Kate's Wish

Kate's wish was granted yesterday. Her backyard makeover. Jorja was able to be there for the reveal. She was so excited. She has loved this family. I am so proud of her. I am thrilled she was able to have this experience. I sure hope those two girls get healthy. Twins with leukemia. That family has had a rough few years.

Paige, Grace, Jorja, Packer, Bode, Riley, Alex, Kate, Kate's mom

Lisa is in town for a few days and we were able to get together. Mike doesn't get to be together with all of his siblings at the same time. I'm glad Steve and Shannon were able to have everyone over. We just had pizza and played games. It was a blast. I made s'mores, that was our contribution. The college kids were busy dealing with finals and end of semester projects, so we didn't see any of them. It still was so fun. I'm glad this happened.

Steve, Sherry, Mike, Lisa

Bananagrams: Weston, Jorja, Preston, Stockton, Leo, Melissa, Nova, Maysen

Skull King: Lisa, Stephanie, Derek, Jacob, Steve

Jorja took all the kids home in her bug. Mike and I stayed later to hang out with his siblings. It was a nice, relaxing evening. I wish we could do this more often.

Final Art

 Jorja had me get her up super early this morning for another early morning hike. This girl has gotten no sleep. Step 2 the U ends this week, so hopefully she will be able to use that time to sleep. Also, school has been pushed back one week. That is great news for Jorja! It will give the SBOs more time to work on their video and Jorja will get two full weeks of stress free summer. Also, they announced that they aren't going to make up those days, so even better!

Sweatshirt girl, Dessa, Giselle, Puppy girl, Ella, Sammi, Jorja, Kate

Dessa, Sweatshirt girl, Kate, Jorja, Bode, Ella, Lucas, green shirt girl, glasses boy, Sammi, Luke, Hat boy, Giselle, shorts boy

Jorja finished an art project and then went to school to glue it to a giant collage. All done with art now! Woohoo! Jorja, Dessa and Kate went on a triple date. It was a blind date for Jorja. They went hiking and she had a great time.

Whoops, this is from the morning, not the date... oh well... Kate, Dessa, Jorja

This one if from the date.... Dessa, Jorja, Kate

Dessa, Kate, three boys I don't know

Our nephew, Jacob, entered home MTC today. He was called to serve in the Columbia, Cali mission. He has been reassigned to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I hope Mike and Christen and their family get to meet him! Mike and I went to the cabin today. We brought Bear with us. We wanted to finish painting the cabin before Jorja comes up with her friends this weekend. Luckily Maysen is feeling a lot better and doesn't need me to bandage her anymore. I wouldn't have been able to leave her a few days ago. These telfa pads we got from the doctors are amazing. Super hard to find in the stores, but Amazon had a pack of 50 of them for $10. I would recommend every house having some. When you need them you don't want to wait for 2 day shipping. Non-stick pads, even Bandaid brand, just didn't cut it.

On the Water

Mike, Jorja, Preston and Kate all slept on the boat last night. The boat wasn't in the water, but Mike said it was cool. He opened up different things so they all had a great view of the stars. They tried the boat again this morning and were able to get it started. Mike loved it. He pulled Preston on the tube, but it didn't go very fast. He thinks it will go faster if he drains the water out, or something like that. I guess you fill the boat with water when you want to use it as a sailboat. Anyway, he had fun figuring stuff out. Steve brought them back around 2:00.

Kate & Jorja

Jorja

Kate & Jorja

Jorja & Kate

Also... here is an update on Mike's leg

Jorja being Jorja

I talked to Stockton today. He is doing so well! The trio thing is tricky and an exercise in endurance though. The zone leaders showed up at Stockton's district council yesterday. One of the zone leaders, who used to be an AP until his appendix had to be removed, took him aside. He told him how much he looked up to Stockton and what a great job he is doing. He said that with quarantine so many missionaries are super depressed, except in his district. Pretty cool. Not that other missionaries are depressed, but that Stockton is doing a great job and that other people are noticing.

