General Conference Weekend!

The week was mostly usual.  I had some sort of cold or something during the week - mostly I just felt icky and tired and sick - I had a fever for a bit - but thankfully I was starting to feel better by Friday after a blessing from Dan and a nice hot bath and a good nights sleep.  And by Saturday, I was totally ready for an amazing weekend!  

David found the crochet doll stuff and so he dressed James' doll up and laid out the doll with his pillow and blanket and then laid himself out with another doll pillow and blanket set and pretended to go to sleep.  It was too cute!  

Thursday we didn't have choir practice because of spring break (though our school district doesnt have one) but it worked out well since Anna had a cross country meet that night and I felt awful and just wanted to lay down and sleep.  

Friday, I was feeling better finally, We went down to the zoo with some friends.  The weather was about perfect for it!  It was sunny and warm, but not too hot.  The zoo was pretty quiet since it's a school day and all in all - it was a really fun day!  We looked at dinosaurs, and tigers and flamingos and saw the bird show.  Everyone had fun!  We got home just in time for me to go get the older kids.  David never napped on the way home though, so he was rather cranky and tired that night...  

After getting the kids down, we had some friends over to play games.  We had a lot of fun with them and ate yummy food and played fun games. 

Saturday was the beginning of General Conference.  Anna and I went to work out with my mom, but we left in time to get back home for the first session.  The whole thing was just wonderful!!!  The talks and music were so uplifting!  There will be some amazing changes for the youth programs of the church - and I left the women's session on Saturday night feeling like my heart was full to bursting - so grateful for the guidance of a prophet and for an amazing husband and amazing kids!  I am so blessed!  Sunday talks were also amazing - So many wonderful and powerful messages.  This weekend has just been so great!  The kids mostly did a good job with listening and not being too loud.  David is getting able to play quietly near by for a bit now and after, we were able to have a conversation with them about what they loved about conference and what they learned.  And they answered and remembered and discussed and it was wonderful!  I love General Conference weekends!! 

Lots of fun!

We had a busy week.  Eileen and Aaron both had orthodontist appointments - just an evaluation to figure out what needed to be done and when.  Eileen was not crazy about the idea of braces, but she seemed ok with the invisalign idea... we'll see.  David loved the appointments - he got to play with fun new toys and the ladies in the office all love him - of course.

Wednesday was a combined activity for the youth and their leaders and parents - it was to prepare us for the changes coming to the youth and children't programs of the church.  It was a great fireside! 

I gave the sister's a ride to exchanges this week and the new sister in our ward was Bianca's (Soeur Jones) companion while she was in Oklahoma!

Rehearsal was great on Thursday, we have one new first soprano this year and I got to sing next to her this week - and it was wonderful - she was so easy and fun to sing next to! 

Anna had a busy babysitting weekend.  She had babysitting jobs on Friday and Saturday night.  I think she enjoyed it - but she was tired when she got home. 

Saturday was a rather crazy day - Anna had a cross country meet, I worked out with Sandi and Mom, Evie had a birthday party, Anna was babysitting, and Dan and I went to dinner and a movie with some friends of ours.  The movie was interesting - not great, but not bad. 

Today during the second hour of church, we met together in the chapel to learn about the new program.  It will be centered on helping the children and youth come to Christ and take responsibility for their own growth - spiritual, intellectual, physical and social.  I love how it focuses on helping the kids make goals and achieve them! 

We had the Perkins family over for dinner tonight and had a fun time chatting with them.  The kids all had a fun time running around and making noise. 

The big 1-0

It's been a fun and busy week.  Dan was still out of town on Monday.  Anna was walking in the Anna homecoming parade, so we dropped her off then all headed over to watch the parade.  We ran into a bunch of others from the ward, so we all hung out out together to support the schools - i think everyone had fun but Eileen.  Eileen told me she would rather be working ahead on school work than be there for the parade...  

I wanted Evie to have something for her birthday, so that night after prayers and such, Evie lit and blew out one candle on a little bundt cake - then we all ate some!

On Tuesday when Dan got home, the got to open her first present - David has been trying to lay claim to it all week.  He loves stuffies. 

