*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear new year's day 2018!  

My top nine photos on Instagram this year:

Facebook made this collage of my top photos but it's hard to see:

The new year started off pretty early even though I got to bed so late.  I wish I could just sleep 7 or 8 hours a night.  But noooooo........ Miss Menopause has taken over.  It's called meno"pause" because there is such a pause in the sleep pattern now.  But, it is what it is and I do fine until about 7 or 8 pm.  I feel like my parents!  Hah  I used to accomplish so much more in the late hours, but I can kiss that out the window now! I am ready for bed by then!  I turned on the parade and watched a bit of that, but Carson wanted to play and so we did.  Then I went on a short five mile run.  It was pretty chilly.  This photo has a dead snake in it.  I have run over it a million times and never noticed it before.  It's petrified but very much a snake.  Just goes to show you how much we miss in this world that is right in front of us.

It's been such a mild winter this year. I am very grateful for that.  Not fun to train for a marathon in winter no matter what, but much better when the roads aren't snowpacked and icy.  When I got home, McKay and Carson were watching Cinderella.  My boys are so good to hang out with him when I'm gone.  But he's so fun to be around, they love it.  I was hoping to get my Christmas put away today, but decided to spend the time having fun with the fam instead.  We went to see Jumanji at Walker's.  It was REALLY good!  It had it's parts, but that's hard to avoid anymore, but it was funny and entertaining.  

I had to take Carson to the restroom three times, but other than that, we had a good time.  We all went.  Dave, Sky, Sarah, Taylor, McKay, me and Carson.  We came home and hung out.

My word for the year post is HERE.

I choose the word FOCUS for 2018, for many reasons.  

My Boston Marathon training plan for the next four months.

dear death of a prophet, 

Today was a sad day.  President Thomas S. Monson, our church President and prophet passed away today.  He has not been doing too well lately and so it is a blessing, but he will be sorely missed.  He was one incredible man.  I am in awe of his life which was filled with service.  He was made Bishop when he was 22 years old!  Served as a mission president at age 31.  And an apostle when he was only 36!  His life was one, that if even a fraction of it we emulated, we would find ourselves in good standing.  He set the bar very high.  I feel very fortunate that I was able to meet him on two separate occasions.  The first time was when he was a member of the First Presidency and came to our ward because his brother Scott was a member of our ward and when Scott's son, Scottie returned from his mission, he came to his homecoming address.  I remember Skyler was nine years old at the time and I wanted him to be able to meet him.  So, I figured that Pres. Monson would leave the meeting before it actually ended to avoid having everyone swarm him as I am sure he was on a tight schedule.  I decided to take a chance and take Skyler out in the hall by the drinking fountain in case he left early and he walked down that particular hall.  There were four halls and six doors he could have used and so I just took a chance with that one.  I choose the right one thankfully, and within a few minutes he came out the chapel doors and walked down the hall where we were standing.  He was looking straight ahead and focused on the door as he walked passed me and so in order to get his attention I had to say, "President Monson, my son Skyler would really like to meet you!"  He stopped immediately and put all his focus on Skyler and shook his hand and said something which I can't remember now, but what a moment!  Too bad I didn't take all the boys out, but they were pretty young.  I wish I would have taken Tyson though.  He would have been six.  But it was an memorable experience.  

This is a photo from his funeral that was posted on social media of his brother Scott and his family (who was in our ward).

Then when his best friend Jack H. (who also lived in our ward), passed away, he came to his funeral.  Dave was Bishop at the time and so he was asked to help escort him when he arrived.  They had the parking lot set up and reserved just for his car and Dave had to wait for his arrival.  I had Taylor and McKay with me this time hoping they could meet him.  They were communicating via radio and as we were waiting for him to pull in his designated spot, they received communication he was going to the other side of the building.

So, I made the boys run to the other hall with me.  I can't remember how it all worked out, but I believe he ended up parking in the spot originally reserved after we had ran to the other side.  We ended up not meeting him as he arrived but shortly after as he walked down the hall by our ward library.  Dave was with him and he stopped and introduced us to him.  Dave said, "President I would like you to meet my wife and boys."  He stopped and shook our hands.  Dave told him Taylor had just been called to Brazil to serve his mission and he stopped, and had the funniest look on his face and said, "Good luck getting that Visa!  You may be waiting for a very long time!  I will put in a good word for you!'  Haha  He was so cute.  He has one the funniest sense of humors of any church leader I know.   I truly wish I would have got a photo of him with us or at least with the boys, but I didn't dare push it.  However, when he went into the chapel for the funeral, I was sitting on the side on a bench with Dave's sister Linda and I got out my phone to sneakily take a photo of him and Dave together but my sneakiness back fired on me.  I forgot to turn off the flash!  YES!  Here is the  Bishop's wife sitting in the audience in the chapel and she takes a photo WITH A FLASH!  At a funeral!  I about died!  Linda was dying. I was dying.  But we were also giggling under our breath because we couldn't believe I did that!  Oh. My. Gosh!  But in the end it was worth it because I got a great photo!  One I will always cherish!  And I don't think anyone really noticed except Dave. ☺ 

