We've Moved

In an effort to compile everything into one place, new updates can now be found at I'm Only Human.

The Good Stuff, Day 32

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 32: FEBRUARY 5, 2017

* I DIDN'T HAVE TO TEACH TODAY

Sometimes I don't mind, but I enjoyed listening to the lesson instead today.

* THE KIDS WERE PRETTY GOOD

* ZACH LOVES BEING IN PRIMARY

He was a major distration for the boys behind me and he was super loud. But he enjoyed all the kids being there. Sadly, I think it was the last time he'll be in Primary for a long while.

* WAS ABLE TO GET A SMALL REST IN

* ZACH TURNED 1

It was a bit bittersweet for me, but life happens anyway. He really enjoyed his day and his gifts. And go figure the less expensive the gift, the more he liked it.

* ZACH LOVES CHOCOLATE CAKE

* ERIC AND I GOT CAUGHT UP ON A FEW OF OUR SHOWS

* ERIC AND I EXERCISED

I've been meaning to do something, but always lack the motivation. Somewhere along the way we came up with the idea of Eric joining me. We finally got off of our butts and did it. I'm hoping it's something we keep up with.

The Good Stuff, Day 31

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 31: FEBRUARY 4, 2017

* GOT OUT OF BED AND WAS READY TO GO BY ABOUT 9:30 A.M.

We had a few errands to run and we wanted to get an early start.

* HAD A CINNABON FOR BREAKFAST

I had to twist Eric's arm a bit to stop and get one for me, but he eventually did. I think it was mostly because he wanted a Kickstart.

* FINISHED OUR ERRANDS BY NOON

We had to stop at Home Depot, Petsmart and Walmart.
We were looking for motion lights at Home Depot, a jacket of some sort for the dog (hoping it helps him actually stay out longer to go potty), and then to Walmart for a few groceries and birthday gifts for Zach and one of the kids friends.

* PETSMART HAD AN AWESOME DEAL

We got a coat type thing for the dog for $7!

* WE AVOIDED FAST FOOD FOR LUNCH

It's super simple to get fast food when you're out and about, but we were good today and didn't.

* WE PLAYED OUR NEW GAME WITH TANIS AND SHAYLYN

Shaylyn actually enjoyed it too, which makes it much more enjoyable for Eric and I.

* GOT PANDA EXPRESS FOR DINNER

Eric and I had a pseudo date night at the game store. On the way there, we stopped for Panda Express. We had a gift card that we finally got to make use of. We have $.88 left on it. 

* ERIC GAVE UP HIS TERYIAKI CHICKEN

We timed it horribly and they only had enough teryiaki chicken for one serving. Eric had ordered his plate first and upon learning they only had enough for one, told them to switch the chicken to my bowl and he ordered double broccoli and beef.

The Good Stuff, Day 30

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 30: FEBRUARY 3

* CLEANED THE HOUSE WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE

* FINISHED A CRAFT 

* PUT JANUARY'S DECORATIONS AWAY AND GOT FEBRUARY'S PUT OUT

* ERIC GOT HOME EARLY, EVEN AFTER STOPPING FOR GROCERIES

Granted, he had to go back to get some stuff that the checker never put in the bag - but he was still home earlier than usual.

* ENJOYED A GAME NIGHT WITH OUR FRIENDS

We introduced them to Powergrid. Eric won, which isn't uncommon in that game.

* ZACH WENT TO BED AROUND 8:30 AND SLEPT ALL NIGHT

The Good Stuff, Day 29

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 29: FEBRUARY 2, 2017

* I CLEANED THE HOUSE

This might not seem like such a big thing, but I really didn't want to do it and wasn't going to. But for some reason I finally did and I was glad that I had when all was said and done.

* I MADE A SCRAPBOOK PAGE

True, it was for the scrapbooking blog I do things for, but I did it. It had been a little bit since I had done one.

* I GOT SOME LAUNDRY DONE

Referring to the above, I really was having a tough day getting motivated to do anything - so getting things like that done are a big deal.

* PLAYED WOW WITH TANIS

I like getting him to do things outside of his own little world. I'm glad I finally found something we can do together that he seems to enjoy. I also started to play with Nate, but Ailey wanted a turn - so her and Nate played together instead.

