To Ruins and Back

I struggled today to get going... Did a little bit of reading but not much cleaning or anything during the day. Corey and I did get in a ride though! He had inspired me to take the trail after his ride on Tuesday. And I inspired him after I did the trail up AND down yesterday (and techy) so we decided to do it together today! And we made it to the ruins! Can you see them up above Corey's shoulder?

Those are the ruins up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Selfie at the top before our descent.

Corey left for work early this morning so that he could come back early for our ride together. He worked a little bit more tonight after we got back. We left home at 3:40, the ride took us 1 hour and 40 minutes. 11.18 miles, not bad for a ride in the snow! I wore 4 layers and my first layer was almost completely soaked. My toes and hands were comfortable. The temp was in the high 50s, so there was one spot that was a little slushy, I think it was one of the few spots that gets sun during the day. Tomorrow has a high of 61, probably will be too warm and too slushy for a ride? But Saturday's high is 55, maybe we'll try it again then. There is snow forecast for Sunday, and I'm guessing after this we might not be able to make it on the trial with our regular bikes. We might need a fat bike, hmmm I'm interested in looking into those now. 

So we came home to see how the kids did while we were gone. Were they getting their tasks done? Katharine was up asleep in our room with Cinderella playing on the tv. Natalie was watching K, and thus watching the tv, and had made herself comfortable in a lazy throne on our bed. 

I turned off the tv and kicked them all out. Come on you slackers, time to go start being productive.  Abi was gone doing work for my mom. Abi is trying to earn money to buy a dress for winters. I ran to Costco at 7:20 for a few things, likes Snack donations for Peter's kindergarten class. Lily and Daniel practicing their music later tonight. Corey says they are doing awesome. 

Lily has a concert tomorrow and a solo, so she was getting ready for that. Owen had not practiced trumpet yet, but he was walking around the house looking like "duckman" - put a baseball cap nice and low and a visor on upside down to be the bottom of the ducks bill. 

Owen, you might be a weirdo. 

Pink Superhero

There's a new super hero in town ~

I texted this pic to Hyrum and said "Blackness has a new nemesis... Pinkness!" 

Katharine said "I'm a SUPER HERO!" She is like a real life doll that we get to dress up (if she cooperates). Yesterday, right after school, I was able to use Corey's car to take Natalie out with me to run errands. Corey came home to go on a ride, so I took Natalie out thrifting to get some clothes, and to Dollar tree for poster for O. First we went to Dollar tree, then Kid to Kid, and the DI & Walmart. Natalie looked around at the DI while I ran to Walmart quickly for calendars, rice milk, a new popsocket, and pink lady apples. Back to DI, I go in to pay for her stuff, and then I found more stuff at the DI - a Christmas sweater for myself, some black shoes. And what I was most excited about after all our shopping was a pink Superman shirt for Pinkness (K might not wear it tho) but I found shoes for Katharine that I was confident would be PERFECT!!!! 

They are light pink and dark pink and gold and glittery and shiny and each has a big bow on the toe with a diamond in the middle of the bow and a few little rhinestones on the gold ribbons, they have it all. I am confident that they are every 2 year old girl's dream shoes. Also I think I'll mention that these shoes were right by the blue crocs from long ago that are still there without an owner. I'm sorry little blue crocs, that no one has taken you home. Katharine loved you, but I wouldn't let her. Yesterday I  also took a risk and also got a new blue dress. Thankfully she has, atleast momentarily, accepted that offering. And I thought we'd top it off with a big ol' pink bow for her hair. Yeah those shoes are amazing. 

At scriptures last night, K was sitting on Abi's lap and Abi was in shorts so K kept scratching her legs with the corners of her new shoes' heels. Katharine sleeps with Abi but K wouldn't take them off. Abi said "It's fine, I'll wait until she's asleep and then I'll take them off..." So when Katharine came downstairs like this this morning.... 

I wondered "Hmmm. Who won the 'no shoes in the bed' battle?" I texted Abi to ask. She replied "I was gonna take them off her when she went to sleep but I gave up." Haha, funny, I know how that is. (Are we creating a monster?) Natalie tells me that I spoil K too much, and I let her know "I spoiled all of you kids when you were two..." And look, you've turned out just fine. Katharine was still all dolled up when we went to my parent's house today. 

