Snow

There was a lot of snow today. I had my early exercise class and barely made it there, going as slow as a turtle. Michael Banks wasn't even there. He got there a few minutes before class started. He is never that late. I took Jorja to school in her bug and had Mike take the Pilot. I didn't want him driving his jeep in the snow. The tires are awful on the jeep right now. The bug has snow tires and does great, but even with that I struggled making it up Pepperwood Drive. Mike spun out on Pepperwood Drive, so at least I didn't do that. He made it to work and back safe and sound though.

Jorja was supposed to go to a track meet today, but luckily that got cancelled. She had to stay after school and help Packer. I picked her up and she hurried and got ready for work. She worked late again. This is her to-do list. She is getting so overwhelmed. I don't know how to help her. I wish she didn't work such long hours. It was nice when she was 15. They couldn't schedule her past 6:00 I think and she only worked a few times a week. The second she turned 16 everything changed. A week and a half left of the quarter. I hope she can pull this off.

Skype Interview

I picked up Jorja from school and we drove to Provo with Flat Stanley. I wanted to get a picture of him in front of the Y since he has a Y on his shirt. Too bad the Y is really hard to see.

Flat Stanley

 Flat Stanley pointing at the Y

We tried to make last minute plans with Michael while we were here, but he was at work. Jorja and I went to Bowl of Heaven and had some açaí bowls. They were delicious. Jorja's was better than mine.

Jorja

We swung by the Provo City Temple on the way to the freeway and decided to take Flat Stanley there for a bit. I wanted to go into the visitor center thing and get a picture of him in front of the Christus Statue, but Jorja said that was weird. There were a lot of people in there dressed in their church clothes, so I decided not to push it.

Flat Stanley

 Jorja and Flat Stanley

Jorja had her Taiwan interview today. It was over Skype. She is hoping to be picked to go to Taiwan this summer. It would be for three weeks. She would go to ten different high schools and meet with the kids there. She would stay with a host family. That is what she would do the first week. Two high schools a day. The second week she would be trained on whatever service project they are planning and the third week they would do the service project. This would be such a great opportunity for her and an amazing experience. She would be so good it too. She definitely isn't shy. Most of the interview was done in English, but a little was in Chinese. Jorja told them a little about herself in Chinese. One of the things she told them was she loved frogs. They laughed and told her that she would love Taiwan then. Hopefully that is a good sign! Jorja will find out next week if she is chosen.

Jorja spent the rest of the night doing homework and making a poster to answer Gavin to prom. She gathered pictures she had of them for it. It was funny looking for the pictures. She has known Gavin for years, but most of the pictures are of Gavin and Stockton. We were able to find plenty of the two of them though.

Jorja

 Finished

I laughed way too hard when I saw what Jorja sent for her streaks. Boom cow. That thing cracks me up. Jorja taking a picture of him being thrown in the air made me laugh and laugh. Little things amuse me I guess.

Jorja & Boom Cow

Dizzy Day

Jorja had a hard day today. She texted me at lunch saying she was dizzy, her head hurt and it was hard to see. She decided to stick it out through the day because she couldn't afford to have another absence in theater. Her teacher told me at parent/teacher conference that if Jorja was struggling with her health she could lay down in the back of the class. Jorja said that never is the case though. Jorja ended up doing her final scene performance today. Hope that went well.

Jorja also had to work from 5-9. Except she didn't get home until close to 11:30. Other people wanted to go home so they asked Jorja to stay. She is too nice to say no, she is struggling and she needs sleep. It is also getting so close to the end of the quarter and she has a lot of making up to do. I sure hope she can do this.

Despite being sick, Jorja has started loving her job. She loves all the people she works with. She feels like she is friends with all of them except one person. She comes home from her job tired, but happy.

Today is Burke's birthday. I dropped a jar of apple cider off at his house. It was funny, when his dad said I was at the door his mom said his eyes lit up. He knew I was bringing him cider. It is hilarious how much Crew and Burke love that stuff. This is my fourth year giving them cider on their birthday. I am determined to carry on this tradition for as long as I can. It was funny this morning. When Preston woke up he said, "Don't forget to bring Burke cider today." Hahaha. I love it.

