Halloween

Grace and Lettie went to Katie’s house where they met their friends and went trick or treating. They all dressed up so I think that’s legit. 

The whole crew ready to go!

This is my avatar doing what I hoped my Halloween night would look like. What it actually looked like was spending the afternoon in the kitchen because we invited the 5 elders over for dinner. Also handing out candy. 

It was nice though. One of our elders is attending the navel academy and took leave to serve a mission and another of the 5 wants to be an engineer so they were excited to talk “shop” with Rob. 

We had a special 5th hour for the youth on LG*Q relationships. It’s been an issue for them knowing how to be friends and not too much of an ally, and what to say to friends that stands up for their faith and shows Christlike love. The bishop did an amazing job. 

Last night was trunk or treat. Tom and Diana were watching Maverick and Mak for 9 days and this was their last day. They brought the kids over for a fun activity. Mav is getting so big and is such a sweet guy!

After that party we went home and Grace threw a party for her friends. I don’t know how many kids were over. They carved pumpkins and had lots of snacks and went to the park. I mainly stayed upstairs and Rob watched Ohio State win their football game. 

 The Utah trick or treaters. Marshall was off with his friend Ben so no picture of him. 

Friday off!

 A day off work! Yay! So exciting!!!   Any guesses how I spent it?

Animal Kingdom and it was super fun and the weather was really perfect and I loved it!

Everything tastes better when it’s Mickey shaped! 

Rob got a pixie pass so he joined me in the afternoon, that was nice too. 

Temple Night

We had a youth temple night for the YW. We have to devide our group because we can only have 14 youth in a session. The boys have well over 14. We have about 14 total but at any given activity we have half of that. Tonight our attendance was even worse but I was happy for the four who came and Rueben came and did the baptisms and it was a very sweet night. We went to Jeremiah’s after and everyone was happy. We will try to reschedule on a Wednesday maybe that will be better attended. Our Covid recovery YW is pretty tough. Idk if it’s just us, or if they got used to being home, or if they are so delighted to be allowed to do stuff finally that they packed their schedules but between plays, band, rowing, weight lifting, working, homework, lacrosse each YW is very busy! At the last minute Grace and Lettie were able to go, it’s been pouring rain so the band did not travel with the football team which gave them an unexpected night off!

 Look at my cute Dani being the student representative at the University of Utahs END program!!

Stitches

Grace had to go back in to get another stitch. One of her wounds opened up. She just needs to let it rest. She’s missed a lot of days of school, which is why I wanted her to wait until spring break, but she had pain in her mouth, so what are you going to do? 

Last night I started a night class. It’s only 4 weeks long, which I’m glad about, one night a week for 3 hours. It was okay. I am not sure if I want to teach next year but I do want to keep the door open so I have to take 3 classes this year. 

 Sunday was such a busy day. We had ward council, then church, then BYC, then a baptism & R did a visit to the Ramey’s, then in the evening was BYD. I am grateful to wear my day out in His service when I can. (I am also grateful for lazy days!)

Ethan is settled into his new area. We talked with him last night, which was fun. 

In no particular order

The cutest 3 year olds around! I love their darling smiles and am counting down the days until they come visit!

We had a stake youth Halloween party tonight. The youth committee did an amazing job! I loved the decorations. Grace and Lettie went as Disney fans…so pretty much as themselves!

I ran errands and read my book and chaperoned at the activity. Rob went fishing and to play racquetball with Jon and this evening he’s watching Ohio State football. 

After the party Grace and Lettie went to Lettie’s house to watch Hocus Pocus and I am finishing my book. 

 Amelia, Charlotte, Chase and Grace were there early enough for me to get a picture. Lettie, Maya, and Sage came later. Seven is not a bad turn out for our girls. 

We found “Flifford”

After work Rob and I went to Disney Springs to the movies. We saw Dune. We both read the books and liked the old movie. We both liked the new as well but he liked it more than I did. I thought it was a little bit long. 

After we saw the Clifford ad in the lobby, Clifford was Hannah’s favorite when she was little so we took a picture and sent it to her.
 

rushing on

Oh boy, time just is flying by and there is so much to get done.  Probably most importantly Grace had her wisdom teeth out on Tuesday she is doing really well with the whole thing and felt okay from the get go.  She is swollen and a little sore but I think she's had the easiest time of all the kids. I am grateful because she sure has her share of physical trials on a daily basis so it's nice that something went easily.  Rob took her to the surgery and I just had to check in during the day.  One definite down side to working full time is having to go to work all the time.  I have a lot of days planned off and couldn't take another for her surgery.  :(  Rob is good when people are sick and they did fine.

Last night for YW we had a combined activity with the YM.  We did pumpkin carving and it was super fun.  The elders came by with a lady and her teenage son whom they had just met and he joined in as well.  The kids always love the annual pumpkin carve!

Last weekend was band.  Friday night I worked the snack bar, Saturday we went to BOA regionals.  Rob and I enjoyed watching, the kids did great and the other bands were also super fun to watch. I do love a good marching band!

