They put me in Lexi's room and then we had spaghetti for dinner. After which we headed to go pick up Mercedes from soccer, dropped her off for her young women's.
Monday, June 2, 2014
BYU Womens Conference
May 1 -2 Mindy, MaKenzie, and I decided to go to the BYU Women's Conference this year for the first time. I was nervous leaving my family, but knew that they would be just fine without me. I left Wednesday at 2:00, drove to Mindy's and got to her house around 5:00. She was at scouts so I waited until close to 6:00 to get in. I called her house, but no one answered. I should have gone to the door because as it turns out Kayden was home the whole time.
They put me in Lexi's room and then we had spaghetti for dinner. After which we headed to go pick up Mercedes from soccer, dropped her off for her young women's.
We had so much fun! I learned so much and hopefully I can apply it and be a better mom, person, wife, and friend but mostly just do better! All Sister's should plan on going next year and Mom too! Loads of fun and great company!!
They put me in Lexi's room and then we had spaghetti for dinner. After which we headed to go pick up Mercedes from soccer, dropped her off for her young women's.
MaKelle's Birthday and a Get Away!
I can't put to words my feelings for her. No one could ask for a better daughter. It sure is a good thing we have her as our oldest. She sure has done a fabulous job of being a "good" example for her younger siblings. If only she maybe could have prepared us better for the rest of them. Haha I remember my mom telling me the same thing. MaKelle I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and are so very proud of the "lady" you're turning out to be! You are a daughter of God! You have integrity and Divine potential. I don't ever want you to forget that. Hold to the teachings of the gospel and the examples of your "hero's" and you will never be led astray!
Anyway for MaKelle's birthday while she was at school Nathan and I went to the temple in Vernal and did a session then went shopping for MaKelle. I had bought her tickets to a Conference - "When Life Gets Hard" - and that was it nothing else. I had planned on taking her shopping on our Mother Daughter day so hadn't bought her anything to open that morning. Her father thought that she needed to have something so we bought her a bunch of stuff and let her open it before we left to our conference.
Things I want to remember about MaKelle at 17...
1. She is Happy most all the Time
2. Easy to get along with
3. Loves to talk and tell me every detail about her day!
4. Reads her scriptures every morning and night.
5. Writes in her journal every day.
6. Plays the flute and piano really well and enjoys it!
7. Composes and arranges many of her own songs that she plays at recitals and church.
8. I love that she loves soccer as much as I do.
9. She's fun to work with and usually sings while she does!
10. She's Dependable
11. She knows she's a daughter of God and tries her best to keep all the commandments and covenants.
12. She is a good driver.
13. Great helper.
14. Good Listener.
15. Fun to be around.
16. Loves animals especially her cat.
17. I love her beautiful smile!
Sweet 16...
Can't believe it he's 16 and as far as I know never been kissed!
Because his birthday was during the week he has opted to wait to have
his "friend" party that they get when they're 16. So we just had a small
family party and my kids used to pick their favorite meal for me to cook
but for some reason this year they all have asked to go out to eat on
their birthday. And of course because it's their birthday how could we
say no.
Things I want to remember about Landen at 16:
1. He spends more time getting ready for school in front of the mirror then his sisters.
2. He loves contacts and doesn't like glasses.
3. He only goes to school to socialize.
4. He loves to make his mom and dad worry about him and his well being by constantly keeping us on our toes.
5. Is now and has been taller than me for awhile.
6. Very muscular. They all of the sudden have developed.
7. His Dad actually has to try when he wrestles with Landen now.
8. He loves listening to music all the time.
9. Has tried really hard to find out who he is and what he likes to do by trying all different sorts of classes and sports this year.
