Happy 40th to Me!

Yesterday was my 40th birthday. I anticipated this day for almost a year. I wasn't sure how I would feel about being 40. Because of this, Aaron planned a party for me. He is so fabulous. He planned an "Amazing Race" and we played the wii at the school. I love to play games and have fun so all this fit in perfectly. My age wasn't even brought up. We just had a lot of fun. We had sloppy joes for lunch with goodies to snack on. My dear friends, Stefanie Hinton, Suzie and Than Johnson, Paxton's, Donna and children, and Brenda and children were all able to share this day with me. Donna helped with the cake. I'm so glad so many were there. Aaron is going to make a DVD of the fun we had. I can't wait to see it. It was definately a day to remember. As far as feeling "old"? I don't. It's not that big of a deal to be 40. So far it's just been fun, fun, fun.
AJ passed off his Give Me Liberty for 5th grade on November 29th. This is a big task that the 5th graders panick about at the end of the year. It was impressive that AJ passed it off so early. It was a lot of work and he did great. We are proud of him.
Aaron's last day at Arby's was the 4th. He is DONE!!!!! No more Arby's. He worked there for 8 1/2 years. Thank you to him for taking care of this family through a job that wasn't his favorite. He stuck it out and we are all so greatful for him. We are also very excited to get to spend more time with him. The children are looking forward to spending one Saturday a month with him one on one.
This will be the last week of school this year. I am looking forward to having my family home for two plus weeks. Christmas is coming quickly. I hate that. The season is so nice, and yet so short. When it's going smoothly I wish it'd last longer. This year is one of those years.
In Relief Society we are doing the 12 days of Christmas to 5 families. I get to be in charge of this activity. It has been fun planning and getting it organized so far. The 12 days start tomorrow. It'll be busy but enjoyable. I've been amazed at the support of our ward.
Mattina Ann and AJ started basketball games last week. I'm not coaching this year. That's nice. I can focus more on Mattina Ann instead of the whole team. Both children have good coaches this year. That makes a difference. I can't wait to see the improvement this year.
We hope you too are enjoying this holiday season.

I'm still here

I know it's been a long time since I've written. Any minute I get I've been trying to relax or something like that. Days are busy. Nights are busy. My calling is keeping me busy. Just life. At least I'm less likely to be in trouble this way.
Mattina Ann and I are moving along with the personal progress. We are working on two of our 10 hour projects. It's fun working on this with her. She got her first report card for 7th grade. She didn't get all A's this time. She got a B+ in Prealgebra. She's doing really well. She has loved her cooking and sewing class. She came home with some cute things and fun foods. It made me remember the days in 7th grade when I was in those classes.
AJ is doing great in scouts. He has done everything to receive his Arrow of Light. He won't actually be awarded it until January because of his birthday. But at least he's earned it. AJ's been the Marvin in the school character ed. plays this year. He's really enjoying that. Aaron enjoys being in them too.
Tanner is doing excellent in school. I'd say he could move up a grade but I want him to get the "Kindergarten" experience. He's reading great. Writing okay. He's very nice to all the students and his teacher. He loves being big and in kindergarten. He was lost this past week when he had 2 days off and nobody else did.
Geremy loves to ride his bike. He loves to play the Wii. He's learned that if is room is clean then he's more likely to get to play the wii. He loves preschool. His teacher loves him too. She has said that out of all my children "Geremy is the most loving. All my children are loving, but Geremy especially." We spent the other day coming up with "C" words. It was amazing how many Geremy came up with.
Aaron is having a very busy year this year. People have found out that he knows what he's doing and want to watch him. His class gets observed often. Someone at the district has heard about Aaron and has talked to Aaron's principal. It's nice that he's doing so well. We just wish his pay reflected that.
Aaron quit working Friday nights at Arby's the beginning of October. That has been nice. He only has 2 more shifts left until he's completely done at Arby's. His last day is December 4th. PARTY! He left his notice in the safe for his boss to get and she didn't get it so 2 weeks later he ended up telling her in person. It went well.
I spend my time in the car. I drop off the boys, drop off Geremy, go to the gym or Biolife, pick up Geremy, pick up Tanner, and try to run errands in the mean time. Sometimes I get to pick up AJ too. It'll be nice when scouts is over so I don't have to pick him up 3 times a week. Only once. I don't mind my time in the car. I just am ready to not be in the car. My time in the car with the children is wonderful. I hate spending all the gas though.
Tanner had a wonderful birthday. I made him a semi-truck "Mack" into an ice cream cake. It turned out nicely. With his birthday being on Sunday we celebrated all weekend.
"Aaron enjoyed his birthday as well. We went to "Tarzan" as a family. It was a lot of fun. Later that week we went to "Crazy for You". We love that show.
Mattina Ann turned 13 yesterday. Now her age reflects her actions. Aaron and I spent a few days working on her cake. She wanted a 3D horse cake. I thought, "How am I going to do that?" We decided to change it and surprise her with our own creation. She was very happy with the cake. It didn't only look great but tasted great as well. I got the pineapple filling recipe from mom (Thank You) which I love, and put that in the cake as well. We surprise her with tickets to Harry Potter. I think this was a birthday she'll remember.
We had the primary program this month. AJ had parts including a talk, Tanner had a part, and Geremy had a speaking part and a duet. I was told his duet stole the show. I was also told that my children did almost everything. They were highly involved. The best part was that I didn't even have to work with them to be able to do their parts.
Well I'm sorry it took me so long to update my blog. I'm going to try and do better again. I like it better when I'm current on the blog. It's more fun to read later too. My journal in a way. We'll see how I do over this holiday season.
(Pictures include the Rodeo, Birthdays, Halloween, Hiking during fall break, etc.)