* ERIC AND I WATCHED FULLER HOUSE

Because we both grew up watching Full House, the spin-off has kind of been a guilty pleasure for both of us. We had an issue arise with a package (with somewhat expensive contents) not being delievered and so we needed something that was light-hearted and easy to watch. Something we didn't have to think too hard about.

The Good Stuff, Day 28

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 28: FEBRUARY 1, 2017

* I FIGURED OUT MY ACTIVITY DAY PLANS EARLY IN THE DAY

* I WENT TO MY VOICE LESSON

One song is growing on me more and more, but the other one I'm still struggling to enjoy. Hopefully I'll come to enjoy that one as time goes on as well.

* SHAYLYN PASSED THE TEST TO GET HER LEARNER'S PERMIT

She was super anxious and excited to get it done. She started studying shortly before her birthday and let us know she wanted to take the test the week of her birthday. Eric took her and she passed.

* MY ACTIVITY DAY LESSON WENT GREAT

I was worried that what I had planned wouldn't take enough time, but we ended up going over.

* MY FRIEND TOOK MY OLDER KIDS TO MUTUAL

A struggle I've had since being in Activity Days is getting the older kids to mutual. Eric works at the game store on Wednesdays and so the older kids have to play babysitter for an hour. I'm always late getting home (clean up and talking with my partner after) and so my kids wouldn't want to go cause they'd be late. They can't just walk because I need at least one of them home babysitting.
This week Tanis wasn't in the mood to go, but the other two got to their activity on time!

* WE GOT TANIS REGISTERED FOR SENIOR YEAR

Mostly. There is one class he had to get more info about from one of his teachers, but otherwise he should be good to go. Somewhere along the way this kid got most of his required credits done and so next year he gets to take a lot of fun classes. He's excited about it.

The Good Stuff, Day 27

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 27: JANUARY 31, 2017

* HAD ALL OF MY 'CHORES' DONE BY 11.

* DID SOME LAUNDRY

* MY DRESS CAME AND IT MOSTLY FITS

This is huge because I was sure it wouldn't.

* GOT A FREE PAIR OF EARRINGS WITH MY DRESS

Super nice surprise.

* GOOFED AROUND WITH THE KIDS

Some dancing, leaping and headstands may have been involved.

* FINISHED THE BOOK FOR FEBRUARY'S BOOK CLUB

  I love that I'm ahead of the game and that my friend now has all of February to read it.

The Good Stuff, Day 26

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 26: JANUARY 30, 2017

* I GOT THE HOUSE CLEANED AND STRAIGHTENED BY NOON

* I WENT TO THE STORE FOR A FEW THINGS AND DIDN'T FORGET ANYTHING I WENT TO THE STORE FOR

* TANIS' GROUP IN FOODS WON 3RD PLACE IN A SANDWICH COMPETITION

From what it sounded like, they had a bit of a competition like Chopped and shows like that. Out of 8 groups, Tanis' recieved 3rd.

* IT WAS SHAYLYN'S 15TH BIRTHDAY

* I TRIED AN ICE CREAM CAKE THAT I SAW ON FACEBOOK FOR SHAYLYN'S BIRTHDAY AND IT WORKED

And the kids seemed to really enjoy it and ate lots and there is no more left. 

* WE FINALLY SAW TROLLS

While I don't like the way they changed the trolls looks, much - it wasn't a horrible movie. True, it wasn't the best movie I've ever seen either. The reviews I had heard previously had me worried, but I liked it enough.

* ZACH FELL ASLEEP IN MY ARMS

It's been a long time since that baby has settled down long enough to let me snuggle him. He usually realizes he's falling asleep and stops himself. I also had to change his diaper after falling asleep, but after giving him a bottle he went right back to bed.

The Good Stuff, Day 25

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 25: JANUARY 29, 2017

* AILEY CHOSE TO GO TO CHURCH WITH ME

We woke up late again and I was in a bad mood. I didn't feel like getting everyone ready, especially since Eric was already staying home. But Ailey said she really wanted to go to church and I couldn't not take her. 

* MY PRIMARY LESSON WENT GREAT

This class is amazing. They were interactive and actually involved and enjoyed answering questions. It was awesome.

