Rollercoaster of a Time

Last weekend was a wild ride. It was our ward temple night.  It started out going to be a nice lovely trip to the temple. Dave had asked me a few times on a simple dinner date and I was never able to go.  We decided to go to Subway before the temple and have dinner and a show.  Then the zipper went on his coat, A&C said they were stopping over and B&L's sample announcement came in.  Therefore we needed to leave earlier and make a stop in town and then at B&L's place. Blake had a date and decided to leave the same time as us and go to the stores and gas up first.  So we all had a plan.  Dave ended up needing to work Friday morning and we got a late start to town. At the busiest interaction on a Friday afternoon, Blake text and said the car was dead.  Dave and I flipped around and went back to see what was wrong.  Blake had flashers on and hood up.  It was definitely not starting.  I steered and the boys pushed at least half a block and around a corner into a parking lot, through the heavy traffic.  People were pretty good about letting us go.  Then Dave and I ran back to Morgan, which we have left with flasher on in the middle of the road and drove back to Blake.  I called Leah to see if she was free and if Blake could use her car for the night.  Leah has also had some trouble starting her car.  Braydon has a booster that she keeps to start it each time.  She met us and we switched cars with her.  Blake got in and it didn't start.  He did not want to have to boost the car every time he stopped while on a date.  So we switched everything back and he took off in Morgan.   Dave and I went back with Leah to her house, stayed just a few minutes then had a rushed dinner, quick stop in at my parents and made it to the temple.  I am sorry to say that I did not relax much there.  It was nice, but when it was done we bebopped quick back to B&L's place.  Thinking that Blake would be waiting for us.  Turns out we waited for him.  Dave was not going to go skiing Saturday and figure out cars, but with everything else this year, we never know if that will be the last ski before Blake's mission or if they may get another one in.  It was a windy day, they did have fun and found some new shots between trees.  Coming home everything had iced over and was really blowing.  Blake said he drove 50 most of the way.  Had one guy finger him.  It took them almost 3 hrs to do what is normally a little under 2.  We were also on snow removal at the church this week.  Most snow we have gotten in weeks.  We went in 4 times to shovel to keep it all clear.  Many hours, but Sunday morning it looked fantastic.  At one point it was so cold and fingers were frozen, Blake and I started thinking of the ward members.  Bro and Sis so-and-so use this door and won't it be nice for them to come in and not slip.  Sis such comes in here with her kids and we want them save.  It made it easier.  Then Sunday dawned sunny, warmer, and beautiful.  Dave and Blake went to feed cows after church and I built a snowman.

A&C were on their way down so I texted the family chat and said movie, popcorn, and hot chocolate for all that want to come.  And they all did.  It was an awesome impromptu movie night. 

A&C made it back Monday for Blake's final league game.  He played well and made friends on the other team. It was a great night. 

I can't believe that basketball is coming to an end.  It takes up so much of our winter and we love every minutes of it.  I have been coaching, watching, scorekeeping, sitting through long cold practices, driving to games, packing lunches (so many lunches and snacks) and sitting on hard benches for 17 yrs.  What I am going to do with all my free time next November??!!? :)

February Update

This is more of a photo dump since we have had lots going on and I'm sure I will miss some, but here is a bit of what we have been doing.  I finally caved and got a dish washer.  The local furniture store was having a sale so we went and looked and it has been wonderful.  It is very quiet and we are loving having a dishwasher again. So spoiled now days. 

I had used these little containers to hold flowers for Leah's centerpieces.  I really wish I would have gotten a few pictures of the dinner. I thought bite size cheesecakes would be fun.  One day when Blake and Dave were skiing I made chocolate orange, key lime, and Oreo, then hid them in the fridge for Sunday dinner.  They were a hit.

Cora's SIL had a little girl and Ammon sent us this cute picture of her with her new niece. 

A&C have been able to make it to a few of Blake's games.  I love that even though they are 5 hrs away they try to make it to all that they can.  Ammon got right in and knew all the players and was cheering them all on.  For the rare moments that these two sit, Cora got a picture of them.  The best of friends.

Blakes home tournament was a few weeks ago.  A&C had been working slightly closer to our place and came to stay for the whole thing.  B&L also made it to a game on the Saturday.  All the games were so good and it was so fun to have everyone there.  Blake had a big cheering section and I loved sitting with all my kids, doing something we love. 

Leah had needed to get some things from Ikea for their house.  Blake and I were going to Calgary for his TST and Hep A shot. Leah came the night before and we left right after seminary.  It was a good time.  Blake got his test and we went shopping.  After B&L's wedding we had gone to get something to eat and found the Lindt store.  I was very excited.  It closed 3 mins before we got there.  I was very sad.  So when I was in the area again, you better believe we stopped. 

