Prophet Comes to AZ

I just got back from a special meeting. The Prophet, his wife, President Oaks, and his wife all came to speak to the members in the Phoenix Area. I knew going to the stadium would be out of the question because of Dave working so we went to the church building.

Today I was excited about it! We prepped the kids and told them the expectations, I took them and went early. I limited distractions ahead of time also. I was hoping they would have a positive experience hearing a prophet speak to them.  I even sat them in the big room with everyone hoping that would help them be more reverent-WRONG! I was completely embarrassed. William bothered his sisters, they bothered him, they rolled all over the ground and kept bothering me. I cried on the way home. Oh NOW they feel bad-now that I cried. I told them they missed out. I also told them they ruined it for me and they ruined it for themselves.

Initially I didn't want to go at all because I knew it would be rough without Dave-and foolishly I was optimistic by going. Lesson to be learned-keep your expectations LOW!

Ya know, it's just plain old rough having Dave miss Sundays, events at night, holidays, weekends, ect. I'm gonna hang in there till nursing school is done-then PLEAD with him to have some type of regular schedule for the sake of our family.

My own Dad worked out of town regularly-my mom raised 6 kids-6! She always worked all day everyday, I totally get why she cried sometimes. I guessed mom's just need to try their best while Dad's try their best. I feel very alone raising these kids sometimes-but I just need to hang it there, and know that God will bless my kids for every little effort I make.

I think back to the time I went to church most Sundays along when Will was 4, Allison, one, and Holly a baby-and I was Young Women's president. Whew-those were rough times. There were a few times I would cry out in the hallway-but I had to pull it together by the time sacrament meeting ended because I had a million YW things to do.

It has gotten better, but still my kids for some reason can not behave themselves in church meetings. We do much better when Dave is with us because he can handle at least one kid, I can handle another, and we keep trading between the three. I have tried everything possible-snack/books/coloring-having NOTHING at all, practicing, bribery, letting them do whatever they want, letting them do nothing they want.

Times, and seasons right? Someday I'll be board stiff in church meetings and miss having them there right? Right.

February

I started February off right-with girls weekend. Although I was totally pooped form not sleeping a wink, we had a blast. We ate good food, relaxed, shopped, and even hiked (which I nearly died on!)

William and I are doing braces together-it stinks! We can't chew anything! Will was excited at first but cried this morning when it was hard to chew cereal. I have lost the joy in eating-it's so hard with how they do it these now days. I remember when I had them 25 years ago it was way easier. It's nice to bond with William over our eating tears. 

Happy Valentines to me! All of the sudden Dave felt like we needed to sell the suburban. After many talks, we decided to get a different family car. It is sooo fancy-and even though he wanted something for himself, he decided to get a car that was what I wanted. I really have been enjoying it! It funny though, a lot of little things have been broken on it, the camera, my blue tooth, a rip on the side, the kids popped off the air vent. Will has named it Big Red. Dave got it the day before Valentines-so we decided he should count it. 

Right before the man came to buy the suburban, I got in it to take it for one last spin-Dave was like "What  the heck are you doing? The man is on his way!" But then I explained to him, it was kinda sad for me to see it go-I have been driving it since I was 16. My family growing up had lots of good memories in the suburban, and so did our family. After it was gone, Dave started to feel sad that it was gone too. 

Holly lost both her front teeth-she is sooo cute. I'm sad this is will be our last missing front teeth in the house.

Allison has been loving this new spot to sleep-the hallway closet. The other night I came in later after tuck in time, I couldn't find her anywhere. I started searching the house and began to get nervous-but then I found her fast asleep. She's been making it a regular occurrence. I figure she'll eventually get too big and will decide to sleep in her bed on her own again. 

January

For Christmas Kristen offered to teach Will how to cook a meal. He chose rib. He spent half the day with Kristen and then they hosted us to a delicious dinner. 

Before mom and dad left, we went to a play together, it was really nice to spend some fun time with them before they go. 

Let the fun begin! We always talked about remodeling out back room and I guess the time is now. We are feeling a little cramped and there is clutter all over the place, but Dave is doing a lot of the work and saving us a bundle. 

So long to our hand me down couches of 12 years. Stain, holes, and no joke-seriously falling down into the couch when you sat in it. We posted the set on craig's list and it was going in 30 minutes!

This adorable cutie turned 7. She is a light in our house, always happy, smart, creative, a self starter-just love her. We had to be at the studio on her birthday but she said all she wanted was little Ceazars and bundt cake-super easy girl. 

They are gone, I cried. It does feel like a part of my heart is across the ocean. But-I've called them a few time already and it's nice. They are defiantly still adjusting to England. I'm excited for my trip there!

After seeing Grandma and Grandpa leave, I took this kids on a hike. It was longer than expected but they did good and it was nice to get outside doing something. 

100th day of school for these old ladies.