March '24- Week 4: McKenna in St. George, Manti Temple open house, Ben and Alice Stats, LPA Spirit Week, Easter!

22nd- Friday: I subbed in Ms. Jacobs’s class again. They were a little better than the day before. But definitely still some frustrating moments. I stayed after for a bit making some notes for the teacher, and my girls were the only ones I was driving home, so they were all trying to talk to me and tell me about their day.  Our van was in the shop for a high pitched squeal. Turned out, they said it would need new break rotors and pads. I went through some of Alice’s papers with her. Taggart came over for a bit. The girls did piano and Anna cleaned up the basement. We left for the school play at Muir, “Mary Poppins,” to see Rachel Pugsley as Jane Banks! She did really well!  We ate a quick dinner once we got home. Anna had 5 school friends over: Brylee, Claire, Yaritza, Aubrey, and Rose.  They played on the silk a lot and then watched a movie off and on. Bethany tried to put on a little puppet show for us, but it was getting late, so she had to keep it short. We put Bethany and Alice to bed in our room since the basement was too loud. Dan and I finished watching “Yesterday.”  We FaceTimed McKenna in St. George. She had a fun day of biking, swimming, shopping, and hanging out!  

23rd- Saturday: We woke up around 8 and snuggled. We ate and Bethany and Anna went to the stake primary activity all about Easter!  Alice played a little outside, she played on the computer, and then Kaysen came over to play. I exercised and then went to get groceries. Ben slept in until 11:30!! Dan helped Sam make a run to the dump, then picked up the van from Burt Bros. We all had lunch and got ready to leave for the Manti temple open house.  We waited in line 1.5 hours (we were told it would be 2). It was in the 50s and windy, so not very ideal weather. We were told they were letting in 50 people in the reservations line for every 1 family in the standby line! They were told their wait would be close to 4 hours in the standby line. Everyone was happy though! We saw the Reudters and Paul and Scott Schmutz. We spent about 45mins inside.  They said there were about 1000 people going through every hour. We got to see the assembly room even! The colors, wood carvings, and ornate style was so cool and so pretty. We also got to go up both spiral staircases.  *Small World moment: We stood in line by a guy from the Philippines! He was very excited about their new temple getting ready to be dedicated in the Philippines. I asked if he had followed along with the Tabernacle Choir trip there. He said “Oh yes!” He also said they moved here to the states in 1999 and before that, his wife was a teacher, in something like what we would call Home Economics. She taught Lea Salonga, the musical guest who sang with the choir!  What a SMALL WORLD! We got fast food for dinner and then Dan had to drive home in awful rain!! He did great!  We also got Frosties!  We FaceTimed with McKenna a little. *Bethany said she felt “at home” in the temple. Like she lived there. We sure missed having McKenna with us.

24th- Sunday: It was snowing when we woke up. I gave the opening prayer in Sacrament meeting. Dan’s mom officially got released as the stake RS president. Elaine Benson replaced her. Autumn Cundick taught in RS. Dan and I went to ward choir. We ate lunch with the kids, then did Come Follow Me videos. We napped. The kids had a Squashmallow party.  I had my family conference call. McKenna got home from St. George!! She was tired a irritable, but it was still great to have her back.  We had dinner and then started our Easter Holy Week lessons. We watched the Tabernacle Choir documentary from 2004.  Bethany and Alice fell asleep. We put them to bed. I took McKenna to get a physical for track from Lucy Nelson’s mom. I uploaded it and we got to bed before 11. 

25th- Monday: I subbed in Ms. Enquist’s Kindergarten class.  They were pretty good, but we still had to practice sitting and listening the right way during the “Our Class is a Family” discussion. We brought Luke home to hang out with Ben after school. McKenna went to track event testing and did so good on her mile (6:50)!  I switched the laundry and started chopping veggies for dinner. I also listened to my book club book. I ran Anna and Alice to gymnastics and music, then finished making dinner. Luke left and we all ate together. We folded laundry and then I left for book club. I dropped off some food to Donna Jarvis along the way. I figured it would be easy to take a portion of our dinner to her somewhat frequently.  She was very grateful!  *I had felt promptings to do more for Donna every time Rachel Scott mentioned Donna in a prayer or RS comment. We discussed the book “Lady Tan’s circle of Women” at Lindsay Moss’s house for book club.  Once I got home, Brynn and Katie stopped by and we chatted with them for a bit. 