Drama Brat

Jorja gave a talk today. She is a great speaker. She didn't prepare for this talk. Not because she didn't want to, she just ran out of time. She is super busy right now. It's too bad because usually she loves talks and works hard on them. My dad and Max came to watch her, that was nice. Here is Jorja's talk:

About a month ago my mom came up to me and she told me about this church history tour that my grandpa was doing. She told me that there was this contest for teens and all I had to do was write an eight page essay about a hero of my church history. Then if I won I could go on this week long church history tour in the summer, and I'm so excited. It was really hard because I'm not a good essay writer. Even when I write just two page papers I have to like sit in front of the computer for like three hours before I can even start writing anything. The longest essay I've ever written was like three pages. But luckily I did what any responsible teen would do, and I procrastinated my essay until the last hour before it was due. But in that hour I learned more about my church history than any class has ever taught me. So I just want to share, this is part of the first paragraph that I wrote. It says:

When asked who the heroes of my church history are, no one comes to mind more than my great-great-great-great grandfather. He not only devoted his life to the gospel, but his family's as well. He had to watch as his wife and children suffered and eventually died for this gospel that he wasn't even born in, but he was converted to. He devoted his life to the gospel and serving all those around him. He had to endure several terrible afflictions that words can't even begin to describe; yet continued onward with a full heart and an eager mind. He was a caring father, a loving husband and a respectful leader. He cared for all those around him and gave up everything to service. He was a role model for all those around him and he is my biggest example of strength, determination, love and Christlike kindness. He served the Lord throughout all his days and eventually died devoted to his service. This man is not only an example to me, but an example to everyone who knew him. His name is Stillman Pond and this is his story.

Then throughout the eight long pages of my essay I went on to describe all the many afflictions that he had to suffer through. I'm not going to go into all of them but I just wanted to share from the journal of Helen Moor Whitney she said:

On Wednesday, the 2nd of December, 1846, Laura Jane Pond, age 14 years, daughter of Stillman and Almyra Pond died of chills and fever. Friday, the 4th of December 1846, Marriet M. Pond, age 11 years, daughter of Stillman and Maria Pond died with chills. Monday, the 7th of December 1846 Abigail A. Pond, age 18 years, daughter of Stillman and Almyra Pond, died with chills. Friday, the 15th of January, 1847, Lyman Pond, age 6 years, son of Stillman and Maria Pond, died with calls and fever.

Just in that short journal entry that's like within a month he watched four of his children die as they were traveling across the plains. I don't know how he was able to carry on after seeing four of his young children die and he couldn't do anything about it. Even after watching four of his children die, the rest of his children and his beloved wife died before they reached where they were going. I don't know how he was able to go on when he had lost everyone he cared about. He was converted to the gospel, so the rest of his family weren't with him as he left his home and travelled across the plains. So he was so lost. It was just him. Everyone he loved had died; but through this he still devoted his life to service, and I know that the Savior was able to help lift up his burdens as he served all those around him.

Real quick I just want to share. This is my favorite scripture. It is D&C 121:7-9 and it says:

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

This scripture became my favorite scripture a couple of years ago, and it's gotten me through a lot in my life. Last year was a really hard year for me, and I know that without the gospel I wouldn't have been able to get through it. I was just surrounded by a lot of darkness my whole year, and I didn't understand why I couldn't just be happy like everybody else around me. I know that without the gospel I wouldn't have been able to come out of that darkness and be able to find the light that He is. That brings me through my life. I know that without service I wouldn't have been able to feel his love around me. I'd just like to testify that service is the easiest way to have our burdens be lifted up; because if we're not thinking about ourselves then we won't be thinking about our trials and we'll be able to help those around us. Lastly I just want to share this poem that I like. You've probably heard it before, but it goes:

My life is but a weaving, between my Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colors, he worketh steadily.

