Going to the Temple
Justin helped out to fill in some gaps this week like taking the kids to thin peaches for our ward assignment on Wednesday giving me time to fold laundry and do some gardening. I watched a few tomato gardening videos showing how to prune tomatoes and train the plant to grow larger with more fruit. I picked up 500 ladybugs at our gardening store to eat some pesky bugs gnawing on my plants. The weather took a cold turn so I have not released them to the wild yet, poor bugs are chilling in the fridge.
Justin and Dustin (I know right? Hilarious) showed the boys how to use the leaf blower to spin around in an office chair! The simple things are the best! The boys spent an evening mowing the lawn before the rain set in. Amelia is honing her talent with sidewalk chalk, she's that bored. Everett learned 4-5 new card tricks this week. If you are within 5 feet of him he will show you a trick! He honed two tricks to perfection so far. "Do you want to see a card trick?"
Tuesday we had a lovely evening with the Wadsworth's teaching us about pornography and devices. The kids were very good participants with lots of good comments and questions. Melissa left a children's book for us to read as a family that teaches kids how to tell what media is appropriate or not.
The boys had Father's and Sons campout this weekend at Given's Hot Springs. Justin took Friday off for the event. He first replaced the battery in his truck with the boys along to learn and help. The boys got a one-on-one lecture about batteries, chemical energy, and car engines. Then the guys prepared for the campout by watching a season of Gravity Falls. The weather forecast predicted rain, wind, and 40 degree temperatures. The boys decided to NOT camp but did attend for the evening to swim and enjoy campfire time. Most of the ward made the same decision, only 4 families ended up camping. Sara was asked to organize a Girl's Night so she reserved a pavilion at the park. We were the lone attendees at the park party. We ate our picnic dinner in the cold with Sara and Ambree. The little girls cleaned up their room to earn the park visit so we went to support the ward and play. We lasted 45 minutes before our hands froze off. We headed home to grab wheeled toys then met Sara at the church. The rest of the evening was a blur of pickle ball, scootering about, coloring, music, and talent shows...can't forget the snacks! We went back home to watch a movie. Sara and I played a couple rounds of Scrabble. The boys were lounging on the couch at home after our movie ended. Late next morning the girls continued our Girl's Day with a spa experience in my bathroom! Thank you Martina McBride for the music.
Phillip got to do baptisms for the dead for the first time with his family! Justin reserved us a time slot for the evening at 8 pm. We had the baptistry to ourselves! My only lament was not bringing more family names since we had an entire hour for ordinances. Phillip was able to do 12 names while Amelia and I completed 6 each with Justin as the baptizer and confirmer. Amelia and I sat in as witnesses for both ordinances. One name in particular was in attendance, an Esther was quite excited to finally have her baptism completed. Amelia gave Phillip a big hug after the last confirmations were given. Gasp! I am thrilled we had this special experience to share with just our family, a miracle thanks to COVID. Everett babysat the little girls at home, all was well at home. Justin treated us to milkshakes at Arctic Circle. We had quite the laugh on the drive home, my new nick name is Tanika Tamika Shanaynay Smiff.
**Evelyn surprised us this week with daily notes hidden on our bed pillows. She stapled two colors of paper together of blue and green with lovely drawings and hearts for Justin and I. Our heads found the crinkly paper each night, my heart exploded with love. That girl is so thoughtful.
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