I Put on a Screen Protector

I've endured a cracked screen protector for probably over a year. It cracked on a simple drop in the kitchen, but it should have had a lot more from falls on my bike and other drops. I'm lucky this was all that there one. It was a small one in the middle of my phone length-wise, and slightly to the right of center. I went through a few of them pretty quickly. I remember I purchased two sets of three, I think I gave Corey one of them. Ooh, cool! Amazon keeps stats for me! From their records, it looks like I first ordered these on February 15, 2022, a three pack, and then I ordered again on September 5, 2022. And that was my last time. So I think it cracked sometime in 2023, but it wasn't bad, and I didn't have the extra on hand, so I put off changing until it was bad. It finally got bad this past Monday night. We had just finished FHE. Lily had my phone at the table. She was taking a video across the room of Abi being weird...

Abi enjoyed the attention and kept being weird, and after she elevatored down out of view behind the counter, she snuck around to come surprise Lily. 

Lily saw her coming, kept filming...

...and Abi came up and pretended to eat my phone, and in the process actually bit my phone. Nice close up of Abi's mouth for ya...

Her bite cracked the screen protector right on the place where the camera needs to be clear to get a clear image when it's in Selfie mode. I noticed the crack, and didn't think it was a big deal... As I said, I've been living with a cracked screen for over a year. But when Wes called later that night, the image of myself was all blurry. And that's was when I realized what had happened. I guess this crack IS going to bother me... I decided it was time to get a new screen protector, with the bonus that I can add it to Abi's tab and have her pay for it cause this was her fault. But I stress about putting screen protectors on! I always seem to get air bubbles or a piece of lint or a finger print, etc etc. So I went by AT&T and asked if they could do it. But they didn't have any iPhone 11 screen protectors in stock. Ok, bye. I checked Verizon next door - they didn't have any in stock either. They recommended Amazon. That is where I usually get them, but I didn't want to wait until after our Florida trip to get this fixed. So I go to Walmart. Get rice milk, then to to the electronics dept to see if they have screen protectors. They did. I got the least expensive one. After checking out, I thought of going back into AT&T again to have them put it on, but then decided to just hurry home instead (Hyrum was watching K and was waiting for me to get back so he could go.) Back at home, I tried to shake the lint off of myself, went into the bathroom where there wouldn't be carpet to cause more dust particles in the air. I opened this baby and followed the instructions, and it was one of the most satisfying experiences of this past week, month, and perhaps year!

I was so impressed! It was a great experience putting this on! I didn't mess up and there are no bubbles or link under the screen, it's the best "I" have ever done, but it was really all the application system they had. The phone goes in the metal case (on the counter in the background) and then there is a plastic lid that goes on it that has a sticky thing, and that is where you put the screen protector, then you snap the lid on the case and that makes it automatically in the right spot AND keeps lint away and then you pull off the sticker from the screen protector. The lid was also hollow in the middle, so that you can push the screen protector off of the lid from the center so that it attaches to the screen from the middle out, thus no bubbles that way either. Maybe I was just so impressed cause I had such low expectations for myself of being able to do it right. I am excited for when Corey or I break our screen protector again, cause I am able to do it and do it perfectly now thanks for this. I'm saving this application stuff for the next time I need to put on a screen. I think I can buy the usual one I got (Unbreakcable 3 pack makes those avg $5.66 each vs. the $11 that this onn brand was) and put them on with this kit/application system. I've bought a few things of the onn brand: a dvd player, a cd player, phone cases, etc. So I trusted them a little bit to be decent. But was really impressed with screen protector - I hope this is a top seller cause it was great. 

So other things from today: Corey and I went climbing this morning. We did SIX 5.10a top rope climbs and my forearms were DEAD. 

I worked on the RS Jan newsletter, wrote an email to Wes, at too many Ghirardelli chocolates, didn't clean very much, Melodie came home from BYU but then left on a date. K watched Tangled and Sleeping Beauty. I did some chrstimas shopping at Walmart, bought a few things for the boys and Katharine. I gave her a little Aurora lego set, cause I like to spoil her. 

We are still not sure how we are doing the gift giving with us all flying to Florida on Christmas eve. I think our best option is to open gifts here Sunday or Monday morning? Monday might be cutting it close since we need to pack and leave for St. George on Monday. Hoping Corey's car is done tomorrow. Tanner Transmissions has had it for three weeks. Is that normal turn around time for a transmission? Ugh. We are getting together with Wrides on Sunday afternoon - visiting JeNeal's grave and then meeting for lunch and gifts. Kids are watching Elf right now. Still one more day of school tomorrow, so I think I'll go tell them it's time to be done and let's go to bed. 

