A Bunch of Girls

Thursday Meghan let us know that she was coming down again.  Her parents dropped her off and stayed for a short while to see the house and visit.  I had let Cora skip school.  Meghan got here just before noon and Leah's friends came at 1.  Blake was so excited to have a house full of teenage girls.  (Sarcasm there)  They danced and played games.

When I was growing up my sisters and I would grab all my dad's work clothes and do chores.  The uglier the better.  Big pants, twine for belts.  One of my favorite memories.  When our kids have friends over I have tried to let them have the same fun.  A couple weeks ago, Blake had someone over and they drove the tractor and feed cows.  So we got these girls all outfitted up.  They climbed into the back of the truck and over to the farm.

Lookin' good girls!

We have a few calves we are bottle feeding right now.  It worked out great that Dave was on afternoon shift this week so we could do this.  One it's mom is not a good mom and so they all helped us get it into the squeeze.  We left it there for the calf to suck as we went out to check the rest.  Loaded that cage up pretty good.

After Leah showed her friends how to make up the bottles.  Then they all took turns feeding them.

These girls had so much fun.  Some had done it before with 4H cows.

It was really a great time.  I love that I get to pass this on to my kids, and seeing their friends faces and the fun they have together.  I had sent Dave a text letting him know that there were 7 teenage girls waiting to help him feed.  I was sure he was going to reply that he suddenly had to work late. :)  We feed them dinner and then Cora drove them all home.  And it started to rain.  Blessed rain. Cora and Meghan stayed up way to late as always.

They were so tired the next day.  They cooked, watched a movie, games, and ran some errands for me.  I know I have said it tons, but I really love these girls.  I am glad that Cora and Meghan have kept in contact.  We have truly been blessed with all of these great friendships.

Field Trip

I had the opportunity to go on the class field trip with Blake this week.  We were at the school early and on our way.  It was a nice comfortable bus.  They kids played games and there was a movie playing.  We arrived at our destination around noon.  We ate our picnic lunch and then went to the Science Center.  

They had a lot of fun things to do.  The kids had taken a course on planes and flight.  There was lots of hands on experiences that went along with this.

Blake tried out the space ship commode

Could climb forever, as long as you didn't fall off.

They then made airplanes and went over all the parts of a plane again.  These kids had been taught well, they knew it all.  Then they flew the planes.

 Next we saw an Imax film on air travel that was very neat.  We then headed off to where we were staying.  We stayed in the University Dorms.  When we arrived we were told that a very bad flu was going around.  That made me nervous.  The teachers and some parents had done alot of food prep before.  Individually bagged veggies and cookies for everyone for everyday.  Made meal preps go very smooth and fast.  There was dinner and games and off to bed.  I ended up waking up very early the next morning.  Don't know why.  After breakfast we went to the Bennett Center.  Kids did some booklets and learned about trees and plants.  I enjoyed this time to get to know some of the other moms better.  It was fun and we just talked for quite a while.  Lunch, then a nature walk.  During lunch I talked with our bus driver a bit and found out that we are distantly related, and that he served at the same time as my Father-In-Law in the same mission.  That was cool.

The driver knew a lot about plants and it was very interesting talking with him.  After the walk was back to the dorms.  Down time, kids made lunches for next day, and dinner.  Then swimming.

The kids had a blast swimming.  Blake loved the high diving board.  This is the only picture I have that you can tell who he is in the picture.  It became a joke with the moms about how bad my phone took pictures.  At the end one even said that every time she snaps a nice picture promptly on her phone she will think of me.  :)  Last day was the legislative building.

I wonder why everyone always has to touch the water.  Even I did.

Blake took my phone for a while and took some pictures.  

 Blake and his friend Hayden. I have spent this morning contacting parents to see if it was OK to put their kids on my blog.  I was sure that the meeting before had said to do that, or only take them of your own.  But I have seen so many up on FaceBook I guess it must be OK.  Nobody asked my permission??!!?

Blake being a stern ruler. 

Blake and Colter.  These are both great kids.  Very polite and kind.  Nice parents.  My kids lucked out with friends here.

The big Legoslator.  Not a clue how to spell that, but it was very neat.

One place you could dress in different clothes and have pictures emailed to you.  Blake took two.

Our MLA came out to talk with the kids and have a photo with them.  He put this photo on his FB page so I hope it is OK.

We did a tour and then got to sit in on a session.  It was fascinating to me.  I would have loved to stay a lot longer.  Everyone was very tired coming home.

At one point I even fell asleep.  Really surprised me when I woke up.  I rarely sleep in vehicles.  It was a nice trip.  I really did enjoy getting to know the other moms and laughing and being sarcastic with them.  I didn't get car sick at all.  I give that credit to ginger and lots of praying.  I had left the girls in charge while I was gone.  They had to pack Dave's lunch, help with the cows, get themselves to school, clean up, etc.  Cora told me she was going to be the best little housewife.  With all her rugby she was barely home, but Wednesday she gave Dave a grocery list and then made Chicken Alfredo.  She had made it for foods class and was so excited to share it with everyone.  Dave sent me this picture.  He said, "Our little cook."  I tasted some when I got home.  It was delicious.