'Oft times he weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride

Forget he sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not 'til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reasons why.

The dark threads are as needful in the weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern he has planed.

He knows, he loves, he cares. Nothing his truth condemn.

He gives his very best to those who leave the choice with Him.

I just like to bear my testimony that He knows you and He knows the trials you are going through, and He is there if you will let him. He's there to lift up your burdens if you will just come to Him, because He loves you. You are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves you so much and you are not alone.

Text to Mike from Burke Staker after Jorja's talk

Haha. Burke always calls Jorja 'Drama'. It's a pretty good nickname for her. Mike and I stayed after church to get our temple recommends renewed. We also got our stake ones done today as well. I'm so glad the recommends last two years now! The rest of the day was spent with homework and puzzles. We did one more puzzle from Jordyn's book. It was pretty fun. I don't even know how to explain it, but it wasn't too hard to figure out. I love Sundays.

Flat Stanley

Blake sent us his Flat Stanley. This was the first day we were able to go out and get some pictures. I think Blake's class is doing Flat Stanley a little bit different, but I'm not sure. I think he is supposed to do a report on Utah with the pictures we come up with. I don't know for sure if that is the case, but I thought getting pictures with mountains in the background would be a good start. Also, we took pictures of Flat Stanley with Kiki.

Jorja & Flat Stanley

 Flat Stanley

Jorja, Kiki & Flat Stanley

 Flat Stanley & Mike

 Mike, Flat Stanley, Jorja, Kiki

 Kiki & Jorja

Jorja worked from 5-9:30 today. Right before she headed to work Noah asked if she could hang out. She told him she had work. He went to Chick-Fil-A but didn't see her. That was because she was working the window. If he had gone drive thru he would have seen her. Traven got back from his soccer tournament in St. George and called to see if she could hang out. She had just walked in the door. She told him she had to write a talk for tomorrow. I'm glad that even though she didn't get to go on any dates this weekend she has to know that people still enjoy hanging out with her. Also, I'm glad she started working on her talk today, even if it was at 10:00 at night!

Sophomore Picture

The new student government pictures were finally put up. It is March. They have already started the process for elections for student body officers. Last year their pictures were up in November I think. Taken in November and up in November. This year they were taken in October and up in March. This picture was taken on the day Jorja got Kiki. Packer has been in a bad mood all week long. He started advisory by saying, "We are going to meet by" before he could finish someone whispered, "The North A" or something like that. Jorja said that he always tells them to meet by either the North A or the South A, so this person was just guessing. Apparently that set Packer off and he yelled at them to get out. They ended up spending all of advisory walking with their arms folded in complete silence in a single file line. Wow. No wonder none of the other sophomore boys want to run next year. Jorja said, "Honestly, if it stays like this I don't know if I would want to run again either." Hopefully this mood of his doesn't last long.

Joe ~ Secretary, Marshall ~ Historian, Carson ~ Vice President, Bode ~ Public Relations

Shafer ~ Senator, Jorja ~ President

I got so frustrated with Jorja today. I feel like she If You Give a Mouse a Cookie's me all the time. She will start by asking for something small, I will agree, then she asks for something more until the ending point is something that I never would have agreed to in the first place. I have tried to explain to her how this makes me feel, but she keeps doing it. I know she doesn't mean to, but I hate it. This is our LONG (sorry) texting conversation:

Me 2:29: Whaat time should I come get you?

Jorja 2:34: I think I'm getting a ride with Madison (note: realize at this exact point I realize this means she is getting a ride with Spencer and they are going out to eat. I want her to ask me.)

Me 2:34: Are her parents coming?

Me 2:43: Are you coming straight home?

Jorja 2:45: yeah

Me 2:45: And Madison's parents are coming?

Jorja 2:53: Spencer gonna take you but now he wants to get food is that okay?

Me 2:53: How about I come get you.

Jorja 2:54: It'll be fast

Jorja 2:54: He's driving rn cuz I didn't know we were getting food

Jorja 2:54: When he said that I texted you right away

Me 2:54: Are you in his car now?

