March 2022- Week 2: Anna Seussical Dress Rehearsal, Nelson Cousin Date, Baptisms, New Ward Boundaries!, San Diego!

 March 8th- Tuesday: *Alice has some imaginary friends named Leo, Pawnee, and Emmy. They are all different ages at different times. They live in the mountains.*  After kids left for school, I watched the news, we ate, I practiced voice, and caught up on Marco Polo. After lunch, I went to my voice lesson a day early. We talked about a possible audition song for “Joseph” at Centerpoint. Dan took McKenna and other youth from the ward to the temple for baptisms. Alice played at the Johnson's for a bit. After kids got home from school, Garrett Floyd came over to play with Ben. Anna had rehearsal. I helped Bethany with her homework, then she had dance. Ben had a primary activity after dinner (playing Mario Cart). McKenna and I went to see “Uncharted” with some cousins and aunts and got home a little after 10. 

March 9th- Wednesday: After the kids left for school, I quickly ate and took Alice with me to the school for Anna’s Seussical Assembly performance. She did great and was smiley the whole time! Once we got home, I worked on the computer some. Alice watched shows.  After lunch, Alice went to preschool. The kids came home for early out. Ben and Anna had piano. Dan and I napped. Bethany went to play at Leela’s. I picked up Ben and Anna and took Anna to Leela’s as well. I made some picture collages while I waited to pick up Alice and Kaysen then I took Anna and Bethany to music and gymnastics. McKenna hung out at Hannah Hilbig’s. After kids were in bed, I blogged and Dan watched Mandalorian with McKenna and Ben. 

March 10th- Thursday: After kids left for school, I walked on the treadmill and watched the news. After getting ready for the day, I worked on a grocery order, then Alice got picked up by Grandma Sibber for her BD date! I finished the groceries, then ate, then Emmy Johnson came over for a bit for me to watch her. Alice got home and the girls played. Alice and I ran an errand to the UPS store then I drove carpool. I went back to school to help with the Seussical dress rehearsal. Ben babysat Bethany and Alice. McKenna went to Hannah’s again, then had piano. Dan got home and took soup to Marilyn Salisbury and then had dinner at his parents’. Anna and I met them there. Dan, Adam, and Sam put together a new triple bunk bed in the basement and the kids watched "Sing 2" on the big new movie screen!

March 11th- Friday: After kids left for school, I exercised. Charlie came over and I also babysat Cooper and Emmy and took them all to ladies lunch. We had a nice talk about the new ward boundaries meeting coming up. Once we got home, I put Emmy down for a nap, and Cooper and Tanner played the switch till Meghan got back from a funeral. I practiced voice and tried to nap then Alice and I went to McKenna’s school for a track meeting. Once we got home, I took Anna to Sayge’s and helped Bethany with piano. I did some laundry and started making Mac and cheese. Once Dan got home, we left for dinner at a Thai restaurant with some Nelson cousins (Mindy and Cole, Courtney and Rocky, Ricky and Katie, and Matt and Heidi). It was so fun to chat and catch up with them all!  McKenna started babysitting and then left to be with friends, so Ben took over. Dan and I got a treat on the way home.

March 12th- Saturday: I went with Anna to her to dress rehearsal so I could take some pictures. I went straight from there and met Dan, Ben, and Bethany at the baptism of Leela Kump, and Rachel Pugsley. We went to the Pugsley’s afterwards for lunch. McKenna had silks and voice. Anna got dropped off at the Pugsley’s after rehearsal. We worked on packing for San Diego. I picked up McKenna, picked up groceries, and then took McKenna shopping at Target. When we got home, I cleaned a little then I took McKenna, Ben, Anna, and Bethany to Kate’s Seussical play at Centerpoint Academy.  We cleaned the basement after dinner. I helped McKenna with her course request. Dan gave himself a haircut, and we both worked on packing. 

March 13th- Sunday: We did a little last minute packing before church. It was our Ward Conference. I got to attend Relief Society where the Stake RS leaders taught about strengthening our faith. After church, we had lunch and finished packing and loading the car. We got on the road at 2pm. I joined the Passover committee meeting by FaceTime. Then we listened to the Stake ward boundary realignment meeting. A new ward was created, and all the wards were impacted in the realignment process. It was sad news for our ward. We lost about 100 people to the 6th Ward, including both EQ counselors, both YW counselors, the Ward clerk, the Ward financial clerk, the Primary President, a couple Primary teachers, and almost everyone who played the organ. We debriefed with Dan’s dad over the phone about the boundary realignment, I napped and watched Don’t Miss This. We stopped for dinner at Wendy’s in Cedar City. We arrived at our Vegas hotel at 9pm.