Off we go

Last Sunday AJ had a talk in primary. We prepared him a few days before. I remembered he had the talk this time. Priesthood got out early so Aaron was lucky he got there. He wouldn't have remembered otherwise. AJ did a nice job. He talked about Jesus walking on the water and Peter coming to him. He then bore his testimony. The primary counselor asked if he'll give that talk in the program in November. The same day they asked if Geremy would sing a song with 2 other girls. I guess we'll be busy at that program.
Tuesday night I had a presidency meeting and then a RS meeting. We worked on the decorations for our Girl's Night Out coming up. I had spent 3 hours making stuff at Aaron's school on Monday and then we painted it on Tuesday. I love these sisters. They are so much fun. Sometimes I think they are keeping me young. The next oldest one there is 32. They don't treat me older, just one of them. We had so much fun on Tuesday, and since we didn't get it all done, we met again Wednesday night. I definitely have another big night coming up.
Wednesday Tanner started Kindergarten. He was so excited. He knew what he wanted to wear a few days in advance. He feels so big going to school. He made a hand print the first day and brought it home for me to not feel homesick while he's gone. He did a great job drawing it. I had to make one to send back. I put Aaron and my pictures on it with a picture of McQueen. He noticed the McQueen first of course. His teacher said that he's doing great. He's not antsy like the other kids in his class. He acts like he's been there for a month. He sits at table one and is very proud of that.
Geremy started his last year of preschool Wednesday as well. He loves school and was so happy to go back. I was very happy that Geremy and Tanner started on the same day. That made things a little easier. I spent my first hour with no children driving around town. I had forgotten to get Geremy's money for school from the ATM. The only ATM that I could get the money from (because it was Biolife money) was out in Santa Clara. I couldn't believe it. I even had time to think about how many donations it took to pay for a whole year of preschool. 30 1/2. Incredible. But it's all paid for now. What a relief.
Geremy had a really hard time on Thursday. He came down stairs and said he was ready to go to Kindergarten. He didn't get why he didn't get to go too. He was not happy to go to Biolife instead of school. He kept saying that he would rather hang out with me. That is what we did after Biolife and on Friday. Just Geremy and me. I think he's really going to enjoy us time once he realizes how all of it works. Tomorrow he has school again. He too is getting big really fast.
Today we had ward conference. It was really nice to be able to sustain our leaders. They messed up on the Relief Society Presidency and sustained us twice to fix it. I was conducting in RS. The stake gave the lesson. They did a really nice job. I got up and tied all of it together as I closed the meeting. Of course I had everybody in tears when they left. Aaron figured it had been some meeting. The choir sang 2 songs today. We were asked to sit on the stand. Because Mattina Ann sings as well, we asked our neighbors to watch Tanner and Geremy. Why are they always good when with someone else?
Mattina Ann and I worked some more on our Personal Progress today. I realized that we have 8 values and 6 years to do it in. Okay then. Here we go. We have a really good start going, so we'll keep it up and get it together. That will be a neat experience.
9 years ago this coming October Aaron was in a play in Brigham City. It was called Little Shop of Horrors. When they finished the show he had to help tear down the set. He knelt down on "something". It bled and hurt. It bothered him for a while and then he didn't say much. Every now and then, throughout the years, he'd complain that it hurt. He said he felt like he was kneeling on something. He didn't complain too much. Just every now and then. He always had a mark on his leg where it bothered him. In the past month he had been picking at it, squishing it, and getting it to bleed and puss up. I kept telling him to leave it alone. He just wouldn't. Thursday night he was messing with it again. He said that the day before it had changed from a round sore to a straight line gash type sore.