Jorja 2:54: Yes

Jorja 2:54: We weren't gonna get food when I got in

Me 2:54: You made me think Madison's parents were picking you up.

Jorja 2:55: I didn't mean to

Me 2:55: Yes you did.

Jorja 2:55: He's taking her home and a friend too

Me 2:55: I don't care.

Me 2:55: It's the deception I care about.

Jorja 2:56: I didn't mean to!!

Jorja 2:56: Madison asked if I wanted a ride before I even knew it was Spencer she was going with

Jorja 2:56: So I texted you

Me 2:56: From now on, only get rides home with me and Conner.

Me 2:57: Every single time Spencer has taken you home you have stopped for food. Why would you think today would be any different?

Jorja 2:57: Because Madison said they were going straight home

Jorja 2:58: I told him I didn't want to

Me 2:58: Have they ever? I asked more than once if her parents were coming.

Jorja 2:58: But we were already driving so I couldn't get out and Madison and her friend wanted to go

Me 2:58: You would not answer.

Jorja 2:58: I told you it was spence

Jorja 2:58: I didn't see it!

Jorja 2:58: I was walking out then

Me 2:58: Twenty minutes after!

Jorja 2:58: I checked my phone when I got in the car

Jorja 2:59: I have do not disturb on

Me 2:59: I am not okay with this. Just FYI.

Jorja 2:59: It was in my pocket

Me 2:59: Plan on me from now on. I wanted to get you anyway.

Jorja 2:59: Sorry I really didn't know

Me 3:00: You just assume and I hate it.

Jorja 3:00: I didn't mean to

Me 3:00: Pretty sure you did.

Jorja 3:00: Do you want to get me from wherever we're going?

Jorja 3:00 I think he's driving to chick oil a

Jorja 3:00 I'm not even gonna rt anything

Me 3:01: I don't care what you eat. You go out with these guys all the time and take forever to come home. Not okay. Where are you and I will pick you up.

Jorja 3:04: Chick fil a

Me 3:04: On my way.

Anyway, that was our conversation and I drove to Chick-Fil-A and picked up Jorja. She was crying when I got there. I know I made her embarrassed, still! How could she not realize what was happening when I realized it within seconds. She needs to be more aware and think. If she would have asked I probably would have let her go. Although maybe not, her hanging out with Spencer has been annoying me lately. Mostly because it is a lot and for a long time. She is never alone with him, usually Madison is there, still....she has so much homework to catch up on. Jorja and I talked for a long time in the car. It was a good conversation. She told me that she thought she was helping me by finding a different ride home. I told her that my entire day revolves around when I'm picking her up. I love picking her up. It is time I get to talk with just her. She is so busy and I rarely get to see her, so I look forward to these times. I also wanted to take her somewhere after school today. I don't like having my plans changed last minute. I know it seems weird that I told her she is only able to get rides home with me or Conner, why not just me. Well, even though I love picking her up, it is nice not to have to do it every day. Conner takes her home on A days and I pick her up on B days. I also trust Conner. A lot. Even though I don't really know him. I am not worried about her at all when she is with him, especially since they don't like each other anymore. If they still did that would be a whole different ball game.

Jorja had a date planned with Mitchell for tonight. That was cancelled because he was sick, so she was just in a sad mood. She ended up picking up Hailey and they went and got ice-cream and came here and watched a sad movie. Hailey had to go home around 9:00, but Madison came over after that. I think Jorja's night ended well. I know I made her sad, but hopefully she understands where I'm coming from and will think before she gets herself into situations where she might get in trouble. I know this wasn't a big deal, I just want her to let me know where she is going before she goes somewhere, and not text on the way when I can't do anything about it. I just might embarrass her and pick her up when that happens. I used to let her get away with things like that, but I'm not going to worry about what embarrasses her anymore.

Jorja & Madison

 Jorja

Prom Dress

I was able to successfully donate plasma today. Towards the end I was super worried I was going to faint in the chair, but I did not. Now next time Matt goes they will give him $50 extra. You're welcome Matt.