10. He's not a foot ball player.
11. Doesn't like Soccer, but does love to Dance.
12. Wants to be a cosmetologist, dancer, and baker when he grows up.
13. Loves Spending time with Cousins!
14. Is a crazy driver, but I'm sure will get better with practice. At least I hope so.
15. Love his Tall Dark and Handsomeness
16. Also love his Smile!
Things I want to remember about Landen at 16:
1. He spends more time getting ready for school in front of the mirror then his sisters.
2. He loves contacts and doesn't like glasses.
3. He only goes to school to socialize.
4. He loves to make his mom and dad worry about him and his well being by constantly keeping us on our toes.
5. Is now and has been taller than me for awhile.
6. Very muscular. They all of the sudden have developed.
7. His Dad actually has to try when he wrestles with Landen now.
8. He loves listening to music all the time.
9. Has tried really hard to find out who he is and what he likes to do by trying all different sorts of classes and sports this year.
10. He's not a foot ball player.
11. Doesn't like Soccer, but does love to Dance.
12. Wants to be a cosmetologist, dancer, and baker when he grows up.
13. Loves Spending time with Cousins!
14. Is a crazy driver, but I'm sure will get better with practice. At least I hope so.
15. Love his Tall Dark and Handsomeness
16. Also love his Smile!
Brooklyn's 10
This year we celebrated Brooklyn's Birthday at the Rec Center in Vernal. We went swimming and invited our "new" friends and had a wonderful time. Ate Pizza and opened presents and yes enjoyed every minute of it. Even though I hate how I look in a swimming suit, I still bucked up put one on and smiled and enjoyed myself anyway! But also forgot to take pictures of this part of her birthday!
Few things to remember about Brooklyn at the age of 10:
1. Makes friends easily
2. Is doing much better in school, but does get bored way to often, which can lead to mischief.
3. Loves to wrestle with Dad!
4. Is a really good helper around the house when she Wants to be! :)
5. Loves coming home from school, getting a snack, and then telling me all about her day.
6. Loves to ALWAYS sit by me wherever she goes.
7. Loves animals and is constantly pretending she's one.
8. Most of her pants have holes in the knee because of it.
9. Favorite Colors where pink and purple but often times chooses blue.
10. Loves her Family and Extended Family!
1. Makes friends easily
2. Is doing much better in school, but does get bored way to often, which can lead to mischief.
3. Loves to wrestle with Dad!
4. Is a really good helper around the house when she Wants to be! :)
5. Loves coming home from school, getting a snack, and then telling me all about her day.
6. Loves to ALWAYS sit by me wherever she goes.
7. Loves animals and is constantly pretending she's one.
8. Most of her pants have holes in the knee because of it.
9. Favorite Colors where pink and purple but often times chooses blue.
10. Loves her Family and Extended Family!
Salem Turns 12
Feb. 22, Salem turned 12. I can't believe that all my boys have the
priesthood and are growing up so fast. If only I could turn back time...
I can't believe that I didn't get a picture of him in his suit and tie and of him and his father after his ordination to the priesthood.
We had a wonderful time celebrating with him. Both sets of Grandparents were able to come out and some brothers and sisters on both sides were able to come as well. We missed those who couldn't make it but also understand that because of distance and scheduling that not all could make either.
Things I want to remember about Salem at 12:
1. When it comes to certain things he's a perfectionist, which can be both good and bad.
2. Because of #1 This year in 6th grade, which is at the Junior High out here, he has received a 4.0 every single quarter! Great job Buddy!
3. Is happy most of the time and a joy to be around.
4. Has high anxiety when it comes to change, but tries his hardest to excel in all that he does.
5. Is our families best artist!
6. Loves that he is now old enough to go on Scout camps with his Dad and older Brother.
7. Sometimes can be the easiest child to raise and sometimes the hardest all in one day.
8. Loves to make breakfast 24-7
9. Favorite color is blue.
10. Doesn't like to read much but his favorite book - in his words is "a lot of them but probably Harry Potter".
11. Favorite food in his words as well "American or Italian".
12. Takes things very literal which can be also both good and bad at times.
Mom and Dad are so proud of you Salem and are looking forward to many more wonderful years together!
We had a wonderful time celebrating with him. Both sets of Grandparents were able to come out and some brothers and sisters on both sides were able to come as well. We missed those who couldn't make it but also understand that because of distance and scheduling that not all could make either.
