Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Jacinda is having a great time at school.  She is so bright with math.  I am so surprised at how quickly she grasps the concepts.  We spend nights with a white board doing equations.  She gets them right and finishes quickly.  I enjoy our time together.  She is very good with numbers.  Jacinda has joined a robotics group at her school.  I was able to go a competition last week.  I was amazed at what her team’s machine could do.  Stacking, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects.  It is so fun.  I like cheering in the stand for all the kids…..but I really like cheering for Jacinda’s team.  I guess that is part of being a mommy.

November 14^th, I got to go on a date with McCabe and Teagan.  We saw “Honk.”  It is a play based on the Ugly Duckling.  Our neighbor, Grant Nielsen was the cat in the play.  He was one of the main characters and did such a good job.  That boy was born to be on a stage.  I asked McCabe if he wanted to be in a play and his answer was a strong, “No.”  I can respect that.  After the play, we got a picture with Grant and then headed to Baskin and Robbins for a double scoop ice cream cone.  It was a fun night.  I liked going out with my boys.  It is good to spend special time with them.  

Tim took the girls out to the Grinch movie.  It looks like they had a good time.

Thanksgiving was great.  We had Mimi’s family, Tarra’s family, and grandma Margaret over for a wonderful meal.  We had the basic food: turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, rolls, fruit, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie.  I think the kid’s favorite part was putting the whipped cream on the pies.  They get really good at stacking that stuff.  In preparation for thanksgiving, the kids put up decorations.  Xadia, McCabe, and Jacinda taped their turkeys to the front door.  Teagan taped his turkey to the sliding door and a pair of corn ears to the garage door.  I am going to miss these decorations when the kids are gone.  I hope my grandkids make fun decorations so I can put them in my house.

Tim and I went out on a date to a Jazz game.  It is a good thing that I like the sport because the Jazz was slaughtered by the Pacers.  They lost by 33 points.  It got ridiculous in the 4^th quarter.  There was poor rebounding, lots of over turned balls, and lots of missed shots.  I did enjoy the plays made by the Pacers.  They had some amazing team work.  I also enjoyed being with Tim.  We laugh and talked and had a good time together watching from the 17^th row.  After the game, we went to Café Rio for a salad.  I went to bed with a full tummy.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

      Today was a good day.  We went to church and learned about leaning on the Lord to help us make it through our trials.  Sarah Sorenson told a remarkable story about her brother-in-law snow boarding at Lake Tahoe.  He landed a jump on his neck and severely damaged his back.  He became a quadriplegic.  He received a priesthood blessing at the site of the crash and after years of rehabilitation has been able to walk again. He is limited in his motion but it is such a miracle that he can walk un-assisted and drive, and go to work.  It is simply amazing how the Lord helps us and others.
     Teagan and I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  They are the best tasting cookies.  I took a photo of Teagan scooping the dough and placing it on the cookie sheet.  Tim is photo bombing the picture.

      Friday was a scone fry day.  The kids invited many friends and they played and ate cinnamon sugared and powdered sugared scones.  Xadia and Teagan and friends played in the basement.  They were pretending they were on a cruise.  I think they got that idea from Zoey Kister who is leaving soon to go on a cruise.  McCabe and friends were on the tramp and in the office playing fortnite.  Jacinda and Addy sat on the couch and watched "Fresh Off the Boat."  Tim and I stood near the stove frying scones.  We talked about how fun it is to have so many kids in our house and how quiet it will be when all the kids are gone.
     I had the opportunity to meet with all the teachers this past week.  I am so proud at how well the kids are doing.  Jacinda got a 3.77 gpa.  The other kids had all threes (the highest grade) on their report card.  We celebrated by getting each child a new book and/or some trinkets at the coin shop.  Xadia got a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book" where you can make up the story.  McCabe got "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Meltdown." Teagan got a "Cool Building" minecraft book. Jacinda got a lot of neat replications of old English money such as schillings and pences. 

Monday, October 29, 2018

October is nearly over and I finally have a moment to update the blog.  The month started out with my birthday.  I ate lunch with some childhood friends; Leslie Higginson Harkness, Kerianne DiLello Bangerter, and Rori Richins Boseman.  We all met at Olive Garden and chatted about life.  It was so wonderful to see these ladies.  I wish only the best for them.

My family made a birthday banner and a birthday song.  Teagan and Xadia made it just for me.

  Then we all went out to dinner.  We went to El Matador.  They surprised me with gifts from Mrs. Cavanaugh’s chocolates and the dollar store.  I got an angel figurine, new lipstick, and Hershey kisses.  I love my family.  They treat me so well.  They make my birthday so special.

