The end of June and we are caught up!

Thanks to those who posted comments.  I am grateful to know you read it.  I know it's not very interesting, so I get it!  But I love reading family and friend blogs...  So hopefully this will be caught up for a couple of weeks.

I am starting with Father's Day, in the collage are photos of Gwen making Tim breakfast.  He has blueberry Eggos:) fresh strawberry syrup bacon and sausage and juice.  We gave Tim Mall Cop and a SpongeBob DVDs and a new tennis racquet.  His recently broke. Then we went to church and then after church we went to my mom's for a BBQ.   We gave my dad some chocolate and summer pjs--mom's idea!  After we dropped the kids off at home we went to Tim's parents' to visit with his dad for a little and him his present.  Then we headed to the airport to get my sister who had been out in Williamsburg, VA for a teaching thing (she got a grant to go so it was mostly paid for by the Larry Miller education something-or-another). 

Monday was my birthday.  45 years!  Wow!  Hopefully no more than 45 more:)  Anyway, Zane had Cubscout Day camp that day.  He met at a leader's at 6:30 AM.  I hadn't slept well and let's just keep it simple it was a good thing because he would have missed it because we weren't going to get him up until 7:30 AM!  Tim got me a Roxberry smoothie for breakfast since my mom was taking me to lunch.  Once Zane got back from day camp we went to Seven Peaks SLC which used to be Raging Waters.  Tim had worked from home but took the afternoon off.  He was a jewel.  Timo and Emily each brought a friend.  I hung out with Zane and Gwen in the wave pool and kiddie pool areas.  We did go on the lazy river too.  It was fun and we left at dinner time and we stopped at JCWs.  I wasn't sure what I wanted.  I only at half my salad from Cafe Rio when I went out with my mom.  But I wasn't super hungry still.  Zane suggested it so we went with it.  Tim and I split a bacon cheeseburger meal...perfect not too full.  Satisfied.  It is a lot of food!  Then we went back to the house for cupcakes and presents which somehow those pictures  got deleted!  Tim and kids gave some movies, a skirt and a Samsung Tablet.  It has been fun this past week or so to learn how to use it.  I have read 2 books on it, sent emails, listen to Pandora and done other fun things on it.  I can imagine it will become indispensable like other techologies!  Tim and I went and saw Snow White and the Huntsman that night.  It was weird.  I didn't hate it but it was dark and not as good as I had hoped it would be.    Owell.

Tuesday back to normal!  Zane and Gwen went to Especially for Kids and day camp thing our neighbors do each summer.  They loved it.  I went to the temple after I dropped them off.  Then that afternoon I went to the church and made decorations for Girls Camp.  It was optional for girls to come and help and we also had girls come and make up their own virtue banners.  Izak had his first Personal Fitness Merit Badge class. That night Izak had his Board of Review to be a first class.  YEAH! 

Wednesday Gwen and Zane had EFK again.  I dropped Emily and Izak off at the temple.  I picked up June and they were done so I picked them up on the way back.  We took June to the school library with us--it's only open Wednesdays 10-noon.  She was great then we walked back.  We played with her and then she napped and woke up just before Anna got here.  Then we packed up and went to my parents'.  My mom had her high school reunion and she was helping with it.  So she left that afternoon.  It was hard on dad having her gone but she needs the break.  He didn't sleep well that whole week we were there.  He did some weird stuff because of it.  Owell, that's the way it goes!  My sister had her foot operated on that Friday so I took care her when her surgery was over, at my mom's.  Timo didn't like driving to work from Orem but it was only 2 days.  Tim drove Micah back for lacrosse.  The kids liked having all the channels but they also helped in the yard while they were there. Friday was our first letter from Taran on his actual P-day.  That was fun.  He is doing well.  You can check out his blog on my blog list if you want.  My mom got back Saturday afternoon.  We sent Timo home with the kids to clean the house/Saturday chores.  Tim and I stayed to clean my mom's house and mow the lawn.  Keith and Amber (bro and SIL) stopped by with their dog Ginger.  It was nice to visit with them as well.  Once my mom knew what was going on with Teresa and her meds I went home.  We went to see Brave that evening after dinner,  It was really cute.  A great family show.  Not as cute and clever as Tangled but still very good.  The kids liked it--Timo didn't go, he doesn't like Scottish accents! 

Sunday Timo spoke in church and Izak taught his deacon's class. It was a busy day!  They survived.  Timo did well.  We made some pretty awesome lemon bars for dessert I found on Pinterest.  I taught the devotional on prayer-I am working on my Personal Progress since I am in YW it's great! 

Monday Micah and Izak started soccer camp.  They went each day 8-11 AM.  Tim or Timo dropped them off and I picked them up.  For FHE Tim had to put together Micah and Zane's rockets for Pack Meeting the next day so we watch Mall Cop on Clearplay while they did that!  (I actually was exercising on my elliptical).  Tuesday I went to the temple at 7 AM with the YW president, one of the Laurel advisors.  We met up with the Stake Camp director, stake YW leaders and our own ward camp directors.  We wanted as many YW leaders to go as possible to prepare us for camp.  We had planned that before the stake planned theirs so we joined in--it was suppose to be for YW Presidents and their Camp Directors.  I slept lousy again but went anyway!  I slept in the temple--I tried not to as much as possible.  Owell,  then we YW presidency meeting at 10 AM.  At 2 PM we did more decorations for camp!  WOW!  Huh!  We actually had a lot more girls and got a lot accomplished.  I am finishing up the rest on my own.  Tuesday night Timo had a surprise birthday party and had a meeting about the choir fundraiser selling fireworks after.  I went grocery shopping while Tim took Zane and Micah to Pack Meeting.  They shot their rockets off at the park.  Zane's was a navy white BYU rocket and Micah's was random colors he picked.  He didn't really want any help so whatever.  I was beat but I still exercised that night. 

