Wednesday, September 26, 2018

     It has been a few weeks since my last entry.  I cannot think of any noteworthy adventures to write about.  So instead, I will give a snapshot of the present ongoings.

                Tim has been at his new job (FiberTel) for one month.  He likes the work and is cranking out progress reports like crazy.  Every two weeks he comes up with an improved way of reporting.  I am very proud of him and his desire to operationally design measures to improve the company.  His weekends are taken by the kids.  He is either going on scout camp outs, taking the kids fishing, or helping someone in the neighborhood.  His favorite catch phrase right now is, “whose life is it?  Not mine.”

                Teagan is big into Minecraft and watching cartoons on his kindle.  He recently lost his front left tooth.  The tooth fairy forgot to come during the night, so she quickly hid a dollar under his pillow while he was eating breakfast.  Fortunately he did not seem too bummed that she came a little late.  Obviously I had a lot going on and need constant reminders to get the job done.  Teagan also likes to play with Kade McPheter and is my favorite 6-year-old for putting the silverware away.  He complains of always having to do that specific job.  Sometimes He and I will race.  I will put the dishes away while he puts the silverware away.  He is more apt to do the chore if I make it a game.

                Xadia is a few weeks away from her 9^th birthday.  She constantly begs to get a hamster.  I thought the begging would stop when she was informed that a hamster will be her birthday present.  I was wrong.  She is more excited to get it and continue to ask every day.  Xadia does a good job at reading 20 minutes each night.  Tim or I listen to her reading each night and then sign her reading log.  Xadia likes to play with Izzy McPheter and likes to watch miraculous Ladybug and cat noir.  It is a Disney cartoon that take place in Paris France.  Speaking of Paris, that is where Xadia wants to serve her mission.  I think the cartoon had some influence on her decision.

                McCabe loves to fish.  Saturday we went to Bountiful Pond.  He caught 3 carp and a lot of small bluegills.  He took his friend Grant Nielsen and taught him how to cast a net.  McCabe also likes to stop a Maverick to buy junk food with his lawn mowing money.  I cringe watching the kids spend their money on stuff like that but what can I do after they have paid their tithing and put 50% in their bank account?  I just let them enjoy the benefits of their hard work.  McCabe is in 6^th grade and is doing a report on Nigeria because that is the birth place of Grandma Margaret.  McCabe is the type of person that will stay up all night to get an assignment done which is due in two weeks.  He is funny like that.  I am glad he is so responsible.

                Jacinda is big into anime and Hetalia.  She recently spent all her money on a Hetalia England costume and wig for Halloween.  She also constantly tells me about the anime titans and where the show left off.  She also loves drawing and is currently in an afterschool robotics class.  She is eager for her team to take state in robotics.  I am proud at how hard she is working in school.  I like helping her with math.  She is learning to solve for “X” with fractions.  On the last pop quiz, she got 9 out of 10 which is great considering she did not understand any of the math the night before.  I am glad she is patient enough to learn.

                As for myself, I am busy working during the day.  I like my job because the people are so nice and I get to play in Excel making reports and doing pivot tables.  After work, I go home to help the kids with homework and make dinner.  If I have enough energy after dinner, I will clean or play the piano.  Sometimes I might karoke.  I like to sing “Alone” by Heart or “Savior Redeemer of My Soul” arr. By Rob Gardner.  After that, it is time to get ready for bed and have scripture power and family prayer. After visiting with a child (depending on the day of the week), I will watch the news with Tim and then go to bed.  The next day repeats.  The only thing that changes are the news stories.

                The latest news stories today are: Bill Cosby is sentenced to 3-10 years prison for sexual assault.  Brett Kavanaugh, (Supreme Court justice nominee) is being investigated for sexual misconduct during his high school years.  Feds are expected to raise interest rates later today.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

                “Dad, you don’t’ do anything,” said Teagan this past week.  Stirred up by Tim requesting kids to chores.  Tim and I just laughed.  If only Teagan knew what he was saying.  I am sure he will understand in about 30 years.   Early today as he was getting ready for church, his clip-on tie broke and unraveled.  I suggested he get a different tie.  “Don’t tell me what to do,” was his response.  Again, another laughing moment.  This six-year-old ignorance cracks me up.  One day he will get it.  I am so excited for him to become a dad.

                Friday, Teagan had a fair share at his school.  He made a craft to show all his classmates.  I am very proud of his creativity and his courage to share.  He was nervous to talk in front of everyone but did a great job.

                Xadia did my nails today, watermelon style.  I love them.  I am very excited to show my co-workers.  Xadia is also getting very anxious for her birthday.  She will be getting a hamster.  She begs everyday to get a hamster cage.  I have told her it will happen closer to her birthday.

                McCabe got his taste of fishing this week.  We took him to Bountiful pond on Saturday.  He was able to cast his net and drop a line or two while the rest of the family biked around the pond.  Second time around, McCabe joined us on his bike.  It was a beautiful day.  Occasionally McCabe would stop and cast a net until the rest of the family caught up to him.

                Jacinda was at Fan X this past Saturday.  She had a fabulous time dressed as “Prussia” from Hetalia.  She received an autograph from the voice actor of Hetalia and got 3 posters.  I am grateful she got to go.  She saved her money all summer and purchased her ticket all on her own.  It is so very cool that my kids are becoming somewhat independent.

                Tim had a crazy Saturday.  He took the kids to the pond to go fishing and ride bikes.  Then came home to fix the leaf blower and do other chores around the house.  Around 2 pm, he got chairs and tables from the church to set up in the Frey’s yard for a neighborhood party.  He took the family to the neighborhood party where we ate and swam and visited with friends.  After the party, he cleaned up and returned the chairs and tables.  We got the kids in bed then made a quick trip to Artic Circle for a burger and a shake.  Watched two episodes of “Fresh Off The Boat,” to end our Saturday.

                Sunday was great.  Jonny and Chris Schmidt had their homecoming.  I really enjoyed what Jonny said.  In a nutshell, he was trying to answer the question of “why does God let bad things happen to us?”  He brought up the thought, don’t ask why but ask “how did Jesus feel all that we did?”  How could Jesus suffer all the sins of the world?  It was a beautiful meeting.  I also like the point of feeling the spirit is the greatest lasting joy you can have in this life.  It is better than that feeling of being on top of the world because feeling the spirit is continual and lasting.