Sold House

No, it isn't our house in Georgia that has sold - I wish!  Mike's dad has officially sold his house.  It is sad.  We will miss being able to go up there, but in reality, we aren't ever invited up there anyway.  Mike's dad said he will have us all over one more time before he has to be out of the house.  He has a little less than a month to be out, I think.  Mike's dad did surprise us by offering us his couch that was in  his loft.  He brought it over last night.  I love it.  I have vivid memories sitting with Sharen on that couch.  It is so nice to have a little piece of her in our home.  He also brought over a painting that we were told would be ours years ago. Our wedding reception was at an art gallery.  Sharen bought a painting after our reception as a thank you to their friend that let us use his shop. It is beautiful.  I am happy to have such a beautiful reminder of our wedding and the lovely person Sharen was.  She was such an important person in my life and helped fill the void of the loss of my own mother.

Mike's dad asked all the kids to get together so he could talk about the house stuff.  The spouses weren't supposed to go, but I guess the brother-in-laws didn't get that message because they were both there. They asked Mike if he wanted to call me.  He said, "No, Stephanie is good with whatever we decide."  Which is true.  Everything is Mike's decision.  His dad set up a family partnership years and years ago. They were getting together to try to figure out if they should dissolve the family partnership or not.  No decisions were made tonight.  It will be interesting to see what turns up.

In other news . . . we got a new bishop today!  At our presidency meeting, Jaime asked if we should place bets on the new bishop.  We didn't, but we found out that each of us were predicting the same person!  That was funny.  (It helped that he was released as Stake Young Men's president right before the Bishopric changing announcement.)  Anyway, it was him.  Brother Lundgren.  Becky actually predicted both of his counselors as well.  Three for three.  That is quite impressive.  Brother Lundgren's wife is the primary president right now.  I bet the primary will be changing soon!

Today was my last day coming up with the scripture challenges!  It has been fun to do, but I'm glad that it won't be my responsibility anymore. Because of conference, I needed to come up with two weeks worth of challenges again.  (I told my dad I wanted some easy ones this time.) This is what my dad helped me come up with:

2 Nephi 29 - Jacob 5

In 2 Nephi 29 Nephi prophesied what people will say in the last days.

   A. A Church! A church! We already have a church!

   B. A Bible!  A Bible!  We have got a bible!

   C. A prophet! A prophet! We have no need of a prophet!

   D. Pizza!  Pizza!  We love pizza!

Jacob 1

What verse do we learn that Nephi died?

In Jacob 5 Jacob quotes the prophet Zenos' allegory of the tame and wild olive tree.  1.  Can you find the prophet Zenos in the bible?  2.  If you can, text the page number in the LDS version of the bible.  If you can't, where does Jacob find Zenos' prophecy?

Jacob 6 - Mosiah 2

Memorize Jacob 6:12.  Anyone who recites this verse to Sister Johnson will receive a treat.

Enos

Approximately how long did Enos pray to be forgiven of his sins?  A. 1 hour  B.  3 hours  C.  5 hours  D.  8 hours  E.  10 hours  F.  more than 10 hours

Did you know that half of the Nephite history in the Book of Mormon is covered in 8 pages?  Jarom & Omni cover 290 years in 4 pages - 1/4 their history.  4th Nephi covers 287 years in 4 pages - 1/4 their history.  That adds up to 1/2 of the Nephite history.  Why is so little written in these chapters?  The people in 4th Nephi had just had a visit from the Savior.  Perhaps what they had before them was too sacred to write.  Why is there so little written in Jarom & Omni?  Hint: Omni 1,2,11

Think of General Conference as you read Mosiah 2:9.  Will you be willing to do what King Benjamin asks of his people as you listen to conference?

Xander

This morning I took my dad to the airport.  He is headed to Nauvoo on another tour.  The last tour we took was after General Conference.  This one is right before.  There are a lot of people from Australia and even a few from South Africa on this tour.  The tour actually left on Monday and started in New York with a different tour guide.  My dad is going to take over in Kansas City and finish it up.  He is going with one of his other seminary teacher friends.  Should be fun for him.

