Christmas Past and Present

We had church at the cabin. We talked about priorities and making room for the important things. It was a really good discussion. Zoom church is great. Nice that we can be here and still go to church. This week was the primary program. They had prerecorded it. Mike had it and was able to share the program after the bishop and primary president talked. I was a bit worried we would lose track of time and miss the program. That would have been horrible. There were so many families watching. Would have been so embarrassing if Mike didn't show! The program was cool. They did this mixture of Christmas past and present. Several years ago the ward had the primary record part of the Christmas story for part of a Christmas party. They mixed videos from kids years ago with the kids now. Little Jorja and little Preston were on it. It was so cute! They did a great job on the entire thing.

We were able to leave the cabin pretty quickly after church. I drove Maysen and we listened to the False Prince again. Mike drove the rest of them. Jorja and Preston have spent hours playing together this trip. Lots of Super Mario Bros. They are cute together. Jorja wanted to keep playing games with Preston on the way home.

Giselle, Riley and Riley's sister came over once we got home to help Jorja make bracelets. She is hoping to sell them for the fundraiser. I am so impressed with how hard Jorja is working on this fundraiser, even when most of her events keep getting cancelled. Corona is dumb. What a weird year.

Getting the Boot

Mike and I got up early this morning to finish the poster we were supposed to make. I thought we were going to do something on the computer, but we never got around to it. Doing stuff like this stresses me out. I hate it. Mike took the poster to Ward Council and did a little craft project there. He pushed lights through it. It ended up looking pretty cool. We left a big space after the date because neither of us could remember the time. Looking back, I can't remember if we ever fixed that. Oh well. 

Mike, Preston and I went early to church. We met with the bishop for Preston's priesthood/twelve year old interview. Too bad we didn't put our stuff down on our bench first. When we finished the interview it took us a bit to find a seat. The primary program was today. Preston didn't want to do the program, especially since he was officially twelve. He talked to Megan Okerlund about it. She made him a deal that if he gave a talk he wouldn't have to come to any of the practices. At least he knows the drill about how the primary programs work now. When the bishop called Preston up, he was already up there. Preston gave a great talk. It was short, but good. All of my kids are fantastic speakers. Preston had the entire audience cracking up. This was his talk.

Since my 12th birthday was yesterday, I am graduating from primary, so you can imagine how excited I was when I found out I had to do the primary program anyway.

In primary, I have learned that the priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God here on the Earth. The priesthood can bless our lives in many ways. For example, each year before I start school, I ask my dad for a Father's blessing. When someone is sick, they can ask for a priesthood blessing. The young men that prepare, bless and pass the sacrament can do that because of the priesthood.

Yesterday I turned 12 years old. That means I can receive the Aaronic priesthood. I might even be able to pass the sacrament next Sunday!

I am excited to be able to receive the priesthood and use it to serve the other members of the ward. It is cool that Heavenly Father allows us to serve others so that we can learn to become more like him.

The talk seems tame enough. No laugh out loud moments. Preston had the audience cracking up in the delivery. All from the first paragraph. When he said 'you can imagine how excited I was...." the way he said excited was super funny. Totally exaggerated and obvious he was being sarcastic. Then he doubled down and whispered, "I wasn't excited." Holy cow. It was so funny. Everyone cracked up. I had tears, it was hilarious.

During the meeting I got a text from Scoop. He was asking if I knew what time Preston's ordination would be. I rarely get texts from him, so I was confused why they were asking me and not Mike. We didn't know when this would be happening at this point. I handed my phone to Mike and he told him we weren't sure exactly. It would be third hour, but we didn't know if it would be at the beginning or the end. Scoop texted back to let him know as soon as we could because they have a long way to come. As soon as sacrament meeting was over, Mike went in search of that information. I headed to my Sunday school class. Mike came in awhile later, after texting his dad the plan. I let my dad know the information as well. Mike taught my class today. This morning when we were making the posters Mike asked me if I was teaching today. Whoops! With all the excitement of Preston's birthday I totally forgot about that. I begged Mike to teach his Resiliency lesson for me. It was perfect. Thank heavens for Mike! He is always bailing me out.

Mike, Jorja and I went over to the primary next to watch Preston get the boot. When someone turns twelve, they have the entire deacons quorum or beehive class come in to sing to the new kid and take them back to class with them. It's pretty cool. It's hard for me to believe that when Jorja got the boot I was her advisor. It seems like forever since I've been in Young Womens.

Bulletin board outside of primary

 Preston's paper doll is right above the sign.