Wednesday we had June again and we took her to the library with us.  We fed her lunch and she had a nap.  We took her to see the chicken's that we were watching while the owners were out of town.  She seemed to like them.  After she left I worked on camp stuff.  That night was a camp clinic, our last.  I almost didn't go, I was so tired.  It was good, I was able to get  a few things for camp that I would have forgotten about if I hadn't gone.  Tim had a softball game while I was at YW and they won.  Izak babysat since he had scouts on Thursday night.

Thursday I went to the bank and Costco first thing. Then I got  the kids ready to go swimming after lunch.  I got snacks and the beach 'bag' ready.  Timo took them to my sister's pool (free swim day) while I went to lunch with my nieces, sister-in-laws and mother-in-law.  We went to Firehouse subs, yummy!  It was fun then I had to drop off Tim's wallet to him. I picked up some stuff for Teresa and myself at the dollar store.   I finally made it out to the pool at 3 PM and we left at 4 PM.  Overall the kids had a lot of fun.  Teresa and mom stayed until I could come.  That night I worked on banners for Girl's Camp and then Tim and I went to get a snowcone--a place just opened next to Walmart.  I finished the second book that was on my tablet, pretty cool! It's called A Posse of Princesses.  I got off Amazon.  It had good reviews and had shown up where 'people who bought this also looked at this' .  Tim had bought me The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale a Newberry Honor book.  I read it years ago but she has a sequel coming out this fall so I wanted to read it again. A Posse of Princesses has a weird cover but the story is just delightful if you like that sort of thing,  The main character is a strong female character with great personality traits but it's not super deep but I loved it and would definitely read it again.

Friday I was super duper tired because I had stayed awake finishing the book.  I was thinking of taking the kids to a movie but decided top get  a Redbox movie instead.  They ended up having lots of fun with friends all day so they didn't watch it until we were on our way to the family party for June and July birthdays that night.  I made a cake for dessert from pinterest a chocolate cake with frosting surrounded by KitKats (28) and then topped with peanutbutter m& ms.  It was a hit! We had a fun night visiting.  That afternoon we had gotten another good letter from Taran.  It's nice to know somewhat of what is going on there!  Timo had to work at the fireworks fundraiser so he missed the family party.  Unfortunately because of the lack of rain and intense heat Utah has been experiencing lots of fires so there are bans on fireworks in certain areas.  Last year was the first year we could buy aerial fireworks and there were no bans we had had a very wet spring and people went nuts.  So this is adversely affecting the sales!   It's a bummer. 

Saturday Micah had a lacrosse game at 9 AM so I took him since I haven't seen him yet.  Tim took Taran a package with some more things he had forgotten.  We sent him a 4th of July package on Friday with various RED, WHITE & BLUE goodies and candies and some glow in the dark bracelets.  I was going to send some snaps and poppers but Tim thought we shouldn't.  We spent most of the rest of the day housework and yard work.  Emily went to a party at Orange Leaf to say good-bye to a friend who is moving. Timo and Tim played tennis.  Izak and Micah played soccer with the King family (Taran's friend Stephanie's family) and his friend Andrew drove them.  He said that he would take them until he goes on his mission (this month).  They were so excited because they have been doing this for at least a year maybe more on Saturdays. 

Today was Fast Sunday and we or I had a laundry list of things to fast for.  I bore my testimony I knew I was suppose to but I wasn't sure on WHAT.  I have been reading a lot about reading the scriptures in preparation for my lesson in YW in a month.  I have a testimony that when we read the word of God we are blessed with understanding, peace and strength/greater faith to see our problems through or solve them.  I also have felt great joy in participating in helping the Lord's work go forward.  When we share the gospel message of Jesus Christ we feel his love at a greater level in our lives.  We don't have to be a full-time missionary like Taran to do that we can feel this as we serve those around us, that is equally sharing his love which is what the gospel is all about.  We also do it when we serve in the temple.  We are helping others receive the blessings and covenants they could not receive in this life by doing their work by proxy.  I feel that same joy and love in the temple as I do this.  So these are some of my feelings I shared.  I hope they make sense!  Gwen taught our devotional tonight, cute!  Emily helped her.  So there we go! 

Happy 4th of July!  I am truly grateful to live in this country even with all it's challenges. I know God is in charge, I trust that all that has happened is all part of His great plan.  I am grateful to those who gave their lives so I can live in this country.  I pray I can live in a way that will sustain freedom in this country. 

Catching up...some...

Park City Fun!

 So the month has flown by and I thought I'd get caught up but between Taran leaving and Father's Day (and this stupid computer that keeps turning itself off--ya, gotta get THAT fixed!) I have not had a lot of time.  Ya, it's discouraging but hey it's NORMAL for me so I do what I can.  Since I honestly feel no one reads this but a couple of kind relatives I still blog for my personal history, our family history.  Proof I did do something even though my home and craft room would prove otherwise!

The Monday after school got out, the 4th of June we went up to Park City to have a mini-vacation with Taran.  As much I would have liked a more elaborate trip like Bryce Canyon or Moab...this what worked out best time and money wise.  It was actually super fun we did the alpine slide and coaster.  Then headed to the outlet boys looked at athletic gear and girls looked at clothes.  Then Tim took them all back to the hotel to swim while I got to look around and things no one else cared about!  It was very relaxing then I walked back to the hotel.  We went to dinner at...Wendy's!  Taran made up a list of things he wanted to do before he left and eating a Baconator was on it.  The kids were thrilled to eat out!  Tim and Emily chose Subway instead--wish I had because my salad at Wendy's wasn't that great.  After that we went back to the hotel and the guys watched the NBA play-offs (we don't normally get that channel so it was a treat) and the little kids, Emily and I watched Diary of a Wimpey Kid and Harry Potter 7--only part of both which were showing on random channels we don't get.  It was great to just relax as a family.
In the morning we had a great breakfast at the hotel!  It was a hot breakfast buffet.  Then Tim took them swimming and also played Ping Pong with Timo.  I ironed clothes for