Jorja had a hard day today. She struggled waking up this morning. She didn't get much sleep after staying up so late with the service project. I was wondering if I should let her sleep, it looked like this time it was mono related. It is always a million times harder to get her up when the mono has a grip on her. I decided to make her get up anyway. She was definitely not herself when I dropped her off at school. The mono was really bad, she is anxious/scared to talk to Packer about her sophomore roller skating idea, she is trying to pull up her grades because the quarter ends in three weeks. Basically she is overwhelmed and stressed. When Jorja gets stressed she cries. She hates it. The first class of the day was student government. They have assigned seats. Jorja sits by Kylie and Cade. Cade noticed Jorja had tears in her eyes and asked her if she was okay. That made Jorja cry. I think it was that he noticed her and reached out to her combined with being super stressed; she couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. Noah noticed that Jorja was crying and he called out for her to come over to him. Noah gave her a hug. Jorja said it was an awkward hug because he was sitting down and Jorja was standing. She tried to pull away after a bit, but he kept hugging her while he was talking to her. Noah spent a lot of time making sure Jorja was okay during Morp when she was super stressed, so this wasn't unusual for him to reach out and make sure she was okay. After talking to Noah, Jorja went back to her seat and immediately received a text. The only problem was, the text was accidentally sent to her from someone else in student government. The text was really meant for Kylie. The text said, "do you think that j could ever stop being so touchy with noah" The girl that sent the text is one of Jorja's good friends and immediately realized what she had done. She called Jorja to come to her, so Jorja got up again and went to talk to this girl. The girl said, "Sorry, that text wasn't meant for you." Jorja told her that it was okay and not to worry about it, but her voice cracked while she was talking to her. Jorja turned around burst into tears. She cried at her seat. Ugly cried. Jorja is always worried that people don't like her and they are just pretending to be her friend. Then when she is having a really hard day she got a little proof of that. I was crying when Jorja was telling me about her day. It was so sad. Jorja is one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. I hate that she feels this way about herself and I hate that people aren't always nice to her. She definitely deserves to be treated better. Luckily the rest of the day went better.

Jorja's prom dress arrived today. It fits her great and she looks adorable.

Jorja had a busy day after school. She worked for a few hours and then went to the lacrosse game. After the game student government went to In-and-Out. That was the go-to place for student government last year. I think this is the first time they have gone there this year. This time the go-to place has been Chick-Fil-A. Haha

Text from Maysen. I love it when others love my kids!

Denied

I had my second plasma appointment today. I woke up so dizzy. I had my early exercise class and about fainted in class. It was weird. I almost fainted in class after I gave blood too. Anyway, I had my  appointment, so I wanted to go. They said I couldn't give today. I had a bruise from my last appointment and they didn't like how I was dizzy. I am going to try again tomorrow though.

I'm not sure what this video is about, but I found it on Jorja's phone.

She sure does such a good job of making other people feel important.

Jorja took the bus home with Madison. The plan was to go with Madison and her dad to get her drivers permit. Except Madison's dad forgot. They spent their time doing homework though. Jorja and Madison went to a Chick-Fil-A service project today. They met at the Southtown Chick-Fil-A. Jorja knew they were going to a retirement home to have dinner, that is all she knew. Turns out only three people from Jorja's store came. Also turns out the place was in Salt Lake City. Jorja ended up driving. On the freeway. In traffic. In the rain. In the dark. Yikes! Luckily there were no problems. There were three girls from the Draper store and some people from Southtown. Chick-Fil-A provided the dinner. This place is for older people who are going through cancer. Jorja didn't come home for a long time and I was worried. Turns out that she stayed with Madison and the other girl and just talked to these guys for hours. The Southtown people left right after dinner. Jorja loved it. We were in bed when she came home. She sat on our bed and talked to us about it for a long time. That girl has a heart of gold. She was so happy and we were so proud of her. I have never met anyone that loves so intensely and completely as Jorja. She loves everybody. I wish I could be more like her.