On Wednesday, Dan took her to pick out a new bike - she has needed one for awhile - her old one was way too small and not working well anyway.  She is so excited!  Now she wants to ride her bike all the time. 

David found Dan's chanter this week - he thinks it's the greatest thing ever - the cutest part is that after playing it, he wipes off the mouthpiece on his shirt!

This cute little stinker figured out how to climb out of his bed this week, so now he naps and sleeps all over the boys room - including James' bed and under the old changing table. 

Friday night, Dan and I went to the temple, we did some initiatories, then went out for dinner before heading home. 

Saturday morning was the practice for the primary program - it went pretty well - the kids were so cute.  We spent the afternoon getting ready for Evelyn's party, the around 5:30 her friends came over for pizza and popcorn and a movie and cake and ice cream of course.  It was just a small party, but lots of fun!

The primary program was today - the kids did amazingly well!  The sang wonderfully, they were so well behaved!  Evie accompanied one of the songs and did an amazing job - she performed in front of tons of people and did great!!!  She played so well, that some people didn't even realize at first that is was a primary kid playing instead of our usual pianist!  My dad came up to see the program - it was so nice to see him and so nice to have family nearby to come and watch. 

This evening, we got to go to a baptism of an amazing couple who have been investigating the church for awhile now - it was so wonderful!!!! 

the big 4 - 0

David and I kept busy this week with running errands and the usual laundry and playing and reading and such.  We met up with Dan for lunch and had a fun time together.  We had a blast having our friend Dana and her cute kids over for lunch on Friday.  David just loves her daughter - and he regularly asks when he can play with Addie again.  They had a great time playing together and we had a great time chatting.  During nap time, I got some working out in and some doll house furniture worked on - the bed is almost done - I just need to finish the painting job and then work on the mattress. 

Saturday was my birthday!  We spent the morning cleaning the church and then we got donuts for breakfast.  Then we spent some time cleaning the house.  Dan threw me a birthday party - we had yummy treats and played games and had a great time!  For my birthday, Dan got my piano repaired.  The only down side is that it will take a week to fix, and it's not use-able in the meantime  :)  It's going to be so nice having the pedal and stuff fixed! 

Church was wonderful - I ended up having to play the organ again today - it was a bit rough, but we survived - we had picked the songs based on our usual organist playing, so they were harder than I would probably have picked on my own - but I made it!  Primary was a bit crazy, but good - I'm beginning to stress a bit about the program next week - but it will be fine.... I hope! 

This afternoon, the kids and I played games and did some painting and crocheting and such.  We had a great evening talking about the gospel - I was amazed at how much the kids remembered this week - they all remembered stuff from Sacrament meeting too! 

Dan took off this afternoon for a business trip to San Jose - he will only be gone until Tuesday, but Evie is a bit bummed about him being gone for her birthday - but he asked her first and she said ok while trying to milk as much out of him in return as possible! 

Bad Mommy

I apparently didn't take any pictures this week....  No Bueno.... 

Monday was Labor Day.  We had some friends over in the morning for swimming and eating yummy food.  Then for dinner, we went to another friends house for more yummy food and fun and games.  It was a great day and we had a fun time hanging out with friends! 

Tuesday was back to the usual school days.  Eileen's schedule is finally getting settled for school. 

Wednesday was mutual for Eileen and Anna - I went with them to have time to practice the organ.  I'm kinda planning on needing that for the foreseeable future.  At least through the new year.  :)  It's been fun though - fun learning a new skill and fun doing something difficult. 

Thursday was the first day back for choir.  Eileen, Anna and I picked up a couple friends and headed down to choir.  It was a lot of fun - I always love the first couple rehearsals.  I love getting to sing new songs and sight read.  I love getting to sing again after a break.  And really - I just love to sing!  It was a fun rehearsal and I hope the kids had a good time as well. 

Friday, we went to the temple with some friends from the ward.  We went to dinner first and then we went to the temple.  It was a great night! 

