September 2025

 LABOR DAY/MOLLY'S 10TH BIRTHDAY

So Labor day was an interesting one this year!  Good!  But very interesting!  We all went down to Grandma Ruthie's for Jen's Labor Day party.  It was a FULL HOUSE for sure!!  It was packed!  It was kind of crazy of Brad, but he brought his cute Kayden to this party.  They came a little late and we had to leave a little early, because Jack was almost out of insulin, so it wasn't too bad, but we were playing a game that would have been better with fewer people, so it was okay that we weren't there the whole time :).  But meeting Kayden was the highlight for me :).  She's adorable!  So after that, the plan was to go to Farmington Pool to swim.  I had decided to drop everyone off at the pool and run home to get Jack's insulin and go back and give him some.  He hadn't eaten much at the party, so he was actually doing pretty okay blood sugar wise.  I thought if he got in the pool and was swimming a bunch he wouldn't even need it really.  But of course, my heart sank, when I looked in the fridge and found there was NO INSULIN!!  Not a drop.  We were completely out of insulin and when I looked at the website I learned that his new supply would not be here for a few more days!!  I was in a bit of a panic if I'm being honest.  I started texting everyone I know to see if they would let us borrow some, apparently nobody uses the same kind.  Mandy Sanchez wasn't even answering.  The pharmacies were all closed as well as the doctors' offices.  This was SO BAD!!  I was stressing and wasn't really sure how to fix this problem.  I was just kind of sitting at the pool losing my mind all over my mom who was fun enough to join us.  After a little while I got a call back from the on call doctor.  They were able to point me to the Primary Children's pharmacy in Salt Lake, but then after a few more calls with them, we all realized that we would not be able to get it covered by insurance because they were covering the batch that was on it's way (or not quite on it's way here as I learned after a bunch more calls).  It was a HUGE mess if I'm being honest.  But after checking with Nate, I settled on taking Jack down to Primary Children's and just buying the insulin out of pocket.  So that's what we did.  Jack was feeling really crappy by now and sad that he had to leave the pool even though he had hardly gotten to swim because his foot was hurting him for some reason.  So he was grumpy also.  We made the long trek there with phones dying and his pump dying- of all the luck! But eventually got to the front of the line, paid the whopping $200 for the insulin and being on our way.  It was a MIRACLE a huge one that my phone did not die while we were in line.  It was chugging at the end there!  SO we got in the car, had to scramble to find a store to buy a new charger to charge his phone, my phone and his pump most importantly.  That was a challenge for some reason.  But we did it!!  Near the end there we had decided he just needed to get some insulin so we stopped and used the needle and fresh new pen and then continued home.  It was seriously nuts!!  All along I was stressing about Molly's family party and wondering how I was going to get everything all ready to go.  It was stressful.  We did make it home and we were able to get things all situated for Molly's family party.  Grandpa Hatch, Grandma and Simon, Charity and Hunter, Brad still had Kayden with him.  We had just enough to party really :).  Molly had wanted to play Viking Chess again, and that was a big hit.  I think we had mini loaf cakes that Molly and I had made to taste like snickers :).  Chocolate cake with caramel inside along with some caramel frosting and snickers on top.  They were pretty rich.  But so fun, so good!  I loved spoiling Molly and being able to celebrate her.  She is such a part of our family.  We couldn't be us without her.  9-1-25

MULTISTAKE YOUTH FESTIVAL (SHOULD BE CALLED A CONCERT, JUST SAYIN)
I was so satisfied with how this went!  Martha did an amazing job planning it!  haha!!  I volunteered to help set up and was put on decorations, namely a balloon arch and columns in the entry lobby.  Took a few minutes and then I was just there at the Regional center- TURTLE BUILDING- for a good coupld hours.  I decided to just sit and relax!  The rest of our stake leaders started coming around 5:00.  We got a lot of things set up and directed all the other stakes' leaders.  We got the wristbands all ready to pass out.  Then the youth started coming!  So many youth!  We filled up the entire bottom section of seats with youth, made all the adults move and filled up about half of the upper section.  Pretty awesome.  This turned out to be so much fun!  The performers were so fun.  The Bonner family boys were awesome.  Our stake girls were OBSESSED with Pierce Morris again :).  Erika says that was the highlight for her- not watching Pierce, but watching Grace Layton enjoy Pierce- HA!  I stood with Christa Skousen and watched it from the side, it was so cool.  I loved seeing all the wristbands lighting up and the balls.  I loved it really!!  The Spirit was there, it was just awesome!  Even the clean up went pretty smoothly and didn't feel overwhelming at all.  We got out of there pretty quickly.  I was grateful for Erika and Noah's help and company while we took down the balloons.  Pres. Perry and Christa were there as well.  Many hands made light work.  I am actually looking forward to this for next year!!  9-3-25

LUNCH WITH BROOKE
We finally made it to lunch!  We went to Zupas and had such a good time!  I loved the yummy Dubai Chocolate covered strawberries!!  So amazing!!  She should never have shared those with me!  I miss seeing Brooke more often.  9-4-25

RENTALS
We started renting out the wedding stuff.  Seems to be going pretty well!  I am actually surprised at how much I can bring in with that.  Kinda cool.  Basically makes up for me leaving the Lisa's.  9-6-25

SOCCER
So far soccer has been a blast this season!  Erika and Noah are on the same team and that has been really fun.  Molly is back on a Kaysville rec team and that has been a huge relief.  I don't even think I mentioned the I-9 league we put her on last season... so sad.  It set her back a little, but I think she's caught up already.  9-6-25

CHARITY AND HUNTER IDAHO OPEN HOUSE
We were lucky enough to be able to go up to Preston for the open house at the Hollist home.  Nate even got work off.  Grandpa Hatch showed up shortly after us, that was fun.  They had the best food and it was really fun to meet all the family members and friends there.  Brad and Kayden especially had a good time mingling with all the hispanics and people from Peru and people who served in Peru on missions.  I liked meeting Linda's uncles Ken and David, Molly liked seeing Leila again.  It was really nice to have my dad there as my security blanket.  And I was so surprised to see the Christensens there :).  Fun stuff though.  9-6-25

LUNCH WITH JULIE CLEMENS
Julie texted me the night before telling me she was going to be in Kaysville, so we were able to meet up at Orlando's for some lunch!  This was a highlight.  I love Julie.  What would I do without her in my life.  I love being able to start where we left off and it never feels like we've been apart.  She's such a good friend, so understanding and so easy to talk to.  It's crazy how much our kids are all growing and changing right now.  Big stuff!!  She's got three in three different colleges!  9-8-25

LUNCH WITH ANNIE COLE
Annie and I got to meet up at Chipotle again- not sure why but I ended up at the South Jordan one instead of the West Jordan one out by her house.  So it took me a minute to get there.  But it was so nice to hang out.  We think the same on so many things- it's actually so refreshing to talk to her.  She is such a good friend.  9-9-25

CHARLIE KIRK
On Wednesday I got a text from Brad telling me that Kayden's family had been at UVU to watch Charlie Kirk and saw him get shot!  So crazy!!  Brooke and I had talked about going there, Charity had talked about going there.  None of us went, but man, such a weird world.  They were pretty unsure of who did it for a while and since then, there has been a lot of talk of conspiracies and stuff.  It all seems very fishy to me.  But mostly just so sad.  He has a wife and two little kids.  He was so amazing and had such a good grasp of reality and a good perspective on life.  He was religious and very conservative so I agreed with almost every thing I've heard him say.  He had so much ahead.  It's so sad that he was killed for speaking out and trying to listen.  Kind of scary really.  I don't want to let it silence me.  9-10-25

TEMPLE WITH BRADLEY
I have been wanting to have a regular temple day and I need to really make it happen, but this week Brad motivated me to get an appointment.  It was so nice to go with him.  I love the temple.  9-11-25

MINISTERING INTERVIEWS
Rebekah Flindt and I were able to meet with Debra Smith for our interview this time.  It was fun!  I liked visiting.  I really want to find a way to make Debra a Lego nativity :).  9-11-25

PRESIDENTS DINNER
This went really well again.  I enjoyed hearing from all the Presidents.  There was less talk about teaching Sunday lessons, which is unfortunate because I don't think many of them are.  But it was a productive meeting.  Zupas is always good too :).  And I tried Poppi- prebiotic soda.  Very cool.  9-11-25

BASKETBALL FOR ERIKA
We've started up with a fall season of basketball for Erika- kind of here and there, not really all in, but we went up to Brighton High for a couple games and it was really fun to watch!  Erika did amazing!  It's going to be a fun basketball season come Winter!  9-13-25

SUNDAY
This Sunday was a big day for me.  I had to go to Stake Council at 6:30 in the morning, our ward at 9:00, choir at 11:15, then I took a small break before heading out to our Stake Youth Council at 2:00 and then Prep for life at 3:00.  All of which I was kind of in charge of.  Not completely but I had Martha's keys so...  It all went pretty well though!  I especially loved the Prep For Life YSA panel.  Brad was on it, so that was awesome.  He did a great job.  I loved hearing all of his answers.  He sure loves the Gospel and Jesus Christ.  What a blessing he is in my life.  We got home and rushed off to the family meeting!  Kinda nuts!  9-14-25

NOAH'S CCR
This was a little bit annoying because I didn't feel like his counselor was helping us with anything.  We had to drag information out of her rather than having her anxious to give it to us.  Noah has amazing grades, a desire to go to college, and wants some direction as to where and how, but she just was not very informative.  Kind of annoying.  But we got some info- found out they screwed up on his 9th grade grades, and hopefully he will be able to take the ACT again soon and can move on to applying for schools!  He's so cool!  He also got some forms to apply for internships and work release.  9-15-25

ZERO FATALITIES
I think this was like my 4th or 5th time seeing this- I know I made Nate go once or twice.  I don't think we did it during COVID, but anyway- we had to go to Viewmont this time, the one at Davis was during something else.  But it ended up being pretty much the same as it has always been.  Which I actually don't mind.  I kind of like it.  Erika was paying very close attention and that was good.  Pretty exciting that she could get her license in a couple of months!!  She needs more hours though!  9-16-25

ERIKA'S FIRST DATE- HOMECOMING DAY DATE TO TOP GOLF
She was not feeling great most of the day and slept quite a bit,but then was able to shake it off for the date that night.  She ended up having SO MUCH FUN!  I was so glad!  Easton was a great first date!  9-17-25