Now for some random pictures:

I finished Grace's stocking today!

 Jorja and I have a streak of 100 on Snapchat

 She has sent me fun pictures like this for 100 days.

Gosh I love her so.

Water Bottle

We got another secret message from Stockton today! It just was a picture that let us know the email we sent out to everyone with his letter from the week didn't work. Not an exciting message, but still so cool! I texted Jorja a lot today. She wanted me to find a number for Classic. She wants to rent it out after hours for the sophomore class. She called them and found a time that would work. Her plan was to sell tickets to the sophomores for a few dollars to pay for it, if there is anything extra it would be put into the sophomore fund. She felt very anxious to get this done and thought it was a really good idea. She stayed after school in the hopes to talk to Mr. Packer about it. He shut her down though and wouldn't even listen to her. It was too bad because she had the leg work done and had a plan, but he wouldn't give her a chance. Because she tried to talk to Packer she missed her ride home with Conner. Instead she went with Madison, Spencer and Isaac to Arbys to eat. I was a little sad because we had planned on getting something after school when we went to get her car filled with gas. I didn't eat lunch so I would be hungry when we went. Instead I just didn't eat anything. Jorja ended up going to the softball game with those guys then afterwords they went to Scheels. She was quite proud of talking her way onto a free Ferris wheel ride. Jorja had a $50 gift card that she won at her work party in January. I had tried to talk her into using that to buy nice mittens. She didn't want to, she wanted to get something fun instead. That is fine, but she always borrows my mittens when we go sledding, because they are awesome. She has wanted some of her own. Hers got destroyed a few times ago. Anyway, she came home with a fancy bright yellow hydro flask water bottle. It cost at least $30! Then she spent $5 to get it engraved! Spencer is in her seminary class and I guess she wrote really small Jorja loves Spencer on his water bottle. So, since he was with her she got 'Spencer loves Jorja' engraved on her water bottle! I don't know why this annoyed me so much, but it just did. I know the engraving was bigger than she realized it would be, but I hate it. Jorja was so surprised. She kept looking at me and saying, "But it's funny." She also said, "But it was a gift card, so it wasn't real money anyway." I know that, but she could have bought mittens! If she had gotten a cute shirt I wouldn't be annoyed, but this just seemed wasteful. The water bottle is super cute but I absolutely HATE the engraving. Anyway, after Jorja came home she left again with Madison to go to a stake young womens activity. It was YCL training. (Youth Camp Leader) They learned a weird rap they are going to have to sing. Jorja hated it. Preston got to go to Airborne for his activity. He had a lot more fun than Jorja did.

Plasma

My brother Matt donates plasma twice a week. He talked me into doing it today. Because it was my first time it took forever! Matt came and went while I was still there. I only got to see him as he was walking out. Once I donate one more time, Matt will get $50 though. School was almost out when I finished, so I went to the Village Baker and ordered Jorja and I our favorite cream cheese sandwiches. These remind me of sandwiches Brooke introduced me to when I was visiting her up in Coeur d'Alene before she was married. That sandwich shop is long gone now though.

Anyway, I picked up Jorja after school and was able to get home before Stockton called. I was so worried he was going to call while I was out. I talked to him for an hour and a half. It was awesome! This new policy is THE BEST! He talked to me while his companion was playing basketball, while they were driving, and while he was finishing up laundry. It is so nice to hear his voice. I love him!

Jorja stayed at work late. The manager talked to her for awhile after asking her if she would like to become a shift leader. I'm not sure what that means, but Jorja was pretty excited they would even be talking to her about it. Chick-Fil-A has changed some policies recently. Like how raises are determined. Now they have a scale on your performance that is looked at. It used to be just who the managers liked best. The new policy will work out much better for Jorja.

Awkwardtunity

Mike and Jorja crack me up. Although I would actually prefer them to be listening during sacrament meeting than making up random works. But, it is what it is.