Enjoying Salt Lake City

 Timo and Taran for the temple.  We went to Salt Lake and met up with my mom who did a live session with Taran and then Emily and Timo did baptisms.  Tim and I took the little kids around Temple Square, top of the church office building and Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  We had great views from those buildings.  Timo and Emily weren't long so they went back to the van to change.  They met up with us at the South Visitors Center.  Very cool model of the temple there with a cut out section to show what the rooms look like.  We had lunch at City Creek.  Then we milled around the mall but it was breezy so not super comfortable.  Taran met up with us at Blue Lemon and my mom headed to Idaho for a reunion meeting the next day.  We got Taran some food then headed to the Planetarium.  Unfortunately not many options for shows were left that we were interested in so we checked out all the free exhibit stuff and then headed home.  We ate out at a new place called Culver's a hamburger type place with frozen custard.  The kids were happy with that and we catch the end a of another NBA play off game!    Wednesday I needed to watch my dad during the day while my mom was in Idaho so we picked up June and headed out there.  Micah and Gwen came with and were a great help.  Tim took them and June home when he was going home and I stayed with my dad until my mom was close to getting back.  I had YW Camp Clinic that night so I had to be home by 6:30 PM to help set up.  I made it.  Actually they didn't really need me in the end but I was there.

Thursday Izak had his scout camp physical.  He has a slight heart murmur the doctor wants checked.   That night Tim and I visited his sister who had lost her baby.  We were very sorry to hear of her loss for her and her family.

Trafalga, last Saturday with Taran

 Friday Taran went with some friends to Salt Lake once he got packed.  They had a lot of fun.  My mom had my kids for most of the day.  I went to the temple and then ran errands.  I am not remembering a lot of what we did besides get ready for his farewell/open house that day and Saturday and get Izak and Timo packed.  Taran went out breakfast with the YSA leaders in our ward and some of his friends who are still around.  Timo had the ACT that morning.  Later we went to Trafalga in Orem to mini-golf with Taran as a family we ended up doing both courses outside and the one inside!  It was fun and we even did the motion ride!   Timo had a surprise party he went to after we got back.  Taran went to play soccer with some friends that night.

Farewell/Open House

Week Taran went into MTC: Saying good bye, setting apart...

Sunday was Taran's 'farewell'. He did great.  (You can read it on his blog) Seriously, I am in awe of my own children.  Many people commented on how well he did.  But I was glad for him he did his best.  We had a bunch of family over from both sides and we had some of his high school and college friends that are still  around.  After church lots of our friends came over then.  Someone said it was like a big party.  It was fun but not light minded.  Taran was wishing he was leaving the next morning!  Why don't they do that?  So we don't have to drag out the good-byes?

Monday Izak left for Scout Camp, there were tears when Taran said goodbye to him.  He was really emotional.  Izak ended up having a great time so it was fine in the end.  Taran ran errands that afternoon and got his haircut.  We played kick ball and a lesson by Zane, he had made at scouts about Joseph Smith.  Some of Taran's friends came over to say good bye, he went to a family's home who couldn't come to the open house and said good bye.  They gave him a very generous donation to his mission.

Tuesday Taran had his last dental check up.  After I had a YW meeting. Meanwhile Taran watched the newest Sherlock Homes which we love and Tim bought when he got milk early that morning!  Taran went to the temple with his friend Andrew later.  They jammed on their guitars for the last time for 2 years!  That night Taran had his setting apart to become missionary.  The grandparents joined us for that.  It was really nice.  After he was set apart they had him bare his testimony.  That was touching.  Even Timo was emotional about that.  We had pizza for dinner and then we went to Orange Leaf with Taran's friend Andrew (he leaves next month).

Wednesday was the BIG day!  Taran said good bye to Timo who was leaving for scout camp at 9 AM.  It was emotional but not too much.  Taran took Andrew out for  breakfast (it was his birthday).  I should have taken their picture because they looked like 2 missionaries!  He wore his suit even though Andrew isn't set apart yet.  Micah had scouts that morning.  Taran spent his last hour and half watching these videos about being a missionary that he was suppose to watch before he came to the MTC!  The kids enjoyed watching them with him as you can see in the collage!  We left later than we thought we would so Erika our niece met us at the Creamery and we had a last ice cream with Taran.  We like to console ourselves with food:)  Then we went up to a park near the MTC and below the Provo Temple.  We took the photos in the collage and said our final good byes.  We all cried but Gwen.  She was sad but not as sad as she was when we dropped him off at BYU.  Zane cried the most and even cried that night. He ran to the car and cried there for awhile, alone.  Then we drove to the MTC.  We drove up and they didn't quick whisk him away as we had heard they do--may depend on your escort.  Tim and I got out.  I hugged him one last time and then took a photo of him with his escort and that was it.  We dropped my niece  Erika off at her car and then I dropped Tim and the 3 littlest off at Seven Peaks (they changed in the car).  Emily and I went to my moms to pick up some stuff for YW that night.  Then we went to Jo Anne's for some other supplies.  By then we needed to pick them up.  That night at YW we made Virtue banners (see collage Emily's hung above her window).  We had material donated or you could bring your own if you cared about what it was.  We are hanging these all over our campsite then the girls will bring them home after camp to keep.  The girls really were into it, we weren't sure how they would like it.  Some people were surprised I was there, I was fine overall.  I did get emotional talking about my kids saying goodbye.

Thursday my Visiting Teachers took me out to Orange Leaf, to console me.  We had nice visit.  Then I had a PTA meeting after that.  I am not sure when that ended but it was mid-afternoon.  I had friends drop by with treats and notes telling me they were thinking of me!  So sweet!  I have the best friends/neighbors!  Emily played night games with friends that night.  I was hoping for a date with Tim but he went to scout camp to check out Izak and accompanied the Bishopric.  Izak was doing well.  He wasn't up to sharing his testimony because of his emotions.  I packed up most of Taran's stuff--I thought.  Still finding things!

