It Must be Dad

During sacrament meeting I leaned over and asked Preston if he was stinky. (We have him wear a pullup to church and to bed.) He said, "No! I'm not stinky. It must be Dad." Haha. I thought that was funny.

Our home teacher came over with his boy. Jorja brought out the gecko and her frogs. She put one of her frogs on our Brother Isom's head. The frog then peed on his head.

Ashley is now home. She came and got her gecko tonight. I think Jorja is going to miss her.

Eyring

I was exhausted after yesterday, but I got up bright and early to make cupcakes. Ange's birthday is tomorrow, so they are coming to dinner! Once cupcakes were baked, we got the kids dressed in their church clothes and went to listen to Henry B. Eyring speak at a family reunion. We had great seats and really enjoyed the talk. I wish I would have been brave enough to ask for a picture, but I am a chicken. The family before us and the families after us all took pictures. Elder Eyring did shake each of the kids hands. Maysen was first. He asked Maysen her last name. When she said "Smith" he said, "Oh, you're the real deal." (It was a Smith family reunion.) After Elder Eyring shook Jorja's hand, she held up her Webkinz puppy, Smore, and he shook the puppies hand. As we were walking away, Maysen said, "I shook Henry B. Eyring." (Bubs wrote that he shook Ezra Taft Benson in his diary when he was 9 years old or so.)

After we got home, we asked the kids one thing they learned or that they thought was interesting. Stockton said he learned that Henry B. Eyring had a brother. (Hayden Eyring introduced him. He is about as far apart in age as Stockton and Preston.) Mike talked about how he could have ignored his younger brother, but didn't. His brother talked about how much attention he paid to him. He taught him sports and let him hang out in the locker room with him. Jorja said she learned that he met with a lot of prophets. I learned that he didn't go on a date in high school. Also, he said that he avoids saying deceased family members play an active role in our lives. When he turned in his first conference address and he talked about his mother being with him he was told that they are busy. Elder Eyring said that several times . . . "they're busy." I liked that. Sometimes I wish I could know my mom is here with me. I'll have to remember that she is busy, so I don't feel bad. I'm not sure how to write that so it makes sense, at least I know what I'm trying to say.

Elder Eyring also talked about how he lived rent free for ten years on his in-laws estate. It had stables, tennis courts, pools and was beautiful. They lived rent free in the guest house. Then he was asked by Neal A. Maxwell (I think) to be the president of Ricks College. They moved from this beautiful life to Rexburg. They were given a single wide trailer to live in. The door didn't shut all the way and the snow blew in across the floor. He said his wife was an angel to leave the life they had.

The funny story was when he was talking about his dad. I had heard this before, but it is still funny. When he was growing up they lived in New Jersey while his dad worked at Princeton. His dad was offered a job to be the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Utah. He asked his wife what she thought, she said it was his decision. Later he told his wife that he had turned the job down. The next morning, she gave him a letter. It started out, "Henry you liar." She told him he was suppose to remember he promised her they would move back if they had the opportunity.

I will have to amend this post, but I can't remember what Maysen said she learned. I knew I should have written this part of the post as soon as I got home. Sorry Maysen. Preston didn't tell us his favorite part, but he did play (quietly) in the middle of the isle with Eyring's grandchildren. They were watching Preston play with his colored pencils. He was making them into tracks. At least he was quiet and everyone was really nice about it.

This afternoon, Maysen and Jorja helped me decorate Ange's cupcakes. I think she liked them. We sure had a great time making them. We ran out of big marshmallows, so Maysen made a cupcake with little ones. I loved it much more than the others! So did everyone else. When Ella got the cupcake, Preston did not take that well at all! We added more little marshmallows to his and he settled down.

The one everyone wanted

We got Ange a cook book and my dad gave Ange a framed 8x10 awesome picture of Lincoln and Ella riding the jeeps over Easter. I guess I should have added that picture in, but I'm way too tired to go looking for it now. We have fun swimming and playing around. Ange gets surgery on her feet in a couple of days, so this was her last hurrah.

Maysen, Abbs & Ange

Max & Stockton watching Mike

Bubs watching Mike

Stephanie and Ella

Stockton

Now I am ready for bed. I feel like I can sleep for a week! It was a long, fun-filled day.

