Happy 14th Birthday Conner

It's Conner's birthday today.  He wanted sausage biscuits for breakfast and sloppy joes for dinner with a fruit pizza for his "cake".  He decorated it himself.

 I couldn't ask for a better son.  He has always been very obedient and has a positive attitude and looks for the best in situations.  The past year he has been the deacon's quorum president and has just blossomed as he took on this new responsibility.  He came to love the boys as the Savior would and prayed for them and helped as much as he could.  He is sad to move on up to teacher's quorum.  As a last hurrah, he had all the deacon's over for a game night last night.  He didn't want to have a birthday party, just a get together.  

Conner really enjoys biking and asked for a camel bak and some bike lights.  He's taking 2 AP classes so he spent 4 hours reading and taking notes on his birthday. He did have time to fit in a boisterous game of Avalon.

He's matured so much this past year.  His voice has deepened and he's got a "mustache".  He's 5'6" so he's the tallest member of our family now.  He enjoys cooking.  He reads his scriptures every day and writes in his journal.  He's such a good example to our family.  I just love him so much and can't get over how good he is.

Back to School 2018

School snuck up on this year.  We were so busy trying to squeeze the last bit of fun out of summer, I just wasn't ready but ready or not they went.  The kids, as always were so excited to go back and be with their friends and start learning.

 MIkey is in 5th and Mrs. Warren in his teacher.  We were looking forward to having Ms. Appleby but she took another job opportunity a couple weeks before school started.

Sam in entering Jr. High as a 7th grader.  Sam definitely has his own style and likes to stand out just a little.

 Eliza is is in kindergarten and couldn't be happier.  She just skipped all the way to class.

Lucy is in 3rd grade.

 Junior Highers

Conner is in 9th grade at North Layton Junior High.  He was happy to help all the new 7th graders on their first day.

Elementary Schoolers.  Eliza got a variance so they all attend Mountain View.

Now that all my kids are in school most of the day what am I going to do with my time?  Plenty.  I'm the treasurer of the PTA at NLJH and will be volunteering there most Mondays for lunch and Wednesdays for Long Horn Pride.  I'll be volunteering at Mt. View Monday mornings and as needed.  I started sewing from home for a minky blanket company called "Sew Sweet" that keeps me busy and it's nice to earn a little extra fun money for the family.  I'm also serving in my ward Primary Presidency.  Between the 5 kids, so far they have 14 after school activities so from 4-7 I'll basically be a chauffeur.  I'm not a fan of being ultra busy we we'll have to see how it goes and may have to cut back in a couple months.

Eating My Way to 40!

This year I turned the big 4-0!  I had plans to celebrate at the Utah Olympic Park with tubing, bobsledding and ziplining but with my feet not healed I just had to stay home and make the most of it.  Each year for my birthday, I get a ton of free meals and treats but often don't use them but this year I decided to take advantage of them all and eat my way to my forties!  I took each of the kids out out on a special date using all the free/discounted meals.  

Neil and I ate at Cafe Rio and went to Lagoon.  We borrowed a wheel chair, which was awesome.  We usually got to go to the front of the line and then got to ride twice in row.  We rode all the rides we wanted in less than two hours.  We also got whoopie pies at Sweet Tooth Fairy and a Dole Whip to share.  We later went to Tucanos.  I just love their mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped turkey.

Conner and I went to Golden Corral.  I am usually not a fan of this place because everything is fried but they've changed their offerings.  They had all you can eat hot wings are a weakness.  It really hit the spot and Conner was a great date.

Sam and I went to Pizza Pie Cafe.  We both tried really hard not to over eat.

Mikey and I went to Dairy Queen and got blizzards.  I was so disappointed because mine was like soup.  Half of it was melted but I wasn't in the mood to complain and took it home for the rest of the munchkins to drink.

Lucy and I went to Moe's where we shared a burrito and got a cup of queso and the chili con queso to share.  

Last but not least Eliza and I went to Cold Stone and got some yummy ice cream.  

It was fun to spend some one on one time with the kids eating yummy food.

When my brother, Ryan was here visiting we went out for a birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse and of course they had to sing to me.

I requested a brownie and ice cream cake.  I had been eating so many treats we ended up not eating it for a couple days when we could really enjoy it. 

My brother sent me 40 black balloons with the request that my kids suck the helium and sing Happy Birthday.  They thought that was hilarious.

