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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 7

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 7: JANUARY 11, 2017

* I WENT TO MY VOICE LESSON

After probably a good month off (for various reasons on my part and the teachers), I finally got back. I got to choose new music, which I'm not thrilled about, but I think they will be good songs that will challenge me and force me to work on technique a little more.

* I HAD A NAP

I had a headache starting and hadn't slept well, so I was tired. As soon as Zach went down for his nap, I took one too. It was only possible because Eric was working from home so he could keep an eye on Jace. I woke up headache free.

* LOTS OF SNUGGLE TIME, AGAIN

Zach still isn't feeling well and just wanted to snuggle. I didn't complain too much. I would've snuggled with him while I took my nap, but he tosses and turns way too much!

* KEPT UP ON LAUNDRY

This is huge for me. When we first moved in, I had a great schedule for laundry. It was easy and I kept up on it easily. Eventually, life got in the way and it all went down the chute. Recently, I've been able to get back on track and I'm doing good keeping up.

* I GOT NATE TO PACK MEETING

Nate loves Scouts and I don't love Pack Meeting. About a half hour before Pack Meeting, I realized it was Pack Meeting and I remembered Nate talking about Scouts yesterday. So, even though I couldn't go (snuggly baby, couldn't go anywhere) I found a friend who was willing to take him with her boys. I'm so thankful for her and her friendship.

* HAD A FUN NIGHT WITH THE KIDS

After dinner, I just took some time to interact with a few of the kids. I watched Shaylyn play a memory game with Jace that he got for Christmas. I watched Zach playing for a bit (medicine does wonders), even being slightly naughty. Lex had me laughing with McNugget names he came up with for the family members. Some of which include: McCubNugget, McAwesomeNugget, McFunNugget, McPrettyNugget, McFartNugget and a couple others I don't want to mention. I got the choice of: McMomNugget, McOldNugget or McHairNugget.

* I MADE LUNCH

Usually when Eric is home, I let him figure out lunch. He likes to eat earlier than I do, so it just happens that way. Today, I figured it out and made it AND surprised Eric. It was simple, Grilled Cheese. But it was delicious!

The Good Stuff, Day 4

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 4: JANUARY 8, 2017

* We woke up late, but still went to church.

When you have church at 9 and you wake up at 8:15, chances are you'll just forego going to church for that day. But I've wanted to do better this year, so we still got ready and got there as soon as we could. We made it just in time for Primary and Sunday School. Guess I better start setting an alarm.

* I finished my book.

* I took a nap.

* I cleaned the kitchen.

* Shaylyn asked to play a singing game with me.

The Good Stuff, Day 3

THE GOOD STUFF - DAY 3: JANUARY 7, 2017

* I had the chance to go to lunch with my 2 bestest friends.

It had been a long time since we'd all been together, so it was awesome. And can I just say how great my husband is? In order for one of my friends to go, she needed someone to watch 3 of her boys. When I asked Eric if he was okay with that, he said yes. He also made sure he made their sandwiches and got them fed!

* We got free dessert!!!

And we didn't even have to complain.

* I had a yummy smoothie with lunch.

And I made sure I sent a picture to Shaylyn to 'brag' since she loves strawberries. She replied in Chinese 'curses'. I love that we can joke around like that.

* Shaylyn and I accidentally twinned.

I left the house while Shaylyn was getting ready and she got in the shower while I was getting ready, so we didn't see each other until I got home from a baby shower. We laughed about it and I love that she doesn't mind matching her mom. I got my outfit for my birthday and Santa brought one for Shaylyn.

* I almost finished my book.

* Eric stopped at the store on his way home from the game store and bought me a pair of ear phones.

It's something I've needed, but never remember to get for myself when I'm at the store. So the fact he remembered was so awesome.