LUNCH WITH PAPPY
It's been a few months since we did our lunch, so this was nice and refreshing.  I love hanging out with my dad.  We visited for a while and then Brad showed up which was so much fun!  We loved that.  He always makes everyone smile.  I think we all had a good time.  Grandpa paid for it and I still don't know why it was so much!  9-18-25

COLUMBIA FUN RUN!
I don't the excitement level for this is near what it used to be with the older kids- these ones just don't love running as much as they did, but I will say Molly and Sadie were looking forward to it :).  Nate, Brad and I headed over to the school- Molly had wanted to someone to run with so I brought Brad :).  He ran with Sadie in the first group  and then again with Molly for the second.  So fun!  They all did so good!  Molly came in 5th place we think, for fourth grade girls.  Very cool!  Brad had a good time even.  Nate and I visited with all the friends and neighbors which is always fun.  Good stuff!  9-19-25

DATE NIGHT
Nate and I went to Applebee's and saw the movie Senior from Angel Studios.  Very fun movie!  We had a great time.  We are really needing our dates these days so I was happy we could this week!  9-19-25

BRAD SPEAKING AND MEETING KAYDEN'S MOM
Brad was asked to speak this week by two different stake leaders.  Janice Johnson for the Country Lane ward and then Cameron Jones? in the 11th ward!  I got to go to most of the first one with Nate and then we got to meet Kayden's mom afterwards which was so fun.  She said she thought I was Brad's sister :).  WINNER!!  She had to hurry and go to the airport, but she was so nice!  I am glad I got to meet her.  Then I went to choir and caught the end of his second talk.  Big day for Brad!  He has another one in NOvember with Travis at the Shadowbrook ward.  9-21-25

DINNER AT CHARITY AND HUNTER'S
We were invited down for dinner this Sunday, so we brought some Lasagna and all the energy we could squeeze into their place :).  We had taken a detour on our way there, to take some cake and card to Jen for her birthday and ran into Grandma getting ready to ride around.  It was way more out of the way than I had imagined for some reason.  It was a fun time!  Charity was so nice to attempt a diy Ranch dressing for Sadie even though she really didn't appreciate it.  We were able to spend a lot of good time there, played a few games, and talked a LOT.  It was nice.  We miss them!!  Nice time talk to NOah on the way there and Brad on the way back :).  Fun stuff.  9-21-25

MINISTERS
Greg and Brad are our new ministers.  Kinda funny.  But I wanted to document everyone's bucket list item from Greg's question- Let's see if I can remember them all.  Sadie was wandering around, I don't think we got hers.  Molly wants to have a horse.  Jack wants to be an engineer.  Erika wants to do something I can't remember at the moment.  Noah said going on a mission.  Brad said getting a calling.  I said Machu Picchu and now I am drawing a blank on Nate's too.  I need to reask them.  But so fun.  9-22-25

LUKE'S YEAR MARK!!!
He didn't really like thinking about it too much, but we are all very excited for Luke to have reached the one year mark!  A whole year!  At this point it feels like it's been more than a year, but I'm so proud of him and all that he has done.  He is really impressive and growing so much.  It was a lot of fun to hear him and Brad talking about how to help the missionaries in his zone.  Luke is such a good learner, asks questions, listens.  I think that is one of his gifts.  It's going to be cool to see what else he can accomplish on the Lord's errand!  He's so awesome!  Congrats, Luke!!  One more to go!  You got this.  9-23-25

HOMECOMING 2025- NOAH AND ERIKA
We had such a great Homecoming this year!  Erika got asked by Easton who was just a sweetie from day one.  He was so funny about how his ice cream was melty and things didn't quite go right with his ask.  But he was so fun about the ties, buying every shade of pink, and then worrying about driving.  He was funny.  Erika was so happy about going with him and was wanting to make things perfect.  She was so smart with her dress choice and picked a really modest pink one with cute decorative flowers sewn on- SO CUTE!!  She looked gorgeous in it.  She and I made the boutineere the morning of, that was a lot of fun.  Fretting over every little inch of it.  We made the perfect one!  It was so much fun.  She looked beautiful!  I was a little sad I was kind of busy setting up Noah's dinner I didn't really get to help her get ready, but I was SO relieved that Easton came to pick her up a little earlier than she had said.  I was able to be here when he came.  He was adorable.  Very sweet to everyone in the room, wanting to be introduced to everyone and just so friendly.  Cool kid.  Charity and Bradley both happened to pop in through the room so they met him.  Charity and I got pictures of them swapping flowers and then a couple more for good measure and then they were off!  He popped back in the house to ask what time to bring her home :).  Good one Easton!  She had a blast!  He was such a gentleman all night and was so polite and fun.  What a great first dance!!  She liked that they were both talkative with each other and the spike ball competition that they of course dominated.  Good times!  I'm glad she had such a good time!

Noah's date was a little different.  He took a girl named Sienna.  She was pretty shy from day 1.  I love that Noah lets me take pictures of his group.  We went to Lagoon Trail and it was PACKED!!   Who knew.  Kind of a bummer, but we got some good pictures.  I also loved that Noah chose to have his dinner here this dance!  That was so much fun!  We put out a couple tables on back, the lights, Nate mowed the lawn and made pulled pork.  We got out the bud vases and decorated the table and then everyone brought all the sides.  I made some cute Strawberry Lemonade cakes and it was great!  I think they had a good time!  I loved having them.  They were all very polite before they left!  9-27-25

GOODBYE PRESIDENT NELSON!
Such sad news to hear that President Nelson has gone on to his next life.  I'm sad to see him go, but I do feel some peace knowing where he is and that we still have all of his words and revelation.  It is obviously his time to go.  He lived to be 101.  He was amazing.  I've always loved him.  He gave so many wonderful promises that I hope to always remember and keep studying.  I also love President Oaks and I am excited to see what it is like with him as the Prophet.  I think he will be awesome too.  Here we go!  9-28-25

FHE
For Family Night tonight, we decided to take Grandma Ruthie out for dinner for her birthday tomorrow!  She chose Chubby's.  We had all of us there, minus the marrieds and Luke.  Grandma was so much fun- so cheerful!  We ate our yummy food and then sat around talking for quite a while.  It was so nice!  We surprised grandma with our tradition of telling all the things we love about the birthday person.  She seemed to like hearing what we had to say.  Lots of her showing her love and making us all feel welcome and loved.  Also her spirituality and how she is always teaching.  Lots of good stuff!  She was very sweet about it all and seemed a little uncomfortable with the compliments- so humble :)..  We stopped for Nielson's Frozen Custard on the way home as our Family Night treat.  9-29-25

NOAH THE HOT COMMODITY
Noah called me while we were getting Neilson's on our way home from dinner with Grandma Ruthie to tell me that he had been asked TWICE to the Winter dance!  A girl named Natalie was first- she's the one he wants to go with and was really excited about.  But then Clara Wolsey also asked him, about five minutes later.  It was kind of hard for him to say no!  What a bummer for him!  But then he found out that Chloe was also going to ask him but saw the poster on the porch before.  Kinda nuts!  I imagine he felt kind of cool being such a sought ought date :).  9-30-25

TEMPLE WITH BRAD AND JENEEL
Janeel and I finally made time to go to the temple together!  It was a wet, rainy day.  I wasn't sure if she was going to be able to make it so I invited Brad as well.  It was a great time!  We thought the drive to the temple was the funnest.  Janeel is going to help Brad make some shoes :).  I loved when Brad told me what thumbs up is like :).  9-30-25

August 2025

 DATE WITH JACK

Jack and I got to go see the new Jurassic Park movie.  It was SO GOOD!!  Jurassic World Rebirth.  We loved it!  There's just the one part that we were wishing they'd had T-Rex swoop in and save the day, but completely missed that awesome opportunity, but for the most part- very fun movie!!  And as always- it's fun to be with Jack.  He's so nice to me and talks so much- I love that!  8-2-25

DINNER WITH CLAIRE
My stomach wasn't feeling the Indian restaurant this time for some reason, so we chose Costa Vida instead and who knew getting to the Gateway Costa Vida would be such a hassle!  Sheesh!  It was super fun to be with Claire- we could still talk for days!  8-5-25

HURDLE CAMP
I loved that we signed Noah up for the hurdle camp this year!  I think he enjoyed it and learned some cool new drills to help him with his hurdles.  Hopefully it was worth the time and he feels more confidence from it.  8-7-25--8-9-25

CHARITY HOLLIST FAMILY SHOWER
This ended up being SO MUCH FUN!!  I really loved meeting Hunter's sisters!  So sweet, so genuine, and just so nice!  This was a really fun shower too because of how much attention they put on Charity and their dating and engagement.  She got to tell all the fun stuff.  They did a fun game about her which was really cool.  Lots of other fun games which Molly really enjoyed- not saying the words Bingo.  It was really fun to spend that time with them all and see Charity so happy as well.  8-9-25

CHARITY'S BRIDALS
This was a fun evening as well.  Noah and I were asked to come and assist and then also take some pictures after the photographer finished her few.  Noah has been way into photography lately and is getting really good at it.  So he was in charge of taking the pictures.  We went up to Provo Canyon to Big Springs Park and found the perfect spot.  It was fun to be with Charity and Hunter and Noah and so fun to be part of their Bridals.  They turned out amazing!!  8-9-25

BACKPACKING- NATE AND THE OLDER BOYS AND HUNTER- CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS
This was a really cool experience according to all of them.  It actually sounded so cool.  We're all super proud of them for being able to accomplish it!  Fun to hear about the bonding.  8-11-25--8-14-25

WHILE THE BOYS WERE GONE
Sketch- freakiest movie ever.  It felt like another episode of Coraline- trying to do something fun and it ending up being scary.
Swimming!!
Got my hair cut and colored- thank you Marianne!
Lots of dentist appointments
Mango Sticky Rice with Christie- this was when Nate called and told me they were almost home!
Back To School Night at Columbia- these are a lot more chill than they used to be- fun to meet Molly's teacher and great to see Ms. Smith again- we love her.  8-11-25--8-14-25

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
This was another great first day of school!  I think most things went well.  Nothing is really standing out.  We've got five in school again this year.  Noah is a Senior- so crazy.  He is looking forward to a good year- crazy math and some sports med type classes.  Erika is a Sophomore- first year at Davis!  She is so nervous!!  She is going to love it though.  Jack is in 8th grade, excited to no longer be a sevie.  Molly is in 4th grade and not showing her excitement as much, but you can tell she is a little.  Sadie couldn't be more excited to go back to school and have Ms. Smith and be in 1st grade!!  Not too much different from last year, but it's going to be a good year!  We've got high hopes!  They let us take the kids into their classrooms this year which started to be kinda crazy when Sadie got nervous.  Luckily she was okay with me leaving to drop off Molly and then was able to say goodbye later.  They all had a great first day!  8-18-25