This afternoon we went to my nephew Xander's baptism.  He is Sherry and Matt's youngest.  The only one left to get baptized on Mike's side is Preston.  Preston is also the only grandchild that was born after Sharen died.  I like to think that Preston was hand picked by both his grandmas.  Maybe that is why he is so awesome.  Well, my mom did a pretty amazing job picking out my first three by herself.

Anyway, Xander was baptized by his brother Conner.  He got to be baptized twice - just like Jorja.  I wish I would have taken a picture, but I completely forgot.  After the baptism we went to Sherry & Matt's house. Jorja really has fun with Miah.  Sherry now has two horses in her back yard.  It is crazy how one sibling can be so allergic, but another one is just fine.  We will never have horses!  I am okay with that.

Mike's Back!

I picked Mike up at the airport tonight!  He has been in Georgia all week long.  He was doing another Red Hat class.  He earned 100% on his test, so that's awesome.  He got two new certificates.  One said, 'Deployment, Virtualization and Systems Management Certificate Expertise', the other one just said, 'Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist'.  I'm not sure what any of that means, but it is probably pretty cool.  I'm just glad he is home!  The kids are anxious to see him too! They were all asleep when we got home (thanks Maysen!) except for Stockton.  He was at a good-bye party for Bridger.  I guess his family is moving to the Ogden area.  I walked over to the Yauney's to make sure Stockton was still there.  They were watching The Avengers.  I don't think Stockton was too impressed.  He whispered, I'm not sure what's going on, they just hit a lot . . . you know, weapons."  He did have a great time at the party, so that was nice.  Jorja went to Olivia's house today.  She did not want to come home.  She will be glad she is home tomorrow when she sees her dad!

Computer Tech

Maysen met with the counselor to see if she could get into computer tech her third trimester.  She had wanted clothing, but not enough people signed up, so they are not offering it at all.  Maysen ended up being a teachers aide for her counselor.  Which is fine.  We found out that her school offers computer tech.  She needs to take that either 9th grade year or 10th grade year.  If she takes computer tech this year, then she won't need to next year.  The best thing about not taking it next year is that she will have more options once she reaches the high school.

Anyway, the counselor was able to switch her schedule, so that is good. The counselor also talked to Maysen about lunch.  She offered Maysen to spend her lunch time in the counselor's office where she could read or play games (chess) with another boy who eats his lunch there. Currently Maysen has been eating lunch by herself.  She doesn't mind too much, but once in awhile it bothers her.  She really doesn't like the chaos of the lunch room.  I hope this will work out well for her.  I'm excited to hear about her day tomorrow!

Pie

Preston and I decided to try Village Inn's free pie day today.  I was not aware that during September kids were able to eat free.  Nice.  We had a great time at lunch today.  Especially since my meal, Preston's meal and two pies added up to $11.  I just wish we could choose any pie.  Preston ended up liking his key lime pie, so we lucked out with that one!  He also absolutely loved his french toast sticks.  He was so cute at the restaurant.  He showed me everything in his backpack, and he read me his new story.  He was so happy and kept telling me how much he loved me.  I'm going to miss him next year.

Music

I volunteered to do the music enrichment in Preston's class.  The elementary school has an enrichment day every third Tuesday (I think). Moms come in and teach art, music and dance/pe.  As of last Saturday no one had volunteered to teach the music in Preston's class.  I decided to do it.  The lady in charge said she would send a packet full of lessons home with my student.  Well, it never came.  This morning I was a little (a lot) nervous.  I wasn't sure if I should just prepare thirty minutes to teach to Kindergarteners.  I decided to drop Jorja and Preston off at school.  That way I could go in and see if anyone had my materials.  It turns out that the lady just forgot to get them to the school.  I was able to see the lesson plan about an hour before I needed to start.  I survived, although it wasn't always pretty!  I didn't tell Preston I was coming in, so he was surprised.  He said, "My teacher said moms were coming in to teach the class.  I didn't know if it would be you, but I was hoping it was."  He also told me, "I wanted to hug you REAL bad, but I knew I couldn't because you wanted us on the carpet."  What a sweetie!  Made my day.