 My siblings sent me some money and a Whitman's Sampler which I just had to eat for breakfast.

Neil had the kids help decorate.  They spent 2 hours blowing up balloons and hanging streamers.  They were so excited.  The girls tied balloons to my chair and I had to eat with a fork that had a balloon tied to it.

It has been a fun couple weeks celebrating turning 40.  It's been a reflective time.  I'm now middle aged.  I may have lived half my life.  Have I accomplished all that I wished?  Am I the person I want to be?  I'm hoping to make the next 40 years even better. 

2 Sprained Feet

On Tuesday, I took the Webelos frisbee golfing.  The course was unkept with high weeds and brush.  One of the boys frisbees landed on a mound along with mine so I went to retrieve them.  With so many weeds I did not see the hole and tripped and fell.  I was shaken up and my feet were sore so I sat there awhile to compose my self.  Neil was with me and helped me up and my feet hurt but I was able to walk.  I shook it off and we finished the course as I walked with a limp.  When I got home I put my feet up and iced them and took some Ibuprofen.  As the night progresses the pain got worse to the point I could not put weight on either foot and had to crawl to the bathroom.  I was bedridden for two days.  Kids brought me my meals and got me water.  I watched Poldark.  We had crutches but being as I couldn't put weight on either foot they were no help.  I just have to laugh because it's so ridiculous.  A month and a half ago, I was washing the outside windows and fell off a ladder and hurt my foot then as well and had to use crutches.

There was a tender mercy in all of this.  On Monday, Conner said he wanted to make dinner this week.  Score!  I told him he could make whatever he wanted and I'd buy the ingredients so he made his list and I went shopping Tuesday morning while the kids were at the dentist.  Then I fell but we didn't need meals or anything because Conner took care of it.  He made bread bowls and baked potato soup, sloppy joes, chicken alfredo and pizza.  I'm so thankful my kids were able to serve me this week.  They are the best.

I also learned that in my old age it will be Conner and Eliza who will take the best care of me.

And the Winner is . . .

For Christmas, all of us got "fitbits" in hope that we would become more active.  We started a weekly family competition.  Each day whoever got at least 10,000 steps gets to put their name in a box and on Saturday night, Eliza randomly picks a name and they earn $5.  I don't believe in paying for chores because  that's part of being a member of our family.  We've all got to pitch in.  My kids are so desperate to earn some money that they'll do about anything so everybody has become active.  The kids fight over whose turn it is to get on the treadmill.  Conner and Sam have exercised an hour almost every day.  I hope this keeps up.  We all need to get healthier.  Before I started exercising, I'd wear my fitbit and found out I only got 2,000-3,000 steps a day when I stayed home.  Wow I really am pretty inactive.  So it's been a huge motivator for me.  Michael was our first winner.

As you can see Eliza is still wearing her Christmas cheer.

Celebrations

Today I got to have lunch with Lucy for the January Birthday table.  She requested a pepperoni and sausage Papa John's pizza.  She loves the garlic butter dipping sauce for the crust.  Lucy is always so decked out.  She had her homemade choker necklace on as well as several bracelets and headband.  She wanted her hair in a bun today but I'm not too good with bobby pins and so it had fallen out when I met her for lunch.  Lucy loves denim and her jean jacket and wears jeans almost every day, even though she has a ton of colored pants.  It was fun to have lunch with her and see her interact with others in her class.  Since we're doing the no sweets January, she turned down a delicious looking cupcake at lunch.

I've been wearing a fitbit for a couple weeks now and I've learned just how inactive I really was.  I've been trying to get 10,000 steps every day and I've done well but I don't hit that mark until bedtime.  I usually have to walk around the block once or twice to get all my steps in before bed.  Today I got up early and was able to exercise before school drop off but I did ran out of time and only got in 6500 steps, 1500 less than my normal morning so I knew I had my work cut out for me.  I decided to go to the temple and do an endowment session for my ancestor Natalia Braun.  As I walked through the doors to the ordinance room my fitbit started buzzing and I looked down there was a trophy and confetti on the screen because I had gotten my steps.  What?  It was only 3pm.  How did that happen?  I can't help but think it was a tender mercy from the Lord letting me know that my ancestors were celebrating that they are able to keep progressing.  It was a special day.

Tonight in Eliza's personal prayers she prayed that Papa could come back to earth so she could see him again because she misses him.  I agree.  I'm so glad she still remembers him.  We've got to keep his memory alive.