March 14th- Monday: We were back on the road by 9am. I drove the first 2.5 hours and listened to my book. The kids did great since they all had lots of screen time!  We stopped in Victorville for pizza for lunch then we drove the rest of the way and made it to our hotel in San Diego by 3pm. Dan helped set some things up in the ballroom (a games and snack table). We got settled in our rooms and took a walk. The kids went swimming from 5-6 then we had dinner with all the other Foster Families. We came back to the room for a bit and then went down to the fire for s’mores and talking with some new friends. We got kids to bed by 9, and Dan and I took a walk and planned the next day. 

For a bit of context, this trip was almost entirely sponsored by a tech company called Entrata. They were planning to hold a training conference for their international staff, but cancelled due to COVID concerns. The hotel wouldn't refund their money (close to $500,000!!), so rather than let the money go they decided to sponsor foster families (and some staff) to enjoy a trip to San Diego...hotel, food, etc. So amazing! And since we had the big van, we transported a lot of supplies and were able to enjoy being with these incredible families and coworkers.

March 2022- Week 1: Spirit Week, Dan in Hawaii, Alice's 4th Birthday, Stake RS Meeting I Sang In, Emma to the Temple,

 March 1- Tuesday: Today was Decades Day at school. Ben and Bethany wore tie-dye shirts for the 70s, and Anna borrowed a sock hop costume from Mabel for the 50s. We all drove the kids to school and then Alice and I took Dan to the airport for a trip to Hawaii to present to the BYU-H students at their career fair. We then went straight to the rec center for the power tone class with Brynn. Brynn took Alice and went to Costco and fed her lunch while I went to the dentist. Later, Alice went to the Jensen‘s while I picked up Anna from school and took her to Primary Children’s for her ENT appointment about her snoring. Overall, they were not concerned about her snoring since she doesn’t really have any other symptoms like being tired or grouchy during the day. I took her back to school and then picked up Alice and chatted with the Jensens for a bit. Once we got home, the kids got home from school. They started working on reading and piano. Anna had Seussical rehearsal. Greyden came over to hang out with Ben. Bethany had dance. Lyla also came over to hang out with McKenna. After dinner and kids were in bed, I went to the church to practice my song with the other ladies for the Relief Society meeting. I got home at 10:20 and prepped the Wonder Woman costume that Bethany would wear the next day. McKenna ended up sleeping in my bed because Alice was coughing so much in their room. I went to bed way late and did not sleep well.

March 2- Wednesday: Today was superhero/heroes day at school. Anna dressed as Hermione from Harry Potter, Bethany dressed as Wonder Woman, and Ben wore his Captain America shirt with a name tag that said "my dad." Alice went to the Moulton‘s while I went to my voice lesson. Then Alice went to preschool and I came home and ate lunch. Once the other kids were home from school,  Ben and Anna rode scooters down to piano and I helped Bethany with her music homework and then took a nap. I picked the kids up and they played outside a little before Anna and Bethany went to gymnastics and music. When we got home I made a quick hot dog dinner and we chatted with Dan on Face Time for a few minutes. Then McKenna and I went down to the church for the activity so I could practice my song one more time. My mom came to the meeting as well and my dad babysat. The song went well (Our Savior's Love) and we got to hear Sharon Eubank speak. Once kids were in bed I did dishes and got to chat with Dan for a few.

March 3- Thursday: Today was nerd or athlete day for spirit week. All the kids chose to dress as an athlete. After breakfast, Alice and I played. It was her 4th Birthday, but we kept it a secret and planned to celebrate on Saturday when Dan got home from Hawaii. I still tried to give her more than normal love and attention to help her feel special today! We watched "Aladdin" and then I got ready for the day. I caught up on Marco Polos. Alice went to grandma Sibber‘s house while I went to the school to teach Junior Achievement for the last time in Bethany‘s class. We brought Bethany’s friend Emmy home from school so they enjoyed a play date.  I picked up Anna, Annie, and the Atkins kids from Seussical rehearsal.  We had food that Alice would love for dinner and then the kids went to bed. I was definitely feeling less and less patient as the days went on without Dan home. McKenna started to feel a cold/sore throat. I worked on a grocery order and talked to Dan over the phone. 

