Talk, Couch and Baseball

Preston gave a talk in church today. He did really well! He made great eye contact, you could hear him and he was articulate. Natural born speaker right there. I can't find his talk though. FAIL! This is what happens when I fall behind on my blog!

Preston

Mike and I went back to the Hodson's after church. They had their couch taken apart for us. That was nice! We could only fit two pieces in the first load. Good thing they live close. We are sure going to miss them! Taylor came back with us and helped us unload the first sections. Talk about riding in style!

 Taylor

 The way back wasn't quite as fancy.

We got to see Sherry, Matt and Miah for a bit. Sherry is getting Lisa's old bedroom furniture. It used to be in Grandma Honey's house. The furniture will be for Miah. She seemed pretty happy about that.

Mike was able to score tons of old school ds games and devices. The kids have been having fun with that!

Stockton & Preston

 Mike

 Bubs sent this meme to the group text we have with me and my brothers. Ha! Made me laugh.

I'm going to a Nationals game with Brett and John in a few weeks. I hope we get to see something like this! Mike went to a game with Larkin a few days ago. That was another amazing National game. Bryce Harper went five for five. Perfect game for Mike to go to. My brothers' had fun trying to find Mike on tv. I like how Matt is taking a picture of Mike taking a picture of Harper.

Mike on TV

 Larkin & Mike on TV

 Larkin with a game ball!

Tables, Couches and Beanbags - Oh my!

Mike and I spent most of the day going back and forth to the Hodson's. They are moving to California soon. They are giving away a lot of things. Their place in California will be pretty small. The Hodson's gave us their couch (which we will pick up tomorrow) and their bean bags.

 They gave us four bean bags. One large and three "small" - (er)

We were also given their foosball table. We now have three, including the one at the cabin. We asked Bubs if he wanted his back, but he was unable to take it. Mike had Stockton help him get the table out of the van. Mike was inside carrying it, Stockton was outside. Mike tripped and fell out of the car and landed on the table. Luckily it didn't land on Stockton's toes. He wasn't wearing shoes and that would hurt! Plus, a diver breaking his toes? That would be horrible! Hopefully the table isn't broken as well.

Mike was sneezing the rest of the day. The Hodson's have a cat. I have started washing all of the beanbag covers. I washed the large one twice already. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Stockton took a practice AP US History test today. He was supposed to be in Colorado at a USA diving meet. The biggest meet of the year. Oh well. School is more important. Stockton had fun hanging out with his friends after the test. They went and got pizza and ate it on the school bleachers. These next two weeks are going to be really hard for Stockton.

We watched Bubs' kids tonight. Bubs' got a last minute reffing job and Ange got last minute concert tickets. My dad came over for a bit so we could take the kids to the Hodson's. The kids got to pick out games and eat food. We got a few new games we are excited to try out. We also got another Clue, Master Detective game. I think it was John who loved ours, although it has been a LONG time since I've played that game with my brothers!

Sock Hop Pi

Snowing again. Utah is funny. I saw a meme the other day that made me laugh. Mother Nature: You can't have four seasons in one day. Utah: Hold my diet coke.

Stockton was invited to participate in the Key Card assembly. He has received four this year, I think. Grades, attendance . . . things like that. He turned them all in for Hale Center tickets. We went and saw The Nerd. We used two free tickets for that. He now has two more tickets to use. Anyway, they pick 50 kids to do an assembly with. They divide the kids into five groups of ten. There is one winner in each group. Then there is one winner of the five. That person wins an iPad and gets a chance to win a car. The kids all pick a number. Stockton's was red 9. The lady asked if they had any talents they could do real quick. Stockton thought of one at the last second and mentioned it to the lady. She wrote his name down. Anyways, when the red groups was out the lady came over to Stockton. She said, "I heard you know 50 digits of pi, could you show us." Stockton took the microphone and rattled off 60 digits. He knew more than he thought he did. Stockton said after he finished the gym was silent for half a second then burst into cheers. Oh how I wish I was there!

Maysen called today and we figured out a time to bring her back home. She signed up to check out on Thursday at 2:40. So excited to bring her home! Less than a week now!