The Difficult Chair

Oh what it would be like to be four again.  Today is January 3rd, and Eliza insisted on wearing one of her Christmas outfits today because she just loves Christmas and wants it to always be Christmas.  I agree.  She is such a happy girl always skipping wherever she goes or twirling around.  She loves family and it is so important to her.  If asked what she wants to be when she grows up it's always a mom.  Whenever she does her chores she'll exclaim, "I made my bed!  That's going to help me be a good mom".  Her second choice would be a pet walker.  She gets so excited when she thinks about growing up and getting married and having kids.  She really wants to marry her brother Conner because he is nice to her and is so handsome.  She worries about Neil and I and what we're going to do when all the kids grow up and thinks we should have more.  She gets sad when we talk about kids getting older and leaving home.  Her desire to be a good mom really has an impact on me.  I'm more aware of the example I'm setting for her and hoping it's a good, positive and realistic one.

Today Eliza went to an ENT and this was the patient chair.  After examining it she said that it was a difficult chair.  I didn't understand her choice of words and explained what difficult meant and said I think she's thinking of a different word.  Nope it's a difficult chair.

We were at the ENT because we've been to two Audiologists who said she has mild/moderate hearing loss and would benefit from hearing aids.  The ENT was going to check her tonsils and ears and make sure that wasn't the problem.  Everything looks good and so he sent me to another audiologist who confirmed the hearing loss.  Now to decide what to do.  Do we get hearing aids for a 4 year old?  They average $3600 a pair and luckily our insurance will pay part of the cost every 3 years.  I've never thought she couldn't hear but we all speak loud at home because I can't hear.  The dilemma is when she starts school next year and no longer has the one on one attention she gets at home.  How much will she miss out on and have to guess?  I know what it is like to miss out.  I miss out a lot and often just tune out because I don't hear what's being said.  My hearing holds me back from being more social because it's so hard and frustrating to feel clueless in a conversation.  I hate talking on the phone, largely because it's hard for me to hear.  Eliza is very outgoing and talkative and it saddens me to think her personality could be dampened because of her hearing.  The main reason I question whether we should get them now or not is they are so expensive to replace.  I will be paranoid about losing them or them getting wet during water activities.   Decisions, decisions.  

Eliza comes home from school saying, "I can't see very well".  First her ears and now her eyes.  

2018-New Year, New Me

So it has been a couple years since I posted but that's okay.  We went to bed last night after 1 in the morning and yet I was up at 6 am (I'll definitely be taking my nap today). I'm just too excited for the new year and hopefully changes that will take place in my life.  I have three main focuses for this year.

#1--Neil and my Marriage
We have a really great marriage (especially compared to others I know) but I want to make Neil a priority as he has me.  Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and it has changed me.  With it has come extreme fatigue, irritability, depression, weight gain and a myriad of other problems.  I hate it and it's been so hard for me (and my family).  I've gotten caught up in the woe is me mind frame and after all my "daily duties" with kids and what not, I just felt like there was nothing to give to Neil.  He is the most important person in my life and has always treated me with love and kindness and has never put me down.  He has always lovingly nudged me to be better without making me feel bad.  He's just amazing and I am so blessed to have him by my side.  He has been so patient with me and I just need to give back.  I've bought a couple books, that we're going to read together and make some goals and changes.  I want to make sure I'm adding to his happiness every day.

#2--Family History Work
Back in June, I got the family history bug. although I was very reluctant.  I spoke on my experience in sacrament meeting a couple weeks ago.  I have fallen in love with it,  I have found several names to take to the temple and it has increased my desire to go to the temple and my spiritual experiences in the temple.  It's amazing the closeness I feel with my ancestors.  Doing family history work is a sacrifice of time and I waste so much time during the day on the computer.  My stake has a goal to index one million names by September.  I plan to index at least one name a day (trying to keep my goal attainable) as I also dedicate time each Sunday to genealogical research.

#3--Exercise
I stopped exercising in March of 2017, after a year of no change in my weight.  I was exercising to lose weight.  I'd exercise for an hour and only eat around 1200 calories a day and there was no change.  Stinkin' Hashimotos.  Scientifically speaking I should have lost about 1.5 lbs a week but nothing and so I got really down and gave up.  While I was exercising I didn't feel as bad about being larger because I knew I was making healthy choices and I did feel better. emotionally although exercising made me even more fatigued.  I hate looking pregnant, when I'm not.  That's the worst.  So for  Christmas, all of the kids and I got  generic fitbits and we're having a little weekly family competition with a monetary prize.  At least this time I realize there may be little change so my expectations aren't high.  I'm exercising again for my health and that's all. 