I also convinced Preston to say his personal prayers by himself.  Lately he always wants me to help him.  I told him that no one was listening and he would know what to say.  I can't remember all of his prayer, but it was something like this.  "Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day.  Please bless Brother Kimball and the missionaries.  Bless that mom and dad will be safe.  Bless that I'll be good at school tomorrow. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."  Then he jumped up and yelled, "BLOG!"  (Then I had to frantically see if I could remember everything he said.  I know I forgot things, but that is the best I can do.)  I sure have a priceless little boy.

Chocolate Milk

Preston has been so proud that he now knows how to make chocolate milk all by himself.  Oh boy.  I don't see any problems with this.

Preston

 No potential problems here!

 Showing off how he can hold the milk 'one handed'

 Such concentration

 Most of the powder made it inside

 He is so proud of himself

 I love this boy!

I tortured the kids by wanting to get their picture taken.  Too bad Preston wasn't ready for school.  The kids had their pictures taken after school.  Someone in our neighborhood was doing 'alternative school pictures'.  Basically the normal school pictures, but it was $30 for the entire family.  We should be getting a cd in a few days.

Preston, Stockton, Jorja, Maysen

 Smile where I can see your face or no computers after school!

Thanks guys!

Sore

My body is so sore today.  I'm getting old.  I couldn't figure out why I was so sore.  Swimming with Laura certainly wouldn't have done it. Then Mike reminded me of the yard work I did in the morning.  I got up early and spent about four hours outside pulling weeds and other such nonsense.  Boy am I paying for it today!  It was worth it though.  It needed to be done.

Swimming with Laura

Laura and her family came over to swim today.  She is getting quite a tummy.  She has a baby boy due in January.  So far all the tests look fine.  They don't think he will have downs, but he has a higher chance of spina bifida.  Laura said that she would be fine if he has downs.  Of course she hopes that he won't have those challenges, but if he has downs then Sage will have a friend.

We had planned on swimming with my friends Jami and Carly and their families.  Carly had something come up and she was unable to make it.  I never heard from Jami.  Oh well.  It would have been cool to see them, but I had fun with just Laura.  That is who I spent most of my time growing up with anyway.

1st Cavity

Boo!  Maysen needed to get a cavity filled.  Her first one.  The first one for any of my kids.  The cavity was on the outside of her tooth, right where the bracket from her braces were.  Maysen didn't enjoy the experience, but she said it wasn't that bad.  Her dentist is Mike's best friend.  They spent a lot of nights camping in Bells Canyon.  I told Eric that Mike and I went to the 2nd Reservoir.  He said he would die if he tried to go up there again.  He couldn't believe I made it.  I showed him some pictures.  He said, "I love it up there."  We do too.

Eric, Maysen, and the assistant

Jazzie and Olivia

Jorja has two really good friends at school.  I hear about them all the time.  Their names are Jazzie and Olivia.  I am so happy she has found friends that she enjoys.  Being in the Chinese class, they have a much higher chance of being in the same class every year.  Jazzie has been in Jorja's 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade class.  Olivia was in Jorja's 3rd and 4th grade class.  I am so happy they were put together again this year.  Jorja sure loves these girls!

Jorja invited Jazzie and Olivia over to swim after school.  They rode the bus home with Jorja.  They had a great time, except the time went too fast.  They were not ready to go home when I needed to take them. Hopefully Jorja will get to enjoy many more days like today.

Jazzie, Olivia, Jorja

Dark Ages

Preston has met a new friend named Blake.  He lives down the street. Blake invited Preston over to play today.  I let Preston go over there for about thirty minutes and he had a great time.  I hope Blake is a good influence in Preston.  He seems like a good kid.  I'm sure he is, but sometimes it is scary to let you kids get new friends.  Kind of crazy.  I want them to have friends, but I want to control their environment. Then they have to go and grow up on me.  I am not liking this growing up part.  I only have four more years until Maysen graduates high school.  Makes me sick to my stomach to even think about it.

Stockton did two new dives today.  He did a one and a half pike off of the three meter.  He also did a reverse off of the three meter.  He said he wanted to do a reverse.  Monica had wanted him to do it a few lessons ago, but Stockton did not.  So, during his free dives he decided just to go for it.  He said he just flung himself backwards and thought, "I can't get out of it now!"  I don't think I would ever be brave enough to try something like that!