I helped out with a few random thinks at my parent's. (They haven't asked me to come over, I'm just imposing service upon them). I cleaned the inside of their garbage can and the lid, emptied the trash and recycling, vacuumed, wiped the stove, swept, dishes and shined the sink. I made it home to get some things done, and then at 2:10 I was at Skyline to pick up Lily. I wanted to get her home asap so she could watch Katharine for me and I could get in a ride before taking Owen to his trumpet lesson. 

So after Corey's ride yesterday, I was surprised to see on this Strava that he was on the trail! And had gone all the way up to Lisa Falls! I couldn't tell if he went up the road down the trail or up the trail down the road. I asked him and he said he went up the trail!! WHAT?!?! He said it was totally rideable, the only problem was that he forgot his toe warmers. Oh yeah! I told him I didn't want to go because it would be too cold for me to enjoy, but I had forgotten about the ski toe warmers! So maybe I can do it and not be too cold? Well, I figured I'd give it a go today. I got all ready, with 4 layers on top and 2 on bottom, gloves, neck thing, and footwarmers on my toes and hand warmers in my gloves, and I snuck out the door as soon as we got home. I'm glad Corey tried this out yesterday, cause that gave me the confidence to try, and it was really fun! Beautiful to be in the snowy mountains. 

I went up and down on the trail, AND I even did techy! 

IN THE SNOW! It was great!! Like I feel like a whole new world has opened up. I got home at 4:30, took a very very cold shower (to force me to be quick) and Owen and I were on the way at 4:48. Then a neighborhood food drive at 7, Abi and Sophi went to the temple, and yeah I've been here blogging. I've been doing good at keeping up since September. Sept is done, and Oct, and I'm caught up on November so far! Still need to finish June - Aug, not bad.

No Car

This morning when I went to wake up Peter for school, he was already awake and working on something on his toy box. I got down on my knees to see what he was doing. 

He was taping school papers to the boards above his bottom bunk bed. He has a hanging mobile creating above him on his bottom bunk. It's all his art. "Cause I love ART!" he proudly said. I'm a little surprised he can crawl in there to go to bed. But once he is laying down then he is not touching them and can probably look up and enjoy all his creations. It's cute. 

So, I might have already mentioned this, but the neighbors who Abi and Lily usually take carpool with are gone in Europe until January. They could get a ride out there with Corey, since he usually goes to his dad's, but I wanted Corey to have flexibility in his schedule if he needs it, so instead of me driving Abi and Lily to school every morning, I just let them have the van. Abi used to take Corey's car to her flute lesson on Tuesdays, but now she has my car. So I'm stuck here most days. I don't mind being stuck at home, cause Home is my happy place. Just as long as there are no emergency calls from the school to come get a sick kid or anything. 

I have been driving Abi and Lily in one day each week on Wednesday. After school on Wednesdays, Abi goes to Lyceum in American Fork and is able to carpool there, so instead of having her take the car and I have to find a way to go pick it up from school later, I have been taking them to school on Wednesdays and then I have the car for that one day each week.

So a few good things about letting Abi have the car - she picked up Sophi and Natalie from school and takes them to violin. She took them to violin today. I just have to remember to have S&N put their violins in the car before Abi and Lily leave for school, which I've remembered to do just fine so far. So that saves me a trip and some time. I was able to blog a lot this morning and throughout the day quite a bit, I let K watch Bluey and Leap Frog while I blogged. I'm up to mid-June. Have 5 more posts to do to finish June. Did laundry, hung up garments in our closet (did I mention our dryer is broken? I haven't called a service man to fix it yet...). I dusted the fan in our room and that was about it for chores. Abi and the girls all got home around 5, Abi cleaned up the kitchen and made dinner (chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots and corn) and then for FHE we planned out FHEs for the rest of the year through Jan 6, which will be when we have another 2 month calendar up and will make out plan of attack for Jan and Feb FHEs. We ate sugar cookies that Lily made on Saturday and some "You've been thanked" treats that were left on the doorstep last night (rice krispy with chocolate topping). I ended my fast around 4, ate saurkraut, avocado, beets, mushrooms and cauliflower, then I helped myself to some of Lily's cookies, ate too much, tried to be done eating after that, but then I ate more at dinner time of the food Abi made. Started a fast again at 8 for Joseph Grant. He is having a surgery tomorrow, starting around 8 am, should take most of the day, they hope to know around 3-4:00 if it was successful.

