Dec. 2020- Week 2- Virtual Dance Recitals, Let's Play Music Recital, Snowflakes, Cookies' Hotel Night, Alice Fat Lip, "Elf"

Tuesday was a normal morning.  After homework, Ben and McKenna watched Harry Potter #4 for a book/movie comparison book report which Ben had to do.  Bethany had dance and we watched her performance via Zoom.  After dinner, for Light The World, we anonymously decorated the door of the Hernandez family.  

Wednesday morning I did not exercise.  I take one morning a week off to snuggle Alice while we watch the news and read her books.  :)  The rest of the day was normal. The kids walked to piano, McKenna had Aladdin rehearsal, and the kids played with the Johnsons.  After dinner, we did baths before the Zoom Ward story time.  We heard a funny story from Jeff Jarvis, and then Christmas stories from us that we previously recorded.  

Thursday after school we took the kids to shop for toys to donate to the Larry H. Miller toy drive.  I called Jonathan, Bethany had music, and Anna had dance and her Zoom performance.  After dinner, we cut paper snowflakes.  After kids were in bed, Dan and I watched "Batman Vs. Superman."

Friday Anna had a class Zoom meeting.  Ben worked on his book report and had a student council meeting.  Right after lunch, Bethany had a Zoom Let's Play Music recital.  Anna and Ben played a little something as well.  

Dan took Anna on a little date to see Randall Lake's art studio and to get a treat.  

Ben played at Henry's.  I took Bethany to make a quick stop at Arlee's to say Happy Birthday, then she went to Ellie's to play. 

 That night, McKenna and I had dinner at Olive Garden, and stayed at Sam's hotel (Hampton Inn, where he left us a nice note) with Swa, Whitney, Brynn, and Katie, to celebrate Whitney's BD!  We swam, played games, and ate lots of snacks.  It was tons of fun!  Unfortunately, both McKenna and I had a crappy time sleeping that night.  Oh well! 

Saturday McKenna had Aladdin Rehearsal so we left the hotel by 9:30am.  At home, we chilled and watched some football.  Ben went to Caleb Arnold's for the day to celebrate Caleb's BD.  They ate out for lunch, went to a theater to watch the new Crood's movie, and played at his house.  Ben was gone from 12:45-7pm! We missed him, but he had a great time!  Dan and I went on a date that night to a Greek restaurant named Spitz in downtown Salt Lake.  The food was decent, but I didn't care for the music or atmosphere in the place.  That must mean I'm getting old and grumpy. ;)  

Sunday we had in person church and McKenna ushered.  When we got home, we filmed our little part in the Nelson Family nativity.  McKenna joined some of the Young Women to do the symbols of Christmas scavenger hunt around the ward.  I had my family conference call.  We later recorded our singing part for the Nelson Zoom Christmas party (in one week), this time with Dan.  Dan took the kids to deliver the "First Day of Christmas" to the Sara and Riley Stewart family.  After dinner, McKenna and Dan attended the virtual temple and priesthood preparation meeting for incoming 12 year olds.  McKenna even gave a talk about temple attendance.  

Monday morning snowplows woke me up at 4:30am.  Not fun, but it was good to get snow!  I started a load of laundry before breakfast and was thinking I was so on top of it, when I realized I washed the haircut sheet that Dan had NOT shaken it off yet.  So at the end of the cycle, there was wet hair all inside the washer!  Grrr! I wiped and vacuumed it out as best I could and had to continue on.  After school and homework, we had some coupons and took the kids to see the movie "Elf" in the theater.  After dinner, we delivered our neighbor gifts, which were small candles this year.  That night, while getting ready for bed, Alice stepped off of the bathroom stool and hit her lip on the counter.  She bled some and it was a pretty purple the next day. :(  Monday was also my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary!  They celebrated at a SUPER fancy restaurant.  I love them so much! 

