My Journal

 Today was a good day. We started on the pile of mulch and it seems like good mulch. The girls cleaned off the back porch. At ten the Jones' came over and Evan taught the lesson while I worked with the girls on a song for Sacrament meeting. Right after they left Alden, Calvin and Benson left to go to a birthday party and then the Aston's and the Dexter's showed up. We had a good visit and then Karli came over and we all had a wonderful visit. Right after Karli came to pick up her kids then I had my couple of lessons come and then I just made a quick past dinner and we all had a wonderful dinner together. It was a good simple day full of people .

 Today we started the day off by going out to work. Alden, Benson and Evan weeded. Maebryn vacuumed the van, Roslyn trimmed the roses and I trimmed the bushes in front so they don't go over onto the sidewalk. It was getting where you had to walk through the jungle to get to the front porch but now you can walk through without having anything touch you. I then had a violin lesson come. After that I had an hour or so where I made a couple of phone calls then worked for just a bit in the school room and in the guest room. I think we are getting close to having those rooms done but at the same times there is still so much to go through in all of the rooms. In the later afternoon I tutored Gavino in math and then gave Calvin his lesson. For dinner I gave everyone an assignment and they all worked on something for dinner. Alden and Calvin made frittatas, Benson and Evan salsa, and the girls a dessert. We also watched a little show from BYU TV while I worked on their picture books. I didn...

 In the morning I went to Hudson Oaks ward where I played the violin and got to see the Martinez men in their family pass the sacrament for the first time and I got to hold their baby throughout the service. Afterwards I came home where we had Come Follow Me and then went to church where I played the piano for the instant choir. I had completely forgotten about it but luckily it was a simple song. The talks were all wonderful and for our primary lesson we played the ukulele and sang songs and talked about the power of music.  After church the kids had grandpa's class. It was the last one for the book "The Last Castle" that we just finished. My Dad goes into surgery tomorrow so we are going to take a break for a little bit. Michael and I then had a seminary training and then had the Martinez family over for dinner. It was a nice day and it didn't  seem stressed for having a few thing that can sometimes stress me...such as playing the violin and having people over for d...

 We slept in and then headed downstairs to go for a walk on the riverwalk until breakfast but Margaret at the front desk asked if we were ready for breakfast so we got to go ahead and eat. It was perfect because she made my food first all gluten free, she had gluten free bread and everything and then she made Michael's and later everyone else came down after we were all done. After breakfast we went for a little walk and then rested for a bit and headed out to pick up Alden from his camp. They had a nice presentation and then we drove the 4.5 hours home. We had ribs and potato salad that Michael had made a few weeks back and had put in the freezer. Calvin and the kids had done great while we were gone. It was a great little trip and I think needed.

 Today we mostly worked on getting our stuff done. I did laundry and cleaned up our bathroom and the laundry room. I checked people off on their chores and took Benson to the orthodontist and then got ready for my big weekend date with Michael. He got home at 1:30 to pick me up to drive to San Antonio. We had planned on going to do a session at the temple at 6:00 but we just missed it so did initiatory instead. It was wonderful and perfect as we got to sit in the celestial room all by ourselves for a bit before we headed out to our hotel which ended up being a lovely bed and breakfast. Exactly everything that I have dreamed of when it comes to cute little bed and breakfast. We walked the river walk, got ice cream, went for a boat ride and enjoyed lots of snuggles. It was a wonderful almost perfect trip. The only thing not so perfect was how sweaty we each got walking the riverwalk but it was still lovely.

 Today we did a longer work project. I was trying to get the kids to learn to be able to work longer and to learn to enjoy what they are doing. We weeded the front flower beds, the boys mowed all of the lawn front and back, we cleaned the windows in the front and the girls cleaned out the van. Overall I felt like we got a lot done. We went for a quick swim afterwards and then ate lunch. After lunch we dropped the four youngest off at the Chambers to play. They were very excited to be able to go play with them. Calvin and I ran errands together. We first went and got the oil changed and the van inspection done and then we went to Home Depot where we bought wood so that Calvin can start working on building more of the second story of the shed. We made it home in just enough time to go get the younger kids but I truck pulled into our drive so I couldn't get out. Calvin ran down to get the kids, I talked to the people in the drive that ended up selling grassfed local meat. I had just l...

