Practice, Basketball, Cake Wars

 Piano and flute festival are this weekend and the kids have been working hard on their songs. Luke in particularly has struggled with his Suzuki song but I promised him on Sunday that if he would practice it three times in the morning and three times at night every day before festival that he would get the song down and he already has! He has worked so hard! I can tell how satisfied he is with himself that he can play the song well now. Tonight for practice he, Tenley and Luke all played the song in unison for n different octaves on the piano. It was a fun way for him to get more practice in.

Ryder got to go to a basketball camp with his friends Otto and Thomas today. The semi pro team in town put on the camp and Ryder had a blast!

Tenley’s activity at the church tonight was ‘Cake Wars’. She made a cake based on the scripture she was given. She got Jonah and the whale and her cake turned out pretty awesome!

Elder Petty

 We got a surprise visit from Elder Petty today. He was in Great Falls for a zone conference and he took the time to stop by and say hi. It was so good to see him and catch up! We miss him!

Brad

 Brad turned 44 today and we lived celebrating him! I got out his baby book and mission books and the kids enjoyed reading through those today. Kade even made a fun video about it to show Brad tonight. He was creative! Tenley cleaned our bathroom for Brad and scrubbed the shower really well which was so sweet of her. And Ryder and Luke made cards for Brad. We got to see him for lunch which we always love and then we took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was so busy and so loud, Brad’s least favorite combination, but we still enjoyed it. We were happy to be home for presents and dessert which was homemade waffle cones and cold stone creamery ice cream. It was so yummy!

Selection Sunday

 We had fun watching the selection of basketball teams for the NCAA tournament today and then the kids got straight to work on their brackets. They love this tradition!

Luke’s knee seems to be doing a whole lot better. He even played in the snow with Ryder after church and he’s dunking on his over the door basketball hoop again too. 

Safe at Home

 Tenley had big plans today that she had been looking forward to for over a month. She and her friends were going to go to Helena to do temple work and then go to a tri stake dance. But then a crazy blizzard hit us and her plans were cancelled. She was sad and I was so sad for her. But the conditions were so bad that it was dangerous to even drive across town. They definitely made the right decision to cancel but I hope they can reschedule their fun plans for another time!

Instead we hung out at home as a family in our warm house and to me, that was a perfect night.

Powder

 We woke up to a lot of snow this morning and the ski hill had 12 inches of fresh powder! We headed up for a fun family ski day. The roads were covered in snow and pretty slick in some places but we made it safely. The powder made skiing a great workout lol! My legs were very tired by the end of the day. Luke definitely didn’t love the powder that much. He got stuck a lot and we all took at least one tumble. Luke took the worst fall and twisted his knee so much that it’s swollen now and he’s limping. I hope it heals quickly! We still had a great time. The mountain and pine trees were beautiful covered in snow. I loved skiing in the trees on the fresh powder. 

We burned so many calories that we decided to go out to the pizza buffet restaurant so we could eat just as many calories! It was delicious!

Crazy Weather

 We had another crazy wind storm last night. I didn’t get a lot of sleep. I can’t believe how loud wind can be. The wind gusts were stronger than tornado gusts can be. It blew a lot of dirt into our house. I’ve seen our window panes frozen over with ice but this is the first time that I’ve seen them covered with dirt. Luckily the strong winds stopped this afternoon and now we’ve got a lot of moisture coming! We’ll probably get over three feet in the mountains! Time to go skiing!

Kade’s Patience

We’ve been going through quite the debacle these past two weeks with Kade’s phone. Brad made the decision to get a new cellular provider and although Brad’s phone transferred over seamlessly, Kade’s transfer has been anything but. We’ve spent a lot of hours on the phone with both service providers and no one can figure out how to fix it. Right now we’re waiting on a card for the phone and we’re hoping that will work. It is frustrating and I know Kade isn’t happy about the situation but he’s been pretty patient about unlike most teenage boys I’m sure. At this point it seems better just to laugh about the constant disappointment. But I really hope it won’t last much longer! He joked today about how it’s as if he’s giving up something for lent. Maybe this crummy situation can turn into something positive.

Snow

 Just when it seems like the weather can’t get more strange, it does. After the sunny, 60 degree, and ridiculously windy day yesterday, we woke up to snow on the ground this morning! The boys were excited for it and they hurried through school so they could play in it.

