Nova's Baptism

Maysen, Preston and I went to Nova's baptism this morning. Mike was in Idaho, Stockton was in St. George and Jorja was working. Nova looked so cute in her butterfly dress. Nathan told a story about how when Jessie was baptized she wanted to stay down as long as possible. They worked out hand signals so he would know when to bring her back up. The problem was, no one watching knew that was the plan. She stayed under for ten seconds! That's a long time when you are expecting a quick dunk! Hahaha! After the baptism we went over to Scoop and Cori's house for a lunch. That was the second time I have been there. Scoop seemed shocked when I mentioned that. We were invited over for Thanksgiving several years ago. The lunch turned out great. Nova seemed very happy. It was cool to see Lisa and Nathan. It was a nice day.

Nova

I sent Mike pictures of Bear

He sent me pictures of logs

Mike moved the log rack to the side of the garage. Lots of work, but isn't that view gorgeous?

Mike discovered a boat ramp in Alpine, Wyoming

Mike drove home today. Yay! We will get to be with him for Father's Day! Stockton will get home tomorrow. We will have everyone towards the end of the day. I love it.

This Is Me

Jorja had her AP World History test this morning. Glad that is over with. I proctored AP stats this afternoon. I drove Jorja's car and left her keys in her locker. She was able to go home after the test, then she swung on by the school and picked me up! Roles are reversed. Jorja found Nala in our backyard. She broke through the fence. We found the spot by the batting cage. I tried to get her to go back to her yard, but she wasn't having it. Finally I just let her out the gate to roam the neighborhood. At least she isn't eating our ducks at the moment!

Preston had his musical theater performance. This Is Me. He did great! He was so cute to watch. It was fun seeing him doing something that wasn't at the computer. I got to the school early with Preston and waited outside the doors for twenty minutes to snatch a seat. While I was waiting, my friend from elementary school walked in. Melissa Cutler! Her daughter is in musical theater too! Just the other class. They did a song from Matlida for their performance. When the doors finally opened, we rushed to find seats, at the opposite end of the theater. I put my stuff on four seats and went and talked to her. It was so amazing! Funny thing was, Jorja went on a date with her! Well, way back in February when Ben asked her out. They doubled with Melissa's daughter and Spencer Affleck ~ who Jorja is now taking to Sadie's. That is where Jorja met Spencer. Her daughter also works at Chick-Fil-A, just the Southtown one. We found pictures of her daughter and Jorja together. It was so funny!

This Is Me!

Clip Jorja took

Jorja is playing Alta Assassin right now. I remember playing this when I was in high school. I got killed outside my dance class. Anyway, the people who wanted to play put $3 into the pot. They got a small pool noodle. Whoever wins gets most of the pot. There are over $200 people playing right now. They were given their targets last night. Hailey's target is Bryson Fabrizio. Jorja texted Teegan to see if he wanted to help them kill Bryson. He did. Too bad Hailey couldn't come when Teegan was available. Teegan picked up Jorja to show her where Bryson lives. Jorja, Hailey and Emily drove there tonight, but they never saw him. People have side bets about who is going to win this entire thing. Bryson is in the lead, so Hailey really wants to kill him. In order to kill your person you have to say, "Hello. My name is Jorja. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Or something like that. Then they have to stab the person in the stomach or back. If the person stabs you first you are stunned for 8 hours before you can try again. The next time you try you don't have to say the phrase though. The girls were hoping they could at least get their phrases said tonight. There are different rules. Like no killing in classrooms. No killing when a car is running. No killing in your house unless you are invited in. We have strict instructions from Jorja not to let anyone in our house. The girls were able to chase down Emily's person. She said her phrase to her before the girl got inside. No one was home at Sydni's house, but Jorja left this on her door.

The kids are having great fun with this. I can't believe the administration approved it. It seems like they don't let them do anything, so this was a surprise. It's really cool because the kids are texting each other to find out who people are. Jorja agreed to help one of her junior friends kill Lucas. He took her to the Christmas dance. Too bad her friend got killed before they were able to do that. If you kill someone, your new target is whoever they had. Anyway, Jorja has been carrying around her noodle everywhere. Hope she has fun!

Smith Family Gingerbread

We had tithing settlement this morning, church, then Mike and I hurried to get everything ready for the gingerbread party. Jorja was making us all laugh before everyone arrived. I love to see her happy.

Jorja

 It's weird how there is no snow outside

My camera was taking pictures orange. It took me awhile to figure out how to change it, so the first part of the party all the pictures will be orange. We also set up tables in the piano room so the First Presidency Christmas Devotional could be going while we decorated.

Sherry

 Connor's friend, Connor, Matt

 Preston

 Miah & Jorja

 This one isn't orange because it was my cell phone . . . Matt, Miah, Jorja

 Sherry

 Jorja

 I finally figured out how to fix the camera, testing it with Jorja's smile.

 Jorja

 Connor's friend, Connor

 Leo

 Shannon

 Weston

 Preston . . . with a knife . . . and an evil grin

 Brandon

 Nova

 Derek & Leo (and Jacob)

 Shannon

 Weston

 Mike made a manger scene, although Jesus looks like he is about to be sacrificed on an alter

 Preston

 Taylor got here late, but was able to knock his house out lickety split

 Connor

 Sherry

 Miah

 Xander

 Connor's mission buddy

 Connor wearing Preston's 'future missionary' tag

 Connor's friend, Matt

Connor, Xander, Miah, Sherry

 Taylor's family is now in California, so the Hardy's adopted him today.

Taylor, Connor, Xander, Connor's friend, Matt, Miah, Sherry

 Nova & Taylor

 Taylor

 Derek

 Weston

 Jacob

 Nova & Melissa

 Leo, Nova, Melissa

 Shannon

 Brandon

 Mike

 Taylor & Jorja

Another gingerbread party is in the books. I love how my family loves this tradition. They aren't shy about telling me that either, which makes me very happy. I want to have Jorja help me put together a gingerbread book of all our creations over the years. That would be fun to have, and to keep adding to.

Okay, quick change of topic. Jorja had a best friend named Katlyn. They were best friends for about two years and were always together. Around March Katlyn told Jorja she needed a break. Jorja took that to mean Katlyn didn't want to be friends with her anymore. And they weren't. It was so weird. It has been really hard on Jorja. They haven't really spoken since March. Anyway, today, out of the blue, Katlyn texted Jorja. She flat out apologized for everything. She told Jorja that what she did to her was the worse thing she ever has done and that she really wanted to be friends again. Katlyn didn't try to justify what she did, she just owned it and said she was sorry. She didn't try to make Jorja feel like anything was her fault, she took all the responsibility. When Jorja showed me Katlyn's text I thought to myself, "Now that is an apology!" Jorja was so happy! She talked to Katlyn for a long time on FaceTime while she was getting ready for bed. I hope these girls can be friends again. They had so much fun together. Jorja has missed having a strong girl connection. Hailey has always been there for her, but when these three were together it was great. Poor Hailey was caught in the middle, but she navigated it like a champ. I am hopeful about this. I hope Katlyn and Jorja can get their connection back, Jorja really needs something like this right now.