Daniel is 8!

The last of our September birthdays was today - Happy Birthday to Daniel! First get my traditional b-day photo of kid in the birthday bag.

His brothers looked on as he opened his gifts from me. I ran out last night to get the goods. Before I left, Daniel let me know he wants Pokemon stuff. I think I did an ok job on gifts. 

He got a pokemon belt with two balls, 3 figures, one plush Pikachu keychain, and a few Pokemon cards. I ALSO decorated! Not to brag... Banner AND balloons.

And since I knew my mom wasn't coming over, I made the cake! Sorry, no... I bought the cake mix, Abi made it. She made it today after she got home from school, and I left for the temple. Did a session, they waited to have the cake and ice cream (Brownies to the Moon) until after I got back. Ok, time to light the candles.

Daniel wearing his Pokemon swag. Today was pajama day at school.

We love you Daniel! Happy birthday! Now let's eat the cake!

Wes is able to call on his siblings birthdays, so we get to hear from him a lot! He called earlier today, but realized after he called that Daniel was at school, so we talked for a minute. Cute Katharine's chubby face!

And saying goodbye - 

...then saying goodbye again after everyone hung up, so I could get a pic of her cuteness. 

Wes called again later in the evening, he enjoyed talking to his older siblings.

Sitting her blogging while we gather kids for scriptures. This is how it usually looks. 

Hope you had a Happy Birthday Daniel! 

Two More Good Cleaning Days

Yesterday and today have been great days again - I did a repeat of Monday by eating well and skipping dinner, listening to good things, and cleaning like a hero. Yesterday was a little different cause K spoiled me by sleeping in until 10:30, so I read the Book of Mormon for two hours which was great. I didn't do a long scripture study session on Monday, so it was nice to do that, and then today was different cause instead of sleeping in until 10:30, she was taking a nap at 10:30 cause she woke up at 6:30! K always sleeps with Abi, even if I lay down with her to put her to bed, she'll wake up during the night and climb up to Abi's bunk. It's cute. Abi seems to enjoy it too. Maybe she and Katharine will have a special bond like Wes and Peter. When I went to wake up Abi, K popped up out of bed with her. Usually Abi is able to sneak away and K is in a deep sleep, but not today. So.... what do I do with a toddler that is awake this early? We looked out the window at the moon and the city lights. K was being super cute. When Corey got up, she wanted him. Corey gave into her clinginess for an hour with a smile saying "She's not going to be little forever" so while they took a bath, I took Peter to the bus stop. Cute kindergarteners are first in line! 

Corey was able to eventually sneak away for work, and I turned on Bluey, and then K took a nap at 10:30 

Unlike yesterday when she woke up at this time! 

K is the variable in my schedule. I was going to run errands, but knew if I put her in the car, she'd fall asleep right away, so instead we just stayed home until after her nap - she slept until 1, and then even thought most of my plan for running errands was nixed, I did decided to do one errand of taking Joseph's temple clothes over to my mom. My parents are flying out to Indiana this weekend for my nephew Nate's farewell (he's going to be serving in Saratoga Springs Utah! Fun!) Joseph and Eliza out in Ohio are going to drive down to the farewell. I found Joseph's clothes when I was cleaning on Monday and texted him, so that was good timing. So we went to my mom's house to deliver that, and then I decided to clean the kitchen for a little bit. I had brought over one magic eraser, an ecloth, and an ecloth polishing cloth. I cleaned the kitchen until the magic eraser was dead. I washed their dishes, cleaned the sick out really good, threw out some trash, washed off their garbage can lid and washed their broom and dustpan, wiped front of the dishwasher, and swept. It was really fun! I guess I'm a middle aged homemaker to have found that so enjoyable. I like serving others, especially my parents, and I also didn't have any deja-vu of ever standing at that sink to do the dishes or wiping off that counter, so I'm wondering if I ever helped clean the kitchen at all??? I hope I did! 

K was absolutely PERFECT - she ate fruit snacks and had cereal and was an angel while I cleaned. And took lots of pics on my phone!

I was there until after the kids were home from school, then I hurried home, took O to his trumpet lesson, then hurried home for a quick bike ride (cause I didn't do anything this morning cause K was awake... although maybe I could have taken her on a walk in the stroller? it was kinda cold though). I like the trumpet teachers front yard. They had it landscaped last year. I like this tree with a rock to sit on next to it. I might like to do that in our yard. I'm found a few little trees growing in the backyard that I'm trying to keep alive and decide where to plant them. 

My bike ride was good - our nice bikes are both in the shop, so I took the silver bike, which has no shocks but I'm way faster on it, and I got 3 PRs on the climb, so I was happy with that. Then a quick bath, then to Walmart to get stuff for Daniel's birthday tomorrow. I got chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and some Pokemon stuff. And some Bluey stuff for K, cause I enjoy spoiling her. We are going to do a shorter scripture reading session up here in a second, better go call the kids together, cause it's already past 10! 