* WE WATCHED INFERNO

Eric noticed that Walmart had it while we were out shopping. When he grabbed it I didn't realize what movie it was. While it isn't the best in the movies from the Dan Brown novels, it's still a good show. Eric and I realized that it works to get the attention of the 3 older kids quite well. Lex is all about the action, Shaylyn is into the art and Tanis is into mysteries. Each of them is excited to see the other 2 movies.

* WE WENT TO VISIT MY SISTER AND HER NEW BABY

I was in a bad mood most of the weekend and I needed something to get me out of it. I figured giving snuggles to a baby would work. Plus, the kids hadn't gotten to meet the baby until then. Lex was super excited to meet Alexis. He really likes that they share a name.

* WE TRAVELED TO AND FROM SAFELY

My sister lives about an hour away and it requires the freeway most of the way. I always get nervous when we're on the freeway, but we made it there and home with no incidents..

The Good Stuff, Day 24

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 24: JANUARY 28, 2017

* LEX DIDN'T FREEZE TO DEATH

He also got home a couple hours earlier than expected. He also had a lot of fun.

* TANIS AND I PLAYED WOW

WOW stands for World of Warcraft and it'd been awhle since Tanis had played. But I needed something to do and wanted to spend time with him. We got starting characters up to level 8.

* I DID A FAVOR FOR A FRIEND

It required driving her vehicle and taking her boys to the Game Store, but I was headed there anyway, so it totally worked out.

* SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE GAME STORE WITH ERIC

It's pretty much our date night every other week. It's fun to see him interact with the different friends he's made there.

* ERIC DIDN'T COMPLAIN TOO MUCH THAT WE HAD TO STOP AT THE STORE

We're usually short on something, so he usually has to stop on his way home anyway. But he was in pretty good spirits about it and didn't complain too loudly at my aimless wandering.

The Good Stuff, Day 23

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 23: JANUARY 27, 2017

* I GOT MOST OF THE HOUSE CLEANED

* I FINALLY GOT THAT FRAME HUNG UP ON THE WALL

* SENT LEX OFF TO GO CAMPING IN THE SNOW

I think he's crazy, but I was glad to see that he wanted to go and participate.

* WE CELEBRATED SHAYLYN'S BIRTHDAY WITH HER BEST FRIENDS

We took her and 6 of her friends to a place to play Laser Tag. They also got $10 cards to use at the arcade. Totally worth the cost and Shaylyn said it was the best birthday ever.

* EVEN THOUGH ZACH WENT TO BED FAIRLY EARLY, HE SLEPT ALL NIGHT

* I'M MAKING GOOD PROGRESS ON MY BOOK

The Good Stuff, Day 22

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 22: JANUARY 26, 2017

* COSMO SEEMS TO HAVE FIGURED OUT WHERE HE LIKES TO GO POTTY

This is huge. It means less time wandering the backyard in the cold. He pretty much goes straight to the corner, does his business and then he's ready to go back inside.

* I ORDERED A $50 DRESS, BUT GOT $10 OFF

I LOVE the dress. I'm nervous it won't fit me, but if not - hopefully, it will serve as motivation to lose some weight so I can wear it. I was really on the fence about buying it, but Eric was super supportive and liked it. And then I saw it on someone in person (on a video) and fell even more in love with it. And because I had recently gotten something else from the same place, I had a $10 off coupon. I love when I can save money.

* I MADE MYSELF GO TO THE STORE

Lex is going on a winter campout this weekend and needed a few things. Instead of bugging Eric to grab things for me on his way home, I actually went myself. (Well, I took Lex and Zach) The store didn't have EXACTLY what we needed, but it had the essentials so I think Lex will be okay.

* WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THE ER

At dinner Ailey was complaining that her wrist hurt. When we looked at it, it was red and a little swollen. Eventually she fessed up that she had kind of bit her wrist (in an effort to make the pain lessen), and that explained how red it was. After a little bit the red had lessened, but it was still a little swollen. We watched it for a few more hours and before bed it looked better. Pretty sure she just bruised it somehow.

* ERIC AND I TRIED A NEW GAME

Eric had sort of played before but wanted to introduce me to it. We enjoyed it, even though we technically lost. But since they have you play a tutorial game first, they don't let you lose.

* THE KIDS WENT TO BED WITHOUT A FIGHT

I love the nights when they actually go to bed when they are asked to and they don't try to find ways to stay awake.