I also got this one of him sitting next to him.  Both are blurry because I was trying to be inconspicuous.  I did get a bit of a lecture after by Dave for doing that.  But he knows me too well.  I had to document it for posterity!  It was an incredible experience. More so for Dave because he got to be with him the entire time. They told him he was in charge of his safety even though he had his body guards with him.  BIG responsibility!  He also was invited attend the family prayer.  

I didn't take this ↑ photo.  I can't remember who did, but it was given to me.  Anyway, it was a once in a lifetime experience.  

Our home teacher sent me this one.

Dave has met several of the brethren.  He actually took care of President Benson when he was the prophet when Dave was doing his internship at LDS Hospital.  That is a story for another day though.  

President Monson, you will be missed.  

Til' we meet again....

To read a short version of his amazing life go HERE.
And check out this short video of him below ↓

dear tuesday, I got up and practiced my harp to get ready for my lesson.  I headed out and it was really chilly today.  My lesson went pretty well.  She was very happy with my pieces and how far I've come.  I am almost in Book Two. I asked her how long it takes most people to get through Book One and she said that it depends, but anywhere between nine months (she has one student actually do that she said) and 10 years. She also had one take ten years. She said I should feel very good about it taking me less than two years.  She said two years is a good time.  I am starting on Canon in D!  Yay!  That song has always spoke to me and I have dreamed of learning it on the harp even before I started to take lessons.  Some day it may come in handy when I am asked to play at a wedding.  haha  After my lesson, I headed to make a few returns and try to find Dave a leather jacket for his birthday on Sunday.  His current one is literally falling apart but he still wears it!  Gah!  I also went to Costco for lunch (aka their samples!).  Definitely fills you up!   I probably should have stayed and got more done (birthday gifts for Dave, my Mom and Dad, and Sarah), but I wanted to get home and spend time with the boys. Dave was on call this week and so he was pretty late getting home.  I am sad the boys have to go back next week.  I love having them home.  


dear wednesday, I got in a five miler again today.  I ran to the high school and found my first penny for the new year (among a few other coins!).  I found another one on the way back.  

I put away Christmas today but it took me all day because I ended up going to the orthodontist twice and the dentist twice today.  What happened is I had an ortho appointment today and I was SO excited because I'm done with my aligners!  When Clark looked at my teeth, he asked if I was happy and I said the only thing bugging me was the little triangle hole between two of my front teeth that makes it look like I have a poppy seed stuck there.  He agreed and so thought about going longer with the aligners but didn't think he could close it all the way plus he would have to manipulate the bottom teeth more and I really wanted to be done.  He then had a great idea of seeing if my dentist could put a bit of a composite filling there to close it.  He wasn't sure if he could because it might be too noticeable etc.  So he sent me over to Dr. Mac's to see what he thought.  He was nice enough to take a look and wasn't sure if he could but he wanted to do a sample one to see so he asked me to come back when he had a space later that day.  I went back at 4:00 and I was happy with the sample and so I am going to have it done after I get my teeth whitened to the shade I want them.  Then I went back to Clark to have him remove the attachments and put in my bottom permanent retainer.  I will go get a mold done for my upper once I have the composite in.  So, I had my ortho at 2:00 and went to the dentist at 2:30 and then again at 4:00 and back to the ortho about 4:30.  I was there on my last ortho visit for about an hour and so I spent a lot of time today in a dentist chair.  But it was worth it because I AM DONE with the aligners and I am very happy with my teeth!  For some reason the triangle shape that was bothering me is completely gone!  Not sure how, but my teeth look like before and that was the one thing that was making me feel discouraged. But now they are back...AND straight!  I am so happy with them.  I might even say those two and half years were actually worth it!  hah  I really am impressed with Clark as well as Dr. MacArthur.  I think I have the best in both.  I was in such a happy mood and kept looking in the mirror and smiling.  Wow!  It was a long two and a half years and a lot of the time I wasn't sure if it was going to be worth it, but today I am sure happy it was!  I don't have a good photo of my new smile yet, so I'll have to use this bad one for now, but here's the before and after of my teeth.

I finished putting away Christmas and put up my snowmen.  I didn't get a chance to get my mom's calendar started yet.  Gah. I must get moving on that!  I was ready for bed by 8 PM!  I need to start sleeping past 3:30 AM so I can stop this!

dear thursday, I got in a five miler again this morning. I probably should stretch it to 7 or 8 but most mornings I am lucky to have time for a five. 