KELLY IS HERE!!
We grabbed some lunch for our first lunch day and then grabbed some more for Kelly and picked her up from the airport.  This was so exciting!  We knew it was going to be short, but happy to have whatever time we could with Kelly.  The rest of the time was work work work!!  She was so nice to come and help so much!  8-20-25

FRUIT SKEWERS and DIY BACKDROP
We got the arch for the backdrop like Tuesday and I had started on it with Sarah's company and got a lot of it done, but then Wednesday we were able to go buy some more ribbon and fabric to add to it, which really helped!  It turned out so pretty!  We had a good turn out for help with the skewers.  I cut up all the fruit and Charity, Hunter, Kelly, a few friends, Sierra, Matt, Bradley, I think Sadie and Molly too- all made the skewers.  We didn't use all the fruit, but we did use all their effort- HA!  I was wanting more obviously- HAHAHA!!!  It was a nice time with everyone though.  8-20-25

CHARITY AND HUNTER'S BIG DAY!!  
Their wedding day went off without a hitch!  It was such a beautiful day and went so smoothly.  I really don't think we could have asked for better.  
Kelly, Erika and I hurried down to Charity's apartment to be there to help her get ready.  Our drive there was pretty stressful- there were several accidents on the freeway that morning and so much traffic.  We believe it was a miracle that we got to Charity's in time to do everyone's hair (we'd all left curling our hair for her house for some reason) and get up to the temple by 10:40 (just 10 minutes late, miraculously!)  Charity rode with Hunter.  I got to meet Hunter's uncle Tyler there and we were the escorts that followed them around the temple all morning.  Such a beautiful temple!  They picked the Saratoga Temple because Hunter did some work there and because Charity liked the colors inside.  It's a special temple to them too.  I loved the time I got with Charity.  I will always cherish those minutes leading up to her sealing.  She was still my little girl :).  She was so happy and had such a glow about her.  It was fun to help her.  The sealing was amazing!  It was Hunter's grandpa who performed it.  He spoke a LOT about the covenants that they were making- I think there were five for Hunter and three for Charity?  Darn now I forgot.  But it was so beautiful  I loved that they let me sit by Nate again.  Holding hands and living in that moment together.  It really is neat to witness your kid making those covenants and starting on that journey.  I'm so excited for them and their future.  They will do big things.  We loved all the hugs and tears and then I loved helping Charity get into her dress!  They were so adorable when they came out- just basking in that moment!  Charity was SO HAPPY, it was fun. Picture time was SO HOT, but not too long, so that was good.  I really love how the temple pictures turned out despite how unorganized our photographer was.  She did a great job on the pictures!  Grandpa and Steve graced us with their presence, which is so fun.  I'm really glad they will come for that part.  We all made our way over to the church that was in the same parking lot as the temple for the luncheon (that was a really nice luxury!).  The Hollists hosted this and did an excellent job.  We ate Hawaiin yumminess from Mo Bettas and somewhere else.  We ate, had a program where Charity's friend, Kelly, Nate, me, Hunter's sisters, mom and dad spoke.  It was pretty fun to hear all about them and be able to shower them with love.  This was a highlight of the day and super chill, so that was nice.  We were gearing up for the evening of course.  We quickly made our way over to the Harris's house (Charity's friends who let us use their backyard) and began setting things up.  This actually went pretty smoothly.  The only hangup was that we had left a bunch of the stuff in Hunter's car so it wasn't there yet and that was annoying.  Luckily, I had followed the inspiration to bring our cheesecloths and our drink dispensers.  We were able to set up pretty much everything.  It looked AMAZING!!  Martha McKay was the star when she brought the cake- that was so awesome of her to bring that and help me figure out what to do with it to set the top tier on.  Nobody even knew we weren't experts.  The chair guys did awesome on the ring ceremony set up down on the lower level of the yard and the arch looked great down there.  Took us a while to get the speakers up and running and thanks to the crappy service in that little cove, it was difficult to use what Charity had planned.  But we did it!!  She had Brad as the officiator and he did a fantastic job!!  Everyone loved that she played the Marvel music for Hunter to walk down the aisle.  It was fun to have the Ritchies sitting right behind us as well as the Chambers!  Two rock solid couples.  Grandpa was there and that was good because he was the main reason she was having a ring ceremony.  Molly and Sadie were so happy for their moment to throw the petals and walk down the aisle as flower girls.  Everything went really well.  It was quick, but so good!  Then everyone carried chairs up and we finished getting the food out and then the night was history!!  I've learned that these things go fast!  We were running around a lot doing food and stuff, and thankfully we weren't the only ones- Charity had this amazing friend (I forgot her name at the moment) who just stepped in and helped TREMENDOUSLY!!  She was the one who had to sit and stress as the pretzel bites people took forever (thanks for the discount though!), and then she was just amazing the whole night, restocking the food and stuff.  We had pretzel bites, fruit skewers and cheesecakes with cute mason jars for the lemonade bar, topped off with heart shaped straws!  It was so cute, so fun.  The night was amazing.  I was so shocked at how many came from the ward!  Very cool.  It was not a short drive.  We unfortunately never got the stuff out of Hunter's car and we could never get the tv with the video Kelly made, up and running.  That was a huge bummer.  Grandpa Hatch did everything he could and then I learned that it was my stupid adapter.  Everything else went so well even with all the heat!!  I was literally dripping!!  Thankfully, Sarah had offered (actually forced me to take it- HA!) her hair clip so I didn't look like a drowned rat.  It was a lot of fun to have the Hatches with us.  Sadie and Molly loved playing with Hunter's nieces and their cousins the entire time.  We didn't run out of food.  The two lovebirds did their cake which was so fun.  Then Charity did something completely unexpected and instead of throwing the bouquet, she dedicated it to me!!  SO SWEET!!  I am getting the bouquet she gave me professionally dried and put in a frame.  After that we did the dances- Hunter danced with his mom and Charity with Nate, then Brad tapped in, then Noah tapped in and then Jack tapped in... it was SO CUTE!!  So much fun.  I really loved that touch that night.  The dance party was a big hit.  I loved watching Charity in her moment.  So crazy that this was it.  It got dark a little sooner than I'd planned but we were able to do a cute send off on the driveway with the lights there and all the bubbles.  I thought it looked so cute!  They were adorable, climbed into their car and took off!!  That was that.  We all (us, the Taylors, Hunter's dad and Charity's bridesmaids) ran around frantically cleaning everything up as quickly as we could!  It was SO DARK.  Luckily it had cooled down quite a bit.  We were so fast!  Everyone was starving- especially Jack who hadn't eaten anything since lunch!- so we stopped at McD's on the way home.  Congratulations to Charity and Hunter!  We did it!!  8-21-25

GOODBYE KELLY!!
We had to say goodbye to Kelly- AGAIN!  This has been a rough few months of goodbyes with her, but we're glad she will be back "for good" in just a couple months.  It was so nice of the Hollists to pay for her plane ticket- we appreciated that so much!  And so cool of her to sacrifice time with Devan to be here for Charity.  I know she wouldn't have had it any other way.  8-22-25

JACK'S FRIEND PARTY THAT HE FORGOT TO MENTION WAS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
Jack invited five friends to go up to Pineview for the morning to play on the paddleboards and have some fun.  We had a great time!  It was short because we needed to get back for soccer games, but I think it was fun enough for them.  We had donuts for everyone, gluten free ones for Jack and Erika, and there was no mention of birthday for some reason.  Nobody brought presents and we didn't sing to him either.  It was so strange that we didn't do any of that and then I found out later, after the fact, that most of the boys didn't know it was his birthday party.  Liam and Will knew, but for some reason didn't bring gifts, but nobody else did.  So funny.  Jack!!  I hope he had fun and feels loved :).  8-23-25

JACK'S FAMILY PARTY
We had a pretty chill little party here at home on Jack's birthday.  He got lots of gifts and had lots of fun. We even played some Viking Chess to top off the night.  Grandma and Simon were so fun to play with us. It was fun to spoil him a little.  I loved watching him put together his scooter- totally did it himself.  Jack is really growing into just the coolest young man.  I'm so proud of him and so grateful to be his mom!  8-25-25

ENOCH COMES HOME!
I was tasked with getting video and photos at the airport so Nate, Bradley and I headed to the airport.  It felt very familiar, having just received Brad there a month prior, but also a relief knowing I've had a wonderful, long month with him!  We were all so excited!  It was really fun to see him come through the doors and struggle to find Meg and then make the rounds to hug everyone.  Such a big smile and so happy!  I just love how these missionaries glow when they get home.  It's so neat!!  We got some good video and photos and then parted ways.  Short and sweet!  But so happy for Meg!!  8-26-25

LUNCH WITH STEPHANIE WOLSEY
We got to go to Red Robin this time :).  Such a nice visit.  I honestly feel like we are somehow joined spiritually.  So grateful for her in my life.  8-28-25

WARD POOL PARTY
Nate was of course in charge of the meat as usual.  We had a great time, as usual.  Things went well!  I was not feeling getting in the pool for some reason.  I knew Lisa would be disappointed in me, but I didn't get in.  I'm still a little sad about it.  I wish I had.  I think I am letting my overweightness dictate my life a little and I really don't want to do that.  But the kids had fun.  We only had two hours so it was over pretty quickly.  It was fun having Charity and Hunter there with us.  So fun that they still want to hang out with us.  Everyone loved seeing them as newlyweds :).  8-29-25

MOLLY'S FRIEND PARTY
We had such a fun party for Molly this year!!  She chose to do a paint night and then photo scavenger hunt at Station Park with a bunch of her friends.  I thought it went really well!  We were so lucky to have Erika teach the paint night- they did a cool sunset picture.  Then split up into two groups one with Charity and one with Erika to go do the scavenger hunt.  We ran into a few issues with getting everyone to station park- I didn't have as many drivers/cars as I'd planned and luckily we didn't try to use the Forerunner because it showed up flat the next day.  But we worked that all out and I think the girls all had a blast.  Molly got such cool presents this year!  We were all loving them :).  I think Molly even had some fun :).  8-30-25