March 4th- Friday: Today was crazy hair day at school. Anna had a donut on a plate for her crazy hair and we did a rainbow for Bethany. Ben dressed like his teacher by wearing a Halloween shirt, because she loves Halloween. I had an eye check-up and Alice came with me. All looked well, I just have to continue to be patient getting my vision back. After lunch, my mom came to babysit while I went to the Temple for Emma‘s endowment! We went to Blacksmith ice cream after that. Then I came home and took McKenna to her make-up voice lesson and picked up groceries. My mom made mac & cheese while I was gone, which I was so grateful for! Ben and McKenna had friends over; Ben had Caleb and Luke, McKenna had Lyla Brigette and Haley. They took turns playing in the main living area and then being in the theater room. We watched Sing 2 which was very cute. I put Alice to bed and then Ben, Anna, and Bethany helped me decorate for Alice’s birthday celebration.

March 5th- Saturday: I ran two miles and listened to my new book. I made breakfast and got Anna ready for rehearsal. Later, I took McKenna and Lia to silks. Alice napped in the car, then we stopped to pick up donuts for her birthday celebration. Dan got home from his Hawaii trip and Anna got home from rehearsal. We chatted and then everyone ate lunch and we picked up McKenna. To celebrate Alice, we spent two hours at Coconut Cove playing! It's an indoor jungle gym! McKenna unfortunately didn’t feel well due to her cold. Dan was also exhausted from his red eye flight, so he took a quick nap in the van. We brought tacos home for dinner, then did baths. After that, we opened presents and ate the donuts with sprinkles. We’re so thankful for Alice in our family!  After kids were in bed, we snuggled on the couch and I planned some stuff on my phone. We got lots of snow that night! 

March 6th- Sunday: Today was Fast Sunday. McKenna renewed her temple recommend and then stayed home from church with a runny nose. Ben came but wore a mask. I bore my testimony about temples and our covenants. During the second hour of church, I had a YW presidency meeting. After lunch for the kids and watching our “Line Upon Line" videos, Dan and I napped, then I had my conference call. I helped gather stuff for Alice’s spotlight in preschool on Monday. I made dinner while Dan went to Lehi for another Foster Care Sunday Supper. After we ate, the kids did an obstacle course downstairs. We finished getting ready for bed once Dan got home. Once kids were in bed, Dan and I talked about plans to go to San Diego (more on that later!)

March 7th- Monday: After the kids left for school, I started laundry and exercised. At Alice's preschool, I stayed for the first 5mins to do her birthday spotlight. We filled a bag with some of her favorite things like Octonauts, Cinderella, fruit snacks, and a Halloween book. I came home and folded laundry and listened to “Don’t Miss This.” I napped then drove carpool. I also listened to Tina Peterson’s fireside. We brought Emi Atkin and Brooklyn Moulton home to play. I picked up Alice and then picked up Ben from Harry Potter club. I also ran an errand to the vet for Mickelle. Once I got home, Emi left and Anna played in the snow. I made soup for dinner and we folded laundry afterwards. Once kids were in bed, I met with Brigham to go over a primary music leader stuff since he got called to take my place. Then I went through the kids’ school papers and Dan watched a show.

Feb. 2022- Week 4- Sledding at Soldier Hollow, Ben's last Jr. Jazz, Eli's Movie BD, Old Thompson Family Pictures

Feb. 22nd- Tuesday (Started the Legacy kids' February break): We left Midway around 9:50. We made it to Soldier Hollow for tubing and had a blast!  It was 29* and sunny and we were shedding layers we were so warm! It was a work out! We definitely preferred to ride the belt up the hill vs. walking up the hill. We got to do 6 runs! It was more fun to go on your stomach head first than on your bum and go feet first. The two little girls just covered their faces most of the time because we had to break by dragging our feet which made the snow spray up.  We ate lunch at Lola’s in Midway then we went to the Olympic Park museum. We got ice cream and headed home. We unpacked and started laundry.  The kids did their piano. McKenna did homework.   Bethany had dance. Ben had basketball and Anna had a primary activity.  We had leftovers for dinner. McKenna and I went to the combine youth activity which was a scripture scavenger hunt.  Then I stayed after from 8:30-11pm to practice “Our Savior’s Love” for the Stake RS activity in March. Sharon Richardson ended up rewriting new parts for Lisa Hicks and I.  I talked with Dan and went to bed.  