Yesterday Jorja posted a silly post on Instagram that said, "Comment 'ME' for a TBH" Dad, TBH means 'to be honest'. So Jorja would tell people what she really thought. She was silly and would say things like, "You are wearing a bucket hat and I'm sitting behind you." Or she would make fun of how people would do this in middle school by saying things like, "tbh we see each other in the halls sometimes!! Let's talk more!" Some were honest things like, "tbh can't wait for you to win Alta idol" Anyways, she was having fun on the drive to kayaking doing this. Then, Riley decided to post Me. Really? He really wants to know what Jorja honestly thinks of him? Almost immediately Jordyrobs liked his comment. That is when Jorja knew they were trying to troll her. Making fun of her. Kind of a jerky move. So, what does Jorja do? Well, Jorja is Jorja. She commented back, "tbh you cheated on me. rate 3/10" then she had a silly emoji. Jorja sent me a text asking if it was mean. I told her it wasn't. I told her it was honest but not rude. It shows that she has a backbone and won't let people troll her. Anyway at least 25 people liked her comment. Jorja was shocked. A few people even sent her a message telling her that was so funny. One of them was Brenton. Then he sent a couple of screen shots of a group chat where they were talking about it. They were all saying how hilarious it was, how savage Jorja was and how proud they were of her. Jorja couldn't believe it. These were Riley's old friends. Jorja doesn't know them well. To see them stand up for her was such a confidence boost. She has so many people rooting for her, just in life in general, that she doesn't even know about. I'm glad she was able to see a glimpse of it here. I'm glad Brenton thought to send it to her.

Anyway, Jorja went out to breakfast with Cori. They talked about the SBO retreat next week. Jorja had a basic plan that she had worked out with Layla. Cori helped her with some other details and then dropped her off just in time for her Step to the U class. Mike and I went to the grocery store to get some things for his trip. Jorja finished her class while we were there, so she picked me up from the store and we went to try and get her some sandals. We got in the store this time, but they didn't have any her size. We stopped by Sonic to get some lunch and pick up a milkshake for Preston. They gave us everything except Preston's shake. So, we tried again and it took forever! Cori was coming to pick up Jorja again, but we didn't get home in time. Cori was taking Jorja and Miah to get their nails done. I dropped Jorja off at the salon and headed home. I went out again to a different store and found some sandals that were Jorja's size. I hope she likes them because they were not cheap. They are supposed to last a lifetime. So.... if she doesn't like them that would be sad.

Mike wanted to test out the boat today with Jorja and Steve. Weston wanted to camp with friends so Steve decided to kill to birds with one stone. Preston wasn't sure if he would feel well enough to come, so I asked Jorja if she would like to invite a friend. She called Kate who got her work changed so she could come. Preston ended up wanting to go at the last minute. Maysen and I stayed home. Steve came over and pulled the boat with his truck. They all seemed to have a great time despite the battery dying in the boat and not being able to start the engine. Jorja and Kate hung out with Weston and his friends while Mike worked on everything. They pulled the boat out of the water and were able to find a third hidden battery that he didn't know about. That's good that they figured it out. They are going to try the boat again tomorrow.

Kate & Jorja

Preston & Jorja

Kate & Jorja

Jordan River

Mike and I went to Salt Lake early this morning to drop off the Pilot. They put a hitch on it that will hopefully tow the boat. Steve is skeptical. Mike and Steve decided to do a test run with the boat next week. That way Steve will be there to help Mike if he needs it. I'm not sure if Steve is going to tow the boat or Mike. I know he told Mike that if it feels like he is towing jet skis then he would probably be okay.

Jorja is watching Madison's dogs for a few days. They gave her their garage opener to get in the house. I went with Jorja this morning. We got in the garage, but the door to inside the house was locked. That was a bit stressful. Madison's brother is staying in their basement with his girlfriend and their baby. We had to go through the basement door, say an awkward hi and head upstairs. Jorja spent a lot of time with the dogs trying to make sure they ate. There are three of them. We took them on a short walk as well.