My Dominion game came today!  I finished my physical goals yesterday.  My last goal to pass off was to run to the guard gate and back.  It was a little less than 3 miles.  Not too long, but incredibly long for me!  I did it!  Without stopping.  I did not think I would be able to do that.  I listened to 1776 while I was running.  I don't enjoy listening to music, but I do like books.  Books seem to take me out of my misery and I can forget how much I don't enjoy running.

Preston was so excited that the game was going to come today.  The only problem was it didn't come until he was asleep.  I did text Matt and he came up and played it with us.  It is called Dark Ages.  There are a lot of cards in there.  We will see how much we enjoy this expansion the more we play it.  Matt won.  I almost had him and he didn't know it. This game was incredibly hard to keep score.  Pretty fun though.  I can't wait to play it with Preston!

Quilting

Maysen has been asking me to teach her how to sew.  I don't know how to sew.  I saw a groupon a while back from a quilting store by Mike's work.  I thought it would be worth trying out.  Well....my groupon expires tomorrow, so I finally got around to going to the store today. What I would LOVE to do is to buy one of their beginning quilt bundles. It comes with a free class.  Exactly what I need.  The only problem is their morning class is right when Preston gets off the bus. Their afternoon class is on Wednesday.  Wednesdays are already too stacked with piano and diving, there is no way I could work it out.

I was a little disappointed, so I decided to bring Maysen back with me. Maysen and I met Mike there.  We finally decided on some placemats. The only problem is the placemats are Christmas.  Maysen didn't want a holiday themed mat.  I felt like I needed step-by-step instructions. Hopefully I can figure out how to do this and then I can show Maysen. I looked at the 'kit' when I got home today.  I'm not very hopeful on my ability to do this.  We'll see.

Cell Phones Come in Handy

Maysen texted me this morning.  She had left her English paper on her computer desk.  I was heading out the door to get crickets, so I swung by the school on the way out.  I talked to Cathy Leatherwood for a bit until 2nd period was over.  I met Maysen as she was walking from the seminary building.  Then I went to Stockton's math class and asked if Stockton could be released at the 7th grade bell.  Stockton's in 7th grade, but he is in an 8th grade math class.  The 7th graders are released 5 minutes before the 8th & 9th graders.  Stockton has lunch right after math.  His teacher was great about it and said to have Stockton & Josh remind her.  I was glad about that.  Stockton and Josh are usually just sitting there waiting for the bell to ring.  Then they have to be at their next class with the 7th grade bell....

Primary Program

Jorja and Preston did such a good job today.  They were so cute.  Each of them said their parts perfectly.  They had them memorized and they spoke clearly.  They were both easy to understand.  Jorja played perfectly in the chime choir.  Stockton enjoyed being able to watch the program instead of being in the program.  Mike sat in his cave in the very back of the stand/stage.  I'm not sure what that is called.

Here are my scripture challenges for the next two weeks.  I'm only going to put the questions on here this time, but treats and prizes were offered.

2 Nephi 6 - 2 Nephi 16

2 Nephi 9:28-29

It's good to be smart and know lots of stuff, but only if you do what?

2 Nephi 9:7-9

Name 2 things that would have happened if Jesus had not gone through with the atonement.

2 Nephi 11:2-3

Besides Nephi himself, who are two other witnesses of Christ that he calls upon to verify his words?

2 Nephi 12:9-10

Look up Isaiah 2:9-10.  Can you tell what is different?  Which word was taken out of the bible?  Which version makes the most sense?

2 Nephi 12:16

Look at the 16A footnote.  How did Joseph Smith do that?

2 Nephi 17 - 2 Nephi 28

2 Nephi 19

What verse in 2 Nephi 19 is in Handel's Messiah?

2 Nephi 27:6,19,20

What book and what man do these verses refer to?

2 Nephi 28:21

Notice how Satan leads people to destruction.

A lot of people say Mormon's aren't Christian.  Which one of these scriptures teaches otherwise?

