September 2018- December 2021

2018

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 23^rd – Primary program I say “I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.

OCTOBER

Thursday 4^th – spirit week at school. M- crazy hair- we did a donut bun complete with plate and white felt frosting and sprinkles. T- hero- she dressed as Owlette from P.J. Mask. W- twin day “but I don't have anyone.” so Mom and the boys dresses the same as me with our Nef reunion shirts and pigtails. Thurs- Spirit Day- blue and gold and hair braided in a W for Wendell.

Tuesday 16^th – Mom fell on the icy steps. She was scared it might effect the baby in her tummy and went to the doctor. I fall and know it hurts. “I fell too. You just have to be brave and breath.”

Saturday 20^th - Beautiful fall day moving cows for Carson. Moving them off the dessert I was on a 4-wheeler with Mom. “Dad is so much better at this than you.” Why cuz he does fast and reckless. “yup!” Then we used horses to take them across the road and over to some guys pivot. We brought our mini pony's to ride. A few memorable moments. Mom trimmed fuzzballs foot a little short just before we started. Slobber took off with Axel who was not letting go even though he was sideways and flying under Carson colt. The tire fell off Dads 4-wheeler. She used his weight to still drive it back to the road behind us. Mace fell asleep and went on the back of moms 4 wheeler. So I led Fuzz on Diamond. On the way home I wisely told everyone “this is one of those things you do so you have something to tell your kids when your older.”

Saturday 27^th – I had a field trip at Tubbs Berry Farm Thursday and it was so fun. I finally convinced mom to take us for Dad's birthday. The Maze is 2 ton bales high. You can find punches for your ticket if you do the whole maze. They can be traded for a treat. In the middle is 2 big tarp slides. Bounce houses. Corn kernel pit, corn cannons, train ride, petting zoo, rubber duck rain gutter races, pumpkin checkers, photo booth, and more.

Wednesday 31^st – We look Incredible in our Incredible costumes. Red leggins, with black underwear and a red T-shirt Mom painted the Logo on with black felt masks. We even have the perfect number and gender and close ages. Mom and the boys came to my class party in costume. We took the haunted trailer to the ward trunk or treat. We also won the “group or family” category of the costume contest.

NOVEMBER

Sunday 18^th – I gave my first solo primary talk on 10 leapers and thankfulness. After church we had a chicken miracle. Last week a wild dog ate the last 3 of Moms chickens so we spent all week moving and rebuilding a new coop by the road for next years chick days. Dad helped us re-stretch the wire Saturday. Today Mom found Banty with 5 chicks. Cart and Brendon called with a gender reveal. All sucking on lollipops. Pulled it out and it was PINK> Baler was excited “look look a sucker” not sure he gets it.

Saturday 24^th - Thanksgiving was at the Kellys. Grandpa Marc made a hay bale fort maze for us. That's were we played for 2 days. Today we took family pictures. Nothing fancy just Moms camera balanced on the 4-wheeler rack. It was so cold we are all in coats but it's us. Mom asked what our favorite memory of the weekend was. We had to preface with “Ok but Grandma didn't even get mad at us when we told her so....” we found a tunnel in the haystack and were daring each other to push farther into it. I'm one of the littlest so I think it was me.

Monday 26^th- ITS A GIRL!!! We got silly sting cans with no label. It was dark so we got to sprey it in the kitchen. It made a huge mess. When it came out it was pink. I knew what that was and started screaming. Girl! Girl! Mace was sad “I wanna boy baby” No way “I've waited basally my whole life for a sister.!”

DECEMBER

Tuesday 4^th – we were fighting over the colored pink plastic plate at dinner. Mom took it and threatened to throw it away if we didn't knock it off. Then it snapped in her hands. We were all shocked. Well that solves it no more fighting. Now were consoling each other. Funny how that works.

Wednesday 5^th - Grandma Pam got honored at Farm Bureau luncheon in Boise for women of the year district 2. They made a little slide show of all the winners. We all went. 12 grand-kids watching her on T.V. Whispering “your famous” they had lots of free stuff like measuring cups, writing pads, cutting board. The food was Ok. The coffee cake was yucky. It's fun to get all dressed up and be with cousins.

Friday 7^th - On the way home from F.B. Granma pam stopped to visit and babysit so Mom and Dad can go to the company party. She helped us finish tieing Dads chricstmas present. A levi quilt with our faces in the middle. Mom has a snowman shirt that is so funny with her big tummy. It looks real.

Tuesday 18^th - Axel and I are very competitive. We got out the hula hoops. It took Ax a few hours to learn how but then we did on the neck, leg, arm. We made up a new song “A Zombie got ran over by a lawnmower coming to my house Christmas eve.”

Monday 24^th – First snow. Not enough to sled in and hardly enough to play in. We had to shovel snow together to make one dirty, melty snow-thing. I also wrote a story about our snowman in my school journal “at chrismas me and my famly made a snow man it wus five fit tall my dad helpt me and mi bruvrs jumt on it my dad cech me me and mi dad and mi mom mid a new one it wus a good day.”

Tuesday 25^th - CHRISTMAS!!!! We tried waking our parents up at 3, 4, 5.... finally 5:30 they let us get up. Our $5 gift we shopped for a few days ago was the ones we all wanted to give. Mace gave Axel a basketball, spider man, and jello-mold. Axel gave me a basket, body board, and Elsa-Anna Topsy-turvy doll. I gave mom a mothers poem, and bright yellow high heels. Mom got Dad the Host book, and 2^nd hobbit movie. Dad had Mace and got a ride on truck and Nerf gun.

Thursday 27^th - Grandma and grandpa wanted to get memories not gifts for Christmas. We all met at a Hotel. We had pizza and games in the storage room/ conference room. We got matching Pjs.

Friday 28^th - we got passes to the Provo Rec center. Racquetball, wall-ball, and basketball. There is a day care play center Mom put us in for 2 hours block. I didn't want to leave all the fun toys. But then she said we could go swimming. It has a lazy river, 2 big slides, a high rock diving board and a big toy. They had to pull us out. We had dinner at Golden Corral. We ate and talked for 2 hours. My favorite was the chocolate fountain.

Saturday 29^th - family photo shoot. Then we hit Trafalga one last time on the way out before our cards expire.

Monday 31^st- Brooke, Mike, Rhett and Emily came for games. I was pooped and put myself to bed at 10. Emily threw up at 11:30. She also got slime in her hair and cut a big chunk out with no one seeing until we found it the next day. The boys were on a sugar high and had to be wrested to bed after midnight. Happy New Year

Christmas Card

This year started like a bad country song. The dishwasher quit, Mace broke his leg, we got scammed, Preston and I were both in the hospital at different times, The dog died. On and On. By April I feared getting out of bed in the morning. Through it all we have felt such love and support from family and friends. And took comfort in the Lord and his plan. “look unto me in every thought: doubt not, fear not. And all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 6:36 & 122:7) It really got us counting our blessings. First and foremost being our children.
Katana is 7. 1st grade. Best parts of the day: lunch time (chocolate milk), recess and P.E. Reads well and doodles on all her papers. Very creative.
Axel is 5. The big man around the house. Everything he does is slow and steady. Endless energy and ambition if we can get him to focus.
Mace turned 3 Dec.2. Everyone loves Mac-aroni. Full of hugs, smiles and mischief. The heart of our family. He does/says the darnedest things.
Preston is secure in his job with Freedom Electric and just tolerates his calling over Scouts in the YM.
I am trying to hold it together as Primary secretary and Homemaking Goddess. We are relieved we survived this year and are hopeful for the potential of next. See you there.
Love The KELLY's =Preston, Sierra, Katana, Axel, Mace.  Tears of sorrow and joy shared @ Kelly-Klan.blogspot.com.

2019

JANUARY

Friday 4^th - Conference announced changes in how you advance in primary. I turn 8 this year so even though I'm only 7 I get to start going to activity days. My leader is Hillary Rogers. She is Brendons cousin.

Wednesday 16^th - Syringa had her baby. I am jealous I want mine here too. Happy birthday Azalyn Maureen Proctor 12:57 Pm 7 lbs 10 oz. 20 in. Maureen is Greg's Moms name who passes away.

Saturday 19^th – met up with JD family, The Kimballs, Guy and Juanita at a play place in I.F. for Rhetts birthday . The play area was crazy hot. No possible air flow behind the plexy glass wall. We were all sweating and hot and tired when it came time for pizza.

Sunday 20^th – Stayed at JD's last night. Brody Nef gives his homecoming speech in chruch in Ammon. Aunt JoAnn had a Waffle bar brunch.

FEBRUARY

Thursday 14^th – made mom a valentines card. “I luve you siaru kelly I love you mom so much mom hapi valintins frum katana”

Friday 15^th – last week Dad and Axel got to go winter camping with Dan and the twins. The rest of us want a date. Mine was today. He asked me properly last night so I could have time to get ready. Pick my outfit, curl my hair. He took me to lunch at the Burnt Lemon then Bowling.

Saturday 16^th – I like to read and am starting to write. Mom found a note to Axel and we had a talk. “You rae in danr run for yur lif katana.” I guess I shouldn't sign my name to everything.

Thursday 21^st – mom was watching cartoons with us and commented that she'd never noticed what an addict scooby was. Axel didn't know that work. I did “ its when you spend all your money on scooby snacks and have to live in a van.”

MARCH

Saturday 2^nd – Azalyn is getting blessed tomorrow. So we met the Proctors at temple square. We walked around and got to go in some of the buildings. One had kids stations like a pioneer kitchen, coloring table and a green screen. Going to their house the dads took the van and we got to ride the train from Salt lake to Provo.

Saturday 23^rd – Dad put an electric fence up in the corner of our neighbors pivot. We got a “shocking” lesson on how to climb over without touching it or quickly recover if we do. They promise it wont actually kill us. We took a shower and plugged the drain so it was like a half bath. Mom opened the door and flooded her bathroom and part of the bedroom. She was not as impressed as we were.

Sunday 24^th – mom is so big I can't put my arm all the way around her. We took some pictures hugging the baby bump. I like to feel my sister kick me.

Saturday 30^th – Kelly's branding weekend. Mom would be no help so she stayed home. We didn't really help either. There is too many cousins and fun things to do instead.

APRIL

Thursday 4^th – Hello to new cousin. Zaleah Amy Hatfield 8lbs 4oz 201/2 in. 8:04 Am.

Saturday 6^th - I love conference and I'm really good at listening for words. We helped mom hang laundry and chase butterfly's. I wrote about it in my school journal. “ In sumr I wint outsid me and mace and axel went autsid we sow a jragran fli mace and axel ran in the fild it wus hlaeris!”

Wednesday 10^th – Mom and dad left really early. 4am. To be induced. But the hospital was full so they came home. Its chick days. Jerome was out. Grandpa Calvin was in Buhl and got the last 12 chicks. They are so cute.Then around 4pm. The hospital called and said they could go back. Grandma Dixie is in Vegas with McCarty and her new baby. Grandma Pam and Grandpa Marc are staying with us. I didn't want to go to sleep but mom's still working on it.

Thursday 11^th – My Baby sister was born at 1:46 Am 7 lbs 11 oz 20 ½ in head 35.5. in. We named her ZARA KELLY. We got to go visit her first thing. I was nervous seeing mom in the hospital bed but really excited to see my sister. Once I held her I said I'd never put her down. We left with the Kelly's. It's Kylins baptism on Saturday so they will watch us and go to that while mom recovers. Dad will come for us once he gets Mom home.

Sunday 14^th – Got home late last night and wanted to hold my baby first thing. I was the first by her bassinet this morning. Her belly button fell off in the sink bath. Grandma Dixie came Friday to help and left as we headed to church.

Sunday 21^st – Wednesday Timbers family came to see the baby on the way to Grandma Dixie's. She convinced mom to let us go with them. Cousins, swimming, boating and Easter hunt in grand view.

Tuesday 23^rd – the 15^th the baby had a bilirubin level of 18. she was born 7.11 left the hospital at 7.4 and was then 6.15. Mom opted out of hospitalization and into a Billi light. She looks like a firefly. Our little glow bug. Thankfully it's a blanket not a bed so we still hold her a lot. Today her levels are 7lb. 2Oz and 7. so we gave back the light.

MAY

Thursday 9^th – Cinco de mayo dinner and program after school last week was Zaras first trip out. Today I did a mothers day program. After I got to show all my friends my sister.

Saturday 18^th - last week JD's family came to visit to see Zara. This week it's the Proctors. We get to see Azalyn too. Shes bigger than my baby and she kicks and swings her arms a lot. Axel says “excited and movie.” I like to hold her too cuz she smiles and talks at me. Comparative my baby looks dead. She's always sleeping.

Thursday 23^rd – last day of school Mom loved my journal entries.

(select excerpts from School Journal spelling included)

2-5-what will you do in the snow? I will cake a foot aenjl i will cake a snow man. 

2-12- Have you ever been lost? Yes i got lost at winko me and mace and Axel mace ran off axel ran aftr mace so i ran to vem i took vem bak. 

2-19- when my uncll got maried we went to a cadin to selrat tha cuzins and me dikatbib var car wifh cande and crem and cans undr var cra it wus fune!

3-18- when i am old like you...we can rid aour dikes. we can go to solt lak i wel be you a dog and cat.

5-2- five bays a go my famly we rostid hotdogs i love the fast. we rostid marstmelos um ueum delisis aftr we plaey no bars are out to nit it dad shot vem all ast nitit i love it. 

Friday 24^th – Made a bed in the backseat and we slept all the way to Vegas. Aunt McCarty pulled out all the stops for us. Wong tons for dinner. Rainbow pancakes for Breakfast. We went to a dino themed park. You climb in and around bones. It had a splash pad too. It's really hot at carts house. We paint her bricks with water and chalk and in 5 min. the sun erases it.

Saturday 25^th - We tried to run down to the strip to see the water show but forgot it was memorial weekend and it was crazy packed. 3 hours of bumper to bumper. We finally found a way to turn around and headed back to the Hatfield's. It was very late and we were asleep. Woke up on the way home and were sad but Mom made a promise to return someday.

Sunday 26^th - We stopped to stopped at Trujillo and Charlotte's house on the way home. Timber and Ace's family was visiting so win win. We had dinner and watermelon and a quick visit. Then mom and Dad dropped me, Axel and Mace at the Proctors.

JUNE

Monday 3^rd – Home today from a fun filled week. We stayed at the proctors till Wednesday then Grandma Dixie come threw and we all carpooled to Vegas again. We got to go to Zaleah's blessing. Dad is working and couldn't come. And Mom has her Kelly girl party. We have another vacation with cousins so win win for everyone.

Thursday 13^th - Humanitarian Day at the church. Mom and I helped tie quilts, fold t-shirts and assemble food kits. The boys only lasted about 1 ½ hrs. We ate lunch and left. I know the lord was happy with our efforts. Big or small you can find ways to serve. this week Dr appointment stats are: me- 58 lbs 50 In. Axel- 47lbs 44 in. Mace- 35 lbs 38 in.

Friday 14^th – going to visit Grandma Pam. It turned out to be their ward campout. We got there in time for dinner, songs and a trip to the swinging tree. It was high and fast. Not sure who was more scared me or Mom watching me.

Sunday 16^th - Mandy VanEtten Williams asked to take our picture for her new book. Walking with Women of the Book of Mormon. We portrayed a family listening to King Benjamin, Nephite men leaving to war, and Lamanites capturing women and children. It was really fun to dress up. It's fathers day and I made Dad a card from all of us. Written “all by myself” on a full sheet of paper folded in half with fringe cut on the edges. “I love you Dad Happy Father s Day Dear Dad you are osum I love you so much Dad you are osum allot. Frum Katana and Axel and Mom and Mace and Kelly and Zara”

Tuesday 18^th – I love tuna fish. Hate bacon. I like to do my own hair. I don't like the cold and dress in layers. I like art and crafts and writing. I am good at brushing my teeth. I take feet baths cus I have stinking feet. I like to collect shells and rocks. I am 8 and super excited to be baptized. I got to pick out a white baptism dress for my birthday. I also got a set of scriptures with a case mom made. I asked for a teddy bear cake like my favorite stuffed animal.

Thursday 20^th - Us and Mom met Grandma Dixie and Grandpa Calvin at Amy park in Clyde. We almost lost Grandpas 20 man tent in a wind storm. He was helping with wedding tent in the cearing and our stakes pulled out. Mom and I were sitting on the walls and it would lift us off the ground. We got extra stakes planted then went with Grandma down to Darla's house to sleep.

Friday 21^st – Proctors, Hatfield's, and Mcphauls trickled in throughout the day. We'll see the Amy's tomorrow cuz they don't camp and got a motel in Idaho Falls. We spent the day hunting, fishing, exploring and playing in the tent. There are 3 new babies to hold and watch too. We call them the Triplets cuz they are only 3 months apart. The days are warm but it frosts over at night. The big tent has a stove so it's ok. We also cook late night fried fish snacks on it. All the cousins crowd in around a tablet for movie night.

Saturday 22^nd - Mid afternoon Charlie and Cassandra had a beautiful outside weeding. I was excited cuz it's the firs wedding I've been too. After nap time we had a big party in the tent in the clearing. There was a dinner, dancing, cake and an open bar with “soda” aka beer we couldn't drink. Oh well dancing was awesome. We got to sty up as large as we wanted. Sometime in the night I started getting sick. Axel and Mace soon joined me. It was coming out both ends. Made for a fun night as we were all sleeping in the same tent with like 8 other people.