Around noon we headed up to Steve and Shannon's. We were in swimsuits covered in sunscreen. We drove to one of their friends house. The Jordan River is right in their backyard. Just like it is right in Steve and Shannon's backyard. Steve and Shannon had twelve tubes for us to float on. We put the tubes in and the plan was to get out at their house. It was fun, but pretty slow. Also thorny. Steve, Brandon, Jorja and Preston all had their tubes pop. Preston floated down with Mike. Jorja floated with her life vest. Weston and I got separated from the rest. It was fun to float with him. He told me stories about getting lost hiking last week. Search and rescue had to be called. Weston was able to make it down the mountain, but the helicopter had to go get four of them. One of them was in really bad shape, but is okay now. Weston and I finished first. It took about three hours, I think. We didn't get out in their backyard, but a little bit away and walked. We put up our tubes. I washed off my feet and changed into clothes. Then I decided to wear Jorja's shoes and go back to look for the others. I had left my phone in the house but knew Mike and Jorja had theirs. I was using Find My Friends to try and find them. Steve saw me looking for them and pointed out where they were. They were getting out right then. Jorja was glad to have her shoes. She had been wearing mine, but Maysen had them now. Mike asked how Maysen was doing. I told him I hadn't seen her. That was the first clue something was wrong. Turns out Maysen and Anna (Smith's cousin on Shannon's side of the family) had missed the pull out spot. They were together and both were unfamiliar with where to get out. Mike and Steve jumped in a truck to go look for them. Weston took off on his bike. Weston found them. They were at about 114th. When Maysen came back she said that they were trying to figure out if they should get out. Maysen told Anna, "My mom will be waiting for me. She wouldn't let me float past." So, that was a good mom moment there. I don't know why I assumed that she was with someone who would know when to get out. At least I hurried back there to look for them. 

After the exhausting and fun day on the river, we had a barbecue. Jacob had done all the grilling while Mike and Steve were looking for the girls. That was nice. We were supposed to bring brownies and completely forgot. Doing great today!

Jorja and Weston

Preston and Jorja

We have left Bear home alone two times. Both were to go to Steve and Shannon's house. This was by far the longest time. He was soooo happy to see everybody when we got home. Everyone got sunburned way bad except Jorja. Probably because she had a bad sunburn a few months ago. We decided to have a relaxing fourth. We didn't go anywhere for fireworks. We also didn't want Bear to be alone, because he gets scared when he hears them. Jorja wanted to go out with her friends. She headed out to meet Kate somewhere. They met up with other friends. Listened to Janelle's brother's band play a concert, saw fireworks at a lookout point and a few other stuff I can't remember. I know she met up with Allison and Hailey. I think she met with Ben and his friends too. Anyway, she had a great time and got home at midnight. I found these pictures on her phone. I am NOT a fan of the first picture though.

Jorja

Jorja & Kate

Allison, Hailey, Kate, Jorja

When Jorja got home she came and found me and said, "I forgot to put away Madison's dogs!" Her plan was to go after the concert, which was the first thing she did that night. So, she headed over there at midnight. There was one accident she had to clean up, but she was able to make sure they were all okay. Glad the door wasn't locked this time!

Last Picture

Jorja had her first student government activity with the new officers. The results for the election were posted yesterday. There are two girls in each category this year. Two girl sbos, two girl senior class officers, two girl senators, two girl junior class officers and two girl sophomore class officers. Weird. Jorja is excited to not be the only girl anymore. She told me today that it is weird that she is the only senior girl that has been in student government before. Six senior girls, thirteen boys. Wish it was a bit more even. Anyway, she went down there for an hour this morning to work on putting together signs for the seniors. She had to hurry back because her AP English text was today. It's weird having them take their AP tests at home. Instead of a three hour test, it is a 45 minute free response test. We kicked everyone out of the computer room so Jorja would have no distractions. I'm glad I let her drop AP US History at the beginning of the year. This year is so weird. After the test Jorja and I helped Preston learn a dance for Chinese. Jorja filmed Preston and I dancing. Sending that video in was a difference between an A and a B in Chinese. Crazy that it was worth so much. After the dancing Jorja went out with Layla for yogurt. Layla is the other girl sbo. They wanted to talk about initiation. Jorja told me this morning that she texted Aysha and told her she didn't want to kiss anyone. She said that even though Riley said it wouldn't bother him, she didn't want to risk it. She didn't want another Conner/Traven situation. She has felt guilty about kissing Traven for so long. She met up with Layla and said they had a great time. Layla didn't want to kiss any of them either, even though she is kind of dating one of them. She didn't want to kiss Marshall in front of anyone. So, at least they are agreed on that. They are both looking forward to tonight. Should be super fun.