Mike and Jorja had a daddy-daughter dance. It was a 50s theme. I had one of my old ballroom costumes in the closet. It took a little convincing to get Jorja to wear it. She thought most people wouldn't dress up. Turns out, most people did. This worked out perfect.

Mike & Jorja

 Jorja & Presley

 Jorja doing the hokey pokey

 Jorja & Mike

I took Stockton and Preston to the drive thru at McDonalds. We found out how McDonalds is discontinuing their Hi-C orange drink. This is Stockton's favorite drink. Boo! McDonalds has had Hi-C orange as long as I can remember. They are getting rid of it to make way for some weird Sprite TropicBerry drink. That doesn't sound like a good idea.

Grand Slam

Jorja's schedule was posted today. She is disappointed. She has been planning on running for freshman vice president for quite awhile now. When Jorja got her schedule we found out the Chinese is the same period as student government. That really is too bad. Many people in the Chinese program were planning on running. Bode was planning on running for president and would probably win. This might be the easiest year to get into student government, too bad she won't get a chance. They also didn't give her a 4th period class. That's weird. We can't mess with her schedule until Monday though.

Jorja had a softball game today. The other team forfeited. Jorja played outfield for the opposite team when her team was up to bat. They would call her in and replace her with another teammate. Jorja did an awesome job catching. Then she was asked to pitch. Jorja's team doesn't have a strong pitcher. Jorja can get it in the strike zone, but people can usually hit her. It does make the game a lot more interesting to watch though!

Jorja pitching

I left early so I could go to Preston's pack meeting. Right as I was at the car I saw Jorja was up to bat. Bases were loaded with two outs. I stopped to watch. Jorja ended up striking out. First time this season. Luckily the catcher dropped the ball, so Jorja took off toward first. The catcher threw the ball to first. Jorja slipped and fell on first base and the baseman let the ball go behind her. Jorja jumped up and ran to second. Again, the baseman didn't catch the ball. She dashed toward third. The baseman missed one more time and the ball went out of play. Jorja was able to make it home. Grand slam on a strike out. Talk about making lemons into lemonade! Nicely done.

Preston was supposed to receive his Webelos badge today. He didn't. The lady that picked up the badges only got the pins, not the badges. Judy was spitting mad. They didn't get the badges last month either. Judy even confirmed with the lady that she had the badges, she said yes. Except she didn't. Preston still received his Duty to God, Art Explosion and Webelos Walkabout. These leaders sure work hard!

Boy I don't know, Griffin, Braxton, Preston, Sister Breen and Judy

SMACK

Stockton had the best smack at practice. He was trying a 205 (back 2 1/2) on the 3 meter for the first time. This is the result.

I loved Bubs' comment, "Everything about that video is amazing. The reaction of the two guys in the background, the sound of the crowd groaning, but I think my favorite part is how he only sinks like a foot underwater. Bellyflop of the year, no question." My favorite part was when Stockton was talking to his coach. I was sitting right behind him. He asked Stockton what he thought went wrong. Stockton said, "I didn't kick out so my smack wasn't flat." Haha! I laughed and laughed.

I don't want to leave Preston out. He learned a tuck dive on the 3 meter. I wish I got a video of his falling dive on 3 because it was great! I'm so glad my boys love this sport. It is so fun to watch!

April Snow

Well, Jorja's softball game was cancelled again today. I'll give you one guess why. Jorja was not happy about this.

Computer Preston

Preston had to create a computer generated self portrait for scouts. He didn't have it finished before he went to scouts, but he finished it when he got home. Judy said most of the boys have said they didn't have programs do it. I'm not sure what program Preston used, but he usually just figures things out for himself. For scouts today they had a field trip to Seth Bradley's screen printing shop. They got t-shirts made. We should get them in a few weeks. The boys designed the shirts. I'm not sure what design was chosen, I think they picked a part of each boy's design. That will be interesting.

