Tired....

It has been a crazy busy week!!  Tuesday, after school and piano lessons, Aaron had his Band night - so we got to go listen to the 6th graders and hear what they have learned so far - the band program here really is amazing.  Anna was also there volunteering and helping with set up and take down.  

Wednesday morning, I picked up David's friend Addie to take them to the playground.  We had to interrupt the play time to run back to the house and use the potty, because the ones there were not use-able - but we headed back after and they kids had a great time together!  After, I took her home and we stayed and chatted for a bit and had some lunch there.  It was fun!  Then in the evening, the kids all had their various activities - Evie had fun making purses with with the girls and the scouts had their rain gutter regatta.  They all had a good time and Aaron took 3rd place.  Then the girls had a selfie scavenger hunt and I spent some time practicing the organ.  Then after the girls got home, Dan and I headed to a friends house.  The guys were watching Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and I went and played games with the girls.  Fun was had all around, but Dan and I were both tired, so we headed home a bit early.  

Evelyn got her new glasses this week - she needs bifocals!  I think she looks so cute in them though!!  She also got some earrings with a gift card from a sweet adopted grandma back in Colorado.  She wanted to show those off too! 

Thursday was choir - but it was a bit crazier than usual since the kids usual ride home couldn't pick them up this week, so Dan had to drive down to get them.  But it all worked out in the end. 

Friday was the calm before the storm.  We did some clean up around the house and had a nice slow night. 

Saturday was nuts.  Anna and I went to work out with my mom in the morning.  My mom's knee is bothering her - hopefully things get better soon.  Then we got home, grabbed a quick lunch and headed for the Anna Fall Festival.  The kids had a great time climbing the climbing wall, playing on the bounce houses, and riding the swings.  Anna had fun walking around and doing the bingo board.  Anna and I did a medicine ball slam challenge at one of the booths - she did pretty good, but I didn't do too bad considering - and she had the best score of the whole day!  David loved collecting goodies in his bag and playing the little games.  Our ward had a booth there too and I had signed up to help out there for an hour, so I headed over there and Dan took most of the kids home since they were about done by then. 

 

After that, we headed home and the kids got dressed up for the neighborhood Fall Festival Eileen didn't care much about dressing up.... There was a good turn out which was awesome and the kids had more fun bouncing on bounce houses and there was lots of good food!  There was a chili contest and we got 2nd place!  David loved his costume, but he would take his hat off and Eileen would find it and pick it up to keep it from getting lost and put it on - and she looked pretty cute in it too!  

After that, we took the kids home and did scriptures and prayers and then Dan and I headed to our friend's 50th birthday party.  It was fun and a bit odd being there - it was a friend from back when Dan was teaching and coaching, so we got to see a lot of people we hadn't seen in awhile - almost like reconnecting with a past life.  But we had a great time!  Finally, we headed home and I went to practice the organ for a bit before crashing for the night! 

Church today was wonderful, the talks were wonderful and I almost felt like a real organist today on the organ.  It feels like I'm getting a bit better - but I guess when you practice something for 2-3 hours a week that happens... :)  After church, we had friends over to play games and then had dinner and pie and family scripture time.  It has been a great day!!  Now I need to crash again! 

State Fair and more

 Monday, we headed down to the State Fair.  It was insanely crowded, but we had a fun time anyway.  We had fun walking around and checking everything out, we watched the pig races and rode some rides and ate some junk food and had fun!

We got home a bit later than I had planned on, but Dan was amazing and had dinner ready for us so we could eat and head over to the Hubbard's for FHE.  We had a fun time watching the new Book of Mormon video and eating yummy brownies!  

David and I had a fun week - mostly just hanging out together - he thinks its so fun to lay down and have mommy put a blanket on him - he doesn't stay there long - but it's so cute!  

1. 

Anna had a rather crazy day on Thursday.  She had to miss choir this week because her Cross Country district finals were on Thursday, but she also had an award ceremony to go to and an induction ceremony into Beta club that she had to miss...  The school wanted to recognize her for her kindness toward the other girl she was racing with a couple weeks ago.  I think she is a bit embarrassed by all the attention she gets about it.  

Friday, I had a presidency meeting in the morning, but the rest of the day was pretty laid back.  Saturday, Dan took Eileen and Evelyn down to get their eyes checked - David of course loved trying on glasses.  Poor Evelyn needs bifocals.  Anna and I went to work out with my mom and Sandi, and then after we went out for a nice lunch together.  It was really nice to get together to just hang out and chat for a bit.  Dan tried to go help out with a move - but they were done before he got there.  I spent some time practicing the organ, since I am now the full time organist for the ward... at least for a few months.

Church today was wonderful!  I didn't mess up too badly on the organ and the talks were wonderful!  Primary was great!  The kids were so much more well behaved than last week!!  This afternoon was one of  game playing and having fun together and talking about the gospel!  What a beautiful way to spend a day!

Birthdays?

It's been a fun and busy week.  The kids had their usual school busy - seminary, cross country, band, clubs, etc.  We had a fun scripture lesson on Wednesday about walls and how to tear down the walls that separate us from the Savior.  The kids had activities in the evening and I spent some time practicing the organ. 

Dan and I met up for lunch and had a great time.  Then on the way home, I ran by Bath and Body Works for a birthday gift for my mom.   David loves to help mommy shop and he loves flirting with all the women - every woman notices him and thinks he's adorable - it's hilarious.  

David loves saying prayers all by himself and one night when he was saying prayers, he started blessing everyone - he started with Daddy and went around the room saying everyone's name... then he got to Eileen and apparently couldn't remember her name - so he just kept saying names and pointing at her until we helped him and helped him end his prayer. 

Evelyn has been enjoying having her hour up now that she is 10 - we played Dominion with her and she struggled a bit, but learned it and had enough fun to request it again tonight. 

Saturday was fun - Anna and I went to work out with Grandma in the morning, then we headed home to get the house cleaned up and things ready.  Then we headed down to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and to celebrate all the September and October birthdays with cake and ice cream and presents.  It was fun!  Then we headed home.  After getting the younger kids to bed, Dan and I watched the newer Spider Man movie and then I spent a bit of time playing my new birthday present! 

Today was wonderful but crazy.  I was directing the music and speaking in sacrament meeting.  I'm not usually excited to speak in Sacrament meeting, but I was today because I got to speak on how music helps us feel the spirit.  Then we had a wonderful musical number that brought the spirit beautifully, and finally another wonderful talk - the youth speaker before me was also wonderful!  Primary was fun and a bit crazy.  One sweet little girl in jr. primary frequently resists going to primary, but she will come and sit with me - today she snuggled in my lap the whole time. 

In the evening we had friends over for dinner and games.  We had a fun time chatting and eating and playing Settlers with them. 

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.