Family 2020

 

2020

JANUARY

Saturday 4^th - First road trip of the year to Arco to witness Dallin and Weston be Baptized.  I love sharing spiritual experiences and advancements and I'm so grateful for the positive examples of my extended family members.  That afternoon the storm lifted just long enough for the kids to enjoy the snow.  For my kids it will probably be the only down hill sledding snow we get this winter.  Dan dragged them up the hill for a while on his snow machine.

Friday 10^th -In a family text the question was asked “What does your spouse do that's romantic?” My sisters had quick answers like “as I'm making dinner he dances me around the kitchen, picks flowers, writes love notes...” Every romantic gesture I could thing of would just end differently with us. “if your not going to be helpful get out of my kitchen your going to make me burn the chicken” “Flowers just die waste of money get me Venus fly trap at least they're useful.” and “your beautiful like a dove so tonight lets make....cookies.” My anniversary was in a few days and even so it took me all day to respond. Finally I realized our love song is very different. He asked me to marry him by tossing the ring at me on our way home one night and said “ here put this on I know you'll want to show your roommates.” compared to his brother who had a dinner in the winter woods with fireworks this may seem cringe worthy but it wasn't! Not for me. Mushy mushy from him would seem insincere. Our song for the last 11 years probably sounds more Rocky Balboa than Celine Dion but hey that's us. Like Andy Grammer's song says “I'M NOT GIVIN' UP” I asked for a new broom, pick up stick and mop. Preston refused. “Can you imagine the ammo I would give you if I got you cleaning supplies?” Yes but I really do what them this time.

Saturday 18^th - We went to Jump Time for Rhetts Birthday. The kids had a blast.  Huge tramps, ball pits and bounce houses.   Zara is crawling everywhere and getting into everything. She is starting to stand up and walk along things. She wants to feed herself although more gets on the floor than in her mouth. 2-3 baths a day is normal. Shes also getting teeth!    Axels reading has really taken off. Katana hardly needs help and can sound out or guess even the hard words during scripture study. 

Saturday 25^th – A quick weekend trip to Utah with Mom.  The Proctor boys are in Karate in Spanish Fork.  Denim was at State Dance at USU.   We wanted to see both and prayed we'd be able to.   Start 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. One of my favorite categories.

FEBRUARY

Saturday 1^st - 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 wheelers didn't hardly break through. Don't Fall Off.

Wednesday 5^th - Pam came to visit and babysit while I got my hair cut and colored with blond streaks. I'm glad she came because it ended up taking like 5 hours. I've been wanting to cut and color my hair for a while but have been waiting to go to Utah to see Deidre cuz she's the bomb. Well it wasn't going to happen in the foreseeable future so I prayed and a few days later saw Natalie Sears.  She had a cute modern pixie. Turns out her sister-in-law just does it for friends and family in her home. With COVID no salons are open right now. Stupid. Yes our United States Government even on the local levels are telling people they are unable to use their training or schooling to support their families and unable to participate in their religion and art because such things have been deemed UNIMPORTANT AND UNESSENTUAL. I called -she said yes and did an amazing job. I cut about 18 in. off. Preston even noticed.

Friday 14^th - Grandma Dixie gave us $5 for Valentines Day balloons.  It was the first time I'd been to Zonkers Party Outlet.  We were in there for over an hour.  Kids looking down every row for the best-est one.  Valentines Day stuff was out but cost more meaning only 1 or 2 balloons between them. So my money savvy kiddos decided to pick ones off the discount wall so they each got one plus each got a fuzzy balloon weight. I was silently super proud. 

Sunday 16^th - BreAnn Nef reported home from her Chesapeake Virginia mission. Quick day trip to I.F. To support. This week Zara opened a little bottle of soap in the bathtub not sure how much she sucked out before we found her. Zaleah eats everything. Cart has poison control on speed dial. Soap- may make a little sick and diarrhea but should be OK. Mace was worried and prayed to find the lid. The next day he came running out having found it on the floor. "Mom it worked it worked. the prayer worked." I love those spiritually growing moments.

Saturday 22^nd - Elder Cook came to talk with young married couples with small children. It was so great. He was over the new Come Follow Me curriculum.   He said this program was never meant to be ridged. strict. ball and chain.  That to study you needed to be in ash and sackcloth.  Your Sunday is to be a delight.  Your study is to be enlightening and engaging.  Age appropriate.  It was never intended that children stay in Sunday dress to worship keeping a constant spiritual high.  That is a recipe for failed expectations and rebelling teens.   It is more spiritual highlights. Attitude of fellowship.  Basically "If Sunday isn't your favorite day of the week...Your doing it wrong."  It was all soooo good. 

Sunday 23^rd -Grandma Afton and Grandpa Jake are living in Twin Falls by the mall. Mom and Dad came down so I went with them to visit. No sure I would otherwise. One of my CFM goals this year's to make a descent loaf of bread.  I find these "fail proof" recipes and my mixer and oven goes "Challenge Excepted."  Actually beer bread has worked the best for me thus far.  Makes an instant sour dough. I have had a few successes. I got new yeast which helps. Mine was probably 10 years old. Thanks to Covid you can sometimes get those stupid individually wrapped packets of gold dust or a 6-1lb bag case. Ok so I'll have plenty to practice on. My chickens are well fed on my failures. Preston and I eat a loaf each fresh out of the oven on the good ones.  The kids eat one slice then go "Can we have real bread next time."  WIP-work in progress.

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. My testimony of food storage has only been strengthened. So grateful I wasn't fighting the crazies for napkins. We are Ok. We will be Ok. We can ride this out.

Monday 2^nd - 100th day of school is dress up like your 100 years old day. Katana has bun, skirt tucked up under her armpits and a huge handbag. Axel has suspenders with high-water pants. So cute. Mace found a pair of Dad's sunglasses and I found him staring into a lamp light. When I asked what he was doing. "Mom I'm just making sure they work. And they do."

Friday 6^th - Dad took the 3 oldest branding. It was nice to have a day just my baby and Me

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 Mom'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. Preston used the loader to pile up all the poky weeds in the pasture. We set one pile on fire for the kids. They go fast, hot, and load. Whooosh. Cousin time always a good time. Of course Utah has to go and have an earthquake 5.7 near Magna Utah outside SaltLake. Mom's all panicked cuz she can't get a hold of Syringa who is standing right next to me....Cart cussed us out and we had to tell Mom or she would. Come on what are we 7. Greg was stuck on the train for 4 hrs while they cleared the rail and Syringa left the next day as there were rumors of closing the boarders to contain the panic of the Pandemic. Yes! they spun it like Covid caused the earthquake and wearing your mask could have prevented it.

Friday 20^th -As a reward for finishing the trim in the living room and because it has been planned since before our anniversary we finally used use our Groupon Massages. It was in Boise so Mom babysat. I hesitate to write this because it's so embarrassing. Oh well. Just as we park I fart. or I thought it was a fart. No- full on “shipped my pants.” (that was a commercial for free shipping a few years ago” I was mortified. So Preston went in alone first. It's close to where Cart used to live so I know the Albertson's. Use the bathroom and rinse my undies but no air dryer. I have a sweater tied 80's style on my hips to cover my wet butt. Totally natural, I buy some cheep spray and look for a gas station that has a single stall bathroom with air hand dryer. Get back a few minutes before its time to switch. Preston is not impressed because it is a cramped one room office rental place and she made him keep his clothes on.

Sunday 22^nd - Marc and Pam got their mission call. Going to LA. That will be a growing experience. Well Maybe. They will stay home 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 Marc who was the hesitant one. They updated the paperwork to say Anywhere. Anything. However long. “Fair Dinkum”

Saturday 28^th - We went out to burn the second pile of weeds. My kids are little Pyros. We burned the weeds along the fence line as well. Katana spent a good hour hauling water to dump on the white hot spots and hearing the sizzle. The kids spent the afternoon riding the CRF 50's back and forth as we babysat the fires. Axel started screaming that something was poking him. Preston checked his pants and pulled out a winter wheat. But he kept crying. Finally I went over and took his pants completely down and found 2 fire ants on his butt crack and groin. Poor baby.