Preston

Mr. Banana

Yesterday I was asked to combine primary classes with another class. I was extremely worried about this. The teacher said she was trying to get a sub. I was frustrated because this isn't Georgia. It is super easy to get a sub here. Every time I have tried to get a sub I usually can get one within 40 seconds. Also, it changes the dynamics of how I teach this class. I have three sweet little girls, although last Sunday I found out I have another child. He hasn't ever been to my class, but he came last week and went to his brother's class. He is going to be a handful. I didn't know if he was going to show up and I wanted his first experience to be a positive one. I asked how many people she has in her class. She said she usually has four that show up. The thing is, I don't know if it is going to be four or more than four. Add to my possibility of four and me by myself; that makes me really anxious. Also, because my class is so small I teach every week by myself. This other teacher only teaches every other week. The thing that irritated me was she said, "I owe you one. Well, I guess I already did this for you, I taught Natalie." What? You are comparing me teaching a class of who knows how many to when I was gone and only Natalie was there? I did get a sub, but when she saw it was only Natalie she asked if she could go with another class. How is that the same? I answered, "For the record, I did get a sub. It was the sub that pawned off Natalie, not me." I don't know why that bothered me so badly. I'm just really nervous. I like to know what I am walking into, and I have no idea. Teaching is hard. I am good at it, but that doesn't mean it is easy for me. Anyways, I decided to ask someone to come in and help me. I contacted one of our permanent subs and asked if she could come in with me. She answered within twenty seconds and said she would love to. How can you not find a sub if I got one within twenty seconds? We have three permanent subs, the parents of the kids in the class and fifteen people who have said they would be willing if we needed them. All on a handy dandy list. Okay, done with rant.

I woke up worried but thought this would be good. I asked Liz Brockbank to help me. She is young and just was called to this calling. I'm not sure she has ever taught primary before. I thought she could see what it is like and help ease my anxiety. Win-win. The lesson was on the Word of Wisdom. I complained to Mike about how boring this lesson seemed and how I couldn't find any good helps or think of any good ideas. The lesson manual looked like it didn't have enough to take the entire time. Plus, the things I was trying to print out weren't working. He was the right person to complain to because he is a freaking genius! I wish I had his creativity. He asked me if I would want to take the fruit bowl he brought to Jorja's school on Friday. Oh my gosh! This was the best lesson ever! Okay . . . first we had sharing/singing time. Here are my three girls. I love them!

Andi, Natalie, Alex

 I'm worried about telling Andi and Alex apart once Alex's hair grows back.

Luckily she cut her bangs really short right as I became her teacher. :)

Mike and I talked about different things I wanted to do in my lesson. He programed Mr. Banana while I was at choir practice. He kept the order secret from me so I would be surprised. I knew the different things Mr. Banana was going to say, but I didn't know the order. All I knew was right before the prayer the kids would have apple cider. I ended up having three kids from the other class. The girl was really easy, but the boys were more difficult. Luckily with three adults in the room we were able to sit between them and redirect them. Anyways, I started off by asking the kids if they knew what the Word of Wisdom was. No one did. They had heard the words before, but they couldn't tell what it was about. I briefly explained to them the Word of Wisdom and how no one knew things like smoking were harmful to your bodies before Heavenly Father told Joseph Smith. I made sure to explain that people who don't follow the Word of Wisdom aren't bad, it is just bad for your body. I also talked about Daniel refusing the kings wine and meat. After that was done I told them that Mr. Banana was going to teach the rest of the lesson. Natalie was first. Mike taught her how to use the wand and the banana asked her to find a picture that shows something healthy. She was to put it in a bag with a smiley face on it. Mike had taped healthy and unhealthy pictures up around the room. Mr. Banana would ask them to find a picture of cigarettes and tear up the picture. They loved tearing up the bad pictures. Mr. Banana would have them do jumping jacks, push ups and even take a walk around the church. Once Mr. Banana asked them to watch a video. We watched a two minute video about the Word of Wisdom. Sometimes Mr. Banana would have them eat something healthy. We had bread, bananas (haha!), and apple cider. Mr. Banana even said the closing prayer. It. Was. Awesome. I peaked at my girls while Mr. Banana was saying the closing prayer. They had their arms folded, eyes closed and were trying so hard not to laugh. I am going to remember that image forever.