Friday, I took Micah, Zane and Gwen to see the Lorax at the dollar movies.  It was actually better than I thought it would be.  We checked on my mom for awhile on our way back because she had had vein surgery that morning.   Tim helped me put Timo and Izak's beds back together.  I had washed their bedding and moved Izak's stuff back down to their room (Taran took over when he moved back).  I wanted it all ready when they got home from scout camp--I knew they would be tired.

Saturday, I was just leaving to take a box of stuff Taran had forgotten (his reading glasses, his consecrated oil...)  before 10 AM when they take it to the MTC for $2, when Izak walks in!  He was happy and healthy.  Yeah!  Tim took Micah to his first Lacrosse (LAX) game--he scored 5 goals?  Izak showered and then he, and Emily took Zane and Gwen to the Cedar Hills Parade. We did chores once I was home.  Tim gave us the great news that Taran had sent his first email!  YEAH!  It was fun.  He is having a great experience!  Tim took the kids to the Family Festival and I ran some errands and cleaned house.  Timo got home late afternoon.  He had a great experience at scout camp it was a mission prep camp with whitewater rafting and repelling in Wyoming.  Pretty cool!  He showered and put his stuff away then went to the Family Festival with friends.  We had a quiet dinner BBQ then ice ream and watched the fireworks.  Taran's friend Stephanie came by with Thor the movie she had borrowed.  We had a nice chat then sent the kiddos to bed.  No big gathering this year we just had the big shindig the week before this was all we could handle this year!

So I will quit here and try to get last week up-to-date soon.  I am sure no one is holding their breath about it!:)

Memorial Day and the Last Day of School Stuff...

Phew! I thought having May over with would lighten my load. Owell, I guess until Taran leaves we are still going strong!

Monday was Memorial Day. We went to the cemetery Sunday to lessen the running around on Monday. We saw our friends the Warrens whose daughter Emily is buried there. Their oldest is just older than Taran and is serving in Florida, Spanish speaking. It was fun to catch up with them even though it was at the cemetery. We also saw my mom, Gwen and Emily went with her for a little bit. I showed her where some of my dad's relatives are buried. So we spent the morning of Monday working on our yard. We tried to put up the new trampoline mat I had ordered. But I made the mistake of guessing since the product description didn't tell how many rings. I should have asked! So I had to pay to exchange it plus the difference and then to ship it back. We MIGHT get it this week! I hope the kids have sorely missed it! Let's hope it lasts more than a year too! That afternoon we had both sides (most everyone came) over for a BBQ. Tim and Nate made homemade ice cream for dessert—both made Peach! They were a little different but still both very good. It was fun. Charl took Katie to a Vocal Point concert at the SCERA which also featured the A Capella group that won the Sing Off Pentatonics and Delilah which was an all girl group in it with a couple of local girls. It sounded fun. So we had the kids Anders, Holly & Tate until it was over. Tate fell asleep. We watched Captain America which Anders did not like. I felt bad. The bad guy was too creepy for him.

Tuesday Emily was in the Jr High Talent Show. Tim went and videoed the practice before school. I was going to go but by the time she figured out when it was going to be I wasn't sure I could make it. I have had to let some important things go until this week because I have just been too busy for other stuff. I was in charge of our Personal Progress Night the next day which I knew I was busy until the afternoon so I couldn't wait to do stuff for that the next day. She said that she did her best that practice run so I am glad Tim recorded it! Timo had to be early to catch the bus to go to the graduation ceremony at UVU. He was singing in the choir, he said that they rocked the house and a lot of seniors were crying after their songs! I don't remember what he did after that...wrote in yearbooks I think. Gwen got to go to Pizza Pie Cafe for her last field trip for preschool. She made her own pizza, she thought that was pretty cool! Micah had the egg drop at school and his never broke so he won a prize. He was proud of himself, with reason! I finally got all my stuff done for Personal Progress Night that night.

Wednesday was Izak's 6^th grade Promotion. I know, they have done it forever and I still wonder about the relevance for them. It wasn't too long and I took June with me—she was perfect. Gwen went to her friend Sophie's—it was her last day of preschool so Luke's mom dropped her off there. I got some photos of Izak and some of his buddies but it was crazy busy and hard to find the kids and then they were wanting to change for the 6^th grade party afterward. He didn't care so we just got who we got! I wanted to get all the neighborhood boys together, owell. Sophie's mom took Gwen and Sophie to a free dance class and dropped Gwen off on her way home. She and Sophie played with June. It was fun. After June left I put some food in the crockpot for Tim to feed the kids while I was at P2 Night. Emily got her yearbook so it was fun to read some of the stuff kids wrote. Timo went to Trafalga with some of his friends. Later I had to run Timo to work and then I ran to Walmart for things I couldn't get the day before—balloons and milk. We had our pancake/IHOP night again. The girls really enjoy it. The Laurels came early to help me set up and cook the pancakes. This made it so we could start on time 6 PM. The President gave out the awards, ribbons the girls had earned since our last P2 night. After we got it all cleaned up I had a mini camp meeting with one of the camp directors for our ward. She wanted to bounce some ideas off me and show me some things she had found. I have been so busy I haven't really focused on my camp assignments yet. This got me thinking and helped me have a better plan for the meeting this week with out YCLs (youth camp leaders).

Thursday was Taran's last day of work and the Jr High and Elementary School last day of school. I had to run Emily to a get a ride to a friend's pool party after she got home. They all had an hour and half of school but Emily went at her normal 7:50 AM time and the little kids didn't go until 8:45 AM. I took a photo of them before they left—yes they wore those crazy hats to school. My kids are fun and confident! I hope it lasts! The School's Out Party wasn't until 11:30 AM. I made a tray of sugar cookie bars. Timo had work in the morning and then I don't remember what he did after but it wasn't going to school. I mowed the lawn before the party started. But the kids wouldn't wait for me to shower and change so I was not really presentable. I kept thinking I would run home and shower and put some sunscreen on but I didn't so I got a big sunburn on my face! Owell, the kids had a lot of fun, as usual. Taran and his work buddies went out to eat at Los Hermanos. Another co-worker is also leaving on his mission the week after Taran so it was his day too. He has thoroughly enjoyed his experience there. It has been a great blessing for him and us! Izak had a party that night. Emily came home for dinner and went back to the pool party after. Taran and his friends have been watching the Avenger Shows since their friend hasn't seen Avengers yet and wants to see the other movies first. So he has been doing that at nights.