Saturday 28^th -Spring cleaning. Lots of nail hole patching & washing walls. We painted the kids rooms. I had some random colors they could choose from. Axel got 2 red walls- Katana we 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. All work and no play...leads to cabin fever. A lot of stuff is being canceled like the Color festival. I'm so sad. I think Preston was trying to cheer me up so he 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 - I think God knew I need a pick me up so sent a good surprise. Preston calls a few minutes after he left for work.  " Hey come take care of this colt?"  It took me longer than it should have to understand him.   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.  And the kids absolutely love him.  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. Preston and I were in the boys room mapping out the patch jobs needed to finish and paint it. I was cold and his face was warm I reached out to touch him and swooned. At first I thought I was experiencing Vertigo. But then the wall was moving. The House was moving. I had a million scenarios flash in my mind to explain it. *storm *tornado *big tree falling *atomic bomb *Earthquake. Preston looked shocked and confused too. "Was that an earthquake?" I ran down the hall. My plants were swinging. It was over in seconds. "Kids did you feel that? That was an earthquake!. That was so cool.! " I got my phone. Who could I even call. I texted Rosalie Young my ministering sister. "Was that an earthquake?" She got back immediately. "I think so." And then we were calling parents and looking on Facebook and googling for more information. We just kept saying profound explanations of "That was so cool. That was weird.” Pam felt it in Arco and thought “Please just don't be Yellowstone.” LOL...sort of. Mom felt it in the house in Grand view but Dad didn't notice it while driving in the truck. Katana was in the toy room playing mine craft and the bed started shaking. She just thought it was Preston messing with her. But when she yelled to stop it- he wasn't there. The boys were playing on the phone and tablets in the living room. Axel said he couldn't hold his hand still and looked up at the fly strip swinging on the wall. It wasn't until I came yelling down the hall that he thought it might be a big enough deal to stop playing. Both boys were totally unimpressed. ME- “hey that was an earthquake!” Them- "cool" Tremor reports coming in from Boise to SLC. 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 Marc and Pam 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. The kids listened hard for words getting candy or coin. One speaker started with "I'm going to talk about the son" Katana "oh I love it when they tell us the word" Conference just makes my heart happy. We made doughnuts too which made our bellies happy.

Sunday 5th – 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.” It was a beautiful day. I had the thought and the day felt like a calm before a storm. Everything in sharper focus, the air crisp and sweet. The difference hearing conference and the messages of love and support and preparedness VS the news with death, destruction and mayhem. Come what may. BRING IT.

Wednesday 8th -Katana was super brave and rode Brownie. Mace came out in his underwear and announced "I am a Lamanite today and they don't wear shirts or pants." Went to Walmart. Stores are now limiting the number of people in the store. There is a lot more people wearing masks now. 80 % maybe. I'm more scared seeing people in masks. One guy had a hoodie pulled up and tight and a mask. Trying not to judge but isn't that Robbery 101. Mask. hat, gloves. You can bet those will be mandatory soon too. 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. Which they totally have now. It's one of the top watched clips this month. I very deliberately ignored the rules. I got a few startled looks while going the wrong way on the pasta isle and politely declined the offer of a mask at check out. “I'm almost done thanks” Seriously we are re-configuring our stores for the FLU. 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. Some pun intended.

Saturday 11^th – I made a bunny shaped cake.  In hindsight I should have done carrot cake but alas; chocolate.  Zara can climb on anything. I had a heart attack the first time I saw her jump off the end tables onto the couch.  She's so little. It was a true Trust Fall face first into the cushions. Came up laughing so I guess it's OK.   She watches the kids and thinks she can  do it all as well. I'm not going to be the one to tell her she can't. She is a sneaky little baby. I can't keep her out of the Nutella or Peaunt butter.  The first few times I took a picture of her messy face and hands. Lately I've started to scold her which the kids think is equal to me beating her. Poor baby.   She's officially walking really well.  Mad she can't run.  She got pink ruffle butt pants for her B-day and the famous Crayon Sweater from MOM.  And Cheese puffs from her siblings.  . We sure do love our Zara- Bara -Boo.

Saturday 25^th - Took a drive to see the windmills by Hagerman. Preston 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. He rents from friends who own a fish hatchery that sits on the place. He's allowed to fish the inlets all he wants. So easy it feels like cheating.

Sunday 26^th -Playing play guns with Axel and I get shot but keep going Sackett style. "You can't come back to life your not Jesus. We are playing man rules not Jesus"

Thursday 30^th - After high tensions getting our school done which dragged on till like 3 pm I promised a bike ride. I could smell rain and feel wind picking up when we left. "Lets hurry" But we didn't even get to our neighbors before turning around. It 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. "If you can stay up try to ride it will be faster." You couldn't see our house from down the hill for the dust. Axel was kind of excited about it; going off about being in a real life Disasters Obby from Roblocks. I thought it was kind of scary and praying no cars came our way. Clothes blowing off the line. Katana came to help bring them in and we talked about how we both felt the spirit to come home even before it really started. I'm happy she's learning to recognize the spirit and she is proud of herself when she listens.

 I'm cutting the boys hair one night this month.  While I'm doing Axel he picks up a fist full of hair off the ground, rubs it on his arms and legs.  Then starts laughing.  " I look like a Dad. "  Its one of those moments as a mom you flash forward like 18 years. Maybe I'm cutting his hair right after his wife has a baby and doesn't feel up to it. And I look down and see his hairy arms and remember this moment when he was a little boy.  I gave him an extra kiss when I tucked him in tonight.

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. Blessings happened.  They were able to get patched up and back to Utah and 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. It was in the books already so Cart came to me and we carpooled to Utah .  First time our 3 littles have been together we call them the triplets.   We tried to match them with the fancy pants Mom got us all and some other similar outfits we happened to have.  Photo shoots all weekend.  Timber was up for surgeries so we got to see everyone.   I cannot even tell you all the fun we had. It was just about talking, hanging out and getting mentally pumped up. Hair and makeup and gossip--sisters are the best. It was a little cold for the pool, but the kids 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. If more got in she would just put her toes in or maybe to the knee.  McCarty brought an activity for us. We did a Bob Ross painting. "Sea Breeze"  Each picture showed the painters personality.  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 Mom and Dad. 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 -Preston built a canoe rack on the little trailer so we can pull all four baots 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.  We put Axel and Katana in one alone so they could learn to row. They basically scram at each other for an hour. Preston would holler at them from across the lake every now and then.  Great show for the people on shore. 

Sunday 10^th - Mothers day. Preston and Kids made popcorn and slushies for movie night.  The last Star Wars - the end of Reys story - come on Disney plus.  I hadn't seen it yet.  I totally called it though.  History on short hinges and all that.  Still good movie but #1 big nose George was your best candidate...really #2 you killed Solo so the rest of the show sucked #3 if you go with a strong male character your a chauvinistic pig.  Go with a strong women and she has to be naturally talented and basically invincible. My new lunch/free time show is called “Married at First Sight.” I could fix 99% of the relationship issues with 2 things  COMMUNICATION and lower your Expectations of perfection.  Preston claims to not be interested  but we talk about it all the time. "what would you do?  what do you think they will do?  could you do that?" Zara plays peekaboo by covering one eye and saying BA.  It's stink'n  adorable.  Everything she does is adorable. I am loving her moments more cuz she's my last.

Thursday 21^{st -}Cleaning out old school papers I found and have included select excerpts from Katana's 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.)