Sunday I had hoped to take a nap, we also signed in to take dinner to the Ramey's.  It turned out that Rob got a call from them during church, they thought Carol was going to pass that day, so we went over and it took up nap time.  I was happy to go and pray and sit and offer what meager comfort we could.  Then in Martha like fashion I left to make the dinner.  And I was glad to go.  Rob stayed.  He's been a very good ministering brother.  

We've been over a few more times this week trying to offer support.  She is still with us, which is good, I guess. I know she's ready.  God is in charge though so we wait patiently on the Lord's timing.

In mission news Ethan is no longer in Wendover.  He had some interesting experiences and performed some very Christ like service while he was there.  I am sure he is glad to be back in "cavillation" now.  I am so proud of him and all the young missionaries who sacrifice their these years of their lives to help others.  He told us about an older man in the ward who is wall-E like fashion lives a very sedate life.  He is not in good health.  The elders go over an change his bedding, and dress his feet that are covered with sores, and keep him company.  This doesn't sound like much fun but it does sound like exactly what the Lord would do if He was there.

Grace and I watched Hocus Pocus together the other night.  It's a fun annual tradition.  

I listen to conference or the BOM on the way to work each morning.  A few days ago I was listening to Elder Renlund's conference talk. He told the story of the Finnish temple being built, the animosity between the Fins and the Russians and told of how now this temple would be used by them, as well as surrounding countries.  When the temple was dedicated the Finnish temple committee decided that the first day it was open should be dedicated to the Russian saints to get their work done as they had traveled far and couldn't stay long.  As I listened to the story my heart was so touched that tears streamed down my face as I drove along the freeway.  I am so grateful that Jesus Christ changes hearts and makes people better.  Enemies can love each other as a result of the blessings of the atonement and light of Christ in their lives.  It was a sweet reminder to me of who is in charge and where to put my faith.
 

10/14/21

Yesterday Bub’s zone got to go to the temple. I love surprise fb pop ups!

For YW we had cupcake wars. The girls enjoyed it! Good times.

 

Getting ready for the big competition this weekend. Lincoln helps! The D’Amicos are the best! Grace wishes Katie’s parents were her parents and I am ever grateful for every set of “2nd parents” my kids ever have/had (looking at you Rob and Tori, Jen and Marc, and a few others!) People who love and influence your children for good are the biggest bestest blessing! 

An ode to Siris walking directions in parking lots

After work today I met Wendy at Epcot. We ate around the world and visited. It was a nice evening together. 

When I left I couldn’t find my car. One of my favorite phone features is the “where did I park my car?” answering abilities. I walked around following my little map and it was near where I thought but not exactly and without Siri’s help I might still be out there. 

Yesterday we had ward conference. In the evening we had a joint young women class presidency and our adult presidency at Laurie’s. After we had fall treats which were yummy. I love these amazing young women and am so amazed and awed at their courage living in these last days. 

Rob has been seeing Jae, our next door neighbor and friendly neighborhood chiropractor. He’s been having issues. Well Grace’s pain has been really high lately. She’s been struggling and we have tried everything, including but not limited to buying her a special mattress, getting her a service dog, going to every kind of doctor and taking numerous meds, therapies, and what not. Now we are branching out to witch doctors and miracle elixirs.  We ordered her a some homeopathic stuff, and took her to see Jae, and bio feedback is on the calendar for after band season, as well as anything else we can come up with to try. Anyway he did X-rays and found out that she has spinabifida occulta, scoliosis and her sacrum isn’t fused. It’s always something.
 

HOCO

 Windermere had their homecoming at Sea World. How fun is that?!

Grace went with her friends and had a super fun time. Also I thought she looked so pretty in her Cinderella blue dress and comfy matching vans!

Grace, Maddie and Katie

Grace and Lincoln

Grace and Lettie

Lucas, Bianca, Emma, kid who’s name idk, Tyler, Maddie, Katie, Evelyn, Phoebe , Peterson twins, ?, ?, Lettie, Katelyn and Grace

Some woodwinds

The shoes

Work day

We had a teacher work day today. Most of the teachers took personal days so they wouldn’t have to come in, I think there were like 10 cars in the parking lot. I am saving mine for when our newest little lady arrives so I went to work. It actually was a productive day. I got ahead in my lesson planning, decorated a window that I’ve been meaning to get to and watched conference while I worked. 

I got home and Rob and I went to the movies to see Shang Chi, which we both liked. Then we had brussel sprouts at the polite pig, my favorite, and walked around Disney Springs, also my favorite. He doesn’t like it that much which is very typical for us. We are a night owl married to an early riser, likes the house warm and the window shades wide open to let in light vs ice box and dark(ish) (because it’s cooler) home, video games vs Netflix, his swim hunt fish to my visit with the kids and grands, mushroom & dark meat chicken to smoked meat and Turkey breasts and other dry foods, Disney loving/crowd hating, backing the car into the parking spot/ zip right in the first spot you come to, introvert/extrovert, fruity dessert/chocolate,  etc. etc. It makes me laugh. A lot. 

Luckily we do have some things in common. We both love the beach and Christmas movies. We both like to read, and to spend time with family, we both like to go to the zoo, and to serve together. We like to travel together and I think he’s smart and looks nice with a beard So there you go. Anyway we had a fun night. 

