And we woke up and our door was open so someone definitely came in our room in the middle of the night which is sketchy.
Saturday we had conference and we talked a lot about trusting in the spirit. We talked a lot about sharing ideas you have for your areas with everyone because that's how we're going to grow and improve as a mission. I think I actually have the best mission president out there gonna be honest. He's turning this mission into an absolute work force and we're growing so much. Along with that we're all super young so we're all just gonna grow with the mission having the same people that want to grind for the next 12-18 months. Anyways I got a cutie Lil package and that was freaking amazing. Minus my backpack came a day late so I have to wait til next transfer... conference definitely went late as usual so we left the church at 3 to go to the bus terminal so we can zoom back because we had a baptism at 7. We show up and miss the bus... so we end up having to wait til 4:30 to get on the next bus. Keep in mind these bus rides take 2-3 hours so on the way we had to just call everyone to make sure it would be okay when we got there. We were definitely freaking out and so the second the bus got there we booked it to the baptism. We got there at 7:45... but luckily for us we were right on time for Peruvians so we got there and it went amazing! We had a huge turn out and it was a really special moment for Gonzalo.
Sunday- we got cooked at church. Basically nobody showed up until like 20 min after church started so none of them got to take the sacrament which is literally the reason we go to church. Kind of sad to be honest. We then decided to send papers to every class and have them write their name and numbers so that now we have the names and numbers of every active member. So we spent the day calling and visiting these people and actually ended up finding close to 10 more references that we get to teach this week. Super excited because we know there's actually so much more we just need to find them. While we were running up these stairs(we've made a rule that every set of stairs we find we have to sprint up them because we are getting fat) we heard a dog barking (we always hear them so it's normal to us) well then we look up and out of nowhere this dog comes sprinting at us with death in his eyes. He literally jumps at my comp and boom he side steps and the dog goes flying down the stairs.
There's this thing going on this week called carnaval or whatever and basically people just chuck water balloons at people. Water balloons filled with whatever substance they can find. Luckily it's more chill here but still crazy. Anyways while we were on a bus to our appointment we see a guy wind up on the side of the road and absolutely chuck a waterballoon straight through the window and nails the bus driver in the face. He then serves and almost just kills us but it was actually the funniest thing ever. It's kinda scary because we're actually targets for these people so we gotta be extra careful this week.
Spiritual thought:
But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
Alright guys these are some difficult times we are living in. And sometimes we feel as if our faith is struggling. We feel as if we can't feel the spirit no matter how hard we try. There are times where we question every single part about what we believe in. These times are going to come if they haven't yet. But the thing that's most important is if we can have a desire to believe. If we have a desire to feel the spirit, a desire to understand. Obviously a desire isn't the ideal situation but it will carry you. It has carried me and I promise it will carry you and along with your desire you will begin step by step to understand more, believe more, and feel Christ's love he has for you.
2-19-24
PRESIDENT'S DAY!
We didn't have school today! It was such a fun surprise for Noah who didn't realize it until Sunday night :). We didn't have anything fun planned so the morning was pretty lazy, then I went over to the church with Erika for her non official practice at our building. I got ot play on my phone for an hour and half while they practiced. Then we came back, gathered the littles for some Carls Jr for lunch. Then while we were out Kelly, Luke and Noah went to play pickle ball. We all met up after, watched some SPirit and then drove all the way up to Fly High for some trampoline fun! Get Out Pass- thank you!! Kelly and I sat and talked while Noah, Erika, Molly and Sadie played their hearts out! It looked like they had a fun time! I was glad. Erika was really wanting something new to do. So this was great!! We need to plan a hockey game soon though! Came home for some delicious dinner from Nate!! Good times! Happy day off from school!! 2-19-24
VENTS
Tuesday I had scheduled to have our dryer vent cleaned out again. I was getting the error code every time I dried the laundry again and really wanted to experience those quicker dry times again. The guy came and cleaned it, told me I needed a new vent cover on the outside of the house. Then he said I could have a free quote on the air vents in the house and when he took one look inside our vents was completely flabbergasted with how horrible they looked. He totally talked me into getting them all cleaned out later that day and I talked him down about three hundred dollars! So now we are all breathing cleaner air. I am still working off the embarrassment of him going through our entire house and all the mess surrounding each vent cover. Oh well. 2-20-24