Win-Win-Win

Today was an amazingly productive day. I cleaned and cleaned as I listened to General Conference, and it was just great. I also skipped dinner, so it was a win-win-win cause I didn't mindlessly snack, I cleaned, and I fed my spirit with amazing spiritual messages. The basement looks so good, especially compared to what it's been. Now that Hyrum has left for school, I reclaimed that space that has been his bedroom - now there's a little couch there (Ethan and Bella's loveseat that we're storing) I put a little book shelf next to that. Made an open space where I can do some weight bearing exercises, which I might want to do soon while we wait for Momentum season to start. 

I cleaned all the Legos up off the floor! I cleared off a table and put all the Christmas decorations there on the right - they were scattered in a few different places in the basement. I'm going to go through those and organize it. 

Other side - you can walk! I have one more table of clutter to go through. I've been sorting and tossing things out. Plan for the rest of the week is to pack things up and away or donate them (like that pile of pillows and blankets) 

So yea, I feel great physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I think it was cause I didn't snack and skipped dinner, cause I cleaned, and cause I listened to so much General Conference (April 2024) It was great - it was a win-win-win!

One other pic from today - Wesley called early this morning before the little boys went to school. I woke Peter up to say hi, and Wesley wanted to share a song he's been learning on guitar with Peter ~ A song about Peter the apostle when he walks on the water. It was cute seeing Peter listening - a little sleepy, but still listening to what his big hero brother wanted to share with him. I'm grateful for the relationships that my kids have with each other.

Melodie listened too, as she walked to class.

Primary Program

Natalie, Owen, Daniel, and Peter participated in our ward's primary program today. 

Natalie was standing in the back row for most of the program, but wasn't in the pic above, because for the first song, she was over holding Katharine -

They had the nursery kids come up for the first song, and Katharine was sad about that for some readon. She's usually so easy going~ doesn't cry when we take her to nursery at church or drop her off at playdates, but today, she did not want to be up there. Oh well. It was just for one song. For the rest of it, she was with Corey, and we enjoyed listening to the primary kids sing sweet songs of faith and share some of the things they've learned this year as we've studied the Book of Mormon. 

One thing that I thought was good this year, was that they had the kids come up at families - brothers and sisters, instead of at primary classes. So our kids were all talking about the Tree of Life and talked about that. Here were the parts that our kids wrote and said: 

Natalie - When the prophet Lehi was traveling with his family in the desert to the promised land, one night he had a dream. He dreamt that he was lost and walking in a dark and dreary wilderness. He prayed for help and then he saw a beautiful tree. He went to the tree and saw that it had white fruit on it - the most bright and beautiful white he had ever seen. He picked a piece of fruit and ate it, and it was the best and sweetest fruit he had EVER tasted! As he ate, it filled his soul with joy! He wanted to share this wonderful fruit with others. He looked for his family and saw them, looking around as if they didn't know where to go or what to do. Lehi called to them to come to him and eat the fruit with him. Nephi later learned that the fruit represents the love of God. The fruit, like God's love, is always there and available to anyone and everyone who wants. All we need to do is come. Come to the tree. Come to Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ. Tasting and feeling God's love will bring us the greatest happiness we will ever know.

Owen - 1 Nephi 8:11-12 says: And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.  And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

Daniel - I want to go to the tree of life and partake of the fruit because I love Jesus and he told us to partake of it.

Peter - I want to go to the tree of life and partake of the fruit because I want to be really really good.

So it was cute. Also when they were practicing, if a kid needed help, the teacher didn't help, they had an older sibling help. So when they practiced, Daniel helped Peter with his part. He had memorized it for today and was proud of himself. 

I teared up a few times, like 3 I think, but I was really touched and crying when they sang "The Liahona". My favorite line was "I am learning how he speaks to me..." It was so sweet. And I was thinking of Wes on his mission, and how he is still learning that as a missionary, and I am still learning that too! How to receive revelation from Heavenly Father. It will probably be something we are learning our whole life, but there will be times when it is clear and answers do come. That will get us through rough spots where we are struggling to Hear Him and know his will for us. Anyway, it was beautiful. Here is a link to the song. The kids sang it beautifully and I loved seeing Peter's sweet innocent face singing, as if he is wanting and trying to trust that God is there, and God will hear his prayers. 