Wednesday 26^th -I had an activity days yesterday. We went to the city pool. We went straight from there to Grandview. Proctors and Mcphauls are still here from Charlies wedding. Grandpa got a new pull boat toy with 5 seats. It's very smooth. Grandma got fake lashes for us to try. A girl in town she ministers too helped put them on all the girls. I like the feel of them when I bat my eyes slowly. Dad says “no no she's too little to look so grown up”

Saturday 29^th – we came home yesterday to set up. They were resurfacing the parking lot so it make it hard to find parking. I was so excited and a little nervous and shy about being the focus. I tried to choose people from both sides to be in my program. Dad baptized me and he was a little nervous too cuz I was his first baptism outside the temple. The water was warm I wanted to soak in it. Getting dressed I felt “warm and bright” I sang “when I am baptized” with my brothers. Mom made a slide show to “what heaven sees in you” by Mindy Gledhill. Mostly pictures of me growing up. A few days ago we had a photo shoot for it. Mom got in her wedding dress. Zara her blessing outfit and me in my baptism dress. For the last verse. More then one person was crying. I think I felt the spirit too. Then we got to bless Zara. The rest of the day was a BBQ and play time at home. Wendell did a fireworks show. It was really good. Carson, Kellys, Mcphauls came too. We got to run around the track and football field before it started.

JULY

Wednesday 10^th - Dad got home early. We wanted to take the canoe out but weren't sure about taking Zara. She was fine: slept the whole way rocked by the water. We went to Blueheart. Its a little cove off the snake of perfectly clear water. It's cold. I was the first to jump in. Back at shore Dad flipped the boats over and showed us the air pocket under it. At first I was scared to be in the water but he helped me breath and be calm then it was ok.

Saturday 13^th – Dad strapped 2 boats together like a redneck pontoon. We could swim in the middle holding the cross bar so we didn't get left behind. Lunch at skull rock then we crossed to play on the rocks. We climbed on top of the hill Dad stayed and crossed the falls below. Coming down it was faster to go left but I wanted to go right to Dad. We agreed to meet at the boats. I started to cross the water to Dad but felt to turn around. As I did I slipped and fell in the falls. I was carried down 3 slides, around 2 washbowls and finally to a calmer pool just ahead of where Dad was standing. People were screaming and running. Dad looked up and told me to swim to him. Somehow I heard him and he was able to pull me out. I was terrified and Dad was scared and pissed at mom for letting me come alone. Thankfully I'd turned back in time. And had my life jacket on. I'd wanted it off while climbing the rocks earlier. Everyone was glad I was Ok. Mom and my siblings missed the whole thing waiting at the boats. Mom was crying when she heard.

Wednesday 17^th - The movie theater in the mall has summer kid movies for $1 on M-W. We took Rhett and Emily to Lego Movie 2.

Wednesday 24^th – Last week Mace tripped and hit his eyebrow on my door. He has the “prettiest eye makeup” with his black, blue, green, purple, yellow eye. We took Rhett and Emily to the movie “how to train your dragon 2” Their parents are getting a divorce. Mom had to explain it and reassure me. Emily isn't old enough to seem to care but Poor Rhett is sad.

Saturday 27^th - We sold Popsicle and water at the yard sale. Did pretty good. Dad was burning weeds in the field and it got away from him. We got another hose but it was soon out of our reach. A 3^rd and now even Dad was a little worried. Then our neighbor showed up with 2 more hoses. And we got it before it hit the farmers field. Things were wet so it should have been OK but still wed all been praying. Good family council on how “God answers our prayers but it is usually threw another person that he meets our needs.”

Wednesday 31^st – back to Grand view to can corn with the Proctors. Cut, can and freeze some. I was the only kid to stay the whole time. Syringa said I was very grown up. At the lake Grandma is scared of the boat so she stays on shore with whoever wants to swim. That's me cuz I'm practicing without a life jacket.

AUGUST

Sunday 11^th – Tuesday was a Parade in Jerome. Wednesday was “Missing Link” movie in Twin. Thursday we went to 3 stores to find gold fish for the water tank. They fell out of the Richie waterier in the pasture. Our pool has small holes in the bottom so after 3 days we are fishing them out into buckets. Left to Grandview for the weekend on the boat for Grandpas birthday. We had BBQ ribs. I saved some for the dog to like me. Summer is so fun. And busy.

Thursday 15^th - open house at school. I have Miss Howard this year. Shes new and young and seems nice. We slept on the trampoline and the mosquitoes ate me. My eye is swollen shut. Dad calls me a “prize fighter”

Saturday 17^th - Kelly reunion with Chris's kids at sportsman park near Aberdeen. The lake is so fun. With pretty rocks on the shore and sand to play in. The aunts and jade swam across. It was over a mile. Mom couldn't get out of the water when she got back. I thought she was dead on the boat ramp. That night we got to watch movies in Grandmas camper while the adults went to a devotional in Blackfoot with Elder Oaks.

Saturday 24^th – first week of school under my belt. My favorite part is riding the bus. Brynlee knight is homeschooling and my other friend is in another class. I like my teacher and learning. I just need to find new friends. I wish I knew Spanish. Their are a lot who do. Hatfields are moving to Portland. They stopped in yesterday on the way up. We had a snowman cake for Axels birthday. Today we took a trip to Fairfield to an auction. The Kellys met us there. We had a pick nick in the park. Grandma stayed and played while Grandpa bid on some trains. Grandma ended up with a lighted display case they strapped to the car.

Monday 26^th -journal entree “something that is hard for me is playing halo wih dad and Axel bcus whe cri wen whe die in halo.”

Saturday 31^st - Only a week notice but we made it to Levi's baptism. We visited Mcphauls on the way down to Ceder City. Took a wrong exit/turn and almost missed it but were given the wrong time so blessing. After we played at a man made lake. I loved the “real” sand.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 14^th – Last week we bought a ford expedition on Idaho auction barn. Today we got to use it. We went to a masters auction in Castleford. Didn't stay long. So we had a pick-nick by balance rock. In a canyon by the river. Then mom and us climbed the rocks. Dad stayed with Zara and took a nap in the car. We drove home and got to stick our heads out the sunroof.

Thursday 19^th - Spirit week at school. M-crazy hair I did a doughnut again. T- PJ day. It's so easy you just get up. W-twin day. Axel and I dressed in matching gray Trojan shirts. Thurs- pride blue and gold day.

Sunday 22^nd - Primary program was hot. The heater was broken. We had the doors and gym slider open but everyone was still fanning themselves.

(select excerpts from School Journal for september spelling included)

4th- I wish I had wotr paowr

9th- at home my chores are tacin the gabj and chacing on the chics and fine and the hosis and the cats wotr.

10- If i sow a shooting star I would wish for able to chanch into a cat. 

24- when families work together they gate gid thens don. 

OCTOBER

Wednesday 2^nd - Axel and I both wanted to do Cheer Camp. We practiced Monday and Tuesday. Mom recorded the cheers so we could learn them properly at home. Then we performed at half time of the J.V. Football game in Wendell. We did 2 cheers then a pyramid. Axel was the only boy. We were both Bases for the build just like Grandma Dixie. We got free T-shirts.

Thursday 3^rd - Axel and I got positive P.T.C reviews so got to play Halo with Dad. Miss Howard is new to the school so we are learning the ropes together. I like her. She said I have a good sense of self. I can be goofy and mess up and it's OK. I am learning to read and it cracks her up that I like to do voices. My understanding is good even if I skip individual words but get the story.  Mom does the same thing so she gets it.

Sunday 6^th - We made conference donuts. We picked out sour patch kids as our treat  for hearing words. One talk was about JOY and Mom just kept throwing them at us cuz we heard so many.  President Nelson made an epic prophecy. “Study and prepare yourself...as you do next conference will be memorable and unforgettable.” Amy's announced baby #6 is a girl. Whoohoo.

Thursday 10^th- 40 ish years ago Grandpa Calvin was baptized. What a legacy.

Thursday 17^th - Family Reading Night. Hot dog dinner and stations highlighting reading skill. Each station earned a raffle ticket. We stayed till the bitter end. We didn't win the raffle but walked away with half a dozen new books won from the various game stations. During scripture study that night I was sitting by Mom and she sniffed disgusted at the air. Thinking she was overreacting to my stinky feet I put them to my nose. I quickly dropped them, gagging then looked at Mom. We burst out laughing yes they were that bad.

Saturday 19^th – Power went out mid morning. We cleaning up then went to twin. We had earned ice cream for our chore charts so we got to go to green leave. I love all the toppings. Especially the gummy worms.

Sunday 20^th - The wind storm last night took out power all over the valley. Several trees blow over. And large branches had damaged roofs, cars, fences. The bishop got up to start sacrament meeting and went row by row asking if anyone needed or knew others who needed help. Then he released us to go home and reassemble ready to help clean up the community. Dad is working so mom took us home and we cleaned up our own yard. We had a few branches and shingles down but otherwise OK.

Thursday 31^st – we carved pumpkins outside this year. No clean up. Jerome farmers market had a Hogwarts Halloween harvest festival. There was a sorting hat booth, honey dukes sweet shop. Herbology tent with free seed packets and Hagrids hut with a huge dog like fang. Giant pumpkins as big as me. We traded muggle money for gold coins to shop with. We got a real wand. They had a trick or treat and costume contest. We nailed a family themed Wizard of Oz. Mom was the wicked witch. Me-Dorothy with Todo. Axel- Tin man. Mace- scarecrow and Zara the cowardly lion. People asked me questions or to quote the movie but I hadn't seen it. Mom thought it might be too scary. “it would be nice to know what the heck people were talking about.” Dad drove us around and told people he was the “great and powerful Oz behind the scene” Trunk or treat at the high school was kind of boring just walking slow in a circle so after we did 2 streets real trick or treating.

NOVEMBER

Monday 11^th - For the thanksgiving presentation I was given the parts of narrator. I was excited to bring my parts home to practice. I was sad to find out we would be gone on our Vegas trip that day. Disappointment is a new emotion for me. I felt it deeply.

Sunday 24^th – Nef family reunion is in California. We made a big vacation of it stopping in Vegas for few days. We started at Hoover Dam. It was really high up and I was nervous to walk across it. We made it to the Silverton for the mermaid and fish feeding. Gigantic sting rays and a magical mermaid. She made air rings and sand hearts. Then a light show at the Wynn. Indoor waterfall scene with talking animals and music and lights. A huge buffet for dinner. We fell asleep on our chairs or under the table before mom and dad were done.

Monday 25^th – Vegas has sights, sounds, shows for a week. Dad gave us 24 hrs. and Mom was prepared to do it all. She had a walking map, tram scheduled, show times. At every cross street is an escalator and sky walk. That is our favorite thing. And the sideways elevators at the Luxor. For the M&M factory mom already bought 6 flavors at Walmart so we didn't have to buy overpriced candy. At Caesar's palace I was scared when the statues came to life in the play. Both the Bellagio water show and Mirage volcano were canceled due to weather. Kind of a let down for the end of the day but we were tired and ready for bed. We had walked like 10 miles. I couldn't take another step. Thankfully us kids all fit in Zaras bike stroller for the way back.

Tuesday 26^th – we could have spent all day at circus circus watching shows every 30 min. but only hit one on our way out. Thankfully we had our tablets and movies on our tablets cuz California is a long way away.

Wednesday 27^th – We did not drive 16hrs in construction, traffic and peole not to go to the beach. We met up with the Mcphauls, Proctors and grandparents at the beach. We walked the peir 10. Then even with a storm blowing in we hit the beach. Others were in parkas against the wind and waves. We were running barefoot to the water. Everyone even Zara at least touched it. Some brave souls even body served a few big waves in. I did one and got rolled in the sand. I stayed with Darlin and made a fantastic sand castle. After quick showers at Mcphauls hotel (Ace missed the beach he was sleeping-they were the only ones who hadn't checked out yet.) we carpooled to Camp Wildwood Ranch. In Romona CA.

Saturday 30^th - Every family has a cabin with 8 or so bunk beds in 2 rooms. There is a eating hall and a small meeting dome. It rained 90% of the time and was super muddy. the weather is keeping us apart. We have name tags color coded to family and a sticker for ages . We did stations and crafts Thursday with a thanksgiving dinner. As the weather permitted there was lots to explore. A zip line, Ax throw, shooting range, play ground, climbing wall and a big field to run in. Friday night proctors started throwing up. Memories. We were already up so left early Saturday. It was a lot going home in one day.

DECEMBER

Tuesday 3^rd - Dad said we couldn't decorate Christmas till after Maces birthday. That was yesterday. Today our house looks like a gingerbread house. Mom made us a milk jug igloo.

Thursday 12^th - I felt the spirit and recognized it. I had the thought to screw the lid on something but didn't listen and seconds later dropped it making a huge mess. Mom and I had a good talk about it. It's good I realized it so next time I feel or hear or think something ...follow it. It takes practice like anything else. I was disappointed I hadn't heeded, excited to have felt it and determined to do better.

Tuesday 17^th - I was in a little play called "A Christmas Moosical."  About a Moose who wanted to fly for Santa. 2nd-4th sang songs and 5th grade put on a play. I was so proud to perform for my school that morning and my family that evening. Mom finished reading us Holes. Movie night we watched the movie. Both were good.

Wednesday 25^th - Grandma Dixie and grandpa Calvin came for Christmas morning. I got a gallon of slime making materials. I also got Areal ribbons. I've been watching them on you-tube. Kelly's got us all fuzzy 'scripture' pillows. Dad got CRF 50 motorbikes. It was slick and I didn't know what to do. He let go and I crashed. Thank goodness Mom had Hot cocoa ready.

Christmas letter

We weathered the dark night that was our 2018 to bask in the sunlight of 2019

We welcomed our rainbow baby ZARA KELLY April 11th . 7 lb 11oz. As our last we are determined to cherish every coo. Especially Katana who prayed for a sister for years. Katana ( 2nd grade) I cried when school started. She is an amazing help to me. She turned 8. We had Zara's blessing and Katana's baptism the same day. A very special spiritual event for our family. Axel 6 started Kindergarten. He excels at the work and is learning the social. He is very energetic. Lost 4 teeth this year. He's “toofless” Mace 3 is loving being the biggest at home. He gets the toys, baby and Mom mostly to himself.

Preston has been given the lead on several jobs this year. Good experience as boss but the extra hours kill family time. I got hooked on KonMari and have been driving my family crazy with my “tidying”. I also started selling Lularoe clothing. It's been a fun project. I am soaking up my life this year. My kiddos. Husband, a job, a house, animals, vacations (Vegas and California.) So grateful for the people in our life and the gospel. May God be Ever Present in your Lives this Year and always.

Love the Kellys. We're keeping it real @ Kelly-Klan.blogspot.com

2020

JANUARY

Saturday 4^th - First road trip of the year to Arco to witness Dallin and Weston be baptized. It was cold and snowy. By late afternoon the storm lifted just long enough for us to enjoy the snow. We don't get snow so this will be our only sledding. We went to the gravel pit. Dan drove us up the hill a few times on his slow machine.

Sunday 12^th - My first at home corona sacrament meeting talk I wrote myself. ( baptism is the first thing to Jesus and heavenly father and the holy ghost when i got baptized the water was warm like the holy ghost and that's special.) I also made a book ( My life dy Katana. a lang time a go i was dorn i am a ril prson. my name is katana it is 2020. I am 8 wirs old it is summr i love home it is fun school is to iscpachle p.e. is fun to. I red so boocks last wit or 3 boocks. I forgot I got tird and I for got nolmane pagis I am sore people I croase I red. I have 6 more pagis I mit rit for 2 mare)

Saturday 18^th - We went to Jump Time for Rhetts Birthday. Huge tramps, ball pits and bounce houses. We had to buy special green socks so we don't slip.

Saturday 25^th – A quick weekend trip to Utah with grandma Dixie. The Proctor boys are in Karate in Spanish Fork. Denim at State Dance at USU. We wanted to see both and prayed we'd be able to. Started at Denali Karate--Run to Dance--get there just before they went on--back to Karate to see the last of Colvin--Back to Dance. We were going to miss it because they were ahead of schedule but in route they took a break to revamp and we were able to get back one dance before they went on. Miracle. We stayed for the last hour to watch the rest of the character dance routines.

FEBRUARY

Saturday 1^st – Grandma Pam's birthday was a spur of the moment quick family get together. The snow was ice crusted and packed which made for high stakes sledding. The 4 wheeler didn't hardly break through. Don't Fall Off you'll get road rash.

Wednesday 5^th - Grandma Pam came to visit and babysit while mom got her hair cut and colored with blond streaks. It was Natalie sears sister-in-law. She does it in her home. With COVID no salons are open right now. She took 18 in. off. Even Dad noticed.

Friday 14^th - Grandma Dixie gave us $5 for Valentines Day balloons. We've never been to Zonkers Party Outlet. We shopped for an hour. Looking down every row for the best-est one. Valentines Day stuff was out but cost more meaning only 1 or 2 balloons between us. I convinced my siblings to pick ones off the discount wall so we each got one plus a fuzzy balloon weight. Mom was so proud.

Sunday 16^th - BreAnn Nef reported home from her Chesapeake Virginia mission. Quick day trip to I.F.

Saturday 22^nd - Elder Cook came to talk with young married couples with small children. "If Sunday isn't your favorite day of the week...Your doing it wrong." We got to go to sister Young's house with her grandkids.

Sunday 23^rd -Grandma Afton and Grandpa Jake are living in Twin Falls by the mall. Grandma Dixie and Grandpa Calvin took us with them to go visit. Mom's CFM is to make bread. The chickens really like us feeding them her fails. We 'get' to eat one slice. “ mom can we have real bread next time?”

MARCH

COVID-19 is gaining popularity. Media thrives on the doom and gloom of it all. How to survive a zombie apocalypse and survivalist videos are going viral. Toilet paper is now a black market item. You can't find bleach or Clorox wipes. Baby items like diapers and wipes are harder to get a hold of as people are using them in lieu of the missing paper towels. “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” is the scripture we live by.

Monday 2^nd - 100th day of school is to dress up like your 100 years old day. I have a bun, skirt tucked up under my armpits and a huge handbag. Axel has suspenders with high-water pants. We look good.

Friday 6^th - Dad took Axel, Mace and I to the Kelly branding. Any excuse to play with cousins.