While we were waiting, Jorja and I noticed that it was 11:11. On 11/11. We talked about how World War I ended at this time 100 years ago. That's crazy! Jorja and I both took screenshots of our phones to get the time. Mine was dumb. I liked Jorja's though. (I'm not good at checking my messages...)

Stephanie's phone

 Jorja's phone (Eliza & Jorja)

 Preston's boot

 Sister Hawkins & Preston

 Deacons quorum: Brother Henderson, Ethan, Nick, Will, Luke, Matthew, Aiden, Jaxson, Andrew, Sister Masters, Ben

 Sister Hawkins & Preston

Singing hello/goodbye to Preston

Preston getting the boot

I went to my class before it was time to sneak out early for Preston. I was worried that my dad wouldn't get here on time, and I didn't want to wait if he wouldn't be coming. I texted him to let me know when he was there or if he wasn't coming. When I left class I saw my dad talking to Mike. My text to him never sent. Mike texted his dad and asked him to be there at 11:30. His dad wasn't there when I came out of class. Mike texted him again and asked if he was coming. No answer. The people came out of the room at 11:50 and told us they were ready. We weren't sure what to do because we didn't know if Mike's dad was going to come or not, and if he came when he was going to be here. There have been many times in the past when we think he is coming to things, but he doesn't end up coming. Mike chooses to plan on his dad not coming so he isn't disappointed anymore. There were a lot of boys in the classroom. We are hoping Preston can become friends with them. Social skills aren't the easiest thing for our kids. Anyway, as we were leaving the classroom at 11:58 I got a text from Mike's dad saying, "We are here where are they going to ordain him?" I about died. Mike and Preston hurried to find Scoop and Cori. Preston gave them both big hugs. Scoop wasn't happy with me at all. There were tears in his eyes. I felt so bad. It didn't help that several people stopped Preston and told him what an awesome job he did. Several people also stopped Mike and I and told us how much they loved Preston's talk, how he was so funny and how much he reminded them of Mike. Scoop told me that they would have come to see Preston if they knew. I reminded him that I told him about the primary program. He said, "We didn't know he would have a part." Except I know I told them Preston would be speaking. I just didn't make a big deal of it because I didn't want to make them feel like they had to come. It is so awkward wanting to invite them to stuff, but trying to not feel like we are begging. Anyway, I felt horrible about how things happened, even though I know I did nothing wrong. At least we were able to get a picture with Scoop before they left.

Mike, Preston, Scoop

Once we were home we had a few hours to relax, which meant the kids and Mike wanted to play with ducks. Jorja kept trying to go out the back door to get the mallards, but they would run away from her. So, she decided to go out the window and sneak up on them from behind. I sent her this picture on Snapchat.

Jorja

 She was successful!

 Preston & Quackletta, Jorja & Waddluigi

 Jorja, Kiki & Quacky Chan

 Quacky Chan & Kiki

Jorja has been practicing driving her stick shift lately. Mike took her out driving yesterday. Today she drove her car by herself to church. We decided to go see Shannon to drop off some things. She lives about twenty minutes away. Jorja put this sign on the back of her car before we left. Haha! It did make her panic less though. Jorja did great. She drove all the way to Riverton and only stalled the car once there and once on the way back. Both times she didn't stress and was able to restart it right away. She is going to never regret learning how to drive a stick.

 Jorja's snapchat streaks were a video, but I loved this picture of her.

We had to hurry back from Shannon's to go to Preston's Court of Honor and Jorja's Evening in Excellence. Jorja drove here too. They had a cute slideshow with each of the girls in front of a whiteboard. It was a cute picture of them with their name and about five major accomplishments they have achieved this last year. For some reason Jorja's wasn't put in the slideshow. Neither was Hadley Kate's. It was kind of sad. Oh well.

Jorja & Ebony

 Jorja & Stephanie

Jorja answered Luke to the Christmas dance tonight. Hailey and a girl named Lily wanted to come with her. I was disappointed that I forgot to take a picture of Jorja's poster before we came. Jorja said she would take a picture when they set it up. Jorja wasn't sure where Luke lived. She asked a lot of people for his address. Riley didn't know it, but found it out for her. He also let her know that Luke was going to be at a family dinner until 9:00. Luke's mom texted Riley when they were home and Riley texted Jorja. When Jorja and the girls went to put this on their front porch they could see everyone sitting at the table. Luke's mom knew they were coming so she distracted Riley while they were outside. Nice. Although Jorja felt a little self conscious, so this was the best picture she was able to get me of her poster.

 Luckily Luke took a better one.

Wow! That was a busy day!