Hard to tell, but there were the prettiest little ice crystals on this board walk.

I took Taylor and McKay shopping today. McKay needed a new suit (long story) and a few clothes and Taylor needed some shoes.  We hit Costco first in hopes the samples would curb their appetite until lunch time.  They found some things there and McKay was raving about Costco. I am not sure if he had ever really shopped there before.  We then hit Men's Wearhouse but their sales were all at Christmas and so since I was not going to spend $800 on a suit, we moved on.  We went to JCP and actually found one for him.  He always ends up with the first thing he tries on.  The prices were not as low as they had been but I figured it was worth it in time because I had no idea when I would get him back out shopping.  Taylor never found any shoes but got some pants for church and some Levis.  We hit Ross, TJMaxx, Sears, and a couple more.  We ate at Rumbi.  They were patient and it was actually a lot of fun.  

Since I was gone all day, Dave made soup and a salad to take to his parents. I made RK treats the night before and we took some french bread. 

We had corn chowder and my leftover Tuscano soup for dinner.  I had a meeting for Stake YW sports at 6 PM.  It was just Ayako, me and the new leader, Ann.  We planned out Hoop Shoot for next week.  I came home and Dave was still not home.  I made the boys dinner and then I crashed pretty early again.  I watched a couple episodes of This is Us.  I am way behind. It's a really good series.  I honestly do not know where people find the time to watch all of these series on TV.  

dear friday, I debated whether to do my long run (13 miler) today or tomorrow.  But it looks like it's going to be raining/snowing tomorrow and so I decided to do it today.  The only problem was I had to break it up because I had a dentist appt at 11:30 to get my whitening trays made.  So, I got in eight miles and then went to my appt. and did five more after.  It wasn't too bad, but I was so done by the time I got home.  I am not sure how much longer I can keep training for fulls.  It's going to be especially bad this round because Robin is not training.  Hopefully, Sherrie will run the longs ones with me.  

I gave Taylor a haircut (much needed one) and then ran and tried to finish shopping for Dave and Sarah's birthday. I didn't have much luck.  When I got home Taylor was gone on a date and McKay was at a hockey game in SLC. Taylor and his date actually went there too.  

I practiced my harp (Canon in D) and then offered to go get Carson at the shop where Sky and Sarah were building Dave something for his birthday.  Dave ended up picking him up on his way home.  He was so cute as always.  He definitely brightens things up around here. I just love that little guy so much.  We played and played and played.  The boys are so cute with him too.  Then we went up and watched Cinderella. I could hardly keep my eyes open and when I saw the time I realized why. It was 11:37 PM!  He slept on my chair.  It felt so good to hit the hay!

Ice melts Shopko had out.  So pretty!

dear saturday,  100 days to Boston! 

Bryce was here when we woke up!  It was so good to see him.  Carson woke up pretty early too.  

I headed out and got in five miles before it started to rain/snow too hard. I got a bit wet and it was chilly, but so happy I did my 13 yesterday instead of today because it was pretty miserable.  I came home and Carson wanted to play so I hurried and showered and had him help me make chicken salad.  I tried out a new recipe, though it's very similar to mine.  It was good.  I needed to add some Maddox seasoning to it to give it a bit more flavor though.

CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE 

6 cups cooked chicken (make sure you season it as cook it or use rotisserie)

2 cups diced celery

1 small can water chestnuts diced

2 cups mayonnaise 

1/2 cup lemonade

1/2 cup diced green onion

1 cup diced grapes

1 cup sliced almonds

2 tsp salt (I season my chicken good so maybe a little less salt) 

2 tsp garlic powder

1 can chow mein noodles added right before serving (optional) 

We played and then I headed to the store to get stuff to make my Wok dinner for Dave and Sarah's birthday tomorrow. It was really snowing!  It was so pretty.  We haven't had much snow this year at all.  It was so nice having ALL the boys here!  I played with Carson in the playroom for quite a while and then we made cookies and then I practiced the piano and worked on my lesson a bit. 

He helped me practice.  He wants to be by my side every minute and so I had him play the high notes instead of the low ones. I was still able to practice that way.  haha  He's so cute.

CJ came over and we all watched the Ram's game.  Sky made chicken wings and they were so good!  It was fun all hanging out together.  

Carson's tie was too small (wouldn't go around his head) and so I had to cut it and add elastic....well, I ended up dropping the foot on my sewing machine and it broke. A part flew off and I was sure it was toast and I would need a new sewing machine.  Sarah ended up fixing it!  I have no idea how she did it. I was totally amazed!  She is a very smart person and has a gift for things like that.  I am still in awe she did it and so fast and like it was no big deal.  Sky was impressed too.


dear sunday, I told Dave Happy Birthday at 5 AM before he left for his meetings.  Then laid there until Carson came in about 7 AM.  We played with Mr. Cat and did a bit of cleaning. 