Wednesday 18^th - Syringa and the boys came to visit. They needed to get out of Utah for a while. I guess a lot of stuff is closed. It's Spring Break and they are stuck at home. No fun. So they came to Idaho even though your not suppose to leave your neighborhood. (Germany called they want their Ghettos back.) Going to go to Grandma Dixie's but her school said anyone leaving or having outside visitors during this pandemic could be fired. Plus She's been watching the news. Utah is a hot spot so unless you cross contaminate by hopping the boarder Corona will stop at the state line. Yea I think that's how most airborne viruses work. Whatever we had fun. It was chick days. We got a dozen meat birds. AKA food storage. Dad used the loader to pile up all the poky weeds in the pasture. We set one pile on fire. They go fast, hot, and loud. Whooosh. Cousin time always a good time. Utah had an earthquake 5.7 near Magna Utah outside Salt Lake. Greg was stuck on the train for 4 hrs while they cleared the rail. Grandma was all panicked cuz she can't get a hold of Syringa who was “not- not” visiting us. They left the next day as there were rumors of closing the boarders to contain the panic of the Pandemic. Yes! The news spun it like Covid caused the earthquake and wearing your mask could have prevented it. And blessing things were closed or casualties could have been worse.

Sunday 22^nd – Grandpa Marc and Grandma Pam got their mission call. Going to LA. They will stay home for now due to the unknown of Covid for the foreseeable future. Maybe do the MTC training at home and see what happens. When they first applied it was for a 6 month service US only. October 2019 conference talk True Disciples of the Savior By Elder Terence M. Vinson really hit Grandpa who was the hesitant one. They updated the paperwork to say Anywhere. Anything. However long. “Fair Dinkum”

Saturday 28^th - Went to burn the second pile of weeds. We got to help the fire along the fence line. I loved hauling water to dump on the white hot spots and hearing the sizzle. Axel and I ride the CRF 50's back and forth as we babysat the fires. We got to paint our rooms with some random colors left over from all our moves. Axel got 2 red walls- I added white and blue to make enough baby blue to do one wall. Mace and Zara's room is purple with a big green strip near the top. A lot of stuff is being canceled like the Color festival. bummer. Dad suggested going on a walk to Box Canyon . It was a beautiful easy path. We went a little ways past a broken bridge to the bend in the trail. A little pick nick and home.

Monday 30^th – Dad calls a few minutes after he left for work.  " Hey come take care of this colt?"  What!? We got a stud last year in hopes that they would/ could take but didn't really know for sure.  Diamond did indeed have a little colt.  We named him Bling Bling. Hes so small and cute.  We had him in the house for a while because he was cold and wobbly.

Tuesday 31^st – Can't be outdone by Utah so Idaho has an Earthquake 6.2 near Stanley. Mom and Dad were in the boys room mapping out the patch jobs needed to finish and paint it. They came running down the hall. "Kids did you feel that? That was an earthquake!. That was so cool.! I was in the toy room playing mine craft and the bed started shaking. I just thought it was Dad messing with me. But when I yelled to stop it- he wasn't there. " Grandma Pam texted from Arco “Please just don't be Yellowstone.” LOL...sort of. Wow. We are living in some crazy times. "and there shall be earthquakes in diverse places. Mathew 24:7

APRIL

Saturday 4^th - This was the most watched conference of any other proceeding it. It was memorable and historic alright. It was canceled. We were going to go down as a Kelly family because G&G Kelly reported to the mission home the Monday after. Now they are still at home and conference was a way different experience. The 12 and a few others in a large room alone. The Chairs 8 ft apart. Masks on anyone not speaking. No audience members. Tabernacle chair was prerecord, some segments from previous years. The messages and spirit were still amazing. I loved the "I know that God knows” idea from Spiritually Defining Memories By Elder Neil L. Andersen. We listened hard for words getting candy or coin. One speaker started with "I'm going to talk about the son" I pipped up "oh I love it when they tell us the word"

Sunday 5^th -Today's favorite "Be a light don't just wave your flashlight in the air" That They May See By Bonnie H. Cordon. Or President Nelson in Joy D. Jones clip “The lord loves effort...because effort brings rewards that can't come without it.” I can do hard things is a family mantra.

Wednesday 8^th -I was super brave and rode Brownie. Stores are now limiting the number of people in the store. There is a lot more people wearing masks now. 80 % maybe. I'm scared seeing people in masks. There are directional arrows and one way isles. 6 ft tiles at checkout and propaganda announcements “for the health and safety of others please wear a mask, follow the arrows, stay 6 ft apart, wash your hands and stay safe" I was washing my hands before it was popular and I didn't even have to watch a youtube video about it. It's one of the top watched clips this month. Less then .01% are getting sick. The hardest hit age 70+. Symptoms are .....Anything and everything. CDC home diagnosis includes difficulty breathing or not. Fever or not. Head ache or not. Back, neck, shoulder, knee or side pain or not. It's such a joke and yet real people in IDAHO are freaking out. TP. is the butt of all jokes right now.

Saturday 25^th - Took a drive to see the windmills by Hagerman. Dad worked on a power station up there last fall. We took a pick nick and a big drive. Things are shutting down, getting canceled or postponed. A drive was a perfect distraction. Stopped at Mikes on the way home and did a little fishing.

Thursday 30^th - After high tensions getting our school packets done which we dragged out till like 3 mom promised a bike ride. I could smell rain and feel wind picking up when we left. We didn't even get to our neighbors before turning around. The storm looked like a wall and hit just as sudden. One side of the road was blue sky the other dusty brown. Like a line in the sky. Storm nearly blew us off our bikes and we ran/walked part of the way home. Clothes blowing off the line. I went to help mom. Later we talked about how we felt the spirit to come home even before we really started.

MAY

Saturday 2^nd -Darlin broke her arm on a trampoline visiting family in New Mexico a few days ago. COV story; Timber drove and parked the truck.  Ace had carried Darlin in.  Then they would only let one parent in.  Ace had to stay or Darlin would be alone. They wouldn't even let them switch.  Timber almost got the cops called on her. She texted us in tears.  We were all furious. Patched up they went to Utah and got right into specialist in Salt Lake.  She had rods put in from wrist to elbow. 

Denali was suppose to get baptized this weekend but of course CoVid.  A trip was already on the books so Cart came up and we carpooled to Utah . Timber was up for surgeries so we got to see everyone.  It was a little cold for the pool, but we did not care. Darlin wanted to play SOOO bad. She only jumped on the tramp with the little kids and was only in the pool when no one else was. Mom's cousins Julie and Shayla came to join the fun for a hot dog roast. Denim wanted everyone to do a Tik Tok video.  We did the same Tik Tok for the adults and kids.( Sitting on stairs youngest to oldest then move your head back and forth to the beat every other one.)  For a devotional we face timed G. Dixie and G. Cavlin . We sang "living in this world" to them then Dad told us a story about listening to the Holy Ghost: One time he was fixing a cattle trailer and started to feel uneasy like he needed to move.  He was new to the church and listening to the spirit and wasn't sure what it was so kept working a little faster trying to finish.  Then he heard a voice. "Calvin you need to get out of there."  He left to see who had called to him. As soon as he left the trailer, the 2nd floor fell right were he had been. His closing statement was powerful.  "Its real"

Saturday 9^th -Dad built a canoe rack on the little trailer so we can pull all four boats with storage underneath.  We took a drive down to Niagara Springs park to test it out.  There is a little pond on one side of the road.  The water is crystal clear because the water is infested with snails.  Tall algae forests hide huge fish and river life.  Axel and I got in one alone so we could learn to row. We basically scram at each other for an hour.

Thursday 21^st - Cleaning out old school papers I found and have included select excerpts from my School Journals and papers miss-spelling included --2^nd Grade –

1-21-My favorite game to play is no bars are out to nitti with my cosins. I like it because it is fun and scare and cule.

1-28-I am the same as other kids around the world becuse we all have ies, erss, moivs, and nosce.

2-4- I would rather travel by land because i can't swim wate well but i can run, woke, and scip. 

2-11-Volcanic ash helps plants drow big but volcanic do not help poeple at all. 

2-13- Dear zara kelly you are so prite you are like a stowr in the skie i love you zara frum katana. 

2-20- the best thing about being a fish would be you can vrive undre water for a vare vare vare vare vare vare vare long time omost for youe life time. 

3-2- I would like to meet adrham lencin was the 16th prisidint. 

3-9- Heroes do dangras things they do it to help people. 

3-10- my dad is a hero because my Dad helps me know wat to do in mincraft. 

3-12- i can be a hero by helping othrs in nid.

*a book a made ( My life dy Katana. a lang time a go i was dorn i am a ril prson. my name is katana it is 2020. I am 8 wirs old it is summr i love home it is fun school is to iscpachle p.e. is fun to. I red so boocks last wit or 3 boocks. I forgot I got tird and I for got nolmane pagis I am sore people I croase I red. I have 6 more pagis I mit rit for 2 mare)

*First corona home sacrament meeting talk She wrote herself. ( baptisum is the firt thing to jesus and hevenly father and the holy ghost when i got baptised the woater was warm like the hole gohost and that's special.)

Thursday 21^st -Got out for spring break and never really went back. Covid.  Turned in our packets for the year and were able to say good bye to their teachers.

Saturday 23^rd - Schools out -time to play. We took JD's family and Brooke and kids on a river trip.  We floated to blue heart, past Ritter Island (closed by covid) under HWY 30 bridge and finally to dock just before Owsley Bridge in Hagerman.  Sounds idyllic until you realize it took us all damn day. By the time we went under the HWY bridge other boaters took notice.  Babies crying, canoes essentially dead in the water.  We must have look really pathetic.  Finally one motorist took pity and offered to drag us to shore.  Dad and JD were much closer to the dock  so we didn't bother getting them.  Not sure we would have made it without the tow in.  Miracle for sure.  Then Brooke had left the keys in her car at the other end of the river ride. We called Mike to come save us. We followed him to his new house and went fishing. He lives in a house whose property has a fish hatchery.  Because he has known these people for a long time they let him fish the inlet streams as much as he wants.  Fish get out of the hatchery's and stay right there. Eating and growing and protected. They are nice big fish that you can literally catching with a net and a little patience. Probably 30 fish in 15 min.

JUNE

Saturday 6^th - We got new kittens from Timber and the Knights. We're up to 7 little "it-ees"who will be well loved.  Corona, George Floyd, Black lives matter and an election year.  Things are getting really out of hand in big liberal areas like Portland. They have been in lock down lock out state of emergency for several weeks. It looks and is acting like downtown Bagdad right now. It's not safe! Well at least we have our little haven here.  Kids practically have a park in the back yard (yes parks apparently carry deadly diseases and are closed) We tuned up our survival skills this week by butchering 20 meat birds.  We couldn't find the ax so this year we used the tree loppers. Had ourselves a little science lesson as we dissected them.  Did you know an ostriches eye is bigger than it's brain?  I think the same applies to a chicken.  And it's hard like a marble I really thought it would pop but it just popped out. 

Friday 12^th - For Mom's Birthday she wanted a good family photo. On Facebook a gal who was starting a photography business was offering photo shoots for $20 for 30 min. session. If we stood still and took good shots we'd go for Ice cream.  A few days before we drove around looking for the perfect backdrop. We took them in the canyon by Niagara.

Saturday 13^th – There was a farm auction in Filer. We got 4 little ducks and a cute baby lion head bunny for my birthday. We got to play with them in the back of the trailer while Mom and Dad were at the Twin falls auction.

Thursday 18^th – Mom promised we could have a picknick and swim at Niagara river since she wouldn't let us the day we took pictures. The water was butt freezing cold. My birthday is in stages. Bunny last week, picknick today. Grandparents and cousins later this week.

Sunday 21^st- Proctors are up for Greg's birthday vacation. We joined them for boats, Borens and a BBQ.  Grandma Dixie made me a mermaid tail. We brought a huge bag of Orbeez to play in. We made Dad a salt dough sign for Fathers day with pebbles that says “DAD ROCKS!”

Tuesday 23^rd – Mom Fulfilled a bucket list wish...she saved her head. Dad used the #8 clippers on her. Then she dyed it green. Its short and I don't like it.

Friday 26^th --Speaking of Wow factor. I got BRACES.  Within a few days there is improvement in the movement of my front teeth. I'm a little sore. I have soft meals. Its ok cuz tuna and potatoes are some of my favorite foods.

Sunday 28^th -We started going back to church  from the initial panic of Corona. It's every other week A-J K-Z style. Its streaming on Zoom and YouTube for those at home. Masks required so I'm not sure we'll be going but in preparation we tallied up our tithing. I wanted to add my money together to get one big bill. I have $50. Axel wanted to keep mostly smaller bills so he could have a fat wallet.   Mace earned $4 dollars.

JULY

Saturday 4^th - Out to Arco for the 4th. Dan and Malena hosted. We started with a float trip down the ditch. The boys shot skeet most of the day. The twins have motor bikes and a golf cart we can ride. Mace and Mckenna crashed one. Jamie broke her finger playing volleyball. As we were loading up to go to the fireworks in town Malena discovered a skunk in her chicken coop. Dan had been practicing for just a moment all day and boldly stood up to take care of it. Would you believe he gets 3 animals with 1 bullet? The skunk, and Grandmas 2 ducks roosting on the ground. Oops. Someone brilliantly strung lights spelling TRUMP on the Number Hill so it was proudly displayed along side the entire patriotic firework show.

Saturday 11^th - Mom and Grandpa Calvin set up a booth for Grandview days. Mom had Lularoe and hair bows. Grandpa had some leather pieces. There was a small parade and fire works show.

Saturday 18^th - Syringa and kiddos came yesterday. Today we took them on a canoe trip to Pillar Falls. I really didn't think we would make it. Azalyn was screaming the whole time. Syringa kept saying "shes going to cry anyway" but would never actually let Denali or me just hold on to her. The wind was with us and Dad held up our sheet like a sail. It actually worked a little. We made it to skull island for a pick nick lunch.  Not sure who was more excited to be out of the boat. The water levels were low enough walking around was easy so long as you didn't fall on the jagged rocks.  Coming home Dad really was done.  He untied from between us and took Syringa and Az to shore then came back to help us finish.  A lady who we had passed a few times before saw Preston coming back alone and asked "did you drown your wife and baby?" Dad kept paddling and replied "it wasn't my wife and baby"

Sunday 19^th - We borrowed a 15 passenger van from Dan and Malena for the trip. Procors came up and carpooled with us to Oregon to visit Hatfields. It was fun with all the cousins. We mostly played on our tablets and watched movies. Baler was about to explode he was so excited to see us. Her backyard is like a little cove with tall shrubs all around to block the neighbors view.

Monday 20^th - We got a flat of raspberries and marionberries.  Within 5 minutes it was gone.  We took a walk down to the creek.  Blackberries grow wild everywhere. They are poky and sour if not BLACK.  Considered a weed and nuisance to locals. We ate them whenever we could. We are little bears. Played in the water by a broken bridge. Then we tried to walk across it. It's at a crazy angle so we pretended it was like an obby. Everything is green, mossy and moist. It kind of feels like we were in the rain forest or tropical escape.

Tuesday 21^st - BEACH DAY!   McCarty, Baler and Zaleah piled in the van for a trip to the Oregon coast. We set up near sea side.  It was a little bit of a trek down to the sea shore. It was a foggy morning with a warm drizzle.  We weren't sure how long we'd last. Maybe a repeat of the trip to California coast in November. Thankfully it ended up being a perfect day.  Not to hot for those on the Beach. Not to cold for those crazy enough (Me) to body surf the waves. The babies loved the sand. Zaleah literally using  her digging spoon to scoop up mouthfuls of sand. That girl will eat anything. Zara laying on her belly licking the ground.  It inspired all of us to try it. Nope gritty and salty. Lunch everyone had sand-sprinkled sandwiches. YUM. We hunted for sand dollars. broken or halves lay scattered all over.  Dead Jelly fish parts look like snot. Digging at bubble holes fast you can catch mole crabs.  Sun came out mid day so we could see the cliffs and sky.  Before we left I convinced mom to go as far as we could and surf back. Before we knew it-it was 5 and we were headed home. "but we just got here"   The only oops of the day was while us kids were well SPF protected the mommies got  More than Lobster red. CRISPYFIED.  

Wednesday 22^nd - Mid afternoon we went blueberry picking. So much easier than raspberries.   Actual bushes with bunches of berries.  Got some 15 lbs in less then 30 min.  $1.30 a lb.  We were told not to snitch to much but the babies were like little bear cubs, getting blue tinged fingers in minutes.  They have several bird sounds over a load speaker. A sophisticated scarecrow.  The first time it sounded it scared me. We ran to find Mom.

Thursday 23^rd - Today's adventure was the River.  Cart had a little blow up canoe we were trying to see if we could make it to the other side.  Syringa and Cart both drifted way down river but I made it across.  As we were loading up I wanted to try to row across again. I made it but on the way back I dropped an oar. I jumped in to grab it before realizing I had no life jacket this time. The swift current made me panic but I grabbed on a rock down stream just in time. Cart came to rescue me. "Don't get out of the boat. You are more important than an oar. It can be replaced.  You can't" It was a little bit of a hike back to the van after a day on the water.  We stopped to pick some blackberries. I fell into a stand of them and got all scratched up.  Unloading at Carts house we realized we left the diaper bag.  Ran back.  It was gone.  10 minutes and it was gone.  It had all 3 of our phones plus Cart and Syringas wallets.  Lots of tears and worry. Cops were called but in short suppy for something so petty with all the chaos in Portland.

Friday 24^th - Thankfully Mom still had her wallet for more blueberries and gas home. We went back to the blueberry farm. As we were turning in a little white car comes flying into the barrow ditch, driveway.  Nearly missing the front tire. He hits the bank on the other side--fishtails and speeds off through a cloud of dust hardly slowing down. We finish the turn and all sat panting. Mom swore and we all laughed. We had a hot dog roast and berry cobbler for dinner.  The funnest toy is a 12 volt Jeep. At one point we all piled on #WelcomeToPortland.  We made forts with sheets and dug up the fire pit border bricks to make  a homeless camp. #WelcomeToPortland.