#4--Financial Goals
We had an awesome summer but also spent more money than planned and so we need to replenish our savings this year.  As the kids get older, everything just costs more, especially food.  I'm in charge of the finances and I am responsible for 95% of our expenditures so it's up to me to say no to all those wants. 

I'm feeling really optimistic about this year and excited to see the results of my goals.

End of School 2016

Another school year has gone down in the books.  So proud of these kids for all they've accomplished this year.  Every year has it's good and it's bad.  It was a hard year for me but I have a feeling it's not going to get any easier so I've just got to embrace it.  I'm hoping to make some changes next year by not volunteering and babysitting so much.  If only I'm able to say no. 

I asked the kids if I needed to make a banner this year, hoping to get off the hook but they were almost in tears at the thought of not being able to run through one.  So funny.  Traditions bring a lot of peace and unity to a family.  You just have to be careful when starting traditions to make sure you're willing to keep it up over the next 20+ years.  

After Conner's 6th grade program, I checked him out and we went to Habit for lunch to celebrate.  Habit's probably my favorite hamburger place and their onion rings are awesome too.

Ms. Appleby.  I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to send my son off to junior high.  She's a big part of the reason these kids believe in themselves.  She talked and treated them like adults.  She always wore high heels and is just so positive.

Now What?

Conner's in the front middle.

Conner reading his essay.  He did such a great job.  We had him practice at home several times to help him add some emotion and look up at the audience.  

Lucy with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kunzler.  I always told her Lucy looked more like her daughter than mine.  It was her first year teaching and she really appreciated the little helper that Lucy was.  Lucy always finished her work quickly and then would help the other students, especially the ESL speakers.

Lucy during her kindergarten program, back row middle.  I thought they should dress up and encouraged Lucy to wear a dress and let me curl her hair but she refused.  Little Miss Independent and Stubborn, it's her way or the highway (just like her mom).  Well she was the only girl not in a dress.  Afterwards she told me next time she'll let me help her get ready.

 

Sam in his 4th grade program, all about Utah.  This is probably my favortie program of all the grades.  Sam was a Chinese man.

 

Sam had a rough year as far as academic accountability goes.  He rarely turned an assignment in on time and had several missing.  For this reason, his teacher Mrs. Braegger, wasn't too fond of him I think.  I don't know what was going on with him because up until 4th grade he was a stellar student.  Funny story I'll share.  He had to make up a spelling test and as I looked over it, I noticed that the only ones he missed were the last four because they were blank.  I asked him why he didn't even guess on those words and he said he didn't hear what the words were because he was reading a book.  I know the kid loves to read but there is a time and place for everything.

Mikey also had a great year.  He found his voice this year and has become quite the little author.  His greatest accomplishment was writing a 103 page story, called Casdik.  He worked for months on it to finish it before his teacher, Mrs. Brand left on maternity leave.  As he finished a chapter, Mrs. Brand would let him read them to the class.  Several of his classmates wanted to buy a copy of his book.  It was pretty awesome. 

Adams Canyon

It's Memorial Day and what to do?  I always want to stay home on holidays and get stuff done aroud the house (clean, organize, laundry) when I have Neil's help but that's no fun for the kids.  Sunday night Neil and I had talked about some options for outings but made no definite plans.  Once the kids were up on Monday, we got our chores done and then we asked the kids if they'd like to go on a hike.  They were real excited which makes my heart happy that they enjoy the simple things in life like exploring the outdoors.  We're on a strict budget right now as we try to save for all our camps this summer so free is great.  We decided on Adams Canyon because it's in Layton and close and there is a waterfall at the end.  It's about 3.8 miles round trip.  It took us an hour to all get ready to go but we were off by 12:30.  I wish we could speed up our departures but we had to find baby carrier, eat lunch, find shoes, go to the bathroom mulitlple times, etc.  We've lived in Layton 7 1/2 years and have always heard about this hike but have never went.  So glad that we did.  It was really busy on the trail.  The first 1/2 mile was a bunch of switch backs.  We were not looking forward to having to carry Eliza but Neil was prepared but she surprised us and walked the whole way.  She was a little slow (which was good for me) and got distracted a ton but there was no having to carry her.  It made the hike so much more enjoyable.  I realized that we are entering a new phase in our lives.  We have said good bye to the baby stage.  We no longer have to pack diapers, strollers, carriers, snacks, toys, plan for naps, etc.  It is so liberating.  Those who know me know I'm not a huge fan of the baby stage.  It's a lot of work and to finally be out of it is exciting.  I know I'm really going to enjoy this new stage and independence.