Saturday 23^rd - Got out for spring break and never really went back. Covid.  Kids enjoyed the heck out of the long summer days.   Turned in our packets for the year and  kids were able to say good bye to their teachers. Bittersweet. Somehow felt like breaking up with a long distant lover. Like it could have been great but we never really gave it a chance to mature so still can part as friends.  Schools out -time to play. We took JD's family and Brooke and the 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. With so many kids and so little help and I'm not referring to the kids here.   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.  They picked up the pontoon boat with
Brook, Echo and I think 8 kids. Then Me and Jade and our 2.  Preston 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. That's the way to fish now.  A little awkward as they are divorced and moving slowly from parting as friends to fighting over the spoils. Ahhh Memories.

Saturday 30^th -  Just got over a two week bout of what I'm sure was the dreaded corona everyone was talking about.  Did not get tested. It was pretty rough no lie. I'm talking Unconscious-didn't-always-make-it-to-the-toliet-sprey-the-shower-walls-sick.  Then weak, slow and sore for a few weeks. Still very much alive though. Lost 20 lbs which jump started a 9 year New Years resolution favorite failure "loose baby weight."  I continued on with a 5 day water fast called Snake Juice Diet.  Timber has done it for years.  Mom did like a 25 day one a while back.  Independently Cart, Syringa and I tried it out this month.  It's crazy to me that I don't need food.  I wasn't even that hungry.  You take all the vitamins and minerals and salts your body requires and that's it. It's a reset for body and mind.  Body obviously a liquid diet is super cleansing.     Mind-- like Good better best.  Do I want a piece of food now because it's available and I'm board or wait for dinner and be sitting and enjoy it a little later.    A whole piece of crappy chocolate now or a half serving of decadent cheese cake later. Choice is important. Timing is important.  It was actually kind of spiritual.  Preston was not a fan.  Not supportive at all.  He says it's new age anorexia with a twist.  Whatever it worked. It was the easiest diet I've ever tried. My body loved it and responded well.  A few things.  Don't trust a fart- it's not worth it.   Don't plan on going anywhere for days 1-2.  Plan light work home days for 3-4.   Have a goal.  Either choose a time limit or weight loss goal.  Motivation is helpful.   Get real Epson salt not bath salt with Epson salt BIG difference and yes my puke was banana lavender scented for the first day.  Oh and remember to re-feed slowly. I did it wrong the first time. 5 days and a Lava cake as my reward. No no.

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.  Preston and I went on a date to Boise. Corona is making people crazy. Tons of stores are closed. It's like a ghost town. Feels like a scene from some post apocalyptic horror movie.  And we live in Wendell. 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.  I couldn't find the ax so this year we used the tree loppers. I think it actually worked better.  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.  Finished my Married at first sight show. We were talking about it at dinner and Axel pips up about his future wife. “It doesn't matter if she is the most beautiful only if she loves me and I love her” Ahhh

Friday 12^th - For my Birthday I wanted a good family photo.  Hilary Rogers ( a friend from the ward and Brenden Hatfield's cousin) went to Paul Mitchell beauty school.  She was kind enough to cut my hair in a short pixie.  On Facebook I found a gal who was starting a photography business and offering photo shoots for $20 for 30 min. session. I'd also get access to all the shots.     An amazing deal Preston couldn't balk at (money for pictures to him is like going to dinner and getting pasta. "I can make this at home for cheaper and better") and a time limit even Mace could handle...Almost.  I said if they stood still and took good shots we'd go for Ice cream.  When it was done Mace asked if we were going for a treat.  "Do you think your face was ice cream good?"   He thought about it for a min. then gave me a big grin (the only one of the day) YES!!   Even if I only got 1 shot it was worth it for someone else to take them.  She was great and just kept snapping. It was a beautiful day and they all turned out so cute.  A few days before the kids and I drove around looking for the perfect backdrop.  I took my camera for test shots.  Preston tried to get out of it.  Those are cute just use those. NO WE ARE DOING THIS!  Ordered matching outfits for us from Pat Pat.  I was going to use light blue ones for the girls. I got them the day before and didn't try them on. Day of I discover mine has a seam in the middle of my chest. Not attractive and very noticeable. (Later I would sew a piece of lace to hide it) Thankfully I had bought 2 matching sets in anticipation for a road trip this summer.  The dark blue turned out really good. 

Saturday 13^th – There was an estate auction in Twin and a farm auction in Filer.  Divide and conquer.  Ended up getting 4 little ducks for me and a cute baby lion head bunny for Katana. “For my birthday” she says with big puppy eyes. They were the best babysitters while Preston and I finished up with the auction in Twin.  We Just let them and the kids loose in the trailer.

Tuesday 16^th - Preston was working out in the shop when the angle grinder caught on his shirt and spun into his belly.  It cut threw his shirt, garments and tore 3 long lines in his gut. The worst was quite deep and about 9 in. long. He played it cool but it looked horrific. He comes in holding his stomach with blood coming through his fingers saying "Honey I need your help for a sec. "

Thursday 18^th – I promised the kids we could have a picknick and swim at Niagra river since I wouldn't let them last when we took pictures there. The water was and always is butt freezing cold as it comes out of the mountain like 100 feet away. I could barley put my feet in. Katana and Axel ran around like for an hour. Floating down and swimming back up. Mace got chest deep a few times. I got thigh high once saving Zara who had no fear. But mostly stayed ankle deep. We've celebrated Katana's birthday all month here and there. Kelly bunny, Kelly grandparents up last Sunday, a pick nick today, cousins coming this weekend. She's an awesome kid. 9 wow.

Sunday 21^st- Proctors are up for Greg's birthday vacation. We joined them for boats, Borens and a BBQ.  Grandma made Katana a mermaid tail.    Every little girls dream.  We brought a huge bag of Orbeez which Grandma did not really appreciate us sharing. We made Preston a salt dough sign for Fathers day with pebbles that says “DAD ROCKS!”

Tuesday 23^rd - My hair was starting to look like 80's David Hasselhoff so I dyed it Green.  Kids all got to try my green hair dye.  I didn't bleach it for them so it was mostly highlights. That got me looking like a member of a Japanese boy band.  Bad hair inspired me to do something crazy.  NO hair.  A secrete bucket list ambition “shave my head.”  Hair has always been a huge part of my life/identity. sierralonghaira was my first e-mail.  I was distinguished by "the long haired one."  Subconsciously long hair was connected to beauty, youth, self esteem, self worth, confidence.    I thought I could be a martyr for someone who had cancer and I could shave my head with them.  Thankfully I've never had to be so Nobel.  But the desire is still there.  Could I do it?  Am I strong enough in myself to pull it off?  or will I put my head in the sand for 6 months while it grows out.?  wear a wig?  Well there is no time like quarantine- if I hate it its ok cuz no one will see it.  When I confessed this to Preston he was supportive but hesitant. Just making sure I'd thought it out.  "Why don't you talk to your sister first.  Not Syringa she'll say Go for it. Not Cart she'll say your going to hell.  Call Timber she's a neutral party."   Moment of truth.  Preston, Me and the #8 Clippers. AHHHHHHH   and I actually LOVE IT.   I love my little fohawk and the shock factor.

Friday 26^th --Speaking of Wow factor. Katana got BRACES.  Within a few days you could see an improvement in the movement of her front teeth. This is phase 1. ( spacing and alignment for incoming teeth.) $2,272 Then they will come off for a few years before phase 2 (bite and permanent placement) Shes a little sore. I have soft meals planned.

Saturday 27^th -Trujillo called me out of the blue early this morning and asked if I would meet him to look at some houses near Burley.   He starts his job at the Burley DI next week and would only have this weekend to secure a home.  Mom and Dad also felt impressed to come.  He and Abe and Nathan had looked at 5 or 6 yesterday and narrowed it down to 2.  After it was said and done the inspiration to have us was to confirm his desires. A home that needed fixing but had land, location and a shop to die for VS.   a house magazine worthy but no land, a disaster in waiting with neighbors, water rights, and deadly highway hidden by a retainer wall. Abe is his mothers creation and was sent to do her bidding. Heo needed back up and didn't know it. It was painfully obvious to the rest of us. I'd move in tomorrow. Charlotte is going to hate it.