Saturday 25^th – The moms are all pealing. Its a game to see who can get the biggest piece of skin. Kind of cool.  They are real Zombies or Lepers. We have snacks and tablets, movies, and everyone is worn out. G. Dixie and G. Calvin had been at the Amy's house all week so had dinner waiting for us. Syringa decided to go all the way home tonight. Dad was in Arco already. So we basically unloaded- ate- loaded and left as well.

Sunday 26^th - Marc and Pam got set apart to serve as missionaries in the Los Angeles family search library OR wherever the Lord needs you. So proud of them. With Covid they might not leave but are willing to.

AUGUST

Saturday 1^st - Timber and Kid and Ike and Tessa (Timber's niece and nephew from the Mcphaul side) came to visit. Another river trip. We stopped a few times to swim but made Skull Island without much fuss. Water levels still really low. This made it a chore to pack the boats around the falls. We continued on to Shoshone Falls.  We parked on Mushroom rock to watch the falls and jump off rocks. At first it was scary then really fun.

Saturday 15^th - Dewey Kelly Reunion second time at Sportsman's Park in Aberdeen.  Liz and her husband manage it so we get a family discount. A Fun water day. A few ash flavored meals. A long night around the campfire. We held a Sunday service before we left. A positive of Covid is the permission to do the sacrament pretty much anywhere anytime there is worthy priesthood holders. It makes family gatherings really special.

Thursday 20^th -So far my experience with masks have been Doctors and Bandits. So Covid has been kind of scary. I have Mrs. Johnson for school.

Saturday 22^nd - Twin Falls Clothing Swap. Epic. Basketball court full of shoes. A football field of clothes. For part of Axel's birthday we went to the red park and splash pad in Twin.

Sunday 23^rd - Eliza got blessed today. Church was open but afterwards a member of the bishopric stopped by interrupting a family dinner to congratulate on the blessing then chastise us for having visitors that put them over the allotted arbitrary number of people in the building. Finally did a Bob Ross night. Island in the Wilderness. Mom did one at Syringas a while back and got all the supplies for us. Mace did about 5 minuets and called it good. A pink sky. Mine has a Mexican feel, Axel is like looking at a town from a mountain. Dad had his orientation different so had water enough to fit a boat in.

Monday 24^th - School starts in yellow. Masks recommended not required. A few things like restricted outside access, lunch in the class rooms, No water in the fountains but available in the class and office, limited group activities. Its better than a lot of places.

3^rdGrade Fathers Blessing.

I love you. Everybody who knows you loves you. You are a very special girl. You are getting older and growing into a beautiful young lady. Remember what is important. How you look doesn't matter. How smart you are doesn't matter. It's who you are Deep Down that matters. Your beautiful but that is not what makes you special. Being KATANA KELLY makes you special. Be Kind to those around you. Be helpful. Be your sweet self. Be kind. Listen to those who you should. And follow good examples. Do your Best. You are loved. No matter what others say -you can come home to your Dad- who loves you and I will tell you. Your mom will tell you. Heavenly Father will tell you who you are.

Thursday 27^th - Ralayna had a track meet in Jerome. Got there just as the gun went off. It was so fun to cheer her on.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 3^rd – I finally a sister to dress up.  Not that I spare my brothers. But Zara likes it better.

Sunday 6^th - Calvin Amy family reunion. We started arriving Friday. They had the water slide up, horse trough pool, swing set, 4x4 rides, cousins. We had a BBQ and swimming at the Borens. Giant crickets are migrating. It started with a dare, then a bribe for us to capture, roast and eat one. Everyone did it. Church was spiritual with family passing, blessing, speaking, singing, We had a water balloon fight before Trujillo's family left. It ended in everyone yelling. McPhauls and Dad left shortly after a fight broke out. We stayed one more night.

Wednesday 30^th – My stem challenge this month was a bottle rocket. Mom got to come watch because it was outside. Mine went the farthest in my class.

OCTOBER

Saturday 10^th- We got to support Denali getting baptized. G.Dixie, G.Calvin, and Hatfield’s come down and we carpooled in 2 vehicles. We had a little program back at the Proctors afterwards.  Dad talked about how this is a celebration day, and the Grandkids got to sing a song we've been working on. (I will be what I believe). After lunch we took a bike ride to a new park near Syringas house.  She said "Right up the road. Like 2 miles, you cross like 2 big roads then it's a bike path most of the way."   Reality was " A good 2 miles as the crow flies.  40% incline for a mile.  100 yards of bike path.  You cross 2 six lane highways and 15 lesser intersections.  The side walk is cracked and raised. Cars don't stop for you. We have 14 people strung out half a mile."  It was scary. Coming home at least 5 kids got picked up at different times by grandpa in the party van.  It called All Abilities park with a water fall splash pad.  The water wasn't on but the toys were still amazing.   Moms cousin Julies family met us there for watermelon.

Sunday 11^th - Hatfield's bought a Pomeranian shih tzu mix on KSL $500 and picked it up just before we left. Baler was thinking of names all weekend like; Unicorn, Hacksaw, Sparkle, Drill.  They finally agreed on Dolly Dog.  Not to be out done we ended up stopping in Burly to get a mini lop lion head mix bunny $15.  We actually got 3 for $10 each. cus they were the last ones.

Saturday 17^th – Went with Dad to help bring the cows home. Zara and mom stayed home. My latest C.F.M is to learn to sew. Mom was thinking a pillowcase. Nope I want to make a tie skirt. Lots of work but turned out really cute.

Friday 23^rd – Lost one of our bunnies. Mace comes in “ Mom the bunny is asleep. His eyes are shut and his face is like this. (he closes his eyes and sticks his tongue out to the side. And tints his head.) I pocked it with a stick and it's not moving. Yup very sleepy.” Oh no I know what that means.

Saturday 24^th - Brody Nef got married to Natalie Hayes. This is her 3^rd marriage? Red flag? The wedding was in a beautiful barn style venue in Ammon. With the temples closed it's a hard decision. Wait and maybe fall or jump in without the blessings of the temple but it as a goal. Timber, Darlin, Syringa, and Azalyn came up. Between the ceremony and the celebration we took a road trip to see Grandma and Grandpa Nefs grave sight at the Burton Cemetery.  It was snowing and cold so we only stayed a few minutes. They had yummy taco finger food.  Italian sodas, and a photo booth. Brody really wanted us at the dance. It was quite a party. Afterwards we drove 30 mph in a little blizzard to spend the night at Darla and Scotty's.

Sunday 25^th - The kids had traveled in Pjs and most had an extra outfit but I only had the wedding clothes. They were pretty ripe today. Went to visit G. Afton and G.Jake who had moved to the senior center in Arco.  Then out to see G. Dixie. G.Calvin's new house just outside Arco. Great potential.

Tuesday 27^th - Axel and I think we are old enough to carve our own pumpkins. Mom was nervous but thankfully it didn't end in stitches.

Saturday 31^st - Ward party and trunk-or-treat was canceled hours before. We still dressed up for some good old fashioned door to door fun. I prefer that way anyway.  A lot of people had there lights off or the bowl on the porch with a sign. "take one". We had a blast and we rocked it with our family theme INSIDE OUT. Me= Disgust  Axel=Sadness  Mace=Anger  Zara=Rylie with Bing Bong  Mom=Joy with a core memory ball.

NOVEMBER

Thursday 5^th – Most likely the last fire pit roast of the year. It was a pleasant evening slit wind. The boys didn't have shirts on. I didn't have pants on. Zara looking like a homeless street urchin wearing her footie jammies covered in dirt- face smeared with ketchup and chocolate- hands and hair sticky with marshmallow. Dad got an old truck bench and sat listing music on his speaker phone.

Friday 6^th – we are out of school because of mask mandates. Last night Dad took charge of cleaning our toys cuz we didn't. He took a big bag throw everything in and tossed it in the garbage trailer. We all had a melt down. Today we were good with cleaning up and earned some back. I had an ortho appointment in Twin. I'm coming along very well

Saturday 7^th-  Calling today the Miracle of the bunnies.  Door didn't get locked so they pushed it open and got out.  Thankfully; mercifully; they survived the night and we were able to catch them again.  Warrior huddle and thank you prayer. As a reward for voting in the presidential election TRUMP VS. BIDEN.  What a joke! We decided to go to Banbury.  The water wasn't as hot as normal but still nice.

Friday 13^th - Jerry Ellis McPhaul was born September 10, 1950 to Ellis and Marguerite McPhaul. He had stage 4 lung cancer for 10 years. Hospitalized off and on for the last 2. The official cause of death says something like "complications arising from exposure to Covid-19. " They were testing him every other day for the last week. Ace was mad as hell "your telling me if he hadn't been "exposed" that he would have made a full miraculous recovery!"  Well no but he did test positive at the end and so it could have been a factor to his passing. B.S.

Sunday 15^th – My next STEM challenge is to make a Mayflower boat with tinfoil, tape and straws.  We had a family challenge to see who could hold the most cargo (pennies). Dad's boat looked the most like a boat but needed 30 cents to stay upright.  We spent hours contracting several models. Clear straw stealth boats, pontoon style crafts, and Moana raft with a giant sail. Mom's triangle ended up being the winner. 

Monday 16^th – I love to watch Jordan Matter photography so one day we "just had" to take the camera to the park.  Zara took a header off the slide and got her first black eye.  Rearranged rooms. Girls are together in a new tall storage bed.  Boys get matching dressers. Year end photo shoot to update the wall pictures.   I was super excited. Tried on no less than 6 outfits.  Looked at multiple locations inside and out.  Googled poses.  Curled my hair and got a new diamond bracelet from Mom's sell jerwlry. Put on play makeup which mom made me scrub off. We agreed on sheer lip-gloss.

Wednesday 18^th - Yesterday was a terrible horrible no good very bad day.  Got like 20 spankings before noon. Lost all privileges, got extra jobs, kick outside had to pick up nuts...  Mom and I finally said a prayer together and it helped a little. Our scripture last week was "choose ye this day......" and I went to bed promising myself to have a better day tomorrow.   Today I woke up early and had my packet, typing and bus done before mom finished breakfast.  Done by 10 I got free time the rest of the day.  I encouraged Axel to do his faster so we could play. I learned Happiness is a choice. 

Friday 20^th - Finally putting on our new roof! We found 3-5 layers of old shingles, nails, staples and tar paper.  Some areas of the wood were soft. Others rotten completely through.  All if it much needed.  How we haven't had major leaks is a miracle. G.Dixie and G.Calvin came to help.

Saturday 21^st – Trujillo, Dan, Carson and Jamie showed up mid morning. We had a crew on the ground cutting and packing tin. And the rest on the roof fitting, and screwing the tin in place. I was in charge of the kids in the house. With everyone's help we got 90% done. Sister Young brought cinnamon rolls that served both dinner treat and breakfast.

Thursday 26^th - In a “ask for forgiveness” move. JD and Echo reserved the church in Woodville for our Thanksgiving get together. It was perfect. We had so much room. A room to eat. a room to play, a room to run around. a room to hide in. It even warmed up mid day a little for us to Rollerblade in the parking lot. We had tons of food. We had a whole table dedicated to pies. And a whole bowl of fresh whip cream. It was fabulous. After a “rest to digest” there was a few games of basketball and speed followed by guesstures and wolf. I started getting a migraine after the basketball game and was throwing up as we started cards so I missed most of Wolf.

Friday 27^th - The next day we headed to the hills to pick out Christmas trees. We stopped at the little cabin and found stale marshmallows to roast. We had packed some leftovers to hold us over. Jades mini Aussie had puppies yesterday so before we left Jamie showed us how to remove the dewclaw and doc their tails.

DECEMBER

Wednesday 2^nd – Mace turned 5 today. He got a Tag-a-long bike for his birthday. It hooks on moms bike like a tandem bike. He can't steer and if he peddles it helps but if he doesn't peddle it doesn't hurt. This means Axel and I have to trade off pulling Zara in her car with our bikes. He also got turd emoji slippers and pillow. The poop jokes abounded.

Saturday 5^th - Mom dyed her hair again- Christmas Red. This time we all wanted in on the fun. Boys got tips and I did a large chunk in the front. We finished our macrame bowl craft projects we've been doing all week. We opened one of our family Christmas gifts early. A projector for the toy room. We watched Forgotten Carols. Tradition and holiday magic with the music.

Monday 7^th – We watched the new Mulan with real actors on our projector screen.

Saturday 12^th -Trujillo and his family came over mid afternoon and helped us pick up the rest of our shingles. We get 25 Cents per wheel barrel load. We had already done 2 trailer loads but it was slow going. After dinner and Italian sodas they followed us to South Hills to see the lights.  A great Kick off to the Christmas season. 

Sunday 13^th – Grandma Dixie brought Hot Cocoa bombs from Timber. You pour 2 Cups of hot milk over them and the chocolate shell melts and the mix and marshmallows fall out. Really fun and really good.

Monday 14^th – A skiff of snow remained but magical being the first of the year. We worked together scooping enough into piles to make a fort and dirty snowman. Dad come home an joined in the last of the fort construction efforts before a snowball fight erupted.

Saturday 19^th – Last minute shopping in Twin. On our way home we stopped at the synchronized house with lights then Christmas Lane. Mom and Dad let us hang out the sunroof as we rolled along.

Sunday 20^th –Due to Covid concerns the ward canceled our Christmas party. Thankfully not everyone was ready to relinquish Holiday Cheer. Our friends Steve and Kathleen Smith put together a little Christmas Program and party in their shop. Light refreshments and Festive Music.

Monday 21^st – I had an orthodontist appointment for new colors on my braces. One tooth was loose so they left it off. Before bed I had wiggled it out.

Friday 25^th – The Kelly's come for Christmas Eve dinner of Chicken cordon bleu. Then celebrated Christmas morning with us. I got paint supplies and a baby foot print plaque that matches the other kids. paint by sticker book, a chapter book and a DVD. An all kids gift was a big wheel off road Hover board. Dad's family gift was a Nintendo switch with 3 games ( Mario cart, Odyssey and U-Deluxe) Late afternoon we headed to Grandview for Amy Christmas Party.

Saturday 26^th - Everyone but  the Mcphauls were able to make it for one day of crazy fun.  We had a $5 white elephant gift exchange game.  Mom made a saran wrap treasure ball.  Roll doubles to pass the ball.  With oven mitts, scarf and hat you win whatever you get to out of the plastic on your turn.  It was a riot. 

Christmas Letter:

I'm sure this year will become a euphemism for a hard time or something that didn't go as planned “that was so 2020” A good thing about Christmas cards is they let you reflect on the whole year. A forest through the trees moment. In our family looking back 2020 actually held a lot of blessings, growth, love and learning. It was a different year but good.
Preston as an essential worker held his job throughout the year. New contracts slowed but never stopped. He used the down time to start remodeling the bathroom and do some tinkering on his bronco.
Katana (9) and Axel (7) enjoyed distance learning at home. They love to challenge each other. “Anything you can do I can do better” (I added Movie Culture to their curriculum so they got the “opportunity” to watch some classics) For Home Ec they each took a day of the week to be my sous-chefs. Music-I dusted off my 5 years of piano lessons and after a few weeks they were playing twinkle twinkle, Mary had a little lamb, and heart and soul. We also set Come Follow Me goals to work on right along side school. Katana wanted to learn to sew. I was thinking a pillowcase--she chose a Necktie Skirt. Axel wanted to Pogo-stick--now he's one handed down the steps (I close my eyes and pray).
Mace (5) and Zara (20 Months) are little buddies. Mace loves ABCYa. Online learning games K-5. Hes working on writing his letters but can identify upper and most lower. He's the one you want to beat but then he grins and you have to hug him fiercely instead. Zara is the baby in every way. We love her, spoil her and think everything she does is adorable; even the slightly naughty stuff. She has a mess of natural curls and an infectious laugh.
While we didn't conceded to the socialistic panic and emotional social distancing we were firm supporters of the BABY SHARK movement. Do do do do. I used corona and snake juice diet to achieve weight loss goals and am down nearly 50lbs. I fulfilled a secret bucket list ambition to shave my head. Yup Preston, me and #8 clippers in the bathroom one night. Actually loved my mohawk, fohawk and comb over do's. Also experimented with green, blue and red hair dye.
We were truly blessed this year with several road trips to family, new tin roof, a few lion head bunnies, & many many memories. Life is good.
#givethanks Love the Kelly's

2021

JANUARY

Friday 8^th - Dimonds had chickenpox at Christmas we had a play date with them so no surprise the boys and Zara have it now. Not me I got the shot last year.

Sunday 10^th - parents 12 year anniversary but can't do anything cuz chickenpox and covid. We made them dinner and let mom take a nap.

Wednesday 20^th - Getting ready for school. Someone starts banging on the door. Its a disheveled young women. “Oh please help me. I'm frozen and lost and fell and have blood all over my pants. Please can I come in.” We sit her on the couch with hot cocoa and go wake up Dad. Her phone was dead she couldn't remember her boyfriends number. Waiting for it to charge Mom asked questions and she rambles off her story. Her name was Zoey. Her Boyfriend worked construction was from Utah. Her Brother was a welder at C.S.I. Finally got a hold of her boyfriend who was really worried. Dad went out to confront him first cuz he was all riled up. It was exciting and a little scary. I'm glad Dad is bigger and scarier than anything.

Friday 22^nd - Axel and I both got temple rings at Activity Days. Mine is white. Axel in black. In conjunction with their CTR rings: The theme behind it is “ The temple is our goal”

Saturday 23^rd - Mike is friends with the lady who owns 1000 springs. She gave him a discount for Rhetts birthday. People love it because it's inside. It's overly chlorinated, the slide is in the shallow end but you can't use it if you can't swim alone. Has 4-5 over zealous life guards. The water is cold. You can't kneel or stand on the log. No floaties in the deep end and no catching them so basically none of us can use the diving boards. Nope if it wasn't free we probably wouldn't go. On the way home the Expedition started sounding funny and we lost all power. Mike came to save us.