Nerdfest

While Maysen, Stockton and I were out running, we noticed the welcome sign said, "Welcome Nerdfest". I thought for sure Mike put that up. He was having a company party today. He didn't. I'm not sure if there was another nerdfest going on, if there was - talk about great timing.

Mike talked his work into having a party at our house. The party was just for his group, so there were about ten people, plus some kids. Nate and Jen brought over food last night. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Mike was very pleased.

Bill

Abe

John brought over his Rock Band equipment

Bill, Jen, Abe, Bear

The little guys had a great time swimming and riding cars, but the highlight was the trains! Mason didn't want to leave. He told his dad he wanted to stay here forever. (That is exactly what we are going for!)

Cole, Mason, Preston

Maysen and Jorja were suppose to have an ice skating performance today. I had planned on taking them, but I wasn't sure how I was going to fit everything in. I went and asked them if they would be disappointed if they didn't go. Both were fine not going. Maysen seemed relieved. I totally blew the performance off. I have never blown anything off before. I'm glad I did though, I think I would have been too stressed out to enjoy it anyway.

Stockton had diving practice tonight - that was the main reason I blew off ice skating. They let the divers dive on the board they will be competing on next week. There were three dive times and Stockton's coach sent an e-mail letting everyone know they were going to practice there on Saturday. That didn't work for us. Henry B. Eyring is speaking at Mike's family reunion. I didn't want to miss it - and I didn't want Stockton to miss it. I called Stockton's coach to let him know we wouldn't be there and asked if we could go tonight or if we needed to have a dive coach there. He called back and said that you needed a dive coach, but he called one of the other coaches who would look out for Stockton. I thought that was so nice.

When Stockton and I arrived, I found the dive coach and introduced Stockton to him. Not only did he let us dive with his team, he coached Stockton just like he would one of his own students. It was great. They also had a three meter diving board here. Stockton was excited about that. There were a ton of kids at the beginning. Stockton waited in line about 20 minutes. I thought I saw steam coming out of his ears. So, we came up with a new plan. I waited in line for the 1 meter while he dove off the 3 meter (which had a shorter line). This plan worked brilliantly. Stockton did the greatest one and a half off the three meter right before we left.

Hanging With Heather

I was so lucky to be able to spend several hours with my friend Heather today. We just talked and talked. Maysen thought we were so weird. Mike, Heather and I all went to high school together. Heather, Paul (Heather's husband) and I went to Utah State. Heather lives in Georgia now - which was totally fun when we lived there too. Heather was in town to work on her music CD. Heather's voice is UNBELIEVABLE! I am so excited that she is finally getting her music out there. She is working on a Christmas CD. I can't wait to hear it. I don't think I've ever been excited about music before, but I can't wait to hear this! I should have talked her into a sneak peak, but she is such a perfectionist I doubt she would let anyone listen to it until it is perfect.

I had the best day today. Heather makes me happy. Just being around her, she is such a joy. Heather home schooled her kids this year too. The one bummer about moving from Georgia is, it would have been fun to plan field trips with her family. Each of my kids has a match in their family. Pretty cool.

Preston was quite smitten with Heather as well. As she was driving away he climbed on the fence and said, "Wait! I want to tell her something!" I carried him off the fence and to Heather's car. Preston said, "Love" and then leaned in and gave her a hug and a kiss. Priceless.

Stephanie & Heather

Stephanie, Heather & Preston

Strokes

Jorja found out what she would be swimming at conference today. Each team can take three swimmers from each age group for each event. Jorja is going to be able to compete in freestyle, breast stroke, butterfly and both relays. I am so proud of her! Next week is going to be busy. Jorja's conference is spread out over two days. Individuals in the morning and relays in the evening. Add to that Stockton's conference the day before . . . I'm guessing long hours at the pool.

The kids also had their last ice skating lesson. We stopped at The Yogurt Stop on the way home. We have been loving the frozen yogurt places. That is something you don't see in Georgia. We are determined to try them all. The kids loved this one! You paid by the ounce and the cups were huge! (Consequently it was a bit pricey for me.) There were a ton of flavors and toppings and the kids got to make their own. Preston's yogurt was a mixture of chocolate/vanilla, oreo, cookies & cream, cake batter/thin mint cookie. His toppings were gummy bears, Andies mints, swedish fish, sour patch kids and rainbow sprinkles. He was disappointed that he didn't see the nerds in time. Yikes.