The Good Stuff, Day 21

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 21: JANUARY 25, 2017

* THE DOG ONLY WENT POTTY OUTSIDE

He didn't go every time I took him outside, but he didn't go inside either. I count it as a win.

* TOOK CARE OF A CHORE THAT WAS OVERDUE

* READ A FEW MORE CHAPTERS IN MY BOOK

* GOT THE VIDEO SLIDESHOW PUT TOGETHER FOR ZACH'S BIRTHDAY

* PIZZA ARRIVED BEFORE THE KIDS WENT TO MUTUAL

Even though the time on the email had me worried that'd I'd be gone dropping them off when it arrived, it arrived about 10 minutes before we had to leave.

* ALL 3 OLDER KIDS WENT TO MUTUAL

Lex doesn't usually mind going, but it's hard to get Shaylyn and Tanis to go - for various reasons. They went sledding so I thought it'd be something they'd all enjoy. Lex was the only one that really sledded. Tanis and Shaylyn spent the night talking to each other....

The Good Stuff, Day 20

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 20: JANUARY 24, 2017

* GOT THE MAIN FLOOR CLEANED BY 11:00 A.M.

* MY VISITING TEACHERS CAME

* ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS VISITED FOR A FEW HOURS

True, she's also one of my visiting teachers - but after her companion had to go get a kid from Kindergarten, my friend stayed and we had some wonderful conversations.

* I CLEANED UPSTAIRS

The upstairs had been turned upside down by the kids and it was making me crazy. I got most of what needed to be done, done.

* I READ A LOT OF CHAPTERS IN MY BOOK

While I can't say that I'm loving the book, it moves along at a decent pace and keeps me interested enough.

* THAT FRAME I BOUGHT AWHILE AGO? I FINALLY PUT PICTURES INTO IT.

Hopefully I'll get it hung at some point and share pictures.

The Good Stuff, Day 19

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 19: JANUARY 23, 2017

* I GOT UP AT A DECENT TIME

Eric and I were tired from getting up so early on Sunday and so we went to bed earlier than we normally would've. But that also meant I got a little more sleep and got up around 7.

* A NEW TOY ARRIVED FOR ME

It's a 'pen' that works with the ipad. I've yet to perfect the art for which I got it for, but I'm excited to start learning. I'm also excited that it's something Shaylyn and I can both use.

* DINNER WAS READY TO GO SHORTLY AFTER 5:00

Eric and I had plans to go somewhere, so dinner was made and we ate right around 5:00.

* ERIC SURPRISED ME WITH A CINNABON

I asked Eric to grab me a drink on his way home and he surprised me with a Cinnabon. One of the gas stations around us has a Cinnabon place inside it now and I had resisted the urge to get one all of this time. It was a much needed treat.

* ERIC AND I PLAYED GAMES WITH OUR FRIENDS

We went to our new friends home and played a new game. It was an awesome game and one we'll probably get in the future. It's a more expensive game, so it'll probably have to wait a bit, but it's totally fun.

* WE WON

It's a cooperative game, but we managed to win. Yay!

* I STARTED THE BOOK FOR FEBRUARY'S BOOK CLUB

I'm trying to stay on top of things. And it helped that my friend asked if she could borrow it when I was done. That means I need to actually finish it and give her a chance to read it before we meet in March.

The Good Stuff, Day 18

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 18: JANUARY 22, 2017

* WE MADE IT TO CHURCH ON TIME

Well, technically we were like 5 minutes late, but we made it to Sacrament Meeting for the first time this year. I count that as a success.

* JACE MADE IT THROUGH ALL OF PRIMARY WITHOUT NEEDING ME
The transition from Nursery to Primary hasn't been easy for him. The first week he wouldn't go to Sharing Time at all, but we got him to go to class and he was fine. The second week, I think he was sick. Last week, he didn't want to go sit in Sharing Time until he was able to go sit with one of his friends (who was really in another class). Halfway through though, he was brought back to my class. But when we swapped over, he saw that his friend was going into that classroom and he went with him. Yesterday, he went to Sharing Time and stayed. When we swapped rooms he got a little nervous when I left, but then he was fine and had a great time.