2 Nephi 27:26

2 Nephi 21:12

2 Nephi 28:29

2 Nephi 25:26

Matt is now back in town.  He came over yesterday for Dominion and dessert.  Sam, my dad and Max also came over.  We were able to get two games of Dominion in.

Eden's 4!

Eden turned 4 years old today!  She had her birthday party here - I am so glad!  It was too cute!  She had a few friends and their families come swimming.  I only spied on them a couple of times.  I cannot even explain how much I love living around family!

Maysen has been working on her value project for Divine Nature. Actually she started it last winter when Ange had foot surgery.  Her project was to help Ange by bringing dinners and helping with the kids. We hadn't worked on that one for awhile, so a few days ago I asked if I could bring Maysen over and have her watch the kids why Bubs & Ange went to dinner.  This morning Maysen picked a few different freezer meals to make.  She helped make the shopping list, shop for the food, cook the food and then she watched the kids.  We made tacos, cowboy spuds and minestrone soup.  It was a long day, but she finished her Divine Nature value project!  Yay!

In other news, Stockton had a campout.  He came back around lunch time.  He does not enjoy campouts.  He also went to a Beehive/Deacon party over at Becky's house.  They had pizza, swimming and an outdoor movie.  This activity was because they weren't allowed to go to Lagoon with the rest of the youth.  Sort of a consolation prize.  Stockton seemed to have fun.  I went and checked on him after awhile.  He looked cold and was ready to come home, but he did enjoy himself while he was there.  Our ward is pretty awesome.

Lagoon With Maysen

Maysen and I went to Lagoon today.  For free.  Our stake had a youth indexing challenge.  Our ward won.  The prize?  A free trip to Lagoon on Nuskin's Lagoon day.  (Yes, we are spoiled!)  Maysen was pretty excited because she knew what to expect from Overstock's Lagoon day. No lines!  She was right.  It was exactly like Overstock's day, even down to the free hamburgers.  I was one of the lucky leaders that was able to go.  I didn't even ask.  The Beehives weren't allowed to participate - the challenge was issued at Youth Conference.  Becky had me go instead of her.  First, I had a daughter that was going and second, she had a son that was not.  Isaac is 12.  He has asked her many times to take him to Lagoon and they never have gone.  She didn't feel like she wanted to take the girls and not him.  I think it was a wise decision.  Especially since she had me go instead!

Maysen & Stephanie

Maysen's first ride was the evil ride AirRace.  I will never ride that again!  Good thing she doesn't mind riding alone!  We went on several rides together until we ran into Melissa and Orland.  Then Maysen and I hung out with them for awhile.

Maysen & Melissa - I think both girls look beautiful here!

 Orland - apparently he didn't want me to take his picture

Later we met up with some more youth.  They went on a lot of rides that make me sick now that I am old.  I'm glad Maysen had someone to ride with so I could sit these out.

Emily & Maysen

 Top: Emily, Melissa, Jordan

Bottom: Maysen, Eden, John

 Nicholas, Analise, Eden, Jordan, John, Emily, Maysen, Melissa

After this picture was taken, Maysen asked if we could split off.  She wanted to ride some different rides.  Her first and last ride ended up being AirRace.  Crazy girl!

Maysen on the Ferris Wheel

I had a great time spending the night with Maysen.  I am so thankful she enjoys spending time with me, I sure love being with her!  What a lucky mom I am!

Book Club

Book club was at my house tonight.  Mike took Maysen to pottery.  I was able to get the kids down before everyone came over.  That was nice. Our book was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.  I wasn't able to finish the entire thing, but I finished about 3/4 of it.  It was really interesting.  It felt like I was reading a well done research paper.  

I made veggie bars.  It is one of my favorite things from Georgia.  Teresa used to make them.  I'm sure she still does, I just don't get to eat them anymore.  I have asked Teresa for the recipe about ten times.  She keeps giving it to me, and I keep losing them.  Anyway, today was the first time I made them.  It was a success!  We also had these fruit sorbet things from Costco.  My dad took me there this morning.  Rachel and I tried them at Ange's house yesterday.  Yummy!