Saturday morning, Anna had a cross country meet - she did great.  Evie tried to do the 1 mile fun run - but it was hot and she got too tired part way through and ended up getting driven back in a golf cart.  :)  She was fine - but it was really hot and a mile is a long way for her still.  I had an organ workshop in the morning - it was great - I got some great tips and some good ideas to help me get better.  Then I took kids to the library and Dan got the grocery shopping done.  Then we went to the pool for a little while while Dad got dinner ready - finally Dan and I had the adult session of Stake Conference in the evening.  We had a great day - but crazy busy!  After, Dan and I went to the Malt Shop with some friends and had a fun time chatting and eating! 

Stake Conference general session was this morning and it was wonderful.  The talks were wonderful and then we had a great time talking about it and talking about the gospel with the kids after lunch.  In the evening after dinner, we went over to the Hubbards for dessert and had fun chatting and eating yummy cake! 

Family Time

It's been a busy week.  I picked the sister missionaries up to take them home from District Council and got to see my amazing niece Bianca - a.k.a. Soeur Jones.  It was so wonderful to see her - even if just for a little bit!  

Tuesday I met with the new cub scout leaders briefly to get things ready for cub scouts!  It's going to be great for the boys!  

David loves getting to say prayers - so after family prayers one night, he wanted to say his own prayer.  He is such a sweet little boy!  

Wednesday evening, I took the girls in to Young Womens so that I could practice on the organ while I waited

Now it's mostly him and I at home during the day - Eileen is around, but busy with school work.  We spend a lot of time reading and singing songs and coloring and playing.  He's so cute - he even knows to clean up the toys he's playing with before he gets out new ones!  

 Thursday afternoon, I drove the sisters again for exchanges - I love being able to serve and help them out!  Then in the evening, we met Grandma and Aunt Sandi and Kai for pedicures.  We chatted about how we are going to do Grandma's doll house, and life in general, then we headed over to Panera for dinner.  It was a fun evening together! 

We always take a "toes picture" after, but we forgot this time, so we took it on Saturday:)  

Friday, Dan and I dropped Evie off for a Sleep over with Kai, and then Dan and I went on a date.  We went and walked around a huge game store!  We had fun together and picked up a new game.  Then we played it when we got home - it's a lot of fun!  

Saturday morning, Anna, Sandi, Mom and I went to work out, then we headed back to my parents house where Dan was waiting with the rest of the kids.  Some of the kids spent some time in the pool - but it was not a particularly hot day, so they ended up back inside snuggled up watching Mary Poppins Returns by the time we got back.  

Mom, Sandi, Anna and I spent the rest of the morning working on the doll house - stripping the old wall paper, and flooring and curtains and cleaning it out.  It had gotten rather dusty and cobweb-y.  Then we spent some time deciding how to proceed.  We are going to start with the master bedroom area and then see from there.  I'm excited to get started on this! 

In the evening, Dan and the older girls went with the rest of the Youth to the temple.  They had a wonderful time!  When they got home, I headed to the church to practice some more and prepare for playing the organ some more.  It went well - the prelude, not so much, but my practicing payed off!  Primary went well and then I got home exhausted and slept.  This week has been a bit nuts and I was feeling way behind on sleep.  After was dinner and scriptures and prayers and phone calls to Grandma and Grandpa Jones.  Then some fun game time with Aaron, Eileen and Anna after the younger kids went to bed. 

Fun at home

Well school is back in full swing.  Anna is running every morning and Aaron has started showing an interest in running too - he has been running in the evenings too.  Anna took Aaron and Evie out for a run Saturday morning before we went to work out with my mom.  

David has discovered the joys of helping mommy and daddy cook.  He grabbed the stool and helped me make dinner on Monday - it was so cute - he stirred so carefully and so well!  

Wednesday for mutual, was the seminary kick off - so next week begins early mornings for Dan and Eileen.  I don't think Eileen is looking forward to early mornings, but I think Seminary will be good for her!  

Saturday was a busy day.  Anna and I went to work out with my mom in the morning, and Dan took the other kids to the library, then we all met up at Whataburger for lunch to use the kids coupons from the Summer reading program.  