We had a good talk with Wes today, some people in Texas asked him about the "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives". Oh boy. As Ethan said about that show: "Good job, Satan." Wes called again tonight to talk to his younger siblings. 

Katharine's little voice is so cute. "Hi Wesley!" The boys usually want to show Wes the legos they've been working on, or pictures they've drawn... it's show and tell time, or they play with the filters. I was proud of them today that they just talked. 

I'm going to the temple in the morning. Then carpool. Tuesday is the only day I take it, I take kids in Corey's car. Abi has late start on Fridays and she and Lily have been leaving early to take the junior high carpool for me on Friday mornings, and then they go over to make breakfast for Wayne. I think that's fun. 

Snow and Praying for Miracles

It's cold again. I was surprised by the snow outside yesterday morning. I guess I don't know what's coming when I don't check it to see biking temperatures. Owen still gets up early on Saturdays, and Peter has started to get up with him. They were out shoveling the driveway at 8am when I went out there to clear it behind the van, so that Abi could leave for GMS. She ended up having her class on Zoom, so yay that saved us some gas money and we got the driveway cleared first thing in the morning anyway. It was really heavy sticky snow. The kids all went out and played in it. I didn't get any pictures of that, but I did get this one from inside. Natalie found snow clothes for Katharine to wear, suited her up, and took her sledding. 

KATHARINE YOU'RE SO CUTE! I'm glad she was ok wearing a blue coat and not wearing pink. 

She would have been very cold if Natalie had not prepared her. Thank you Natalie. And even being prepared, it is still cold. That goes along with some thoughts I had at church today... more on that in a minute. So little kids played in the snow, the rest of us (teenagers and older) us hunkered down inside. Abi went to go answer a date to a school dance (Winters) this evening. Lily helped her with the poster. 

Abi used Owen's poster that he needed for his school county report. He had put it in a safe space behind the desk, which I pulled out and swept around today, so that was my bad for not hiding it again. Owen was a bit distraught, I told him I'll replace it, I'll prepare you for your county report! But you're going to need to do it (I don't think he's started, and it's due next week...) so I need to go get another white poster for that. I got a lot done cleaning wise today, and stayed on top of following up with kids too and they did good. After they were done, Corey and NODPK and I all went to Wayne's house at 8:30 to watch the BYU game. 

We stayed almost until the end, aaaand they lost their winning streak. A few really unfortunate plays, like after stopping Kansas, they punted it to us, it hit a BYU player then another player slid to get it but was sliding too fast and didn't grab it but actually pushed it out in the open closer to the endzone and then Kansas recovered at the BYU 3 yard line. It was sad. Next play they had a touchdown. And there was also an interception on a first down in the endzone. Corey and Owen watched it while I cleaned and came and checked in a bit now and then. I cleaned Wayne's bathrooms and toilets for him. I enjoyed helping and serving him. After about an hour Natalie was complaining to go home and that she actually didn't want to come and "there's nothing to do" you can help me clean "you just like to clean cause you're a mom!" until I told her I'm just going to tune her out, and 20 min after that I did give her my phone so she could watch instagram reels. We probably won't watch future games, esp if they start at 8:15 pm! We can't stay up that late. Owen, I'm sorry BYU lost!

I felt like I could go with Corey to his dad's cause I didn't have a ton of things I still wanted to do at home. I had had such a good and productive day, I felt like I had some freetime to go watch the game and serve. Corey and I were both fasting for the neighbor's baby and I'm sure that helped with my mental ability to focus and stay on task. We fasted most of today too. Corey ended around 5, I kinda ended, meaning I ended my dry fast and I did drink some lemon water at 7pm and am going to keep going until tomorrow without food. At church, the baby's grandpa, who is also in our ward, said they are hoping to know in the next 48 hours what the outcome will be (whether he will have a heart transplant or surgery or live or be taken back to heaven). We are praying for him!

This evening we watched "The Book Thief" with the kids. I watched it while Corey ate then cleaned in the kitchen. He takes good care of us. It was a good choice for a Sunday movie, even though people died that the kids were mad about. Then killing time tonight watching some clips about football, dinosaur, and the Megalodon shark, you know, just teaching his boys about boy stuff. 