ENOCH'S HOMECOMING
We all went down to Riverton for Enoch's homecoming talk.  He did such a great job.  I loved the part about the Sparrow song.  Very cool.  He has grown so much!  The food and visiting at their house afterwards was great also!  It's always hard to leave, but Nate had to get to work.  8-31-25

FAITH'S BAPTISM
I was so excited for Luke's friend Faith to get baptized this SUnday!!  Luke got to baptize her.  How cool is that!!  I just love being able to hear about these cool experiences.  8-31-25

July 2025

 BAPTISMS WITH THE HATCHES

Noah and Erika got to go to the temple with Brent and Sarah and their kids while I watched all the littles.  Savannah, Izzy and Aria had slept over so they were sleeping through most of the morning.  Even Lilly just slept in her little car seat for most of it.  I decided to make a nice breakfast for everyone when they got back.  That was fun.  7-1-25

VIVIAN PARK WITH GRANDMA SIMON AND THE HATCHES
After baptisms and breakfast, we headed down to Vivian Park in Provo canyon.  This ended up being a lot of fun.  Grandma had some yummy food.  Everyone was fishing with Simon and running around playing all kinds of games together.  We had our frisbee so we climbed treese and fished it off of the pavillion roof for a lot of the time.  Then we went up to Bridal Veil Falls.  Everyone had fun over there too.  Lots of good time together.  7-1-25

4TH OF JULY!!
We did our parade in the morning, next to the Maughans.  That was hot and fun.  Then lots of bumming around in between that and going over to Barnes Park for the fun in the park and Fireworks.  It was a great 4th of July!  We especially loved having the Hatches with us and playing crossnet, football, frisbee, the littles talked grandma and Simon into buying the light up swords so that was fun too.  It was fun to have Charity and Hunter with us and the Maughans showed up as well.  I think Grandpa was there and Granmda and Simon too.  7-4-25

SADIE'S FRIEND PARTY
We decided to celebrate Sadie's birthday with her friends and family a little early this year because we will be camping on her actual birthday.  We found the cutest idea for her friend party on FB reels.  It ended up being a lot of fun!  I got a bunch of cute little stuffed kitties and some little boxes that look like pet carriers and we did a little adopt a kitty day!  It was so fun!  They all got a kitty, picked out it's name, decorated it's box, made it a collar of beads and pipe cleaner, we had some kitty snacks and kitty cupcakes and then they played for a little too long.  I only had one regret and that was not making the party a little shorter.  There was too much dead air at the end.  But overall I think it was a hit!!  Sadie loved it!!  Everyone was so helpful with it- I think we even got Noah and Jack involved in it all :).  Molly and Erika of course wished it was their party.  7-7-25

SADIE'S FAMILY PARTY
Everyone met up at Gailey Park for some kitty cupcakes and creamies.  I think Sadie loved having everyone's attention and it was nice and chill for me :).  Lots of fun gifts and lots of support from everyone.  7-7-25

M&M CAMP
We had an awesome camp again this year!  Things went so well.  We went to Marsh Lake again.  We were in a little bit different camp site, not as close to the water as we liked in the past, but still great.  We kept it pretty chill, even tie dye- Emily forgot their shirts so it was pretty much just us- I gave Jonah one of ours, so he could participate.  Probably the highlight of the camp was watching Josh and Sadie bond.  They had a lot of fun together throwing logs and hammering them.  Josh was so nice to humor her and spend so much time doing what she said.  We also got to celebrate Sadie's birthday with everyone up at camp!  This was fun.  We brought some hostess cupcakes to celebrate.  She loved that.  Nate, Sadie and I all went on a "birthday kayaking trip" and went out on the lake for a while to spend some good time together.  That was fun.  WE did our marshmallow war on the last day, before leaving, just across the road from the campground.  I think this was a good year for the wars- everyone had a better attitude.  Good times though!  7-9-25--7-12-25

MEETING THE HOLLISTS
We met up with Charity, Hunter and his parents at Olive Garden Monday night.  This was a good experience.  I was grateful that they were so nice, friendly and talkative and the evening went really well.  They were also so nice to pay for our portion of the meal.  So generous.  I think this will be a great union of families.  I'm excited to meet the rest of the family.  7-14-25

KEITH'S LUNCHEON
I was lucky enough to get to help set up Martha's son's wedding luncheon.  This was a lot of fun because Krista Johnson and Jodie (forgot her last name) were there as well.  We had so much fun!!  Even went to get some lunch together after at Great Harvest.  Good stuff.  7-15-25

CHARITY'S WARDIE SHOWER
Brooke was so sweet to throw yet another shower- this time for Charity!  It was in her front yard, they served chicken salad sandwiches and other cute little foods- I brought some cupcakes- it was super cute and really chill.  I only wish Charity had been able to share some of the details of how they met and stuff.  But she got lots of fun gifts and had so much support from the ward.  I was really happy about that.  7-19-25

DINNER WITH THE STAKE CAMP DIRECTORS
This was a cool little "meeting" at Cafe Sabor- super yummy!  All the camp directors and Marth, Christa and I all met up and had dinner and got to discuss some of the things we thought went well with Girls camp and then the things that didn't.  It was great!!  I actually really loved it.   We met up with Pres. Perry after and repeated everything we had said earlier :).  This was a great way to pass the time leading up to Brad coming home!!  I was getting super anxious!!  7-21-25

WELCOME HOME ELDER BRADLEY MAYNES!!!
We spent the morning trying to finish up Brad's spot in his room and getting the rest of the house nice.  The kids all made their posters to hold up- it was cute how into this everyone was- even Noah looking up the perfect quote for it.  They all worked very hard.  It was very exciting- felt like Christmas!  We all headed down to the airport a little early, found the perfect spot by the doors he would come out- it was literally as close as we could get to where he would come out- not that they were happy we were there and not that they didn't tell us to move a million times, but it was the perfect spot!  We could see the people who were going to walk through the doors through some frosted glass, before they could see us, so Nate was watching that pretty closely.  We had a bunch of family show up- Grandma Ruthie, Grandpa Hatch, Grandma Hatch and Simon, Meg and Chris, it was pretty exciting!!  There wasn't anything that could pull my attention away from those doors though!  I was focused :).  Probably annoyingly so.  But what a surge of relief when he came through those doors!!!  HOLY MOLY!!  The cheers!  The smiles!  All the hugs!  Mine first of course :).  What a cool moment that was!!  I was so relieved!!  There's just so much pride and love and relief and gratitude for him being in one piece.  Made the whole two years worth it :).  Maybe.  But SO cool!!  He made the rounds and hugged everyone.  Me again :).  He quickly pulled out the pink and purple llamas he had bought for Molly and Sadie.  They were so excited!  Molly showed him her llama sign- they had a little llama thing going the whole time he was gone- super cute.  We snapped a few pictures (totally should have gotten more), and kind of urgently made our way to Costa Vida just right there by the airport.  We needed to feed Brad- he had to be starving- and then get back to the airport to pick up Kelly!  We had a good time introducing Hunter and Brad and everyone catching up on each other.  Brad was SO TIRED, but managed to be pretty fun with us.  Meg and Chris came to Costa Vida with us along with Grandpa.  Thankfully grandpa had room for Brad's luggage (We had filled the van to capacity and didn't have any room), so he took that and we headed back over to the airport for Kelly and Devan.  This was a fun little moment- Brad stood outside the car with the sign we had made welcoming them and we all got to see them hug.  That was a very happy reunion for sure.  It was so good to see Kelly and Brad together again.  That was fun.  We listened to EFY music all the way home.  I showed Brad my Window to His Love song.  We got home and grandpa met up with us with Brad's luggage and he unloaded it all, all over the living room and gave away all his cool Peru stuff.  Ties, pj pants, hats, hoodies, ponchos, blankets, he gave me these really cool nativities- so cool!  It was a lot of fun.  It was so surreal having him home.  Almost felt like he had never been gone really.  Even though he's had a whole life without us basically.  He was pretty tired so we let him sleep.  Then we had meatballs and mashed potatoes as he had requested, for dinner.  It was so great having him at family prayer and seeing him in his bed that night.  Made my mom heart happy.  Such a relief.  7-22-25

BRAD, KELLY AND DEVAN WITH ALL OF US
The next few days are a blur to me now (again, three months later), everything is running together.  There was some games, not as many as we used to play because Brad doesn't love playing games :).  Lots of basketball which was so fun to watch!  We went and played gaga ball at the school which was really fun.  That was Pioneer day- we really didn't do anything for that.  Maybe a barbecue- see I am drawing a blank.  We ate out a bunch.  We had Kelly and Devan a little before they had to leave for their cruise, but didn't feel long enough for any of us.  And sharing them with the Brenchleys felt kind of hard that week.  I was exhausted if we are being honest and I was given the okay to not be planning every minute out, so I didn't.  But I did wish I'd done a little more planning when we were begging people to hang out with us :).  We did make time to go to the temple and that was nice.  The overall feeling was still relief having most of us together.  Made us miss Luke extra tho.  And saying goodbye to Kelly was another hard day.  We will get through it all though!  7-23-25--7-25-25

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!!
I honestly don't remember what we did for Nate's birthday.  I feel horrible it's left my mind.  But I do have pictures of him blowing out candles so I'm pretty sure we celebrated a little :).  Maybe I need to ask someone to jog my memory.  