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. It was interesting when it came to the difference in the kids.  Katana wanted to add her money together to get one big bill she now has a $50 from all her savings.  Axel wanted to keep mostly smaller bills so he could have a fat wallet.   Mace earned $4 dollars and a couple pieces of change. I went outside for something and he couldn't find his wallet.  He came to ask for my help and was carefully holding his coins but had let the paper fly and fall all over the house and yard. I helped him pick it up and exchange it all for quarters. Then got a sock to put it in. He was thrilled to have a “Pirate Purse.”

JULY

Saturday 4^th - Out to Arco for the 4th. Dan and Malena hosted. She had her collage age nieces and nephews coming from BYUI with friends so a few more was no biggie. We started with a float trip down the ditch. Well Zara and I got in. There wasn't enough tubes so we happily gave ours up first. Truth be told the water was freezing and I was only too happy to use the “I'll stay with the baby” excuse. The boys shot skeet most of the day. I thought to try my hand at it but it was clear Preston was not concerned with my participation or training. I got one missed shot and a second to jam the gun. He could care less that I was struggling and frustrated. I didn't want to make a scene. Let him have his day-- I guess “I'll stay with the baby.” The kids loved riding the twins motor bikes and driving around in the golf carts. They also climbed on the parked construction equipment.   Mace came in hysterical. Once we got him calmed down he admitted he and McKenna had been in an "accidently crash"  They had hit one of the risers and tweaked the tire and fitting. Oops. It took some convincing but I got Jamie to take my place in a volleyball game, She was in 5 minutes when she set the ball over the net then calmly walks over to Carson. "We're leaving now I broke my finger" Her quiet personality and quick departure had many wondering if she was faking and just pissed off needing an excuse to leave (Quick exits are a thing for them when she gets uncomfortable). They returned a few hours later with disturbing x-rays and a splinted finger. Oops. 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. Fireworks are always nostalgic for me. George Strait -The Cowboy Rides Away plays in my head. 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 works with one of the ladies on the committee that organized Grandview days. She's been after me for months to do it. I was super nervous and unsure to put my self out there in a more “official” selling situation. Ended up being very positive and motivating. It was a great learning experience.  Dad helped set up and we had a fantastic display.  I had my Lularoe, hair bows, some leather pieces from Dad and cold water. I sold a few pieces despite the smaller covid crowd. Enough to cover the cost of the booth and boost my confidence.

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 Katana just hold on to her. She kept picking her up and even when she did Az kept screaming so it really didn't matter. Except it kept Syringa from rowing. Denali got the hang of rowing about halfway in.  So it was Denali, Katana and Me.  Kids and I were in the pontoon, Preston in a single. Preston kept mouthing to me "we're done...no now"   Somehow we kept going.  Just to the bridge. Just to the next bend. Just 10 more strokes.  The wind was with us and Preston 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. Az only whined a little as we ate and walked around.  Preston only yelled at Denali a little for being a wimp about climbing up a big rock back to the boats. The water levels were low enough walking around was easy so long as you didn't fall on the jagged rocks.  Coming home Preston 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?" Preston kept paddling and replied "it wasn't my wife and baby" getting to me he was laughing.  "I wonder what she thought cuz I didn't say I didn't"

Sunday 19^th - We borrowed a 15 passenger van from Dan and Malena for the trip.  It was awesome. We took one seat out so we had plenty of cargo space.  Preston insisted I drive.  I didn't really mind. It was a good drive. We talked and laughed and had book on tapes.  I'm listening to the Screwtape letters by CS. Lewis and it is fascinating. (“One must face the fact that all the talk about His love for men, and his service being perfect freedom, is not (as one would gladly believe) mere propaganda, but an appalling truth. He really does want to fill the universe with a lot of loathsome little replicas of himself—creatures, whose life, on its miniature scale, will be qualitatively like his own, not because he has absorbed them but because their wills freely conform to his. We want cattle who can finally become food; He wants servants who can finally become sons. We want to suck in, He wants to give out. We are empty and would be filled; He is full and flows over. Our war aim is a world in which Our Father Below has drawn all other beings into himself: the Enemy wants a world full of beings united to Him but still distinct.”) We made it to McCarty's and our only argument of the whole trip was where and when to park. I thought Baler might actually explode from the elation of seeing us.  Carts house is bigger than the pictures and explanations made it seem.  The backyard is perfect for in town.  Big shrubbery trees block most of her neighbors view.  I love my sisters and how even in a new house it still feels comfortable just because we are together.  McCarty had a list to show us.  Projects like her camper.  Props like the punching bag.  Her garden is amazing. We ate fresh zucchini all week.  And fresh berries

Monday 20^th - We got a flat of raspberries and marionberries.  Within 5 minutes it was gone.  Cart wanted to give us the experience of berry picking. Syringa and I picked raspberries for an hour in the hot humid weather in masks cuz Oregon is stupid. We weren't suppose to snitch but I totally did. The takeaway from the day. Its totally worth it to just buy a flat. 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. Still the novelty  makes them tasty for us.  We played in the water by a broken bridge. Everything is green, mossy and moist. It kind of feels like we were in the rain forest or tropical escape. Vacation feel for sure.

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. Especially with 9 little helpers, a huge cooler, chairs, toys. I'm sure we were a sight. It was a foggy morning.  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 (Katana) 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 Katana convinced me to go as far as we could and surf back. I'm so glad shes my daughter. She makes me stay young. Do hard things. 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 the kiddos were well SPF protected the mommies got  More than Lobster red. CRISPYFIED.  

Wednesday 22^nd - Wednesday much needed rest. We had to make a run to the store for more aloe and none of us wore bras.   Mid afternoon we went blueberry picking. So much easier.  Actual bushes with bunches of berries.  Got some 15 lbs in less then 30 min.  $1.30 a lb.  The kids we 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 I thought it was hooked to a camera to catch people eating berries and I nearly choked on the one in my mouth.  So maybe it does serve two purposes after all. 

Thrusday 23^rd - Todays 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 surprisingly both Katana and I made it across.  As we were loading up Katana wanted to try to row across again. I saw she made it. A few minutes later we looked up and she was in the water hanging on to a rock and the boat and NO LIFE JACKET.  My heart stopped.  Coming back she lost an oar. She jumped in to grab it before realizing she had no life jacket. The swift current made her panick but she couldn't get back in so grabbed a rock.  Cart went out to rescue her. "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. Katana 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.  We pinged it using "find my phone" app.  After an hour it settled on a town 30 min. away.  As the night progressed cards were canceled.  Cops were called but in short supply for something so petty with the chaos in Portland. Phones were called. Ping focused on an apartment building.  Lots of Tears. I was proud Preston. The other husbands were pissed. Greg borderline furious. My husband was like “Dang are you Ok? Good. That sucks but life. How else was today.”