The lesson today at church was so great. The baby's grandma taught the lesson, and I read the lesson again last night with them and the baby on my mind, and wow it just all applies. We read Ether 2:24-25 together in the Sunday school class: 

24 For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth.

25 And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?

We all have great deeps to cross, but we can trust that God is with us! He will prepare me to cross my great deep. He has prepared baby Joseph's parents and family. We will find answers and comfort in the scriptures and in prayer. We can trust in God's plan for us. We are in his hands! The fact that baby Joseph was even born at all is a MIRACLE! Like every person who is successfully alive and breathing at this moment WON THE LOTTERY! Cause there are a million things that could go wrong at every stage of fetal development, not to mention conception, birth, and every stage of growth after we are alive and breathing. But here we are. God has given us life. We can't do it ourselves. We cannot make our eyes see or our ears hear or our tongues to taste or our stomachs digest or ANY OF THE OTHER Million of things going on RIGHT NOW in our cells and in each biological system of our bodies. As much as we and doctors try to save and preserve life and understand, ultimately God is the one doing it all. We can trust him. Even in death, that is not the end. This little baby's spirit knew exactly what he was coming to, and he was ok with it. And if he is taken home now, then he learned what he needed to through his short life experience. As Joseph Smith taught (who lost several of his own children in their infancy):

“I have meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that infants, innocent children, are taken away from us. … The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.”

Ok, so those have been some of the thoughts in my mind this weekend. We are praying for a miracle, and it already IS a miracle. 

Also, today was the final day of the Come Follow Me study of Ether 3, so before we said our prayer tonight and sent the kids to bed, I went downstairs and got out a year 2000 scrapbook where I had kept an important yellow paper that is important to me because of the miracle it represents and because of something that happened as I read Ether 3. 

It is a substitution/waiver form that I have saved from when I was getting ready to graduate from college. Summer at BYU, my graduation advisor was helping me make sure everything was ready for my Aug graduation with Corey, and I got a note in the Spring that I still needed one more Spanish class to fulfill the Advanced Language/Math GE requirement. I had just taken Spanish 321 during the winter semester, that Corey signed me up for when he was helping me with my schedule (I was still on my mission in Arizona when I applied). So, then I learn that that one didn't count for whatever reason. I needed Spanish 302. I talked to my advisor, I thought it was silly, he said that's just what the requirements are, but said to go ahead and try to appeal "but they like never approve substitutions..." He was nice to me and helpful, but also very doubtful and trying to be realistic for me. I took the form home so I could fill it out. Oh, and at this time, we had just moved away from BYU up to Sandy in the Pink house on 8181 S. 1000 E. (Not there anymore). So I was all worked up about ALL THE REASONS why this was way bad and inconvenient and unnecessary:

1. I already took a Spanish Class
2. We moved away and I had all my other classes online but I'd have to do this one in person
3. We didn't want to spend the $300-$400 on books for this class
4. I'd have to drive down a few times a week
5. I'd have to find a babysitter for baby Joseph (who was a few months old at the time, I was preg with Mel)
6. Money for gas

I was just overcome with frustration over this. But they probably aren't going to approve my appeal. The waiver had to be typed, not handwritten. I had to find a typewriter. I went to the library to rent one. I ended up not working. I cried in defeat. My parents ended up having a typewriter so I borrowed theirs. My spirits and faith were low, but as I looked to the scriptures for help, comfort, and answers, I read Ether 3. I felt that God was on my side, understood our situation, and could help me. I read Ether 3:2-5 outloud and substituted myself and my situation into the prayer.

2 O Lord, BYU hast said that I must take Spanish 302. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of her weakness before thee; for I know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that I am unworthy before thee; because of the fall my nature has become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten me because of my iniquity, and hast driven us forth through college, and for these many years we have been taking our classes; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from me, and suffer not that I shall have to take Spanish 302; but behold these waiver which I have typed up.

4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch the dean's heart, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare him that he may approve my petition; and I shall stay with my baby and take care of him and be able to graduate without having to go to BYU for this class. 

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. I know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.

So that is how I likened it. From verse 2, God had commanded me to pray so that I could get what I desired in a situation like this!! I prayed, I fasted, and I waited. I knew God had the power to make this substitution happen. GOD COULD DO THIS (kinda silly giving God a pep talk, lol, as if God's like "I don't know, this one seems like a long shot, but if you, little mortal Tiffanie, think I can, then maybe I'll give it a go..." Ha!) Summer classes started while I was still waiting to hear back, so I went to buy the books at the BYU Bookstore and went to the first day of class. I remember driving home on the freeway and crying and listening to Hillary Weeks sing "Be Still and Know that I am God." It was time for me to wait and be still. I remember when my graduation advisor called. He sounded so happy for me AND so surprised. He told me they had approved my appeal! I was so so so grateful, I hung up the phone and fell to my knees and thanked the Lord. It was a miracle to me, and I was so grateful. 