He was messing with it and he felt like something solid was in there. He asked me to find the tweezers. (He had tried using the clippers, but they didn't work.) I watched him take the tweezers and pull out a good size of glass. We both couldn't believe it. He has had that glass in his leg for the past 9 years. He is so blessed that nothing more happened. He said it didn't even hurt to pull it out. Of course it didn't. Everything in his leg right there has got to be dead. Just incredible.
Aaron starts his class this week. He'll be gone every Wednesday now until the end of the school year. He'll be gone a lot, but it'll be a good thing. This week I have to finish getting ready for the Relief Society night. I sure get busy when I have these things. It's a good thing though. I like my calling.

I Knew It!

We had quite a busy of couple of weeks. August 1 Geremy had a talk. He was so excited all week. He kept asking to prepare it. I tried to do some preparing on Monday, but then the week got away from me. I reminded him Saturday night that his talk was the next morning. Sunday morning I didn't think about it once. I'm just grateful that the talks are the very last thing primary does. At 10 min to 12 I jumped up and ran out the door. I grabbed some pictures from the library and went to primary. It was then Geremy's turn for the talk. I couldn't believe I almost missed it. Aaron completely forgot. What a crazy experience. Geremy did a great job and was very proud of himself.
August 2 we went to Las Vegas and Rhonda met my family. She bought us lunch at Olive Garden and we had a really nice visit. It's amazing how much time goes by between each visit.
After lunch we went shopping at the mall. We got Aaron some pants that they didn't have his size here in St. George, and then bought snorkeling gear. It's nice and should work for scuba next year in Italy. We then drove back to Mesquite where we spent the next two nights. We use our free night stays from our Dixie Direct book. We spent a lot of time snorkeling in the pool. Our family loves to swim.
Thursday mom met us at Sand Hollow Reservoir. We had quite an experience there. After we got all settled and ready for lunch, a big wind came up and it started to rain on us. It rained for a good 20 min. or more. Not just rain either. We also got some hail. Geremy kept crying that he wanted to go home. Mom hid under the table, Mattina Ann tried wrapping a towel around Tanner and herself, AJ walked around with Aaron, and I wrapped a towel around Geremy and tried to comfort him. I laughed through most of it. All I could think was that we were making a memory. Aaron and I knew it would pass. That is how storms are in St. George. It hits hard for a little bit and then the rest of the day is nice.
After the storm we did some clean up because sandwiches were soaked and sand was EVERYWHERE! We got in the water and enjoyed the waves. Aaron and I even snorkeled. I was worried it would make me sea sick, but I did okay. We all went out to the buoy a million times. We had a great time. We got there about 1 and left at 7. We were exhausted.
The next day mom made some bread with me. She then left and we went to Aaron's school and helped him get ready for school. I figured that since he had played with us all summer it was time for us to help him. The teachers kept commenting on how tan Aaron was. Ya, we had a great summer.
Saturday was our 14th Anniversary. The children made us breakfast and served us. AJ and Geremy were waiters. It was so cute. They even got me a gift. Tetris. I can't believe how my children know me. They had seen it weeks before and then I found it while in Mesquite. It's amazing how that happens to us. Aaron got me a geode necklace and rock. They are pretty. I got Aaron a recorder. We then went to our association meeting and used it. Not very romantic, but he likes it.
We didn't let the meeting get us down. We then went to The Sorcerer's Apprentice which we both enjoyed. Then we went out to Red Lobster. WOW! We really enjoyed the day.
Monday I went to back to school night for Mattina Ann. She's so excited for school this year. Tuesday I went to back to school night for Tanner and AJ. AJ will be learning a lot this year. I hope he can set his schedule to get all his homework done. He's a rather busy boy with scouts. Tuesday night we also did back to school blessings. They were really nice. Aaron even gave me one. Geremy wanted Aaron to have one. He told Geremy that he usually goes to his dad. That was a weird moment. It just kind of hit us. I was up that night trying to think of what we could do for Aaron. We don't even know who our hometeachers are. He was thinking he might ask Charlie Phillips or Steve Gregoire. I though about asking Brenda's hometeacher. We know him pretty well. We'll see what we do.
Wednesday Mattina Ann started 7th grade and AJ started 5th grade. WOW! They are growing up too fast. Thursday Tanner met with his Kindergarten teacher. He did his testing and did FABULOUS! We are so proud of him. His teacher was impressed. We are glad he missed just a couple of things so there is something for him to work on. Tanner will start school next Wednesday as well as Geremy starting his last year on preschool that day. Poor Geremy keeps asking when school starts. He hates waiting so long. It'll be here before he knows it.
Aaron is hoping to take a class every Wednesday through the end of the school year. He would get his Technology Endorsement. That will be a good thing. He's closer to a lane change that way. He'll just be gone every Wednesday.
Wednesday I made 4 loaves of bread. The children scarfed the first 3 down and they wanted more. I think I've picked up something more to do every week. Oh well. I'm enjoying making it. I love to watch the children enjoy it.
My schedule changes a lot this next week. I'll be at the school twice on Mon., Wed., and Thur. 3 times on Tuesday, and only once on Friday's. Not to mention picking up AJ after school at the district office on Wed. We'll see how it goes. As you can tell, I'll be spending a lot of time in the car. Here we go. As I said, I knew these weeks would be busy again.

