Random Things I Missed

A few days before Easter, I was in town getting groceries when my mom text me.  My parents were also in town and wanted to take me for lunch.  It was an great hour that we just sat and talked.  I loved spending the time with them.  I love hanging out with my whole family, but sometimes it is nice to still have that one on one time with my parents.  I used to go out and spend an afternoon with them while my kids were in school.  I haven't done that for a few years and it was really fun. 

That same weekend we also started calving.  I have a love/hate relationship with calving.  I stress about something going wrong on my watch and I don't like the catching process to tag them.  But I don't mind the actual tagging and they are so cute running around out there together.  Leah gets so excited every year when the first little calf gets some friends. We desperately need rain.  It is so dry and our bales are dwindling fast. 

Blake went down to a multi-stake fireside with Elder Corbitt.  He really enjoyed it. Said he was very personable and interactive. He was glad he had gone. So many great messages. The one that stuck out to me as Blake was telling us all about it was that we had won the battle in heaven, we knew we did because we are here.  That it continues to be the same war we are still fighting here on earth today.  But we did it once so we know we can, we can win each battle, we know how to defeat him.  I had never thought of it that way and thought it was really good.  Blake said he took just a couple scriptures and spent almost 2 hours breaking them down and asking the youth lots of questions.  Sounds like a wonderful testimony boosting experience. 

We were able to spend a few hours with the Puzey's.  Cadence was baptized and we all headed up for that.  Lalainia did an excellent meal after.  It was nice to see everyone.  We were not able to stay long as Blake needed to work that afternoon. 

We frequently get calves stuck in the feeder.  Dave has drawn up some plans to weld it a little different so it will stop happening. The other day Dave and I were out checking and of course we had a couple stuck.  We opened the side door and 3 ran out, but one was super stuck.  I was in the tractor as Dave moved the chains to different spots and directed me to lift up/down/left/right etc.  He walked in and out and carefully pushed and pulled.  We seriously worked at it for over 20 mins.  I had lost all hope and was sure we needed to get the saw to cut the bars.  But Dave patiently worked on and on and I was amazed when that calf jumped out and calmly walked away with no injuries.  Dave has got skill. 

The clinic has been training me to do the referrals the last few weeks.  I was nervous to take this on as it is not anything I have done before.  I think I have most of it down.  It is a bit unnerving when I have an urgent one to do.  There are certain procedures and reports to include or it gets rejected and I sure don't want that to be my fault.  As there are not many urgent, I haven't had a lot of chances to do it.  But it is fun.  The hospital still requires screening and masks.  One day a week it is the clinics turn to spell off the screener for their lunch break.  I got to do it the other day.  Got my gown on and was set to go.

We went down to my parents for Easter Sunday dinner.  Got to spend some time with them and Cannon and Nicole.  Poor Blake is the only grandkid most of the time when we get together now.  I am sure he loves it. 

The other day while Blake was working he looked over and saw this owl staring at him about 5 feet away.  He said it gave him a bit of a surprise.

Blake also had his first date last week.  He and Avery wanted to do a double date with bowling and pizza.  They each asked the girls and were much relieved and happy when the girls said yes.  They had so much fun.  He drove all over town and only took one missed turn, but he found his way out quick and none were the wiser.  Blake said his goal was to go on more dates then Dave did in high school, so now that he has been on one he is all done. He did have  great time and says he needs to work more so he can afford to go on a few more.  We have given him some cheaper to free ideas.

There was another stake dance last weekend.  Usually Blake just drives down himself or with friends, but I decided I wanted to do an actual date. The only thing open that time of night besides movies was bowling.  Nothing looked interesting to watch.  Bowling it was.  During our second game the disco lights came on.  Guess it was party time on a Friday night.

Easter 2022

For Easter we travelled up to see the girls.  We had decided to make a weekend of it, but then remember that Blake and Dave needed to be back to sing in the choir Sunday.  At least we had two days, better than our usual day trips.  Ammon and Cora are doing some repairs for Ammon's parents in the upstairs part of the house and looking for renters.  As it was empty at the moment, Cora said we could stay there.  We greatly appreciated this.  It was nice to not have to get a hotel and be close to them.  We got up early Friday so we could be there in time for lunch.  The girls had some restaurants they wanted us to try.  We stopped in at Leah's first.  Blake had not seen her place yet.  We met her new fish and saw her place.  I still haven't met one of her room mates, which I was hoping to, but they were all still sleeping when we arrived.  We then headed to Cora's and waited for Leah to meet us there.  She was going to come with us but went and picked up her friend first. Next was off to stEATS.  It was very good.  An excellent recommendation. 

It was not a far drive to the Aviation Museum after lunch. We parked by the grocery store and walked the rest of the way.

Many cool planes and we had a tour with some good information.  Blake had fun trying the flight simulator.

With the tour guide we were able to go into the restoration area and outside to see a lot more things.  It was pretty neat. 