I always remember this experience of God working this miracle for me in the summer of 2000 when I read Ether 3:2-5. I'm glad I have this little paper to remember it by. I'm glad I've finally typed up this story. It's one that would have been on my "small plates" (like Nephi's Bow, Ball, and Boat experiences). I'm glad I was able to share it with my kids tonight, to tell them that answers can be found in the scriptures, and that sometimes God gives us what we desire! Still praying for sweet baby Joseph, for what we desire, according to God's will and plan for Joseph and his parent's family. (And dear Lord please bless Corey with his project at work!)

Quality Time

I spent quality time with Katharine today. My heart is feeling tender for a neighbor who had a baby boy yesterday, little Joseph, her 4th child. Her husband's parents are in our ward, and I've been texting the mom. She said that the baby's heart is too large and his oxygen intake is only 50%, doctors are not hopeful that he'll live. So hard, I can imagine a little bit but I know I can't. Praying for a miracle for them, and holding Katharine a little tighter today. After she watched a little bit of The Little Mermaid, I printed up a picture for her to color. But she wanted me to color it, while she tried to color on herself. 

She learned that colored pencils don't draw well on human skin. But they do work well for eating cheerios. 

She put cheerios in her skirt and at them one by one, sticking the pencils into the hole in the middle, while I kept coloring. 

After Ariel was done, she wanted me to do Eric, but I was done, so I distracted her with something else. For Owen, Daniel and Peter, today was backwards day. Peter tried it, but didn't like how his clothes fit that way. Owen was the only one who showed his school spirit. 

He even walked to the bus stop backwards! Hyrum came down to Provo for something and he was able to meet up with Melodie, Ethan and Bella, so that is fun for them to have quality time too! I'm glad my kids all have each other!

Corey is with Lily at her blues band, and Abi has the van at GMS, she dropped of Sophi and Natalie at a violin Christmas rehearsal on her way to GMS. Natalie is having friends over tonight after they get back, and I didn't have a car to take her to the store for some snacks, so she and I walked down to Smiths - more quality time! We talked on the way down, she walked on the barrier while I held her hand. Bought some soda and popcorn for that. On the way back home we were mostly quiet, cause we were tired and two liters of soda get heavy when you carry them for 30 minutes. And now it's 5:00, Owen Daniel and Peter are all playing with friends. I'm glad that they have friends. Katharine does too - yesterday she had a playdate with Becca at 9:30. I woke her up at 8:50 to give her breakfast before she went. Must have been too early cause then she took a major nap in the afternoon. Which worked out well cause I didn't get anything done while she was there playing (I went on a walk). 

K took a long nap, and then the boys all went to play with friends after school, and A&L went to work for my mom, S&N went to Wayne's to work, so yeah the house was quiet until 6. Good news for me - last night I finally finished blogging April at 10 pm. Now I gotta finish May - I have like 6 to do for May, that's my next goal. 

Royal Tea Party

The kids got lost in a game tonight. It was really cute. It reminded me of when the boys played "king and queen" with Abi and little Sophi. Today it started with Katharine taking a bath, and me washing both of her dresses, so there was nothing for her to wear. Natalie helped me out by scooping up Katharine and getting her excited about other clothes. Katharine chose her pink shirt and pink pants. Then Natalie let Katharine choose Natalie's outfit. She chose a pink dress and sparkly shoes. Then the both put bows in their hair. Soon Katharine chose bows for the boys hair too. And she chose a baby for each of them (but a cup of raisins for herself)

I was in my room stretching and trying to come up with some inspiration for my winter exercise plan, when Abi came in dressed up in a robe and a white paper crown. I came out to see they were having a royal tea party in Katharine's room. 

Katharine still eating away on raisins. 

Abi came in as the king, who was coming to choose a bride. I got a video of some of their playing ~

I left and missed the wedding, but they took pics for me. Peter was the presiding priest. 

Abi chose Katharine to be her bride. Katharine changed her clothes to get ready for her wedding day. And Abi gave her quite the smooch on the lips!

They had fun and we had fun laughing with them. 