Then we headed home and did some house cleaning and re-arranging.  We moved David up into the boys room.  Part of him hates it and part of him likes being in the room with the big boys - but he was mad to find out that he didn't get a big boy bed too - he still had to sleep in his crib.  Eileen went to a Stake Youth Dance.  They set up a couple rooms with games and the older Call kids went, so Eileen was willing to go and she ended up having a good time!  I'm so glad both that she was willing to give it a try and that she had fun! 

Today was wonderful!  We went to church in my Dad's ward to hear him talk in Sacrament Meeting.  It was a wonderful meeting and a wonderful talk.  Then we went to my parents house for an early dinner and had a great afternoon chatting together.  Then we went to our friend's house for dinner.  They had family there too and we had a fun evening chatting with Susie's dad who told us his conversion story - Eileen, Anna, Dan and I really enjoyed listening to him!  

Back to School

This week has been totally insane.  Getting ready for school and starting school and everything was rather busy!  Monday was laundry day of course, plus we had friends over to go swimming in the morning.  Then in the evening was meet the teacher for the elementary school kids.  

Tuesday we had piano lessons in the morning and Dan had a seminary meeting in the evening.  I also took school pictures for the kids.  We had fun taking them - Evie loves to pose for the camera and David wouldn't sit still, but it was fun! 

Wednesday was the first day back to school - for the 4 kids in the middle anyway.  I dropped them off and David and I were left to entertain each other.  Eileen is home schooling this year, so I dropped the ball on a back to school picture since she didn't go back to anywhere!  She started on Thursday and she and I spent Thursday and Friday doing orientation and evaluations and such.  

Eileen and Anna also had a young women's activity on Wednesday evening and Anna had a volleyball parent meeting - Anna also had sports most mornings.  

Friday, Anna had a cross country meet in the evening, and we went to a baptism in the evening.

Saturday morning, we headed down to my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday and swim and eat lunch.  We had fun playing together - Koopa had fun playing with Wicket, but got nervous anytime one of us went out the garage door.  We got some news that may lead to some changes in the next couple of years, but it's not something I can post here yet.  

After, we went home, got ready and and left the four younger kids home with a babysitter while we took Eileen and Anna and met up with my dad at the temple.  We had a wonderful time doing baptisms and then went to Chili's for dinner.  We had a wonderful time together - It's so wonderful being together and doing the ordinances that will help bind our family together.  After, I took the babysitter home and ran by the church to spend some time practicing the organ for me Sacrament meeting debut. 

Church was crazy.  The talks given were really wonderful - the messages and spirit there was amazing.  I survived on the organ - I didn't mess things up too badly and it was kind of exciting to try something new for me.  Then I headed to primary to play for primary.  It was a great morning, but a little stressful.  After, Dan did some ministering, we played some games and then we went to have dinner with some friends.  After we came back home and talked some about what we had learned in our scripture study this week, then the younger kids went to bed, and we played Clue with Anna and Eileen.  The girls kicked our backsides.... 

Thankfully next week is looking a bit less crazy as we begin to settle into the new school year.  Hopefully people will have figured out the drop-off lines this week and we can spend a little less time picking up and dropping off kids. 

Almost back to school

I can't believe summer is almost over - I'm going to miss these kids when they go back to school!  And David is REALLY going to miss them!   This week has been mostly quiet.  We had the usual stuff going on, but otherwise, we spent most of our week at home enjoying the pool and the summer before school starts. 

It was really fun Friday night, the whole family went to the pool together and we had a great time.  I taught Anna some water polo stuff and Dan spent his time wrestling the inner tubes away from the kids.  Much fun was had by all, and I got a bit sore from the work out :) 

Monday night, we had friends join us for FHE and we had fun chatting and eating yummy cakes! 

Saturday we had friends over for dinner and games.  We had a fun evening eating nachos and playing games together.  We are so blessed to have made some wonderful friends here!  The kids all had a blast together, so the adults actually got to play a game together too!  Apparently I did poorly at talking pictures this week - but I'll do better next week - I have to, school starts on Wednesday.... 

We actually had to sit down and get everything on the calendar this week - summer has been mostly slow, and we've sometimes been a bit lazy - but the calendar is packed full this week.  Ready or not....