CHARITY'S MAYNES FAMILY SHOWER
This was a fun shower- Jen threw it with Sydney's expertise.  Everything was so cute.  It was in Lynn and Ali's yard.  They had the cutest tea party type theme with tea cup cupcakes on shelves and fruit kabobs.  Some cute drinks with fruit to add- this is where Sadie got the adding fruit to her drinks obsession.  Some chicken salad sandwiches.  This was a combined shower with Kaleigh- Caden's fiance- so that was fun.  I loved watching them open all the Star Wars and fun gifts they got.  I think they were good and spoiled.  During the shower, Nate and the kids all came to pick up Kelly.  We had to say goodbye to her from there, Nate was taking her to the airport.  So sad!!  But very cool that she was able to come to as much as she was.  There were lots of people there for Charity along with Grandma Hatch even.  It was a good time.  We had to stop at CHick-fil-a on the way home for Erika- she couldn't eat much there and was starving from her sleepover with Charity.  Kinda funny really.  So nice of Jen to throw a shower!  7-26-25

BRADLEY'S HOMECOMING TALK AND BRUNCH
The day came- it was time for Brad to report to the ward and family that came.  It wasn't as full of a house as when he left, since the friends were all on missions, but there was a lot of support.  He had asked if Charity and Hunter could sing at his Homecoming and sure enough, Jay let them :).  So we got to hear Charity and Hunter also.  They did such an amazing job.  It was such a beautiful arrangement and then just blend so well.  It was so pretty.  Brad did such a fantastic job on his talk.  I loved the focus on the Savior and not on himself and how he learned that that was the way to happiness on the mission.  It was neat to hear how much he has grown.  We came to the house after sacrament meeting and had pancakes with all the toppings as well as leftovers from the shower the day before.  It didn't quite go how I'd planned and I forgot to get the other pans of pancakes out of the oven when we ran out, but it was fine.  Brad seemed happy!  He did have Brandon there and cute Anna and Kate Larsen.  It's always fun to see his friends, they're so fun.  He had a lot of family here as well.  Even Ike Ferguson- my dad's cousin- came.  He had been on Brad's email list and just loved what a great missionary he was, he had emailed him a bunch and just felt really impressed by him.  He said he doesn't usually go to everyone's homecomings, but he wanted to hear Brad speak.  Pretty neat!  It was nice to have him here to talk to about his life and things he's done for the church too.  So fun.  It was a packed day and then it ended!  And it was time to get ready for our family campout!!  7-27-25

THE FAMILY CAMPOUT- LOST LAKE
We got Lost Lake again, with the yurts, I think this was our fourth year here.  Maybe.  It was such a good week!!  It was so heavenly having Brad there with us the whole time, teaching us cool things and telling us about his mission.  We got to have Charity and Hunter with us as well.  It was sad to not have Luke and Kelly and Devan, but we survived.  I am not going to get all the details of this camp out, but some things that are standing out to me are:
When Molly caught her fish in her net!  She came running up from the creek almost screaming and EVERYONE jumped up and got really excited for her!  It was so much fun!!  The look of satisfaction on her face as she experienced everyone's praise and adoration... priceless.  This is why I love siblings so much!  
Brad inviting me to watch him fish :).  Nobody ever does that.  
The MOOSE!!  That was so dang cool!  Brad and I saw him up across the road in the weeds and then he made his way down the road and down through OUR CAMP and down to the shore of the lake.  We followed him quite a ways and then let him go.  We tried to wake people up while he was in our camp and get everyone to see him, but it was difficult.  Nate and Noah came out.  So cool though.
It was fun to see Brad and Sadie back together again.  Actually Brad and everyone.  He left a big hole while he was gone.  
All of our fun sitting around the campfire games- Smurf, Wavelength, Never Have I Ever, I don't think we played four on the couch this time. 
Hunter was the fire guy this year, he built a LOT of fires and ran through a LOT of trivia for Jack :).
Jack did great with his diabetes!  Almost no hangups!
It was a little colder this year than in years past.  That was a little bit of a bummer.
But we all had a good time.  It was a great way to spend that first whole week together.  Til next year!  7-28-25--8-1-25

June 2025

 CAMP MEETINGS
I got to take part in a couple camp meetings this week.  Getting all ready for camp.  It was cool to see the whole committee working together and going the extra mile on their individual stewardships.  Very cool.  This camp is so inspired, I'm excited to see how it goes.  6-1-25

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KELLY!
Kelly's birthday came and went!  We were glad we got to talk to her, but again, it's always so weird to celebrate without the birthday kid.  I think she enjoyed the pizzas we got her and Devan for dinner, Devan was kind enough to help me with that surprise.  Then he spoiled her with a cool date as well.  So that was fun.  Kelly is a blessing in our lives.  We definitely wouldn't be us without her.  6-2-25

RACHEL'S FAREWELL
I was really happy we were able to make this happen- we have not missed any of the Idaho Maynes's farewells.  I think we missed Isaac's homecoming, but not the farewells.  So that was cool to be there for her.  She did awesome on her talk- she will be a great missionary!!  We got to see their new house as well and that was pretty fun.  I like the roadtripping nature of these trips and that we get to spend some time together with Nate on a Sunday!  Rare!  6-8-25

GIRLS CAMP- FUEL YOUR FLAME
I felt so privileged to be able to go to Stake Girls Camp this year!!  This is my sanctuary.  The theme was amazing I loved the way they planned this, I was really excited for all of it.  Since I am writing this about three months later, I am going to have to summarize.  I wish I'd been more diligent with my journaling though, because it was such a great experience!!
Some of the Highlights:
- I got to ride up and back with Martha- that was pretty fun. We found out we have very similar issues with sisters and parents.  Kinda funny.
- I loved meeting all of the stake camp leaders and having a whole new group of friends. 
- President Emily Belle Freeman randomly showed up at our camp and bore her testimony!
- Having Pierce Morris come and perform for the girls and their hilarious reaction to having a cute guy at camp!  Grace Layton was SO MUCH FUN that night.  
- Meeting all the girls over and over again as I served food each meal.
- Playing Fishbowl with the Shadowbrook ward girls.  They were so sweet to invite Christa and I up to their camp.  
- So much time with Erika and being able to be there for her.
- Late night chats in the tent for a little bit before going to sleep.
- So much opportunity to serve.
- Feeling my Heavenly Father's love for me and for all the young women.
- Meeting Izzy and her dad and talking Celiac.
- The funny snake prank at Shadowbrook camp
- Martha's giant hand from her bee sting

Some of the things that were not my favorite:
- Having to end our games with the shadowbrook girls early.
- Not getting to use our brand new tent- and having to reprimand Erin for trying to take it down herself.
- SO MUCH WALKING and FOOD PREP!!  I was SO exhausted when I got home.
- Not enough time with the Young Women
- Not sleeping very well the first night
- Not wanting to take a shower but having everyone tell me I should- felt a little weird.  
- Feeling really out of place at Ponds Park Ward Camp
- The Ponds Park ward trailer and truck getting stranded on the way to camp- Erika didn't get up until a few hours after it started
- Not feeling connected with Martha and hearing about all the things she was doing and fixing and not really being a part of any of that.  
- Not loving my devotional.  The mic wasn't turned on at first, so I had to yell and then they turned it on and it just felt weird.  I ended it too soon and didn't bear strong enough testimony.  I wish I'd put more into that.  

Overall it was an awesome girls camp!!  I loved it!!  6-9-25--6-12-25

THEY DID IT!! CHARITY AND HUNTER ARE ENGAGED!!!
Sunday night, Charity showed up randomly, pretty late too, but only a few seconds in to the visit, she announced that Hunter had proposed and showed us her beautiful ring!! This was a fun night, we all sat around and listened to the whole story of how Hunter had been trying to surprise her and she kept kind of interfering, so finally their friends helped out a little and planned a picnic to the Saratoga Springs temple.  They were able to take a little private walk and he popped the question!  She has a cute video of all of it, so that was fun and we were all so excited for them!!  They are planning on getting married on Friday, August 22nd.  It's time to really start planning!!

NOAH AT FSY
While I was at girls camp, Noah was at FSY.  He had another great year!  This time he went without a friend for his roommate and I think it went really well.  I should have him write about it.  But it has been three months.  6-9-25--6-14-25

EVAN AND HANNAH RECEPTION
We were not able to make it up to Idaho for the sealing, but Nate made a huge presence with the sliders he made and showing up with the kiddos.  I was so exhausted from girls camp that i didn't make it, but it was cool that Nate was there.  The girls liked playing with Ainsley.  6-12-25

NATE CATERING THE HORSE SHOW
Nate and a few of the kids sold sandwiches at the horse show over by the gardens.  Pretty cool opportunity.  I don't think he came out with as much business as anticipated, but still cool.  6-13-25

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
I have no idea where we went for breakfast, somewhere in Provo to accommodate picking up Noah and being closer to Charity, but I was so happy we did something different for Nate this year.  6-14-25

FATHER'S DAY 
This was a great day!  We spoiled Nate with breakfast in bed and all the love in the morning.  We had put together this really cute book- each kid got to make a page in the book with either memories or pictures.  It turned out really cute!!  I was so happy with it!  I even got Brad and Luke to contribute.   I think Nate felt good and spoiled.  6-15-25

ERIKA FSY
We took Erika down to FSY this week!  She went with Kate this time.  She REALLY loved her group and had so much fun with them all, she's met up with a few of them to do baptisms and stuff since then.  So this was a really great FSY year for her.  6-16-25--6-21-25

YOUNG MENS CAMP
Nate took the young men backpacking again this year!!  This was a much anticipated event.  Not just for Nate.   Jack was pretty excited and Noah was all geared up.  They did a little more to get the other young men ready and planned out the meals a little differently than last time, so it was going to be even better!  I think they ended up having a really great time.  Nate's pulled pork meal worked out great.  They had done an easy enough hike for a lot of the leaders to participate.  It was just a good time.  I was so happy that things went so well with Jack's diabetes stuff and he and Nate took good care of him.  Kinda stressful for me to not have any contact with them at all, but we all survived.  Jack had a really good time.  6-18-25--6-21-25

ELIO, SWIMMING POOL, STRAWBERRY FLUFF
While the boys and Erika were gone, we got a new swimming pool to play with in the backyard and made good use of that.  We saw the movie Elio which was super cute and we all loved it.  Molly and I made some strawberry fluff that didn't really live up to the hype we had created ourselves.  6-18-25--6-21-25

CALLING THE STAKE YOUTH COMMITTEE
I was asked to sit in with Brother John Pohlman as we called new youth to serve on the Stake Youth Committee.  This was interesting. I wish I had come at it with a different expectation.  But it was good.  Very cool experience really.  6-22-25

WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING WITH CHARITY
This was a highlight!!  Charity invited Erika, Molly, Sadie, me and her two friends Barb and Grace? (I might be getting her name wrong) to go dress shopping with her!!  We went ot the same place Kelly went to.  Charity picked out all the features she wanted and proceeded to show us a few dresses!  I think it was about the 2nd or 3rd and she just came out beaming.  We all knew it was the one.  She looked beautiful in all the dresses she tried, but this one especially!  So gorgeous!!  This was fun for all of us to be a part of it. I think we went to cold stone after. 6-24-25