Mr. Banana

Mike is so great. I was so worried about this class and this lesson and he turned it into one of my favorite teaching memories. I had talked to Liz right before class. I told her that we were doing something a little different today and I usually don't go all out for lessons like I am this time. I didn't want her to think she has to program things to make it exciting. I did tell her that I think the most important part of my calling is to make sure the kids have a good experience at church. They need to like it and have fun. Although when I'm talking to my kids I always start the class with telling them that they are going to have a boring lesson. I did it today too. I told the other class that one thing they need to know about me is I'm a boring teacher and I teach boring lessons. I asked my girls if that was right. They were giggling and said, "Yes! She is boring!" I think this started when we had a visitor and he was complaining about being bored. I told him thank you, that meant I was doing my job! Whenever the kids ask me in sharing time what our lesson is about I always say, "Something boring". I don't know why I do this. It makes the girls giggle though.

Anyways, church was awesome. Because of Mike. I'm so lucky. (Also, Mike asked me if I would remember to bring a bag with a smiley face on it. I told him I would. A couple of times. Surprise! I forgot! Mike hurried home during sacrament meeting to get it. He also picked up my choir music that I left home too.) We then came home to dinner Mike had cooked. Mike also helped me make yogurt last night for the first time. It was yucky by itself, but if we added fruit and honey it was so good! Preston had thirds! This is what my boys were doing right before I took Maysen back to Logan. I love my family.

Preston & Stockton

Maysen and I stopped at Matt and Sam's on the way. Maysen had never met Gregory. I think this first meeting was a success!

Maysen & Gregory

I also gave Gregory his blanket. Yay! Maysen talked to me on the way up to Logan to help me stay awake. Mike had put an audible book and a portable speaker in the car to help me on the way back. I listened to Hunger Games. The thing that annoys me about the audible book is it is narrated by someone who sounds like they are in their 40s. Why couldn't they get someone close to Katniss' age? Or at least someone who sounds like they are 16. I wonder how you get the job to narrating books? I would be horrible at that, but my dad would be fantastic!

Life is Good

I totally forgot to write about Jorja's 'Life is Good' project. At the beginning of the year the kids have to sign up for a day to do a ten minute presentation. When Stockton had this teacher he took the first available slot. Jorja took the last. Stockton did his about paper airplanes. Jorja did hers about her dad. The kids are supposed to bring a hand out and something for the kids, like something to eat. Stockton made paper airplanes for everyone and his handout was a piece of paper that said 'Fold this into a paper airplane'. Jorja's handout was a tiny 3D printed robot and homemade apple cider. Jorja shared how cool her dad is and the fun stuff he does. 3D printing, apple press, wand stations. She had a blast!

Today was a busy day! Mike dropped off Stockton at school so he could take a practice AP Physics test, then he spent the rest of the day at a political meeting. Mike is a county delegate. I dropped off Jorja at her softball practice and Maysen at her laser appointment. After Maysen's appointment we went to Home Depot and took lots of pictures of kitchen stuff and got floor, countertop and paint samples. Maysen is designing a kitchen for her final in Interior Design. We finished about fifteen minutes before Jorja was finished so decided to hit up Sonic. When Jorja got in the car she said, "Let's go eat!" and then groaned when she saw the Sonic bag. I stopped by Arby's to get her a chicken cordon bleu; that is her favorite right now. I saw this advertisement while I was in there. I can't even imagine.

Mike took Jorja to a Japanese steakhouse place yesterday. No one else wanted to go with him. Maysen and I were still full from our lunch at Angie's. They brought home leftovers. Mike texted me around lunchtime asking to save the leftovers for him. I texted back 'oops'. I thought I was hilarious, Mike not so much. It has been so much fun having Maysen home for this little bit. I love it when my entire family is together. Thirteen days until she moves home for the summer!

Maysen, Stephanie, Stockton, Preston in the messy kitchen

 Maysen & Stephanie

Maysen is working on her Interior Design project. We talked and talked and talked with her. Preston did a Family Home Evening lesson for everyone. He was able to finish his Duty to God requirements for scouts. Today was a great day.

Gregory's Blanket

I went to Logan today to pick up Maysen. We packed up a few of her things. Mostly her closet and random knick-nacks. I'm so excited that she will be moving home in two weeks! I'm happy she has loved college. It will be wonderful to have summer with all of my kids at home. Maysen and I stopped at Angie's on the way home. I got a soup and sandwich, Maysen got a grilled cheese. We also shared a giant scone. We were both stuffed.