February

Saturday 6^th - Charlie and Cassandra welcomed their first baby a boy Braxton Clyde Amy11:37am 7lbs 14oz 21.5 inches long. They will probably be the only ones contributing to Delwin's posterity.

Sunday 7^th - My C.F.M is still to learn to sew. I want to make a mask. “If I have to wear one I want to look good.” I call them Fancy Pants masks. I put lace, flowers and embellishments on them. Axel wanted to make some boy ones. He used spider-man material left over from a pillow case project and some green camo. We made string for spider-man to hold and a yarn beard for the camo. Some kids at school asked about them. Axel and I started selling them for $1-$3-$5. Thankfully at school masks are still optional but the bus is mandatory. Mine are thin enough its OK.

Tuesday 9^th - Mace and I booth lost teeth today. Mom and Dad had temple recommend interviews. First time they left me in charge for that amount of time. It was suppose to be a quick in out. But lasted well over an hour. I had left several voice messages because Zara was crying and then got sick and throw up. I said a prayer. Gave her a bath and snuggled her in bed till they got home. I can do hard things.

Wednesday 10^th - Mace's bought 5 little gold fish for his teddy tank. Zara is getting into stuff. #1 dumped the whole bottle of fish food in the tank. We hurried and cleaned it to save the fish. #2 Got into Mom's sewing pins. Sticking them in the bed, chair arm and scattering them on the floor. We had to wear shoes all day. And can't go in Mom's room. #3 Broke the computer screen with a bottle of nail polish. We were all mad at Mom for spanking her for the last one. The school called Mom. Apparently we can't sell things at school. It's unfair cuz the office is selling Trojan masks now.

Sunday 14^th - First day back to church building in a long time. Not a lot of people came as it's still being broadcast. Dad “purposely” ignores the “This row is closed” sign. He let us color and make paper airplanes out of the ones on our row. I wrote a note to mom on the chalk wall. “I don't like Mace, he does not clean!!! He is my brother so I love him but Waa.” She always says “you don't always have to like them but you do always love them.” I think I know what that means now.

Saturday 20^th - The church put on a virtual event called Friend to Friend. It's for primary age kids but mom watched and liked it too. We sang songs, learned how to draw a child praying, talked with an apostle, explained how to make a rock picture, and showed primary kids from around the world doing service. I really miss primary so this was fun.

Saturday 27^th - Jerome library had a Boots and Books Event. You got to pick a book and got a pair of rainbow striped rain boots. They had a few games and samples too. We were the first in line. FREE Rocks!

Sunday 28^th - Fuzz ball died today. Axel and I fed the horses after church and found her. Mom cut her tail and mane and made horse hair tassels for each family and each of us. The ground is frozen so we can't bury her Dad will take her to the dump later.

March

Tuesday 2^nd- We have been looking for a dog. Covid made pets super expensive. We found some cowboy corgis in Gooding for $300 and jumped. That's how we go our new mini blue heeler/ collie /corgi mix. A white and black pup named Cookie.

Tuesday 9^th- We live like 10 miles from one of the largest nesting of Bald Eagles in North America. It's called “Eagle Tree.” There is a little restaurant / store in front of the property too called West Point. We've never been so we decided to check it out. Small pricey hamburger with no extras. Glad we came while we still can. May not be around much longer by the looks of it.

Saturday 13^th - Mom dyed her hair Purple. We decided it looks like she got beat up by a grape. Quick trip to I.F. for Hattie's Baptism. I was asked to be a witness. I was so nervous and honored.

Wednesday 17^th- Chick Days is here. We got a dozen meat birds. We set up the dog kennel in the house for them.

Thursday 18^th- Zara woke me up about 2 am. She sounded funny, her lips were blue and she wouldn't wake up right. I was so scared and ran for mom. They took her to the hospital in Gooding. It ended up being Croup. They did a breathing treatment and made it home in time to get us to school. Shes Ok and I'm glad I love my sister.

Sunday 21^st - Mace and I both had prayers in church. Axel and I learned to wall climb like spider-man. For spring break we are headed to Utah.

Wednesday 24^th - We biked to a new park every day. We had a hot dog roast with a few of her neighbors. Timber came for part of a day. Darlin brought some hammy-down bras for me. I wanted to try one right away. By the end of the way I wanted it off. I told Mom it was super uncomfortable. She just said “welcome to the world of womanhood.”

Saturday 27^th - Dan and Malena's family arrived at our house late afternoon yesterday. We took them to Banbary. Jd's family, G. Pam & G. Marc, Brooke and kids trickled in after breakfast. They brought motorbikes. We set a circle path in the corner and even dug a few baby jumps. Later we took a hike to Malad Gorge. It's been in the news cuz last week (17^th) a truck and trailer got windswept over the edge. The safety chains on the trailer kept it from plummeting. A trucker stopped and got a bigger chain attached. The elderly couple dangled for an hour and a half over the abyss before being safely rescued. It's quite a sight. There is still some debris in the bottom. I was nervous to walk across. We hiked to the edge of the cliff to look over at the water plant. Then back to the park for lunch and dancing. Echo is the P.E. teacher and had recently done the Virginia Real with her students. We got everyone but Dad to participate. It was a blast. Later we headed to Mikes to go fishing. We probably caught 100 fish between us all. Dinner was late with the guys staying to clean fish.

April

Saturday 3^rd - Wendell Easter Egg Hunt. This year was tons of plastic eggs filled with more than just candy; coupons and money. We dyed our eggs outside because it was a beautiful day.

Friday 9^th - My last orthodontist appointment cuz I got my braces off. Phase one went faster then they expected.

Sunday 11^th - Zara Boo is Two. She loves playing in my makeup so mom got her a "playset” for her birthday. Grandma got her a unicorn horse. It went with her cake. Mom tried to make a surprise inside unicorn head like she saw on pintrest. She nailed it! Looked like a swamp monster but the surprise (skittles in the hollowed out middle) was neat.

Saturday 17^th - Mom is teaching Axels Soccer team. He got to play cuz she got a discount for coaching. We were suppose to be on the same team but lots of kids come out to play which made multiple teams. I couldn't play down and he would be the little guy playing up. Telise Hatfield got married and we attended her reception in Boise.

Monday 19^th - Diamond had her second baby. Its another boy named Swirl because it is brown and white paint. Diamond is really protective so we have to separate them if we want to pet it.

Wednesday 21^st - Ralayna participated in The Distinguished Women of Mini Cassia County Competition. Formerly known as Jr. Miss America Pageant. She placed top 5 in Interview $400, self expression $300, Talent $350 ( a vocal performance of Nella Fantasia, by Ennio Morricone) And the OVERALL WINNER. A scholarship to C.S.I., 1 year gym membership, $500 photo gallery shoot, all expenses to state DYW competition, and $1800 in prize money. Dad was babysitting us so mom could go. Or as he said “yes Katana did a great job”

Thursday 29^th- Wendell Pride day at school. Zara loves people to read to her. Axel and I can real read and Mace does a few by memory.

May

Saturday 1^st - Last soccer games of the season. Mom and Axel's team "Sharks" were undefeated. I learned a lot about the game this year. I love to run. Made some good friends and enjoyed myself. Headed directly to Arco afterwards. Dad was doing electrical for G. Dixie and G. Calvin. We spent the day with Malena's Family. When the guys got home Dan decided to take us up King Mountain for a weenie roast. The approaching storm clouds just added to the "Adventure".

Friday 7^th - -Ralayna played Dolly Levi in Minico's production of Hello Dolly. You could hear the lyrics and her vocal range is impressive. Axel, mom, and me met up with G. Dixie, G.Calvin, Syringa and Colvin. It was So good.

Sunday 9^th - Mothers Day I had a fill in the blank paper from school. “My favorite game to play with you is [Life] If you were an animal you'd be a [chickan] because [ you probly will be a grat chickan. You mite find a good plas to leey eegs] I wish we could go to [parice] because [I love you a lot that is wy] If I could I'd give you [ 100,000,000 dollors] because [that is how much I love you] I love you because [ you are the best and kiss us good by...Helping me wan I need help on enething and bing thar for me.]

Saturday 15^th - We finally found Cheebies babies. Two black beauty's. Mom put chicken wire on a hog panel and put it in the yard so the bunnnies could eat the grass. They loved it for about a week before they dug under and escaped. No one was sad enough to be motivated enough to catch them...again. So we let them go. They stay around and look healthier than they did in captivity.

Wednesday 19^th -- I got a cold lunch for my field trip to the sand dunes. Cold lunch good cuz we get juice, chips and candy.

Thursday 20^th -- There was a few wax figure displays at the high school. The elementray had a walking field trip to see them. Axel “ They look like real people only they don't move so you know their dead.” me “ they're not dead exactly they are made of wax.” Axel “still creepy” I guess they were a little.

Saturday 22^nd - McCarty and Kiddos are visiting G.Dixie in Grandview. We came up last night. We tried swimming but the water got left on at the pools and they were too hot. We came back to Boren's for a morning swim. We dug up a dozen or so big raspberry, strawberry and one artichoke plant before heading home cuz they will be moving to Arco soon.

Monday 24^th --Started butchering our meat birds. I'm the only actual helper and zara just screams. At dinner I asked what Cookie was (as in breed). Before Mom could answer corgi blue heller mix Mace yells out “A dog.”

Thursday 27^th - It's the last day of school. We go out early. As soon as school let out we headed out. Our first trip to Syringas of the summer.

Friday 28^th - Colvin and Denali only had ½ day for their last day. They had organized an end of school Nerf gun/ pool party. Only 3 other kids besides us showed up but it was still fun. Syringa got like 1200 bullets on Amazon and G.Dixie's blow up slide /pool from their last visit. After people left we had a hot dog roast. Syringa got different cookies not just gram crackers for some fancy smores. Movie night was the new Scooby Do.

Saturday 29^th -We decided to hick the Y. It was really hard but we made it. Denali, Axel and I wanted to go faster then the slow moms with babies on their backs. We had to stop and wait for them at every bend. The valley was beautiful spread out like that. You could see 3 or 4 temples across the valley. Down was hard cuz you couldn't go to fast or you couldn't stop.

Monday 31^st – We convinced Mom to have a BBQ and set up the tent for us to sleep in “cuz it's summer now and that's what we do”

JUNE

Thursday 3^rd - moved the "pool" stock tank to the front yard and have been it it everyday. All Day.

Friday 4^th -Woke up this morning with no water. It's a switch that has been going out. Dad can arc something back into place but he is still on his YM float trip. We had plans for town. I had an ortho appointment. For new molds of my teeth for a retainer. I choked on the slime gel stuff. Mom gave us money for yard sales to waste time. We also used our Pizza Pie Cafe coupons Axel and I earned from school.

Saturday 5^th -I watched the kids cuz Dads still on a float trip. Mom went to the Stake TOFW Event.

Monday 7^th -- had 3 baby skunks crawl on the grass. Dad wasted no time blowing all 3 away in one shot. Mace freaked out. He thought they were baby kittens. Later I got scared by the black cat scratching outside the sliding door. I thought it was the Momma skunk coming for revenge.

Saturday 12^th -We are in the big Arc this weekend helping G. Dixie G. Calvin put on their ROOF. Before everyone started to come we got up on the roof. G. Dixie was so scared and couldn't watch. Aunt Juanita come in the afternoon with rock paints for a craft project.

Monday 14^th --I got to stay in Arco with Grandma Dixie for church. I got to have a cousin sleep over at Malenas. Today Malena took Dallin, Weston and me to Idaho Fall to catch the bus to 4H Camp in Alpine Wyoming. Dad went when he was a kid. Echo knows the people doing it. I'm a little nervous but Kylin and I share a cabin so I'll be fine. Getting dressed the zipper on my boot shoes come apart. Malena stopped at the dollar store on the way and got another pair. Called it an early birthday present.

Wednesday 16^th - I love 4H camp. I can't wait to go again next year. I won the overall sharpshooter award, made each member of my family a name bracelet, and a birdhouse to enter at the fair. Mom picked me up in Idaho Falls. She got group-on tickets for Tautphaus Park Zoo. It's not a huge zoo but we each saw the animal we wanted. Zebras, Monkeys, bears, penguins and lions. We played at the park for an hour or so then headed home before it got too late.

Friday 18^th --10. Double digits. Preteen. I got a pretty blue stoned necklace and bag from Uncle Greg. Earrings from mom. Oh boy I'm fancy now. The boys left for Fathers and Sons Camp out. Us girls ate out at my favorite KFC and used our movie gift cards from Christmas to go see Spirit Untamed in the theater. We shared a big popcorn with extra butter. Zara was awake during the whole movie but didn't make it out of the parking lot. Didn't get home till after midnight. Mom made me stay up and tell her jokes on the way home.

Tuesday 22^nd . Summer lunch program in the park is so fun. We get to go to the splash pad skate park for an hour or so.

Saturday 26^th -- Amy- O'Maley family reunion was at the Mackay Idaho fair grounds. It was Gorgeous. Beautiful scenery but we were kind of roughing it with no facilities or water. Gma and Gpa. brought the RV and the McPhauls had a huge tent we all slept in. There was a corn hole tournament. Dana and Trujillo headed up a kids T-ball and softball games. G.Dixie brought her snow cone machine. Charged $1 each and it was a huge hit. We donated some fancy pants masks, hair bows, a backpack, a leather purse pulled from Grandpa's DI bag before they moved and goat milk soap to the auction. Probably the last time we see Grandpa Jake alive.

Monday 28^th -I had my real retainer fitting. On the way to the appointment the car in-front of us slammed on it's brakes on a yellow light. We barely hit them. Mace went flying. It was 2 collage boys. Broke our headlight and didn't even mess up their paint. Mom gave them $100 and they drove off. We still made my appointment on time.

Tuesday 29^th -- Axel and I were suppose to be helping each other clean. He was yelling at me “Katana your not communicating your just threatening.” me-“ your not listening” Girls activity day was swimming. Mom, the boys and Zara came too.

JULY

Friday 2^nd - Found a new swim/canoe practice pond. It's at the end of Niagra springs. It's so beautiful with the cliffs in the background. Sometimes we see otters. The water is crystal clear due to snails and algae forests but freezing cold. A quick swim is perfect for hot days. It's so fun to push each other off the docks.

Saturday 3^rd - The fourth of July was all week fun. There was a parade in Buhl. Loads of Candy at that one. Then they had booths at the park. A cool animal rescue petting zoo. An alpaca, huge turtles , lots of lizards and snakes. Mom was all “NO thank you.” Brooke and Emily came out for Italian sodas. Wendell that evening. had free bounce houses, hot dogs and a live band before the fireworks. Ellie Mae was playing. She was born in Southern Idaho and was on team Blake for the 2019 THE VOICE.

Friday 9^th - Dad got an early birthday gift. Two A-Salt rifles. So much funner than swatting fly's.

Saturday 10^th - I pretty much manned the yard sale this year. I made quite a bit selling water and Popsicles.

Tuesday 13^th –Dad brounght the bucket truck home. He gave us a little ride up up up up. It was scary. Then he and Mom cut some tree branches. Axel and I stacked wood. We were dirty and hot. And the water was out again. We went over to the Dimonds for a shower.

Wednesday 14^th -Apparently much needed pump replacement. They almost lost the last section down the hole. It was so rusted it broke just as they got it cleared. It had several thumb size holes along the length of it. Once done there was an immediate difference. Our sprinklers worked so much better.

Friday 16^th - We were diligent cleaning the house and yard so we could go to Niagara and jump off the docks when Dad got home. Dad jumped in with his headphones on. We didn't notice for a good 20 min. They say water resistant? Not sure rice can fix an actually swim. We were more worried about his phone. The water is crystal clear but with a foot or two of algae and seaweed at the bottom made it impossible to find. We said a prayer on the dock. We looked around for a half hour. The phone itself wasn't the biggest issue. It was the $100 in the case we were sad about. Finally we called it quits and loaded up. His phone was on the console of the Expo...A true miracle.

Tuesday 20^th - After six months of insurance bureaucracy and medical backlog mom had a colonoscopy. They were able to find and remove a small polyp. It runs in the family so I will need one starting at age 30.

Saturday 24^th - Moms childhood friend Tamara Bates married a guy from Burley Rocky Vickers. That night Grandma came with us to the reception in Burley. Ran into Trujillo for a few minuets.

Monday 26^th - Eating our first beets and greens from the garden. Mom told the story of watching The Ring with cousins. That Aunt Darla waited in bed till it was over then crept down the hall in her night gown to scare us. We teased her for being a big baby. Trying to defend herself she found a 2 minute clip where the girl crawls out of the T.V. Ended up sleeping all together and turned on some church music to fall asleep.

Saturday 31^st - Idaho Auction Barn had a farm auction in Wendell. I opted to stay and watch the kids. We basically watched T.V. and played video games the whole time. Had a great time. Dad bought his dream renovation/restoration project car. A 1966 Mustang coupe. He wishes it was a fast back but “you got to start somewhere.” Right now it's rust colored with no seats, brakes, or running engine. Also got a 15 ft granary. Going a steady 5 miles an hour it took forever for them to get home.

AUGUST

Sunday 1^st -Emily Kimball had a birthday party after church. We weren't suppose to get in the pool but it just happened.