26th- Tuesday: As part of spirit week, the kids dressed in a specific color for their grade! I exercised and ate and showered. I got caught up on Marco Polo. I napped. I worked on the blog and uploaded videos to YouTube. I ate lunch and then worked on the blog more. After I heard about the kids’ days, I practiced singing.  I took Anna to get a shirt from Kate for spirit week. I picked up McKenna from track. I ate and changed and went early to Chorale for a study group. We basically went through our handouts and highlighted terms. All the second year people kind of laughed at us and told us not to stress about it. I became Ryan Murphy’s “favorite” because when he asked for an opening prayer, he said he would like for his “favorite person” to say it. I shot my hand up fast. ;) I also shared a joy about meeting the guy in line at the Manti Temple Open House and how his wife taught Lea Solonga in the Philippines. I talked with Dan once I got home. 

27th- Wednesday: I did not have a subbing assignment, so I started the day sorting through the lost and found. I did mornings recess duty, then lunch duty. I ate my own lunch, then I helped in Ms. Voss’s class with a new student learning English. I feel like I connected with him and had some success, then I went into Ms. Kelsey’s room, and I got super grumpy due to kids' bad behavior. There are just SO many talk outs and straight up, yelling out from students in that class. A boy broke a crayon and drop kicked it. It bounced off a desk leg and hit my eye! I was not happy about it! Thankfully, one of the SPED teachers took the boy to the SPED room where he did a “think sheet”.  While Anna and Bethany were at piano, I took Alice out to ice cream at Blacksmith’s as part of the Christmas gift I gave her three months ago. I took her to a park for just a couple minutes before she needed to go to the bathroom, so we left. We picked up the piano girls and then took Anna to her friend Oakley’s. I napped a little and then left to pick up McKenna from track, take home a couple friends, and then pick up Anna. We ate quickly and then the three girls and I went to Legacy to watch the Junior High play, Cinderella. Claire's sister, Olea, was in it. Ben and McKenna had their youth activities, and Dan went to the Jazz game with his dad. Because of showers, I got the girls to bed late at 9:30. *Spirit week was dress as your hero or inspiration. Alice said she liked Pikachu because he can run super fast! Bethany was "mom," and Anna was Taylor Swift.

28th- Thursday: Dan and I went to temple to do sealings after the kids left for school. I came home and napped. I exercised, ate lunch, put dinner in the crock pot, then showered. I picked up Ben and Alice from school to take them to their doctor check ups. They are both growing and healthy!  We had heavy rain the whole drive home, which was kind of not fun.  I also picked up meds for Sadie. Once we got home, we didn’t have long before Ben and I left for him to meet his baseball coach and team at a park (even though it was still raining/snowing).  I took McKenna to piano and did a little back and forth with those two. I finished preparing dinner. We ate and Dan got home just in time to take the girls to gymnastics. Once he got back, I left for choir school. We looked at some of the new pieces we have to memorize for tour. We sang through the three pieces we need to have memorized for choir school. Then Cherilyn got there and we dissected two hymns and sang in our small groups. I feel like the evening went by fast!  *My friends Tamera and I had matching sweaters. Dan's work surprised Nikki with a cafe for being nominated for CEO of the year.

Ben Stats

Height: 62.2in (4in increase in 1 year) 50th%

Weight: 92lbs (17lbs increase in 1 year) 26th%

Alice Stats

Height: 44.2in (2in increase in 1 year) 25th%

Weight: 41lbs (3lbs increase in 1 year) 25th%

29th- Friday: I started subbing as Ms. Kelsey’s instructor. I did a reading group and then helped in her class. The kids were slightly better than on Wednesday.  I did lunch and recess duty.  I ended the day in jr. high language arts for two periods.  Then it was officially SPRING BREAK!  I worked on tidying the kitchen and helped the girls go through their back packs and papers. Dan finished working from home, then we went on a date to Kokonut Cove and Smith’s grocery store. We got home and McKenna left for Caroline’s.  After the girls were in bed, I worked on a grocery order and Easter stuff. 