Friday 24^th - Sleepless night. Against Brendon's better judgment we drove to the apartment building our phones pinged.  We looked in the trash. Asked those outside.  "Not to be a dick but it's in 12"  "oh lots of drugs pass by 12" "ya the cops know that apartment very well"   We asked a guy nearby if he would go with us to knock on the door.  He eyed to window.  Jiggled the lock.  Cart "oh crap he's going to break in for me" No answer. Bummer. Ok move on.  Thankfully I had my wallet. So money for gas and more blueberries.  We went back for more blueberries. The banter surrounding me driving and bad navigators was ongoing.  "we are turning after the barn, house, turn."  So I was being belligerent too slowing way down. blinker on way in advance.  Barn-house, turn.   Syringa screams and a little white car comes flying into the barrow ditch, driveway.  Nearly missing my front tire as I swerve back.  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 sit panting.  HOLY CRAP THAT WAS CLOSE.   A lady up the road pulls in "what was that guy thinking are you all Ok.?!"  I may or may not have needed to air out my shorts.  We had a hot dog roast and berry cobbler for dinner.  The kids all weekend had played  and fought over a  12 volt Jeep. At one point piling on #WelcomeToPortland.  Later they made forts with sheets and dug up the fire pit border bricks to make  there homeless camp more legit. #WelcomeToPortland. We stayed up late talking  and playing cards.  It was the first time we really got to hang with Brandon. He's still in a mess at work.  I can still see his reaction to part of our conversation.  Slapping the table  "You are sisters"

Saturday 25^th - First time in 4 days I wore a bra. We're all pealing in quarter size pieces. Its a game to see who can get the biggest piece. Kind of cool.  I'm a Zombie or Leper. On the way out Syringa and I stop one more time at the apartments but no one answers 12 and the managers are gone until next week. We leave a note just in case. The drive home is almost peaceful. We have snacks and tablets, movies, and everyone is worn out. Mom and Dad meet us at my house. They had been helping with Trujillo's house all weekend.  They had dinner waiting for us. That was nice to come to. Syringa decided to go all the way home. Preston was in Arco already. So I basically unloaded- 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.  Even if they never leave our children will know they were willing to.

AUGUST

Saturday 1^st - Timber and Kiddos came to visit. Another river trip. More memories. At least everyone paddled this time. Even Ike and Tessa (Timber's neice and nephew from the Mcphaul side.) who at the beginning had most likely never even seen a canoe.  We stopped a few times to swim but made Skull Island without much fuss.  Lunch. Water levels still low. This made it a chore to pack the boats around the falls but with help: Doable.  We continued on to Shoshone Falls.  We parked on Mushroom rock to watch the falls and jump off rocks.  Tessa was scared and it took some positive peer pressure but finally she said to Preston "Your just going to have to make me" He pulled her off with him the first time and then each kid solo jumped for about 30 minutes. Even little Mace went with me once.  Back at Pillar both Mace and Holden sent "homemade logs" down the falls. AKAPOOP:) Home again home again jiggity jog.

Friday 7^th - Kelly girl party.  Not sure it was going to happen this year cuz Pam is technically on a mission. Didn't really do yard sales this years. A few for tradition if we passed them but it wasn't really scheduled that way. We started with our toes. Everywhere is requiring masks. Not passively suggesting but full on hassling. The key is to be more confident than the door attendant with a firm “no thank you” Then hope you can get in and out before they call for reinforcements. I feel so alive when I do it. I'm a rebel. I make a point to smile and be more friendly It really throws people. First stop was our toes. I can't understand them normally so pretending we didn't know we needed masks was easy. Except for Pam and Jamie who can't handle conflict and retrieved their masks right off. If you want it that's one thing but don't talk all hottie at home then cave the first time someone confronts you. You want me to wear a mask-You'll have to convince me. Make'm work for it people. Over dinner we deiced to do an escape room. It was a lot harder than I expected. It was good Echo kept asking for hints because the clock goes faster than you think. We did it though. We watched Crazy Stupid Love then stayed up talking till 2 AM.

Saturday 8^th - This year the main event was Zip Lining. It was thrilling-higher, faster, longer than I thought.  We had to double dog dare each other to do tricks at first but were getting pretty brave by the end. We were going upside down, No hands, spread eagle. trust fall starts and Tandum. Jamie was scared and couldn't let go, so we said she had to have a baby in the next year. The next run straight off the deck she flips upside down and lets go. She really doesn't want kids yet. An older couple in our group thanked us for making it fun and crazy. Again up till 2 am watching Escape room and talking. Besides the adventures we have I just love the conversations and camaraderie of the weekend.  So blessed to actually "like" hanging with my In-Laws. 

Saturday 15^th -We don't do it often....probably for the best... Kelly emotions and all...but it's always a good time. 4^th? Dewey Kelly Reunion second time at Sportsman's Park in Aberdeen.  Liz and her husband manage it so we get a family discount. It's not even 48 Hours – a Fun water day. A few ash flavored meals. A long night around the campfire. It's long enough to come together but short enough to leave as friends. 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. I feel the spirit more strongly in these intimate settings than I ever have in the chapel.

Thursday 20^th -So far my kids experience with masks have been Doctors and Bandits. So Covid has been kind of scary for them. When we met Axel's teacher Mrs. Dupuis she had a face shield on. He was so excited and relieved. “Mom she has a see through mask so I can see her beautiful smile.”  Katana has  Mrs. Johnson.  It's going to be a great year.

Saturday 22^nd - It's been going for years but this was my first time at the Twin Falls Clothing Swap. Epic. All clean and gently used. Basketball court full of shoes. A football field of clothes separated into sizes. newborn-3XL. ALL FREE.  A few months ago I donated a bag and got a ticket. First 100 tickets got in at 10.  The rest got in at Noon.  At 3 it was open to the public. Leftovers go to DI and shelters. So I'm sitting sorting through a pile and there is a lady wearing a split front low cut maternity style top across from me. Every time she shifts she like huffs dramatically. She's heavier and busty and acts like shes waiting. So I say “ I know your never suppose to ask but are you pregnant” Time freezes I swear there is an audible gasp from those around us and she says NO. “ And that's why you don't ask.” An older lady near her tries to smooth it over by suggesting. “shes just blessed with big boobs.” How do you make a graceful exit after that? Ya don't. For part of Axel's birthday we went to the red park and splash pad in Twin. Zara loved the conveyor belt roller slide. Grandma and Grandpa come for cake. Axel got a few Nerf bow and arrows. He shoots it across the house "Ha I'm a freak'n warrior."

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. When did we take down the “all visitors welcome” sign on the church? I was surprised Trujillo invited us in the first place. Now we're really not going to be invited to stay. Finally did our Bob Ross night. Island in the Wilderness. I was impressed at how creative everyone was. Mace did about 5 minuets and called it good. A pink sky. Katana's has a Mexican feel, Axel is like looking at a town from a mountain. Preston had his orientation different so had water enough to fit a boat in. I was closest to Bob in form but not execution. Still you see it and say “wow I did that...that's pretty good.”

Monday 24^th - School starts in yellow. Masks recommended not required. A few things like restricted outside access which I'm not loving. 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. At least we are going back and unmasked for now. I wrote Axels teacher a letter to start the year. (Axel has a strong sense of right and wrong. He deals with it in a very wild west kind of way. Eye for an eye-now lets move on. This got him in a lot of trouble at school last year. And after a while he lost trust in adults for the politically correct way they handled it. Axels mind says “you push me so I push you. Even and Done. But the duty teacher only sees me or only hears the other little boy whining so its ONLY me sitting by the wall. That's unfair. They hate me. No one will listen or believe me. School sucks. ” I hope we can start fresh. He's a good kid. He's smart. He learns fast and then gets distracted and board and disruptive. At home I can kick him outside with his animals and chores. At school...good luck. Please don't take his playtime. He needs the physical excursion. Make him walk the fence for 5 min or run laps but I'm totally against staying inside- head on desk. A.D.D.--probably. Medication- firm No. I hope you will keep in contact with me if things happen so I can handle/ talk about it at home. Let me know if he starts to get rowdy in class before it escalates. I will work with you.) I hope it helps

3^rd Grade Fathers Blessing. Katana--

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.

1^st Grade Fathers Blessing Axel--

You are an awesome kid. Smart, kind, thoughtful....continue to be that boy. Do your best to listen and except guidance from good examples. Be kind to those around you. Life is not easy but you are tough. Live the gospel principles. Abide by those principles in the things you attempt and want to try. You are loved by your Mother. Your Father. Your Brother and Sisters. We wouldn't trade you for anything in the world. Your Heavenly Father thinks your amazing too. Be calm. Be patient. Do what is right.

