It was a good day. I went to Costco this morning before Owen left for Kindergarten, I appreciate having Mel at home to watch the little boys. Ethan sent his first email from the field today. He was online for a bit but we missed each other's text, but then he sent another message that he could call at 5:00 Missouri time = 4 Utah time, which was when we were at violin. It was great to see his face and hear his voice.
I talked to him by myself at first, and his spirits seemed better after Corey joined the video call. I really like that we are able to talk to our missionaries now every week, thank you to our inspired prophet and thanks be to the Lord. So yeah, it was good to talk to him and other than that is was a normal day. Sorry I can't remember much of the call. When it was just me, Ethan was kinda quiet and just looking around the room. He seemed sad, which I would expect. cause Corey and I both know that missions are hard and that they stretch us out of our comfort zones. Ethan's being stretched. I know it would be different without covid, but we don't have control over that. I'm praying for him and his companion, and for the members there in Missouri to give them referrals! And then I thought that I better be getting referrals for the missionaries here in our area. I'm going to do my best to share the gospel light and the joy that it has brought into my life and to my family. I tried for a while to keep my spiritual thoughts on my spiritual blog, but I'm struggling finding time to sit and articulate my spiritual thoughts, so I'll just refer you to a few of the podcasts I listen to. Like each one of these podcasts gives just a ton of stuff to research and study, I'd be on the computer typing all day. But just go listen and read from these guys:
So my #1 current favorite is Talking Scriptures! They just teach with such excitement that I get thrilled with what they share and point out about the scriptures. I've reviewed the chapters on Revelation and I'm going to start listening from the beginning to their Book of Mormon ones. I found these guys by chance one day as I took kids to the dentist, thank you to the youtube algorithm! It knows what I need. These guys are seriously great and my favorite.
Book of Mormon Central is awesome, I love Taylor and Tyler, they do great and similar to Talking Scriptures, I love the insights into words and meanings of words from original Hebrew or Greek or other translations. Great stuff, they have a ton on their website too, I have barely tapped into it.
I like Unshaken, I just struggle making enough time to listen to all of his lectures. But what I am able to listen to is awesome.
Teaching with Power - this is one of the first youtube Come Follow Me guys I started listening to, and he's great.
The Scripture Project is great to share with the kids cause of the animations. The kids usually aren't interested in any of the lecture ones, so this is good to give them a brief overview of the weeks lesson.
Ethan was able to call briefly on Wednesday after arriving in Missouri. Corey talked to him briefly. I did join a Missouri Mission Mom's facebook page and found out who his trainer is - Elder Morgan, and it's cool that he is the son of someone who went to high school with Corey and I! Small world.
So that was really fun. I think Ethan's p-day is Monday or Tuesday next week, so we look forward to talking with him soon.
The kids survived their first week at school. The school district made an adjustment because of covid: older kids don't have late start Monday (high schoolers) or early out Friday (jr. high) and instead they don't have in person classes on Fridays but do have access to teachers online if they need help with anything. So that's kinda been a nice change from previous years. They really enjoy being able to sleep in on Fridays. The little kids have it every day, just like regular, with the same short day as in years past. I enjoy having Mel at home and am trying to take advantage of it before she starts her mission in 12 days. Pretty exciting! She and Peter were playing a simple game of roll the wheel tonight.
It was cute to watch them.
We were impressed with how flexible Peter is.
It was a pretty good Saturday. The kids helped a little bit with chores, and then Corey took them biking, one by one. Same as last time: we load up in the van and drop them off at the top, then they just need to bike down, easy. When they weren't working, Lily and Sophi were at work in the basement finishing the house they were making for our lego family. They took pictures of each minifigure of each person in our family. I'll just share two - Me and Corey
And of all the kids, I thought this was a great lego representation of Hyrum!
Tonight before bed, the kids gathered around her phone last night watching some funny Instagram videos.
It finally came! The first day of Kindergarten!!! Yay for Owen! A friend snapped this picture at the school.
When Sophi and Natalie left this morning, Owen handled it with stride, cause he knew he was going after lunch. We reviewed that he was number "22" and practiced his name
Cute. We haven't done a lot of drawing or coloring with this kid. His "About Me" poster was really cute. Natalie was worried he would get made fun of, but I'm sure it was fine. Time to walk to the bus. Daniel was excited to go to school too. He was sad he couldn't find his backpack, I told him it was ok, cause he wasn't doing, but he didn't seem to understand.