Work and Rest

Joseph texted us about the BYU Devotional for today - Lessons on Endurance by J. Ty Hopkins. Ty Hopkins spoke a lot about mountain biking! Joseph warned "It might inspire you to the extreme". And it did for me. I've never heard of the Tour Divide before, and wow. It says self supported, but I'm open to exploring it if Corey and I do it as a couple. I guess we can do what we want! My biggest concern is grizzly bears, yikes! (2nd to last pic). That might enough to keep me away. Corey'd prob need to be retired first. But that was fun to listen to and I was inspired, but dang, talk about breaking your body. It went along with thoughts I've had along with my lesson on Sunday, about offering God our heart, and so often it says to offer him a broken heart. I used to think that was a humble, repentant heart, and is is those tings, but maybe it's also really broken? Like a kid giving a parent a toy for a present, a toy that the parent had likely originally given to them, and it doesn't work anymore, it's broken, and they can't fix it. A little scribbled drawing like Jörg Klebingat talks about in his BYU devotional The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Judgment Day, and You (see 21:40) The important thing is that we are still willing to COME to HIM. Pick up the crayon and TRY.

So there's some of my spiritual thoughts from today. This morning I woke up on my own around 4, which I thought was cool, cause I had a 5am temple appointment. I got ready, left for temple at 4:20,  had time to sit in quiet and read scriptures (read D&C 109), did 5 names, decided to go to the celestial room, was able to do all that and still made it back shortly after 6 to make breakfast and wake up kids. Go me. I shoveled driveway, took Churchill carpool, but was feeling tired on the drive home, had to slap my face. Got home at 8 and then it's time to wake the boys. Owen gets up on his own and is dressed and ready to go sometimes at 7:30. He was up and ready this morning. It's funny though, cause after he eats he'll just walk around waiting for time to pass. I've been trying to remind him he can use this time to do his read homework or do chores and get his tasks done. He is doing better at that. Daniel and Peter struggle to get up and going. Peter is on the bottom bunk, so it's easier to get him out of bed cause I can poke him. Daniel will lay there and 15-20 minutes just blinking in a daze. 

Do you like the decorations they did on their bed a while ago? I don't like it, but it's fine - it's off the floor. They both like it so I decided to just leave it be. They've got these plastic chains crossing over so they could hang stuff - a drawing (behind Peter's blanket), Daniel's beach ball, an ice cream bucket full of toys, etc. Kinda funny. Cute boys, but they do kinda kill me with how slow they are. It was snowing by the time for school so Daniel and Peter outfitted themselves with snowpants, boots, coats, the works. Made them a little late. K was still asleep, so I left her home with Corey, dropped the boys off at the bus stop, and took Corey's car and left with Sophi to get a Tdap shot at 9. There were a few texts going back from neighborhood mom's that the bus was stuck and late, and when I was shoveling and when we were running into the hospital from the parking lot, the snow was super wet and heavy. I was thinking the boys were probably totally soaked. They told me about their adventure later tonight. The bus was late, and Molly's mom came to the rescue picking up all the kids, piling them in her car and taking them to school. I was glad that they weren't out there for 30 minutes! That was what time I was back home. I was glad that her shot was quick. We got back home and then Corey took her to school. Then I took a nap while K kept sleeping, she didn't wake up until 11, yay, that was helpful. The rest of the day I was kinda sluggish, didn't help that Abi made cookies. I scarfed a few of those down, then they helped me finish shoveling driveway, I've done a bit of blogging while the girls play Christmas music. Their music is always too loud for me. Esp the All I want for Christmas is You - I feel like saying "I hate that stupid song" Katharine drew on her doll again. 

And all over her own arm. She's exploring drawing on walls and toys and herself, so she's right on track for being a two year old. Good news, I coated her dress with spray and wash and was relieved that it all came out of her dress, yay. Going to go try and take care of kids for a bit now. 

"Last Ride"

Corey and I were watching the weather this weekend and it was 60 today! And forecast says there will be snow tomorrow. So... this is our last chance! Thus we took another "last ride" today. We did a repeat of our Saturday ride, parking a bit before the tollbooth, riding up to the Rattlesnake Gulch trailhead, up the switchbacks to the Pipeline trail. Today we took it west to the peak at the beginning of the canyon, then turned around and rode it all the way east until we got to the elbow! It was a serious climb. 15.68 miles, 1781 elevation gain. Took us 2 hours 10 minutes. Here we are at the elbow, with sunset upon us, and so we've just got 10-20 minutes to make it back to the car before dark. Luckily that's pretty easy via the road.