Jumpy Place Thing

My visiting teacher invited us over for lunch and swimming in their pool. There were several people there and it was nice getting to know them better. As we left, I started feeling really sick. My dad had asked if we could go to a jumpy place thing. I called and told him I didn't feel well. He came to my house and drove my car (with Max and my kids inside) to the jumpy place thing. The kids had a great time . . . especially Preston. I'm glad I didn't ruin their fun. Now if only my back would quit hurting . . .

Diving Solo

It looks like Jorja's going to swim conference! I can't believe she made it her first year of swimming. The main swimming coach came and asked me if she would be available the first of August. When I said she would he said, "Good because we are going to need her." I asked, "For conference?" He said, "Yes, for conference." Wow. Great job Porge! I think she finds out at the end of this week what she will be swimming.

When I brought Stockton to diving practice, no one was there. Julia (who organizes the swim team) and the swim coach were in the parking lot. I asked if there was dive practice. Julia said, "No, I got the e-mail last night and thought it was too late to send it out. Mike said he told everyone." That doesn't surprise me. I'm sure he did. I'm sure I heard it. I just don't remember it. I have been forgetting a lot of things lately. I asked if Stockton could dive anyway. They said to go ahead.

Stockton had the pool to himself. He loved every minute of it. He just went dive after dive as fast as he could. He had to be getting tired. He worked a lot on his reverse and one and a half. He was doing them so well! Stockton asked me what dive I wanted him to do. I told him to see how high he could jump. He wanted to do that with a regular dive. He jumped so high! He wasn't use to being that high and as he was coming down he rotated enough to do a back flop. It was very cool. I couldn't believe how high he got. He tried his one and a half again. What a difference! I couldn't believe it! What a productive diving day.

Jorja still loves Ashley's lizard/gecko/whatever it is. Her name is Jewel and Jorja likes to wear her. I'm sure that doesn't surprise anyone. She definitely doesn't get her love of creatures from me!

Jorja & Jewel

Later Jewel climbed down her shirt. That's so creepy!

Raspberries

We went to church this morning with my Grandma & Grandpa. Tammi's husband Frank spoke. He did a great job. After sacrament meeting, we packed up to go home. Preston and Jorja snuck out to pick some raspberries. Thanks for letting us stay Grandma & Grandpa. I'm sure glad I get to visit you more often! Hopefully we'll see you in a month!

Preston

Preston & Jorja

Grandma & Preston

Jorja & Grandma

We made it home safe and sound. My back is killing me though. I don't know if it was from the zip line, or I slept wrong, or the drive home. It hurts. Too bad my next chiropractor appointment isn't for a few weeks. I had been going every week, but I wanted to space it out a little more. Bad timing on my part. It has really helped. Now I am off to eat a bowl of raspberries and whipped cream. Sounds delicious. Preston fell asleep on the way home, so I'm anticipating a long night.

Running the River Wild

We woke up bright and early this morning to go river rafting! Our first stop was at Steve & Sharon's cabin where they fed us breakfast. Stuffed french toast. Seriously, they take us down the river and feed us breakfast? Pretty great deal we have going there. Next Steve went to drop off the raft while Sharon got us suited up. Stockton and I were both able to have a wet suit, which I have fallen in love with. We then met Steve at Sheep Gulch. Steve, who is extra friendly, had a passenger with him for us to bring up to the launching point. This passenger was very drunk. He reeked of alcohol at eight in the morning. Oh boy. Luckily he didn't vomit in our car and we all emerged safely.

The river was great. Sharon mentioned that novice paddlers always look at their paddle instead of enjoying the scenery. I always do that! I tried hard not to this time. Mike also found my camera this morning. It was with our swimming suits. Mike had put the bag in the closet. No one ever opens the closet in the downstairs room, so it didn't even dawn on me to look in there. In his defense, he did show me where he was putting it. I remember that now. My memory sure isn't what is use to be.

I tried to snap a few pictures as we were floating down the river. I snapped the camera onto my life jacket. I tried to get a video once, but failed miserably. Maybe next year. The river was running at 17,000. Steve and Sharon usually run us at 6,000. We ran the river in a little over an hour. Stockton was able to run. Maysen stayed at the cabin and watched the little ones. Hopefully she'll want to go next year, but it was really nice to have her so all the adults could go . . . especially since we were only doing one run this year.