More Summer Fun

Well, sadly summer is coming to an end - we are less than 2 weeks from the start of school.  So part of this week was spent getting ready for school.  Wednesday, we did the cub scout summer swim party - the boys had a great time, and we had a lot of fun swimming and making new friends.   Wednesday afternoon was spent getting the kids all registered at schools - We had to fill out stuff online, fill out paperwork and then bring the paper work into the school and spend way too much time at each school getting them registered to start a new year... but at least they got a free Anna t-shirt...  And at least I only had to go to 3 different schools this year instead of the 4 I will have to go to next year...  

David being silly - he would put on Anna's shoes and then pretend to fall down in them - it was pretty funny - he likes to put on a show during scripture time at night...  Thursday evening, Dan and the girls went down with the ward youth to go to the temple.  They had a wonderful time both doing baptisms and also learning a bit about the temple itself. 

Friday was our anniversary - 17 years - it's crazy, because it we've been married for 17 years, we must be getting old...  Dan and I celebrated by going to the temple and then out to dinner at On the Border.  It was a great way to spend our anniversary - I'm so glad to be married to such an amazing man - he is a wonderful husband and father who sets a great example to his children. 

During the day, while David was napping, we pulled out the old Easy Bake oven and had fun making treats together.   I think the kids had a great time and it passed some time and had us all together in the kitchen. 

Saturday was a fun day - Anna and I went to work out with Sandi and my mom, then we headed home for lunch before going to the library.  Eileen and Anna had a Stake Youth swim party in the evening and had a great time

Sunday was wonderful - we had a great fast and testimony meeting.  David loves to lead the music - while Anna was playing piano, he directed us and of course, sang along!  

He also loves to make music any way he can - he found his sisters ukulele and had a great time singing and playing.  

Yea for cooler weather!

We've had a fun week.  The weather cooled down this week so it wasn't so miserable being outside - that said, we kept going to the pool and finding that it was cooler than we were used to - and the kids would get cold and not want to stay very long! 

David would run around with this little bow that James got shouting "pew pew"  And it was just too cute!  

Tuesday and Thursday, we were babysitting some friends for a bit and we went to the pool with them, but the kids all got cold, so by the time their mom came to get them, they were ready to go.  We still had fun playing with friends.  Thurdsay was a bit warmer than Tuesday though and Evie had her neighborhood friends there too, so she braved it out for 3 hours.  After that I made her get out telling her that I had to get home. 

Wednesday was still a relatively cool day for July in Texas, so we headed down to the zoo.  Anna brought her friend with her and we had a fun day together.  Anna's legs were hurting her by the end of the day though and she was in some pain that evening.  She has been getting up and running on most mornings and then doing her strength and conditioning class most days, so between that and a day walking around the zoo - she was done. 

Friday we had a mostly quiet day.  I had to run some errands, but otherwise, we took it easy after a busy week.  Saturday morning, Anna and I went to work out with Grandma - Mark just about killed me - I can hardly walk today...  I did find out that the gym my mom got me a membership for so I could work out with her also had a place just a couple miles from me, so I can start using that during the day while David is napping. 

Church was wonderful - our friends the Hubbards did a musical number and it was beautiful!  Primary was fun as usual and after we had a mostly quiet afternoon - David slept really well.  I took a bit of a nap too.  In the evening we had some friends over from the ward and had a fun time eating and playing games! 

HOT HOT HOT!

Well it finally really feels like a Texas summer - I guess it had to happen at some point!  I'm so grateful to have access to a pool!  We had a Activity Day Girls Pool party on Wednesday- the girls had a blast and so did David!  He especially loved the yummy snacks! 

Thursday, we went out on the boat with Grandpa and brought Evie's friend along.  We had a fun time on the tube and I got to spend a little bit of time on skiis.  When we went in to drop grandpa off and wait for him to get the boat trailer, we found ourselves being followed by ducks - some adults and some adolescents.  And more and more kept appearing.  By the time my dad got the trailer into the water, we had more than 20 ducks following us - I was afraid of running over them, but it was so funny to watch!  I felt like a big mama duck with all her little ducklings following behind! 