30th- Saturday: We slept in until 8:15. The kids collected their Easter baskets and candy!  We had bunny pancakes for breakfast.  We dyed eggs. McKenna did homework. I cleaned up the kitchen some.  Ben showered.  The three girls worked with Dan on packing for St. George. Dan and I picked up the van from Burt Bros. I showered. The girls had screen time. They took their bikes to Grandma and Grandpa’s to put in the trailer. We had lunch. I took Ben to pick up groceries, get a gift for Grant, and then make some returns at the UPS store. I took him to the Enquist’s for Grant’s party at the Rush Funplex.  I put groceries away and Anna, Alice, and I went with my parents and Mickelle to a wedding shower for my cousin Jackson and Cheyenne at Shauna’s house. It was fun to hang out with those people!  The three girls took showers and I worked on packing for St. George. We got them to bed and I worked on the Nelson News. McKenna spent the evening at Mason’s house with friends.

31st- Easter Sunday: We had a lovely Sacrament Meeting.  There were musical numbers by the Primary and Youth, the ward choir (with Dan and I singing in it) and the Alexander Family.  There were testimonies and scripture readings from Bridget Moulton, Ben Kossin, and Teri Southam.  The three little girls wore their new hair bows. We watched some Easter videos once we got home. We had lunch, I made Muddie Buddies, and then napped. I prepped the funeral potatoes, Dan prepped veggies, and we folded more laundry. We left for my parents around 4. We hung out and called Emily. We ate and then hung out some more.  Dan and Ben played downstairs. Grandma brought out the game Mouse Trap.  We got home by 8:45 and got the kids to bed. Dan and I packed some more and made plans. *I’m so thankful for the Resurrection of my Savior and the gift of His Atoning sacrifice. Because of that gift, I know I can be with my loved ones forever!  Jesus loves me more than I can understand. He is my perfect example of that. I know Joseph Smith knew Heavenly Father and Jesus and worked so closely with them to bring about and restore the Gospel and Christ’s church on the Earth.

  

March Videos: 

Webster Galentine’s Party, Kangaroo Zoo for Alice’s BD, Webster March BDs, Anna and Desi handshake, Alice’s gift from my family, McKenna and Ben balance game, Manti Temple open house, Easter morning

March '24- Week 3: Anna to Desi's Birthday, Quinn Koldewyn home, McKenna sings with Maddie and Caroline, McKenna Romeo and Juliet group project,

15th- Friday: The three girls had no school. I went to a teacher professional development training at the school. Aspen came and taught about opportunities to respond and Formative Assessments. I really enjoyed it! They provided a lot of snacks and lunch too! I went to an after school meeting with McKenna about Track.  During the day, the girls played at the Winegar’s. After a light dinner for the three girls, they went back to the Winegar’s. We drove Ben to Crew’s house. McKenna had Adrie over. Dan and I went to dinner at Santorini’s with the Moultons. We picked Ben up and then dropped him off at home. Oliver and Alice also came to our house. Dan and I went to an art night Elder’s quorum activity at the Cole’s. Jared Gunnerson talked about and showed his art work. Once we got home, Alice was asleep on the couch and Ben and McKenna were playing the Switch in the basement with Adrie and Ollie. We got the girls to bed and watched more of Disney's Jungle Cruise but couldn’t finish it because we were too tired. 

16th- Saturday: We slept in till 9 and the three little girls came in to snuggle. I went running with McKenna... kind of. She was always ahead of me and ran 3 miles, while I only ran 2.  :) We ate and then we worked a little on cleaning the basement. I helped Bethany get more organized in her room. Dan took the A-team to pick up groceries, get a gift for Desi, and then fill up his car. We all met at Costco and had lunch together. I took Anna to Brantley’s house while Dan stayed to shop at Costco. We all met at the car wash. Once we got home, Ben left for Seussical with Caleb at Centerpoint. We unloaded groceries. Bethany and Alice played outside. McKenna went to Collette’s house for her BD. I helped Bethany finish her room stuff. Dan gave himself a haircut. He picked up McKenna and I tried to nap. We had leftovers for dinner. Dan took McKenna and Ben to the temple for baptisms with cousins and grandma and grandpa. They checked out their new parking places. Anna went to Desi’s to celebrate Desi’s birthday with her. They decorated their own cakes and did a cake smash!  I helped the girls shower then practiced my music. I also cleaned the kitchen some. Laurie paid for the temple kids to go get ice cream and Black Smith. McKenna left for the regional dance. We got the girls to bed. Ben played Fortnite with Eli. Dan and I finally finished watching the Disney Jungle Cruise movie!  We talked with McKenna once she got home. She had a great time!  