Preschool Fathers Blessing Mace--

I Love You. Heavenly Father loves you. Without your Brother and Sister you may feel alone. Almost alone-- you have a baby sister who looks up to you and wants to be like you. Be a good example. Listen to Mom. Be smart and Learn lots. Teach you sister good things. Stay Calm—When you freak out it makes it worse- so take a deep breath and stay calm. You are a special boy. Everyone loves Mace. Listen to the spirit. Do what you know is right.  

Wednesday 26^th - I was having Mace help me with laundry.  Packing it out to the clothes line, hand it to me and pulling down dry stuff.  As we are walking back inside he's talking. "wow that was hard. Life takes work but you gotta do it. Oh look a butterfly. No two butterfly's. yup just work'n. And a blue tractor. I like tractors. Hey down kitty.   Phew we made it." His monologue hit me and had some powerful lessons for me. Yes Life is full of hard things. Don't give up. Find joy in the little things.  Notice beauty.  Surround yourself with things that make you happy. Trials will end. Theris a reason Jesus says “Blessed are the children—become like a little child”

Thursday 27th- Ralayna had a track meet in Jerome I was able to make it too. Seriously got there just as the gun went off. It was so fun to cheer her on. We don't get to be involved and support those kids as much. So I really try when I can. I've been doing this new tictok fad Syringa sent called Strip Laundry. Basically a deep soak on your clothes to deep clean. Strip the dirt. Preston was disappointed when I started explaining it to him and said it had a misleading name. Timber sent us a comparison shot of Holden's last year and current school photos. She was gone this year and you can tell. Last year: his hair is slick, shirt crisp. Bright face. This year: hair sticking up in all directions not sure Ace even tried to comb it. Shirt is straight out of the laundry -rumpled. Bags under eyes from staying up late. Just goes to prove how important Mommies are. Didn't even make it a week for Axel's first upset. Mrs. Dupuis called asking how to handle Axel after a reprimand. She was trying to get him to respond and wasn't getting anywhere. He just shut down, shut out and clammed up. I said I'd work with him. Later to practice communicating or at least acknowledging what was being said.  I had him repeat after me..."YES MOM.   yes mom   I LOVE YOU MOM.  i love you mom  YOUR THE GREATEST MOST BEAUTIFUL PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD MOTHER. (a long pause) Really mom you sound like one of those rameumptom people.  Talk about liken the scriptures. I call that a win

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 3^rd - As the tic tok sibling anthem rightly sings. "hi I am the youngest I'm my families pride and joy." Zara makes lots of sounds like shes talking all day.  She can really say Mombee, Dadda, eyes, baba, baby,  Ears, mouth, nose, ouch, no, poopoo, down, yes, shoes, out, whoa....more every day but the favorite most frequent is "MACE."    They are buddies. Especially now the older kids are in school.  Katana and Zara  put on  petty skirts and danced around. Its adorable.  Finally a girl for Katana to dress up.  Not that she spares her brothers ever. But Zara seems to like it. Zara is very busy so Nap time is still a must. She doesn't even fight it. I love her kinky curls.  Syringa tells her “when you turn 12 I will buy you any straightener you want.”. I hope she loves them cuz they are super cute.  "There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead" Our morning routine is to sit and read a book and snuggle.   She loves snacking and knows how to climb. Nothing is out of reach. I couldn't hide the Nutella or  peanut butter high enough. Screw on lids are a must but not always a guarantee to avoid a mess. Point is my baby is growing everyday and no one really wants her to. So we'll enjoy every second. 

Sunday 6^th - So we organized a family reunion of sorts. We started arriving Friday. Mom had the water slide up, horse trouf pool, swing set, 4x4 rides, cousins. We had a BBQ and swimming at the Borens. Giant crickets are migrating. It started with a dare or bribe for the kids to capture, roast and eat one. Eventually we all did it. Church was super spiritual with family passing, blessing, speaking and singing, We had a water balloon fight we wanted to do before the Amy's left. Mostly for the little kids cuz there is a lot of them now. I wish that would have been the happy end but it wasn't. A miscommunication of intent happened between my Dad and Ace and leaked over to Preston. Dad was trying to get everyone involved: Ace was done. A little friendly wrestling got out of hand with Dads hurt shoulder combined with a wedgie and a retaliating crotch grab and then heated argument and hurtful words. Preston did start out breaking it up but he doesn't do conflict calmly and got worked up. He and I jumped in the car and left. We were screaming and he was fully prepared to walk home. Finally got him to go back and found Timber and Ace actually loading up. Preston caught a ride home with them. I stayed one more night as planned with the kids. Not good and uncomfortable any way you look at it.

Monday 7^th - Mace is quite witty sometimes and being too young to realize it makes it even funner.  Last week Katana set the table and didn't get enough spoons.  Preston was teasing her about that Wendell education failing her.  "heck even with my Butte County 'Edga-ma-cation' I can count to 6." Not missing a beat Mace says "yeah but can you count to 7." touhe'

Wednesday 30^th – Katana's Stem challenge this month was a bottle rocket. We were able to come watch the launches today because it was outside. She did the best in her class and one of the best overall. Mrs Johnson had a air compressor vs a bike pump. I think that helped. It was fun to be involved. I don't like how removed and strained Covid made the Parent / School relationship. For 3 classes only a dozen other parents came. Half in masks.

OCTOBER

Saturday 10^th- We had the opportunity to go down and support Denali in his righteous decision to be baptized.  I am so grateful we did.  It especially meant a lot to Greg. His siblings are sliding further away from the church. So it was nice to have that spiritual support. The Hatfield’s came down so Baler could watch. He is terrified of water. He said he didn't want to be baptized if it meant going under. We met up and carpooled in 2 vehicles.  Preston and Brendon in our van had Baler and all my kids. Mom, Dad, McCarty, me and Zee in the other.  We got to Utah Friday evening. Baptism Saturday allowed 30 people for 30 min.  It was also on Zoom. Afterwards Baler said he might be Ok if they did it real fast. So Cart was relieved it had worked. We had a little program back at the Proctors.  Dad talked about how this is a celebration day, and the grandkids got to sing their song. (I will be what I believe) We've been practicing it all year. So neat to hear their little voices and feel their BIG spirits. I love how they over-pronounce "persevere".   After lunch we took a bike ride to a new park near Syringas house.  She said "Right up the road. Like 2 miles.  Uphill for the first few blocks then easy; 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.  Too dangerous. The park was awesome though.  All Abilities park with a water fall splash pad.  The water wasn't on but the toys were still amazing.   Julies family met us there for watermelon.   Kids were suppose to be on a buddy system but Mace "squirrel" and Colvin “shiny” didn't quit pan out.  They were cute together even made up a secret handshake. "Squirrel"   We didn't even know Mace had been lost until he found us.  That night he confessed to being scared and it took me 20 minutes to comfort him that I'd never abandon him.  Reiterate how he'd done everything right that we talk about. He never left the park.  Went back to the place we all ate watermelon. Asked a lady with kids to find his Mom while he waited. That my real name was something like "Seer-ear-Eha"  who has a green Mohawk.  Darlin happened to ran past and she brought him back to us.  It wasn't scary until we got the whole story from him and others.  "oh I'm so glad you found him! "  It was a beautiful day with beautiful people.

Sunday 11^th - After a quick sacrament meeting at the house we loaded up.  McCarty and Brendon had bought a Pomeranian shih tzu mix on KSL $500 and picked it up just before we left. Baler through out 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 mini lop lion head mix bunny $15.  They were a little young but I didn't want to come back so I asked  if I could get 2 for $10.  She agreed.  As we went to leave Mace with big eyes asked. "Where's my bunny?" She let one more go.  Blessing and miracle. I think Zara held it the most.  Hope fully it will last longer than the last one. 3 Weeks was it before the cage got tiped and it escaped?