Videos: Let’s Play Music at home Zoom Recital, Nelson Nativity Part, McKenna and Ben Christmas Piano songs at Marilee’s

Dec. 2020- Week 1- Ben Last Basketball Game, Christmas Carol Lights in Layton, Christmas Lights at the Park

 Tuesday we had a normal morning and I listened to my book a lot in preparation for book club that night.  During homework, we took a picture of one of Bethany's assignments to send to her teacher.  We read The Velveteen Rabbit and she wrote about one of her favorite stuffed animals.  (The other picture is of Alice and a new place she decided to fill her diaper (under the Christmas Tree).  :)  I cleaned a lot and Erica Day, who was "hosting," dropped off the food for the evening.  I got so involved in cleaning that I forgot to take Bethany to dance.  Doh! Thank goodness for make-up classes.  After dinner, McKenna and Dan helped deliver fliers listing all the upcoming Christmas events.  Ben had a "double header" for basketball that night.  I went to the first game, which they won!  Dan went to the second game, which they also won!  Such a fun season for him! Especially to play on the same team as Henry Alexander.  At Book Club that night, we discussed the book "Thirst" about a man named Scott Harrison who started a charity called Charity Water.  They drill wells in Africa and other places that need clean water.  It was a really inspiring book!  We had 9 people in person and one join over FaceTime.  We were all masked and distanced and it was a fun night! 

Wednesday I volunteered in Bethany's class and drove carpool.  The kids also had piano and Bethany attended a make-up dance class.  After dinner that night, we watched the Ward Christmas Story Time with books read by the Holdstocks.  Ben and Anna did some "how to draws" that evening as well.  Dan had late Bishop stuff, so I caught up on Marco Polos and Instagram.  

Thursday I ran on the treadmill and my hip felt pretty good, but not all the way better.  I spent some time looking at possible audition songs for Ben since he was trying out for Backstage's High School Musical.  After homework, I called Jonathan then McKenna had to help Bethany with Let's Play Music at home while I drove Anna to dance. Afterwards, Bethany and Alice played at the Johnson's for a bit.  After dinner, we bundled up and went up to a park in Layton, with my parents, Mickelle, Adam, and Mia.  It was a walk through Christmas Carol light display completer with story tellers.  It was pretty darn cold but still fun and festive!  McKenna decided to attend Young Women's that night instead of coming with us.  After we got home and put kids to bed, Dan helped me make our neighbor gift tags.  

On Friday, McKenna and Ben both had student council meetings.  I worked on a grocery order and cut out the neighbor gift tags. After homework, Anna, Bethany, and Alice all played at the Johnsons and Alexanders.  McKenna had a Zoom with friends.  I read and napped with Alice.  Dan and McKenna hand delivered some Christmas cards. I worked on Ben's audition with him.  Dan and I went on a date to Kneaders for dinner, then picked up Ben and took him to his audition.  He did great!  After we took him home, Dan and I went back out to a movie theater to see "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with the Leavitts, Spencers, and some friends of the Leavitts. Such a bad movie. ;) McKenna and Brittana babysat that night for us.  :)  

Saturday I ran again and my hip still felt ok. Dan ran errands and McKenna and I wrapped his gift from her and worked on neighbor gifts more.  McKenna and I also attended a Zoom baby shower for Jacob and Megan McKellar.  I took Ben to call backs that afternoon and also ran some errands to look for Christmas jammies.  We watched the "Grinch" and "Charlie Brown Christmas" that night in the theater room.  After kids were in bed, Dan and I went through and organized some gifts then Dan gave himself a haircut.  

Sunday was fast Sunday and Anna even tried fasting for breakfast.  After our Zoom Sunday School lessons, and while we were eating lunch, we got to watch a little bit of my dad teaching his Sunday School lesson in his ward!  Technology is sooo cool!  We had at home church (documented a picture of our live stream) and unfortunately the kids were rowdy and I'm not proud that I yelled a lot.  My family tried a new time for our conference call and I worked on collaging phone pictures.  After dinner, we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  After the little kids were in bed, McKenna and I tested out singing a few hymns together, she on the melody, me singing the alto.  We had a Webster family Zoom that night to discuss Christmas plans.  

Monday was a normal morning.  During homework, Anna got tired and decided to take a nap.  Random, but it helped her be more happy.  After dinner that night, we bundled up and went to see Christmas lights and inflatables at a park near Sam and Lara's house.  Then we had hot chocolate and donuts in the parking lot.  We also gave Abby her birthday present from us.  It was so fun to see lights with lots of cousins, aunts and uncles.  We miss being with them!  After kids were in bed, I messed around with the digital picture frame we bought for my parents for Christmas.  

Videos: Ben marble ramp, Alice dancing, Bethany and Anna Zoom dance performances, Ben and Bethany eat a lime.