17th- Sunday: McKenna and I left early for church so she could practice her song with Maddie and Caroline. Quinn Koldewyn gave his homecoming talk and told great stories!  We also had a parent council meeting during the 2nd hour of church. McKenna renewed her temple recommend. I got lunch started and then went to ward choir with Dan. I conducted since Emily Horne was out of town. Dan and I ate, we got dinner going in the crock pot, and we watched our videos. We napped. I had my call. Dan took the kids for a walk. My parents and Mickelle came over for dinner. They gave Alice some birthday presents. Mom and I left for the worldwide RS broadcast at the stake center. There was a testimony meeting afterwards. It was lovely to be with so many sisters and hear their testimonies. We got home and talked with my parents and put the girls to bed. Dan and I talked about Easter basket ideas.

18th- Monday: Bethany had a bad runny nose. I started subbing as Ms. Rodriguez and did her two reading groups. Next, I went to Ms. Kelsey’s room from 10-1, with a lunch break in there too. They are such a hard class with 4-5 students who constant disrupt! I was kind of hard on them and had them practice being quiet a lot! Next, I went to Ms. Huggard’s class since she was leaving early. They mostly did Lexia. Once we got home, I could finally reply to some texts. The kids started folding their laundry.  The weather was beautiful! I took Anna to gymnastics and then attended music with Alice. Dan made our green French toast commemorating the earthquake 4 years ago! We had the young adults over again, but this time only 4 couples were able to come. Doug Horne gave a great spiritual thought about increasing our spiritual capacity. Anna did most of the babysitting and did great. McKenna had to go refilm a school project that accidentally got deleted. I folded laundry and Dan and I talked and went to bed. 

19th- Tuesday: I exercised once everyone left. I ate and watched Marco Polos. I changed and headed to the temple for an Initiatory session. I felt the spirit as soon as I said the first name! I went shopping at DownEast and found lots of great clothes! The store is closing, so they were having a great sale! I came home and ate and showered and napped. The kids got home and I heard about their days. They played outside and I joined them. I also took down the railing Christmas lights and then played frisbee (mostly with Anna). I went in and finished dinner. Dan got home and we all ate together before McKenna and I left. I took her to her district solo and ensemble performance, then I left for Chorale rehearsal.  We were able to sing through all four anthem pieces and record them for practicing.  We also sang through the Requiem. Our concert is in 1 month!  I talked with Dan once I got home and showed him all my new clothes. 

20th- Wednesday: I did not work. I got to watch the news, nap a little, and not eat breakfast till almost 10am. I came in my room after and worked on the blog and napped. I got dressed and ate lunch then blogged some more. The girls got home and I worked on McKenna’s track forms. Bethany and Anna had piano and got scared by a big dog on the way home. Ben went to Taggart’s after his piano. Anna and McKenna went to Desi’s play (High School Musical). I went outside with Bethany and Alice. We played a little, then I started on some yard work. Dan got home and we had leftovers for dinner. McKenna and Ben went to the combined building activity, which was minute to win it games, but with chocolate.  They called it "Chocolate Wars." The two youngest did their showers. I worked on a grocery order after they were in bed. We talked with McKenna about going to St. George over the weekend with Adrie. 

21st- Thursday: I subbed in Ms. Jacob’s class. The fifth graders got to see an assembly done by a traveling Shakespeare cast. They did some scenes from Hamlet and talked about how the outcome could have been different had they characters made better choices. The rest of the day was kind of rough. About 4-5 boys were just constantly talking and not fixing any behavior I corrected. After lunch, there was also a hard lockdown drill and the kids did ok. I tried to nap once I got home. I made dinner. McKenna ran, packed, and then went to piano. The three girls played outside. We ate dinner together. Dan took the girls to gymnastics. I left for Choir School. We found out our first Broadcast will be April 28th!  We worked on intervals and overtones with Linda. We sang in small groups to help prepare us for the final singing test. Dan took the four youngest to the mountain biking team meeting. 