The Liahona

Song by Angie Killian

The liahona

Led Lehi and his family

Through deserts and across the sea

To find their promised land

If they were faithful

The Lord provided for their needs

And through their diligence would lead

And guide them with his hand

He will guide me

When I'm in my wilderness

And stay beside me

On stormy seas

I am learning how He speaks to me

And I will follow where He leads

Like a liahona

God gives me guidance when I pray

And sends me tools that point the way—

Directing me with love

The Holy Spirit

Shines like a compass in my soul

That leads me on my pathway home

To live with Him above

He will guide me

When I'm in my wilderness

And stay beside me

On stormy seas

I am learning how He speaks to me

And I will follow where He leads

He will speak to me

Through prophets and leaders

Scriptures and teachers

And blessings I receive

And I'm listening! I am listening!

He will guide me

When I'm in my wilderness

And stay beside me

On stormy seas

I am learning how He speaks to me

And I will follow where He leads

I will follow where He leads

It was a very sweet program. And Corey taught the Sunday School lesson and did a great job that went along with that line that I loved in that song. He shared how we can find answers in the scriptures, that the scriptures will tell us ALL THINGS that we should do! (2 Nephi 32:3) It was a spiritual feast today, I really enjoyed it. Abi made cinnamon rolls at home, but forgot to let them rise, oh well. When you try a new recipe there's always a learning curve of mistakes as your learn the secrets and ways of the ingredients. 

She's mastered cocoa quickies. Cinnamon rolls is new territory. She was amazed when Corey showed her how to cut a cinnamon roll with string/floss. Amazing!

Natalie doing some light reading ~

Reading John Bytheway's book "You're going to make it through junior high" (made me smile, cute).

Joseph called this morning for some pointers/tips for Eliza as she gave him a haircut! Cute newleyweds learning life together out in Ohio. It was a good day.

Canyon Hollow with O&K

This afternoon we took a simple ride in Corner Canyon. Corey took Owen and Katharine on a ride down Canyon Hollow. We parked at Peakview, the plan was for them to take Canyon Hollow down, and I'd go down Rush then bike back up to Peakview to get the car and then drive down and meet them at the bottom. It worked according to plan, except for when K fell asleep 5 min from the parking lot. They let her sleep for 20 min, I was on my way back up and we passed each other on Canyon Hollow, then they came up to Coyote trailhead. Good job Owen and Katharine! You did it!

So for me it was 4.39 miles, 40 minutes. Owen liked it! I know we have a biker on our hands cause he bikes to school everyday, we're just hoping we can get him into mountain biking. Today I also tried to potty train this little girl. Several hours sitting have been put in without a successful #1 or #2 yet.

But she has been eating suckers anyway. Abi did henna on Daniel today. An ATAT walker.

The finished product:

And she gave him some abs. 

Totally believable, ha. Sophi and Natalie got taken out to Leatherby's today by their violin teacher, she is too nice. 

They earned ice cream for doing 100 jellyfish bow exercises for 100 days! I need to start practicing violin again before they leave me in the dust. Sophi is near the end of book 3, but Natalie is near the end of Book 2, which is where I left off when Katharine was born, so hopefully I can get it going again... Good job Sophi and Natalie. 

Keep up the good work. A few pics from yesterday - Hyrum is in Rexburg. He left yesterday morning around 9am. 

First I took Churchill carpool ~ waving to Natalie and Sophi and screaming "I LOVE YOU!!!" from the car window in an attempt to embarrass them. 

Then we saw ODP off to school - Owen on his bike, Daniel on rollerblades, and Peter to the bus. Then Corey gave him a father's back to school blessing and we did hugs, and off he goes.

K joined me for my scripture reading.  

Abi stayed home sick.

Kids had a primary program practice yesterday at 4. I haven't helped my kids prepare much yet, doh!

K taking a nap.

She likes bandaids. Taking care of her baby, her baby got an owie. 

She is a good little mother.

H Almost Outta Here

Hyrum on his way to work yesterday, in HIS car! 

Yay, I get to use my van! Let's see Hyrum's set up... he's got a little jacket for his stick shift, got his phone charger and music, got a purple Dwayne the Roctopus Johnson from his mission. 

He'll be heading up to Rexburg tomorrow, so these were his last two days to earn $ from my mom. Looks like he's good to go. Well, since I had a car, I decided I'd go to the store! Katharine and her baby came along. Haha, still laughing at the Nate Bargatze joke at min 17, so funny. 

I was mowing the lawn yesterday, cause it was garbage day, and we had space in the garbage cans, and the lawn needed to be mowed, and I was the one who had to do it. I was mowing pretty carelessly around some of the milkweed in our back yard, where I never find caterpillars, and THEN a few hours later, what do I find! On the low milkweed where I had been so casually mowing??? A chrysalis! Freshly changed - this poor guy must have been in a j-hook when I was going all crazy with the lawn mower all around him. I am so glad I didn't kill him, and I hope I didn't kill any of his friends! I can't believe there had been a caterpillar over there for several weeks and I never saw him! But he's made it on his own in the wild, way to go buddy!