Friday 6^th - Nef Family Reunion was in Utah. Came to Proctors yesterday. Due to covid restrictions Donita had to get creative. It was different but still good.  Our proverb reads something like "where at least two Nefs are gathered there fun is also."  Put 100+ and you get Awesome. Couldn't get our usual big venues like a girls camp so everyone was in charge of there own sleeping accommodations.  We were able to stay at Syringas as everything was only 30 min. away. Day one we met up at a park. It was like a little cove. Over a bridge...had a small slide toy....small wooded walk area...pavilion...duck pond...big grassy area and trees. It was perfect for what was planned. Each Elder Nef sibling couple had a station and a group of kids separated by age. We started with a human piñata run. The leader had candy taped to their shirt and the group ran after them. Denim was the only one to run in her group against Greg Allen. She was fierce. The first part of the morning was “get to know you games". Afternoon was craft and game rotation stations. The 2 liter air stomp bottle rockets were a hit. Then their was the river treasure hunt. Coins and toys tossed off the walking bridge and the kids went in the water to find it in the shallow stream. As we were leaving I went back and hunted some more. Came out with a hand full of missed coins. The food was all brought in this year. Lunch was deli sandwiches. Simple. Easy. Lots of leftovers. Oh and the snow cones. Rylin Patterson's parents have an industrial machine. Free rein - it got well used. I think we used close to 10 gallons of syrup. We met up at a church nearby for dinner. It was catered by some Mexican place that was famous in the area. Buffet style we ate every last crumb. I heard it was kind of expensive and I didn't think it was that great. Then their was the Famous Fabulous Talent Show. My group (Foxes) Did a light stick-stick figure dance to "what does the Fox say" lead by Ginger Allen. Axel (Megalodons) Did the chicken dance and had beak masks. Mace really came out of his shell with Julie VanWagoner/Angel Charboneau "I'm Mace and I like Among Us" Then got into his PVC drum beat of "We Will Rock You." He even told a joke on one of the transitions. " Hi I'm Mace. Knock Knock......Who's there. You already forgot me.?" Timber and mom got assigned the Builders (11-13 year old's) last min. came up with a human/human ventriloquist skit that told some Dad jokes.

Saturday 7^th - -They rented the outdoor pool and slides at the Provo Rec Center from 10:00 to noon. The body slides were a blast and because it was just NEFs you hardly waited in line. Went about 100 times. Then their was the chest high wave pool. About 1 gathered for lunch, a family picture and a farewell speech. About 4 Mom had to drag us out. Syringa has a pool we swam in the rest of the day. We had an outside movie night with popcorn.

Alan J. Amy “Jake” passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family in Arco, ID on August 7, 2021. Jake was born in Arco, ID on July 31, 1935, to parents Jess and Hazel Amy. Though officially named Alan Jess, his dad nicknamed him “Jake” early on, and thus the name he was known by to almost everyone. A typical youngest child, Jake was catered to by his older sisters and brother.
Jake attended grade school at the one-room schoolhouse in Clyde. He was very proud of being both valedictorian and salutatorian of the 8th grade- a not as widely spoken about the fact- he was the only 8th grader!
Jake attended high school in Arco, it was in his junior year that he met the prettiest girl in school (he thought) Afton Louise Burton. Jake and Afton were married on June 30th, 1953 in St. Anthony at the home of Jesse Lyons.
Jake loved horses and started riding horses with his siblings at an early age. Horses and horse-related activities were a continuous theme throughout his lifetime. He rode horses, packed horses, rodeoed, chariot raced and team sorted just to name a few. He judged many rodeos and held judging cards for three different rodeo associations: ICA, EIRA, and Old Timers.
While Jake spent a few years finding his place and exploring work opportunities in Cobalt, ID, and Montana, his home for 60 plus years was under Bell Mountain in Clyde, ID. Beginning in 1959 Jake and Afton together worked their ranch and raised their 4 children Delwin, Calvin, Juanita, and Loretta. Later they expanded their operation to include entertaining friends and family at the Amy Park and operating their hydropower plant.
What a legacy, what a life, what a ride! Jake leaves his wife of 68 years, Afton, his children, his brother Leo, 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Salmon Valley Hospice and Lori Palmer and her staff for their care and loving assistance with Jake’s transition.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Little Lost River Bible Church in Howe, Idaho. A viewing will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Clyde Cemetery under the direction of the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Arco.

Friday 13^th - Stopped at Natalie's to see Missy's baby Arlo. Couldn't help but get in the water. They have boats, a slide and a zip line.

Saturday 14^th - The boys wore denim, white shirts and red ties. To match us girls wore our fancy denim skirts, white shirts and red jewelry. Mom and her cousins sang Daddy's hands and a second verse Trujillo wrote Grandpas hands. Juanita and Loretta gave a cute back and forth of his growing up. Delwin got on some born again religious tangent about some weird bible story and forgiveness and mercy. It made Grandpas shine all the more. “People try to make people out to be better then they were once they are dead. Well i'm here to tell you Dad was a hard, rough, mean SOB. That's how and who and what and when he was. But we knew where we stood. And what he expected. And we are stronger for it. He did his best and that's all we can do to.” Pallbearers and flower children (Grand (12) and Great Grandchildren (27) piled on a horse-drawn flatbed wagon for Grandpas last ride. It was fitting that the wheels rattled and the horses got  skittish. YeeHaw!  After lunch Dad took us to Crystals to play on her blow up water slide. Darla/ Crystal had leftovers and pizza for whoever showed up.

Monday 16^th - Followed the Hatfield's to Oregon. Drove all day Sunday. The Dads had the little girls for all of an hour before demanding at least one Mom be in the vehicle. For a 10 hour drive it went remarkably quick. Today was Beach Day. We got up early to drive 2 hours more to the coast. The first beach we stopped at was the same one we visited last year with Syringa by Seaside. There was an unusually high number of live sand dollars. It was in the news. So we found a ton of whole intact ones really fast. We tried throwing some back but it was pointless; they just got washed back up. Beach two was Hug Point. We made it in time to walk around the point of the cliff. The pools of little fish and Sea Anemone were fascinating. The rocks covered with clams were beautiful. It was a little bit chilly but that didn't stop us from catching a wave or two.  (and maybe hypothermia lol)  We had a private cove mostly to ourselves out of the wind. Spent the day relaxing, snacking, rock climbing, building sand castles, cave exploring. body surfing. Axel was digging to China. I buried herself to stay warm. Cart found charcoal for warpaint. Dad had to poop and spent a good 10 min standing in the ocean.

Tuesday 17^th - Adventure Day #2 There are dozens of major water fall hikes along the Colombia. Some were still closed for covid or required tickets for parking or a little farther than we wanted to go. First stop was Crown Point Vista House. It was build in 1918 as a rest stop for travelers. The observatory continues to offer stunning views of the river valley below. We drove on the Scenic Corridor " an innovative European-style road that traces a winding path through the perilous Columbia River Gorge, linking Portland and The Dalles" We just started driving and when we saw a water fall parking spot stopped. We climbed around the rocks at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Did one more nature walk under a cool old bridge before Dad/Baler got Hangry. We were recommended the most expensive hamburgers and tots I've ever had. We found a playground to eat and play.

Wednesday 18^th - Day #3 Adventure.  A fun nature walk to the river near Carts home.  Blackberries are like a weed. They grow wherever and take over if not tended. We were wishing for a ladder all weekend as they mow them back street level. We still foraged our fair share.  They had removed the broken bridge from last year. We weren't going to get wet but we're kids and it's water.  Later we went to the river by the train tracks.  I really wanted to try and swim across.   Axel and I hiked 100 yrs upstream so we'd have time to make it across before we passed where mom was. So proud when we both made it. Especially after what happened last year. I'm much braver and a good swimmer. Cart and Brendon are moving Monday.  We decided to leave and drive all night instead of  stay half a day more. Let them pack. We talked them into sending Zaleah and Baler with us.

Friday 20^th -Went to Niagara to swim. Baler is not a huge fan of water. The dock wiggled a little and he scampered up a tree. "I'll watch from here." The bike ride to the pick-nick tree was more successful. Thankfully Baler can ride a bike. Mom, Axel and I had to tow someone younger.

Saturday 21^st –Went to Banbury as part of Axels birthday. It took a few minutes to convince “anti-water Baler” it was a big warm bathtub. He got in a round tube and was a rescue boat for the rest of our time. Zaleah who hadn't been 100% sure of Dad all week decided he looked the most solid in the water. Zara is a little fish. She went off the diving board a thousand times. I finally stood up on the log for a long time. It started raining huge drops. It was the only thing that would have gotten us to leave.

Sunday 22^nd -At church we are rebels by sitting on empty row with the sign “this row is closed for social distancing”. After church Dad gave us blessings for school. Brooks kids came over for blessings too. We had birthday cake and a few last presents for Axel.

Monday 23^rd –I start the 4th grade. Mr. Breland is a cheery, laid back grandpa type.  Axel was excited when he saw his teachers name. (Mrs. McCarty) " I think I can remember that one."  The bus picks us up this year on Bob Barton. I don't think it's very safe. Dad put some more dirt in the ditch and mom pulled weeds and got us each a flash light. It's still dark in the morning.

Tuesday 24^th --Mace got (Mrs. Taber) Kindergarten. He was upset he didn't get to ride the bus to school on the first day. mom had to drive him in for registration. But he had a big grin when he got off that night. Zara is not thrilled to be alone. "Where is my kids?" she asks.

4^th Grade

You are growing up so fast. Developing into a beautiful young girl. You are strong. Brave, Smart opinionated. A good kid. If you listen to the people you trust; Mom, Dad, aunts, cousins, teachers... Those that love you..You will do good things. You are smart and able and can do all you desire to do. Anything you set your mind on you can do it. Have patience with those around you. Listen to those around you. Be loving and kind. Be nice. A Light to others. Listen to the promptings of the holy ghost. He is always there for you. Do what is right.  

Friday 27^th - There is no electronics till after Dad comes home and Dinner. Axel and I colored, cut and taped replica tablets in their spots. Mom didn't notice for a few days.

Saturday 28^th --Axel Holden Kelly was baptized by his father Preston R. Kelly.  He asked Kylin and Lane to be his witnesses.  Both Grandpas told a story of their baptisms. Grandpa Marc told of seeing a beautiful kaleidoscope of light when he came out of the water. Like life would constantly change but to make it beautiful. He gave Axel a kaleidoscope Grandpa Calvin spoke of the joy and celebration that is this moment. And moments like this. The temple. The reunion on the other side. It is sacred and special but also AWESOME and EXCITING. He gave Ax a big high five. Uncle Brenden and Denali were asked to tell an experience with listening to the Holy Ghost. Axel really wanted a slide show like mine.  His was to Glorious by David Archuleta.  In his confirmation circle we had Grandpa Calvin, Trujillo, Greg, Brenden, Dan, Grandpa Marc, JD, and Carson.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 4th- We pick peaches from North view Orchard. We canned all day. We rewarded ourselves with the new live action Cruella.

Monday 6^th - No school. Trying to squeeze summer we made a parkour water slide. Helped pull kochia weeds and harvest the garden. With scrap material from a job sight we were able to finish transformation of our old bathroom into a food storage room. We ended up blocking the entrance from the toy room and moving the door of the coat closet over a few feet to be centered in the new room. Compiling our canned goods from under all the beds, crawl space and back porch into one area. A visual representation of the testimony of food storage and scripture “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”

Saturday 11^th . Cassie Amy passed away. Lost a good one. He always made you feel like you were his favorite. The Amy family reunions will not be the same without him. I'm not sure the auction can even go on without him.

{Casey Lee Amy was a man larger than life with a heart that was just as big. Born on October 11, 1960 to Robert and Judy Amy in Arco, Idaho; he was the eldest of the three siblings. His childhood was spent riding through the Little Lost Valley on the back of his pony Dictator, exploring, hunting, fishing, ranching and developing into the cowboy he would forever stay.
Starting his education in the Clyde one-room schoolhouse, he moved to Butte County high school and into wrestling and football. After graduation, Casey attended University of Idaho. He became a member of Farmhouse fraternity, the President of the U of I Rodeo team and met the love of his life, Rhonda Lynn Amy.
After college, Casey and Rhonda married and moved to Harrison, Idaho to manage the L-7 south devon cattle ranch. They had their two children and ranching priorities shifted to accommodate 4-H projects, sporting events, coaching, and anything their children pursued. Casey's devotion to fatherhood was unmatched.
He continued to be involved in the community as neighbors became friends, and friends became family. He spent all his days supporting and uplifting those around him. From attending Saints football games, to organizing auctions and charity events, and becoming a staple in countless lives, Casey has become so much to so many. To know him was to love him.
Casey passed on September 4th, 2021 in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Lynn Amy; children Nikita and Dakota Amy; parents Robert and Judy Amy; and siblings James and Rhonda Kay Amy.
Services for Casey Amy are planned for Saturday, September 11, 2021. There will be a viewing from 11 am to 1 pm with funeral services to follow at the Arco High School auditorium at 120 N. Water Street, Arco, Idaho. All are invited to attend. The graveside service and fellowship will follow the funeral at the Little Lost River Community Center in Howe, Idaho.
Services are being cared for by the Anderson Family Funeral Home of Arco. If you are unable to attend, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Benewah County Fair Grounds in St. Maries, Idaho on September 17 th at 5:30pm.}

We didn't fallow the caravan to Howe. Dad took us to Pickles Place. Apparently it's really famous but locals all but refuse to eat there.

Sunday 12^th - walk across Malad Gorge bridge. Watched Croods. Zara understood it. The dad doesn't have a way across at the end. “Oh no dadda.” She was so forlorn. Then when he burst through the clouds she sat up and cheered. It was so adorable.  She's mastered the art of making herself burp. An adorable bad habit. “it's my talent.”

Tuesday 14^th - it was suppose to be spirit dress up week. Monday was crazy sock day. Today school was canceled for the rest of the week due to a Covid spike in our area. Whatever.

Saturday 25^th - Ralayna was Giselle from Disney's Enchanted in Burleys Princess Tea Party Production. I was totally bummed to miss it. But we've waited 2 years to do the Spanish Fork Hindu HOLI COLOR FESTIVLE. Corona kept canceling/ postponing it. The festival was amazing. We went early so we could walk around their temple while we were clean out of respect. Their temple was gorgeous on the outside. Bright white stone with beautiful intricate sculpted designs and art deco patterns from causeway to pinnacle. However the interior was a sparsely furnished, almost bare square room that even from the outside felt hollow and empty. The main attraction for me was the bounce house. I came back a few times for Yoga and the Dance Tutorial. Once the dancing started it was mayhem. You really couldn't breath for like 30 sec after each color toss. It was fabulous. Just weave in and out of everyone. Syringa, Grandma and Mom and I took us into the very center. Supremely dirty, and colorful and quit exhausted after a few hours. Showers, food, all abilities park and movie night to finish the day. "Holi Holi Krishna Holi !!!"

Tuesday 28^th - For a fundraiser you sent a dozen e-mails to qualify for a slap bracelet stuffed animal. We each got one. Plus a few people bought stuff for an extra prize points.

OCTOBER

Sunday 3^rd - The Mormon equivalent of the Super Bowl...CONFERENCE!!! Talks I loved.

*Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope By Elder Clark G. Gilbert We all have different intercepts in life—we start in different places with different life endowments. Some are born with high intercepts, full of opportunity. Others face beginning circumstances that are challenging and seem unfair. We then progress along a slope of personal progress. Our future will be determined far less by our starting point and much more by our slope. Jesus Christ sees divine potential no matter where we start. He saw it in the beggar, the sinner, and the infirm. He saw it in the fisherman, the tax collector, and even the zealot. No matter where we start, Christ considers what we do with what we are given. While the world focuses on our intercept, God focuses on our slope. In the Lord’s calculus, He will do everything He can to help us turn our slopes toward heaven.
*One Percent Better By Elder Michael A. Dunn Well, acclaimed author James Clear says this strategy puts the math squarely in our favor. He maintains that “habits are the ‘compound interest of self-improvement.’ If you can get just one percent better at something each day, by the end of a year … you will be 37 times better.”
*Other talks had the themes of acceptance--Of love--Of strength and of coming back / coming home.
Mom finally finished “horses in the waves” cross stitch shes had for 15 years. I worked on my diamond art. I hope it doesn't take me that long.

Saturday 9^th --Pocatello Temple Open house. Coordinatied a time slot for the Kelly's, Proctors, Hatfield's, Amy's and Grandparents to attend together. Their was a sign about no smoking, photography, weapons or mace in the temple. “What I can't go!” LOL. All the stress was worth it to have all my cousins in the temple together. I'm grateful we were able to share this moment with each other. Everything was so B-E-A-utiful as always. Fun Fact from Trujillo.--The granite stairs were made with tiles that had fossils in them. And one of the stain glass windows was saved from an old church back east.

Saturday 16^th - Last yard sale of the season was Gooding's Stop and Shop Yard Sale Hop. United Methodist had a "By the Box" yard sale and handed out printed pamphlets with community members addresses holding their own yard sales around town. Got all our Halloween costumes from it.

Saturday 30^th - Mom wanted to do flintstones for our family theme but we were done. "Mom can't we just do our own thing this year!" Sad Day. Zara was still pebbles. Mom her pet leopard. I was a perfect Devil. Mace- Batman. He even did the voice a few times. Axel was Locke a character from HALO. He ran into one of his friends from school who was Master Chief. Das was an Off-duty Electrician. So creative. Southern Idaho RV had a little Trunk-or-Treat -petting zoo- thing earlier in the day. Wendell finally came together with a community event. Mormons brought soup. Catholics had Hot Cocoa. The roads around the park were blocked off for a Trunk or Treat. The cops held a can food drive in the center of the street. Kids laughing and running everywhere in the dark. Glow sticks, lanterns and flashlights bouncing around. It actually had a hometown feel to it.

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 3^rd –Mom was tired of consoling Zara when her latest "itty" got ran over. She looked for stripes for 2 days. It was heartbreaking. So when Hillary Rogers had some barn kittens we jumped. This time they will be inside cats. Sorry not sorry maybe they will stay alive. Originally we just got one. That was never going to work. We we went back the next day for a second. Pumpkin and Spice.