On our walk down the street, I put on Owen's sticker that his teacher gave us, that had his name and number. Daniel said "Where's my sticker?" "You don't have one, cause you're not going to school yet...." and that's when reality hit. He was sad.
Waiting for the bus.
A few neighbors came with their kids - there are 3 girls in the neighborhood going. One of them has a little brother that Daniel became friends with and so we'll try to maybe get the two of them together since Daniel won't have Owen to fight play with. The bus came a little before 12:30. Bye Owen!!!
One more picture - have a good day buddy! Have fun at school!!
Daniel tripped on the way home. He was walking behind me and tripped on my foot as I walked in front of him. He felt like he scratched pretty bad.
I'm not sure how that happened that I tripped him when he was behind, but he chastised me that I can't do that again.
When Owen got home we asked him how it was. "Did you have fun at school?!?!" "Yeah!" "Did you make some friends?" "No." He said it very matter of factly, and it sounded like a sad thing for a little kid to say, but he wasn't sad. But we still all laughed a little awkwardly and said "Oh, well... sorry about that. But you still had fun?" "Yeah! I like school!"
This girl has less that two weeks before she starts home MTC.
So that was exciting for her. She has a 100 day streak on Duolingo for practicing Portuguese, way to go Mel. Her name badges should be coming soon. Exciting exciting. And I was happy today because guess what arrived for me? Not as important as preaching the gospel material (but I think there is gospel preaching going on in this album in the lyrics) I got my Imploding The Mirage CD, yay!
I totally admire Brandon for his courage to stand up to Richard Dawkins in this 2012 interview. I know people bash Brandon in the comments there, but it is true. The Book of Mormon is true! Joseph Smith was not a charlatan, he was a prophet, I know he was. The Book of Mormon is a miracle and it is bullet proof and it testifies of Christ, and millions of people across the world can and do testify that it has brought them closer to God. I can't remember where I read it, but someone was discounting Brandon Flower's faith in Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and Brandon's reply was basically "Whatever, say what you want, but I know it has made my life better and my music better." And I loved that - no one can argue with that, that is something he knows personally. I can testify of that too, it has made my life better that it would have been without it! So as I was trying to find that quote first without success, I came across this from Brandon Flowers that I like, from a CBS interview in 2018 - "I don't go to church because I got nothing better to do on Sundays; I really believe it!" he laughed. "I don't know what my life would be like without it. I think I would have been a casualty of rock 'n' roll." "So, it saved you?" "For sure." Also, this interview with Rolling Stones in 2017 was good.
So, back to the new album, I already love the songs they released over youtube - Caution, My Own Souls Warning, and Dying Breed. Dying Breed is totally about marriage, and couples who are committed to each other~
There's gonna be opposition Ain't no way around it But if you're looking for strong and steady Well baby, you found it We'll weather the coldest night Baby, we're a dying breed
When everyone's compromising I'll be your diehard I'll be there when water's rising I'll be your lifeguard We're cut from a stained glass mountain Baby, we're a dying breed
When facing the wind got wicked We rallied and raised up So now if she comes back kicking We'll know what we're made of There's gonna be opposition But we've got everything we need Ooh, baby, we're a dying breed
So good. Those have been dripped fed over the past few months, and I'm so glad the album was finally released. As for the songs on the album, right now I am also really liking "My God" - I like the meaning behind the lyrics that this person suggested. the Lord is back in business and he's working miracles on this earth before Christ's return. That one will probably be my next favorite. But my FAVORITE FAVORITE THING on this album is this painting that they have in the CD bifold - so so so so so cool!!!!