As we hiked and talked to the other people on the trail, we were told that there were some lower falls that are great for kids and few people were going there so as it was our first time we took that detour and it was perfect.  There was only one other family there.  The water was freezing but it didn't stop Neil from running through the falls.  We stayed and played for quite some time.  It was just what we needed.  I'm so glad we didn't just stay home.  Can't wait to go back and see the upper falls.

6th Grade Graduation Essay

Conner has been pretty good about keeping up with his assignments this year so I often just sign his planner without asking him if he’s done all his homework.  Basically, I don’t really know what’s going on in class but he’s done fine so it’s all worked out.  Well he came home from school this week and said my essay got picked to be read at 6^th grade graduation.  I was surprised as I didn’t even know he’d written an essay.  He said he worked on it for a couple days.  All the 6^th grade students were asked to write an essay about their school experience so far and that one would be picked to read at graduation.  I was so proud of Conner and congratulated him.  I found it fascinating his was picked because, writing his not his greatest strength.  He doesn’t enjoy it very much.  It wasn’t until today, that I read it.  He needed to edit it and it was laying on the counter and I picked it up to read it.  I was blown away.  Conner is the youngest in his class and I worry about him being immature socially, but he is so mature in other ways.  I am amazed at his depth at 11 years old.  I wasn’t thinking about changing the world and making other people happy at that age.  All I cared about were my friends.  Conner’s teachers over the years have always commented what a kind person he is.  That he is very selfless, which is uncommon at this age.  After I read his essay, I asked Conner if he really thought he could do something great with his life and he said yes.  I also asked if he really thought he could make people happy and he said yes, but that he first had to be happy himself.  Wow this kid amazes me.  He really makes parenting easy, although his siblings make up for it.  Sometimes I worry about his quirks and whatnot but he has so many wonderful qualities that I hope he allows others to see.  I guess with the last week of elementary school upon us, I’m a little pensive.  I laid in bed with Conner and snuggled with him, to his dismay, and mentioned that we only have 6 more years of snuggles before he leaves for a mission/college.  I know that the time will fly.  I love him so much and hope as a parent I am helping him, in whatever ways I’m able, to reach his divine potential.

Good in The World

         I think that elementary school has been great. To me the best thing I’ve learned is to bring good into the world. I believe the reason to me why we learn is so we will have bright futures and help others to the same goal. We’ve been taught to do our best, which if we do we will be successful. To me all the projects, activities and lessons we have been apart of help us find and see and bring good in the world. When we do these things we are happy, and when we are happy other people are to, and they bring that feeling to other people. All we've done in the past 8 years from preschool to 6th grade have helped do one thing: which is to see,find, and bring the good in the world through project, activities, and lessons.

           Projects in my opinion help us find the good in the world.  In my class we research people in the Images of Greatness project so we may learn about them and inspire us to do great things ourselves. I remember for this project I researched Samuel Morse. He created the first quick transcontinental and Global Communication system. His invention the telegram helped others to be informed about what was going on all over the country and the world. He used his skill and knowledge to have a positive effect on other people which is just what our teachers want us to do with our skills. During the history fair I researched about Baden-Powell the founder of scouting. He started scouting because of his concern with his other military members who had a great lack of knowledge when it came to the outdoors. Baden Powell didn’t act like many people which would have been to just think they need to learn more, he made something happen. We now know this as scouting. The next generation now has the skill set to help them survive the outdoors. He took his concern into his own hands and fixed it. Today Scouts are in our very own classroom and just about anywhere in the world. We do projects like Images of Greatness so we can learn about these famous people and try to be like them. Our teachers want us to know that we can make a difference just like them if not larger.         