March '24- Week 2- Galentine Party at Lara's, Kangaroo Zoo for Alice's BD, Pizza at Pugsley's, March BDs at Webster Fam dinner, Alice's BD date

8th- Friday: I subbed one more day in Mrs. Stutes’s class. Her sub plans weren’t great, unfortunately. The students had LOTS of computer time and 4-5 students always seemed to be “done” with whatever was assigned. I also had 5 kids check out by the end of the day.  I picked up a couple books at the library on the way home, then picked up McKenna from Nielsen’s with Adrie and Caroline. I talked with Dan some, then went to fill the van with gas. We picked up Stewart and Winegar girls (minus Whit and Katie) and went to Lara’s for a Galentine’s party we had rescheduled. We had a waffle bar and then played Bingo and Left Right Center. I left to take McKenna to Classic Fun Center to go roller skating with Bridget, Adrie, Caroline, and Clara.  The girls were having a dance party when I got back. We helped Lara clean up. The girls also made paper bag puppets. We drove home and got the girls to bed.  Dan hosted the boys over at our house for pizza and chillin.  They played Fortnite and played rough in the basement. The adults watched Dune 1.  

9th- Saturday: I exercised, Dan fed the kids, then took Alice to Walker Nelson’s BD party at Coconut Cove. Ben went to film club.  I cleaned the kitchen a bit and cleaned the fish bowl. I showered and sang a couple pieces of music. Desi and Luke came over. We all had lunch. I read books with Alice and tried to nap. Dan shaved his head and showered. McKenna worked on her lesson for YW. After Luke and Desi left, we went to Kangaroo Zoo as a family to celebrate Alice’s BD. We got ice cream after at Del Taco. We came home and got ready to go to a pizza night at the Pugsley’s. The Lemons and Sandy Stout were also there.  I lost count of how many slices I had, it was so good! The conversation was good, and the food was amazing. The kids got to swim in their hot tub as well.  We came home and the kids took their showers and baths and went to bed. The older two worked on their lessons. *Anna made some cute pixel art. *Alice has been cute to share one of her birthday gifts, letting each of us take a turn to snuggle it at night.

10th- Sunday: We were on time for church. I was so sleepy though. Emily Horne taught RS and did a great job! Dan spent most of the second hour talking with Greg Remington about his mom who just passed away and his family situation.  :( Ben stayed after for a youth council meeting. Dan and I attended Ward choir to prepare a song for Easter. We ate, watched our videos, and napped. McKenna had a meeting about being a cabin leader at girls camp this Summer. Dan took the other 4 on a walk. I practiced music and then had my family call.  We prepped fruit and went to Webster family dinner to celebrate March BDs. Both McKenna and Ben had late nights with cousins since they didn't have school the next day. *Bethany had a rash on her cheeks and arms which we think is 5ths Disease. Alice started having another cold!  

11th- Monday: I subbed in Ms. A’s 6th grade class. They were a good class and we had very little problems. I blogged while they were at their elective.  McKenna and Ben did not have school due to end of term. While they were home, they took a “run” together! Unfortunately, they both got a side ache. McKenna also did homework and Ben went to Taggart's. After school, Anna had gymnastics and Alice had Let’s Play Music. Luke also came over to hang out with Ben. Alice went on her birthday date with Dan‘s parents. The rest of us ate and folded laundry. After the girls were in bed, Dan watched a movie with the older two and I worked on music. Alice's cough and Bethany‘s rash were both better!

12th- Tuesday: I exercised, ate, and showered before McKenna and Ben woke up. McKenna also exercised. I listened to church stuff and then my book club book. I napped a little and then took McKenna to Keva Juice and Great Harvest for lunch. We went to Salt Lake Running Co. to get her some new running shoes for track. We also stopped by Target for some new exercise clothes for her. I snuggled and talked with the three girls when they got home. Bethany said she liked the school lunch, the other two girls did not. Alice told me she got pushed down by Walker at recess because he was trying to take a ball from her. She said Kaysen helped her up.  I blogged a little. Ben and Alice played Color Brain. Bethany and Alice also helped McKenna make a video for her health class. I finished making dinner and ate with Anna. She had Activity Days and I left for choir as soon as Dan got home. Choir keeps getting more and more fun as we get more and more familiar with our songs. I told the choir about my in-laws becoming the new Temple President and Matron. 