Nov. 2020- Week 4- Break from School, Gratitude Posts, Thanksgiving, Decorate for Christmas, Visit my Parents, Nelson Zoom, Nov. Videos

Sunday we streamed church at home. The girls painted nails and all the kids played nice in the basement for most of the day.  After dinner and kids were in bed, we FaceTimed both sets of parents.    

 

Monday started our kids' Thanksgiving break from school!  It was still my laundry day and I called my Grandma Pat.  After lunch I got to FaceTime with one of my best high school friends, Stephanie Ericson Moger.  We talked for 2 hours and it was so wonderful to catch up!  It made me dig through some old high school pictures to find some photos of us to share.  Dan helped Ben clean his room.  The girls built a big fort in the basement.  I tidied up the school table. Dan and Ben punched more holes for the student council service project.  After dinner and laundry, we watched "Lego Star Wars Holiday Special."  Dan went to give David a blessing before his sinus surgery.  

Tuesday we spent the morning going through toys in the basement and deciding what to keep, give, or throw away.  We try to do this in November to prep for Santa bringing more toys in December.  After lunch, the kids played and I punched more holes.  Bethany did dance at home.  Kids played outside for a bit.  Dan and McKenna ran errands to the post office and library.  Dan took Ben to basketball and I had dinner with the girls.  After kids were in bed, we watched "Mandalorian" in the theater room.  

Wednesday I ran to Smith's in the morning to grab some last minute things for Thanksgiving.  Dan set up our Christmas tree, but we did not decorate it yet.  McKenna and Ben Zoomed with Brinley.  The kids had piano lessons over FaceTime.  I worked on putting Christmas lights on the front bushes and railing.  McKenna and I watched a virtual viola recital for her friend Sophia Madrid.  We filled out our leaves for our Thankful tree.  

We shopped online that night after kids were in bed.  Bethany did a cute ponytail at bedtime.  Alice hid under the table to poop.  

Thursday was Thanksgiving! That concluded my week of daily gratitude posts.  I posted about 1.) Family, 2.) Healthy body, 3.) My Savior, 4.) Technology, 5.) Music, 6.) Education, 7.) Modern conveniences, God's creations, snuggles, service, and a living Prophet.  

We watched the Macy's Parade after breakfast.  The Rockettes performance was seriously lacking this year.  So sad.  Around 11am my parents, sister, and brother came over!  Jonathan being here was a huge surprise to us all!  We weren't sure he would travel with Covid numbers being so high, but he really needed to be around family!  Alice clung on so tight to him when we came!  She wouldn't let got a long time.  My parents bought a prepackaged Thanksgiving dinner from Costco and all we had to do was heat everything up.  We got the turkey breast in the oven and the kids played on Jonathan's Switch to pass the time.  Everyone wore masks as best we could.  Mickelle brought Sadie in her crate and the kids loved playing with her.  We ate around 2:30 and had tons left over,  called the Smiths in AL, then the kids put on a little music recital in the piano room.  We had pie for "dinner" then cleaned up and played a game with the kids.  Everyone left around 7:15 and we put the fort away in the basement.  We also put away all the Thanksgiving decorations.  After kids were in bed, Dan and I watched "Crazy Rich Asians" and FaceTimed his parents in Hawaii.  

Friday after breakfast we decorated for Christmas!  After lunch we finished up the downstairs tree and the little tree in Ben's room.  We did some Christmas Mad Libs then Dan and McKenna did a DI run.  I found Alice dressed up and rocking out in the basement.  After pizza dinner, we watched "The Santa Clause" and after kids were in bed, Dan and I finished "Crazy Rich Asians."  Dan and I still have moments were we feel like this is not our house.  I've been very much looking forward to putting up OUR Christmas decorations in this new house and it was finally something to help us feel more like it is OUR house.  :)

Saturday I took pictures of the kids for their virtual school Christmas concert.  The theme was "Sounds of the Season," so I took pictures of laughter, music, and jingle bells.  Dan and I went on a lunch date and bought a couple more decorations.  We went to my parents that afternoon so we could spend more time with Jonathan.   My parents got two robot vacuums and it was great to see how much they have unpacked and tidied up their place.  The kids loved playing air hockey on their new table.  We also played Bunko and had spaghetti dinner.  After we got home and put kids to bed, I hot glued some more red ornaments and berries on a new front door wreath and garland.  Dan worked on this 5th Sunday lesson for the youth.  