I think that lessons help us to see the good in the world. Mostly every day in my class, we discuss current events. We can see what is going on in the world which could be good or bad. There usually is some good news that we would like to hear, or perhaps some bad news that we could do something about. These articles help us know. I also like what we’ve learned in our reading this year. From the book Terrible Things, we learn that when others work together then they can usually solve a problem, but if they don't, the problem will only grow until something is done about it. In the book when the terrible things came, if the other animals had spoken up when the terrible things had cast their nets at the creatures than the terrible things may not have gotten away with the animals. These lessons and many others have taught us in many ways on where we can see good in the world and make the world a better place.

            To me many activities at school are often ways that we can bring good into the world for others and ourselves. For our personal interest class recently we have been doing service for those who need it. In my class have made blankets and bags for those in need of them, others have been going around the school cleaning all the windows and helping the janitors to keep the school clean. Others have written notes to veterans for the honor flight. Each of these acts will bring happiness to another person, and possibly inspire them to do the same. Also, many people at this school work hard to make activities fun for us, such as incentive parties, field day, prep, etc. They work hard so we can have a good time here at school. Activities are a way for people to bring some happiness to other people.

            Lessons, activities, and projects have all been ways to help us see, find, have, and bring happiness to others. If we remember the things we’ve learned in the past eight years (pre-school to sixth grade) then we will be happy, smart, successful people. I’ve really enjoyed these last eight years of school, and can’t wait to see what comes next! I know we can use these lessons to better ourselves and make the world a positive, happy place!

Sewing 101

My kids have been asking me to teach them to sew for a couple years.  We bought fleece to make snakes two years ago and last summer they each chose some fabric to make a pillow case but we never did either.  Today was the first day of spring break and sewing was on the agenda.  After I took a nap I set up the machines and we began our lesson.  I found a machine at DI last year for $15 that's old but actually works so that's the one the kids will use if they want to sew so I don't have to worry about them breaking my nice Bernina, aka:  the second love of my life.

It went so good.  The boys loved experimenting with the different stitches.  Sammy was the first one to finish his pillowcase.  He absolutely loves animals so this bird fabric is perfect for him.  He was pretty excited and can't wait for his next project.  He really wants to make a huge stuffed T-Rex.  Baby steps I tell him.  Baby steps.

Look Under the Dresser

Two very important things have disappeared from our house.  They both went missing on Leprechaun Day so it looks like they tricked us again without us realizing it.  First up is Sam's school binder.  It's actually is "Everything" Binder.  Everything he needs and I need to know about school are in it and it keeps us on track.  It's been almost a week now and we cannot find it.  He had his share book due but since he hasn't been writing it down in his planner I did not know about it and he totally forgot.  Sam's getting a little stressed out about it.

Next up is my wedding ring.  I had it on the 17th, but took it off to make dinner.  My mom always tells me to never take it off but I don't like cooking with it on, it's just unsanitary and meat juices or bread dough gets stuck in it.  I took it off and put it on the counter and that's the last I remember.  I didn't look to hard for it at first because it always shows up, usually in my pants pocket or something.  Several days went by and it's nowhere so I figure it had to have gotten wiped into the trash so Neil and I sifted through the whole weeks garbage.  Disgusting, even with gloves on and still it has not turned up.  By now it's been 5 days since my ring was last seen.  I am sick to my stomach.  What happened to it?  Ironically, a few days previous I had my ring on backwards and mentioned I might just like a solid gold band.  I guess my wish was coming true.  Once again at family prayer we asked for help in finding our lost items and we all went to bed.

Conner came out of his room with Sam's binder.  It was under his dresser.  How in the world it got there, we don't know.  Leprechauns?  As I was getting ready for bed I said a prayer and knelt down by my nightstand to look one more time.  I was really broken hearted by now.  My ring was gone.  I swept my hand underneath Neil's dresser and felt something and of course it was my ring!  How it got under there, once again I have no clue.  I came downstairs elated to tell Neil.  Hearing me, Sam comes downstairs and asks if I just found my ring.  He had just finished praying I'd find it and had felt a good feeling in his heart so he knew his prayer had been answered.

So next time we lose something, the first place we'll look is underneath all the dressers.

Bunny Cakes Tradition

 I kind of remembered this year to make bunny cakes, so it was last minute with stuff we already on hand but it worked.  I was hoping the kids would forget about the time Neil, out of frustration, ate his face first but alas they did not.  The kids couldn't get their cakes made fast enough before they dug in.  What has happened to my sweet tradition?  Eliza is the only civilized one and ate hers with a fork.