This week...

This week we mostly just went swimming. Not a lot happening. Aaron worked a lot at Arby's. Well sort of anyway. He worked most days for a short period of time. Just long enough to mess up the day. Next week will be a busy one again. Fun....Fun

4th of July as such

We enjoyed the 4th. Usually the radio station has a country showdown that we love to listen to and then watch the fireworks. We go sit in the "Sunbowl" and just enjoy the evening together. This year we invited Brenda and her family to join us. We didn't find out until that evening that the radio station had scheduled a concert instead. I wasn't too sure about that. I look forward to the showdown every year. Anyway, the band, I can't remember who, did a great job. We really enjoyed them by dancing and singing and just having a good time. Brenda had brought some glow stick things that the children really enjoyed. It was fun to be together. The fireworks were nice too.
The next day was my big Sunday. I had a 7 and 8 am meeting, played the organ, conducted and gave the lesson in Relief Society, and then went back to the deaf branch to play the organ for them. It was a very LONG day. I gave the lesson on strengthening the family. I talked a lot about our trip and how hopefully some of the things we did helped us. I think it went well.
We went camping as a family in Pinevalley on the 12th. We made ice cream while there. We forgot to take our smore things so at least we still had a treat. It turned out great. We can't wait to use it again. We found a site that is up a path away from the road. Sometimes it's good to have a few children who are big enough to help. We enjoyed our night and came back the next day so AJ would receive his Webelo's badge. He earned it about 3 months ago and just hasn't been to pack meeting to get it. It was that night that I realized he was suppose to set up a tent so he could get his outdoorsman. OOPS!!
We spent the 14th, 15th, and 16th cleaning the house and storage unit. We found a lot of things we had lost or "put away" during the flood last year. We also went through all the boys clothes. We took a lot of stuff to DI. It felt good. We still have plenty to do though.
During our cleaning project we found the digital thermostat we bought just before the flood. Aaron tried putting it in last Saturday. In the process he managed to fry a lot of our AC unit. Luckily a friend from a previous ward was able to come by for several nights and try to fix it. The basement was running about 85 F, the middle floor 93 F, and upstairs about 105 F. We did all we could to only run the microwave for food. We spent a few nights at Brenda's. Thank you. The AC finally started to work last night about 11. The children slept in our room and woke up cold. YEAH!!! 6 days without airconditioning is crazy. I'm just thankful I'm not pregnant with a whole month of AC out like in 2004.
We were suppose to go camping as a family this past week and then have Father's and Son's and Mother Daughter. That got moved with the AC out. We did do it on Thursday though. AJ got the tent set up so the only thing left to get his Arrow of Light is his religious knot. Go AJ. Mattina Ann and I went to a movie, bought some things to make watches, went to dinner, enjoyed a visit with Dawson and Sophia, (Sophia was only 3 days old at the time) and went out to ice cream. I really enjoy spending time with Mattina Ann and need to find more nights to spend with her. I'm so glad she's my daughter.
Our ward had a breakfast this morning with a primary parade where the children had their bikes decorated. I remember doing such things. I think the boys had a lot of fun doing that. We went out to lunch with AJ and swimming as a family. It's so nice to spend time together. The children have been going to bed around 12 and the last 2 nights about 7:30. They are so tired they just fall right asleep. They go to bed all on there own. I wonder how long that will last?
I did a puzzle this past week. It was so relaxing. We've been talking about school starting. Aaron goes back in 2 weeks, Mattina and AJ in 2.5 weeks, and Tanner and Geremy in 3 weeks. Where did the summer go? I'm not ready for it to be over. I really have enjoyed my family this summer. I hope the next 3 weeks are slow.