Friday, Dan went on a treat binge - he had Aaron and Anna making Rice Krispie Treats and Eileen and I dipping strawberries into chocolate, and he made and angel food cake.  He ran into the Hubbards at Walmart and dragged them over to help us eat some of it.  :)  It was great, we always have fun with them!  

Saturday night, Dan and I went to the temple with the Tolberts.  It was so good to see them again! We went out for dinner together after and had a great time chatting.  Such a wonderful place to be with wonderful people!  

Church today was great, but a little crazy - Dan was speaking and I was directing music, so the Hubbards were kind enough to sit with our kids and keep them in line!  Then in primary, things were a bit crazy, but it's primary, so they usually are!  In the evening, we had the Hubbards over again - to help eat the angel food cake and dinner and chat and have fun.  

Hot Fun in the Summertime

This week has been hot and fun!  We spent lots of time at the pool together and with friends.  David loves going to the pool and he loves his floaties.  It's so fun watching him.  

We of course had to get our free slurpees on 7/11 - we walked down (and picked up a friend on the way) and grabbed ourselves some cold treats! 

Diane, Eileen and I went to visit Erica - we are her ministering sisters.  We had a fun time chatting and hanging out together.  Diane and I also discovered that we grew up in the same area and were in the same stake and that she knows Sandi.  It's funny how small a world it can be sometimes. 
We also met up with another sister we minister to at the splash pad on Friday.  It's been fun to get to know them a bit better! 

Saturday was a usual busy day.  Anna and I went to work out in the morning - Mark decided to kick our butts since it had been awhile and now I'm sore!  But it was good!  After that, Eileen and Anna and I went to help out with the clothing swap, then we headed home for a quick snack before Dan took some kids to the library, and I took the rest to the pool.  I took my water polo ball with me and I've been having fun throwing the ball around with the kids. 

Church today was wonderful!  The Sacrament meeting talks were amazing and Singing time went well in Primary.  Our afternoon and evening was full of fun and family <3 p="">

Happy 4th of July!

We've had a fun and busy week.  Monday was the usual laundry day.  Tuesday was a usual day.  Some of the kids had check ups - they are doing well and growing up way too fast.  I've started getting accustomed to the fact that Eileen and Anna are teenagers and look like it, but now Aaron is starting to look older and even Evie when she got dressed up for church this week looked way too grown up.  

Wednesday, we spent the evening at the pool with the Johnsons, and then invited them over for dinner.  We had a fun evening.  Eileen and Anna didn't have a youth activity, it was cancelled.  So we had a nice evening at home together.  

Thursday morning was the 4th of July ward breakfast.  They asked me to sing the national anthem to start us off, then we had a yummy breakfast and had fun games.  We had fun doing sack races and playing on the playground and in the splash pad.  Eileen kept to herself, and went home early (most of the kids rode their bikes) but overall, we had a fun morning.  The rest of the day was pretty normal (though it felt like a Saturday since Dan was home.)  In the evening, we watched the fireworks from an upstairs window with the kids for a little bit, then sent them to bed.  

Friday was long and busy, but fun.  We got up to got to David and James' checkups, both are doing well.  Then we headed down to the lake to meet up with my Dad and Sandi and spend some time on the boat.  The lake was busy and rather choppy, so mostly the kids had fun on the tube, but I went out on water skis - the water was no good for wake boarding, but skiing was do-able.  We had a fun time and went home tired and happy.  After we got home and changed, Dan and I went to the temple with some friends and then went to dinner with them after.  We had a fun evening with them and dinner and it's always wonderful to be in the temple! 

Saturday morning, Anna and I headed out to do our Bob Ross Painting class. We were there pretty much all day - but we had a good time and came home with a couple of pretty neat paintings that are still drying....  It was really neat, and I was surprised by what really was as easy as he makes it look and what wasn't. 

Church today was wonderful, but I was still a bit burnt out from the long weekend, so I took a nap after church.  Then in the evening, we had some new ward members over for dinner - they have a little girl about David's age, so I'm looking forward to some play dates when the kids go back to school.