Let's keep it under 30 mph, allright? I was surprised to see the road was not plowed. We were riding in a winter wonderland! We were glad the trail e climbed up on the north side of the mountain wasn't snow covered like this. But it felt kinda hardcore, so it was fun. We didn't slip and slide. 

And when we got to Maple Grove where a winter gate was blocking off the road to cars. Ah ha. So I learned that this is the Millcreek Canyon Nordic Track in the winter. Fun! Someday maybe we'll get fat bikes and do winter riding around here. So we were riding for 2 plus hours, plus the car drive out and back. We also went to Macey's to get a treat for FHE. So, we were gone for a bit. Corey said we should probably stop pretending that we're retired. But we've got good babysitters, so it's ok, right? As we pulled up we were a bit surprised by what was happening at home with our children. Owen was throwing the carved pumpkins from his open window onto the driveway. 

"Hey Owen, don't do that. Close your window" He pointed out that a pumpkin was stuck on the roof. Corey said he'd get it. Ahhh, I'm glad Peter and Daniel weren't in there with Owen, they might have gotten a little too excited over the open window. Ugh, so, calmly bring them back inside. Daniel went out to help Owen put all the pumpkin pieces in the garbage. Another mess that was waiting for us - Katharine drew on her dress. I wouldn't have really minded this IF she was open to wearing other dresses to church. So we'll see what this Sunday looks like, if she: wears a nightgown, wears a colored on dress (Maybe spray and wash will get it out? but I doubt it) or maybe something new? Pretty please Katharine? 

Aww what a sweet little face. We have trouble standing up to her. She drew on her baby too, all over the face. I was glad that washed off with the magic eraser, yay.

Otherwise this baby would shortly be retired to the trash. Cause I kinda hate toys with pen or marker all over their faces. (see Lily's baby and Woody). I got that fixed, Baby will have to deal with blue clothes now, cause I'm not sure if that will come out in the wash. Then we got dinner and dessert ready. I picked up Pumpkin cream rolls and butter pecan ice cream and caramel, and we made a fall dessert. Kids approved. 

Kids ate it as they cut out leaves for our Thankful Tree that I made today, you can see it on the coat closet door behind Daniel.

Boys were still proudly wearing BYU Blue today and feeling thankful for that holding call, haha. Abi stayed home sick today, her sleeping with K on the floor this morning, where the essential oil diffuser peppermint can try to help her congestion. 

K loves to sleep with Abi. So with Abi home, I was tempted to try and go on a ride solo earlier during the day around 11, cause I wasn't sure if Corey and I could get our act together to go together, but I'm glad we did. It was good. Corey had taken the van, I loaded up our bikes on his car at home, and brought A&K along with me in Corey's car, we met at Skyline to pick up Lily from school, then ALK switched over to the van and Abi drove them back home, and Corey and I went to the canyon for our ride. Glad we got one last ride in. I've got a 5 am appointment at the Jordan River temple for initiatories in the morning. Years ago, when we were in the "pink house" and I had JMEH at home, the only time I could go was Tuesday mornings at 5 am, and I remember I really liked going at a set time each week when I knew I wouldn't be missed at home, so excited to give that a go again. 

BYU vs Utah

We stayed up late last night/this morning (2am) watching the BYU-Utah game, and wow that crazy. 

BYU won 22-21, and once again it came down to the last minute. Ethan had two tickets and so he and Bella were at the game. Fun for them!

He was also able to give us a live feed from the stands, like the U's student section chanting f BYU and f the Mormons. Near the end of the game, aka midnight, Ethan and Bella wanted to beat traffic so they left quickly after the quarter back got sacked on a 4th down and it looked like it was game over. Yet this is a big rivalry game, and much like 2006, it ain't over till it's over, not even with seconds on the clock! Here's the last 3 minutes of the game if you haven't seen it. Ethan didn't stay long enough to know that there was a holding call on that play (at 1:20), which gave BYU their 1st down and kept the game alive. They were confused to tune in, as they were driving home along Foothill Blvd, and learn the game was still going? and that BYU had possession?? Corey and the kids stayed over at Wayne's watching the game until past midnight. Most of the kids fell asleep but Corey's screaming "GO GO GO GO!!!!" woke them up. They've never seen their father like that. Kick is good! (4:10) I stayed home trying to work on a lesson I was giving today in Relief Society (on Bishop Burge's talk) but for the last few minutes of the game, I tuned in via KSL radio. When I heard all the screaming after the kick I thought he must have missed, but no, there were enough BYU fans in the crows that that was them screaming. It was a game full of passion on both sides. Also crazy how in the final minutes, BYU called a time out, but the officials didn't hear it cause the stadium was so loud. Comment from instagram - this one talking about people saying their prayers tonight: "Thankful for this day. Thankful for that holding call..." "The church became true again in that last minute. First 3 quarters had me questioning..."