Friday Taran took the other kids (Timo, Emily and Izak) to the Provo Temple to do baptisms. It was super busy so a long wait. Meanwhile, Gwen, Zane and Micah and I dropped Tim off at work. We also took flowers and a card to my parents—it was their anniversary 46 years. Since dad doesn't do much I hoped the flowers would help her feel celebrated. My brother Keith took them out to Macaroni Grill that night so they enjoyed it. Dad was feeling just okay enough—he was not feeling well most of the day. I helepd the little kids go through their rooms and get rid of stuff. Trying to do some summer decluttering and get ready for visitors next week for Taran's farewell. Not like it's going to stay as nice as it was Saturday night! I also ran to Orem later to get Taran some stuff at the Missionary Mall, Deseret Book and I also was looking for some nylon covered material. I had painted the outdoor swing Tim's parents gave us last year. It is red! It needs a new pad. I am planning on putting this material over the seat part then buy cushions that can be removed when the weather is nasty. I couldn't find the material ANYWHERE! I picked up Tim on the way home. After dinner we worked on the rooms some more. Timo took Gwen, Zane, Micah and Izak to an outdoor movie at a neighbor's. They had fun. Gwen got tired so Timo brought her home. He went back. Tim and I were so tired after Gwen fell asleep we went to bed. Then we woke up when the boys came home from the movie. Emily spent all day and night on her room so she went to bed.

Saturday was a service project at 7 AM helping neighbors in their yard. Izak, Taran and Timo went to that. Tim had to take Emily and a friend to a breakfast at a friends and then onto Lagoon (a local amusement park). He is the nicest dad ever! He drove her and 10 friends up there. She tried big rides and had fun. He picked her up around 8:30 PM. He just brought her and one other girl home. The rest left at closing at 11 PM. She was tired so she was not sad to leave then. Timo played tennis with his friend. Then he finished his room. His friend got his wisdom teeth out Friday so he went with some of their friends to visit him. He came home later to clean the living room. He did it in less than an hour. Then he went back to his friend's since he was super bored recovering. Tim also fixed 3 holes in the sprinkler line (it took 3 trips—poor guy!), touched up the paint on the swing and put tile on the baseboard in the bathroom. He IS superman! I was able to pack some of Taran's stuff, organize things that needed boxes and we have enough for a van full of DI stuff!

Today was fast Sunday and I think I had a long list I fasted for. Lots of people in need. It was one of the easiest times for me. Church was good but I had a hard time staying awake in Sunday School. I am in the Family History class and I love it but I didn't sleep well, bladder or something. I tried some new Pinterest treats today for dessert: chocolate chip cookie dough, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and brownie batter on top and bake! WOW! Yummy! We also tried it with Oreo in the middle, and only 2 Oreos with peanut butter between them and around them and then brownie batter over it. You put them in cupcake pans. I think I might make it as a bar thing in layers since it isn't easy to get out of the paper. Timo and Taran had meetings/YSA fireside tonight. We are waiting for Taran so we can have our devotional. Timo's was a meeting about Scout Camp. We have to get him and Izak ready this week for scout camp besides Taran going into the MTC. Our last full week together. Hopefully we'll be ready for it all! We are have a mini-vacation tomorrow. The kids are very excited! Me too. Have a great week! Enjoy the weather!

The school year winding down...

WOW!  I am in awe, as usual, at how fast this school year has gone.  Believe me, I have had days and nights that seemed longer than I could almost bear!  Yet, I turn around and we are finishing up the year.  I will have a senior, a freshman, a 7th grader, 5th grader, 3rd grader and a kindergartner next year!  Taran will be a full-time missionary in Mexico when school starts.  Weird to think ahead to all of that.

Monday was not as busy as it has been since we didn't have soccer or swimming lessons.  Gwen had her last dance class.  I mostly videoed but she did want a picture with Ms. Tina her teacher.  She will do it again in the fall since she has been amazing!  She and her friend Zoe have really picked it up. I did have to drive Timo this week to work since Kaleb whom he gets a ride from is a senior and was busy with senior stuff so he went in at different times than Timo.  We had a family night lesson on why work is important and Tim gave the kids an area to take of in the yard for the summer.  They were pretty good about it.  He also used the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and that helped too.

Tuesday I had Luke and Gwen, Tricia had to trade.  I also had YW Presidency meeting so they came with.  We are doing a lot right now to get ready for camp.  I am in charge of decorations and devotionals and I have 3 youth leaders helping me as well the camp directors.  I am excited about some of the possibilities.  The kids had piano that day.  It was Pack Meeting that night and Zane won an on time treat--he was so proud!  Micah got his Religious Square Knot award.  He shared a poem he wrote for the award requirements.  I videoed that it was pretty funny--esp. for a religious poem.  Tim took Izak to do his scout swim test and he passed, yeah! He felt so good when he had accomplished it.  Then Tim and I left right away to see the Avengers.  We loved it.  We have been wanting to see it for awhile but we have been so busy.  I was really tired but I knew Tim really didn't want to wait because it would have been another week or so!

Wednesday Tricia had Gwen and Luke (no preschool Thursday) so I ran errands.  The temple is closed so I was going to go to another one.  I thought I might go Friday to the temple but it didn't work out then either--funny or not really how I don't go if I don't go right away!  Honestly I have been on the edge these past 3 weeks with just barely getting stuff done so I needed take sometime to get things done for some things I had coming up instead of waiting last minute!  I actually got a lot done.  Izak's temple group went to Draper temple.  I am so grateful to so many awesome moms who are willing to do that!  That night was Timo's choir concert but just Taran, Tim and I went.  Emily babysat.  My mom came too.  It was really good. They are an amazing A Capella Choir.  We had a choir tour meeting after because it is probable that they will go on a plane so they need to earn a lot of money and so they are going to do some stuff over summer to bring the cost down for all the students.  We got home late because of that.