The rest of June 2010

We took Tuesday after our vacation and got Mattina Ann ready for her first girls camp. I couldn't believe it took a full day to get her ready. They left about 8:15 am Wednesday morning. Only 45 min. late. That gave us time to find out that Mattina Ann needed a sack lunch. I quickly ran home and made her one.
Aaron substituted for Mr. Phillips in summer school on Wednesday and Thursday. He was able to take the boys with him. Tanner and Geremy went to summer school for the up coming Kindergartners. They both loved it. AJ helped with the reading.
Aaron went back to Arby's on Friday and Saturday. It was sad to see his 3 week beard and mustache go. We sure don't miss him working there. The money is nice though.
I cleaned Mattina Ann's room Wednesday through Saturday. It was a LOT of work. I am so glad it is done. I have wanted it done for more than a year. Now if we can keep it clean for a long time.
Saturday Mattina Ann came home from her girls camp. She had a blast. She can't wait to go again next year. I'm so glad she enjoyed it. I knew she would. Sister Riding asked her to speak in church on Sunday about her experience. I was sad she wasn't able to give that talk. It would have been nice to hear those reports Sunday.
Saturday we left for Salt Lake. We had a quick dinner at mom and dad's and then we went to the Taylorsville Days fireworks. What a nice show they put on. We all really enjoyed it.
Sunday, Aaron sang a song in mom and dad's ward. I played for him. He sang "Come Ye Fount of Every Blessing." He did a really nice job. We had a nice lesson in Relief Society as well. Aaron and I took a little nap in the afternoon. That was so nice. I don't remember the last time I took a nice nap like that. We then went on a couple of walks and enjoyed the evening with the family.
Monday Aaron went to work up at the State Capital building. He was working on some science curriculum thing. The rest of us went to lunch at the park where the children got free lunch. I couldn't help but remember when I use to take Mattina Ann to lunch like that when we lived at the Scott Ave. house. We would feed the ducks and have lunch. She loved it.
After lunch mom helped me wash the car. It really needed it. I got to scrub many bugs off the front. Finally the outside of the car was clean. That evening we went swimming at the Murray pool. We had a great time. Mom had to go down the slide. She went down with her hands up since she just had carpul tunnel surgery. Aaron said that he now knows where I get my stubborness from.
Tuesday Aaron again went to work (which is why we were in Salt Lake) and Mom and Mattina Ann and I went to GTU. It was fun. We got Red vine licorice while we were there. After lunch at the park again (Mom and I had a yummy salad from McDonald's)Mom and I started cleaning the inside of my car. That was a big task after traveling so far this month. It was a big enough task that it took us two days.
We went to the "Sweet's Candy Factory". We really enjoyed the tour there. I didn't realize that the only factory was in Salt Lake or that I eat so many of their candies. GOOD STUFF!!
I talked to Dawnel that evening. We talk about once a year. I'm glad we've stayed in touch somewhat. It's interesting to see how we've changed over the years.
Wednesday, Aaron, AJ, Mom, and I went to GTU again. Louis Van Amstel was there as a guest host. He made a silly hat that I later won by knowing who his dance partners were on Dancing With the Stars. I later found him in the hall by accident and asked for a picture. Aaron won tickets to "Dispicable Me". It was a fun experience at GTU that day.
After lunch, (Pasta Al Forno that Mom asked Deeann how to make and she said to ask me)we headed back to St. George. We had to be back in time for Aaron to go to work at Arby's. We got back at 5:40 and Aaron had to be there at 6.
We really enjoyed our stay at Mom and Dad's and are thankful they do so much for us. We are thankful to finally be home and plan to go NOWHERE for at least 2 weeks. Nowhere big for a year. It's been a fun and memorable month. Sad it's over, but glad too.

17 Days, 8 States, 4133.1 Miles, One GREAT VACATION!!

The hotel we stayed at didn't have breakfast so there was no hurry to get up this morning. The children were surprised when we didn't wake them up. We looked up info on the butterfly house in Grand Junction and found that the one day a week it is closed was today, Monday. The children had been looking forward to it since the last butterfly house. They were very understanding though.

We took our last State Line picture. Geremy and Tanner couldn't believe that it was so close to the hotel. We all celebrated to be back in Utah.
Aaron and I talked last night about why I don't let him drive more. I told him I don't have anything to do in the passenger seat. This morning he decided I could play games on the computer while he drives, so he drove to Richfield. I loved playing on the computer. It sure made the time fly.


We stopped in Richfield and looked at ReNee's grave. The children asked who she is. It was nice to stop for a little bit. We then drove on to St. George. We got home about 5:45. It was so nice to be home. The children helped clean out the car, we had dinner, children played the Wii, and now off to bed. We had a great time, but it's great to be home.
Aaron made the map of where we went. The children were surprised to see how far East we went. I am a little too. Each star tells of a hotel stop and each colored line stands for a days trip. Now it's back to regular life for a few days. Yeah!

WILL WE EVER GET THERE?

We gave Aaron his Father's Day gifts this morning. It was kind of hard to travel for two weeks and not let him see his gifts in that time. I think he enjoyed being remebered though. I had forgotten to get a pancake griddle from Tanner for Father's Day. Tanner remembered that and was very upset I didn't get it. OOPS!!!


Tanner Loves his Dad!!
We went to Sacrement meeting in Sterling Colorado. It was a nice meeting. They were having ward conference. The Stake President said that the people chose to live their so they chose to drive that far to go to the temple. "There are people who drive farther than you." he said. I'm glad we live so close.
Their ward had the primary children sing in Sacrement meeting. Our boys got up and sang. They all did a great job. That ward gave Aaron M&M's and a poem. It was a nice visit.
We then drove to the Denver Temple. The plan was to each lunch there. After we got situated, a worker came by and said that the Temple President has asked that we don't have picnics there. We packed up and headed out of town. We finished our lunch in the car. We drove all the way to Grand Junction. We are so ready to be home. The boys keep asking if we are ever going home again.
We went swimming tonight for about an hour. The children didn't make it to bed until 11:30. What a late night. It's called VACATION!