Stockton convinced Maysen to watch a few episodes of Bruno the Kid with him. Grandma Parry had something with Bruno the Kid on it down in the room the kids used to sleep in. Stockton found out what cartoon character it was and thinks it's funny to watch the show. I took that opportunity to finish Gregory's blanket. I made several mistakes, but when I give the blanket to Matt and Sam I am going to force myself not to point out the mistakes to them. I picked the same fabric that I made Stockton and Preston's blankets from. Grandma Parry made their comforters from this fabric too. Sharon gave us a box of cabin fabric a few years ago, and there was a lot of this fabric. I thought it would be perfect for Gregory. I hope the blanket looks okay with the back I picked out. I found fabric with lots of words on it. Things like: be happy, be yourself, forgive quickly, dream big. Tons of things like that. It made me think of Sam, especially since she likes words. Hopefully they will like this blanket.

Rained Out

I worked on Gregory's blanket most of the day. I have no idea how my grandma made so many blankets. She spent the last few healthy years of her life making blankets for new grand babies. She knew she wouldn't be able to make the blankets soon, so she made as many as she could. I think she made about 70 blankets for soon to be born kids. When she died I think there were around 40 left. This one is taking me forever, I wonder how my grandma did it?

Jorja had a softball game. We thought it was probably rained out, but Jorja got a text saying the game was on. We hurried down there, but Jorja's team was the only one that showed up. I don't think it was a forfeit though because Mike said the automatic thing you call to see if games are cancelled said all games were cancelled today. Maybe Jorja's coaches were hoping they would change their mind? They ended up practicing. I watched from the car. Mike came straight from work, so we hung out in the car together. We did get out of the car and watch behind the backstop towards the end. We were able to see Jorja pitch and bat. The weather app says it will be a sunny weekend and rain all next week. Jorja is not happy about that possibility.

Panic Attack

Mike came home for lunch today. We had tacos. We have a ton leftover from Saturday. I have had tacos for lunch every day this week. I think a few more days and that should do it!

Stockton and I picked up Preston early from school to go to diving. Here is a video of Stockton's 2 1/2 pike on 3 meter. I didn't get any good videos of Preston because he worked mostly on 1 meter, so he was kind of hard to see.

Preston wanted to play Seafall when we got home. Mike, Preston and I have played that a lot lately. It is really fun, but takes forever. Stockton and Jorja had no interest in playing the game. (We started it a few months ago.) We try to fit in a few turns whenever we can. While we were playing I got a call from Jorja's coach. Jorja was at softball practice. Her coach said she got bonked on the head and was having a little panic attack. She said she got her breathing calmed down but her vision was going in and out. She suggested I come to practice in case Jorja needed to be seen by someone. Yikes! That was a little worrysome.

Jorja was sitting on the grass by the 3rd base side when I came. She was still a little teary and shaky, but didn't want to leave. She didn't want to talk about what happened because she was worried she would start crying again. I was able to get Jorja to talk to me on the way home. Jorja had been pitching at practice, then they called her in to bat. The other picture needed to warm up, so Jorja took out her phone to see if Stockton had texted her back. He had, but she didn't read the text. She just tossed the phone into her bag. Apparently one of the assistant coaches had seen Jorja with her phone. He came over and started yelling at her, then he hit her on the head. Jorja was wearing her helmet, so it didn't hurt, but it was loud and it scared her. She hurried up to bat because she didn't want to start crying. She was shaking, but was able to get on the base. After she had ran the bases, she went behind the backstop because she couldn't breathe. She was gasping for breath for awhile. She tried to go bat again, but her vision fogged over and she couldn't see anything. I think that was when the coaches noticed something was wrong with her. Jorja really likes her coaches this year except she says they swear a lot. I think the coach that hit her helmet was trying to be funny, but Jorja isn't use to humor like that. We are so blessed that we don't have any contention in the home. The kids don't fight with each other. Mike and I don't fight with them. Mike and I don't fight with each other. There is a lot of peace here. I know some people fight as a way to joke around, and I think that was what the coach was doing; but Jorja isn't used to that at all. I don't know why she wasn't able to breath, she said it just really scared her. (The coach that hit her is a pretty big dude.) As we left practice, Jorja gave cupcakes to everyone and a special cake slice to the assistant coach that had hit her. It was his birthday on Monday and Jorja brought him cake for it. He said, "You are the sweetest child I have ever met." Yep. That sums Jorja up nicely.