Setting Up Christmas

Lily, Sophi, Natalie and Katharine all came with me over to my parents' house to help them set up some Christmas decorations. We put up some art and framed greeting cards on the wall, some lights in the window, and changed the light bulbs on the string of lights around their ceiling. We had to get the ladder from the back yard to reach the ceiling above the split level entry, and after holding the ladder and climbing up and down there, we had a discussion about fiberglass shards in our hands. Tape got most of them out, but ouch! The thing that we were all most excited about was this miniature Christmas tree. 

This was made from a kit that my dad bought at Zim's in the 1980s. Beka and I did a little googling and found some of the kits on ebay and Etsy. They were originally made by Westrim - a Beaded Miniature Christmas Tree Kit! Kinda funny to think of the 1980s as "vintage".

We all think it is really cool. My dad used some of his mom's old jewelry as the ornaments. 

There are little glass icicles and candy canes, and lights that turn on via a wrapped present that holds the batteries. We replaced the batteries and got it all up and looking awesome.

Lily and Beka got all the ornaments on hooks and put on the tree. So cute. We put it on display in a prominent place in the front room. Now I just need to come back with a polishing cloth to get the glass case all clean. Lily put the cards in the glass display frames.

Some of the cards being put away for now. I think this one is so funny and true. That's how we act when I see Corey is on his way home from work! 

I also liked this one: It's important to remember that life is all about how you handle plan B."

We're still on plan B with Corey's car. It's still at Tanner's Transmission. No communication from them, but Corey gave the ok for them to fix it on Tuesday. Hopefully we'll have it back this week before we leave for Las Vegas and fly out to Florida. Do we trust their work enough to take it on a road trip? I'm slightly nervous. Natalie had fun playing on this old typewriter in a case. It is an metal style and really works your fingers. 

K was sweet the whole time, and eventually got tired. I held her for a while, and then tucked her down for a nap in this old chair that was a favorite napping spot for me and my siblings as we were growing up. The strong arms of the chair were perfect, plus the deep corners for your shoulder to rest in. K looked very comfortable. 

Sophi spent most of her time working on a little lighted Calvin and Hobbes display box.

She finished it and then my parents let her take it home. 

There is still more to do, but their house looks a little more ready for Christmas. 

We still need to put up the tree, but my dad said he's not sure he wants too. I'll try to go back this week. Abi spent the day at the Skyline Winter's dance, which was boys choice. Went with a boy named Nate. Melodie subbed for her at the Lyceum Christmas concerts today, a performance at 2 and at 7 tonight. 

Pretty amazing that Mel can learn about a concert that morning and just show up and play all the music no problem. Corey was at home with the boys while we were at my parents. We were there from 2-6. Came home and the boys were watching an Ice Age 4 movie or something, one of the straight to DVD movies that are really lame. The girls had a hard time not commenting how stupid it was, as they sat on the couch and continued to watch it, lol.

Good Things Sunday

Today was not a day of rest for me, it was a day of activity. But I was busy with good things, so that is good. I woke the girls up early to make sure they got to the church at 8 to go downtown with the youth for "Music and the Spoken Word" with the Tabernacle Choir at Orchestra Temple Square. Then I woke up the rest of the kids and got them ready and myself and packed the car. I packed it up with everything that I could remember that we would need for the rest of the day: 3 dishes of desserts, fruit, white elephant gifts, violins, concert clothes for S&N, clothes and shoes to chill in for ALSN, etc... We headed out at 9:30. I had NODPK in the van with me. We headed north up to Layton for Connor's homecoming message. Corey took Joseph and Eliza's car and picked up ALS from downtown. We were thinking "seems like we were just here?" I looked up to see when Sam's farewell was - it was 3 months ago, but the months go by quickly, so it also seemed like just barely. We stayed for both hours of church. Peter was a little shy about staying for the second hour, but he did great.