Monday 12^th- If I'm standing in left field and need to be reigned in OK. but if I'm in a crowed stadium and just the first to stand and cheer others to follow I'll STAND. Trying to get answers and information everyone I call has a cop out and points a finger.  I want to go to the proper channels to make change but no one can tell me what that is.  I'm getting the run around. Yes case and test numbers are up if the news is to believed which it's not.   But hospitalizations and morbidity rates from specifically covid are DOWN. Masks make more problems than they fix. They are not properly fitted, affixed, or functioning.  We are minority ruled and fear driven and I don't know how to stop it.

Saturday 17^th - Preston took the older 3 to help bring the cows home. Zara and I weren't going to be much help. She's not old enough to enjoy it. I loved the day alone and thanks to Echo still got cute pics of the other kids hard at play in the hills. Zara is getting into everything. Lotion, Bagbalm, Soap, Flour. Thankfully she's not eating it like Zaleah. Cart has poison control on speed dial. If I remember my own advice “don't get mad - take a picture” The messes turn into memories. I have such a testimony of the Come Follow Me program. Especially now with shut downs. Katana's latest C.F.M wants to learn to sew. I'm thinking a pillowcase. Nope a tie skirt. Good on ya. Turned out really cute. Axel sets a goal to learn to cook. He makes us a chicken dinner. Before we started he said he needed “one of those hats.” Later I would actually make each of the kids a chief hat as my CFM. Mace and I took a drive looking for hub caps to make forever flowers. I am loving my hair and the last warm days of fall.

Friday 23^rd – Mace goes out before breakfast to get him and Zara a bunny to play with. 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 buddy I think it might have died I'll take care of it after we eat. “No Mom lets just wait 2-3 days to make sure” No bud I'm sure now

Saturday 24^th - Brody Nef got married to Natalie Hayes. Everyone has baggage but she comes with an armoire. Her father is a divorce lawyer. From Money. This is her 3^rd marriage. The previous ones lasting only a few months. Nef's pretty much organized and paid for this one since her family was like- “we did the last two.” 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. I guess it's the final destination that's important here. My first impressions....NOT impressed. Brody seems way more invested. Way more in Love. Like he's the lucky one. When I said “You got a good one here. He's a keeper” Her reply was “Well we'll see?” Was that suppose to be funny? Maybe when your dating but not on your flip'n wedding day! The ceremony was pretty, but definitely lacking that temple forever feel. 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 the first time my kids had been there. It was snowing and cold so we only stayed a few minutes. Brody really wanted us at the dance.  They had yummy taco finger food.  Italian sodas, and a photo booth. It was quite a party. No surprise Joann is great at Hosting. Afterwards we drove 30 mph in a little blizzard to spend the night at Darla and Scotty's. Don't tell the rest of them but they are probably my favorite / most comfortable aunt/uncle. And for Preston too who spent a lot of time at their house.

Sunday 25th - 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 Grandma and Grandpa Amy who had moved to the senior center in Arco.  Then out to see Mom and Dad's new house just outside Arco. Great potential.

Tuesday 27th - Katana and Axel said they were old enough and it was time they got to carve their own pumpkins.  Yes with real knives. It was messy fun that thankfully didn't end with any stitches.  Axel couldn't decided how he wanted his face to look and ended up carving 4. One in each side.

Saturday 31st - Ward party and trunk-or-treat was canceled hours before. That didn't stop us from getting dressed up for some 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". Still got a haul. We had a blast and we rocked it with our family theme INSIDE OUT. Katana= Disgust  Axel=Sadness  Mace=Anger  Zara=Rylie with Bing Bong  Me=Joy with a core memory.

NOVEMBER

Thursday 5^th – Most likely the last fire pit roast of the year. It was a pleasant evening slit wind. With the weather and mesmerizing fire it seemed idyllic. I was wishing for time to pause so I could forever capture an image of my family at that moment. The boys didn't have shirts on. Katana 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. Preston relaxed on the old truck bench seat listening to country music on his phone. The song Remember when played in my head bringing tears to my eyes.

Friday 6^th - With kids out of school because of mask mandates I refuse to play with; its been hard keeping toys cleaned up. They've been having difficulties with obedience and not listening.  Last night I put Preston in charge of cleaning.  He took a big bag -gave them 20 minutes to clean and then picked up the rest and tossed it in the garbage trailer.  The kids melted down.  Sobbing,wailing and gnashing of teeth.  But all the next day they were angels for me.  Very respectful with their toys and picking up.   Katana had an ortho appointment in Twin.  The Dr. commented on how well behaved my kids were.  Fear goes a long way.  Also tried Walmart pick up for the first time.  It was amazing. Did my list last night on the computer. Got a time slot for when I was in town. Pulled in --seriously waited less then 5 minutes for them to come out. They loaded it in my van and I was off.  Life changing.

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.  We gathered for a thank you prayer and the spirit was so strong.  Warrior huddle. I peeked to watch my kids intense faces as Katana acknowledged the blessing. Proud Mama moment.  When Preston got home from a half day we went to town to get doors for the bathroom.  It's coming along so well. The floor-- which we finished laying down this week --is so beautiful. Long dark pieces look almost like wood. Its going to look so great. The kids have been begging to go Swimming.  We told them we'd go as a reward for voting in the presidential election TRUMP VS. BIDEN.  What a joke that's becoming.  I can't watch the poll numbers, I don't trust the media... Good news No one has even mentioned Corona in like a week.    We decided to go to Banbury.  The water wasn't as hot as normal but still nice.  4 hours and still had to pry the kids away. 

Tuesday 10^th -Mace got mad at me and informed me he was changing his name to MACE TIMBER.  Because He liked her.  I wasn't even offended cuz Timber is awesome. When I grow up I want to be like her.  Also we were reviewing our come follow me goals. Axel excitedly announced he had completed  a hard one. "To not go to the principles office or get a note home all month."  He's been home schooled all month but hey Good Job Dude!

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 - Katanas 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.  Mine was a triangle and ended up being the winner.  The kids spent hours contracting several models. Clear straw stealth boats, pontoon style crafts, and Moana raft with a giant sail. I love their creativity.

Monday 16^th - Katana loves 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.  Considering the crazy stuff she and her siblings get up too I'm surprised it took this long.  She didn't even cry so I didn't even notice till we got in the bath that night.  Oops. Rearranged the kids rooms. Girls are together in a new tall storage bed.  Boys get matching dressers.   This line never gets old...I can't believe my babies are growing up so fast. Year end photo shoot to update my wall pictures of the kids.  Katana super excited. Tried on no less than 6 outfits.  Looked at multiple locations inside and out.  Googled poses.  Let me curl  her hair.  Got a new diamond bracelet. Put on play makeup which we scrubbed off but agreed on sheer lip-gloss. She helped narrow down the 50 or so shots into a top 10 list.   I tell Axel to go put on a nice shirt and smile. He does and we get 10 good ones.  Mace I use a combo of threats and bribes to get 8 shots and call it a day.  Zara.  Is she the cutest thing ever?  Round 1- I did her first one day so she didn't really know what was going on and I got 2-3 that weren't super blurry.  Round 2 - enlist kids to help distract her.  Now it's a game of peek-a-boo. or Tickle tickle shoot.    Round 3- Oh Mom wants me to smile.  Nope I'm going to be sullen.  Deer- in- the-headlights- I'm stoned poses.   Round 10--Preston has now been recruited Day 7 of shoot,  3rd backdrop and 4th outfit .  She's crying.  I'm yelling. We pop off a few more and call it quits.  After reviewing the plethora of pictures--its the curse of the Christmas tree hike-- we end up picking one of the first shots we did for our wall.  So glad I do this every year. The stories make the photos that much more ---cherished. 

Wednesday 18^th - Yesterday was a terrible horrible no good very bad day for my Katana.  She got like 20 spankings before noon. Lost all privileges, got extra jobs, sent to her room, kick outside had to pick up nuts...  We finally said a prayer together and it helped a little. Our scripture last week was "choose ye this day......" and she went to bed with a promise to herself to have a better day tomorrow.   Today she woke up early and had her packet, typing and bus done before I finished breakfast.  Done by 10 she had free time the rest of the day.  And had to encourage Axel to do his so they could play.  It was better.  Hormones are hard. Emotions get out of control. Happiness is a choice. 