Comments about the game: "That was not pretty but I'll take it" "Our worst game yet and they STILL couldn't beat us" "I thought nothing good happens after midnight. They lied." By the time Corey and kids got home, the game highlights were on youtube, so we watched that. 

Fun to see both teams in full colors!

Re-living the highs and lows of the game. We're grateful BYU came out on top this year! I'm not sure how Owen would have handled a loss. Lily made this picture for him. I don't think she knew the significance of the number 26.

Ethan said that when Owen turns 26 we all need to go out to eat, haha. Ethan and Mel shared the BYUROC instagram page which showed the party in the streets that was going on in Provo. Sports Illustrated article today by Joe Wheat was funny. "Students flooded the streets of Provo until 5 am and were still in their seats for 9:00 am church." Comments in Instagram and on youtube made us laugh too. "The crazy thing about this is everyone's sober!" On the internet, commentators have been calling this "the holy war" including in that SI article. As we were reading it, Corey said "No one calls it 'The holy war'..." They're trying to get people to call it that. Then after a pause he said "... but if it is a holy war, they should be the infidels..." Haha! We were laughing. Well, some of us were sleeping. Daniel snuggled up on Bella.

It was a long evening for little girls.

We left everyone to sleep where they fell. So it was a fun day yesterday. A few other details from yesterday - after our date on Friday night (Aubergine in Draper), Corey and I went by Harmons and got stuff for a nice sit down breakfast. Peter asked me this past week if we could ever eat at the table again, which pricked my mother heart and let me know I've been slacking on sit down dinners. So this was a first step to make that up to him. Corey made crepes and whipped some cream, we got out nutella and strawberry jam.  I cooked sausage, put clementines into a bowl, and cut up Lucy apples! (Discovered them this past Monday at Wellness night, and yay I did find them at Harmons!) They are yummy! I currently enjoy them as much as Pink Lady apples. While we were getting food ready, we turned on the Cougar Fight Song. Owen, who is always our first one up, was all dressed and ready for the game tonight, and he came dancing down the stairs doing a little dance. I laughed, made him go do it again so I could record. He's fun. I'm not sure where  this little 9 year old learns these moves. Ok, breakfast time!

Chore went well yesterday. Hopefully they'll keep it up, and if kids are helping me out, then I can start focusing on meals a bit more. 

Abi left for GMS, and after breakfast the girls went back to bed. That was a little disappointing. When I got them up (after 11:30) I told them this was not what I was going for. Corey and I went through this extra effort to help us all get up and going. We'll try that next week. Kids eventually did their chores and practiced. They were done at 3, and then they went to Wayne's house to rake leaves before watching the game. 

I'm glad they were able to help. 

While they were raking, Corey and I went on a bike ride, cause it was in the low 50s today, yay! We drove to Millcreek canyon, parked before the pay booth, biked up to Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead, and then up to Pipeline. We were able to bike it all the day to the Birch Hollow Trailhead, close to Porter Fork. It was muddy in a few spots, but mostly really good for November and we were grateful to be able to get out. Then I dropped Corey off at Wayne's and I took the bikes home and worked on the RS lesson. Kids eating pizza last night:

Then they watched a Bourne movie and then it was game time. Mel came up to watch the game with them.

So it's been fun processing the game today. Mel, Ethan and Bella all slept over last night and have been hanging out today. Girls in their favorite past time together - watching reels. 

I took a long nap, I was tired cause of the 2 am bedtime and then I got up at 7:30 to finish lesson thoughts. I was glad Mel was here to be my replacement while I slept. Ethan and Bella headed back around 6 and Mel is still hanging out with us. We love having college kids home and it's fun to have three at BYU right now and to be able to cheer for their team. Way to go BYU. Even Katharine learned last night how to jump up and down and shout "B-Y-U! B-Y-U!" That was fun