Righteous Day

I did a lot of church stuff today. I went visiting teaching to Javita. I love talking to her. She thinks the MLB draft is going to be on June 12th, which is a Monday. I thought things like that always were on Sunday. Hopefully her son, Damian, will be drafted. Pretty exciting. I went straight from Javita's house to the temple. The Relief Society was doing a temple trip. I have been trying to go once a week to the temple this year, so I figured now would be as good as a time as any. Only two other people from my ward were there. Suzanne Heaton (the Relief Society president) and Carolyn Madsen. Anna Marie Neider was also there. She moved out of our ward several years ago. She was the YW secretary in the presidency when I served in that calling. I got to know her well and even shared a room with her at girls camp. I really like her, so it was nice to see her. I also saw Cathy Jex when I was in the dressing room. Lots of people at the temple today.

I went on splits with the missionaries tonight. I had never done that before and I was really nervous about it, especially since I was supposed to set up all of the appointments. Nellie said she would do that for me. I was so thankful! The problem was, as we were driving to the first appointment we received a text that the other appointment was cancelled. She said we could go knock on this one person's door if we had extra time. I really didn't want to do that because I don't know that person at all. Because we live in a gated community, the missionaries need someone who lives in that community to go with them to knock on doors. I was super scared about that. Anyways, we ended up spending the entire time at the first house, so it worked out. I dropped off the missionaries back at the church where a car was waiting for them so they could go on splits with another ward. When I got home I saw a message from Nellie that came in at 7:00. She said she set up an appointment with Jeanette at 7:15. I had my cell phone on silent, so I didn't see the message. I texted Jeanette and let her know we wouldn't be coming. She had been waiting for us, so I felt bad.

I also felt bad that I would miss Jorja's softball game. It ended up pouring rain right before she got to the field, so the game was cancelled. Jorja had been looking forward to that game. It was against her old coach. The one she started out with. He is so great. We did not know he was coaching her age group. His daughter isn't technically old enough, but she wanted to play up. Jorja loves seeing him at the field and was really looking forward to this game.

That is the gist of my day. Long day. I'm going to have a wicked day tomorrow to even things out. Just kidding!

No Colorado

Starting another week. Why can't weekends be longer? Stockton had diving today. We realized the other day that Stockton wouldn't be able to go to the big USA diving competition in Colorado. I texted his coaches and let them know. I talked to Tyce after diving to make sure things were good. He wasn't too happy. He said that this competition is what they train for all year. Yep. So are the AP tests. I knew this competition would be the last weekend in April, because it seems to always be the weekend before testing starts. Ochoa told me at parent-teacher conference at the beginning of the year that they would have a practice AP test that Saturday. I told him Stockton would most likely have a major diving competition. Ochoa said that he would make sure to schedule a time to take the test the week before. Great. The problem is, Stockton's physics teacher scheduled a practice AP test the same time Ochoa's early test was. The three Saturdays before the AP tests start Stockton is spending half a day studying at school. I wish Stockton could have gone to Colorado. He would only have done 3 meter because 1 meter is on Sunday. I think it would be great for Stockton to see how much he has improved. I don't think he realizes that he is a lot better than last year, it would have been good for him to know that.

Easter Waterfall

Happy Easter! Preston and Mike made crepes this morning. Preston is stinking adorable. The kids had small Easter baskets and a present from us. The present wasn't well received. We expected that. I have been thinking and thinking about a way to get the cell phones out of the kids rooms at night. The problem is they listen to certain music and audible books on their phones. Jorja used to listen to the Friend every night, but I don't think she does that anymore. Mike came up with a brilliant idea to use Alexia. Mike and Christen gave us Alexia for Christmas. We have had fun playing with her, but knew we weren't using her to her full potential. The idea of having Alexia as an alarm and playing their music was much more appealing then having them continue to use their cell phones. The Alexia Mike and Christen gave us we put in the boys' room. We found an Alexia for a great price to put in Jorja's room. She changed her name to Echo. Preston was surprisingly sad about this. He has been sleeping up in the guest room lately. He listens to video game music at night. Mike found a way for him to continue to listen to video game music, so he is happy again. Half of the time Stockton leaves his phone by his computer, so it is no big deal for him. Jorja on the other hand is a different story, also the reason for this change. I told her that if Maysen had been as social as she was this policy would have happened a long time ago. I don't want to have her friends texting her after I send her to bed. Especially since some of her friends have not been the nicest to her lately. I don't want to worry that my child is getting mean things thrown at them when they should be safe at home. Plus, I read a study somewhere that said kids who sleep with cell phones in their rooms don't sleep as well because subconsciously they are listening for texts, worried they are missing something. I could see that being the case with Jorja. Mike and I got a charging dock for the kids to put their phones in before they go to bed. Hopefully this will be great, even though Jorja will resent it.