Tuesday I had scheduled to have our dryer vent cleaned out again. I was getting the error code every time I dried the laundry again and really wanted to experience those quicker dry times again. The guy came and cleaned it, told me I needed a new vent cover on the outside of the house. Then he said I could have a free quote on the air vents in the house and when he took one look inside our vents was completely flabbergasted with how horrible they looked. He totally talked me into getting them all cleaned out later that day and I talked him down about three hundred dollars! So now we are all breathing cleaner air. I am still working off the embarrassment of him going through our entire house and all the mess surrounding each vent cover. Oh well. 2-20-24
ERIKA'S LAST JV GAME
I got one last game to watch Erika show her stuff. She got to play a bunch on the Varsity game and then KILLED it in the JV game. She did so awesome!! Shot a really sweet three-pointer that Emily got a great video of! So fun!! She had a really awesome season. The JV team only lost two games. I just see those girls really knocking it out of the park next year. I'm excited. 2-20-24
LUKE WISDOM TEETH
We went in for a consultation for Luke's wisdom teeth and found out that he only has one and it's not even fully developed yet, so he will not be doing the traditional get your wisdom teeth pulled fun before his mission! I'm pretty relieved for him. Everyone else is slightly disappointed that we will not have a fun video of Luke afterwards. He seems relieved too. 2-21-24
KELLY DOCTOR APPOINTMENT
We had a quick little appointment today where they went over Kelly's lab results. Seems her AMH is much lower than they thought before. So it may take a few tries to get the 14 eggs they wanted to get. If we can even get close to that number. I am hopeful. I know that Kelly will be a mom. Whether it is for her own eggs or not and I am not going to worry about it. I am going to pray for all of this to go smoothly, because it is going to be a pretty crazy process that I hope she can handle. 2-22-24
We had a quick little appointment today where they went over Kelly's lab results. Seems her AMH is much lower than they thought before. So it may take a few tries to get the 14 eggs they wanted to get. If we can even get close to that number. I am hopeful. I know that Kelly will be a mom. Whether it is for her own eggs or not and I am not going to worry about it. I am going to pray for all of this to go smoothly, because it is going to be a pretty crazy process that I hope she can handle. 2-22-24
THREE GAMES IN A ROW
Luke and Noah had back to back rec games this week and then a church ball game after that! We went to all three and cheered them on. They did really good at their rec games. I was SO impressed with the playing in those games! The others on the team were actually trying and had so much energy! So fun!! Those were the last games of their season. Then onto the first church ball game. This was crazy! 15 boys showed up for the game. They all played only a few minutes and with so many inexperienced out on the court at once, we just couldn't gain any ground! So crazy!! It was still fun to watch them all play though. Good times. 2-22-24
Luke and Noah had back to back rec games this week and then a church ball game after that! We went to all three and cheered them on. They did really good at their rec games. I was SO impressed with the playing in those games! The others on the team were actually trying and had so much energy! So fun!! Those were the last games of their season. Then onto the first church ball game. This was crazy! 15 boys showed up for the game. They all played only a few minutes and with so many inexperienced out on the court at once, we just couldn't gain any ground! So crazy!! It was still fun to watch them all play though. Good times. 2-22-24
LUNCH WITH STEVE
We met up at Big O tire so we could drop off Becky's car and I left with Steve to go to Costa Vida. We had a nice time talking. I wish we could do this more often. I miss being buds. But it was fun. 2-23-24
We met up at Big O tire so we could drop off Becky's car and I left with Steve to go to Costa Vida. We had a nice time talking. I wish we could do this more often. I miss being buds. But it was fun. 2-23-24
DATE NIGHT
We went to Monster Sushi tonight! So yummy! 2-23-24
We went to Monster Sushi tonight! So yummy! 2-23-24
LAYTON TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE VOLUNTEERING
We all got to sign up to volunteer to work the open house at the Layton temple!! It's gonna be so cool!! I'm excited! 2-25-24
We all got to sign up to volunteer to work the open house at the Layton temple!! It's gonna be so cool!! I'm excited! 2-25-24
SADIE'S WELL CHECK AND KINDERGARTEN SHOTS
Everything was going really well until the doctor asked about her eating habits. Then we had to have a pretty lengthy discussion about what she should be eating. As if nobody knew. Then she wanted the finger poke. All heck broke loose. Sadie did not love the finger poke. She did much better with the shots, but all of it really threw off her groove. She was a princess about it all again and it did take a few days to get over it. Even a week later she was asking me if I remembered it. She's been taking her vitamins, drinking more water, and even eating a few more things ever since. Funny girl. She's very average on the growth curve. And the doctor thinks her weekly leg pain is from cramping from lacking magnesium or water. We'll see. 2-26-24