* DINNER WAS WONDERFUL

I hadn't really planned anything out for lunch/dinner, but decided the soup I made last week sounded good. I was super happy to realize we had enough for me to make it again. Sadly again, there were no leftovers.

* I TOOK A SMALLISH NAP
After getting up at 6:30 and not sleeping well, I was glad for the rest. It helped that Ailey snuggled up with me.

* WE PLAYED A FEW GAMES AS A FAMILY
Shaylyn even joined in, and that's rare.

The Good Stuff, Day 17

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 17: JANUARY 21, 2017

* WE WERE ABLE TO RETURN SOMETHING AT BEST BUY WITHOUT ISSUE

We had bought some computer memory to amp up our laptops a bit. It wasn't until we got home and Eric had taken the laptops apart, old memory out and opened the container with new memory that we discovered we bought the wrong size. We were nervous we wouldn't be able to return it because we had opened it, but we were pleasantly surprised. They took it back without hassle.

* ERIC AND I TOOK A TRIP TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY

PSA: Don't go on a Saturday...it was INSANE. Hard to see the dogs with the amount of people in the place.

* WE MAY HAVE GOTTEN A DOG

It may also be a he, a chihuahua, 2 years old, tannish coat and super sweet. He might also have gotten the name: Cosmo.

* HE WAS ONE OF THREE TOP CHOICES

The dog I was originally drawn to was Cosmo's cage mate. She was also a chihuahua with a black coat and the sweetest face. However, she had been 'claimed' so we took a better look at Cosmo. While doing paperwork for Cosmo we noticed that the people never came back for the black dog, but there were people on the phone asking about her. While we were finishing up with Cosmo, the black dog was getting adopted. 

The second dog was a 10 year old Alaskan Malamute. She was super tempting. I hesitated because she was 10 years old and she is a freaking Malamute. She'd knock the baby over without even trying. We also don't have a fully fenced backyard yet, so...It was super hard to leave her though.

* THE KIDS LOVED THE SURPRISE DOG

Not that I didn't think they'd love having a dog again, but there were a few reactions I didn't expect. Lex was on the verge of tears and Ailey went a bit crazy.

* WE AVOIDED STOPPING FOR FAST FOOD

We had lunch before we left the house and had dinner as soon as we got home. Feels good to not spend money on fast food when there's stuff at home

* PLAYED DICE MASTERS WITH LEX AGAIN

I won. However, I'm pretty sure Lex was trying to go easy on me. On one of the last rounds he could've hit me for a lot more than he did. But because he didn't, I took him out.

The Good Stuff, Day 16

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 16: JANUARY 20, 2017

* I GOT LOTS OF REST

I woke up not feeling real well, so Eric managed to get the day off. He made sure I stayed in bed all day and got the rest I needed.

* THE REST WORKED

When I finally got out of bed around 2:00, I felt like I could function again.

* ERIC AND I FINALLY GOT TO RODIZIO

Thanks to a very generous gift card from the game store, we enjoyed a good night with wonderful food. Lots of bacon!

* I GOT DESSERT!
I tend not to eat dessert at restaurants cause it's usually overpriced and I don't have room. But thinking there was a little more money on the gift card than there was, I indulged. It was delicious so I don't even care that we had to pay for it.

* WE HAD SOME GREAT CONVERSATIONS
I always enjoy the times when we can actually talk without being interrupted and we forget what we were even discussing.

* WHEN WE GOT HOME ERIC FIXED OUR PERMANENT LIGHTS
Really it was just getting the color I wanted, but he did it - cause I just couldn't get it right. Take note: white light, isn't really a white.

* WE TOOK PICTURES TO REMEMBER THE NIGHT
True, it was at home and in our driveway and after our date, but we did it.

The Good Stuff, Day 15

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 15: JANUARY 19, 2017

My life somedays is really quite uneventful...today was one such day. But here's what little I can come up with.

* I WATCHED JACEN'S BEST FRIEND FOR A COUPLE HOURS

It helps my friend out and it gives Jacen someone to play with. He really looks forward to doing things with his "Yonah."

* I GOT SHAYLYN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITES DONE

They are super simple, but we included one of Shaylyn's newest pieces of artwork with them. She blows me away with her talent.