BACKPACKING WITH ALL THE KIDS!  SADIE'S FIRST TIME!!
Nate and the kids planned a really simple backpacking trip so that they could take Sadie this year!  This was an incredible experience for all of us!!  I heard that Sadie walked about eight miles on their hike and that she carried her own pack the whole time!!  Pretty impressive.  Everyone did really well, including Jack with his diabetes management.  I was so relieved to hear how well it all went!!  I'm always a little jealous of the stories they all have from it and wish I could be there with them, but I am also very happy to have some time to myself.  Plus I think it's good for them to get time with just their dad!  6-25-25--6-28-25

TOO MUCH ME TIME
So, this was a first for me- I had three days basically to myself.  It was going to be interesting for sure.  I had a lot I wanted to get done and so much planned, but when it came down it it, it was not possible to do it all.  I did get a lot done in my closet and bedroom/bathroom which made me happy.  I was able to get out with different friends and people and I did have some fun as well.  It's never as productive as I want it to be, but I was literally going the entire time.  It was not lazy time.  It started with lunch with the Barbaras.  We met up at Barbara Noriegas, they had picked up all our food.  This was nice!  I loved chatting with them.  Then I was able to go up to Marianne's school for a face peel- pretty awesome and relaxing.  Thursday morning I had breakfast with Charity for our date, then lunch with Steve a little later.  That was funny because we met this lady in a wheel chair because I had helped her get into The Habit and she kind of stole our whole conversation time.  I was a little bummed about that, but we got some good laughs in.  That evening, Marianne and I went on a REALLY LONG walk up the bike trail in west kaysville.  This was nice too and I was so happy to have that time with her.  Lots of talking and eating Tru Fru!  Friday I made it to the temple and I had dinner with someone.  I am drawing a blank on who it was for some reason.  Saturday morning was the Stowell Reunion and I had to go by myself.  It was kind of a bummer to not have the kids and Nate there.  I brought Izzy and Aria home with me to greet the kids and Nate when they got home!!  LOTS OF STUFF!!  So crazy!  We were so excited to have the Hatches here too!  6-25-25--6-28-25

GRANDPA'S HOUSE WITH THE HATCHES
We were invited to the Hatches' hangout with Grandpa Saturday night.  That was a lot of fun.  We got some pizzas and went and invaded grandpa's house.  It was a lot of fun to catch up with Sarah and hear about all that they are doing. Sadie and Aria are soul mates again.  6-28-25

PINEVIEW WITH THE HATCHES
This has become kind of a fun new tradition.  We didn't have a ton of time to hang out, but we wanted to get up to the lake.  All of Brent and my other ideas were too expensive or difficult to pull off, but this one was fun and worked out.  It was fun to sit and talk with Sarah and I got to hold cute little Lilly. We came back to our house after and played a bunch of our fun games- the couch one and fishbowl.  Lots of fun. 6-30-25

May 2025

 SADIE FIELD TRIP TO CROSS E RANCH
This was a fun one.  I didn't get chosen as a parent chaperone, but I went anyway and just met up with Sadie and her calss.  We had so much fun!  Petted the llamas, baby cows, baby bunnies!  I think the bunnies were her favorite.  They rode the little hay ride.  We played ont he playground and ate lunch.  It wa sgreat!!  Sadie seemed happy.  I loved being there with her.  5-1-25

AUSTIN AND AUBREY WEDDING DAY
This was pretty fun, exactly a week after Kelly and Devan, we were at the Taylorsville temple going through all the same things with the Maynes family, only it was Austin and Aubrey.  I loved their sealing- the guy was a son in law of President Nelson's.  Kinda cool.  He did a great job. We saw them sealed, got a few pictures, headed home to get the food and then right back down to Alpine this time, for the "dinner".  Nate did an amazing job on the food!  Went above and beyond!  He ran around setting it all up and then had to serve it as well.  Kinda nuts, but he really did awesome!  I sat at the table with Molly and Sadie and did almost nothing.  It was good to be there though.  After the dinner they moved the tables and chairs around and did a cute little vow thing with the rings and then we left.  I feel bad we didn't go to the reception, but it was already a long day.  So happy for them though.  Nate and I were going to try to get our date night, since we hadn't had one in two weeks, but it was a no go because I needed to set up the Senior breakfast.  5-2-25

 DISCO OF OZ
We were all happy to see Molly dancing her heart out in her performance in the Disco of Oz as a tornado!  Molly did awesome!!  She looked so good up there, knew all the right steps, right on beat.  It was fun!  She had a pretty good cheering section too, with all of us, including the newlyweds, and Grandma and Simon!  Fun stuff.  5-3-25

SOUTH END! ERIKA
Erika made it to the South End meet this year!  of course!  In hurdles.  of course!  She did SO AWESOME!!  I was so proud of her!!  I loved that I got to be there for that even though I was not feeling great that day.  5-6-25

SIERRA ENDOWMENT
I was so glad they did Erika's game when they did, I was able to go to the temple for Sierra's endowment.  Nate came too :).  It was awesome to be there for her.  I feel like we were there for Meg the most :).  Nate had to hurry off to work, but I got to go to Leatherby's with everyone.  Kelly and Devan were there too which was aweosme.  Kelly got to be Sierra's escort.  Good stuff.  Jen was so nice to pay for everyone!  She is the sweetest.  5-6-25

DISTRICT FOR ERIKA
Erika also made it to District!  She did great here as well.  I am so proud of her and all that she's been able to do this spring!  She was on the track team, Lacrosse team and rec soccer!  She did fantastic at District, didn't quite pull off a PR, but did great!  5-9-25

GRANDPA HATCH'S BIRTHDAY
After Erika's meet and me finishing the cake, we drove up to Mueller Park to celebrate Grandpa Hatch's 70th birthday!!  I really cannot believe he's 70.  And nobody else would believe it either.  He doesn't seem 70.  We had a fun time though.  Ate some hotdogs and hamburgers, visited with Steve and grandpa, played some made up version of Volleyball which was actually kind of fun.  It was rushed because the boys had to all leave to go to Father's and Sons, but I think it was a good time.  He liked his carrot cake I made him even though it had all but melted.  Happy birthday Pappy!  5-9-25

MOTHER'S DAY!!!
My favorite day!!  I loved Mother's day this year! It was wonderful.  I spent the evening before with all my kids!  Everyone was here, we were playing games, Sherry Chambers came to visit, we had pancakes for dinner which I think is going to be our new tradition.  I got to sit and visit with Charity and Hunter while everyone else went shopping with Kelly.  That evening felt like part of the celebration :).  Then in the morning, I got to have a delicious breakfast as they showered me with gifts!  In the living room this year, but still great :).  Eveyrone was so nice and gave me such sweet thoughtful gifts!  I loved it.  Then Church.  We didn't get ot hear from the primary because our song person thinks she needs to be micromanaged in that area.  The bishopric did not specify that yes, we are still doing the thing that we do every single year.  Sorry, still bitter.  It's fine.  The Seniors spoke, I loved that!  Then RS where we don't talk about moms was great too.  After church, Kelly and Devan stopped by for a game with me- that was so fun, before leaving to have some Brenchley church and time.  Charity and Hunter played a game with me as well before heading up to Idaho.  The rest of us had a lot of fun playing games and eating Nate's amazing food, before heading up to Grandma Ruthie's to celebrate and love on her for a minute.  She did a cute FHE lesson that had nothing to do with moms :).  But we got to give her a gift and had a nice evening with everyone.  Then the boys called :).  5-11-25

GOODBYE TO KELLY AND DEVAN
They threw a little goodbye party the night before leaving, at Gailey Park.  We enjoyed hanging out with them and the Brenchley's one more time.  It was a hard evening for me.  It's just so hard to let go of my kids.  I am realizing I am not a sharer.  I don't share very well.  So this will take some getting used to, some practice maybe.  I hope I can do better than I did that day, but I think I'll cut myself a tiny smidge of slack and hopefully just do better next time.  I just love my Kelly too much.  5-13-25

SIERRA AND MATT WEDDING DAY AND GOODBYE FOR REALS, KELLY AND DEVAN
This was another big one we'd been waiting for.  It has felt a little deja vu-ish with all the weddings, waiting in the waiting rooms together, and doing all these things over and over, but it's been really cool too.  It was fun to see Matt and Sierra sealed.  Their sealer was Matt's mom's seminary teacher once upon a time, which is pretty cool.  He did a great job as well.  I liked how he went into detail about the covenant.  I like sitting there holding Nate's hand and thinking about our sealing too :).  Things went great, we got some pictures int he POURING RAIN at the Layton temple, and then we snuck out!  It was SO COLD and my dress was full of water, totally stretched out, it was ridiculous.  But we changed, then went to the luncheon over in West Kaysville.  This was good- I liked how they did it.  I LOVED Meg's speech.  Chris's too, they did awesome.  It was a good time.  Minus that Jack couldn't eat any of the Olive Garden food.  Then we got a couple of hours of a break and then headed down to Wheeler Farm to help set up the reception.  This went pretty quick and was pretty painless.  It looked great!  We had a great time sitting and chatting at our table for most of the reception.  That was fun.  I loved those last few minutes with Kelly and Devan.  Charity and Hunter had gone and got some Chick-fil-a for everyone, so we went out to the parking lot to eat and while we were out there it was time to say goodbye to Kelly and Devan.  This was SO SAD!!  I seriously don't know if my heart can handle all this.  But we said our goodbyes, cried, and cried some more, and then they drove off.  It was heartbreaking to see them drive away.  I know they will have a great adventure and I am very excited for them, but this is so hard!!  We went back inside just in time to catch them cutting the cake.  That was fun and seeing them so excited was really great.  I loved being there with family and supporting Meg and Sierra.  We helped clean up which also went SO FAST!  Especially compared to Kelly's reception.  And came home.  We have a couple weeks til the next wedding, so we can recharge a little :).  But this wa swonderful!  Hard to believe these two are married!!  5-14-25

HONORS NIGHT FOR ERIKA
One hard thing we had to choose was to miss Erika's honors night.  I knew what award she was getting, but I had no idea just how meaningful this would be!  I was sad we missed it when we got a video of Coach Yates talking about how amazing Erika is.  This is what he said:

(the beginning is cut off, but he's telling how Erika's score was higher than the usual score) was about 125-195, it was 425-395!  So what that score means is we do an 8 minute run like Coach Spencer was talking about and I count laps, you divide the class into 2 groups.  It's competeition, I think competition is great for the students, so every time they cross the finish the line I count a lap, for eight minutes, every time they go through and they were inside so the score gets quite high.  Erika was in that class today and she was not going to let her class get her groove down.  She wanted to make sure she won.  And that's one of the great things I love about Erika, she is just a fierce competitor, doesn't let anything stand in her way, it's been great to watch that all three years she's been here.  Nothing stood in her way, she's not going to let anyone tell her no or pull her back from anything, she was gonna push forward and you can see that in every aspect of her life.  