Eliza's First Person

Today was the first time I caught Eliza drawing a person.  Maybe she has before but neither Neil or I have seen it.  She was so proud of herself and kept drawing more and more.  She gave some of them hats or hair.  I loved how she drew an eye and a pupil.  Has there ever been a kid who actually drew a body on their first person drawing or do they all draw legs and arms coming out of their head?

Where I am Right Now

So I've been wanting to update my blog for quite some time.  It's been practically a year since I've posted.  I've tried at times to go back and add old posts but our pictures are such a mess that it's hard to find what I'm looking for so I give up.  Yesterday, we went to our stake's family discovery day and I went to a class on writing your history.  One of the quotes that hit me from Dennis B. Neuenschwander is:
     A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to      
    memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family.  Knowledge of our ancestors shapes
    us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives.

My memory is so bad.  I don't even remember what the kids were like as babies.  I can't imagine 40 years from now.  Neil also had a dream a few months ago where someone, maybe a future grandchild or something came to him complaining that they had no idea what happened in our family because I had stopped blogging.

Yes I know writing is not one of my strengths, thus one of the reasons I hate writing a journal.  This blog was the only history I was keeping of my family.  Neil asked me the other day when I got my smart phone.  I got it last April, about the same time I stopped blogging.  Once I got my phone I started using Instagram, with the intent to print chatbooks.  That never happened and then I stopped using Instagram.  I kind of took myself off of social media altogether.  I am a private person and I didn't want people following me but once you're on Instagram, all your facebook friends find out and want to follow you.  For whatever I reason, I stopped using Instagram as well and thus no documentation.

Another reason I haven't blogged is because we have 1 o'clock church.  I usually blog on Sunday but now there is no time.  I spend all morning getting ready for church with lesson prep and visits and then after church is dinner and family time and bed time.  Today was the Provo Temple dedication so we were home by 11 so I decided I've got to start somewhere so I'll just start with the present.

Life too has just been really hard.  I notice the times when I don't post are the times that I don't feel good.  I'm still dealing with Hashimoto's and it's worse than ever.  I have no energy or motivation to do anything.  I put what little energy I have into cooking for my family and my calling.  I volunteer 3 at the school and watch CC two days a week so that is about all I can do.  Over the last couple years, my love for Neil has grown exponentially.  He has picked up the slack at home with the cleaning, laundry, kids and never complained to me at least.  He just does it.  I don't know why I have to go through this, especially when I feel like my family is suffering so much.  Neil always tells me that I'm doing more than I think I am.  It's definitely been a lesson in positive thinking.  It is so easy to dwell on everything that is wrong with my life and focus on that, which is the fastest route to misery and despair, instead of all the good things.  I've not mastered this lesson yet and still have a long way to go but I see the blessing of looking at the positive.  I've grown closer to my Savior and have a gained a testimony of the enabling power of the Atonement.  There are so many days when I just have felt like I can't do all that is asked of me, but somehow I am and it's a miracle.  I know the Lord is aware of me and loves me and strengthens me, often times through others, and sends tender mercies to bring me hope when I am down in the dumps.  Anyway, I have an appointment with the Thyroid Institute of Utah in a week and I hope I'll get some answers.  I've tried to get into another doctor with no luck.  I hate the medical bureaucracy.  Why are we not able to go to a doctor that will actually help.  No they have to be on your insurance and you have to go to that particular clinic and yada yada yada.

Since I don't have much energy, there's been no energy for blogging, or sewing or reading, etc.  It's not just the fatigue that's debilitating, but the weight gain and inability to lose weight.  It doesn't matter how little I eat or exercise, I cannot lose weight.  I started using myfitnesspal religiously, weighing and measuring everything  I ate and eating 1200 calories a day or less plus exercising for an hour a day.  I did this for 8 weeks and lost no weight, although myfitnesspal said I should have lost 10.  I needed proof to show the doctor I was trying.  Also, exercise just wears me out.  I'm pretty wasted the rest of the day after exercising but the weight really bothers me and I don't feel like I can complain if I'm not doing something to help myself.  With daylight savings time beginning last week I was not able to get up early to exercise and so it didn't happen and I actually felt good enough to do some laundry and organize a little.  Neil was so impressed and asked what was different and I said I haven't been getting up early to exercise.  It's so ironic, because exercise is actually supposed to give you more energy, not deplete it.