Sunday we had combined RS and Priesthood where Dave Moulton taught about giving thanks.  Dan taught the combined youth lesson.  We had in-person church and I gave the closing prayer.  We had a Nelson family Zoom meeting that afternoon with Grandfather and Wendy for Thanksgiving.  It was great to see everyone again and hear a lovely message from Grandfather.  I also took pictures of McKenna for her virtual school Christmas concert.  She's learning to play the flute this year and is basically teaching herself since there is no in-person band.  She's doing great! 

Monday was a normal morning.  After kids were done with homework, I had a Zoom meeting with Amy about primary music stuff.  Alice fell asleep on me after she tripped and fell outside while getting the mail.  She scratched up her cheek. :(  I called the state office of education to ask about teacher relicensing and I found out some good news.  The requirements are much easier now!  After dinner I worked on making a Names of Christ Advent calendar.  

November Videos:

“All You Need Is Love,” Alice crazy while folding laundry, Ben slow mo kick of dominos, Alice falling asleep while eating, Thanksgiving Pilgrim people, Alice piano, Alice and McKenna “chicken butt,” Anna “Jingle Bells.

Nov. 2020- Week 3- Addresses/Christmas Card Prep, Grandfather Gratitude Message, Virtual Game Night

 Sunday we were up early in the morning due to noisy wind.  We had a normal morning with Zoom Sunday School lessons.  We attended church in-person and McKenna ushered and bore her testimony as the new YW class president for the 11-14 age group.  That afternoon we watched Dave and Laurie's "Family Rules" episode on BYU TV.  McKenna and I also watched the YW Face to Face celebrating 150 years of the Young Women organization.  That evening we drew names for our family gift giving at Christmas and Dan played ping pong with the kids.  I worked on collaging pictures.  

Monday I tried running again and was able to run 1.5miles with little hip pain, but it was not totally better.  After kids were home and homework was done, I raked some leaves outside and Dan fixed a couple Christmas lights.  After kids were in bed, I had my family conference call and we ordered our Christmas cards from Costco.  

Tuesday was a normal morning and I worked on gathering addresses for Christmas cards.  After homework, Bethany went to dance and I failed making cornbread for dinner due to forgetting baking soda!  I had fun for the next week or so gathering addresses and messaging with people who I haven't talked with in a long time.  It was a great way to reconnect with old friends!  McKenna had a Zoom meeting with Brinley and we worked on stuffing Christmas card envelopes and putting address labels on.  

Wednesday I volunteered in Bethany's class.  We had FaceTime piano lessons again.  I worked on addresses more.   Dan had Bishop stuff that night but still talked with me for a while that night as I was struggling a little with some mental health stuff.  He's such a great therapist for me.  :) 

Thursday was normal.  I called Jonathan and Bethany had music at home and Anna went to dance.  I made copies of our Christmas card write-up at the UPS store.  After dinner and kids were in bed, McKenna and I worked more on Christmas cards.  It's a big project, but I love it!  I got two silly pictures of Alice: one climbing, one with a green tongue! 

Friday we had a slow morning and listened to Grandfather's message to the world about gratitude.  He challenged everyone to post on social media, for the next 7 days, something they are thankful for. I'm so thankful for a loving and inspired Prophet who knows that "counting our blessings is better than recounting our problems."  After lunch, McKenna Zoomed with Brinley, I worked on a grocery order and we finished prepping our Christmas cards.  Dan and I went on a date that night.  We first stopped to pick up a prescription but the car in line in front of us wouldn't start, so we helped jump it.  We then went to Texas Roadhouse.  After kids were in bed, we also had a virtual game night with the Johnsons, Alexanders, and Days.  It was so fun and I'm so grateful to be able to connect with friends through technology during this Pandemic. 

Saturday I ran 2 miles while McKenna biked.  Dan gave himself a haircut and the kids played outside a bit.  Dan also went to lunch with Curtis Marsh.  After lunch, Dan took all the girls on a walk to deliver McKenna's thank you card to Becky.  I worked on punching holes for a service project for Ben's student council.  We also had the kids go through their school papers.  I vacuumed the master bedroom and we cleaned the basement as well.  After kids were in bed, we watched Utah's first football games of the season, which sadly, they lost.