13th- Wednesday: I subbed in Mrs. Hughes theater class while she was on a field trip. The first two classes were great!  Very quiet and did work independently. The other two classes were also good, they were just louder and had more active things to do like go over lines and dances and play games. I also did lunch duty. We brought home Lucy for Bethany and Yaritza for Anna for play dates. Alice went to Oakley’s. I napped. Ben went home to Henry’s. I talked with McKenna about her day. She ran on the treadmill. Once play dates were done, I started making dinner. We ate and Ben and McKenna went to YM/YW, which was to go to the Church History Museum downtown. The two younger girls took showers. I worked on my music. We watched a little “Hercules” before bed. I worked more on my music and then FaceTimed Dan who was in Moab for the night after interviewing some people for jobs down there. Ben lifted weights. 

14th- Thursday: I drove the elementary girls to school. I exercised and hurried to get ready for my dentist appointment. I had no cavities!  I got dinner going in the crock pot. The big garage door had troubles opening. I thought it was a battery thing. I also brought in loose items so the wind wouldn’t blow things away. We had strong winds forecasted. I talked with Dan who made it back to Murray safely. I napped, scrolled, and worked on a grocery order for a long time. I ate lunch. I practiced my choir songs. I picked up Jr. High kids. Everyone told me about their day. Anna celebrated Pi day. Bethany had her class auction. Alice has a leprechaun visit her math class and steal some things. I studied my written notes from choir school. I added stuff to the crockpot and then picked up Dan from the car rental place. We ate dinner and I drove the girls to gymnastics and then went to choir. I’m making more friends and getting to know people better. I also find myself looking forward to and counting down the days till I get to go to Chorale or  Choir School next. I think it’s because I’m getting anxious to see what being in the real choir will be like. Bethany had a late night with Brooklyn because of no school the next day. 

March Video:

Anna JA Biz Town, Alice’s 6th Birthday, Anna Basketball, McKenna District Choir Festival

March '24- Week 1- Anna JA City, Dan home!, Alice's Birthday!, Anna Last Basketball, McKenna Choir Festival, Temple President, Lunch with Ben,

1st- Friday: I got dressed before breakfast. After we ate, everyone left except Anna and I. I finished getting ready and then left for the junior achievement training before JA biz town at the Children's museum down town. Claire’s stepdad came and picked up Anna and took her to the front runner station so she could ride the train with the rest of the fifth graders. JA Biz town was so fun! I was stationed at United Way and Anna was at Chick-fil-A. Unfortunately, she had a sore throat, and it was very warm throughout the city, but she said it was still fun. We got home around 2 PM. We looked at all the stuff she got, and then I took a nap and she played on the computer. The rest of the kids got home and I talked with each of them. Alice told me about celebrating Dr. Seuss.  Bethany said they learned about sailing from a parent.  Ben turned in a big book report assignment. I took Ben to get a haircut. Alice came with us and then we went to get Chick-fil-A for dinner. McKenna went to play games with friends at Tunnel Springs Park, and then to Caroline‘s house. After dinner, McKenna went to babysitting for the Mudrows and Brooklyn Moulton came over to hang out with Bethany. I cleaned the kitchen and went through Alice’s school papers with her.  I watched the Tabernacle Choir concert from the Philippines! It was very lovely!  McKenna got home and we watched silly videos for a while. *When I showed Alice the video of me playing the Conference Center Organ, she said, “Did you feel proud?” I thought that was so sweet and smart!  

2nd- Saturday: I got up around 8:15 and exercised.  I ate and then took Bethany to her friend Lucy’s house.  I picked up groceries and listened to my book some.  I boiled some eggs and then showered. I picked up Bethany and Lucy’s mom showed me around their house they've made so many nice updates too .  Anna skipped basketball practice because of her sore throat and it hurt her to breath heavily.  The cold front and snow storm arrived!  We probably got 3 inches!  I napped and then took Anna to Kingston’s house to hang out with him, Claire, and Brantly.  I came home and practiced music. I picked Anna up. Ben had Luke over.  I talked with McKenna some.  We had frozen pizza for dinner. The girls did their showers and baths. I took McKenna to Megan Hunter’s house for a movie night.  I watched the new Trolls movie with the three girls.  I got them to bed and then decorated for Alice’s Bd.  Dan was able to get on an earlier flight and got home an hour earlier than expected!  We hugged and kissed a lot and loved snuggling as we went to bed late! *Ben was very sweet and told me I’ve done a really good job while Dad’s been gone so long. I really am so grateful for a smooth week without Dan.  I felt strong and capable and also much less anxious than I thought I would have been. It was an answer to my prayers!  