* WE GOT AILEY'S DONATION OF HER HAIR READY TO GO IN THE MAIL

She is still a little unsure about the whole thing and doesn't enjoy holding her old hair, but I think she liked the fact that it was getting put out of sight.

The Good Stuff, Day 14

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 14: JANUARY 18, 2017

* I TOOK A BATH TODAY

Because I didn't have to wash my hair, I decided a bath was the way to go. I still miss our jetted tub, but not the mess. But a bath beats a shower most days for me.

* ANOTHER VOICE LESSON DONE

I am finding that one song I wasn't so thrilled about is actually kind of fun and is kind of growing on me.

* I WENT TO THE STORE AND ONLY BOUGHT WHAT I WENT FOR

This might be a first in this history of my life. I only went in for 2 things and came out with 2 things. Way to go me!

* ACTIVITY DAYS WAS FUN

It's even more fun when I don't have to do the planning. We had a lesson on prayer and then we went about making rugs to remind us to pray. It'll take me probably 2 years to finish mine. HAHAHA!

* WATCHED THE KIDS BEING CRAZY

It's totally loud when they're all messing around together, but super fun as well.

The Good Stuff, Day 13

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 13: JANUARY 17, 2017

* I GOT STARTED ON FILLING UP THE COLLAGE FRAME

So it's only the part I'll put in the middle, but it's a start. Still not sure I love it though, so thinking on it.

* I MADE A SOUP FOR THE RELIEF SOCIETY/YOUNG WOMEN ACTIVITY

I normally pass on things like this because I don't feel I have anything good to offer. When they asked for soup, I immediately thought of something quick and easy and YUMMY! I lost the recipe somewhere, but thanks to my sister and the wonderful online world, I figured it out.

* I ACTUALLY MADE DINNER FOR THE KIDS

True, it was just the same soup. But, I made sure to leave some for them AND they had rolls to eat with it. I'm not so great at planning and we usually just eat whatever jumps out at me on any given day. But I actually had something planned, prepared it and all they had to do was serve themselves.

* SHAYLYN GOT TO COME TO THE ACTIVITY WITH ME

And she did so willingly. I love that she doesn't mind doing things with her mom and that she didn't mind sitting at a table with no other young women. The challenge was issued to memorize The Living Christ in sixteen weeks. The Relief Society presidency provided us with books, pictures and paragraphs to help us each week. Shaylyn and I both chose a purple book. Now let's pray my years of prepping for plays helps me out.

And I can't forget to mention that without Tanis and Lex being willing to watch the younger kids, I never would've been able to go. (Eric is at the game store on Tuesday nights)

* THERE WAS NO SOUP LEFT TO TAKE HOME

I don't really know if I consider this a good thing or a bad thing. I kinda joked that it'd be okay if there was leftovers, cause I like the soup so much. However, there was nothing left so I suppose a few other people liked it.

* THE KIDS THAT WERE HOME ACTUALLY DID AFTER DINNER JOBS WITHOUT ME BEING HOME

It was so nice to come home to a clean kitchen.

The Good Stuff, Day 12

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 12: JANUARY 16, 2017

* I TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE DAY OFF FOR THE KIDS AND HAD THEM START A NEW CHORE LIST

It went over pretty well. Only had complaints from the 6 and 8 year olds. Everyone else did what they were supposed to and made it work. 

* ERIC AND I HAD A LUNCH DATE

We had originally planned to go to Rodizio as we had a gift card, but ummm - they don't open for lunch during the week....we ended up at Applebee's instead.

* THE WAITER MADE SURE TO GIVE US THE 2 FOR $25 DEAL

We had looked at the meals for the 2 for $25, but somehow missed something. We both ordered the same size steak and then because I wanted Mozzarella Sticks, the waiter said, "I think you can get the 2 for $25 with this." Sure enough, we did.

* WE GOT SOME GROCERIES

I need to make a soup for an activity tomorrow, but while we were shopping I found a collage frame that I'm super excited about. There is an open wall space that's been making me crazy, but I think this frame will be perfect for that space. 

* PLAYED THE DICE GAME WITH LEX, AGAIN

It was a super close game, but I won in the end. I'm telling you, that's not normal for me.