Cute Peter asleep on my floor this morning. He seems to be doing pretty good at school. He doesn't take a nap when he gets home, but he does ask me now and then "Why does school take so long??" I miss having him around, but we've talked that is it like he is Wesley on a mission. He goes to school, and I miss him, but then he comes back home. 

With kids at school, K and I are just hanging out today. Trying to get some blogging done, K came back with socks on her hands, silly girl. 

Katharine, it's hard to concentrate when you're looking at me like that!

Corey and I went on a quarry ride yesterday, drove to the trailhead and just went to techy and back. We got it under an hour! Got 3 achievements too! A Gold PR on Power plant down - .73 miles in 1:54. Silver for Coalpit Area .53 in 1:44, and 3rd for Fastest section alive - 1.04 miles in 3:40. Also 15 min stretching in the evening. AND I got up the 2nd bridge rocks! I went on the left side, not the right, I was glad I got it! That's like my first time this year I think! Today I did some handstands, then went to temple at 2 for initiatories and then took a ride in Corner Canyon after that. 6.37 miles, 53min. Went up Canyon Hollow to the service road, then to Peakview and Rush +the trees down. 15 achievements, go me.

New Car & Toys

Hyrum has been searching for a while, and today was the day when the stars finally aligned. Wayne drove Hyrum up to Logan where Hyrum bought a new car!

It's a 2013 Subaru Impreza, Manual, AWD, wagon, Gray color. He's pretty happy, and we all think it looks like a great car for him! Will help him be able to manage the snow in Rexburg hopefully. The only sad part was going from feeling so rich to so poor, as he paid cash for this. It's all good Hyrum. This is an important step of you becoming an independent soul, good job. 

We are one week home from the sibling sleepover, and I'm sad to report that Daniel's Teddy is still missing. He got lost sometime on Labor day when they were all down at Ethan and Bella's. I think it might be rolled up in a sleeping bag, but Hyrum said they packed those away early in the morning, and D was playing with is after they had cleaned those up. So, who knows if Teddy will show up, but if he doesn't, atleast Daniel won't be alone because Tiny is missing too. He went missing for a month, then we found him and then poof I have no idea what became of him. 

I don't know if Peter took him to Brian Head? I have no idea. I can't believe we can lose such a big stuffed animal. Peter is taking it well. We found a cute and even tiny-er stuffed brachiosaurus at the DI, and he was Tiny's stuffed animal "tiny" for a while, until big Tiny got lost, so now Tiny is the only Tiny around here. I guess I might need to go get Daniel and new little teddy. It's kinda sad to lose toys. I was trying to find a picture of Teddy here on the blog, I'm sure I have one, but I don't know what it would be under. I remember buying Teddy once at Walmart in American Fork. Pretty sure it was when I was waiting for kids to finish music at the Sound House. Tiny toddler Daniel grabbed him and didn't let him go throughout the entire store, so I figured D was serious that he did like this toy, so we got it. Aha! I found it on ebay. Looks like it's made by "Spark Create"? Other key words (in case I need to google to find this again): Spark Create Imagine Walmart Brown Teddy Bear Rattle Textured Plush Stuffed Toy Baby Crinkle Rattle Waffle Sensory Plush B13. Woo! Got it. So, maybe we'll find it, if not, I'll get one on ebay. We'll see first if he turns up in the sleeping bags. Katharine has two favorite toys - her "baby" and the Dalmatian dog (that one was almost lost! Was MIA for a month and a half). Here is "baby" ~

Katharine is a very good mother to her baby, and giggles and coos at her when she sees her baby. 

I totally laughed at this Nate Bargatze video that I found as I went on a walk last Wednesday- minute 17 about marriage and children and how men are not prepared for it, compared to girls! "So you're a baby, and they give you a baby.... you don't even know you're alive yet, and they're like "Look, I would probably start figuring this out..." SO FUNNY. Katharine, you are well on your way! Good girl, you are a good little mother.

We had visitors over for dinner tonight - Angela and Gabriel and their three girls. Talking at the table while they visit ~

I wasn't there for most of the dinner cause I was at my Emotional Resilience class. It was good, kids were good. I had to walk down there cause Abi had the car, but then she came and picked them up. 

Peter has been doing great at his chore board, and I made two places for Owen and Daniel, so they can follow Peter's example and do all of their tasks too. 

Lily has started a little side hustle making little "book" earrings. 

I don't know how she's made them, I haven't asked, but I think she's done a great job and they are super cute! I don't think she's selling any at the moment, just making them for her friends as little gifts/surprises. Very creative, Lily!