Feb. 23rd- Wednesday: We slept in and McKenna got herself ready for school. I had a bad headache. I ate with the other kids and finished up the laundry. I ended up driving the Jr. high kids because it was so cold.  I went to my voice lesson.  After lunch, Alice went to preschool. Ben and Anna had piano. Bethany watched a show while Dan and I napped. I picked kids up and McKenna went to hang out at Meghan Hunter’s.  We folded laundry. I picked up preschool kids then took Anna and Bethany to gymnastics and music.  I got caught up on Marco Polos.  Dan made eggs in a puddle for dinner. Ben and Anna and I rode with the Alexanders to Ben and Henry’s last two basketball games. The Webster grandparents came, as well as Adam and Mia. Dan came later due to a late work meeting.  McKenna babysat Boof and Alice.  We got home at 9 and folded more laundry and watched the news coverage of Russia invading Ukraine. :(

Feb. 24th- Thursday: Alice came in our room in the night, so I didn’t sleep well and woke up grumpy.  McKenna left for school. Anna showered and I bathed the little girls. Anna’s twin friends Jaylee and Milly came over.  They played on the silk and built a fort.  After they left, we had lunch. Meghan brought over the monitor for me to listen for Emmy. Later, Cooper came over and Bethany’s friend Emmy came over as well. I worked on a grocery order and kind of fell asleep on the couch. I played Hungry Hippos with Alice.  Ben played with Cooper on the arcade.  McKenna got home from school. Emmy Johnson woke up so McKenna brought her over to play.  I helped McKenna study for a cell test. Alex Boes came over to play with Anna. After the Johnsons left, I started prepping for dinner and dividing chicken.  Once friends left, McKenna had piano. We ate, and then we cleaned up the basement and put kids to bed.  I worked on a grocery order and the blog while Ben and Dan watched a Spiderman movie.  

Feb. 25th- Friday: I woke up a little after 7 and helped McKenna with her hair. Dan drove the Jr. High kids cause it was so cold. I exercised. Ollie, Ellie, and Charlie came over to play since they had no school too. I hosted my ministering sisters and companion for a soup, salad, and rolls lunch.  Later Ben had Nate and Jack come over and Anna had Sayge over.  I played with Alice a little then rested in my room. McKenna went to Lyla’s after school. We picked her up at 5:30 to go to Grandma Pat’s. We took pizza and ate and visited. After kids went to bed, I worked on the blog. 

Feb. 26th- Saturday: I went with Lara to Kennedy Wittwer’s bridal shower at the Ringwood's. It was so fun to see Nelson cousins again! We got home by 1:30. We put groceries away. Whitney and Katie came over to hang out. Mickelle was here for a bit waiting for her car to be done at Burt Bros. I drove her back when it was ready. Dan and I napped then we took the kids to the Winegar’s and took Ben, Ollie, and Truman to Eli’s Spiderman movie theater birthday party at Farmington Station. We then went to dinner at R&R’s with Winegars and Brynn. We got a treat at the DQ, then picked up the girls.  Dan dropped off McKenna and Bridget at the Backstage Aerial Silks show. I did baths and vacuumed our bathroom. After the three little girls were in bed, Dan and I and the two big kids watched the first "Thor" movie while I blogged.

Feb. 27th- Sunday: Today was Quinn Koldewyn’s mission farewell!  That kid is amazing! He was delayed and submitted his mission papers 3 times due to Covid and because it was not being safe with his heart defect.  He was cleared to serve a "service mission," but was called to a proselyting mission to Tampa, FL! They sang to Alice in Primary. I also took pictures of some sweet notes Anna wrote. I attended YW class for the first time with this new calling. McKinley Ulmer taught about Eternal Marriage.  We had lunch and watched the Line Upon Line videos, then I went to another committee meeting for the Passover dinner. Once I got home, I had my family conference call then we prepped fruit and went to Dan’s parents’ house for February birthday dinner.  We talked to Laurie a lot about her nephew Abinadi and how he was healing from his accident. 

Feb. 28th- Monday: Dan helped with carline so the kids left a little early for school. I exercised, did laundry, Alice went to preschool, I drove carpool, and Ben had Harry Potter Club. I practiced singing. I made dinner and we took half of it to the Chadwick’s since Chelsea was flying solo while Will had a long busy week with an intense trial.  My mom found some old family pictures, and it was way fun to see which kids looks the most like I did. After dinner we got the kids ready for decades day for spirit week at school. After kids were in bed Dan gave John Leavitt a blessing and Ben and McKenna watched shows. I worked on the Nelson News. 

February Videos:

Ben and Eli at Jazz game, Super Bowl rap halftime show, Bethany Mini cheer performance, Ben spelling bee, Anna Seussical rehearsal, Soldier Hollow Sledding, Ben Jr. Jazz.