Everything was going really well until the doctor asked about her eating habits. Then we had to have a pretty lengthy discussion about what she should be eating. As if nobody knew. Then she wanted the finger poke. All heck broke loose. Sadie did not love the finger poke. She did much better with the shots, but all of it really threw off her groove. She was a princess about it all again and it did take a few days to get over it. Even a week later she was asking me if I remembered it. She's been taking her vitamins, drinking more water, and even eating a few more things ever since. Funny girl. She's very average on the growth curve. And the doctor thinks her weekly leg pain is from cramping from lacking magnesium or water. We'll see. 2-26-24
PHONE CALL
Got a fun phone call while I was at the mall with Sadie. Apparently I have unhealthy boundaries with my kids and need to change that. I disagree, but I guess I am also lying. Lots of fun. 2-26-24
Got a fun phone call while I was at the mall with Sadie. Apparently I have unhealthy boundaries with my kids and need to change that. I disagree, but I guess I am also lying. Lots of fun. 2-26-24
FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS- ERIKA
Erika's coach asked her to dress and practice with Varsity this last week as they prepared for their playoff games. She only got to play a few minutes in the one game because she got elbowed in the nose and had a bloody nose. Did they call a foul? No. But she did play awesome!! I loved watching her. She was so happy to play a little. They won which was awesome, and kind of a miracle if you ask me, but then lost their next game against Farmington. So sad, but also nice that practices and stuff are over. 2-27-24
Erika's coach asked her to dress and practice with Varsity this last week as they prepared for their playoff games. She only got to play a few minutes in the one game because she got elbowed in the nose and had a bloody nose. Did they call a foul? No. But she did play awesome!! I loved watching her. She was so happy to play a little. They won which was awesome, and kind of a miracle if you ask me, but then lost their next game against Farmington. So sad, but also nice that practices and stuff are over. 2-27-24
JACK'S FINAL REHEARSAL FOR LION KING
Nate and I got to go watch Jack in his rehearsal. This was a really fun opportunity. We had really awesome seats over by his cave and were shocked at how well he did!! I was so impressed with his acting and how many lines he had memorized. It was so much fun to watch him in that role and on the stage- he really does seem fearless!! I loved it!! He seemed to really enjoy this one as well. I think he's the only character who is in the whole show and stays the same. Very cool!! 2-27-24
CONCESSIONS
This week was my week to really work on the concessions stuff for the play. It was a lot more work than I had anticipated. I decided to get the gummy bugs and package them as "Grub" and we still needed to figure out the popcorn popper and buy that stuff as well. It was crazy really, but fine. Kelly was my right hand man and once Erika got back from her game Thursday, she was also. They both were SO helpful and good company. We worked every night during the Mufasa cast and then watched Jack when his cast performed. We had to keep going and buying more candy and food each night. And ordering more stuffy keychains. Those were a BIG hit. Trying not to run out of the stuff everyone liked. We did run out of roses the second night and Jen had to go get those and then the last night, before the second show, we ran out of popcorn!! It was so sad! Kelly tried to go get some at Bowmans, but they were even out!! It was pretty devastating. But we lived. I think that got people to buy more of the other stuff that we were not really selling the whole weekend. So it worked out. I ended up making homemade cotton candy the last day, which was a crazy mess as well. That sold really well too. It was fun though! I think I will sign up to do the concessions again next year, just because I know what works now. We'll see. I guess it depends on if Molly is in the play even. But fun stuff. 2-29-24
This week was my week to really work on the concessions stuff for the play. It was a lot more work than I had anticipated. I decided to get the gummy bugs and package them as "Grub" and we still needed to figure out the popcorn popper and buy that stuff as well. It was crazy really, but fine. Kelly was my right hand man and once Erika got back from her game Thursday, she was also. They both were SO helpful and good company. We worked every night during the Mufasa cast and then watched Jack when his cast performed. We had to keep going and buying more candy and food each night. And ordering more stuffy keychains. Those were a BIG hit. Trying not to run out of the stuff everyone liked. We did run out of roses the second night and Jen had to go get those and then the last night, before the second show, we ran out of popcorn!! It was so sad! Kelly tried to go get some at Bowmans, but they were even out!! It was pretty devastating. But we lived. I think that got people to buy more of the other stuff that we were not really selling the whole weekend. So it worked out. I ended up making homemade cotton candy the last day, which was a crazy mess as well. That sold really well too. It was fun though! I think I will sign up to do the concessions again next year, just because I know what works now. We'll see. I guess it depends on if Molly is in the play even. But fun stuff. 2-29-24
