Christmas in October???

Normally I am against it but I have my reasons.  And I'll get to it as soon as I tell about our week.  Last week was fall break so the kids  and I had Thursday and Friday off.  The beginning of the week was pretty normal.  Colten had karate and one day of football practice.  Aspen had her art class with Caroll and the library after school activity.  Colten had a sleepover at Aiden's house on Wednesday night so Aspen watched Halloween Wars and I watched One Tree Hill. 

Thursday morning had Aspen and I heading to the temple.  My mom had gotten all the grandkids who could do baptisms together since she had some names to do.  My dad ended up getting called off on Wednesday night so he was able to come and do the baptisms and confirmations.  We had to wait about 30 minutes before our crew got started.  We were all done in about 75 minutes.  We heard that a friend went with her kids and waited for 3 hours.  Lots of people trying to take in the temple before it closes.  The grandparents treated us to a treat (at 10:30 in the morning lol).  So we got to enjoy an Iceberg shake :).  So fun to be a part of it.

While Aspen and I were busy at the temple, Colten went to a make up day for webelos and then to Fiesta Fun to do a little mini golf.  The kids got their chores done that day for the weekend.  Friday I went to the temple for a session then the kids and I headed out to LaVerkin.  Zac was at his work and had the kids clean out, vacuum out my car.  Then they washed it before playing on the rope swing.

We dropped Aspen off to Hollee's for the weekend and headed to Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner.  Well we stopped at different stores so Zac could price some stuff for his house and then went for dinner.  Pizza Pie Cafe was packed with people and they couldn't keep up on the pizza.  Colten waited in line for 15-20 minutes waiting for the cookie dough pizza for me and him.  It was hot and fresh and so good.

Saturday morning we got up and going early.  Zac needed to stop by and do one thing before we left for Provo.  Now comes the Christmas in October.  I decided to start giving my kids a Christmas experience instead of presents.  Cause lets be honest, 99% of the time they didn't like what I bought them.  So for Colten's experience he chose to go to a BYU game.  After I had purchased the tickets, he told me that he is a Utah fan now lol.  Oh well.  I had basically talked him into going to the Boise State game because it was on a Saturday that he wouldn't have football down in St. George.  I didn't think much about an October game in Provo - but the weather was not in our favor lol.  First, the game time wasn't decided until about a week and a half before the game....8:30pm.  Sad because that is close to my bedtime.  But then the weather was predicting rain/snow and really really cold weather.  So I did what any person would do...stopped by my parents for their ponchos and see threw bags.  On our drive up, Zac showed us the petting zoo in Scipio where we saw a zonkey and Colten was able to feed a camel.  We went to dinner before the game at a place called Chubby's Cafe and man was that place good.  Zac ended up going to the game.  His brother, Doug, has season tickets and none of his kids wanted to go.  Doug wasn't sure if he wanted to go himself with the weather being so cold.  We got there about an hour early and it was raining.  I piled on my layers and poncho.  Then Colten said he wanted to find our seats.  The seats ended up being in the Boise State fan section, although there were BYU fans spread throughout it.  We watched the first half in our seats before joining Zac and Doug in the empty seats by them.  They were much better seats :) . Boise State was ranked 14 in the polls and supposed to beat BYU by at least a touch down.  Well BYU won 28-25.  It was a crazy game and such an exciting one to be at live.  Aside from the frozen toes, Colten really enjoyed it.  So I think he is happy with his Christmas this year.

On Sunday, we slept in and headed up to Lowe's in Salt Lake to check out this countertop that Zac was wanting and we had some time to kill.  He ended up thinking of a different plan while we were trying to figure out how to get it home.  Colten was pretty bored but tried to complete some word searches on my phone.  We headed over to Doug and Melissa's for lunch.  Her food was delish and her homemade rolls were to die for.  We finally said our good byes and headed home.

This was a great fall break for everyone.  Can't wait for Aspen's experience next month :)

Wow what a week

This past week has been a trying one for me but that's alright.  So before I get into the heavy stuff I'll give the great things that happened this week.

Sunday was a great conference.  My kids successfully watched all sessions so Colten got 8 hours of it while Aspen got 10 hours (well 9 hours 40 minutes if you want to get technical).  There were a lot of changes announced.  First big one was that the young men's presidency got disbanded and the bishopric will take over those responsibilities with advisors helping.  The Young Women's program got a new theme, new class organization (up to the bishop), all classes will be called Young Women (age) and 8 new temples were announced.  The youth really are the focus of the church and wanting to help mold them into great valiant leaders.  I am lucky to have two young kids that are just starting their journey with the youth programs. 

Sunday evening we went over to the parental units to watch the Broncos game and they finally were able to secure their first win of the season. 

Monday evening we had the annual Chris/Watkins Halloween Party.  Instead of doing it at a house, we did it at the new Arcadia resort where Kayleeya works.  The kids were able to go swimming, play ping pong and a basketball game.  It was absolutely perfect...didn't have to provide entertainment for the kids.  Colten was a little late due to having karate but I stayed a little later so he could get some more swimming in.  Aspen had fun playing with Oaklee and Raven.  Of course, Raven was passed from adult to adult.  It was a pretty fun evening.