Things I want to remember about Salem at 12:
1. When it comes to certain things he's a perfectionist, which can be both good and bad.
2. Because of #1 This year in 6th grade, which is at the Junior High out here, he has received a 4.0 every single quarter! Great job Buddy!
3. Is happy most of the time and a joy to be around.
4. Has high anxiety when it comes to change, but tries his hardest to excel in all that he does.
5. Is our families best artist!
6. Loves that he is now old enough to go on Scout camps with his Dad and older Brother.
7. Sometimes can be the easiest child to raise and sometimes the hardest all in one day.
8. Loves to make breakfast 24-7
9. Favorite color is blue.
10. Doesn't like to read much but his favorite book - in his words is "a lot of them but probably Harry Potter".
11. Favorite food in his words as well "American or Italian".
12. Takes things very literal which can be also both good and bad at times.
Mom and Dad are so proud of you Salem and are looking forward to many more wonderful years together!
Cluster Facilitator Retreat
Every April Nathan and I get to go to the Zermatt in Midway for the Cluster Facilitator retreat. I love it so much. In fact these retreats have helped me so much with my own life that I don't ever want to stop going. Both Nathan and I have used this as "our training/get away" every year and I Love it!
In the past we've been able to have Lois come and stay with the kids while we've gone, but this year with them moving to Logan and some health problems we didn't dare to even ask her this year. So instead we trusted MaKelle with the task. She did a fabulous job, I am so proud of her and it is always a comfort to know that I can leave and trust that she will do what is required of her!
This year for the training they had a panel of Foster teens who were able to get a new bill passed for kids in Foster care called the normalcy act HB#346. Basically it lets foster parents decide if kids in their care can do things that they would let "their" own kids do. Which is really huge. No more only having Foster Parents only to watch Foster kids. In my opinion this is a tremendous step for the kids in care.
There was also a symposium and Dr. Dan Siegel came and talked about teens and brain development. Again very educational for me and what I'm going with with the children I have. Love it!
I also enjoy shopping the outlets at Park City and going out for dinner or staying in and not feeling guilty for doing something for me.
Always a good time and lots of knowledge at this retreat. Sometimes to much information at one time, but still love it and the time I get to spend with Just Nathan and I for a couple of days!
In the past we've been able to have Lois come and stay with the kids while we've gone, but this year with them moving to Logan and some health problems we didn't dare to even ask her this year. So instead we trusted MaKelle with the task. She did a fabulous job, I am so proud of her and it is always a comfort to know that I can leave and trust that she will do what is required of her!
This year for the training they had a panel of Foster teens who were able to get a new bill passed for kids in Foster care called the normalcy act HB#346. Basically it lets foster parents decide if kids in their care can do things that they would let "their" own kids do. Which is really huge. No more only having Foster Parents only to watch Foster kids. In my opinion this is a tremendous step for the kids in care.
There was also a symposium and Dr. Dan Siegel came and talked about teens and brain development. Again very educational for me and what I'm going with with the children I have. Love it!
I also enjoy shopping the outlets at Park City and going out for dinner or staying in and not feeling guilty for doing something for me.
Always a good time and lots of knowledge at this retreat. Sometimes to much information at one time, but still love it and the time I get to spend with Just Nathan and I for a couple of days!
END OF SCHOOL THOUGHTS...
This year I wanted to do something that I have always wanted to do, but just haven't ever done it.
I got my idea from this Website...Then I interviewed each of my kids and here are their answers...
MaKelle (11th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
Being able to take college and AP Classes.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Being with my family at home.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Different Math concepts and how they work in the real world.
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Sami Merrell
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Seminary, because I can get away from the "world" be myself and have opinions.
6. What is something hard you did?
AP History with Hanke
7. What's your favorite book you read?
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Mom and or Author
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
The Seminary Talent Show, because it helped me to take a break and just have fun. To see others perform their talents was great.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Homecoming it was my First dance and I was able to go with a big group of friends and we made awesome memories.