Switching gears... my mom died 24 years ago today. I posted this picture with this caption: Best person in the world died 24 years ago today. This was our last family picture. My brother Brett was leaving on a mission. My mom knew she would die while he was gone, but sent him anyway. Her faith was unmatched. Oh how I miss her.

Mike, Mom, Stephanie, Brett, John, Dad, Matt, Bubs

Mike commented that Matt was wearing a 6T jacket. Haha. My cousin Jeff mentioned something like he was having a tender moment remembering mom when Mike made him laugh. After I said, "See what I have to put up with?" Mike said, "At least I didn't mention how you are wearing a size 2X!" Hahahaha. I love my family. When Jorja was helping me go through some filing cabinets she found some twenty question things. I sent this to my brothers today. This is what my mom answered when I was 17 I think.

I brought my blanket and puzzle book and hung out at my mom's grave. It was such a nice day! Right as I was leaving Matt and Sam and their family showed up. They brought dinner to eat at the grave. They brought my mom's peanut butter cups in bar form. Why have I never thought of making them that way? Tons easier. It was delicious too.

Stephanie

 Sam & Kaylee, Matt

 Anne, Jeff, Greg and Amy in the distance

 Random picture of Preston

My family played rummy with me. I grew up playing that and canasta with my mom. Soon it was time for Jorja to head out. The outgoing sbos picked her up at 10:30. She is so excited. I hope she has the best time!

Jorja

 Ellie, Jorja with red eyes, Kate, Aysha

 I tried to edit Jorja's red eyes. Not sure how good I did so I'm leaving both pictures in.

Hanging with The Porge

Stockton and I drove up around Roy this morning, about an hour and a half.  I had never been that way before that I can remember.  We went to my friend Jaime Staker's fathers funeral.  Well, just his viewing. Just enough to see Jaime and tell her how sad we were for her.  Then we drove home.  It was nice to have Stockton on the trip with me.  Jorja was just getting up when we got home.  That girl can sleep!  Her friends picked her up and they went to DI.  They called me a few hours later to pick them up from Create, a delicious dessert shop.

I had been begging Jorja to go to a Mom and Daughter thing tonight. She didn't want to, but I kept pestering her.  Her original plans fell through so she talked Kate into going with us.  We played on these hoops, silks and hammocks.  It was a blast!  Also, super hard.  The pictures are almost all blurry because it was hard to keep from spinning.  We did the hoops first.

Kate

 Jorja

 Jorja & Stephanie

 Jorja & Kate

Our second area was silks, but we snuck a little hammock in.  We liked this much more.  Stockton has a friend that he dives with named Gavin. I ran into Gavin and his mom Shannon there.  Shannon invited me tonight.  She has been going here since the spring.  Her entire family hangs out here.  Shannon and her daughter were crazy on the silks. They could climb to the ceiling.  Shannon's muscles were huge!  Her daughter was doing crazy stuff way up high.  It was nuts!  Jorja was mesmerized.

Kate & Jorja

Jorja got to be really good at doing this hammock flip thing.  I got up in the position once but was too terrified to throw myself forward.  It doesn't look that scary, but it was.  Too scary for me and Kate.  Jorja on the other hand did it over and over.

Jorja

 Kate & Jorja

 Stephanie

 Jorja & Kate

Jorja

Jorja wants to take a silks class with her friends.  She would love to do the things Gavin's sister was doing!  We'll have to see if we can figure it out.  We were planning on her starting diving this month.  So many things to do, so little time!

I finished the night watching the BYU/Toledo game.  That game was crazy!  So glad they came away with a win . . . finally!