 This week has mostly been looking at everyone's data history and working out a plan for the future. I have been sad at some points but I feel like this can make us stronger. I haven't had many open conversations about browsing history mostly because I didn't realize that I needed to but now I know that I do. Today we got some work in the yard. The slide is getting really close to being done, we just need to finish the outside painting or putting mortar on. We went through some clothes so these are new swimsuits and the girls wanted a picture.

 We cut the bunnies nails this morning. They are getting more and more used to us holding them so it is fun to just hold and snuggle them. We had a lot of people come over today which was nice and just what I needed. Maggie and Emma came around 10 and had Emma's violin lesson and then played. Then around 11 Coen came over. A little before 1:00 the Aston's came over and then Aris and her mom to practice a musical number. Shortly after Emma and Maggie left but Giggle and Liam and then the Jones' came. We all visited and swam for a good 2-3 hours. Everyone left just after Michael got home around 6. It was a nice day and it did help me to have so many to visit with.

 I was a little tired and frustrated and I wasn't as patient with the kids as I normally am but at the same time I tried to help them see that the little I ask to work in the mornings is not something to complain about and that they could put forth greater effort. We first weeded for a bit and then we put the mortar up on the wall of the slide. The mortar wasn't sticking very well so that is where some of the frustration was as well, but I started to realize that and tried to be more positive at what they were doing.  In the afternoon they watched a movie while I did more searching. In the afternoon I went to Robyn Robinson where she gave me a bunch of vanilla and vanilla beans to put on my plants. Michael has been giving me foot massages every night so that has been nice. I had a couple of lessons in the day today as well.

 Michael left early this morning to go take Alden to cyber security camp in San Antonio. The kids and I got ready and had our regular Sunday morning of cereal with the music and the spoken word, honestly I spent a lot of the time searching and making logs of Michael's computer usage. Church was great. Evan and I did a musical number and it went really well. I felt as though Heavenly Father was helping me so that was neat. Evan did great. For my primary lesson I got to have Roxy in with me which worked out really well. Also I had printed off a worksheet for the lesson that we did and it went so well and was perfectly timed and the kids had time to color as we did it. It couldn't have been better. Also Maria was there to support me playing and the person I went on a lesson with the missionaries was there named Natasha. Michael got home around 6:00. We'll be excited to hear about Alden's camp in a week.

 We had porridge for breakfast, it had been a while since we had had that so the kids liked it. The boys all went to help with the bishops storehouse. I did a computer check on everyone's computer and then the girls and I went to Peter Pan at Weatherford College. We then went grocery shopping and came home to help finish up the door for the playhouse under the slide.  The rest of the day was spent getting food for lunch, putting food away, swimming, cleaning, eating a yummy dinner together, having ice cream together and watching a show. It was a nice full day. I finally got pictures of the boys with their bunnies. The girls did a super job cleaning their room. 

 It rained quite a bit yesterday so for our yard project today I had everyone weed. It was a perfect day for weeding as the ground was nice and soft. As we weeded we finished listening to "The Amazing Generation" and a youtube podcast done with the author and another person who works with adults on improving their life by limiting their cell phone addiction. They talked about how much smart phones have changed things and how addictive they are, more so then many other addictions. They also discussed how damaging short videos are for our brains especially young growing brains. After weeding we jumped in the pool and then I headed to Michael's work for birthday lunch. We got chipolte which I enjoyed. Michael and I went for a bike ride and to the church for a lesson with the missionaries and then home where we talked about some things that have been on my mind. We aren't perfect and maybe are far from perfect but we are learning.

 Last day of summer camp. Only Alden stayed home today. It was a very laid back day so I was able to get a number of things done in my classroom. I have gone through most of the things that were in there from last year and have started organizing for this year. In my class I printed off a couple of the coloring activities from Come Follow Me and had those for the first two classes and then for the last two we made little shooters out of cups and balloons and then I let them try to shoot marshmallows into each others mouth, which they enjoyed. After summer camp I got dinner ready and then went to look at plants at a lady's house that I have been to in the past. I got a handful of plants so I will have a good little project to work on this coming week. Maebryn was dancing around and wanted me to take a picture of her. She enjoys dancing and all happy things. The picture below is after summer camp, Roslyn went and found a nice place in the yard to sit and read. The weather has been pe...