Veggie Bars

2 tubes crescent rolls (the ones that make 8 per tube)

3/4 cups mayo

1/2 cup sour cream

2 pkgs. 8 oz. very softened cream cheese (let it sit out)

16 oz. dry Ranch dressing mix

3/4 cup of each chopped finely -- red pepper, green pepper, yellow pepper, carrot, green onion, broccoli (I did about one cup total of the peppers, 3/4 cups each of the green onion and carrot and 2 cups of the broccoli)

3/4 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

Spread crescent rolls flat on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 until slightly brown.

While rolls are cooling, mix mayo, sour cream, cream cheese and dressing mix.  Spread over flat rolls after they have cooled completely.

Mix the veggies and cheese together (make sure cheese is cold or it clumps together and does not mix well).  Then top rolls and cream cheese mixture with the chopped vegies and cheese.

Take plastic wrap and place on top to press down veggies and cheese so they stay in place.  Chill for an hour.

Cut into small squares and serve.  It is a little messy to slice, but ends up looking good.

I wrote Teresa's recipe just as she sent it to me.  I love how she added all the parenthesis.  She knows I need lots of explanation!  I even still messed up.  I was thinking that the cream cheese box probably had 2 packets of cream cheese.  16 oz of cream cheese seamed a lot.  I was wrong.  Whoops.  I made a few adjustments, but it turned out yummy and everyone wanted the recipe.  Whew!

Jeeps!

Today was my last day with Rachel and her girls.  Preston and I went down to my dad's house to pick them up.  We then met Ange at Zupas. Ange had never been there before, Rachel and I were determined to change that!  We went to the Zupas at Valley Fair Mall.  Outside was a cute little splash pad.  The kids had fun.

Mina & Preston

Preston soon took off his shirt.  Rachel spent most of the time convincing Marie that she needed to keep her shirt on.  Boys can do that.  Girls can't.  Marie wasn't buying that argument.

Preston & Mina

Marie enjoyed wearing her socks on her hands.  Then she would paint with them.  It was so cute!

Marie & Preston

 Marie (and some of Mina) painting

 Ange - I love this picture of her!  I think she looks adorable!

I convinced/begged Rachel to come to my house so Jorja could play with her girls.  Jorja was really sad thinking she wasn't going to see them for awhile.  We put Marie in one of Jorja's nightgowns so her clothes could dry.  Mike took Stockton to diving so I was able to spend more time with Rachel.  (Actually the real reason was so I could go to back-to-school night, but a side benefit was I got to spend more time with Rachel).  I am going to put a ton of pictures of the kids riding the jeeps out back.  I know Brett will want to see most of them.  He is probably missing his girls a lot by now!

Marie & Preston, Mina & Jorja

 Marie & Preston

 Mina & Jorja

 Marie & Preston

 Mina & Jorja

Mina, Jorja and Padz.....silly Porge!

 Marie & Preston

 Mina & Jorja

 Mina & Padz, Preston

 Mina & Padz, Marie

 I loved all the pictures of Marie & Mina together.

 Jorja & Preston

 Mina & Marie

Oh boy!

 She's after me now!

 Silly Marie!

Please come back soon!  I miss you already!

Draper Cemetery

Preston and I took Rachel and her girls down to visit Ange today.  Bubs & Ange have switched the rooms around in their house.  Now Lincoln and Ella share Bubs & Ange's original room.  They have made it really cool for them.  Abbs will still be in her same room.  They will all sleep on the main floor. Bubs & Ange moved downstairs to Lincoln's room and the new baby will have Ella's room.  I really like what they have done.  I wish I could be as organized as Ange.

After visiting Ange, we dropped off Rachel at her brother's house.  He lives minutes from Bubs and Ange.  That's kind of cool.

Tonight we had a combined activity with the youth.  They cleaned the Draper Cemetery.  We got a lot done in an hour, but there was still a ton left to do.  The mayor of Draper met us down there.  He also brought a couple councilmen I think.  They worked right along with us.  Becky sent me some pictures she took of Stockton and Johnny.  Johnny is a couple months older than Stockton.  He has Down Syndrome.  The boys just LOVE him.  They really, really do.  It is really cool to see the way they interact together.  There is no awkwardness between any of them. It probably helps that Johnny is such an awesome kid.

Johnny & Stockton

 Stockton & Johnny