Long Day!

I took some pictures of the Missouri River just outside our room because I loved it so much. I just hope they turned out. We then went to the Winter Quarters visitor center. They took us from Nauvoo to Salt Lake in a video. We all dressed up in pioneer clothing. AJ, Rustin, and Mattina Ann tried to load a wagon with blocks, see who could do it fastes, and get it all to fit. AJ stacked it up really high. Mattina Ann simply won. Nice job.
We then went over to the cemetary and the temple. When we first got there Geremy pointed out that it wasn't the same temple as we had seen all week. They had a display of the Nauvoo Temple in the visitor center. Tanner and Geremy went straight to it. I couldn't believe all the names at the cemetary.
We then drove for what seemed forever. I will try to never drive I-80 on a Saturday afternoon again. It was so busy with tons of trucks. We stopped and had lunch and it was better when we got back on. We stopped in North Platte because we thought Brenda was wanting to see the Buffalo Bill Ranch. When we got to the ranch, it was closed. Off we went again.
At the Colorado border we got a picture and then told the children to never run across the freeway the way we were doing it. They had construction so it wasn't so bad. Only 2 lanes. We had to run across because we didn't get the Nebraska picture on the way into Nebraska. It was over the Missouri River on the freeway. That picture wasn't going to happen.
We finally made it to the hotel and got dinner and food at Walmart for tomorrow's lunch. We also got gas. Now the children are sound asleep. With the time change they were up really late. They didn't go to bed until 10. All of us are exhausted and can't wait to sleep.
We are on our way home with nothing to look forward to other than our next destination and being home. That makes it hard to travel.

Omaha Zoo

I forgot to tell you yesterday about driving to Des Moines. Rita got a little lost. We were driving out in the no where land for about 10 min. She just kept saying "recalculating". It was crazy. Our car has stopped telling right direction as well. Coming home from Carthage it said we were going North when we were going West. Then when we turned North it still said North. All the way here it said North East. I know we came West to get here.
We had a great night sleep last night. Best one the family has had since Grandma and Grandpa's in Minnesota. My back hurt but everything else was nice. We had a nice breakfast with omelets, sausage, and fruit. It was a good morning. As we looked outside, the wind was blowing, the rain was coming down, and it was dark. By the time we left to go to the zoo in was nice.
It was crowded going to the zoo. They are having the College World Series right next to the zoo. The zoo wasn't too crowded. We first went to the Desert Dome and Kindoms of the Night. After spending quite a while there we decided we had better go faster or we'd never see everything. We then went to the orangutans, gorilla's, bear's, tigers, and lions. (Oh my!) We had lunch and then off to the aquarium, giraffe, seas lions, and elephants. If you know anything about the Omaha Zoo, you know that is a lot. On our way back to the car we found a spray of water. The children loved that. I made Tanner take off his sweat shirt and cool down. (I didn't realize he didn't have a shirt on under the sweat shirt until after we got to the zoo. He was really hot.)
Everybody but me and Brenda went through the Aviary and then we left. On the way out Geremy got a stuffed lion in the gift shop. He finally got his souvenir. It was when we got back to the car that I saw the sign for the zoo. I wanted everyone to get out and go get their picture one more time. They didn't like that idea so Aaron said he'd take a picture of me and leave the kids there. I thought that was so thoughtful of him.
We got ice cream sandwiches and went back to the hotel. Everyone was exhausted. We went swimming for about 2 hours, took the children to dinner, and then went out to dinner with Brenda. She was told of an all you can eat buffet of crab; but that was moved to tomorrow night. We went to Applebee's and then back to the hot tub. They had fireworks at the baseball field that we could see from our hotel. That was fun. We could see them reflecting in the river. It was nice to relax tonight. I'm not good at doing nothing. I usually go go go and have to recupe from vacation when I get home.
We are starting to look at the end of our trip. I'm not ready to go home yet (Is anyone?)but I'm so looking forward to my bed and better food.

On we go.

We were so glad to leave that hotel. We didn't sleep well at night. The AC was way too loud. It didn't hurt my back though. That was about the only good thing about that hotel.
I REALLY wanted to go to Nauvoo this morning and see about 3-4 more sights. During the night I got this feeling that we should just head out and not go to Nauvoo. I was disappointed but knew I had to follow the feeling. We drove to Council Bluffs with a short stop for lunch in Des Moines. It was a nice drive. The wind was blowing like crazy, but nice.
We got to our hotel about 4. The children went wild with how nice it is. Aaron, Brenda, and I decided to go to the temple tonight. That's number 31 for us. Aaron and I were the witness couple again. That was nice. There were 12 women and 7 men. Seemed like a lot in comparison to Nauvoo. Brenda had a wonderful experience as well. When we left we were in a down poor. We loved it. Wow!