 I was going to have the boys go to summer camp with me but Amanda sent out the schedule right before I left and their names weren't on it so I decided they could stay home. I think it was actually good for them as it was a day home without electronics so I think they played quite a bit and when I got home they were all in the kitchen making something. Tomorrow I have them on the schedule to go to summer camp.  Today was really nice because the one person that was a little hard to deal with wasn't there and they put everyone into 4 groups again which made it so I had two blocks off which was nice. I now have the schedule written out for all grades k-8th. I have also thrown out all of the random worksheets and booklets lying around and have the ones I most likely won't use in a bin out of the way. The craft was a sling shot which some were excited about but many it was difficult for. The weather was beautiful so Maebryn and I went for a walk and then our neighbors came over ...

 Summer Camp Day 2- Today was a little more full then yesterday in that I only had one break class and on of the classes was a little more difficult but overall it was still a good day and I got things done in my classroom. I went home and got potatoes in the oven for dinner and taught a couple of lesson.  I've started doing the app fitbit which has felt good. It feels good to be lifting weights. The boys all stayed home from summer camp to teach lessons throughout the day. Joys of the day was things going well at summer camp and being able to practice the piano and have time to visit with Michael after work.

 Summer Camp- I was over art which was so nice because it meant that I got two empty periods to work on things in my classroom. I almost have gotten through a box of papers left from before. Also Calvin helped me pay bills and type up the rest of my syllabus for Math 7.  I have some organizing in the classroom to do and printing off test and assignments for the first week but as long as I can get those things done I should be good to go. Now I just really need to start working on getting seminary all set up. I am also working on orchestra. Joys: getting things done at school and having things run so smoothly, also having Becca call when I was feeling down. And having my kids bring laughter and joy even when I am having a hard time myself.

 Today was a nice day. We slept in and then I went over to church early to plan the back to seminary kickoff. It went well and church was wonderful talking about relationships specifically our relationship with Jesus Christ and how we can foster that. After church the boys did Grandpa's class and then we went to the Martinez Family baptism. It was beautiful and very well done. The Millar's made it very nice. Alden and I played the piano and I ended up giving a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was neat to be there with them. I'm excited for them on their journey, it's been neat to see how many Spanish members their are, especially neat to see a family enter the waters of baptism together. Afterwards I went and visited with Robyn R for a little bit. It was a nice day.

 Today was a lazy day. Michael and Maebryn didn't feel great so they rested a good amount. Michael and Calvin did a little weed eating and I took a load of books and other things over to the school. I was then able to clean up my room! It feels so nice to not have things all over. I definately still have a few things here and there...I have a bunch of books I need to read and some other projects I need to do...but other than that it looks great! We picked up pizza to have with the missionaries and the kids and I went to Lucy's baptism. It was a beautiful baptism. Joy of today was getting a nice clean room

 For our work project the kids wanted to weed and Alden worked on cutting and putting up one of the sides on the slide wall that still needed putting up. The girls planted seeds and a couple of plants. Things really are looking rather good outside, there is still a lot of work to do like always but we are definitely making progress. The kids then came in and did their normal weekly chores and at 2 I took Alden and Roslyn to Michael's work to clean the office. Michael got home later as Maria was in need of a blessing. Once home we tried to go to a restaurant but their wasn't gluten free items so we just came home and had the pizza Evan made. He did a good job and it was good.  For our date we danced the swing for just a minute, it was fun and then we watched a movie together at night. I've decided that we should spend 5-10 minutes each date night either playing the piano or violin together or dancing or other physical activity. Plan is as follows Week 1- Dance Week 2- Piano ...