Landen (10th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
None of it....Being able to visit and make new friends.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Watching movies with the family.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Dance and the different types.
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Shelby Afleck
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Lunch because I got to be with my friends without teachers telling me to get to class.
6. What is something hard you did?
Math
7. What's your favorite book you read?
A Child Called "It" by David Pelzer
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Cosmologist, Dancer, Baker, and Actor
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
The Character Program at the High School because it was stupid. It was only beneficial for the "bad" kids and did nothing for the "good" kids.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
When the FFA had the hypnotist come.
Salem (6th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
When I was succeeding in all of my classes.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Break from all the chaos at school.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Reading
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Carson Harper
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Any breaks we had from school work like Assembly's
6. What is something hard you did?
Making up my school work so I could go on our California Trip
7. What's your favorite book you read?
Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A Theater worker or manager
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
Trip to the Clark Planetarium because it was just fun.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Again the Field trip to the Clark Planetarium because it was "the only one".
Brooklyn (4th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
Art
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Playing
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Science
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Kelsie Lee
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Recess and Lunch time because the rest of the day was frustrating.
6. What is something hard you did?
Writing because people can't read it.
7. What's your favorite book you read?
Jack and Annie books
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Police Officer
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
Kat when she said my person I colored was naked.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Heritage Park Field trip riding the train and pushing and pulling the hand cart.
The Mom thoughts will probably be another post I may have included most of them in their birthday blogs we'll see....
I'm going to have a lot of First and Lasts for the rest of my life. That I also plan on sharing and expanding on in other posts. So keep reading! Oh and did I mention I love comments. ;)
I got my idea from this Website...Then I interviewed each of my kids and here are their answers...
MaKelle (11th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
Being able to take college and AP Classes.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Being with my family at home.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Different Math concepts and how they work in the real world.
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Sami Merrell
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Seminary, because I can get away from the "world" be myself and have opinions.
6. What is something hard you did?
AP History with Hanke
7. What's your favorite book you read?
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Mom and or Author
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
The Seminary Talent Show, because it helped me to take a break and just have fun. To see others perform their talents was great.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Homecoming it was my First dance and I was able to go with a big group of friends and we made awesome memories.
Landen (10th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
None of it....Being able to visit and make new friends.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Watching movies with the family.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Dance and the different types.
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Shelby Afleck
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Lunch because I got to be with my friends without teachers telling me to get to class.
6. What is something hard you did?
Math
7. What's your favorite book you read?
A Child Called "It" by David Pelzer
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Cosmologist, Dancer, Baker, and Actor
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
The Character Program at the High School because it was stupid. It was only beneficial for the "bad" kids and did nothing for the "good" kids.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
When the FFA had the hypnotist come.
Salem (6th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
When I was succeeding in all of my classes.
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Break from all the chaos at school.
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Reading
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Carson Harper
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Any breaks we had from school work like Assembly's
6. What is something hard you did?
Making up my school work so I could go on our California Trip
7. What's your favorite book you read?
Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A Theater worker or manager
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
Trip to the Clark Planetarium because it was just fun.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Again the Field trip to the Clark Planetarium because it was "the only one".
Brooklyn (4th)
1. What was the best part of this year?
Art
2. What's your favorite part about being home during the school year?
Playing
3. What was your favorite thing to learn about?
Science
4. Who was your best friend this year?
Kelsie Lee
5. What's your favorite part of the day? Why?
Recess and Lunch time because the rest of the day was frustrating.
6. What is something hard you did?
Writing because people can't read it.
7. What's your favorite book you read?
Jack and Annie books
8. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Police Officer
9. What was something that made you laugh this year?
Kat when she said my person I colored was naked.
10. What was your favorite activity or field trip this year?
Heritage Park Field trip riding the train and pushing and pulling the hand cart.
The Mom thoughts will probably be another post I may have included most of them in their birthday blogs we'll see....
I'm going to have a lot of First and Lasts for the rest of my life. That I also plan on sharing and expanding on in other posts. So keep reading! Oh and did I mention I love comments. ;)
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