Weekend

Friday Cora had her home Rugby Tournament.  I was leaving in the evening to attend Time Out for Women with all the Puzey girls, so I volunteered for the first shift in the concession.  I went for a run in the morning, quick shower and up to work 12-3.  Cora was so sore.  She now has one broken foot and one sprained ankle.  I sat with her for a bit after my shift and had her come run errands to get her out of the sun.  I then dashed home, changed, brushed teeth and over to pick everyone up and drop off Leah. She was watching her cousin Cadence.  It was fun to be with all the girls.  We heard some great messages and wonderful songs.  After we went to DQ and celebrated David's birthday.  Cora had called me during the conference.  It was mandatory for all players to attend the tournament dance that evening.  She had come home to change and grab something to eat.  She started back up and then turned around.  She called to say that she just did not feel good about going.  She knew her coach would be mad.  I was so proud of her for listening to the Spirit, even tho she would get in trouble.  Turns out not much was said the next day.  We had an early start to get back to Time Out.  Again good messages and great music.  I has always bothered me the people that can't stay off of their phones.  And that was me this weekend.  My husband was flying in late, one daughter babysitting, one playing with injuries and driving.  I did not relax much.  We had a nice lunch at Rachel's and back for a few more talks.  Leah had again watch Cadence all day Saturday.  Sounded like they had a lot of fun together.

Leah has never watched someone that young for so long.  She was a little tired.  I didn't feel very bad for her. :)  They made brownies and dressed up.  Played with dolls and Little People.  Leah wasn't good at getting her to sleep, but she enjoyed being with Cadence.

Leah was trying to get a picture of her in the apron.  She would stand Cadence up and as soon as she got the camera ready she would sit down.  Still a little cutie tho. Blake hung out at Grandma's all day with all the boys.  Dave had gone up to Cora's first game and Blake didn't want to.  I'm sure it was a little crazy there all day, with no adults around. They had fun.  Dave had been busy when I was gone.  My magnet board is up.  We are just waiting to see if it will scratch and it needs coating or if we can leave it before we frame it.

Also the lights in the kid's bathroom and all the mirrors are done.

Cora got home just after we did.  It was a very tiring weekend, but fun.  Sunday I was so glad to do nothing.  We had Holly's Hawaiian Pizza and German Chocolate Cheesecake for dinner.  I finally made everyone watch 'Happiest Millionaire' with me.  The had been lamenting about it, but of course everyone but Blake loved it.  Cora really wants to do it for her school play next year.  It is a long one so we took a break to check cows, and have Pina Coladas, and pretzels.  I slept well that night.

Band, Friends, Rugby, and a Ton of Pictures

Yesterday Leah went with her school to a big band day.  They went first thing in the morning.  Nine school were present.  They each played some songs, had instruction time, lunch and then practiced a few numbers together.  I went up to listen to the final few numbers.  It was really neat.   There was 382 band members and than some vocals as well.

They don't all fit in my camera.

Almost half of them.

Leah had been practicing one number for a few months.  It payed off, she had a short solo part.  It was maybe 8 notes, but still cool.  I only heard 3 songs.  I wish it had been longer.  They were done much earlier than anyone had thought.  Leah and her friends had just planned to stay up for their softball game.  But we ended up having over an hour to kill.  We went to the grocery store and got them all some fruit and then to the park.

They were determined to all fit on this.

Tried and tried.  Never did happen, but they sure had fun.

I got them all to the game in time.  Leah had wanted to stay and watch her friends.  I stayed until Cora's rugby game started.  The fields were side by side, so Leah stayed and watched both from where she was.

Cora did well last night.  She loves to get right in there.  She was limping more than usual.  She is #17.

Look at her down there ready to ruck.  And I know what a ruck is now.

On the ground.  Cora tackled that girl good.

She loves rugby.  I am enjoying watching also.  Learning more.  It is fast paced, they just keep going.  During the game I had run to drop Blake off at baseball, when I went to pick him up I had a flat tire.  Totally flat, sitting right on the rim.  Jared had come to watch Cora, so I went and told him.  I was so grateful he was there.  He put my spare on and had me take his van to get Blake.  When I got back he was all done.  Jared totally saved the day.

I finally got Cora to let me take her for an x-ray.  I promised her she could play in the home tournament this weekend if she would go no matter what.  She had a spare, but I had to take her a bit early from Physics first.  When she told her teacher she had to leave he just asked if she was going to the clinic again.  Dr's must do well during rugby season.  Well it is broken.  I tiny bone in the foot.  They can't do much for it.  Keep it wrapped tight. She has been playing on it for two weeks.  No one can accuse her of not being tough.   Doctor said a stiff boot would help and no rugby for three weeks.  I don't think she is going to listen to that last bit of info.  But at least we know now.  If she would have gone two weeks ago when I wanted to, she would be almost healed by now.  Just saying.....