Carson attacking McKay

I then cut up veggies for the Wok dinner I'm making later.  Then ironed McKay's and Taylor's new church clothes and while I was at it, I ironed ALL their clothes that needed it.  I was ironing for an hour at least.  Reminded me of when all my boys were little and I spent a good deal of Sunday's ironing their white shirts.  I know, I know, that should be done on Saturday or earlier in the week, but I'm being real here.  There was NO time to do it yesterday and so I guess the Ox was in the mire?  No excuse, I know.  But it is what it is.  I then worked on my Sunday School lesson. I have a new class today and I feel a bit of pressure.  I practiced the piano for RS. Lucky me, I got one of the hardest songs in the book and I'm pretty sure I will slaughter it.  Sigh...  I also made Dave's birthday cake and trying to figure out one for Sarah since it's her birthday also and I want her to feel special.  Sky was going to make her one last night, but we couldn't find a good version with good reviews.  It was the copycat PF Chang chocolate raspberry one.  So...now I am out of time and not sure what to do.  I colored with Carson and told Dave he needed to entertain him or I would not be going to church today because I wouldn't be able to get it all done.  Luckily, he did for a bit.  I still need to vacuum and dust and clean the bathrooms for the party tonight with his family and mine.  I also am frustrated because the tree didn't get taken down Friday or Saturday when I had all this help here but everyone has been so busy.  I need a short one so I can just do it myself without depending on others help.  So, I want to do that before the party, but it will be a huge mess and cause me stress.  Not sure which is worse....stress today with help, or stress tomorrow because I have to do it alone.  No boys will be here tomorrow and since they all leave tonight, I really think I need to just get it done.  Even though I probably won't have it all perfect before his party.  There is just not enough hours in the day. 

McKay in his new suit.  Sorry it's blurry.  He had his eyes closed in the only other one.

Church was really good.  Carson fell asleep the last five minutes of sacrament.  Our church now goes from 1-4 and so I'm sure many little ones were snoozing. 

Abby (one of his teachers) posted this last week on IG.  I thought it was so adorable I had to steal it!

My new SS class is great! I am really looking forward to this year.  They are all so cute and fun.  We did a lot of getting to know you things this week but the lesson part went well.  However, I totally slaughtered the opening song in Relief Society.  When I say slaughter, I mean slaughter!  Worse than I have ever done!  I just needed more time to practice and it didn't help that Julie E (who is a great pianist) said to me right before I started to play it, "Good luck with that song!  I refuse to ever play it.  It's the hardest one in the book!"  Yeah.  I. Know.  I guess if I had been smart, I would have just changed the dang song!  Especially sing the chorister didn't show up anyway. 10-15 years ago, it would have taken me a LONG time to get over messing up that bad, but it's funny how even though I was embarrassed about it, I really am fine with it.  I know most people won't remember it in a year and so why should I stress about it?   I grabbed cute Carson and we headed home.  Once home, I worked on the dinner, two cakes, cleaning, wrapping presents, etc.  McKay and I got in a little confrontation that wasn't expected, but we worked it out for the most part.  The dinner was yummy.  I haven't made my Wok dinner in quite a long time. It's Dave's favorite but it takes a good two hours to make.  

I had to add the outtake ones too ↓ Haha

After we got the dishes done, everyone showed up for the party.  We sang to Sarah first, and then Dave.  Carson helped blow out their candles.  The cakes were yummy.  I do love cake.  Since it was fast Sunday, I didn't feel guilty for eating a little bit of both.  

After everyone left, the boys (on their own without being asked) went to town taking off the ornaments and getting the tree out and even vacuuming up the needles which were EVERYWHERE!  I was so impressed at how everyone helped and it got done so fast.  If they hadn't helped, I would be doing it alone tomorrow and it would take me hours.  SO grateful for their help.  Bryce had to take off to head back to Idaho.

Shenanigans with Carson

We finally opened Dave and Sarah's presents and then everyone else left.  As part of her gift, we gave Sarah a Jim Shore Belle figurine.  I think she liked it!  Dave and I were alone!  Felt weird. So quiet, but kind of nice after a few crazy weeks! 

dear random, 

Taylor will have his BA degree in the spring!

McKay posted this as a memory from his mission.

Ahhh.....

A few snaps from my nieces

McKay's Friendmas feast at Bear Lake.  Pretty impressive for a bunch of college boys!

Gotta love it!  Just call me Jodido!

Bryce's snaps

Taylor got seats to go see his boy LaBron play the Jazz.

McKay DJ'd a single's dance on New Year's Eve.  He made dang good money too!

Not a bad heritage...

dear quotes, 

♥♥♥