ISN'T THAT THECOOLEST PAINTING EVER!?!?!? It made me think of Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad - this should be a painting on their office wall. Those precious children are in horrible circumstances, but there are still angels there helping and watching over them. It took me a while before I found where they said who did the art in the album - Thomas Blackshear. Holy moley so amazing. Corey, feel free to get this painting for me for Christmas or my birthday. Or I'll let you know if I order it for myself. And I'll order this one for Nicole. I've just been browsing around his website - someday in the next life, I hope to take lessons from him (watch that trailer!) and other masters and paint and paint and paint. Maybe I'll get to it in this life, we'll see. So fun and amazing. As for now, I'm so happy that I've got new music to get me through the next year of the pandemic. (I just have a feeling it's going to be around here for another year, we'll see, hopefully I'm wrong)
We took Ethan to the airport dark and early this morning. I woke up at 3:25, he was already awake and getting dressed. (He said he only got one hour of sleep... I hope he's ok today) At 3:45 he was ready to go and went to give his siblings one last hug and kiss, or if they were too high on the bunk bed to reach, they got a little push and hollar. Eth hugging Natalie -
"Say goodbye to your brother for 2 years!" (maybe, we'll see how 2021 and 2022 go, right?) They were all conscious and said goodbye, except I'm not sure about Hyrum, he didn't respond.
My mom came by to say goodbye, share her testimony and give him $20 bucks for airport food, which he happily accepted. I'm glad that they got to know each other during Ethan's senior year when he went to her house to work for her, writing up deposit slips and making bank runs for Bonneville Realty. He got a peak into their life that only a few of the grandkids have seen. Bye Grandma Hibbert!
My mom had slept through our last hurrah last night, cause she was up at 3 am Monday morning. I guess 3 am is just her wake up time! Final hugs to Joseph and Mel before we drive him down. They were so nice to get out of bed to see him off.
At the airport.
They had a sign that said for only one parent to come in. Corey said I should go. Last hug from Corey -
A kiss for Peter (he was watching Barney on Corey's phone. Peter woke up and cried and cried, as you can hear in the goodbye video above. We figured he'd be a stinker for Mel and Joseph if we left him, so cranky Peter got to tag along. He's such a baby.)
Pressing forward along the straight and narrow moving walkway.
Taking the escalator down to check in.
There were people standing in line, so we figured we'd do what they were doing and got in line. And stood there. And we didn't know why.
Ethan gave me permission to leave. "I think I got it from here." I didn't leave though. "...or you can keep standing here too..." I stayed. Eventually some baggage clerks showed up and then the line started moving.
They don't open until 4:30. I guess I thought they were always open, but covid must have slowed things down. He got his boarding pass, checked the baggage in, then we took the elevator up. A final hug from me and then he headed to go through security.
Like we had done when Joseph left, I stayed and watched until he was out of sight. After he joined up with the other missionaries, I couldn't tell which one was him except for the two straps that were on his backpack.
He gave me one final wave before he headed to the gate. He is going to do great things.
We got back home at 5:30 and took a nap. Woke up at 6:30 to get high school kids off for the 2nd day of school. Then another nap. Awake again at 8 to send off the elementary girls. Then another nap. Around 10 I felt like I was good to stay awake for the day. I cleaned the kitchen as I talked to Nicole, who has been on vacation for like a month camping and stuff, so we caught up on the latest. I cleaned and it was nice to have it stay cleaner than it usually has these past few months with all the kids home. ODP still made their fair share of fun messes. They practiced the ABCs with Mel and the keva blocks.
Peter fell asleep with Mel and took a looong nap, which was great. I'm really trying and praying for help to be able to wean him and have him learn to fall asleep on his own without needing/wanting me to nurse him to sleep. I hope I haven't ruined him.
So cute, little stink bug
And then Abi had a flute lesson and kids were tired after school and no body practiced today, but I did do a great job cleaning the kitchen, so good job me. And we had burgers, chips, and watermelon for dinner. Melodie took Joseph back to Provo at 10 tonight. He ran some errands today while he had access to a car. He got himself some new shoes and Nike socks - he modeled them so we can send it to Ethan and see if he approves and if Joseph is stylish now. We've been informed that Stance socks are no longer cool. You have to wear white Nike socks.
I told Joseph that he had to pucker his lips if he was modelling.
Looking good, Joseph, with his neck gaiter covering there around his neck. He's ready to take campus by storm. We'll see him again soon I'm sure, he'll be coming up for Mel's farewell message in church in a few weeks. And life goes on.
It's the first day of school! Abi did not know, when she left for Texas for two weeks in March, that that was her last day. She's glad to be back at Churchill. Lily started at Churchill this year too! Abi is a September birthday, so she's one of the older 7th graders, and as a June birthday, making her on the younger side of the new 6th graders. And Lily's always been little, and Abi's been sharing clothes with her college age sister and me for the past 2 years, so there's a pretty big different in their height.