Friday 5^th – Dad is helping JD with some wiring and his furnace. Cousin time. Kylins mini Aussies are fluffy cuties. They made their own orbiter. It's a lot bigger than the original. The bars are really close to the unit. It's a broken arm waiting to happen. I'm scared the seat belts wont hold. Arco that night. Grandpa Calvin is home from Alaska. We stopped to say Hi. He has some fun stories and treasures. One is a sea glass: possibly a 100 year old hand made Japanese fishing float. We also picked up our postcards.

Saturday 6^th - Clara Kelly was baptized by her Father Dan Kelly in Moore Idaho. It was a ward baptism but only had one other kid so not bad.

Thursday 11-11 (make a wish)- I got a ticket to a musical concert at CSI. It was mutually beneficial. It was their dress rehearsal. All 4th graders and parents got in free. Mace came with us for just $5. I got to pick which parent went with her. “ You Mom; Dad would just complain the whole time and think it's dumb.” It was interactive and entertaining. They had glow sticks, bazookas, sing along and guess the movie sections. Their was a guest pianist. I had to find the right seat so we would be able to see his fingers. "He was just wiggling his hands but it sounded good. I've only ever seen something like this on YouTube and now it's in real life. How does he remember all the notes? He must practice like 10 minutes every day.” He took time to explain his piece so we could listen for the different parts and be more involved. "The composer is at a museum looking at pictures and sees a beautiful jungle scene. Can you hear the animals? Next listen for a haunted house and a witch is trying to eat the children so we have to run. Are you scared? The last one is a giant parade. Balloons, band, dancers, confetti. What do you imagine is coming?" After we could file past and see all the different instruments. Axel had earned a Pizza ticket at school for reading. Dad took Zara and Axel to town at the same time for their date night. They got dinner, treats, walked the mall playing at the indoor toys for awhile. We all met back home excited to tell our adventures.

Sunday 14^th . -- Primary program. Both grandparents came. " I know Heavenly Father loves me" was the theme. I say “I knows he loves us because he gave us the Holy Ghost. Then I told of a time I lost teddy and prayed to find it and the holy ghost whispered to get candy and teddy was right there were I keep my stash. ( He tells us the simplest way to accomplish his / our goals. Get some candy is easier than "your teddy is wedged between your belt hanger and the edge of the closet kind of hidden behind your pants you tossed in the the other day. If you move your candy bag you'll see him...) Axel had a fairly long part about how God has given us Temples and wants us to have eternal families. Mace knows he is loved because "he gave me my body and all other creations"

Thursday 25th Thanksgiving: It wouldn't be a major family function with out some dysfunctional family drama. Thanksgiving was no exception. Originally it was set to be at G.Dixie and G. Calvin in Arco. 5 Days before Grandma Dixie, Grandma Afton and Grandpa Calvin got Covid. The next few days was a text war with siblings figuring out where to get together. Evan and JoAnn were gracious enough to invite us all to their house in Idaho Falls. It worked out splendidly. Evan had a little CRF50, took us on razor rides, free pop machine, firepit, hot tub, movie theater, food, games, and all important cousins.

Friday 26^th -- Brinley Nef went through the Temple in preparation for her mission. Copenhagen Denmark. Mom went to the temple. Dad and Brendon took a car load of kids home.

Saturday 27^th -- Drove up to Hagerman to see if we could catch Dan and Malena. They spent Thanksgiving camping out and motorbiking. They were just coming back for a day ride. We got to play around on the little hills for a while.

DECEMBER

Thursday 2^nd -McCarty and kiddos came down for Maces birthday. We had Lava Cakes.

Saturday 4^th -- Dad is wiring a pump for Carson. Grandpa Marc hired Axel, Mace and I to move wood. He got a little mad at mom for showing us how to load and stack it properly. “They have to do it” Went to Malenas to hang out. Then we all moved the cows from the Kellys back to Carson's field. We had 3 4-wheeler, a car with flashing light on top. A van. A heard of cows strung out on the road. And the cars kept zooming by. One time Grandpa Marc jumped the 4 wheeler over the ditch and cut off a car that was coming at about 80 miles an hour straight at the heard and Jamie. We were across the way with the windows rolled up but you could probably guess what he was saying to the idiot who honestly thought the cows would magically part for him....if he even saw us at all. Then a treasure/money cake Mom brought for Mace's birthday.

Thursday 16^th --Its end of term. Mace got a week of parties. Axel and I had tests and projects due. “I want to be in Kindergarten.” I spent several hours on a Piute Indian tribe diorama. With salt dough I made sweat huts, tepees, a fisherman, net, boat, berry patch and other replicas. I was honored to receive a TROJAN award for RESPONSIBILITY. It snowed last night. We were afraid it wouldn't last. Zara and Mom had 2 snow babies when we came home. We immediately went out to make Snow caves and a snowball fight. Finished with Hot cocoa. Axels latest CFM Goal is to learn to braid hair. I am the only one with long enough hair. I don't mind him brushing my hair and he did a ok job at a night braid.

Tuesday 21^st - Earlier this week Slobber and Brownie got out on the road. Slobber was hit and died. We found Brownie behind the grainy. He didn't even try to run from us. He's leg was messed up. Thought it was broken. We bandaged him up. But Dad was not hopeful “if he lives he lives” . We diligently started doctoring it in hopes of saving his life if not his limb.

Wednesday 22^nd -- All the primary kids got to choose to dress up as an Angel or Shepard for the ward party nativity program. Mace and I chose to be angels. Axel and Zara were Shepard. We sang 2 little songs had dinner and Santa. I tried to be "too old and cool for Santa"

Friday 24^th --Sadly Rock Creek did not decorate this year. We took full advantage of Candy Cane Lane and the singing Candy Cane house in twin. G. Dixie and G. Calvin put together a 12 days of Christmas for our gift. Every Day was a scripture that told a name of Jesus and corresponding gift. Examples: The Root of David=root beer. The true Vine=red vines. The word=book of Christmas stories Creator=hammer Gift=PJs I love advents so this was perfect. We also had a Candy calendar, spiritual video and Candle "advent advent the little light burns first 1 then 2 then 3 then 4 then the Christ child at the door.....will you let him in? YES! The $5 gift exchange ends up being the most thoughtful and remembered gifts of Christmas. Axel found his gifts for Zara right away. A flying unicorn and counting monkey toy. Mom had mace- shield and Dos game. Dad had Axel he got a Nerf gun, clock and water bottle. Zara gave me a shelf and book and ceramic cat to put on it. Mace gave mom a flower that will never die. A "kiss the cook" sign and Jesus picture. I agonized over a gift for Dad. Finally settled on a X-large lap blanket and cup "Don't make me use my cop voice."

Saturday 25^th -- Christmas morning was fabulously early. We had a great haul. Santa brought magic paint books. Dad got a maze ball toy and mom made a Vegas Dice set game. Mom got herself a lamination to complete that project. I got- fish tail blanket (thanks Darlin), Roald Dalh book series, kinetic sand, clock. Axel-a punching bag, missionary name tag, dino dig. Mace- Big dino dig, dino puzzle, missionary tag. Zara- ride on pop toy, Minnie Mouse blankets, cat night light, Minnie/Mickey stuffed animals. Everyone got a Norwex body cloth and animal head hand towel. Boys & Girls got Bow and Arrows and RC cars. It started snowing mid morning. We weren't sure how bad it would get. Wanting to get to Arco before they closed the roads we wrapped up our Christmas earlier than expected and were packed and gone by early afternoon. Dad also bought a leather purse from G.Calvin for mom.

Sunday 26^th – Tuesday 28^th -- Gift exchanges are getting harder so we decided to give the gift of "presence." Just show up. For the Kelly Christmas get together we rented the Sacajawea cabin at Lost Trails Hot Springs in Sula Montana. 4 individual rooms. 2 with kitchenettes, each with queen and 2 beds in a loft plus the full basement gathering room with a room on the side with10 bunk-beds. There was enough room to play, talk, come together and sneak away. It was perfect. All the cousins slept together; laughing and playing late into the night. Some epic nerf battles ensued. JD's family spent the week before Christmas in the hospital. Echo's Facebook post 12-15-21 "McKayla had a rough night last night. She was ice skating with her dad when a big ol’ brute ran into her and then fell on her. She got a linear fracture on her skull, and we spent the night in the PICU. She is doing OK today, is talking to us and even colored a little. There is still some bleeding and some air in the brain cavity so we will be here at least another night so she can be monitored. We are so grateful for all the calls, texts, thoughts and prayers. We love you." We weren't sure if they would be able to make it. Thankfully they did. Wolf (a game similar to old school murder in the zoo or Detective) would not be the same without them. Some of JD's family hit the ski hill but most of us just hung out at the lodge. We went sledding on the packed driveway. McKayla was bummed we wouldn't let her go. G. Marc pushed McKenna off once and knocked Mace upside the head before we put him in time out. Echo and Malena brought tons of goodies for a Gingerbread building contest (what a fun yummy mess). Mace took a tumble down the loft ladder skinned his back. The twins celebrated their 10th Birthday with an awesome motorcycle cake. There was a hot springs at the main building as a nice bonus to our accommodation package. First in on our first evening swim...Lane dove head first into a partly submerged cement divider (from kiddy wading pool to 3 feet level) in the hazy swimming pool. He broke his nose and chipped a tooth. He was pretty swollen all weekend. We think matching bubble-wrap jumpsuits for that family is in order.

Thursday 30th- Mom and us kids met up with G.Dixie and G. Calvin on their way home from Christmas with the Proctors in Utah at Trujillo's house for a yummy Navajo taco dinner. They have a cute Golden Retriever puppy Ruby. An on coming blizzard was just added fun for our snow fort adventures. Trujillo taught us Hi Bob yes Bob tell Bob.

Friday 31^st -My last Activity Days this year was a play that one of the graduating girls (Katie Henderson) wrote and directed. Practicing was a focus of several of the last few activities. We were very excited to perform it for family and friends. Katie's mom is the director of the Children's Drama Club in Wendell. So she knows what shes doing. Met up with JD's family, Brooke, Rhett and Emily at Mike's house for New Years. We spent the day sledding, eating, and having more cousin time. Dad and JD took Jade to the Wendell new years dance. It was almost 2 before we headed home.

Kelly Christmas Card:

Katana hit double digits this year (10) Miss independent wants to do her own hair. She started babysitting (for us. It's awesome. ) She loves math. Which even in 4th grade I can't help her with anymore. She loves to draw and create stories and songs. She is now my actual helper / right hand/ and mini mommy.
Axel had a very special birthday. He turned 8 was baptized in August. He has better handwriting than I do. He is the highest AR earner in his class and is at a 3.5 grade reading level as a 2nd grader. He loves Activity days. We call him “bottomless pit” cuz he's always hungry.
I started the book “Learn to read in 100 lessons” last summer with Mace. So he started Kindergarten knowing how to read, write, his colors and numbers. School is fabulously fun for him. He's really blossomed socially. He loves the arts. Musical productions, plays, concerts... he's my buddy.
Zara. Nickname “curls” cuz she has a head of perfectly bouncy ringlets. She has 2 inside Kitties (Pumpkin & Spice). She loves play-dough, her tablet, honey tea and baby shark (still ugh). She can get away with murder with her head tilt and a smile.
Family adventures: Pump went out on the well. (That was fun). We got a new miniature paint pony named Swirl. Had 2 Family Reunions. Our family vacation this year was behind the Iron Curtain AKA Portland. We visited my sister on the Oregon coast and toured the Columbia River Gorge area. So Blessed to live in IDAHO. Sending ya'll our love from the Land of the Free & Home of the Brave. The Kelly's.

2022

JANUARY

Sunday 9^th – Axel and I are really good at splendor and are learning Zarahemla

Saturday 29^th – Went to Arco. They have snow. We went sledding in the gravel pit. Then hot tubing at Malenas. We were daring each other to run in the snow around the tree and back. The boys short hair was frozen if they stayed above the water too long.

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 1^st – I have an ingrown toe nail. Great now I got something bad from both parents. Dad headaches and Mom toes. Axels spelling word is RESCUE Mom sang a Disney song to help us all learn it. I started recorder karate.  My teacher said I have good breath control. Mom said I'm taking to it like a duck to water. That means I'm good.

Thursday 3^rd – Mom had a R.S. Get to know you activity. Dad was suppose to watch us but was on the computer. Zara was screaming. Mom told us not to call unless there was blood. When I called I said “Close enough.”

Friday 4^th – Mom is sick. Took some medicine to knock her out. She was serious. Dads gravel guy came to drop it off and I had to shake her awake. It was a little scary.

Friday 11^th - G&G Kelly came and took us to Dinner at the Wok. I ate a whole plate of clams. I like to collect the shells. I volunteered to feed the horses instead of do the kitty litter. Even if its cold its better then poop.

Monday 14^th – I got my last recorder string. I'm the fastest in 4 years to get this far.

Saturday 19^th – We are at Hatfield's. A new friend to friend episode came out about staying on the Covenant path. Dad is doing wiring and we can't be in the house. We went to the science center. There is a bug display. I like the shiny Beatles and the butterfly's. The birds look weird with their heads cut off. And I liked to scar mom with the snake displays. Axel and I ran back through with moms camera while the little kids played in the back. I liked the dark room that flashed your shadow on the wall. And the board that draws circles to make a picture.

MARCH

Monday 14^th – tried to burn weeds and leaves. Most is too wet or green but mom let us all tend our own pile.

Saturday 19^th -Mom made us haul big rocks from the neighbors pile to make a walkway boarder. Then we helped clean chicken poop off Dads shelf's in the red shed. We found a mummified bird. It was gross.

Tuesday 22^nd – got 12 meat birds. Put them in the big dog kennel cuz pumpkin and spice would love to eat them. Dad is not thrilled to have to take care of them while we are gone.

Friday 25^th – Carpooled with Hatfield's to Proctors. Hiked the Y again. Then Mcphauls came that night to dye Easter eggs. We did it outside. We played a fun floor is lava song and game.

Saturday 26^th – Holi color festival in Spanish fork. Proctors are moving to Arizona so probably the last time. It was way bigger than last time. And we got a lot of colors. They threw it every 30 min. so we were covered. We all had white shirts. So you can really see how dirty we are this year. Mcphauls came too. Back at Syringas we had a talent show. Axel did his rub-ix cube he's been working on learning to solve it fast. I did my recorder. Mace pogo stick. And Zara stood on Moms hands. We definitely had the most rehearsed talents.

Wednesday 30^th – We got 2 bottle baby goats for $50 from Brooke. Dad can't be made cuz we fixed up the old chicken coop and called it Zara's birthday.

APRIL

Saturday 9^th - Thankfully soccer got canceled so we had lots of time to make it to I.F. Breann Nef got married to Cameron Parker in I.F. Temple. We got to go to the reception. I like the Nefs cuz they have a T.V. Room.

Sunday 10^th- we got a new baby goat. He's so cute. He's as big as Pumpkin. Mom put a diaper on him and let him in the house.

Friday 15^th – Mom got some Mexican candy Mazapan- is like a powdery pancake or a yummy bath bomb. This other on was like salsa jelly. And the suckers are all dipped in hot sweet/ sour spice.

Saturday 16^th – No soccer for Easter weekend so Axel, Zara and I went with Dad to Kellys. Mace is sick at home with Mom. We got to go to the Easter hunt in Moore. It was snowing and cold but we had lots of cousins.

Saturday 23^rd – Soccer was super windy and cold. G&G Kelly's come to watch us. They took us to lunch at Arctic circle. I got invited to Chloe Hesters birthday party.

MAY

Thursday 5^th – I needed mom to sign a paper for school but her and Dad started being belligerent kissing just cuz I walked up and said gross. I had to count patiently backwards from 5 before they stopped.

Wednesday 11^th – Great day to fly kites. I wrote a play for my siblings. We worked all day on piano sounds, costumes, sets, props, and lines. When Dad got home we had a show.

Friday 13^th – Its fathers and sons camp out. Mom, Zara and I had a girls night out. We went to dinner, watched the skydivers, walked halfway across the bridge before chickening out then went to the movies. It was midnight before we got out. Mom made me tell her jokes on the way home to stay awake.

Wednesday 18^th – We fed the missionaries but mom and I missed them cuz my bus was late. I had a big field trip to Boise. We toured the capital and old state penitentiary. It was really neat. I got a play camera for an early birthday and took lots of pictures.

Friday 20^th – Mom found a grape vine in twin a guy wanted dug up. It was hard work and we don't even know if it will survive. We got to pick a treat at winco for being good workers. And we picked up 2 more baby goats. These ones are girls.

Saturday 21^st – Dimond had another boy. We called him cocoa. Hes solid brown. We also sold swirl and bling this week. Cuz we had too many studs. It's sad but we each got some money from the sale which helps.

Wednesday 25^th – I had 3 Grandma's my end of year performance. I did my recorder. I was one of half a dozen in my grade to get black belt in beads. Then we danced. I was an alternate for another class so did 2 dances.

Friday 27^th – Visiting Hatfield's for Balers last soccer game. McCarty had a corn husk doll craft activity. We got really creative. Made girls and boys and a dog. We sold them a breeding pair of goats.

Tuesday 31^st -Monday was a holiday so technically today is 1st day of summer. Mom asked if we wanted to stay inside or go out. We said Out. It was a trick question cuz she said. “great we're killing our meat birds today.” she wouldn't let us change our vote. She did give us $1 for every bird we butchered. I'm used to it. Mace was gagging pulling out the guts. I laughed.

June

Thursday 2^nd – yesterday we got the garden in. Today we got the pool up. Timber gave us her above ground one when she moved back to NM.

Monday 6^th – We made mom a birthday surprise. It was a spa day. We washed and lotioned her feet and legs. Rubbed her back. Then we had a menu to order lunch. We made a happy birthday banner. She got the computer too.

