January 3rd- 9th

 Highlights for this week: 

Aaron broke his foot by running into the house and catching his pinky toe on the door frame just right that broke the bone down by the growth plate and ended up in a boot for the next six weeks! 

I dyed my hair back to blond and I am so happy to feel like me again! 

I started an 8 week program that focuses on three fundamental parts to your overall health: mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness. This first week was an education week, and it was already an incredible start to what I know will be a special 8 weeks of growing and learning how to break bad habits and becoming physically/mentally stronger. 

Travis was able to fly out to Utah for his brother’s baby blessing for Thursday-Monday. 

Friday he was able to spend the day snowboarding with us dad and siblings; they haven’t been able to do anything all together (no spouces/ no kids) in the 13 years we’ve been married. They grabbed dinner and then hung out at his parents house after./ Meanwhile, after the girls went to bed Maddix and I set up theater seating in my bed, popped some popcorn, and watched Winter Soldier while Aaron chose to play Minecraft for most the movie. Then we had a sleepover in my bed to end the night. 

Saturday Travis actually got to sleep in and watch a movie! He went to lunch with Dr. Durrens and had a great time catching up and talking shop; stay tuned (and since no one reads this anymore most no one will even get that). He got to hang out and shop around with his parents. And then in the evening he attended his newest nieces baby blessing. We are so excited to watch you grow, Baby Grace./ Meanwhile, the boys took the girls downstairs for morning cartoons and for lunch we drove out to Clear Lake to pick up lunches, cookies etc. cookies, and hot chocolates. After naps/quiet times we picked up a friend for each of the boys and went bowling! I loved watching the girls use the little dragon ball slide, and Aaron hobbling around with his giant boot! And Maddix was so sweet being enthusiastic for everyone. We took Aaron’s friend home and brought Maddix’s back to the house for video games until his dad picked the boys up for Roller blading until 9:30! While he was gone Aaron and I enjoyed time together, snuggling while reading Harry Potter, and then I just laid in bed with him for awhile while he fell asleep; perfection. 

Sunday he went and listened to his dad speak at one of the BYU wards. He hung out with his sister, and then had a family dinner with everyone. / Meanwhile, everyone’s fun and exhausting weekend was beginning to catch up with them and church was rough, tempers were flaring, and Travis couldn’t get home soon enough! Everyone was sent to bed early! 

Monday: spent all day flying home to all us that missed him! He even brought Cafe Rio back with him! 

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! 

Good riddance to 2021 rubbish. No going to lie, overall this year wasn’t a record great year. That being said, I feel incredibly blessed for the life I’ve been given and for each day I’m granted with my family! 

This week however, was a WONDERFUL week. My brother came in for a visit and then this weekend, the Grandpa’s arrived! 

Monday: I was at the height of my sickness! I couldn’t get out of bed and thank heavens Uncle Colton was here to play, snuggle during movies, and keep everyone alive. 

Tuesday: stayed in bed mostly, got to the doctors, and Uncle Colton ran the show again. And we shoveled snow/they played. 

Wednesday: took the kids over to the Rec center pool and swam with some friends… or attempted anyway; the pool heater was broken and so the girls cling to me and cried the whole time while kept trying to dodge splashing due to my sinus/ear infection. Hot chocolates and movies snuggled under blankets. Then the YW/YM make up Christmas party. 

Thursday: Cleaning Day! Break at the Sledding hill with friends again; thanks Uncle Colton for using all your energy so I could conserve mine! Date Night Dinner with Travis while Colton babysat. Travis and Colton went to a late night showing of Spider-Man and I had a girls night with myself and Pride and Prejudice.

Friday: SURPRISE DAY!! We told the boys that someone would be flying in for that weekend, but never told them who. They were BLOWN AWAY to see Grandpa Jeff when they got to the airport! Travis, the boys, Gpa Vaughn, and Gpa Jeff walked around the Mall of America showing my dad around; they got lunch at Cadillac Ranch, and explored the Aquarium before driving back to Mason City (Later we read in the news that within 30 minutes of them leaving, there was a shooting at the mall and the mall was locked down! Blessings!!!) Meanwhile, the girls took extra long naps, played in the shower, and watched a movie while I scrambled to put the finishing touches on the house before their arrival; I wanted it to be nice for my Dad’s first time visiting. 

This was also New Year’s Eve so we snacked on dips, charcuterie boards, desserts, etc. We chatted, played piano, watched the neighbor’s fireworks, played Redneck Life, and watched the Dick Clark NYE broadcast to ring in the New Year. Goodbye 2021! 

Saturday: Slept in! Showed my dad around our area and bout freezing cold cookies from an outdoor vending machine. Grandpa Jeff read to the girls. We played Camel Cup… such a fun game! And just had a really relaxing day. 

Sunday: Maddix’s big day!! Pancake breakfast; a wonderful fast and testimony meeting; Maddix was set apart and given the priesthood to become a Deacon and pass the sacrament! I could cry. He spent this week memorizing the YM’s theme and feeling excited/nervous over this next chapter in his life. His love for the gospel, his dedication to becoming his best self, and his excitement over belonging with this group of young men melts my heart!! Back home we just enjoyed downtime together, ate an early dinner, played some more Camel Cup, and then it was time for farewells! I get so tired of saying goodbye. And as soon as Travis, the boys, and the guests left, Addie said, “well looks like it’s girls’ night time!” So we snuggled to Parent Trap and now I’m planning out my week, getting excited over a new program I start tomorrow, and so excited that my Christmas decorations are down and on their way to being out away!! I love the feeling of a fresh open and emptied house once the decorations are put away and we start a new year!!