After church Mike, Preston and I went on a hike to Mike's favorite place - the Bell Canyon Waterfall. He spent a lot of time here while he was growing up. Stockton and Jorja didn't come. They both had a lot of homework to do. Stockton has been working hours and hours on homework. He has eight pages left of a giant review sheet due on Tuesday. Stockton gave me a compelling argument to stay. Jorja didn't do a great job on her argument. She has an essay due tonight. I hate how teachers can have things due after school. I wanted Jorja to lay out her case like Stockton did, but she didn't understand what I was asking and basically said she would have a horrible attitude if I made her go. Hmmmm. That argument sounds familiar. Maysen used that one a time or two. Jorja started crying and said that her church lesson was on friendship and that made her sad. I let her stay with Stockton and she ended up getting 30 out of 30 on a Utah Compose essay. That's not an easy thing to do. She wrote about kudzu. I asked her if she remembered kudzu from Georgia. She did not. Anyways, at least she did well and we had a great time with Preston.

Preston needed to go on a three mile hike for scouts. They did this on Thursday. They changed the date of scouts and I didn't realize it. Preston's piano teacher had asked if he could move his piano lessons to Thursday that week. If I had known about scouts I wouldn't have done that. We had a great time with Preston, so it worked out just fine. Preston loved taking pictures, so some of these are from him. I tried not to double any pictures, but it got a little confusing taking them from different phones.

Stephanie

 Preston

 Mike & Preston ~ Preston really wanted to find this rock he remembered climbing with Stockton

 Stephanie ~ didn't want to climb that rock

It was a long way up but we made it to the waterfall. We told Preston we could turn back early because we had gone more than three miles, but he wanted to stick it out. It is so pretty up there! We also saw Dan's signs he helped put up last fall. It makes it a lot easier to find the waterfall, especially the last turn. I missed the turn when I went with Maysen. Mike didn't like the signs because he liked the waterfall feeling more like a secret. Later he said that at least with the signs his kids and grandkids can find the waterfall after he is gone.

Mike took Preston to stand next to the waterfall. I felt like I was close enough. Plus I was able to get a few cute pictures of them.

Preston & Mike

 Preston

 Preston

 Preston & Mike

 Stephanie, Preston, Mike

 Stephanie & Preston

Preston was supposed to make trail mix and bring his first aid kit he made in scouts. We sent these pictures to his scout leader.

Preston

Mike loves to drink from the water and to stick his head in the stream. Like father, like son.

Preston

 Mike & Preston

 Preston

Mike and Preston got ahead of me on the way down. I always think down is going to be easier, but my knees hate going down! Preston and Mike were waiting for me on this rock. They wanted to scare me, but I knew they would be here. I know my boys.

Mike & Preston

One of my favorite pictures. I love watching these two together. Preston is so much like Mike. This is right after Preston fell. He did great the entire way, and fell here. Mike asked him if he wanted a piggy back ride to the car, but Preston wanted to walk the entire way. He has grown up! It wasn't too long ago when he wouldn't be able to stop crying over a fall like that.

Mike & Preston

We made it to our car right as the sun was setting. This was the first time Mike has gone on this hike where he hasn't left from his house. It was weird to him, and a bit sad. He is happy that there is still a way to get up to the waterfall though. That would have been really sad if all access had been cut off. My feet are tired. I kept thinking on the hike, "I hope tomorrow isn't leg day." Well, I have now checked. Tomorrow is leg day. Oh boy....