Wednesday 8^th –Yesterday we delivered a generator to Dans shop in Arco. Carson was in the shop and he gave us a tour and a ride up to the ceiling in the lift. Grandma Pam helped drain Axels fingers. He burnt them on the stove a few days ago. They were big bubbles that squirted. Had a hot dog roast at Dan and Malenas. WE got a call that Darling broke her same arm same place as last year. All us kids slept in living room. This year 4 H camp is with Butte county cuz Bingham got a grant so their kids could go and we were stuck on a wait list. Malena listened to the spirit and called Butte. They had already given the numbers but when we were going to add 7 to their 2 she said she would redo the paperwork for us. Blessing. We got a bus all to ourselves and cabin mate preferences.

Saturday 11^th -. got home last night. Dairy day parade today. Hatfield's are up and went with us. Then right after we went canoeing to Pillar falls. They have never been. The water is super low still. You just walk across the rocks.

JULY

Friday 1^st -We cough Cocoa to pet him and breed Diamond. Brownie wasted no time. Axel was a little concerned. “is that how it always is” Pretty much. There is a fireworks show in Wendell. We went early to miss the lines for balloon animals and jump houses. Just before it started Axel and I ran to get Free water. Zara followed but we didn't release it. She was lost for about 10 min. A little longer cuz we forgot she put on her jacket as it got darker and colder. I was praying so hard.

Saturday 2^nd – there is another fireworks display in Jerome. Dad said he could only do one so he stayed home. We took snacks and balls and had a great time. We did headstands and human pyramids.

Monday 4^th – parade in Buhl. G. Afton, G. Calvin. G. Dixie all came too. We started walking back to the car but G. Afton wasn't going to make it so Dad ran ahead to get their car. G. Dixie and Mom stopped at a yard sale. Us 4 kids just kept walking to the van. We passed it one street over so kept walking 3 blocks past. I knew we went to far so had stopped when Dad found us. At least we stayed together. He was mad/scared. There was booths at the park. I got to pet a Llama. That night we climbed on top of the storage container to watch all the lights on the horizon.

Thursday 7^th - Marshmallow died. She was just dead in the pasture. Grandpa said maybe lightening but who knows. We cut some of her hair to make a keepsake. The proctors are up for a visit. We took them to Picknick in the park in Jerome and the skate/water park for an hour.

Friday 8^th – We took a walk to the waterfall at Ritter Island. We got an orange kayak and tried to test it. The water is super cold. The mosquito's are pretty bad too. Mace touched some poison oak. We didn't stay long.

Saturday 9^th -. Proctors left early in the morning. Dan's family is camping at Nat Soo Pah. We spent the afternoon swimming with them. The water is warm. It has 2 diving boards and a slide. There was a ton of people but still good.

Friday 15^th - We had the Jessup's out for Italian sodas. Issac is my age. I was nervous to have a boy here.

Saturday 16^th – Ralayna went through the temple in Pocatello. Mom actually got invited. They ended up doing all of Grandpa Jake's work right before. We stayed with Brendon at G. Dixie's house. Dad called that night to tell us a dog ripped the fence open and killed all our baby goats.

Sunday 24^th - all the primary kids who wanted got to sing with the choir a song Sister Smith wrote. It's called “Hannah Prayed.” Axel, Mace, and I have been practicing all week. Mom does hand movements for us to fallow. We did really good. Then we headed to Arco for the weekend cuz timber and Cart are up. Ralayna wanted to climb bell so G. Calvin took a group up. They are all sore. We gave leg massages. They scream.

Monday 25^th - We took kayaks and Grandpas boat to the Mackay dam. Beautiful day and all nice rides. Just as we got there the fish and game released a truck load of fish. Some were so shocked they couldn't swim fast. Blazen started gathering them up by hand. We got half a dozen for dinner.

Tuesday 26^th – I wanted to ride on the bike path. We loaded bikes and scooters in the party van and biked/hiked to the cemetery. We put flowers on Grandma Lolas headstone. G.Afton cried and remembered her mamma. For YW they went to Natalie's pond. G. Dixie is a leader so I went with her even though I had to lie about my age a little.

Thursday 28^th – Brooke and kids met us at the river. We bought 3 more kid kayaks. This is our first run with them. We forgot half a paddle so had to make lots of stops and it was slow going with so many of us. The water is still low. We actually walked around the 2 big pillars. You could jump off the end of the waterfall. It pushed you out quite a ways down river. A few of us older kids went with timber up and on to Shoshone falls. On the way home we picked up a goat from Brooke's. It was Emily's and she didn't want to let it go till she realized we'd pay her. “oh can you get it tonight.” money talks.

Friday 29^th – Spent the day at raft river with Trujillo's family, Mcphauls, G. Dixie, G. Calvin. G. Afton. Its a big grass area with playsets, volleyball and best of all 2 big slip and slides. They have tubs or you go on your belly. It's so much fun. We made trains and had races. On the way home we got 3 more goats to replace those lost. Dad is working long hours. Even weekends.

AUGUST

Monday 1^st – I asked mom to help me shave my legs. We shaved one and used Nair on the other to see the difference and know my options. They are smooth and shiny. Its part of womanhood.

Saturday 6^th – Emily Kimball had a birthday party at her Dad's house. He rented 3 big blow up toys. The 3 slide water one was the best. Echos kids were there too. They had blackberries and cake and a pinata.

Wednesday 10^th – busy week. We cleaned the pool. It was green and mossy. Picked a wheel-barrel full of goat heads. They are everywhere this year. Sneaking into the lawn. I hate them. Today was school registration. We ate at the park. Played at the skate park. Found you can slide into the bowl like a steep slide but it wears out your butt. Then we got school supplies. Ugg summer is almost over already. The new goats are wild. And have horns. We wrestled them down and put green bands on their horns.

Saturday 13^th – Mom dyed her hair orange. She was going for blond but it didn't work. We all got blond/red/orange highlights too. I just did my bangs.

Tuesday 16^th – Axel and I have pizza pie cafe coupons. I love the dessert pizzas. I aslo tried the noodles this time. My stomach is going to explode.

Friday 19^th – I asked Axel if it was ever uncomfortable to have something between your legs?. Like does it ever get pinched as you walk? “No but after you pee sometimes it gets stuck to your underwear the next time” We were playing the tripping game on the trampoline. Not the best game as it ended with Mace getting a black eye. Oops.

Saturday 20^th -our activity today was to made tissue holders for our desk or backpacks. It started fun but took a long time to put all the sides together. Movie night was Sea Beast. Zara cut her head it bleed and looked bad.

Wednesday 24^th – Monday was the first day of school. I was nervous to start middle school. Now I'm ok. It's fun to move classes and I like my locker. McCarty, Baler and Zaleah came last night. We left about 10 pm for clear roads, to avoid traffic and not have us bugging the driver. We got our tablets for a little but then it was late and we just slept all the way to Fence Lake New Mexico. Got in mid morning. They have had lots of rain so it looks like a Montana prairie with flowers and knee high grandma grass. Their tramp is off the front porch. They have 3 Pollywog or tadpole barrels. They make the tiniest cutest little frogs ever. We also set up a volley ball game. Anything to be out of the van.

Thursday 25^th -.Holden Awn Mcphaul was baptized by his father Ace. He and his friend Riata Lynn Green had their programs together since they are the only kids in the area. They got permission to do it in a stock tank. Its a big chest high one on top of a hill. It was a beautiful day with rain clouds on the horizon. Those sun rays busting through. The little girls picking wheat and flowers in the back. They both messed up and had to start over. At the Greens they had yummy brisket. And hot beans. Then we went back to the tank to go swimming. It was pretty cold but you just kept moving. Grandpa built us a fire and we turned on some music and danced to get warm.

Friday 26^th – drive across to Surprise Arizona. Timber bought us all slushies at maverick on the way. We couldn't wait to swim.

Saturday 27^th – Colvin lee Proctor was baptized by his father Greg. Axel was asked to be the witness. Greg had to start over 3 times. Sweet pork salad at Syringa then we could finally swim. The big umbrella fall over in the pool on Zaras head that was just healed and popped it open again. Eat, sleep and swim. What a life. Oh and eat popcorn. They have an automatic popcorn maker that is always going. It's the best.

Sunday 28^th – can't swim till after church. At dusk we took a night hike in the dessert to a dry waterfall. It was neat to see the lights of the city. I wasn't even that scared of the dark cuz their was so many friends hiking with me.

SEPTEMBER

Friday 2^nd – Spice had her babies on my bed. I always wanted her to do that. There are 3 that look like her and one black one. I wanted a black since blacky the Dad got ran over.

Friday 9^th – I showed my activity day group how to made yarn bracelets that we made at 4 H camp this year. I am also taking Drama club. 5^th graders can do it. I auditioned for a part in this years fall production of Princess whats-her-name. I want whiny or forest witch.

Saturday 10^th – They liked our song “Hannah Prayed” so much they asked us to sing it for stake conference adult session. We were the only kids that knew it and didn't have to look at the papers. Mom did our gestures and we sang loud and proud.

Tuesday 13^th – A big boxer dog showed up at the house. We thought it was the same one that killed our goats but no. he's really nice so we'll keep him till we find his owners. We called him Bowser.

Sunday 25^th - We have been canning like crazy. Peaches and pears. It's a good skill to have. G. Dixie, G. Calvin and G. Afton came Friday and Saturday to help around the house. Dad hasn't had a day off in weeks. I made an eclair cake with G. Dixie. Saturday was G. Aftons birthday dinner with her 4 kids. And Brooke. Drama I don't care about. Before church started we found 2 abandon baby kittens in the gutter. Calico. We named Callie and Nena (Finnish for nose) or Dad calls her Schnoz cuz she has a black dot on her nose.

OCTOBER

Sunday 2^nd - great conference as always. Our favorite was Elder Rafael E Pino “let doing good be our Normal” Sugar vs salt on avocados. Or chili on coconut. Lots of talks on love and forgiveness. Also 18 temples announced. I worked on my diamond art and we made doughnuts yesterday. Today we ran over to Hagerman. Mike is taking care of a guys house who died and has lots of fruit. Apples, apricots, plums, raspberries, grapes and watermelons. We each picked one as big as we were.

Thursday 6^th - homecoming dress up week. M-western day. Mom had all the stuff but I didn't want to wear it. It was uncomfortable. I wore the had and boots and spurs but not the chaps. T-throwback. We didn't have any shiny blue/pink workout stuff so we did bell bottoms mom made at 8 the night before. A striped shirt, straight hair and twiggi blue eyes. W-Hawaiian Thurs- pride day.

Friday 7^th – for activity days we made glow in the dark iron on shirts. In between Act days and Drama club we got lunch at Arctic Circle. Zara wouldn't eat. Found out her corn dog was frozen. We asked if they could microwave it and instead we got a whole new one. 2 Free flashlight toys and coupons for an ice cream cones. So nice.

Saturday 8^th - We're teaching Zara how to say please and ask nicely. At dinner we said What's the magic word. she said abracadabra. I said I think that counts.

Sunday 9^th – Today's activity is to glean potatoes from the field next to the house. We found some really big ones. Broke our bags and mom had to run get the red wagon. Movie night was Hocus Pocus 2. It was even better than the first one. Not so scary either. Mom helped make Maleficent horn for my play part.

Monday 10^th – G. Dixie, G. Calvin G. Afton took us to roadhouse for dinner. They are trying to sell the big RV. Its been at our house all year and Mom put it on line for them. This is a thank you.

Friday 21^st - Activity days is painting pumpkins. Then off to play practice. I had a loose tooth. Mom put a string on it so I could play with it.. So when I wasn't looking she yanked it. At first I was mad “You're the worst” later I had to give her a hug for thanks I as scared to pull it.

Saturday 22^nd – Grandpa Marc had a tin can stove project he wanted to do with us. He also gave us a John Wayne can opener. They took out for lunch. Mom and Dad went on a date. Nena died. And something got one of our goats too. Its throat was ripped open.

Sunday 23^rd – Kellys stayed for our Primary Program. It was my last one. We nailed our parts. I said “Naaman had a hard time obeying when the prophet Elisha told him how to be cured of leprosy. At first Naaman did not want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha told him that this would heal his disease. Naaman was blessed when he made the right choice to show faith, humility and obedience. President Nelson said “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” I am staying close to the spirit by reading my scriptures and talking to heavenly father in prayer. A warning from the Holy Ghost physically saved me from drowning. I am learning how the Holy ghost feels to me.” For movie night we watched the One and only Ivan.

Thursday 27^th – Red ribbon dress up week. M-wear red-Be RED-y to be drug free. T- sports or tie dye- Team up against drugs and keep the peace. W- Camo or Neon. - Drugs can't find me and I have a bright future. Thrus- Trojan pride. - we Say NO NO NO.

Friday 28^th – I had a 3 hr play practice. Mom brought my costume afterwards and we hit 3 Trunk-or-treats in Twin. Smiles4kids and an insurance place across the road. Then Canyons retirement home had one. All the old people were sitting around the commons. They were so happy to see us. We are awesome. Zara is Batgirl, Mace-A Cop Axel- A doughnut. Mom- the Joker Me. A Cat.

Saturday 29^th - More trunk-or-treats in twin. There was suppose to be another one at the meadows retirement home but it was wrong day on line. We dumpster dived for a pallet and some old carpet pieces we can put in cookies house.

Monday 31^st – Trunk or treat in Wendell had free soup dinner again. Dad is still working so we didn't get the haunted trailer but next year it will be a huge hit. I really wanted to do real door knocking trick or treating. We did 2 streets. We got to walk in front of the van going slow. We were like the only kids out.

NOVEMBER

Thursday 3^rd – Their was a puberty talk at school. Mom came and sat in the back. It was a very awkward video. Slideshow and Q&A. Later Mom and I had a talk in the bathroom. I already know some stuff cuz we've talked before. I've shaved my legs. I wear a bra. I have deodorant. But this time was more in depth and it's getting closer to a Period so I'm kind of nervous now.

Thursday 10^th -Family reading night at the Elementary. Zara and I went to the city park for a few minutes but got cold fast so walked over to the library. Mom came and picked us up about 30 min. later. We all went to Axels Activity days to help rake leaves at the church. Then back to the school for hot dogs and chips.

Friday 11-11-make a wish... Had a 5 hr play practice. I am nervous about the songs and dance moves.

Saturday 12^th – I watched the kids so mom could go to super Saturday. She helped me carve my pumpkin I painted at activity days to make a pumpkin roll from scratch.

Sunday 13^th – Mom taught us to make tree gnomes she made at super Saturday last week. We also made one of her dip each day this week . My favorite was the Bacon ranch one. Zaras “F-fell-ant” bank broke. I tried to fix it but it was too cracked. Mom gave her her car one.

Thursday 17^th – My first performance was for the middle school. I was so nervous my stomach fell to my knees when the curtains first opened. Mom and Zara got to come I didn't know till it was over and Zara ran up. “where did you come from.” Denali had my Mom get me a flower for good luck.

Friday 18^th -There was 2 Hr play practice we went over the songs mostly. For the opening performance both sets of Grandparents came, Hatfield's and Trujillo and Nathan (though we didn't know about them till intermission). They all sat in the front row so I could see them. I did so much better tonight. I had a mic for Maleficent and a black shirt so I could throw my cape and scare them. I was still nervous when the curtains first opened. Then I got into it. I reacted to other peoples lines and knew the songs better. I was really proud of myself. Grandma Dixie got roses for the boys to give me. McCarty made me one from tissue paper. Grandpa Pam got me chocolate roses. I got lots of congrats text from my Aunts too. I am really loved.

Saturday 19^th – Mom, the boys and Zara came to my last performance. And sat in the front row again. One of the dwarfs were gone so I had a few extra lines to do and I had to change my one line to “5 of the 6 dwarfs may lend a hand but count me out.” I sang the songs a lot better and finally relaxed enough to have fun.

Wednesday 23^rd – We didn't have any school this week and have been moms slaves trying to get ready for thanksgiving. Dad called us when he was almost done with work. We met him by Bellevue where hes working. We stayed at Malenas house. We got to sleep in the living room with all the cousins. We stayed up late watching T.V.

Thursday 24^th – Thanksgiving was at G. and G. Kelly. It was crammed with everyone in the dinning room/kitchen. Lots of good food and a table of pies. Then cousins the rest of the day. It is cold and snowy so we mostly stayed upstairs. The girls had a sleep over at G. Pams. The boys at Malenas.

Friday 25^th – We met everyone at the gas station. We planned it out. All the girls went with Brooke or Mom and on the way over we put on camo clothes, braided our hair and painted our faces. When we pulled into the paint ball place we blasted the western duel theme song. We all stepped out. It was epic. Then 8 and over got to paint ball. Mace was really upset at first but Malena paid the kids $5 to sit in the car and watch a movie with Zara. Paint ball was so fun. The first game I thought I was out so started walking off the field but then Echo said I wasn't so I turned around and was behind the guys and shot Dad close range in the butt. It was so satisfying. I know Dad hates that word. We played throw over 3000 rounds and 6 games. I got shot in the leg and it hurt so bad. We ate at pizza pie cafe afterwards. Mom made us stop at Big Deal Outlet. Grandma bought me a pen set. I bought me a squishy ball. We stopped at Dans shop on the way back. They have ping pong. And a loft. T.V. Beds. They got a whole bunch of treats and we had a party at Malenas. We stayed up really late again. Then decided to go back to Grandmas for a sleep over. Everyone but the boys and Zara who were already asleep.

Saturday 26^th – After breakfast we went back to Malenas. Grandpa can't handle the chaos of all of us. Mom brought stuff to make the Gnome craft from Super Saturday. We played till afternoon.

Monday 28^th – Mom got us from school early. We ate at Arbys before the show. Then went to Forgotten Carols. It was magical. “Mary let me hold her baby.” I held Moms hand the whole time. We sang Silent Night and I felt the Christmas spirit. We ate at Happy Teriyaki and got ice cream cones at the store. Dad was kind enough to pack hay to the goats. We pulled in as he was walking in a snow storm across the yard in his underwear.

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DECEMBER