After, Ammon and Cora were very excited to take us up the old airport tower.  It was only a block or so and so we walked over.  It was a bit chilly, I should have brought a coat, but a nice walk.  Sadly when we got there it was all fenced off and locked up with trespassing signs.  Hahah so I guess they were not supposed to there the first time. 

After that we walked to the store and got a few things Cora needed to make us curry for dinner.

We went back to their house and got settled in.  I had brought everyone their Easter baskets and Leah's birthday presents.  I thought it would be really fun for Blake to walk in the house when we got home and see his basket.  To pretend the Easter Bunny had come while we were away, even though he helped me buy the treats.  But as I gave the other kids their basket, Blake was disappointed to not have his.  In hindsight I should have brought his up, but I obviously didn't think it through.  He was very excited to get his when he got home.  Leah opened her presents and we just hung out for a while and then helped Cora cook dinner. 

It was so very good.  Cora takes a long time to cook, but she sure a can cook.  I had gotten a surprise DQ cake for Leah.  Cora picked it up and hid it for me.  Ammon did an excellent job of sneaking it into the house with out Leah seeing anything.  After dinner we were all tired, we made a plan for the next day and went to bed. 

Saturday Dave had asked the girls to help him get some shirts for his business trip. Off to the mall we went. We were successful in finding two.  Which is great for us. :)

Then Galaxyland.  I figured it would be packed since it was Easter, but holy man! I was glad I had bought tickets online ahead of time.  Saved us an hour in the ticket line at least.  Most rides had an hour wait line for more. Blake said we always had to start with Space Shot, so off they went. 

Usually they get in line and I wait at the bottom then meet up with them after.  But the boys were insistent I go through the line with them, then just walk down before getting on.  I was glad I did.  Lines were so long, I would have barely seen them.  It was fun to chat in line. 

Much fun was had.  Ammon and Cora had their adult session of stake conference Saturday night and we still had to drive home.  We left Galaxyland at 5 and drove to South Commons to try Jerusalem Shawarma. Another excellent recommendation from Cora. We had great food and put off leaving, but we did all have things we needed to attend. 

These two are so cute.  They are like little kids and have so much fun.  Yet can be serious when needed.  I am so happy Cora found someone so great.  Ammon likes to tease us all, but it is fun.  We were sad to leave.  It was so great to spend time together and get all the kids in the same place.  I sure love my family.  As they grow older and on with their own lives, these moments are more precious, and I am thankful for every second of it. 

Clinton RIP

Fun weekend had by all.  Blake had an FSY Pep Rally Stake activity Friday night.  He was asked to give a 30 min talk on his sisters' experience at EFY and how it has made him excited to attend FSY this summer.  He was not thrilled about the 30 min talk time and really tried to make it a long talk.  I think he ended up with 12 mins.  But he did a great job.  It was funny and serious and had good points about how FSY literally stood for Strengthening the Youth.  They had lots of games and activities.  The YM made a picnic basket and the YW bid on it.  Then they had a dance.  It was fun for him but he was very ready for bed that night. 

Also Friday Cora text us in the morning and said they might be stopping by on the way to pick up a table saw. They ended up staying all weekend and it was awesome.  We enjoyed conference together. Which was amazing again.  Man I love General Conference.  All the messages were so good.  During the Women's Session Saturday night, the boys went to pick up the saw and eat at DQ.  I loved being with just Cora and talking with her.  We did a bit of a work out.  She went hard core, I did a little and got tips from her.  Cora felt bad that they always just randomly show up, but I said I love it.  She will be gone soon for a few months and who knows how long till they are back.  I will take all the drop ins I can. And she always brings the best fruit when she comes. So bonus.

Look at these two cute kids and their curly hair.  I love having them come.

Blake loves challenging Cora to an arm wrestling every time she comes. 

Leah turned 20 yesterday. She said it was a great day. Work was great, she had institute last night and watched a movie and had pizza with friends. We are going to celebrate a bit more when we go up for Easter.  She is such a fun person to be around.  Her smile and joy is contagious.  I miss having her around, but she has adulted well and is making great choices. 

Leah got a fish a few weeks ago.  She named him Clinton.  She was so excited about this fish.  Leah would randomly give us updates on his swimming and enjoyment in his fishbowl.  It was actually pretty funny, but we loved how much she was enjoying this fish. Sadly Clinton died last week.  Cora wrote the funnies eulogy ever. 

Fish don't ride bicycles, they don't climb trees.  

But Clinton didn't need legs to be special to me.

There his house sat on the table of blue, and by adding that extra house.

My own became a home. 

His favorite pastime was swimming, not surprising for a fish,

but he was a natural! 

His quick splashes to welcome me home, his slow wonderings watching 

over me in the late of night

So small he was indeed, but so colorful as to make a scene.

His heart was small in size but large in depth.

I could tell him about my life in the air as he swam in the sea.

Our lives so different but connected by fate.

I told him my hopes, my dreams.  He was always there for me.

For two weeks of wonder.

Fish is as fish does.  Water to water.  Flush to flush.

Godspeed old boy.  Rest well Clinton.

Till we meet again.