Tuesday was an informative day for me.  I met with my neurologist for the follow up on my MRI.  Turns out that I have two new lesions, one of which could be responsible for my leg problems.  So Dr. Sanderson isn't sure what the next step is for me.  He doesn't want to put me back on tysabri because my risk is so high for PML (a brain disease).  So he is referring me to his friend up north who specializes with MS.  So that was really hard to hear but also provides insight on why I am having difficulties.  I did get an appointment though at the beginning of the year.  Stinks to have to wait that long but it could have been longer.

The rest of the week went pretty much normal.  Aspen has been attending a teens after school activity at the library and is loving it.  She also had a birthday party for Audra yesterday which she has been waiting for for about 3 months lol.  She doesn't get to see Audra that much anymore so that is hard for her.  Colten had his last regular football game in Mesquite yesterday.  It was against Pine View and their team were without the head coach and starting quarterback.  The team looked really good except in the 3rd quarter.  Pine View was able to score and looked to make a comeback.  But the Warriors did a good job of locking down and securing the win.

This past week I have been grateful for living close to family.  Monday night I slept horribly so my dad drove me up to Cedar for my appointment.  Colten's game was at night and I have had to wear my glasses due to itchy eyes and allergies so I asked if Hollee would be able to come with in case I needed her to drive back.  I don't trust myself driving tired and with glasses.  Jonah called and said that they can all go and drive down in their car.  When Aspen found out that Oaklee was going she wanted to go and miss some of Audra's party.  It was so good to have them there and Aspen did a great job of keeping Oaklee entertained.

Fall has arrived :)

I am so excited that I get to turn off my ac and open windows to let mother nature cool my house off.  The kids wake up complaining that it is so cold but it feels great throughout the day.  I have loved it except for this past Friday.  Someone was burning trees or bushes in the lot behind our complex and it left a nasty smell in the house.  Lol oh well live and learn.

Last Sunday we went over to my parents to watch the game while my parents were actually at their first Bronco game ever.  So naturally we ate some food and made a cake lol.  Unfortunately the Broncos lost in a similar manner of their last home game.

So this past week had me trying to figure out what day it was due to the activities not being as heavy as they normally are.  Colten had a bye week in football so he only had one day of practice.  That really threw me for a loop.  He is loving karate still and working hard on his forms to be able to test for a higher belt.  This past Friday he had a jog-a-thon fundraiser at his school.   He ran 9 laps (2.25 miles) in 20 minutes.  I am surprised that boy is still walking lol but he loves it.

Aspen has been going to a Teens After School thing at the library and loving it.  She gets to play games, do virtual reality video games and have snacks.  I'm sure there is more but I can't remember lol.  She still loves to paint and is actually teaching Colten some things as one of her projects for personal progress.

I had my yearly MRI on Friday.  The kids got home after I left and were texting me.  Guess I forgot to tell them what an MRI is.  I get to lay on my back still as can be for 75 minutes listening to bangs, knocking and other assortments of loud noises, no phones allowed.  I am grateful for Jody Moore and teaching me how to feel my emotions and that my thoughts are behind them.  I had a good 60 minutes in the tube to practice her teachings.  My ministering sister also dropped something by on her way out of town.  I had shared something on FaceBook about not ever being able to buy things with my name on it cause my name is not one that they would stock.  Someone from the ward commented that you can actually order coke bottles personalized with your name on it.  I said cool and forgot all about it.  Well my ministering sister didn't and ordered one with my name on it.  How sweet and special is that?  I have told the kids to not touch it and that the coke will stay forever in it.

Friday night Aspen did another paint nite with Jack Skeleton and watched "The Nightmare before Christmas".  She paid for this one herself (thank you dog sitting).  I am doing my best to help her get in as much instruction in art as I can since I have no knowledge in that area.  Colten, Zac and I just hung out at the house waiting for Aspen to be done so we could go to bed lol.

Saturday started out early with Home Depot.  The kids made fire planes.  I forgot my phone on the charger so I didn't get any pictures.  We also picked up some homemade cinnamon rolls that my friend Annie made for conference weekend.  The kids bought those but shared one with Zac and I.  The kids got to enjoy all of the first session of conference while Zac and I ran a few errands.  Zac is working on fixing up his house so he is trying to price the cost of it.  We all got to watch the second session where it was announced a big change with the youth programs.  The young men's presidencies are disbanded and the bishopric will be taking over that responsibility.  The youth will be at the forefront of leading activities and what not.  In the women's session, it was announced that the classes beehives, mia maid and laurel will no longer be used and all the classes will be referred to as Young Women.  A new theme was introduced to replace the old one and that classes will be set up under the direction of the bishop and needs of the ward.  I think I got them all lol.  Exciting to be in a new era of the church and that my kids are old enough to benefit from these changes.  President Nelson also announced 8 new temples including Orem and Taylorsville.  What a day one of conference.  Not expecting anymore big announcements today but wouldn't be surprised if there is one.

After conference concluded on Saturday, we watched Hocus Pocus.  Zac and Colten had gone to pick up some popcorn at the movie theater and treats from the dollar store while Aspen and I watched the women's session.  All in all it was a perfect Saturday!  Now for another conference inspired Sunday followed with Bronco football lol.