Thursday I helped at Field Day.  It was fun.  Gwen went to a free dance class with her friends Sophie and Zoe.  Our new rec center is open and so to get people interested they are holding free classes in May.  She enjoyed that and then watched a movie when she got back to the school.  (The lower grades were outside in the morning and the upper grades were inside watching Lion King, then they switched in the afternoon.)  Anna was great to bring June after that I knew it would be more fun for June if Gwen was there so I had her come Thursday instead of Wednesday.  We had a lot of fun with her!  She just gets more fun by the day!  That night was Gwen's preschool graduation--that's why no school.  It was long and we barely survived, Tim and I.  The other kids wanted to come but we made them stay and we are so glad--it was crowded.  There were about 36 students and their parents, some siblings and some even had extended family!  We sat by Luke's family so we kept each other entertained, they are a cute family!   We got home later than we had thought we would.

Friday I only had lunch with the Pew ladies in the valley.  That was nice to not have a crazy schedule.  My mom offered to watch Gwen.  I was going to have her go to a friends but she was cranky from being up late for her graduation (good thing I bathed her before so she just changed her clothes and went to bed!).  I didn't feel good leaving her with them in case she was actually getting sick.   She laid on my mom's bed and watched the Disney channel!  I met the ladies at Le Paesan, it's a yummy Italian place in Orem.  It was a really fun gathering! I ordered the special half past/half salad and I am not really sure what the pasta was!  That night was the Daddy Daughter camp out.  The weather was so weird that Tim (who dislikes camping) and Emily (who feels the same) decided to go out to dinner instead.  Emily chose even though Gwen went as well--she wanted Mc Donald's and Emily was not having it!  They went to this new place Culver's in Lehi, a hamburger joint with frozen custard.  They had fun.  Gwen was happy even though she loves camping!  Maybe next year.  Tim then took Emily, Taran, Timo and my sister to Avengers in 3D.  Timo had been fighting a sinus infection all week so he was worn out and slept through some of it.  Owell.  I was home with the 3 little boys and they played night games with other boys in the neighborhood  so much for bonding with mom!  I let Gwen watch some SpongeBob episodes we have on DVD--a movie would have been too late for her.  Zane joined in after getting frustrated with the games.

Saturday I woke up early, my curse:)  I haven't slept well this whole month.  I won't go into the details but it's not insomnia.  I went with my sister to see the family pictures taken by Photogenix.  They are some of the worse photos I have ever seen.  The photos of just us siblings--4 people are so bad we didn't order any but we laughed until we cried!  I am not sure the saleswoman appreciated our open criticism of the photos.  We didn't criticize the photographer but later some of the reasons they were bad were because of her lack of knowing how to pose very well.  My brother's family photos turned out pretty good so I am glad for him.  It's just unfortunate that this will be the family photo for at least 4 years!  I ran errands with my sister then came home and helped with chores and yardwork.  It was raining off and on but finally was clear and not too cold so I just worked outside until 4 PM.  I got a ton done.  I also worked with Taran on packing up stuff, throwing stuff away etc.  It's 2 weeks from today he has his farewell!  Tim ran to get REAL Salt Lake MLS soccer tickets, return some things to IKEA and buy a trimmer with his gift card money--our trimmer died.  He came out and worked in the yard for awhile as well.  Taran took some of the kids to play soccer with friends.  After dinner Tim, Taran, Izak, Micah and Zane went to the game.  Timo had a gathering with his friends for another friend's birthday.  Emily didn't want to be in the weather which wasn't too bad.  She hung out with her buddy Bailey.  They hooked up with some other girlfriends.  I rented Gwen HOP.  She has wanted to see it for awhile and was super excited about it.  I snuggled and watched it with her a little.  Then I finished some vacuuming and laundry stuff.  It's amazing how seeing your oldest get ready to leave for awhile--longer than college makes you cherish time with your younger kids as you see them growing up so fast.

Taran went to the temple twice this week.  Provo and then he went with friends to Draper and they are not endowed so he helped with baptisms.  He was able to work all week.  This coming week will be his last since we have a mini-vacation planned the next week and just finish up getting things ready. 

Today was a great day at church.  The talks in Sacrament Meeting were great.  I enjoyed Sunday School and Young Women's as well.  We went out to the cemetery after dinner and put flags on veterns esp ones without anything on them and flowers on family members who are also buried there.  We put flowers on graves with nothing which is tricky on Sunday some people may come tomorrow and put flowers down.  It was nice anyway, the kids enjoy it.  We ran into some old friends the Warrens who have a daughter buried there.  It was fun to visit.  My mom also showed up and I helped her find some of our relatives.  We were going to visit her after but it was late and we know she wants to get my dad on his night routine on time!  We'll see them tomorrow.

Happy Birthday today to my brother Keith!  He is an amazing brother and I am so glad to know him and be related to him.

Timo had finals last week.  They got their Yearbooks Wednesday!  He has nothing this week but we still have school through Thursday!  He is singing in graduation with the choir on Tuesday morning.  Signing Yearbooks Wednesday.  Emily is in the school Talent Show Tuesday.  Izak had 6th grade Promotion this week too.  Not a lot going on but still have to go!  Gwen is done Wednesday.

Happy Memorial Day and have a great week! 