The following week was Xadia’s birthday.  She celebrated at Boondocks with a bunch of friends.  I only planned 2 hours to play at Boondocks.  Next time, we will do 3 hours. 

 I was really surprised to see that Xadia got a lot of bracelet making kits.  The family gave her a hamster.  She has named it Fluffy but for some reason, I like to call it “Fluffy Amadeus.”  The hamster is really cute.  In fact, McCabe commented that Fluffy, “melts his heart.”  That was a journal worthy line.  McCabe does not usually say things like that.

                We also went to a Halloween carnival at the church.  The kids wore their costumes.  Jacinda was England from Hetalia.  McCabe was the plague doctor.  Xadia was a weeping angel.  Teagan was Bendy from Bendy and the ink machine. Tim and I did not dress up this year.  I was exhausted from getting the kids ready.  Some of their costumes came 2 hours before the carnival.

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. 

Monday, August 27, 2018

We had such a fun weekend!  The girls and I had a “girls night out.”  We went to Wal-mart and got some fingernail polish and snacks for the week.  The snacks included goldfish crackers, strawberries, Nutella with dipping sticks, and bananas.  Then we went to Chik-fil-a.  Jacinda loves their chicken nuggets and dipping sauce.  I got a yummy salad and Xadia got a kid’s meal with chicken nuggets.  After dinner, we went to Ulta beauty.  Jacinda and I got make-up.  Xadia got some awesome bath bombs.  The girls also spent some time in the perfume section spraying lots of perfume.  Jacinda inhaled too much fragrance and ending up in a sneezing frenzy.  Our last stop was “It’s Sugar.”  The girls went crazy for this store.  It was filled with candy and a few stuffed animals.  Jacinda got some candy.  She found these funny orange Donald Trump gummies.  They were shaped like Donald Trump with a huge head and a small body.  We laughed at their clever sight.  She also got some tiny jawbreakers and a Chinese soda with a clear ball in the bottle that does not come out.  It reminded me of tequila and the worm in the bottle that does not come out.  Xadia got some stuffed animals and an eye mask for sleeping.  She also got a candy pizza for Teagan and Jacinda found some candy sushi for McCabe.  I have the best girls.  They are so thoughtful and kind.  I love how they got some items for their brothers.

The boys were on a camping over-nighter.  They took Xavius and from the pictures, it looks like they had a lot of fun.  It was the first time Xavius fished and paddled board.  McCabe got to use his cast net and I heard that he taught the other boys how to throw it.  Tim said that McCabe was very complimentary to the other boys even if they did a bad throw.  Teagan was having a good time fishing and showing Jim Smith the different type of lures in his tackle box.

The kids finished their first half week of school.  They did not have much to say.  I kept asking them questions such as; “how do you like your teacher?” “Who is in your class?” “What did you play for recess?”  They gave one word answers.  It was so frustrating.  I want to know what their life is like and yet they don’t share much.  That’s ok…..I will keep asking the questions.

For back to school night, I had to see how well I knew Xadia's likes and interests.  I had to fill out the form without looking at her answers and then compare what she wrote.  When I told her about my answers, she said that my items would tie for first.  She also made me and Tim this cute little clay figure with a note that said: "I made mom and dad because they help me all the time."

Stake conference was wonderful.  We had a speaker, Brother Lithby.  I loved his talk.  Some main points to consider were: 1. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  He explained that we came to earth to get a body and to be tried and tested.  We all agreed to this plan in the pre-existence.  We knew earth life would be hard but also knew that we were capable of doing hard things so we agreed to come to earth to get our bodies and to be tried and tested.  The 2^nd point, Mothers are the nurturers in the home and the fathers are the protectors and providers.  These roles were set by divine design.  Mothers are the ones to comfort their children when something goes wrong.  They are better at doing that.  Fathers are more of the “buck up” mentality which also is important.  There is a fine balance.  The 3^rd point, why does the lord give us commandments.  God created the earth with a set a rules in place.  If you don’t follow those rules, there are consequences.  For example, gravity is a law.  If you decide to walk off a 40 story building, the law of gravity will be enacted.  The ground will come.  To help us be safe, He gives commandments.  If we follow the commandments, we will be safe. 

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018

     It is the first day of school.  I am so excited for my kids.  Teagan is going into first grade and has Mrs. Neilsen.  He is wearing his igloo of water just in case he gets really thirsty.  Xadia is going into 3rd grade and has Mrs. Peterson.  McCabe is going into 6th grade and has Mrs. Bell.  I took about 3 pictures this morning and this was the best one, even if Teagan is not looking at the camera.

Jacinda is going into 8th grade.  She is looking so grown up.  Where is all the time going?

This is a picture of the kid's second day of school.  They are looking sharp and ready to learn.