Feb. 2022- Week 3- Bethany's Cheer Performance, Ben Spelling Bee, Bethany's Mexican Fiesta, Moultons, Puglseys, and Boes Over for Pizza, Sleep over at Thompson Grandparents

Feb. 15th- Tuesday: After kids left for school (late), Alice and I watched the news and ate.  I went to

the gym with Brynn and then talked with Sharon Bot for a while about Ms. Enquist and Haku. I

showered and folded laundry and got caught up on Marco Polos. After lunch, I rested my eyes while

Alice watched more shows. Bethany had dance and Anna had play practice. The kids did their

homework and I made rapunzel braids for dinner. Ben had basketball practice. McKenna and I had

YWs- we made collages and bracelets. Dan took the rest of the kids to WX to see Bethany perform

at her mini cheer performance.  We all got home around 8:30.  After the younger three were in bed,

Dan and Ben played battleship.

Feb. 16th- Wednesday: I drove the kids to school while Dan drove the Western States employee

family members to the airport for their trip.  I practiced singing and then got ready for the day.  Alice

went to the Moulton’s while I had voice.  Alice went to preschool. I ate lunch and then the kids got

home.  Ben and Anna had piano and I read/napped with Bethany. Ben went to play with Ollie.

McKenna had Lyla over.  Anna and Bethany had their gymnastics and music. We got home around

5:30 and I made an air fryer chicken recipe that was a flop (too dry).  Dan gave the girls baths while I

cleaned up dinner and tidied up.  After 3 little kids were in bed, we chatted with McKenna. I knocked

stuff off my “to do” list. Dan, unfortunately wasn’t feeling too well. 

Feb. 17th- Thursday: We all left the house at the same time. The girls went to their classes while

Dan, Alice, and I watched Ben compete in the school spelling bee! Out of 48 spellers, Ben was in the

top 7 and made it 5 rounds!  His words were nonsense, astronomical, burdensome, acquirable, and

flippant.  Once we got home, I napped. Then we had lunch and I gathered Primary music stuff for the

substitute. I took Alice to Rachael’s and Dan went to maturation with Ben and then took him to ice

cream.  I taught JA in Bethany’s class.  Once we got home, the kids did their homework. Dan worked

on a piñata for me for Bethany's class Fiesta coming up.  We had leftovers for dinner. We hung out in

the basement for a bit, then put kids to bed.  I worked on uploading videos on to YouTube and we

watched the Olympics (curling).  

Feb. 18th- Friday: After the kids left for school, I walked on the treadmill. I had an eye check-up.

Dan worked from home.  Alice went to play at Swa’s. I volunteered in Bethany’s class for her Mexican

fiesta day. I taught the Mexican Hat dance! Once we got home, I took the younger 4 to Lewis Park

and Rachael Alexander and Erica Day were there.  We got home at 5 and prepped for the Moultons,

Pugsleys, and Boes to come over for a homemade pizza night. We enjoyed talking and watching the

Olympics!  They all left around 10. I finished up a grocery order. 

Feb. 19th- Saturday: Both Dan and I woke up feeling sick with a cold starting.  I got dressed, ate

real quick, and then went with Anna to her rehearsal. I helped cut out and paint some of the scenery.

Anna played with Desi.  Dan and other kids prepped our floors for mopping.  I started a load of laundry

and got to cleaning.  The kids and I had lunch and I cleaned more.  Ben went to Nate’s, Anna went to

Aspen’s. McKenna had silks and voice.  Bethany played outside with Moulton girls and Rachael

Pugsley.  I snuggled McKenna and scrolled some.  I finished mopping then picked up Ben while Dan

gave the girls a bath.  McKenna babysat and fed them dinner while Dan and I went on a date to

Texas Roadhouse.  (Anna stayed all day with Aspen and went ice skating). We got home and helped

the kids pack and I put toys away in the basement.  Anna got home. McKenna had Whitni and Lia over.

Dan and Ben got hair cuts. 

Feb. 20th- Sunday: Alice said the prayer in Primary, Ben gave The Article of Faith, and Bethany have

a talk about goal setting (her goal to ride her bike). After lunch, I went to a meeting about our Stake

planning a Passover dinner! We packed up and went to my parents’ house for a sleepover.  My mom

and I made a keto shepherd’s pie for dinner.  Then we put the kids to bed in the basement and played

a trivia game and talked.  

Feb. 21st- Monday: My dad helped feed the kids breakfast.  We chilled and I rested my eyes for a

bit while the kids played Nintendo.  Then they started doing crafts and stamps with Grandma.  I

showered.  We had lunch at Chili’s because of a coupon for free kids’ meals.  We drove by the

Layton Temple.  Once we got back to my parent’s house, we watched “Encanto.” Then we packed up

and left by 7pm to drive to Midway.  We made soup for dinner and put the kids to bed there by 9pm.