Nov. 2020- Week 2- Snow!, Alice Fever, Grandfather Letter, Friends and Family Zoom, Fun With Dry Ice

Sunday we had the Winegar kids over from 10:30-12:30.  Swa was teaching their Relief Society lesson and since Jake was out of town, she needed somewhere for the kids to go so they wouldn't disrupt her teaching.  They also stayed later so Dan could administer the sacrament to all of us together.  We streamed Sacrament meeting from home which was so nice because we had a big snow storm hit right when it was time to go.  Later that afternoon, kids played out in the snow.  I put new pictures in frames around the house.  After dinner we played the singing game Spontaneous with Ben and McKenna.  We watched the second installment of the virtual Primary Program.  After kids were in bed, we watched an announcement from Governor Herbert about some new 2 week guidelines to slow the spread of Covid.  We decided we would hunker down for two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and not socialize with anyone outside of our family.  Kind of sad, but it felt like the right thing to do to be obedient and to feel more peace of mind hosting my at-risk parents for Thanksgiving.

Monday I tried running again after a two week break, but my hip was still hurting a lot.  After kids were home and homework was done, Dan and I left to sign papers for refinancing our home.  The kids wrote their Santa letters.  After folding laundry, we read and discussed the letter that was written to us from Grandfather for Thanksgiving.  It was so tender, personal, and heartfelt.  It felt like these were some of the most important things he wanted our family to know.  After kids were in bed, Dan and I went over our finances.  

Tuesday our carpool with the Whitchurch family was finally back on!  The kids chose to match all their uniforms with light blue and khaki.  McKenna had a little project where she wrote a story about being a rain drop and going through the water cycle.  Ben finished the creative part of a book report by drawing a portrait of Thomas Jefferson.  After taking Bethany to dance, I ran errands with Ben and Alice (air in tires, post office, library, get gas, and drop stuff off at Winegar's and Hamblin's.)  After dinner we had a dance party, and had a Zoom call with all the Websters to discuss Grandfather's letter.  Dan proved what an awesome #girldad he is by taking Bethany's hair out at bedtime but not losing any clips (all in his mouth).  

Wednesday we had FaceTime piano lessons.  I blogged a lot.  Dan had late Bishop meetings.  

Thursday Alice wasn't acting like herself.  She ate a little less than usual and needed more snuggles than normal.  I kept thinking she might throw up!  Thankfully she did not, but she did start to feel warmer than normal.  Once I took her temperature, it was about 101*.  Poor baby!  She fell asleep in my arms right before the kids got home from school.  Thankfully, McKenna got home first and was able to help all the other kids have lunch while I just held my baby.  It was so nice to snuggle her.  After lunch and some medicine she thankfully perked right up.  I helped kids with homework and called Jonathan.  Anna did dance virtually and I worked more on changing out pictures in frames.  I also made new updated Pilgrim people for our Thanksgiving decorations.  

Friday we woke up with Alice in bed with us.  Thankfully, her fever never came back and no one else got it.  Anna had a Zoom meeting with her class for spotlights.  Dan went to his Murray office and his car was also in the body shop to fix some rusted out scratches.  I tidied the mud room, then the kids all did their own things while I listened to my book and colored, cut out, and glued a paper Christmas village.  Ben had a friend Zoom with Henry and Taggart.  McKenna tried to make cookies but ended up running out of flour so they didn't turn out so well.  Anna played the piano lots.  That night Dan and I went on a date and then did some online Christmas shopping.  We were woken up by a big thunderstorm that night, which is quite rare for November!  

Saturday we picked up Dan's car from the body shop and it looked great!  Dan picked up groceries, the kids played Legos, and watched the BFG.  I did a load of laundry and washed my wallet and make-up bag as well.  We had a chill afternoon napping and watching football.  Anna had a group FaceTime with Desi and Mabel.  My parents stopped by to visit and my dad brought some dry ice for the kids to play with.  We had pizza for dinner.  I also mended the toiletry pouch from my diaper bag and listened more to my book.  *Dan was able to FaceTime Grandfather earlier in the week to discuss some family Christmas gifts and he said it was so fun to see and talk, just the two of them for a few moments!  We also sent a thank you note to him for his Thanksgiving letter and he sent us a thank you email.  He's too thoughtful!  We love him and miss him!