Beautiful Snake River

Stockton

Stephanie

Dad, Bubs, Stockton, Mike

Steve

Stockton, Mike & the landslide on the right

Mike saying a quick prayer before the rapids.

Sharon's not worried at all.

Wolf Creek

Oh boy

Bubs & Mike tightening Stockton's sleeves

Here we go!

Mike and Sharon's elbow

Dig!

Thank you Snake River! See you next year!

After rafting, we cleaned and packed up the cabin and headed to the Triple R Ranch, after stopping for square ice cream of course. This is my mom's Uncle George's cabin. Preston spent almost the entire time on the zip line . . . which means I spent the entire time on the zip line. Preston was scared to go by himself, so I went with him twice. The next time he wanted to crash into the pole. I explained that I would never make it that far. If he wanted to make it to the pole he would have to go by himself. He did. He looked scared to death, but he made it to the pole. He was so happy! After that he didn't need me anymore. By the time the day was done he was an expert. Too bad I had lost my camera so I couldn't take any pictures. I was worried I left it at Steve & Sharon's cabin. My cousin Justin took a picture of Preston's first ride. Hopefully I'll be able to snag that picture as well.

We then went to my grandma & grandpa's house. Mike found my camera. He had put it in the seat pocket behind the drivers seat. I was very relieved that despite my best efforts I hadn't lost the camera. I tried to take a picture of Jorja picking raspberries with grandpa, but it was dark. The pictures didn't turn out great. Picking raspberries with grandpa is one of Jorja's favorite memories.

Grandpa & Jorja

My cousin Tammi came over and talked with me for awhile. That was so nice. I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone at the reunion since I spent the entire time on the zip line. Oh well. My baby won't be little for very much longer. I know I'm going to miss having him want me around all the time. I'll just enjoy it while I can.

No Snoring Allowed

I can't believe I left my camera home! I thought for sure I packed it, but my guess is I left it on a bed. My dad took some pictures, so hopefully I can snag some of them. Today was a lazy relaxing day. We played games, read, I worked on a stocking, ate and just had a great time. Mike teased my dad a lot today about his snoring. He banished him to the bed upstairs.

Mike took Maysen on a quick motorcycle ride. I think that was her first one. This evening Steve & Sharon let us borrow their four wheelers. All the kids had fun with that, Preston the most. Bubs took Preston and I took Lincoln on the long loop ride. Preston loved that! We also rode down with each of the kids to the beach. I love seeing the reservoir so full. It is beautiful up here!

Idaho Here We Come!

I was suppose to drop Mike off at work so we could start the drive to Idaho at 3:30. The only problem was, I forgot to drop Mike off this morning. That put us behind. Oops. Anyway, we left home, picked up my cousin, stopped off at Bubs' where my dad and Bubs' family was waiting to go. We went up the back way and stopped off in Evanston Wyoming. We decided to grab a bite to eat at McDonalds. As we were walking in we hear, "There's Maysen." That was weird. We turned around to find the Yauney family sitting at a booth. They are in our ward. They were coming back from Jackson Hole and river rafting. Quite funny. Sister Yauney had left me a message and wanted to meet with me on Friday. She is the RS president and I now have a new calling. VT supervisor. Not sure what I need to do. Anyway, since I couldn't meet Friday, we ended up meeting at McDonalds in Wyoming. Who knew?

When we left McDonalds, Preston wanted to know how long until we were at the cabin. I said, "I don't know....three hours and forty-five minutes?" When we pulled up to the gate at the cabin, my cell phone alarm went off. Preston had set the timer. Pretty good guess.

Little Fish

After waiting several hours trying to upload a video of Jorja swimming, I gave up. Jorja had her last swim meet. She did great and I am so proud of her. I can't believe how much she improved since the beginning of the season. She sure has worked hard at it. I think she is ready for a break. I know I am! By the way, happy birthday Matt & Grandpa!

Jorja ~ freestyle

Mike's Dives

Mike has been working on dives lately. He hurts in all sorts of fun places. Mostly his feet. Weird. He has become pretty good at diving and is a lot braver than I am. We won't even discuss how much braver Stockton is than I am. Pretty safe to say it's off the charts.

Mike