* I GOT ON TOP OF MY GAME FOR THE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK DESIGNER I 'WORK' FOR

For a few months, it seems every one of us on her team were just busy. So the blog side of things went down the drain. With the start of the new year she wanted to be more on top of things and asked for all of us to do the same. I'm the blog editor and part of my job is to get the schedule planned out ahead of time. Well I got February's schedule up and running. Yay!!!

* I FINISHED MY POETRY BOOK SELECTION FOR JANUARY

Some of Poe's works are really hard to read, so I was thankful the book wasn't very long. But I am super proud I finished mid-month. I should probably start on February's selection so that it's actually done by March. HAHAHA!

The Good Stuff, Day 11

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 11: JANUARY 15, 2017

* WE MADE IT TO CHURCH

We were late again, but we made it

* MY LESSON WENT GREAT

My primary lesson went well. I've been blessed with a great class this year and an awesome helper and the kids seemed to really pay attention.

* WE HAD A QUIET DAY AT HOME

* I PLAYED GAMES WITH ALMOST ALL THE KIDS

It started with a dice game, where I lost some and won some. We ended with a version of Love Letter called Adventure Time: Love Letter and I won.

* OUR HOME TEACHERS CAME

One of our best friends is our home teacher and so I find it kind of funny that he actually comes to visit. But, he knows the value of fulfilling this calling correctly and makes sure that we know he cares. They shared a very good lesson and enjoyed the visit. 

The Good Stuff, Day 10

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 10: JANUARY 14, 2017

* WE DID A GOOD DEED FOR ERIC'S BROTHER/MOM

The car got a flat tire. While his brother put the spare tire on, a new tired needed to be bought. Eric's mom is out of state and couldn't do it, but wanted it done at Costco. Eric's brother isn't a member, so we took the drive and got new tires on the car.

* WE HAD COSTCO PIZZA FOR LUNCH

* WE AVOIDED CAR ACCIDENTS

People in the area we were in DO NOT know how to drive and there were a few times an accident could've happened, but it didn't, so we were good.

* WE MANAGED TO GET SOME LONG JOHNS FOR LEX

He thinks he should go on a winter campout or something...

* ERIC AND I HAD A FUN NIGHT PLAYING A D&D KNOCKOFF GAME

It's called Mutants and Masterminds and it's D&D with superheroes. I'm a psychic character and had an awesome time flinging incapacitated minions at their villian master. Don't ask me why I decided to play. Partly it's so that I can spend more time with my husband.

The Good Stuff, Day 9

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 9: JANUARY 13, 2017

* I GOT TO MEET MY NEW NIECE

And a huge shout out to Eric for being my driver. To get to the hospital it required travelling on the freeway and to an extremely crazy, busy city. Not to mention it was dark and winter. HAHAHA. But my niece is such a cutie and definitely looks like she belongs.

* WE GOT CHICK-FIL-A FOR DINNER

* MY CHICKEN SANDWICH WAS SHAPED LIKE A HEART
Totally just means it was meant for me.

* TANIS WENT ON HIS FIRST DATE UNCHAPERONED BY MOM & DAD, AND IT WAS A BLIND DATE

He's not the take charge kind of kid, so I was thankful one of his buddies set the whole thing up. The original plan was to go bowling, but when the kid realized he didn't have any money - they figured out something else to do. They played board games and then made cookies. Tanis said he had a lot of fun.

* I WAS IN BED BY ABOUT 10:00

This is very rare, but things worked out so nicely that I was able to get to bed early. Wish I could say I slept well - but I'll take what I can get.

The Good Stuff, Day 8

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 8: JANUARY 12, 2017

* ZACH WAS IN BETTER SPIRITS

He still had a couple of messy diapers, but he was more like himself and played for quite a bit today. Not so much snuggling happening.

* ALL THE KIDS WENT TO BED AT A GOOD TIME

This gave Eric and I a chance to relax and watch a show before bed without interruptions.

* LAUNDRY SCHEDULE WAS ON TRACK

* I SHOVELED THE DRIVEWAY AND SIDEWALKS

I was thankful it was fairly wet snow, it made it easy to remove.

* JACE WAS SUPER POLITE

I did something super simple for Jace this morning, but he said thank-you.

* MY NIECE WAS BORN

We've all been awaiting her arrival and are glad she was a girl. The boys outnumber the girls in this family, so it was fun to have another girl. I can't wait to meet her!