Friday 20^th - Finally putting on our new roof! Only 7 years overdue.  It was now or never with frosty mornings and stormy days in the forecast. We decided to take the tiles off first. It was a pain but necessary. 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.   Preston,  Mom, Dad and I peeled ¾ of it and went to bed early unable to feel our fingers. President Nelson's #givethanks challenge was during this time.  Several of our posts over the next week were of the roof, willing and able helpers, weather miracles and one shout out for Hot Cocoa. 

Saturday 21^st - Trujillo woke us bright and early the next day to start again. He was upset we hadn't invited him. We thought with his own house pulled back to studs and cement he had enough to worry about. He was determined to serve and we were grateful for his energy. Dan, Carson and Jamie showed up mid morning. We had a crew (Dad, Mom and I ) on the ground cutting and packing tin. And the rest (Dan, Carson, Jamie, Trujillo and Preston ) on the roof fitting, and screwing the tin in place. With everyone's help we got 90% done. The sun started setting about 6 and got slick with frost fast for dangerous working conditions. My awesome ministering sister Sister Young brought cinnamon rolls that served both dinner treat and breakfast for my hardworking crew.

Sunday 22^nd – Mom and Dad stayed and helped Preston and I finish the last section before they left. We had to tie ourselves on as the part above the living room was in shadow and slick with frost until late afternoon. We were facing our first winter storm in the forecast and had to get it done. We came up 3 sheets short but with the end pieces from some of the angles we patched it together. It will due. It's done. What a relief.

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 the kids 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. Katana started getting a migraine after the basketball game and was throwing up as we started cards so I missed most of Wolf. I was surprised and sad to find Jamie crying behind the stage. She wasn't playing games either but hers was because she never played as a kid, doesn't get the point of them, feels awkward around us, is way younger and has no child to use as an excuse to not to. Interesting.

Friday 27^th - The next day we headed to the hills to pick out Christmas trees. I was trying and failing to have a good attitude about the “spur of the moment no planning” adventures of the Kelly side. Preston's motto “just see what happens and go with it” was not helpful. Food? Water? How long? Roads open? 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 .   #givethanks for this wonderfully crazy family we enjoy making memories with.

DECEMBER

Wednesday 2^nd – We had a tree from Thanksgiving so spent this last week decorating for Christmas. It's never to early in my opinion. Mace turned 5 today. He's a little boy now. He got a Tag-a-long bike for his birthday. It hooks on my bike like a tandem bike. He can't steer and if he peddles it helps but if he doesn't peddle it doesn't effect me. This means Katana and Axel have to trade off pulling Zara in her car with their bikes. He also got turd emoji slippers and pillow. The poop jokes abounded. They re-imagined a childhood game of mine called mastermind into code breakers. Still fun.

Saturday 5^th - The kids had a close call and I was using a saying “skin of your teeth” but instead said “By the hair of my butt cheeks.” They laughed and I tried to bring it back “OK I don't have have hair on my butt but it was close.” Mace pipes up. “yes but you do have it on front.” hummm how to respond.? “good point.” moving on. Hair is fading fast so time for a change. Christmas Red. This time all the kids wanted in on the fun. Boys got tips and Katana did a large chunk in the front she can braide. Kids finished their 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. Not sure the kids are going to go back to the little TV. With the roku stick and all the streaming possibilities there's no need really. Mace comes up with the darnedest things. He comes puts his hands high on his hips "HA HA I look like a girl with my arms like this." He is learning CVC words. Little 3 letter one you sound out like MOM, CAT, LOG. He comes to me in the kitchen “I know a new word.  O-F-F spells ON.” I'm confused and try to tell him it's ON. “No the light says O-F-F and then I turn it on. Brilliant deduction.  Wrong but thought provoking...the observational intelligence that took. I had to look at a light switch for a few minutes.

Saturday 12^th -Trujillo and his family came over mid afternoon and helped us pick up the rest of our shingles. I had been giving the kids 25 Cents per wheel barel load. We had already done 2 trailer loads but it was slow going. I forgot how annoyingly motivated and chipper my brother is. Everyone worked hard and we got it done. And I am so grateful. Poor Charlotte was fighting a 2 week migraine. They stayed for dinner.  We opened the Italian soda syrups for Christmas to celebrate. Then they followed us to South Hills to see the lights.  A great Kick off to the Christmas season. 

Sunday 13^th – Trujillo was inspired to come help with shingles as it snowed that night. The last of our tiles would have stayed on the ground till spring. Sunday Mom 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. Kids played for hours harvesting 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.

Thursday 17^th - Made Divinity for the first time this year.  Not a huge fan. Too sweet. Like wedding mints that melt in your mouth only vanilla pecan flavor. Yummy just too much. Axel has wanted to pull his tooth out in creative ways every time one comes loose. We've tried a drone, RC car and Nerf gun.  He had 2 loose teeth. One we tied to a Nerf bullet. On camera he tried for about a minute to work up the nerve to shoot it before accidentally dipping the gun forward and pulling it out.  The surprise stopped him mid whine. It was hilarious. I laugh every time I watch the video too. Then not 2 minutes later Zara got a hold of the string attached to the other tooth and pulled it out.  Wish I would have gotten that on camera too. It was surprisingly funny.

Saturday 19^th – Last minute shopping in Twin. We got in a huge argument about parking when we stopped at the synchronized house with lights. Thanks to Scotland driving Preston can park anywhere....that doesn't mean he should. Plus the glitz of it all makes him cranky--BaHumbug. On our way home we drove down Christmas Lane. The kids thought it was so fun cuz we let them 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. They are a musically talented family. It felt really good to be with people and I'm not even a people person. But I kind of missed these intimate community gatherings. A feeling of Christmas comradery with a tinge of being naughty (more than 10 people in room) ....was nice.

Monday 21^st – Katana had an orthodontist appointment. She got new colors on her braces. One tooth was loose so they left it off. Before bed Katana had wiggled it out. Rachel and Daniel Dimond were at the Smiths party with no kids. They all had Chickenpox. I called today to see if my younger 3 could have a play date while I was in town. We had talked and joked about the old fashioned pox party's but I don't think she thought I was really serious until I called. Right off you could tell who was in charge. Little McCrae comes up. “You can't hold me cuz I'm too big. We are watching a movie up stairs so come on. Follow me.”

Friday 25^th – The Kelly's come for Christmas Eve dinner of Chicken cordon bleu. Then celebrated Christmas morning with us. Kids make the magic of Christmas. Seeing the excitement in their eyes is what its all about. Katana got paint supplies. She wants to be crafty. I also finally got a Baby foot print plaque for her that matches the other kids. She wasn't born at st. lukes so I had to buy hers. All the kids got paint by sticker books, a chapter book and a DVD. Axel got an RC car and legos. Mace got games guess who and don't wake daddy. Zara's big thing was a teddy bubble maker and little tykes Jeep. The kids also got a big wheel off road Hover board. Preston got me pretty plastic dishes and himself (I mean me and the kids) a Nintendo switch with 3 games ( Mario cart, Odyssey and U-Deluxe) We enjoyed a perfectly lazy day. Late afternoon we loaded up and headed to my parents for Amy Christmas Party. Hatfield's and Proctor's did Christmas day at my parents so cousin time started immediately.

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.  The whole time Mace was like "I'm gonna steal whatever Dad gets".  He got a bowling ball. Axel was super stoked to win the GIANT APE.  He called it MEGA MONKEY. The kids and I 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.  The kids were totally into it.  Poor Mace was frazzled with the pressure.   Grandpa tried to help but there is really no good way to cheat at this game.     In the end just being together is what its all about.

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