I also struggle with my mind.  I can't concentrate.  I have a hard time following conversations.  I don't remember what I read or watch.  When I prepare my lessons, I have to write everything down word for word and read it a ton of times.  I feel like I have the early signs of dementia and maybe I do.  What's hard is that it's hard to read and understand the scriptures and feel like I'm getting anything out of them, unless it's the main verses and stories I am already so familiar with.  I read to bring the spirit but not so much for understanding right now.  I went to Time Out for Women in Layton in February with my friend Kristin.  It was really good for me.  They stressed instead of saying scripture study, which can have a negative connotation, saying how can I bring the word of God into my life each day.  It was like a light bulb came on.  Yes we need to read the scriptures, but the hymns/music are scripture, conference talks are scriptures.  Right now I gain understanding through music and talks more but I still open my scriptures each day.

There are so many things I'm dealing with that makes blogging hard but for posterity sake I'm going to try to do a little.  Maybe it will be just a post a week or month but I've got to do something.  Today at the temple dedication Elder Oaks, talked about family history work and since I was just at family discovery day yesterday, I've kind of got that push to do a little.

I love my family.  They are my world.  They are growing up and I want to always remember how they are at this time in their life.

Eliza wasn't old enough to go to the temple dedication so we didn't worry about giving her a bath this morning and opted for tonight when it won't be so hectic.  She took her shoes off and looked in between her toes and looked up and said, "There is yucky stuff in my toes." Gotta love toe jam.  Everything she does is just so cute.

Leprechaun Day 2016

The Leprechauns visited our home again this year.  We woke up to them destroying our kitchen and spreading the cereal all over the table and floors.

The kids were able to fix their own green lunch.  This is something they always look forward to.  I usually don't buy all these extra treats.

Other than that the leprechauns were pretty mild this year.

Treehouse Museum

I used to have a membership to the treehouse when the boys were little but I have never taken Eliza and she is the perfect age.  It is geared towards preschoolers.  I've never been able to take her with having to pick Lucy up from half day kindergarten and naps but today Lucy had a field trip to the zoo and wouldn't be back until 1:30 so finally we made it.  We took CC with us and had the best time.  It was hard to leave.  The theme for the day was nursery rhymes and so a performer was there with a guitar and was so silly.  The girls were busting a gut.  I'm thinking of buying a membership for Eliza next year when it's just me and her at home all day.

Eliza had to get a picture with Pikachu to show her brothers.

There are so many areas to play in there that the girls just ran from one to the other but their definite favorites were the kitchen and diner area.  It's no surprise as both their moms love to cook.  

Midlife Crisis

I've been struggling lately with so many things lately, I kid that I am having a mid life crisis.  I want to be everything for everyone but can't and have finally admitted it and have asked for help.  Two of my dear friends dropped by at different times with little pick me up packages and they totally brightened my day.  Tulips are my absolute favorite flower and added so much brightness to my life when I needed it.  I love flowers but never buy them because they die and are unnecessary but seeing these tulips on my table each day made me almost readjust my thinking.

Mean Daddy

This was the note Lucy gave to Neil.  It says:  I love my dad because he is the best dad in the world.  I don't like my dad because he has been a jerk to me.  

Wow.  Neil doesn't usually get treated like this.  He really is the best dad in the world in all of our eyes.  He keeps our family together.  On this particular night I was gone so Neil was solo.  Lucy had not gotten a nap for a couple days and was acting like a snot so Neil sent her to her room.  She would come out and without saying a word give him a nice note and then go back to her room.  A few minutes later she would come out with a mean note.  I just got the biggest kick out of this; little 6 year old attitude.  My question is, what is she going to be like at 16?  Yikes.

Restaurant

These girls love playing restaurant.  They set the table with a tablecloth and everything.  Lucy is quite the cook and hostess.

Blue Gold Banquet

Our blue and gold banquet's theme this year was Star Wars.  Each boy was asked to make a dessert to go along with the theme.  Mikey and Sam researched on the internet and came up with they wanted to make and decorated their cakes themselves.

 Mikey made a Wampa Cake

I wanted to make some Princess Leia cupcakes but ran out of time and made some Han Solo in Carbonite jell-o

Sammy made Sarlac Pit cake.  

There was some stiff competition and did not place but we have a lot of fun creating and they were delicious.