The end of swimming lessons, soccer season, birthdays and such

Here again I find myself with 7 minutes to get in bed!  YIKES, I need to be quicker about this blogging stuff!  We had our final week of swimming lessons and soccer games. Other highlights: Monday was Micah's team party for the players and their families.  It was fun and yummy and better weather than last year.  (We cleaned the church before the party).  Emily had her choir concert--see red dress upper corner.  Emily and I went with the YW to plant over 2,000 plants in the temple garden beds on Wednesday.  It was a great experience we hope to repeat it!  Tuesday Taran took off work because he was having allergy testing Wednesday and couldn't take any anti-histamines.  We had Anna meet us at the temple and she took his "Missionary" photos there!  I put 2 on the collage,  Then we did some initiatories then went home.  He had a quick bite to eat and he went back with his friend Scott who was going into the MTC Wednesday.  They got there just in time for the 1 PM session!  Then he went back that night with Tim for the Elders Quorum temple night but they missed the 6:30 PM session and so missed the ice cream social after but had some at our house.  The kids still had piano this week as well.  It was Teacher Appreciation so I arranged to have lunches brought to Izak's teacher who I am the room mom this year.  She loved it.  Hopefully the kids remember to bring her a note of thanks to her--I sent home a note the week before about it. We had June and she loved Gwen blowing bubbles.  She would laugh hysterically.  Thursday our friends John and Lynda from California were here after dropping off their son at the MTC the day before so we met them for dinner.  It was a quick visit but very pleasant and tasty!  We love spending time with them even if it's short!  Tim had Zane's soccer practice to run so we had to get back.  Taran found out he has major grass allergies and the doctor thinks Mexico has the same grasses as us so he will need to take his allergy meds year round.  We have heard that his mission is Hawaii like in climate.  It took him 2 days to get back to 'normal' .  He actually needed a steroid shot to calm the histamines in his body down.  He is doing fine on the meds now!  He was okay enough Thursday to take Izak to the temple after school since I made him stay home a babysit on Wednesday.  Friday we had the choir banquet and I helped set up and clean up,  See Timo and Chappy in the photo, they were the best dressed by far!  Timo won the prize for the guys!  I had found a cool 70's Hawaiian dress at DI that I wore and Tim some cool board shorts!  Next time I'll take a photo!  We were in a hurry.  People liked the dress!  Saturday was a fun run for our friends the Kings daughter, Kirsten who was in a terrible car accident in March.  She is doing miraculously better.  Not talking yet but obeying commands and doing so much better.  She has an amazing spirit and her family has seen God's hand in her life.  They have great people helping them raise money to pay for what insurance won't pay--$15,000 for the life flight helicopter ride!  We were running late so we missed the walk part we were going to do.  We did see Emma and Cathy but then we left because we had kids refereeing and then soccer games after that.  Timo had a Spanish Retreat Friday after the banquet.  He had a lot of fun.  That evening we had family pictures with my family.  My mom wanted to do it last fall but it didn't pan out.  Now since Taran is leaving she had us do it.  After we had a family May birthday party at her house.  My brother Keith got a puppy see Gwen and Holly petting her and her asleep on my dad.  She and my dad are buddies, she calms him.  She loves him.  He never touched our pets growing up--not a real animal type person.  But I have heard the pet therapy for the elderly is amazing even my dad with Alzheimer's!  So there you go and I am only a half hour late getting to bed!  I am beat since my dumb left leg that has nerve damage from my ruptured disc kept me up all night cramping!  So good night and have a great week!  Rise and shout school's almost out!

SOCCER, TEMPLE, MOTHER"S DAY...

So it's late but here's the run down:  Izak and Micah had 2 games Monday night.  Then 2 on Wednesday night and Micah's team won their age championship.  Izak won both those games and played on Friday for the championship and won!  So it was fun, some games were too close for my liking but we prevailed!  Micah's team is mostly staying together not sure about Izak's team--we'll see.   Tuesday I went to the temple that afternoon I took Taran to get his missionary suits, etc.  All done as far as clothes go. YEAH! Wednesday  Izak was able to go to the temple again.  I was glad he went even though it meant less homework getting done. Thursday night was the Elementary school Walk-A Thon and so I was there with the four youngest doing that.  Friday was Muffins for Mom's for second grade so Zane was involved and it was very cute and made me cry.  Tim took Friday off so he could do some yard stuff since I needed him to take Gwen to swimming while I was at Muffins for Moms.  Saturday only Gwen had a soccer game!  Izak and Emily refereed 2 games.  Taran went through the temple at 4 PM that afternoon--the highlight.  It was a rough day, lots of opposition.  It was so great all Taran's aunts and uncles (except Juan who had to work).  and cousins who live here and are endowed came! Tim's parents and my mom also were there so it was really neat.   That to me was a huge miracle that that many people could get their schedule to work for that!  Thank you sooooo much everyone!  I am so grateful to have family here that is so supportive!  I also had 2 long YW meetings this week--one was for camp.  I also had June she came to the camp meeting--fun!  We so enjoy her!  I also had stuff to make for the Walk-A-Thon bake sale, a poster for Teacher Appreciation and the thank you for Micah's soccer coaches besides scouts, piano and swimming lessons.  I also planted some strawberries and some daisies since some died over winter!  Tim got a 'yard' of dirt for our garden boxes and different parts of the yard.  It was one of those weeks I felt stretched but I was blessed to do all I needed to and more!  I am so grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who is mindful of each of us.  Today was nice, Tim was  amazing at breakfast and dinner!  His mom and dad came for dinner.  It was yummy!  His sister dropped by to see her mom.  Tim had made lots of dessert so it was perfect!  I am grateful for my amazing children.  They aren't perfect but they are good people--usually.  I love them and am grateful they are mine.  They are much better people than I was at their ages.  I hope they know I love them!  People say that I do so much, it is all for them.  I really am hoping my efforts will help them to become the amazing people they are meant to be!  Happy Mother's Day loving and nurturing women everywhere!  2-1/2 weeks of school left!  YEAH!

Taran moving home, Willie Wonka and Prom all rolled up into one post!