We got 44 Lindor's and then had a taste test at home to choose our favorites.  It did take us a few days to get through them.  That is a lot of chocolate.  All delicious and it was fun. 

On the way down to the wedding, A&C saw a dead owl on the side of the road.  They turned around and got it to give to Braydon as a wedding present.  During Blake's tournament they finally got a chance to give it to him.  Braydon loves dead things, bone and skull, it is a hobby of his.  Leah is freaked out by them.  We knew this was going to be very fun to record their reactions.  Cora made a video for me and it did not disappoint.  I have watched it some many time and it makes me laugh every time. Look at those opposite reactions!

Blake had a good family week break from school.  He had Avery and Gilbert over to shoot guns and use the Tanerite.  They had a great time and got some good blow ups.  Dave has had lots of new projects that will be starting at work that he is involved in.  I have been working lots, filling in for people.  I didn't enjoy being away so much. March should go back to normal.  Basketball is almost over.  I am sad about that.  Last season.   I'm really going to miss watching my kids play. Blake has had lots of support this year from family that have come to watch and I have enjoyed sitting with them. 

Braydon and Leah Barrett

Leah and Braydon were sealed in the Calgary Temple Jan 28, 2023.  It was a wonderful day and Leah was a beautiful bride. 

A few days before the wedding, Myrna threw a bridal shower for Leah.  It was a nice evening and she got many lovely things.  We had moved them down the weekend before. So Thursday and Friday Leah spent at their new place and was getting thing organized and cleaned.  Wednesday, us girls had gone to town to get the last of the food for the wedding. Friday Cora, Ammon, and Dave went to watch Blake play basketball.  I went and picked up the flowers then when Leah got here we started food prep. 

In the end we decided to serve chili over baked potatoes and salad.  I had most of the stuff in food storage already, so it was going to be an easy meal that even Braydon could eat. It had started snowing and the roads were getting icier Friday.  We were a little nervous about the roads the next morning and so many people travelling. Leah got up around 3:30 Saturday morning.  She had left herself extra time in case she had a panic attack that morning, but getting ready she was calm and excited.  The rest of us got up between 4 and 5 and got ready and the cars loaded up. We drove very carefully to Calgary. When we got there we unloaded all the things needed and I started giving assignments to my sisters and brother, Cora, Ammon, Blake and my parents. Everyone just jumped in and got done what was needed so fast, we had extra time. Since they were not having a reception, I did just a few decoration for the gym.  I got pictures of them together over the last year and some simple flowers that Natalie arranged for us. Everything was ready to go.  Leah got changed, in walked Braydon and his dad.  I thought it was hilarious that Leah had gotten up so early and gotten ready and Braydon walked in with a ball cap and sweater.  Boys! Ammon told me it was cause Braydon was more righteous then I was in the pre-existence. :) Just as I was finishing to change I could hear Dave outside talking to Leah and guiding her to where I was.  I knew the panic attack had come.  We just sat on the floor and I held her tight and talked.  It was a pretty short one as far as hers usually go.  She was still a little shaky, but ready to walk over to the temple.  Braydon just took her and helped her all the way.  He is so good to her, has helped her through many attacks and is gentle and kind.  I had a hard time keeping up carrying her dress and bags as I followed them to the temple.  They were both so excited to get married. It was a a beautiful ceremony.  It was so nice that so many could be there. After we got her in her dress, flowers were brought over and out of the temple the came.

It was so so cold.  Natalie Toone was right there ready to get pictures.  She did an amazing job.  These few sneaks she sent, I am so impressed with what she was able to do inside a church building.  Braydon and Leah decided it was too cold to go to Canmore, so just a few temple photos and family photos and then they will go to Waterton later with Natalie. She found great light and they are wonderful pictures. We ate and got to know each other and got called in and out for pictures.

Braydon did very well and even smiled in all the pictures.  He is not a big fan of pictures. I had a lot of compliments on how well my family worked together.  It was great.  It is what we do.  It went so fast and smooth with all their help.  Couldn't have done it with out them all.  Thank you, thank you so much.  As I was in and out getting things done, I knew I never once had to worry.  

Cora had wanted to set up a surprise for Leah.  Leah had always wanted a first dance with her husband.  It was the only thing she had missed about not having a reception.  Cora set up a corner of a room with lights and music and then had them come in when everyone was gone and had their dance.  It went off beautifully.  Leah even started crying a little when Cora was explaining what she did. It was such a sweet sister moment.  I think she loved it. Natalie got a few pictures then we left them alone for the dance. 

A few more cold pictures outside, a quick change and pack up and the newlyweds headed off on their honeymoon. 

They are so good together.  There was so much light and joy on their faces. It was a wonderful wedding and we are so happy to have Braydon join us for eternity.

Congratulation Braydon and Leah!