How cool is that!!  I am so proud of her!!  I echo this only times it by 10 cuz I know her :).  She is amazing!!  I could not be more proud.  5-14-25

BUILD A BUSINESS DAY- MOLLY
This is one of my favorite things about 3rd grade!!  It always takes me back to my business days in 3rd grade, with Courtney and our C & C Bakery.  Molly had a couple friends she was working with, Maeve and Coco, so they called their business MCM!  So cute!!  Molly and I had been working so hard on her letter keychains for weeks!!  They turned out SO GOOD!!  They also sold bracelets and did a ring toss with soda.  It was so much fun to get it ready and thanks to Noah we got it all in the school that morning.  It sounded like things went really well.  Molly was so happy after!!  She didn't even complain when I let her and Sadie walk home carrying all of her extra stuff!!  Oops.  But luckily, she'd sold all the sodas.  So fun though!  Good job Molly!!

HAPPY 24th ANNIVERSARY TO US!!
We did it!  24 years so far!!  I got Nate a book by Presiden Nelson and he got me a cool Minky blanket for watching games in the cold as well as a neck fan for the hot games!  We got to celebrate Friday by going on the first date in almost a month!  We went to the movie Thunderbolts which was AWESOME and had dinner at Chick-fil-a because we were running a little late for our movie- oddly enough it was the only time I've ever waited in a Chick-fil-a drive thru for more than a few minutes- THIRTY MINUTES LATER!!!  SO crazy.  This is why I don't choose where we go.  5-15-25

PICNIC ON THE PLAYGROUND
This was a fun year for picnic on the playground!  Molly picked Dylans, Sadie picked Pretzel bites so on the way home from taking Becky her medicine, we grabbed their food and headed over to the school- this is our first time going without kids!  Aunt Meg was in town, so she came too!  We laid out the cool blankets Nate got from costco and ate our delicious food.  It was so fun!  Jack and Erika both paid a visit and enjoyed the time with us.  I loved it!  Molly showed Erika the new gaga ball pit!!  Very exciting!  We got to run a few errands with Meg- taking her flowers to someone in Ogden and Costco for Nate's catering order.  Good times. 5-16-25

LAST WEEK OF SOCCER FOR ERIKA AND NOAH
THis was a reallyg reat soccer season!  I loved it.  Both teams did amazing.  I am getting really excited for next year when they are on the same team.  5-17-25

LACROSSE BANQUET
This was a nice night.  Rainy, but nice.  I wish I'd sat closer to the people talking, but I did get to talk with Krista and Emily for a lot of it.  The food was good enough :).  Erika really should have gotten the rookie of the year award, but they gave it to a senior instead.  Such is the life as a 9th grader.  She will have her moment one day I'm sure.  She really had a great season!  She even got invited to play on Varsity for the playoffs.  She didn't get to play in the first game and the second game was during her soccer game, so she opted out, but we were so proud of her and her determination this season!  So much fun!  She got a cute award about how she was always in the right place at the right time, can't remember waht it was called.  But I was so proud of her.  5-17-25

STAKE SPEAKING ASSIGNMENTS
I was asked to trade September Ponds Park speaking assignment with one of the new Primary Presidency that was just called, so that they didn't have to speak right away.  It would have been perfectly normal if I wasn't already assigned to speak in the Hidden Valley ward on the same day.  I decided to be h elpful and agreed to do both.  I had already gotten Clarissa Allen to speak with me, and had no luck with anyone else that I knew, so I let Pres. Morrell try to find someone.  He chose to do it himself, which was funny.  So I gave two talks last Sunday.  One in our ward and one in Hidden Valley ward a few hours later.  I was very nervous as usual.  And I had just spoken in our ward back in October, so that was weird.  But writing one talk and giving it twice did end up being the better deal I think.  I spoke about the Growth of the Church.  I'll post it here:

In Elder Rasband's talk, "Right Before Our Eyes" he shared this prophecy from Joseph Smith back in 1834, to a small schoolhouse filled with all who held the Priesthood at the time.  To them he said, “It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.”  That prophecy is being fulfilled “right before our eyes.”  The membership of The Church has reached over 17 million.  Last year there were 80,000 missionaries serving in 450 missions who brought in 308,000 new members.  We have 367 temples in various stages of design, construction or operation.  And currently there are 800,000 students worldwide enrolled in seminary and institute, the highest enrollment in the history of The Church.  And enrollment in BYU pathways has reached nearly 75,000 and counting.  These are some big numbers!  I like to see the numbers and marvel at the miracle that has grown from the sincere prayer offered up by a 14 year old boy.

I just finished reading the Saints book series, well, technically I listened to it on 1.25 speed, but it was such a great experience.  You get a bird's eye view of the growth and movement of The Church and get to see how it was molded and shaped to what we have today.  I love to see the patterns of revelation followed by each Prophet.  When a question or problem came up they would study it out, gather information and pray, sometimes for months or years, seek counsel from the Lord and then carefully present the revelation to the members of The Church.  The faith and prayers it has taken to move The Lord's work forward is incredible.  But what stood out to me the most was the individuals and the stories of people who were moved by The Spirit.  There were a lot of Saints who struggled with changes and new commandments, who went to the Lord and asked.  Most of them, their hearts were changed completely, or simply softened to accept the Gospel and its teachings.  I was amazed at the power of the Holy Ghost and the role that personal revelation has played in the growth of The Church.  I highly recommend reading the Saints book.

President Nelson said: “Do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work.”

Elder Rasband clarified:

“Hastening” is a word that matters. It suggests moving quickly, accelerating, and even urgency. In the growth of the Church and the plan of Christ, hastening is happening. And we are all a part of it.

 I hope it's okay, I decided to share a few examples of the hastening that have happened right before MY eyes.

This might sound cheesy, but I LOVE seeing the Young Women as I pull up to Sacrament meeting.  I'm all frantic, finally finished with the getting kids ready obstacle course, and then I see the young women and I just feel better.  They set the tone for me and help me to reset.   It's one of my favorite new changes made in the Church recently.  The Young Women are my idols.  I had the privilege of going to all the ward conferences.  As part of our discussion with the Young women in each ward, we asked them to describe what God's love feels like to them.  Here are some of their answers:  stepping into the sun, from a cold shadow.  Calm.  Peaceful.  Motivating.  Like a warm hug.  Our next question was what can you do to bring yourself closer to Him and His love when you are not feeling it.  Some of their answers were: listening to music, texting a friend, serving others, spending time in nature, smiling, going for a run, reading scriptures and praying.  Their examples are priceless.  The young women of our stake know!  They are part of the hastening of the Lord's work.  They are using their testimonies to strengthen their families and friends, they are reaching out to those in need and seeking personal revelation to bless the lives of others.  I just love that I get to work with the Young Women and their leaders.  It's no surprise to me that the Lord would choose them to be the face of his Sacrament meeting. 

With two missionaries out right now, I can't help but share a couple examples from their missions.  

The first one is when Bradley was in his second area in Peru called Moquegua.  This area had been closed for a while and Brad and his companion Elder Hoff were in charge of reopening it.  There wasn't a place for missionaries to live yet, so they were staying two miles outside of Moquegua, living in what he called "the closet" of some other Elders.  Their President put them in charge of finding their own place to live and someone to cook meals for them. They don't have meal cards in his mission, they have "pensions" or people who are paid to cook for the missionaries, so he didn't even have any money to buy food- he was just using his own personal funds for meals.  Which proved to be kind of challenging.  Then the ward situation was pretty crazy as well, the Bishop had basically gone inactive and the ward was barely getting by with very few attending church.  These two missionaries, sacrificing a lot of comforts of home, walking (sometimes running) up to 10 miles a day participated in the hastening of the Lord's work.  We loved hearing about their progress and looked forward to the week's numbers- how many were attending church that week and how many they were teaching.  They had developed a system to help the members reach out to family members and friends and were even bringing in new friends to church.  The numbers grew SO FAST! It was very exciting for all of us.  But more important than those numbers was hearing about the hearts.  The souls who were brought to Christ was even more astounding.  We loved hearing about the Bishop going back to church.  Brad's sweet testimony of the 11 year old boy he baptized and got to witness passing the sacrament for the first time, while thinking about his little brother, Jack who he was missing back here in Kaysville doing the same thing.  The generous sacrifice of a family who offered their newly finished second floor allowing Brad and Elder Hoff to live in their home, within the area, shortening their walking time each day significantly.  So many Peruvians' lives were changed for the better because of the Gospel.  And just as impressive to me as the growing numbers of that area, was seeing what this work did for Brad.  His first area had been a very difficult area.  Living conditions were new and hard, and he had a tough companion who he could barely communicate with.  He was not in a good place spiritually.  You would think that the stress of this new situation and the responsibility of reactivating almost an entire ward would have pushed him over the edge, but it did the opposite.  It gave him a fire that is still burning SO strong.  He felt the power of the Holy Ghost like he had never felt it before as he was teaching.  He experienced the gift of tongues with his new Spanish.  He learned how to pray and really listen.  He learned how to do the Lord's WORK!  Who knows how many more lives have been touched since then.  Exponential growth.

In Texas, Luke had a special experience teaching his friend, Sep.  We heard a lot about Sep and the process leading up to his baptism.  We got to see the pictures of Luke and his companion next to Sep in his white jumpsuit.  It was very exciting for all of us. Then a couple weeks ago, we received a picture of Luke's friend Sep in white shirt and tie. This time standing next to someone else who was wearing baptismal clothes, with the caption, "Sep got to help teach someone in Friendswood".  The man he and his companion taught and brought to the waters of baptism just weeks before, was able to help bring someone else.  This made Luke so happy.  It's just awesome.