Last night after work I went to work the concession stand. It was long and busy and I’m glad my turns are done for the year. Plus it made for a long long day. 

Grace missed the game, and missed a couple days of school this week because she hasn’t been feeling well. I wish her pain would go away. It’s very sad not being able to make her better.

feathered fingers

 After work yesterday I went to the band room to help crazy glue feathers into plumes for the band hats.  It was a sticky affair.  We had 5 moms working together so that was fun.  Still it took us almost 2 hours.  I ended up with a lot of glue on my fingers and feather remenants that took hours to get off.  It was worth it (I guess LOL).  Each parent, theoretically, needs to volunteer 3 times per year.  Some parents volunteer A LOT.  Some not at all.  I am in the middle, I try to help out as often as I am available.  There are different catagories of help needed: chaperone, snack bar, uniforms, PIT, and random stuff.  Last night fell under uniforms. Another mom who was there told us she felt guilty because she hadn't volunteered as much this year as the past two but she was diagnosied with metistatic breast cancer and hasn't been able to go out as much. We talked awhile about her cancer and her treatment.  We didn't talk about the guilt she felt becuase it wasn't even noteworthy.  Being a mom comes with a lot of guilt.  Which is not good.

Today I was "mugged" at work.  That was a nice

surprise. Now I will return the favor!

Tonight for YW we are doing a service project & tomorrow I work the snack bar for the homecoming football game. 

Cookin the books

These two cats are Rob’s buddies. They often sleep with him and follow him around. They are funny felines. I don’t mind when one of them curls up in the hollow of my back and is warm and purry. It reminds me a little of when the kids were small and would pile in bed. Animals have their own slice of the family’s emotional pie. The less people live at home the bigger the slice the animals get. 

Last night Linc and Lu and I also lounged around chatting in the bed. Her homecoming dress arrived in the mail and it fit! Always a worry when you order online. We talked about band (her life), and pain (her constant burden), and hope and stuff. Linc was our pillow. 

It’s missionary Monday. I love reading Ethan’s letters. We also get letters from several of his friends who are serving and that is so fun. These kids are amazing. I miss this boy. 

 Sierra and Chris went hunting this weekend. Chris posted this picture and I was delighted to see their smiling faces. Si is doing better, what a miracle. Sometimes (usually not more than a couple times a day) I will think of the accident. Sometimes I think of the actual events and I feel nauseous and can’t believe something so awful happened. Sometimes I think about how we see the hand of God in her healing and in the peace we felt and the love and help we got. Sometimes I feel guilt, like if I had made different choices when she was growing up maybe her life would have take a different route and she wouldn’t even have been in that car, sometimes I can’t believe how blessed we are & then I think of Tanner and wish he had that and then I wish Val didn’t lose him & then I remind myself that she didn’t. Not for always and that Heavenly Father has a plan, we just have to trust Him and be faithful. Sometimes I worry about what the future will hold for her, for Chris, together or apart. Sometimes I am just so so happy she’s here. And usually all of those things happen at once. 

Some events impact you in ways that change you forever.  

7th period was good today, which is a different kind of miracle. 

Quarter grades are due. Our district policies regarding who must pass and how grades are given require some, what feels like, “cooking of the books.”

I talked to Marshall today, he got glass and looks so smart! Penny also got some for reading. Later Ezra called and I chatted with him while he ate his yummy dinner. Then later I talked to Coco and Ruby and saw their Halloween decorations and watched them put up a giant spider web and a giant fuzzy black spider. 

Weekend

Saturday was our first band competition. They did great, in fact they won both their division and over all first place! It was fun to watch!

It’s general conference weekend . It was amazing! I need to re-listen/re-watch it. I may have dozed during a talk or two and we missed some for band but I loved the parts I heard!
 

We got out our Halloween decor this weekend too. 

One super exiting announcement was Fort Worth is getting a temple! Wow! That’s going to be amazing for them! 

October 1st!

I wore an orange shirt to work today! I love Halloween season.

Tonight I broke out my Halloween jams and curled up with book 3 of the All Souls trilogy. 

Rob and I tried an Argentinian restaurant for dinner. It was yummy. 

We have a sisters text thread. Today we did a fall this or that. Everyone loves fall. 

The end of the first quarter is upon us. In my class that has meant oral book reports. The kids have done a really good job. It’s been fun to hear what they like to read. 

Izzy telling us about some creepy dolls come to life and kill people book.

 I love this picture of Val and Kenz!

In preparation for conference I’ve been listening to last April’s talks. Some of them have really touched my heart. One that brought me to tears as I drove to work early one weekday morning was Elder Renlund’s Infuriating Unfairness.  “Do not let unfairness harden you or corrode your faith in God. Instead, ask God for help. Increase your appreciation for and reliance on the Savior. Rather than becoming bitter, let Him help you become better. Allow Him to help you persevere, to let your afflictions be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” Join Him in His mission “to heal the brokenhearted,” strive to mitigate unfairness, and become a stonecatcher.“. Everyone’s life is hard hard, and unfair. I am grateful that Jesus will make it all work together for our good.