Gingerbread and Christmas Pageant

We did gingerbread houses in my primary class today. The girls were all there, but Dane was missing. They had the best time! They all knew to expect this, so they could hardly contain their excitement during sharing time. They did a mini pageant during sharing time so that helped a lot! Here are some pictures of my little class decorating their houses.

Natalie, Andi, Alex

 Kortney, Alex, Andi, Natalie's arms

 Alex, Andi, Natalie, Kortney

 Alex

 Andi, Natalie

 Natalie

 Alex, Andi, Natalie

 Alex

 Natalie

 Kortney

 Andi

 Alex

This is my last class with these girls. What a fun way to end teaching them! In other news, I also am in charge of getting the missionary plaques for my ward. I brought Jaxson's and Landon's plaque to church last week. I was busy with my class and wasn't able to get the plaques to the bishopric until after church. They told me to give them to Duff Yauney because he has the key to the missionary case. Duff was gone by then, but Josh was there practicing with the orchestra for the Christmas program. I gave the plaques to Josh and asked him to give them to his dad. When I got home I asked Mike to text Duff and make sure he knows to be looking for them. Mike forgot. (We had my family over for gingerbread that week, so it was a little crazy.) Anyway, the plaques weren't there today, so I was a little disappointed. Mike asked Duff about them and he never received them. Josh never brought them home! They were still looking for them after church. I felt sick to my stomach. Luckily they didn't tell me they were missing until after my class, then they found them shortly after. The plaques say 'Crescent 18th Ward' on them, so they were turned into the Bishop. How embarrassing. Anyway, they are now safely hanging in the hallway at church. Duff doesn't have a key, but he showed me how to break into the case. I think I will just put the plaques there myself next time.

Duff breaking into the missionary plaque case.

We had the Smith family Christmas pageant at Brent's house today. We were late because when we were almost to the freeway I remembered that I didn't bring Melissa's diaper bag. She had left it at our house when we did gingerbread and called me about it a few days ago. Mike wanted to keep going, but I knew if I did I would need to drive to Springville to bring it back to her. I knew I wouldn't have time to do that. I also brought the fiery starbursts. Mike dumped them out of the bag onto the food table. I wasn't in the room when people started trying them. Mike said it was so funny. Especially since they expected them to taste like regular starbursts.

Maysen wasn't in the pageant this year. Stockton and Jorja were assistant inn keepers. Weston was the inn keeper. Basically they hid in the playhouse the entire pageant. At least they had fun. Preston was an angel. The regular angel costumes didn't make it this year, so Preston made his own halo out of a paper plate.

Weston & Jorja

 Erica, Weston, Jorja

 Preston is the angel in the middle. He is super enthused about being one.

 Weston the innkeeper. Stockton and Jorja are in there somewhere.

 Jorja & Stockton

 The cast. I see Brandon and Erica as shepherds, Preston is with the angels.

Nova is a wise man, and I don't recognize anyone else.

Bananas and Apples

Mike's dad stopped by this morning. We don't get to see him very often, so it was great having him come over. I woke up Jorja so she could see him. She went right back to bed after he left. Stockton and Preston were already up. Luckily he came before Stockton left to the Bishop's house this morning.

Today was our primary program. I talked Mike into helping me get Mr. Banana ready to teach today. We did this once before. I thought it would be a perfect day for this because after the program, they would need something fun like Mr. Banana. I was up on the stand before sacrament meeting with my class. Andi turned to me and started jumping and squealing and said, "Your husband brought Mr. Banana!" They were so excited. Dane and Kortney both went home after sacrament meeting, so I just had my original three in class today. I love this picture. I love how serious Natalie is with the wand and how Andi's face is lighting up.

Natalie & Stephanie

Alex & Andi

One time Mr. Banana said my name. The girls couldn't believe it. "How does Mr. Banana know your name?" I should have had Mike program their names into the lesson. They would have been shocked to pieces. I love the innocence of these kids. The rest of the day was spent with apples. Preston and I were having a contest to see who could get our apples chopped first.

Preston & Stephanie

Jorja wanted to make some apple dessert thing. I asked her to make this for me on Friday. I brought it to our apple party. She wanted to make it again, since we had so many apples. She made a few plates and dropped it off at Hailey, Evan and Isaac's house.