Wow! 3 weeks behind! I really don't want to write about everything that has happened but it is our 'family history'. April 16-22nd Normal activities: Gwen preschool, dance and swimming, Izak and Zane swimming decided to add Micah to the class because there was room, their teacher is a BYU swimmer and is going to the Olympic trials this summer! Soccer practices and games for Izak, Micah, Zane and Gwen—Izak is back to running around again. Kids had piano and the boys had scouts too. I went visiting teaching and went to the temple each week as well. Emily started intense practicing for Willie Wonka practically every night/day except Sunday until her performances. We have 2 girls in our ward who we carpooled with which made it easier in the schedule! Taran's buddy Andrew got his mission call: Cleveland, Ohio. Rock-n-Roll Hall a fame in his mission is perfect since he is a musician like Taran!

We moved Taran from BYU that took more time than I thought it would! I spent 2 -1/2 hours loading our van—the plan was that he would be done packing when I got there...owell. Later we went to an Open House for a newly returned missionary from our ward—the first of many this year! Saturday Gwen scored her first goal after I left to pick up Izak from his merit badge class so he could get to his soccer game! Bummer for me! At least Taran and Zane were there watching! Tim was in Provo at Micah's game. We also had our niece Erin's graduation (her masters!) open house that weekend, her parents were here and provided a delicious spread of food! We also celebrated family birthdays for April and May.

Saturday and Sunday nights I stayed at my parents' because my mom's cousin is dying and she needed to go to Idaho and be with her and her sister and their other cousins. April 23rd-30th Normal activities: Gwen preschool, dance and swimming, Izak, Micah and Zane swimming Soccer practices and games for Izak, Micah, Zane and Gwen. Kids had piano and the boys had scouts too. I planted over 30 plants over the last few weeks!

I took my nieces Erin and Anna (her husband Buck and June their daughter) to the airport. They went to Hawaii! Taran went camping with his roommates since his roommate Nic was going on a family trip before his entrance into the MTC in May. They had a lot of fun. Taran posted photos on Facebook. He spends his free time working grounds at BYU and going to missionary farewells and playing music with his buddies. Timo went on choir tour to Disneyland.

They also went to the beach, Universal Studios and The Medieval dinner show. Their choir won all but one award which Timo agreed the choir that won that award deserved it. They qualified for the festival in Washington DC-Kennedy Center and NYC—Carnegie Hall! So next year he will go on a BIG choir tour! He had a lot of fun but was super tired. Emily's play started the Thursday-thru Monday unfortunately she wouldn't let me get a photo of her in her Phineas Trout costume or Oompa Loompa costume. Both sets of grandparents were able to make it—which she loved! As well as friends and family, we really appreciate them all supporting her. One neighbor got her Willie Wonka candy—that I did get a photo her with that! Emily was great. Apparently she earned the respect of kids who normally aren't nice to her.

Izak had his first camp out as a deacon this week. It was unique because they stayed at a Climbing/Repelling place so after it closed they used the equipment and then slept over! The owner is the uncle of one of the deacons. He had a lot of fun and tried something new! We had dinner with our dinner group from our neighborhood which is always fun! Taran, Timo and I helped the choir teacher at the high school run the State Choir and Ensemble Festival at the high school. Timo went in the morning and we went at the end. We had a 2 hour shift that turned into an almost 4 hour shift!

That Sunday we had my family over to celebrate Taran's birthday with them—somehow I thought we had but they reminded me at Charl's birthday fun at Thanksgiving Point (see this collages from that)

that Tuesday we hadn't so we put it together! I made a new lemon trifle recipe—yummy! Everyone was really generous helping out toward his mission. It was a lot of fun! Monday the 30th I took Taran to lunch at Tucanos (last day to use his free meal) after staying with my dad. We also went to the bank and got his shots that day as well. Tim was feeling a little yucky in the tummy so he worked from home and took the kids to their stuff. May 1st-6th Normal activities: Gwen preschool, dance and swimming, Izak, Micah and Zane swimming Soccer practices and games for Izak, Micah, Zane and Gwen. Kids had piano and the boys had scouts too. This week was nice not having the musical or practice! Zane, Gwen and Izak have been plagued with allergies this past week. Tim ended up taking Izak to the doctor and getting some prescription allergy medicines. I worked on a lot of PTA stuff this week. I won't get into that much but I am going to be the PTA Secretary next year. Taran went to see the Avengers with his buddies at midnight Thursday! I took him to work after he slept in. He called the MTC back and they put him in the intermediate Spanish group for the MTC. That means he should only be in there for 6 weeks instead of 8. Taran watched Captain America Friday night with some friends, Tim and the little boys. It helped him make sense of the Avengers—which he loved and he isn't a big movie guy! Timo had the Prom Friday night.

It was a success! They got a limo, went to Benihanas for dinner and then the dance was at the State Capitol building. The limo was a steal, it's an older guy and he charged them $150 for the whole night! (It's Fantasy Limo if you want to use it:)). They tipped him since they felt it was a huge bargain! We loved not worrying about them driving! They came to our house for light refreshments afterward. Saturday we had a creek clean up service project—Timo was in charge. Then he had to return his tux and work! Tim took him and Taran to the Jazz basketball game play-off game. They had fun despite the loss. We also had a Open House Farewell before Tim and the boys left for one of Taran's friends, Chad who goes into the MTC this Wednesday. He is going to Richmond, Virginia. We had our Cinco De Mayo dinner while Zane was at a birthday party-he hates Mexican food so lucky him! This was the 4th party he has been invited to these past few weeks! (We still had several soccer games and games that our kids refereed during the day, yes a little crazy! Izak scored a goal and of course we missed it--we got tissue for him and made it back late!). Today church was good. I am loving the Family History Class--too bad I forget to do my homework each week! Taran taught Elder's Quorum and Zane gave a talk in Sr. Primary. Tim went to Zane's talk and was in Elders Quorum in time to see Taran teach. He said that Taran raised the bar on Pews teaching Elders! The last crazy week of mega soccer games! Both Micah and Izak play tomorrow night and so that will be our Family Night! Thankfully they don't play at the same time! If Micah's team wins they are in the championship and if Izak wins he is in the Semi-Finals both Wednesday. If Izak wins he plays Friday in the championship! Gwen and Zane will still have games but we are close to being done! Have a great week and enjoy spring!