Goin' Ons....

Not anything extra special or exciting has happened the last week or so.  Just life.  But I need to keep a record of the mundane and boring also right?  I will start a bit over a week ago.  

 Friday:  We took the youth to do Temple Baptisms.  It had been awhile so that was nice to get back.  Kita was on her way up for Abby's farewell and met us at the temple to grab Blake.  My mom had called the night before and said, 'why don't you stay the weekend'.  Great idea.  I thought it was very nice of Kita to drive 12 hours to pick Blake up for me.  :)

Saturday:  We seriously did nothing.   It was great.  We talked, some napped, helped Nicole chop a few veggies for dinner the next day.  Finally at 4:30 I decided I really should shower.  It was our stake conference and I was meeting Dave at the adult session and then we were both going back to my parents house. I was supposed to be leaving at 5.  It was a fabulous session.  Loved Elder and Sister Spackman.

Sunday:  Abby's farewell.  She gave a very good talk.  She is going to be an awesome missionary.  Cannon and Nicole had provided a wonderful meal after at the church.  We ate, cleaned up and back to my parents.  Lazed around in the front room until it was time to leave.

Monday: The kids had no school.  They all had some things they wanted with money they had saved and I needed some groceries.  We went to town.  Cora got a pair of jeans and a new dress.  She was a little freak at the cost of jeans,  I was thinking no kidding.  Leah got some summer shirts and Blake got Minecraft for his xbox.  We got home just in time to make it up to Blake's baseball practice.  Which had been canceled and we were not told.  I was less than impressed. I had asked if there was still practice since ther was no school. I was told yes and if Blake didn't come he wouldn't be pitching. Nice! About 7 of us showed and some dads held a little practice with a ball found in the field.

Tuesday: Back to school, more rugby and YW's.  We had a boardgame bonanza night.

Wednesday:  Cora had her Home Opener game.  Dave had high council and Blake had baseball practice.  I took the kids up.  Blake watched some before I took him to practice.  Cora is still hurt,  her coach thinks she may have broken her foot.  That is great.  Even my dad told me to take her in. Not that I didn't try.  I think she is worried it may be broken and she will be out the rest of the season. Anyways she has been moved from outside back to flank to were she is now a hooker.  Right in the center of the action and she loves it.  Coach must think she is doing well if she keeps getting moved up.  Leah and I were freezing sitting there.  We wrapped up in a blanket.  Next time we are taking more blankets.

Thursday:  We actually had nothing on.  It was a little surprising at first.  We weren't sure what to do with ourselves.  Just kidding there is always so much that needs to be done.  It was nice to have a stay at home evening.  Cora took herself up to rugby.  Have I mentioned how much I love having a licensed driver yet??!!?

Friday: Just cleaning, VTing, school, and getting Cora off to a tournament.  It was a team bonding day.  The team went to town, did some club rugby, ate chinese and watched Jungle Book.  She was nervous about going.  Didn't know what movie they were seeing and she didn't want to have to hang out in the lobby by herself if it wasn't a good one.  But in the end she had a blast.  Told stories all the way home the next day.  Her team stayed over and went to the tournamet the next day.  Leah and Blake got along.  She spent hours playing the piano.  Leah is writing a song for a project at school. He made paper airplanes, checked cows with Dave and did some yard work.  Then Leah ran us through the play she is doing next week, and had Blake do the dances with her.

Dave joined in.

Saturday:  Dave has another business trip this week and will miss Cora's rugby game on Wednesday, so he got up early to do some cow stuff and we headed to her 7's tournament.  I told Blake and Leah we were having a little date day so they could stay home.  They were very OK with that, but a little shocked. I usually have a strict policy of supporting siblings at games.  I was in a bit of a panic as we were almost out of gas.  It is hit and miss at our local gas station.  Yesterday was a miss.  We made it 45 km away to the next one on prayers and fumes.  Even Dave who is usually not worried was planning his walking route.  The 7's was fun to watch.  They are shorter games.  Only 15 mins with 7 players instead of 16.  My mom and dad, Cannon and Nicole and Levi all came.  We got home just in time for me to get Leah.  We picked up her friends and went to their other friend's dance recital.

Once again it was a great show.  One friend couldn't make it.  Love this group of girls.  And that is it.  We are rolling along.  We have had some sad issues with some calves.  Not sure what is wrong there.  We did get a tiny bit of rain.  Still praying for more.   Had some nice weather. Cora's hair is now long enough to go in a little pony tail.  We love her pony tail.  So cute.

Cora had a field trip to see Bodyworks.  She said it was so cool.  She wished they had more time there.