One cool thing is that we don't have any jazz band this year, so Hyrum and Wesley don't need to leave for high school early, so they are going to take Abi and Lily most mornings! And they are going to pick them up after school too, so that means I don't need to drive any carpool! That's a first in years, ever since Joseph started at Churchill in 2012. The boys weren't thrilled at first to have to swing by Churchill or to have to wait after school for an extra 40 minutes, but I told them it's a fair exchange to save me time and for the privilege of having a car. But I took Abi and Lily today with the carpool kids, just for fun as a temporary farewell to carpooling, and so that I could take a picture of Abi and Lily.
Here is Hyrum and Wesley's photo before they pulled out at 6:50 this morning - They didn't really want their picture taken, so, this will have to do.
Natalie and Sophi off to school at 8:30. Say cheese!
Haha, j/k, let's do one without the masks, you don't need to put them on when we're outside.
It's going to be a year they will all remember I'm sure. Owen had his orientation today at 10:30. Waiting to see his teacher ~
He insisted on bringing his back pack. I'm crossing my fingers that he'll be okay waiting until Thursday to start. 3 days can be a long time when you've already waited months. A picture of him smiling with his teacher.
He's smiling, trust me. He was able to see her better when she was back at her table.
After they sat down she put on a clear face shield and a desk shield. On the way home, he said "I love my teacher!" So it was a great first day for everyone and I told Owen he can go in 3 days, and he seemed to understand and be okay with that.
Tonight, for a farewell tribute to Elder Wride, we played a game of ultimate frisbee with my brother and his family, who were so nice to come down from Layton to play with us. We went to Waterford. Everyone warmed up with a few rounds of spikeball. Corey, Joseph, Ethan and Hyrum on the left ring, Wesley, Conner, Mikey and Sam on the right.
I missed most of their sweet plays, but there's a couple of good ones in this video
I sat on the hill with the little kiddos and ate apples.
Then the game began. Our last two games with the Hibberts were family vs family (Game 1, Game 2) but during both of those matches, Neil had Grant's family that were able to join the Hibbert side so the sides were even. If this one was Hibberts vs. Wrides, they would have been outnumbered. Our power is in numbers! So some of the Wrides had to join the Hibbert side this time. Since Joseph and Ethan are both young and spry, Corey nominated them to be team captains and to choose their teammates. Ethan had first choice. He was trying to decided between choosing his Dad or Uncle Neil, cause the Hibberts won both of the past competitions. "On one hand, Neil has never lost.... On the other hand, it would be bad to loose to both Joseph and Dad...." He chose Neil. Joseph chose Corey, Ethan chose Hyrum, Joseph chose Conner. On it went. The teams were:
Ethan - Neil - Hyrum - Mikey - Amy - Lucy - Abigail
Joseph - Corey - Conner - Sam - Wesley - Mel
Let the game begin!
I joined Corey and Joseph's team a little bit when Peter let me. Natalie got a few pictures of him practicing his frisbee skills.
Cute kid.
I walked onto the field to get a video of Daniel, who was being quite entertained with a plastic bag from our apples, and a stick he found.
He was in his own little world, walking around the field. He miraculously remained un-trounced as he played with his bag and stick. Super cute.
So it was neck and neck, point and point, and tied 6-6 when Wesley made an amazing catch securing the win for Joseph's team. Ethan couldn't believe it. He just wanted to go away with a win! But this way we'll be sure he comes back home, cause he'll be itchin' for that rematch in 2 years.
Teaching Peter to throw. Peter will be ready to join the game in 2022. He'll be about as big as Daniel is now!
And that will be good, cause he'll probably be able to throw the frisbee forward by then!
After that, I rode Corey's bike home (he biked to the park from work) and they all stayed there for another hour playing spikeball and visiting. Back at home, I got dinner ready and we had root beer floats for our FHE treat. Then Ethan started to finish packing and we got the kids to bed for their second day of school tomorrow. Most of the kids went to bed at a decent time, but the older kids all stayed up goofing off. Joseph tried out the latest exercise gimick I've bought into - Jawzrcise!
Work that Jaw!
Hey, JAW is Joseph's initials! Joseph Ammon Wride! Joseph, that could make you an official spokesperson for the product! I don't think he's sold on the man binky, but it was funny. We stayed up too late for the early morning we're going to have tomorrow - the plan is to take Ethan to the airport at 3:45.