We got back to the hotel and our children had stayed in the room, got their pajamas on, and just played the wii all night. What good children. It's nice that this hotel actually has the capability for us to hook up the wii.
Brenda, Aaron, and I went on a walk. I forgot to mention that the Missouri River is right out our window. It's cool. We walked by it tonight. Aaron looked at the fireflies and the river. We watched some trains crossing on a bridge. We also watched the logs going down river. We talked for a while and then came in to go to bed. What a nice feeling we all have here. Everyone is happy.

Day of Tears!

We got up and got going as fast as we could this morning. After getting neccessities and lunch food, we went to the toll bridge where we had to wait for it. That was kind of fun for the chilren to see. The toll bridge was only a dollar. A lot faster and cheaper than driving to Keokuk.
In Nauvoo we saw the movie "Joseph Smith-Prophet of the Restoration". That made me cry. We then drove to Carthage. (On the way there I hit a dead animal. Yuck!) We had lunch on the jail grounds and then took the tour. We saw a short movie about Joseph's life and then went into the jailhouse. My stomach was sick. I didn't like thinking that men would come into that place and kill a wonderful man. I found it interesting that somebody lived there. We saw the "dungeon" that was dark with little light or air. That was also where John Taylor waited until the next morning on hay and under the bedding. We also saw the room where the men were murdered. In that room we listened to a recording of what happened there. I cried. All of it just made me cry. I felt like I was on holy ground.
We then went outside and stood where Joseph's body fell. Mattina Ann, Aaron, and I talked about our feelings. Aaron and I shared our testimonies of the experience. Still I was crying. The boys were running and playing. When we got into the car, I thanked Aaron for his testimony. AJ said he wanted to bear his testimony. I stopped the car and listened to him bear witness of Joseph Smith. Even though I thought he wasn't listening, he got something. What a special place and experience for us.
We then drove back to Nauvoo and went souvenir shopping. Mattina Ann sent another card to Amyee and got her a charm for her necklace. Tanner found a sunstone tie clip. He is so excited about it. He was so impressed with the one in front of the visitor center. He noticed that some had different smiles. AJ got a pocket knife with the word Nauvoo on it. Boy are we in trouble now. We couldn't find anything Geremy wanted. He wasn't happy about that. We'll find something before we come home.
We looked for temple pictures that dad might like. I found one I really like. Too bad it's $244+. We tried to find a 5X7 for our wall but didn't settle on one.
We went into a store called "Pair-a-Bowls". We were looking for frozen custard. Oh well. I got mississippi rock candy and dip flavoring. I can't wait to try it. I can't believe I bought something there. Then we went next door and got our frozen custard. It was really good.
I really didn't want to go back to the hotel yet. It was about 5:15. We went to the Lucy Mack Smith home. I found a quote I really like and would like to put in my home. I cried at her home too. She was such a neat lady. She may have been small but she had spunck. We then went to the Brigham Young home. I realized that we've been to the home in SLC and St. George, now to the one in Nauvoo. So many great decisions there.
We then went down the "Trail of Hope!" We read every sign. Aaron read the men and I read the women. Mattina Ann hung out with us and really enjoyed it. We had some really nice talks. Just trying to imagine what went on there is incredible. When we got to the river the children had to touch it. They threw anything they could into it. I read a quote from Sheri Dew there. I think I did pretty good through it, even with the tears. Aaron and I bore our testimonies again to the children. I love the statue of Joseph talking to Brigham about going west.
We then ran back to the car. It was 6:52 and the play in the Cultural Hall started at 7. We walked in a little late. The children still got front row seats. We saw "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo". It was really good. I really enjoyed it. Again I was crying.
Tanner had been asking to go see the sunstone by the visitor center again. I almost forgot but got him there before we left town. He had to see if the smile on his tie clip was the same as that one. It was. He's so excited by that. He loves that the sunstone is on the temple. I hope this built his testimony somewhat.
We than met Brenda and children for dinner. It was so nice to sit down and actually take time for dinner. We've been going so hard all week, we really hadn't had much time.
We are leaving tomorrow. I'm sad about that. We aren't sure if we are going back to Nauvoo in the morning or not. I don't want to leave. Nauvoo had really touched me. I have a lesson to teach in RS the first Sunday in July. I'm thinking about that a lot today. There were so many lessons today. I may have cried all day long, but they weren't neccessarily sad tears. Just tears filled with the spirit and love for all they did. I'll go get a Kleenx now.