 Well the things I bought on my late night trip to Home Depot ended up not being the best purchases as I got mortar so we could finish the wall but the only one I could find was quick drying...I now understand what that means. We did not get very far on the wall as the mortar dried very quickly and we have a big chunk of cement but now I know. That could be handy one day. While Alden, Benson and Evan worked on getting what they could out of the chunk of cement I took Calvin with me to the store to buy more wood to finish up the sides and door for under the slide. Calvin was very helpful and a great one to take. He lifted all of the heavy mortar and helped me get the big wood into the van. We came home and jumped in the pool as everyone else was getting out, we then headed to the library as I told someone I would pick up some curriculum at 11. We then got our summer reading prizes and free lunch they were handing out as you left the library. At 2 we had the three boys that come for ...

 No lessons and no responsibilities which meant a day with endless opportunities! We first did our work project out in the yard. We had one more board that I cut to make the back panel behind the slide and one more of the walls with windows. The boys screwed in the windows and worked on weeding in different areas. We jumped in the pool and then headed to go bowling. (There is free bowling during the summer where you just have to pay for the shoes.) We played almost two games but at the end of the second Amanda from school called saying the Spanish teacher was asking about curriculum. The kids were done anyways and wanted to get home for lunch, it was good timing because Calvin had a lesson at 2 and we got home just before that. I ran over to the school where I visited with the new Spanish teacher and with Karli. I got home about 5:00, where I helped just a bit with getting dinner started and then we all watched Grease the movie. (I have mixed feelings on that movie- in some ways I ...

 Our morning project was working on the rock wall on the slide and cleaning up the back porch as well as removing some of the sunflowers in the pool area. (When I brush up against the sunflowers I get hives all over me so I have to have a clear path to turn on the slide in the pool area.)  I love having us all go out and work as I feel like we are able to get so much done in such a short amount of time. We have had so many things on our back porch but now we have used all of those things we have had sitting there for different projects. The gardens are looking better, the pool area is looking better, the trampoline is safe, ect.  After our work project everyone went swimming and Coen came over, I ran to the store and then the Jones, Dexters, and Astons came over and a new lesson for Alden. It was a good day and we got Calvin to track on time. Joys of the day... 1. Yard Projects done 2. Made and taught the girls how to make lasagna  3. Someone found Calvin's wallet th...

 It was a nice first week day back. I didn't have any morning lessons and the kids weren't ready for their lessons so we had an open morning. We did work projects outside...weeding in the garden, putting up a new net around the trampoline and finishing mowing the lawn. We then went swimming and ate lunch. I taught Gavino his math lesson, Sawyer piano and later in the afternoon Noah violin. Right after I took Benson and Evan to get their rabbits. They were very excited, the bunnies are really cute. The lady was very nice that we got them from. I forgot to get a picture. I will have to get one tomorrow but this was a picture of some food we bought.

 Everyone slept in! We had a quick Come Follow Me and then headed to church where we enjoyed a great testimony meeting and Primary classes. Roslyn was super tired the entire time so we hurried home afterwards. She seemed to perk up after a bit. We finished watching David, the kids broke their fast with cereal. Maebryn gave me a great spa foot treatment. I am very blessed to have such wonderful children. (I think from getting some wheat it has caused some large mouth sores...they keep getting worse but hopefully I am towards the end of it....I think whenever I doubt if I have celiac something like this happens. At the reunion I was telling Suzanne that maybe I had outgrown it as I hadn't had problems for a bit but said whenever I think that I usually get some sort of contamination and then I realize that I still have a problem. Anyways that is what happened. ) 

 We got home at 11:00 am after driving all night long. We got things put inside, got the ducks water, checked on the birds and started the laundry, jumped in the pool, napped a bit and then went to the school to say hello to Amanda who invited us over for brisket. We then came home, picked up pizza, started the movie David and watched the fireworks on the front lawn.  Our neighbors all had some great big fireworks, I really thought it was just about as good as being at one of the shows but all we had to do is sit on our front lawn. It was wonderful. I am very grateful to live here in America

 We packed up, cleaned up and headed out. It took a bit to sort out all of the food but it got all taken care of. We went to Bountiful where we went to Autozone to buy a new brake light but luckily Michael checked the oil which was all out so we got oil as well. We then went up to Russell's ward building but our engine overheated on the way up so Ben took Michael back to Autozone to buy coolant. We then went to the temple to do babtisms and then started the drive home to Texas.