Jorja being a nut

Jorja didn't know if she should drop a plate off at Isaac's house because she thought it might be weird. She decided to do it anyway, because she would have done it if they had never even started liking each other. While she was at his door I was watching the the Dodgers/Cubs game on my app. Not watching like seeing the video, but just seeing what was happening. Like "swinging strike". Anyway, Jorja came back right as Turner did..... something. I knew it was a hit, but was waiting to find out what happened. Walk-off homerun! WOW! I was so excited. Jorja thought I was weird. I will probably always remember being on the side of the road in front of Isaac's house when that happened. Kind of annoying because I don't remember lots of things anymore, but I'm sure I'll remember that.

Jorja's Hard Day

So....Jorja had a hard day today. She sent Isaac a text last night, then immediately regretted it. I can't remember what she said exactly, but something about just being friends for now and hopefully having a future later. I think. I can't really remember and she has her phone with her at school so I can't spy on her messages right now. Anyway, I think it caught Isaac off guard. Jorja cried most of the day today. She said she ruined things with Isaac. Evan calmed her down enough for her to go to church. Jorja said she was worried Isaac would never talk to her again. Evan assured her that there was no way Isaac would stop talking to her. Jorja did great during church, but cried a lot when she came home. I was just making her angry because I was getting kind of frustrated with her. Mike had her make lasagna with him and was able to talk to her and get her to calm down. She only started hyperventilating once, and Mike was able to get her to calm down right away.

I talked my family into going on a hike this afternoon. I wanted to be in the mountains with the pretty leaves. Jorja got upset because the hike starts by Isaac's church, which is near his house. I kind of mocked her for that because that was weird. Am I never going to be allowed to turn right when I leave my neighborhood? Anyway, I was hoping to make it to the suspension bridge. Except I messed up. I wasn't paying too much attention when I went there with Jacqui. I saw a sign that said Bonneville Trail, or something like that. It looked familiar, so we went that way. That was the wrong way. I think I see that name so much on the different Bradley instagram accounts that it seemed what I was looking for. So, we hiked along a bike path. I ran along it, which felt amazing. We were able to eventually find the right path and the first little bridge, but it was getting dark and Mike didn't want to be in the mountains with no light when it was dark for some reason. We will have to try again soon. It is so pretty up there. It was nice to get out of the house.

Isaac ended up calling Jorja tonight. I'm not sure what they talked about, but Jorja was a lot happier when she went to bed. I'm so glad he called her. I think she feels things are going to be okay. At least she isn't scared of him ignoring her. I hope they can get back to being the best of friends. Fourteen is so young to like someone so much. Jorja is A LOT different than Maysen.

One quick memory from today. We had the primary program practice, so everyone was just finding a seat in the chapel at the beginning of primary. I grabbed Dane's hand and was looking for others in my class. I saw a row stuffed with girls. Alex was against the wall and was crying. I sat Dane somewhere and then held out my arms to her. She came toward me and let me pick her up. I squeezed her so hard and she squeezed me right back. I stood there holding her, rocking her back and forth for a long time, both of us squeezing the guts out of each other. I never did ask her why she was crying, but I was just so full of love for that little girl. Ron Henderson walked by while I was holding Alex and said, "Rough gig you have there." He could tell I was loving every second of it.

Backs are Back

Church was a little crazy today. The Back's had their homecoming. President Back was the mission president of a mission in Sydney Australia. We got there early and were able to get a seat. It was crowded! All the way back to the stage and people on the stage. There were a lot of missionaries there. We had our regular spot at the front left of the chapel. That was nice. Jorja was a claustrophobic though. There were a lot of people and it made the chapel hot. We also squished into one bench and it was pretty tight. Jorja started feeling lightheaded and nauseous. She asked if she could go home after sacrament meeting. Then she started feeling worse and we decided she needed to go home after the sacrament. The sacrament took a long time and she was worried. Once they finished Mike walked her home. Jorja was embarrassed to have to walk past everyone in order to leave, but she would have been more embarrassed if she passed out or threw up. Mike said she looked awful. Mike missed Sister Back's talk but got back in time to hear President Back's. I wish Jorja would have felt better because they are both such great speakers. I have been hoping for a long time that they will call President Back to be the Young Mens President. Seth has been in there for about three years now. President Back was the Scout Master before he left to Australia. He got so many of the boys to get their Eagles before they were 14. These boys love him. Now, a lot of them are seniors in high school and will be preparing to go on their own missions. How cool would it be if President Back were to help them get prepared?

Primary was a bit chaotic. I think with all the people there it just had an air of excitement and the kids had a hard time settling down. Natalie took my phone and took a few pictures. My tiny little class is adorable.

Alex

 Andi

We watched The Sixth Sense today as a family. Even though the movie moves kind of slow I think the kids liked it. Mike explained the movie to Preston while they were playing ping pong.