Day 2 in Nauvoo

After a late night last night we got off to an early start this morning. The first place we went to was the Family Living Center. We learned how to make wool thread, bread, candle making, weaving, rope making, pottery, and then the barrell making (Coopers). The children got candles and made a rope together. I really enjoyed the bread. It was good.
Then we went to the Scovil Bakery and got a gingerbread cookie. Afterwards we went to the Pioneer Pastimes. We spent quite a while there. We loved it. There were all kinds of games. We got a lot of it on video. It was there that Brenda and her children caught up to us. We got her kids to participate in the games as well.
We then went to the Stoddard Tin Shop. They used so many patterns to make things. Then it was off to the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop. Geremy was tired and hungry at this point. Brenda and Ryan had gone to a play at this point. I was told that I had a lot of Grandchildren. Aaron just laughed. I didn't think it was that funny. If I'm the grandma then isn't Aaron the grandpa?
We ate lunch in the car. It was raining pretty good. Then we went on a Wagon Tour of Old Nauvoo. I tried sleeping through that. It was interesting and relaxing. Brenda still had to get lunch so we went our separate ways again. We went to the Brickyard. That was interesting for all. Each family only got 1 brick. Lucky me.
We then went to Riser Boot and Shoe. That was interesting as well. They made shoes on the way but it seems to me like they still didn't have enough. Then we went to the Webb Brothers' Blacksmith Shop. There were a lot of people there. We sat in the back and the missionary giving the tour asked that Tanner and Geremy sit in the front so they could see. We learned how they made wheels for the wagons. Then in the next room we watched the missionary make a horseshoe from a straight metal. He handed out praire rings. When they got to Tanner he dropped them. I just shook my head. He asked if anyone had questions; and there's Geremy with his hand up. He asked 2 great questions. It's amazing how well he was paying attention. Tanner too had to ask a question. When the missionary was done with the horseshoe he asked a question. The person who got the question right got the horseshoe. The question was, "What did Joseph Smith say the saints needed most?" Somebody said faith. Wrong. Mattina Ann said the temple. She now has a horseshoe. How appropriate that it was her.
We then had Mattina Ann take some pictures of Aaron and I at the temple. We dropped the children off with Brenda and Aaron and I went to a session in the Nauvoo Temple. That is 30 temples for us. Aaron and I were the witness couple. It was a really nice session. 5 people including us. When we went into the session it looked like tons of rain coming. When we left, it was so clear and beautiful. We met up with Brenda and watched Sunset by the Mississippi and another performance by the BYU Young Ambassadors. It was really nice.
We didn't make it back to the hotel until after 10. A long day, but very nice and eventful. The children did a lot and all of us learned tons.

This is why we are here!!

Today we went into Nauvoo. We took the long way there. Rita took us to Keokuk. I was frustrated with that because I knew that was longer. I later found out there is a toll bridge the other way and Rita has been instructed not to take us on toll bridges. It worked out in the long run. We went to Walmart and got a tripod(Ours broke yesterday.)and lunch to go. We also took the scenic route on the Mississippi River. Yes!! We finally got to see it. We were so excited.
We got pictures by a water fall. We took pictures at the State Line and the City of Nauvoo. We drove past the temple and went to the visitor center. Mattina Ann and I enjoyed a visit with a sister missionary and heard some interesting things. That sister was from Park City.
We then heard the BYU Young Ambassador's sing in the Women's Garden. They did a nice job. They talked to us afterwards. We found that some were from St. George. One even has a brother that Mattina Ann goes to school with.
After the Young Ambassadors we went on a carriage ride. We even went thru a creek, twice. That was fun. We saw a place where Joseph Smith would ride to and onder on things. Geremy fell asleep. We had a nice ride. We found out that the rier is now wider than it was when they crossed it. When they crossed the river it would have only been 2 feet deep. Now it's deeper and wider because of the dam just down from where they crossed. (It was during our ride that Expedia called twice to tell me that we will get our money back for being charged twice. Bad time but at least I'm getting my money back.)
After our ride we had lunch and watch a show called "High Hopes and Riverboats". They did a nice job. We then wandered some of Nauvoo and their shops. Most of them were closed because it was after 6. Tanner really wanted to touch the temple. Tanner and Geremy rolled down the hills from the temple. They loved it. Aaron and I can't wait to go inside this week.
We finally made it back to our hotel. It's late. Aaron and I both have headaches. I think from not drinking water and it's late and we needed to eat. We both feel better now that we've taken care of some of those things.
Tanner had 2 really rough days. Yesterday he fought a lot in the car. Today he had an attitude. We hope he gets over it soon. We want to have fun being out and he just wants to sit in the hotel doing I don't know what. We keep telling him vacation means being out exploring new things. Hopefully he'll figure it out soon. I keep telling him, "This is Why we are here. To see these places." Maybe he's just homesick. When he is happy he says things like, "We should ignore Rita when she says make a U-turn." Or..."We could split the car in two and go both ways." We love you Tanner.