3rd- Sunday: Alice’s 6th birthday!  Alice came in a little after 7. I showered. We fed Alice only because it was fast Sunday. Grandma, Grandpa, McKenna, and I all shared our testimonies in Sacrament meeting.  I talked about the importance of knowing we're a child of God. We went to the Jensen’s SS lesson. Once we got home, we gave Alice her present, then we started looking at Dan’s pictures from his trip. The three girls ate. Dan and I napped. I practiced music a little before my family call.  Dan played Skyjo with some of the kids while I was on my call. We had spaghetti for dinner and chocolate chip cookies for dessert for Alice’s birthday dinner! We said what we love about her. I said that I love how she loves to learn and is getting so smart with reading and math and how to be a good friend!  We picked up Andrew, Russell, and Kate and went to Jake and Abril’s house for Enzo’s baby blessing. The cousins loved being together. We got the kids to bed a little late, I packed my lunch, and then I looked more at Dan’s pictures. *I’m so thankful for Alice in our family!  She is smart and funny and learning to be helpful around the house.  

4th- Monday: I subbed in Ms. Stutes’ class. They’re a pretty good class. I mostly have to remind a few boys to stay on task over and over. Once we got home, I helped Alice make her "all about me poster. Ben was cute and tried to make an additional “picture” out of cardboard to go with Alice a new Gabby camera. I kept the laundry going. Dan got home in time to take Anna to gymnastics and Alice to music. I made homemade breakfast sandwiches for dinner. I ate with Dan and the B-team. Dan left with Ben to pick Anna up and take her to her final basketball game.  We joined at halftime.  Sadly, they lost by quite a bit, but Anna said she was still glad she played this season!  We got courtesy ice cream cones after. Once we got home, we folded laundry and got the girls to bed.  I put my own laundry away and then instagrammed for a while. Dan worked and I practiced my music some.  

5th- Tuesday: I exercised once everyone left. I ate, showered, washed my sheets, and got dinner going in the crock pot.  I worked on some emails and texts. I also worked on clearing pictures and videos off my phone. I napped and worked on the blog some. I had lunch and swept the laundry room. I moved pictures to the hard drive. I worked more on videos. I chatted with the kids when they got home. Bethany informed me of a kid being too rough at recess.  Alice got a new instructor in her class!  Anna talked about Halloween costumes with her friends. They did piano and I actually napped again. Taggart came over. I finished getting dinner ready. I ate alone and then once Dan got home, I left for Chorale. I finally felt like my voice was back to normal after being sick in February.  It was great to hear some stories from the Philippines. Dan fed the kids and got them to bed. He and Ben lifted and worked on the ladder project for Dan’s work. 

6th- Wednesday: I subbed in Ms. Stutes's class again. It went pretty well. I let the kids eat lunch in the classroom, which meant I had a very short lunch. I probably won’t do that again. I had to stay after a bit to get things ready for the Thursday sub.  The girls did not have piano. The Winegar girls came over for a play date. I napped and then talked with McKenna and Ben when they got home. I started making dinner and then took McKenna to her choir festival at WX. Once Dan got home, we went to watch it. We got to see Russell’s choir perform as well. McKenna's Choir got a Superior rating! We came home and had dinner. Dan’s dad joined us. Bethany and Alice did showers. We got them to bed. Dan worked on his “ladder” craft project. I worked on emails. 

7th- Thursday: I exercised once everyone left. I ate and showered and then checked Ben out of school to take him to lunch at Sweeto Burrito. I was grateful for that time with him and to be able to tell him how grateful I am for him!  We grabbed some produce from Smith’s too. I also had to take McKenna some clean pants because she slipped in the mud leaving the seminary building.  I worked on a grocery order and napped. I picked up the Jr. High kids, then took Ben to Caleb’s house. I drove Bethany to Activity Days. McKenna and did homework. Anna went home with Claire and stayed till 7:15. The two little girls ate and Dan took them to gymnastics. Dan and I ate with McKenna. We picked up all three girls and came home to put them to bed.  Dan and Ben lifted and I worked on an Instagram post. Dan worked on reserving stuff his work Moab trip next week. *It was announced in the Church News that Dan's parents would be the next Temple President and Matron of the Bountiful Temple! *Dan had a care communities introduction with Western States. *Bethany had a stuffed animal party/inventory.