He's so sweet, just a tender little boy. The Relief Society and Young Women joined together, and this is the only time RS and YW are meeting in December (on the 22nd it is only sacrament meeting) so the organization leaders were ready with Christmas gifts for everyone. They had the same ornaments that we were giving out today in our ward, and they also had little totes (we didn't take those, I knew they prob only had enough for their own ward members) but we did take part in the big 'ol cinnamon rolls and fruit platters that they brought to serve to the sisters. My girls were excited about that and were suddenly glad that we were staying for both hours. After church (good discussion on Sister Browning's Seeking Answers talk) and then we went to Neil and Amy's for a visit. It was 12:30, we had a party near Payson starting at 2, so we kinda watched the clock, but also didn't want to just eat and run, so we stayed for almost an hour. We gave hugs and left at 1:20 for our 70 minute drive. This was the 3rd annual Christmas gathering with Corey's cousins on his mom's side. It was a  Hawaiian Christmas in 2022 and Candy Cane theme last year, but I don't have pics here from 2023 cause I didn't go last year. So that was nice of me to let him have his turn taking the day off today. After visiting the Layton Hibberts, Corey went home with Lily; Ethan and Bella took NOD; I had MASPK, and we headed south to Utah County. This years theme was "groovy" but I didn't put any effort into supporting the theme this year, since we were just coming from church. But I did bring cookies from Abi and zebra popcorn and grapes from Costco. We ate dinner, visited, Owen was excited to watch a silent football game on the tv...

After everyone had eaten enough, we gathered and played Lucky Dice (similar to Bank) and then everyone went on a hayride. 

I stayed back and visited with Wayne. Bella sent these pics - the sky looked amazing!

Everyone wearing their "groovy" sunglasses that Karalee got for everyone. 

The hay ride was probably the highlight of the event.

Even if it was cold and smelled like farm animals. Mel and Abi going Vogue, and Katharine being cute. 

She was very happy with her PINK glasses!

(Bella takes great photos!) Back at the house -

Then it was the gift exchange. Peter was the second one to open a gift, he got a pink toaster and looked quite sad about it. Owen was next and he got a dinosaur. I let Peter know the game, how he could steal someone's gift, but then we realized his gift would have to be stolen first... Katharine, do you want a toaster? As we were plotting how to help Peter get a better prize, Owen, of his own initiative, went over to Peter and asked him if he wanted to trade. Peter quickly accepted Owen's dinosaur. Owen then went and sat down and said “Yes! Pink! My favorite color!” haha. Owen, that was really nice of you to do that for Peter!

We left about the same time as everyone else. Mel, Ethan & Bella headed back to Provo. Abi drove Wayne in his car (he doesn't like to drive in the dark) and I drove SNODPK to Holladay. Sophi and Natalie had to be there at 6:30 for violin and trumpet Christmas concert. They changed in the car as I drove. I had forgotten to pack Owen's trumpet, but Corey got hit at home and brought it out and joined us. 

Wayne and Nancy came too. 

It was a good concert, like last year. Corey thought it was good that we got 3 kids taken care of with one concert. Sophi, Natalie, Owen - check check check.

After the concert - smile for dad!

Good job Owen!

The kids were mostly excited for the food after. NOT that they hadn't eaten ALL DAY already, sheesh. I'm glad that I brought more than was asked of me, cause my kids took more than they should have. Daniel - caught in his gluttony.

Kids will be kids? I'd love to have them unlearn this hoarding of sugary treats. There is a Relief Society cookie exchange this week on Tuesday, but I don't think I want to go, cause I don't want more sugar in our house! I guess I could go and just not take or bring home treats, but they'd probably insist I take some even if I don't bring any "cause you have a lot of kids..." This stuff isn't good for us tho. I totally overate today. I hope I can get a handle on myself and won't go through the whole holiday like this. But the treats are a part of the celebrations I guess. It was a good and long day of celebrating. I'm glad it's over though. I told Corey that I was ok taking the hit today if it would mean he was able to fill his cup. I think it worked. He really enjoyed the quiet house! I told him all I need to have my cup filled is spent time climbing with him! So we're going at 6am tomorrow to do top rope, yay! and with that I'll sign off, good night! 