Making up random words is more reverent than making paper hats to stick on the boy sitting in front of us. Somehow both of those things happened during sacrament meeting today.

Brenton

 At least Jorja made it to church. It was iffy there for a bit.

We played The Duck puzzle from Jordyn's puzzle book. That one was so weird! And confusing. But still fun. At one point we had to pass our shoes to different players. Preston ended up with three shoes. Anyway, we had to start over and tape some things back together, but we figured out the key word. We now have two key words. I think we have six more to find. Mike and the kids decided they needed to have a duck inside while playing the Duck puzzle, even though it clearly states that you do not need a duck. Quackletta sat on Mike's lap. Jorja took this picture and I laughed so hard at her caption. My family cracks me up.

Mike & Quackletta

 Jorja put wavy lines on her picture from yesterday.

Jorja, Emily, Hailey

Lazy Day

We spent the day just recovering from sickness. Except for Jorja who was busy, busy, busy. She started the day with a date with Traven. He has asked her out over and over for a long time. They finally had their date today. They went to see How to Train Your Dragon. She had a good time and managed to get home without a kiss. There was one awkward moment when they were in the car after the movie. They were talking in the parking lot. Jorja was in the driver's seat and looking forward. Traven grabbed her chin, like he was going to turn her head so he could kiss her. Jorja kept her head forward and said, "What are you doing?" Traven said, "Feel how cold my hands are!" Haha. Nice recovery. Besides that bit she had a great time though. Mike and the kids have felt bad for Quackletta recently. Her friend has flown away. She follows around the white ducks trying to be their friend, but right now they haven't accepted her. It is so sad. She has eggs and a nest that she likes to sit on. Mike thinks that is why she didn't fly away with Waddaluigi. Who knows if those eggs will hatch. The kids brought in Quackletta to play with her for a bit. Hopefully she enjoyed the attention.

Jorja, Quackletta & Preston

Jorja worked for several hours and then spent the rest of the day with Hailey and Emily. They ended up going to Classic. Jorja wasn't too excited to go, but ended up having a great time. She saw some of her friends there. Brenton, Bode, Rylie and Marshall I think.

Emily, Jorja, Hailey

 Jorja, Emily, Hailey (Hailey's button says 'I love Jesus')

 Jorja, Emily, Hailey

Mountains and Lacrosse

Jorja was supposed to meet at Alta at 4:00 in the morning. The plan was to go to the Salt Flats and take a video with student government for inauguration. Luckily the plan changed. They ended up meeting at a reasonable time and heading to the mountains. It was cold, but Jorja had a great time.

Carson, Jorja, Bode ~ the sophomore officer that were able to come

 Jorja & Kassie

 Traven, Taylor, Tally, Bode, Cade, Baylor, Carson, Luke

Brooklyn, Lexi, Maggie, Kassie, Jorja, Mia, Abbey, Darby

The kids had the day off of school and Mike had work off. Mike spent the entire day sick in bed. He had great plans of what he wanted to do. Too bad his body had other plans. Hopefully all the sleep will help him get better. Mike and Preston were able to be sick boys together. They did have fun playing Zelda downstairs though.

Stockton's mission clock is now in the 600s! Yay! I watched it change. 700 days is still a long time. I talked to Rachel for a bit and sent her a picture of how far along I am on Grace's stocking. I'm so close to finishing!

 Grace

Jorja hung out with Madison and Collin for awhile. She went to the lacrosse game with Aysha, Kylie and Collin. Jorja had high hopes of playing lacrosse this year, but her mono has made that impossible. She still gets winded extremely easily. I wonder when that will end?

Jorja sent me this to let me know she was doing great.

 Alex, ???, Kylie, Jorja

 Aysha, Kylie, Noah, Jorja ~ I don't know why Jorja has a bar code on her sweater

 Luke & Jorja

 ???, Jorja, ???, Bode

Jorja went to Wendy's after the game with Kylie and Aysha. She had a great time today. It was a long, fun day for her. I'm so glad she was healthy for today at least. The other two will get there.