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of witnessing my daughter, Kelly, being sealed to the man of her dreams.  The sealer was amazing and said so many inspired things that touched me knowing how much they would mean to Kelly.  She will love that I'm talking about this, but about two years ago, at the age of 20, we found out she had gone through menopause (among a plethora of other medical issues).  Those two years of painstaking effort ended in the devastating conclusion that she probably will not be able to have her own children.  The doctors are out of ideas.  With this in mind, the words, "multiply and replenish the earth" as they were kneeling across the altar, could have stung a little and admittedly did for me a bit, but Kelly and Devan felt differently.  They recognize that the Lord has a Plan for them.  They are unwavering in their faith and know that the Lord will provide the best circumstances for the outcome HE desires.  They are very hopeful and know that one way or another they will be parents.  I'm sure there are days that are heavy, but their testimonies are carrying them. Elder Rasband says: "I recognize that in the midst of the good news of the gospel, there are those who struggle, who have faith challenges, doubts, and questions that seem to have no answers. Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is the answer. Start with Him. Look for His hand in your life. Listen to Him. “Let not your heart be troubled,” He said in His last hours to His disciples before Gethsemane, before carrying His cross through the streets of Jerusalem, before Golgotha, where He completed His atoning sacrifice—what only He, the Begotten Son of God, could do." s

Elder Rasband encourages us to "stand tall as Christ's disciples, eyewitnesses of the fulfillment of prophecy, both ancient and modern."  Are there areas of our daily lives that we could stand taller?  Do we carry the majesty of this Work in our hearts, recognizing the power of the Holy Ghost and Christ's Church in the world and more specifically in individual hearts.  It's really incredible.  What can we do to participate in this work?  I challenge you to ask our Father your role in His Plan.  Ask Him to show you your unique gifts and the way you can help in the hastening. 

Elder Rasband also said, "Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God.  Our Lord and Savior has said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take Him at His word. And give Him equal time."

Testimony

LUNCH WITH THE BARBARAS
I got to meet up (since they didn't pick me up like they said they would) with them at Kneaders on Monday for lunch.  I was really excited about this and it did not disappoint.  We had fun talking about everything.  They helped me with all my dumb little problems and they got to complain about the political issues they wanted.  It was great!  We need to make this a regular thing- I'm clicking subscribe and save :).  5-19-25

ERIKA'S LAST CONCERT
This was kind of sad realizing this is probably her last concert.  She did so good!  I've been so proud of her and her hard work to develop this talent.  She plays so well and loves it so much.  I wish she didn't have such a dumb teacher.  The concert was great- I loved her songs- even the middle one she said she didn't think we would like.  We got to go to Dylan's to celebrate and then took her back for the second half.  She did awesome!  5-19-25

FIELD DAY
Another field day has come and gone!  I still love it though!  I brought my canopy, then babysat Mrs. Lindsey's class while they got ready for the teacher's blow up costume race, watched that, then headed out to run the Plinko station.  This station was kind of lame.  Plinko with punishments instead of rewards.  Kelli Knapp and I made it a little more fun, turning it into a race, but with how lame the bubbles/bandaid holder awards were- it was difficult.  After that we had lunch.  It was then that I was trying to figure out how to help Kelly with their little dilemma in Cananda.  We had to fix some issues with Jack's pump also.  Then I went back for round two of field day but as a chaperone for Sadie's class.  This was pretty fun.  Also stressful.  There were a lot of tears, Zoie ran off, many trips to the bathroom- thankfully Jack was here to help with that a little.  Erika was there too, making it more fun- just laughing at all the drama.  We did the snowcones first, then the big slide, then some water fun and ANOTHER big slide.  After that it was all downhill.  I think it would have been better to go the other direction- do the lame stuff first.  Oh well.  We really should have ended a few rounds early, they were so done, but we stuck it out.  Mrs. Piper was hilarious.  "I'm so sorry you didn't get a bandaid holder" over the mic.  It was good it was time to go home.  I went out to get my canopy and go home, but ended up helping clean up a bit before I was able to take down the canopy.  Unfortunately, my hand got stuck in the canopy as we were folding it shut.  My helper ladies were pushing so hard and I was dying, so I asked them to pull back for a second.  When I was finally able to dislodge my skin from the pinched position it had been in too long, it was all white and gray!!  It  looked SO GROSS!!!  I got just the slightest wave of yuck when I looked at it, but tried to stay tough and not cry.  Thankfully, I was able to tell Erika, she helped me put the canopy in the bag and insisted on dragging it back to the car before I was able to burst into tears.  It was SO CRAZY!!  But we went home, the feeling came back after an intense burning sensation and all was well.  5-20-25

WALKING FIELD TRIP WITH MOLLY- GAILEY PARK
This ended up being a lot of fun.  Erika was already home for the summer so she came with us.  We walked over to Gailey Park where I tried to get Molly to go have fun.  She wasn't interested, but we did get to enjoy her company for most of it.  She did the tug of war and then sat and listened to me talk to my friends.  But it was pretty short.  We headed home kicking rocks through each other's legs as we walked.  I love spending time with Molly and love that she lets me.  5-21-25

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We did it!!  We survived Erika's last year of Junior High and Jack's first!  We survived Molly's 3rd grade and Sadie's kindergarten year!  It was a good one for the most part, but it's time for a break!  Last day was pretty normal.  I was able to hang out with my big kids most of the morning and then got some pictures of Molly and Mrs. Johnson after the flag ceremony.  Mrs. Piper was at her son's graduation so we didn't get one with her, but Sadie has only expressed how sad she is to leave Mrs. Piper and Caroline.  We'll see how next year goes!  5-22-25

SYRACUSE TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
This was a fun kickoff to the summer.  We had to wait for ERika to do some slave labor for Mr. K for a better grade, but then we got all dressed up and made our way to the temple.  This was a really pretty temple!   We loved all the little daisies everywhere.  They were in every little detail.  I love being in the temple with our whole family.  It's fun that the littles can come.  We went to Moe's after and thought about Luke while we were there :).  5-23-25

DATE NIGHT
Second date night in two weeks, we were happy :).  We went to see the new Mission IMpossible movie- Final Reckoning.  Which we LOVED!  It was so good!  So intense!  Well, the first half hour was a little slow.  I was starting to be disappointed, but the rest did NOT disappoint!!  I'm sad if this is the last one.  After the movie we went to Applebee's and raved about the movie :).  Good times.  5-23-25

SO PRODUCTIVE
I hope this Saturday was a symbol of how productive this summer might be :).  We got so much done!  We cleaned up the game room- which was full of Kelly and Devan's gifts, toys, bugs, and more bugs.  We brought in the furniture Bro. Hedin donated to Bradley and set up that half of the room for him. I think it looks pretty good. We took a trailer full of game room stuff and bags of clothes and toys that have been in the garage for almost a year to the D.I. and then to the dump for the pool table top.  Then Erika, Molly and I moved a lot of the games up to the bookshelves and the books down to the game shelves.  It was a lot of work!  But so nice to have it done!  5-24-25

MEMORIAL DAY
We were not able to convince ourselves that we wanted to get up at 7:30 for the family graves and breakfast, which I'm sad about.  Noah could have, he was up running around getting ready for his camping trip!  He and a bunch of his friends went down to Moab to camp together.  I was so proud of him and the planning it took to pull that off!!  Very cool.  He left around 9:00 and we did manage to drag ourselves up to the church for a ward breakfast.  This ended up being pretty fun.  I sat by Tammy and then Margie joined us.  I got to talk to Emily and Barbara Farnes.  The kids got to play kickball most of the time so that was fun for them!  I was glad we had the ball in the car.  After the breakfast, we all did our jobs singing and dancing around to music.  Then we met up with Grandpa at Nana's grave!  This ended up being a really nice time.  We were able to sit down on the grass and eat M&Ms while we chatted.  Kinda nice.  AFter that, we came home to finish the house but ended up playing board games and sitting around.  Charity and Hunter showed up so we made a quick- like literally nine minutes- trip to the Red Balloon store- it was closing.  That was fun.  Jack found some money in a corner of his account and bought some new legos :).  Then we came home and got ready for the Barbecue that I had planned the night before :).  The bbq was fun, we had Grandpa come along with Charity and Hunter.  We roasted hotdogs and ate ribs and my yummy Ramen salad with some fruit.  It was perfect!  Then we played Viking Chess for the rest of the evening.  Pretty fun!  I thought it was a great day!  5-26-25

MOON PARK
We had to get out- it was getting kind of harry here, we'd played all the board games we could play and it was time to get some Vitamin D and pretzel bites.  So we got ourselves out the door and picked up some gluten free muffins for Jack, then Pretzel bites for everyone else and then Moon Park to play.  It was fun to listen to everyone getting along- it's a different dynamic with Noah gone.  But lots of fun still.  5-27-25

MANGO STICKY RICE WITH CHRISTIE
This was a nice little outing.  We FINALLY went and got some Mango Sticky Rice.  Christie is the best and I loved talking to her.  We need to do this more often.  5-27-25

LUNCH WITH JULIE
I finally got to see Julie!!  We met up at El Habanero in Magna for some Mexican.  It was so great to visit with her.  We had lots to catch up on!!  I love Julie- always love being with her!!  5-28-25

DATE WITH MOLLY
Molly and I got to go on our date Wednesday.  WE went and saw the movie Lilo and Stitch- live action.  I was a little nervous about how this movie would be, but I was pleasantly surprised.  5-28-25

LUNCH WITH STEPHANI WOLSEY
This was a highlight this week, even though I went out to lunch too much.  We met up at her house, walked over to Orlandos and talked constantly with no silence for a good two hours.  One of the cool parts was being able to introduce Stephanie to Richelle Pearce.  They are both so crucial in our survival with Jack's diabetes it was cool to have them collide.  While we were eating, the waitress brought Stephanie and I a plate of Strawberry Nachos and said it was from another patron.  Gee, I wonder who :).  Richelle and Jeff along with the Nyes (I think), had ordered it for us- so generous!!  Very fun and very yummy!  It made me think of Molly and now I want to go take her to have some.  Stephanie is an angel.  I am so lucky to have her in my life.  I am starting to think that the reason I was ever acquainted with LIndsay Lauder was so that I could connect with Stephanie now.  Very cool.  5-29-25

MINISTERING My new partner Rebekah Flindt was feeling really motivated to do our ministering and so I sent out a message to our people, Lyndsee Harper and Marianne Barth and we were able to schedule visits.  Both on Thursday night.  I really enjoyed talking with Lyndsee.  She is really sweet and easy to get along with.  Rebekah was hilarious here, and brought up some tough subjects- Utah Mormons being one of them.  But we had a nice time talking and getting eaten by mosquitos.  Marianne was nice to see as well.  I really get to see her a lot with all the hair stuff, but it was a nice change of pace to have Rebekah there and talk the way we did.  I am happy when I do my ministering.  I need to remember that.  5-29-25