Ward Party

Corey's car has been at the service shop for a week today. We've been doing ok at managing life without it, even with 8 kids (ALSNODPK) and in December even! (not to boast about our hard trials, I'm sure the pioneers and winter war soldiers had it worse). But I'm still not loving it. We're very grateful to have Joseph and Eliza's car. I told them that I was sorry that Joseph had to miss 3 points on his test in October, which made him have to cancel their trip out here. Joseph decided it was in his best interest to stay and study before his retake. I joked that God just knew we'd need their car to survive, so God was looking out for us. Hence their cancelled trip and why we still have their Prius. One way that we are making it harder for us is by not letting Abi drive Eliza's car. So Abi is just using the van, which has more seats space, so we just have to work out those logistics when we make our plan of attack each day. Abi has been taking carpool on Tuesdays and then her and Abi have been a little late for school, but they are almost always tardy anyway, so I figured oh well. And they leave early for school on Friday, which is late start for Skyline, and that way they take carpool on Friday too. She also brings home carpool on Thursdays. Bonus is I have saved a little bit of personal time by not having to take carpool. But not having the car makes it about even with pros and cons. The one day I usually have the car is Wednesdays, cause that is when I take A&L to school cause A goes straight to Lyceum from school and gets a ride down there with a friend. Then I pick up Lily after school and sometimes pick up carpool. We'll be glad when our neighbors are back from their extended trip to Europe and we have 5 drivers for carpool again. So I plan my errands around Wednesdays or around after school. So Abi took today and then she and Lily go over to Wayne's house and make him breakfast. That's fun for them and him to have that time together. Here's a pic of me waking up Peter and Daniel this morning.  

They had a sleepover. That's cute. 

So (deep breath) I knew today was going to be a busy day. We were still trying to get some answers about Corey's car and it's location and what was going on. I drove to Tanner's to see if the car was in their garage. No one was at the reception, so I knocked on the "employees only" door. No one came, so I cracked it open, and there was Corey's car! YAY! I got my pop socket holder from it, so I could use it in Eliza's car. Jim told me the status of the transmission "It's locked, Blaine is working on it, so he's locked it and I can't see anything on the computer." Ok, we'll atleast I saw it and it's still alive. I left there and went straight to the school for Owen's IEP meeting, I don't even know what that means, but it was with his speech therapist at school. He's still working on his R sounds. Then I came home and worked on making funeral potatoes for 2 hours for the ward party. We didn't have enough people sign up, so some of us in the RS Presidency were picking up the slack just in case. I quadrupled my potatoes. I was home doing that and Corey left in Eliza's car to pick up Lily and take her to Blue's band. So: no van (Abi has GMS) and no Pilot (in the shop) and no Eliza's car means I to to walk to and home from the church 4 times this evening. 1st time to - walked over at 2:30 with NODPK to be there for the nativity practice. 

Katharine is a cute little lamb!

That went until 3:30

Aww they are so cute.

Kids learning their parts

Abi brought Lily home from school and then got Sophi and they came by with the van to pick up Natalie and Owen and they went to Holladay for a violin/trumpet concert rehearsal. Abi was able to take them there on her way to GMS, so I'm grateful that worked out. I stayed at the church with DPK after the nativity practice and they stayed and played in the nursery while I helped decorate tables for the party tonight. 

That set up started at 3:30. It was a beehive of activity! Many hands make light work and we were all done by 4:30. I was able to get a ride home from a neighbor. At home I got the potatoe casserole's cooking. I texted my friends to maybe get a ride back over, but they were all busy too and didn't reply, and kids were ready to get going so I was able to put my potatoe casserole's, hot out of the oven, into a costco cardboard box and then into the wagon. Then we (me and DPK) walked back over to the church. D pushed K in the stroller, I took the waggon with the potatoes and nativity costumes. Abi picked up SNO at 6 on her way home after GMS and they were glad to make it back in time for the 7pm dinner. 

They were back in time to enjoy dinner and then the Nativity program started. Super cute.

Katharine eating a cookie on the stage. Peter and Daniel were shepherds, Owen was a wiseman, and Natalie the narrator. After the nativity, the kids played games and had crafts to do. We adults cleaned up a little bit while the kids sat on Santa's lap. 

Peter was excited.

Katharine was indifferent.

Haha I don't know why she was wearing that blue scarf on her head. I guess she had wanted to play the Mary role. We kept cleaning up, and K found the left over cookies and some sprinkles!

She put sprinkles in her hot chocolate. So stinkin' cute.

We stayed until the very end and came home with left over potatoes, ham, cookies, and makings for a salad. And pine garlands and balloons! Abi drove the car with Peter while Natalie and Owen walked trailing the balloons. Daniel pulled the wagon for me. 

So that was our busy day. We survived. Tomorrow won't be too bad - Owen has a group lesson and Lily has a concert in Provo. Sunday's gonna be crazy, so I'll take it easy tomorrow in prep for that.