Ryder’s Talks and Kade’s Safe Travels

 Ryder was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting today about a week ago and then a few days ago he was also asked to give a talk in primary. I’m sure someone wasn’t aware of the fact that he was being asked twice in one day, but instead of saying no he decided to do both anyway. He did a great job with both talks! Brad was at a Ward conference but thankfully the conference was in our building so he was able to step in for Ryder’s talk. It was so sweet of him. 

Kade made it home tonight and we were all so happy to see him! It was quite the drive home but luckily they made it safely. We had a huge wind storm come in with gusts over 75 miles per hour. The wind was so strong that it blew the roof off of an elementary school by Brad’s office which took out the power to his office. We’re hoping the power is fixed by tomorrow for work!

Heidi

 Kade had his concert in Tacoma today and since Heidi lives in Seattle she went and watched his concert! She also spoiled him with a lot of treats. I was so grateful she supported him for us! I hated not being able to be there. She sent us some videos and it looked like a great concert! His conductor had a lot of energy. I’m glad it all went well for him!

Paper Airplanes

 I have to admit, things are weird around here with Kade gone. I guess I just miss him! But he’s having a great time. It sounds like they have their songs ready to go for their concert tomorrow. They had a big dance tonight for all the choir kids and he really enjoyed that.

Ryder and Luke have gotten into paper airplanes again. They’ve gotten really good at making boomerang airplanes and they fly them all day! We’re trying not to go crazy! 

FaceTime with Kade

 I woke up with Tenley every three hours last night to make sure she stayed on top of her pain medicine. It felt like I had a newborn again! But I’d do anything to help her. It’s sad to see her so sad. She missed a volleyball team party and practice tonight which she was really bummed out about. It was so sad. But soon enough she’ll be back to normal.

Kade checked in with us by FaceTime tonight. It was so good to see him! He’s doing well. He had just gotten back to his room after hanging out at the pool. He’s having a great time. I’m glad he’s making good memories.

Sleep

 Tenley definitely had a rougher day today. She is more swollen and in more pain. Luckily she got to sleep and rest a lot today. Luke asked me tonight when she’ll be back to herself. He is concerned for her. Hopefully she’ll be feeling better in a few days! 

Kade headed to Seattle this morning with his choir for a choir trip. He was excited about it. They bused them all the way there! It was a long drive. I have been missing him around here! But he’s having fun and doing well.

Silly Tenley

 Tenley got her wisdom teeth out bright and early this morning! Everything went well and I hope recovery goes just as well too. She was so funny when she was waking up from anesthesia. She kept saying hi to me and talking about the ice cream they gave her. She would randomly doze off while I was talking to her as well. And when she realized her appointment made the boys late to co op she started to cry! Oh it was so sweet and so funny at the same time. She slept most of the day and we all doted on her as much as we could while also watching the video I took of her after surgery and laughing. She laughed along with us. We love our Tenley!

The boys made it to co op even though they were late. And then my sweetest friend Alecia took them to the park to play afterwards and brought them home for me. They had a great time.

Sunsets after 6

 I’m so grateful that the days are getting longer. It was so nice to drive home after taking Tenley to volleyball practice and to see a beautiful sunset instead of dark skies. I guess it will all change next week after daylight savings time on Sunday. I really wish we could do away with daylight savings! But this week I’ll enjoy the later sunsets.

Stake Missionary Transfer Dinners

 We got to host the stake missionary transfer dinner tonight. It’s so much fun to see all the missionaries get together and get to hang out with each other. They’re all so happy, so kind, and so full of light! I love them all! My kids were such big helps with getting everything ready for the dinner. I couldn’t love them any more. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve and to be at the church for an additional two house tonight!

Kade and Tenley

 Kade and Tenley were able to go to the Helena Temple early this morning with the ward for baptisms for the dead. They left the house at 5:50 am! I was impressed by them! They said they had a great time and were glad they went. The sun was actually shining in Helena. It was cloudy here.

We got a lot of chores done. Brad helped Ryder and Luke learn how to properly clean their bathroom. It looks sparkly and clean now! 

Luke and Otto

We were excited to meet friends on the ski hill again. I followed Luke and Otto around all afternoon. They sped down the runs, jumped back onto the lift together, and then did it all again. They had fun finding tree runs and jumps. They probably didn’t even need me following them around all day but it was entertaining for me!

Tenley was with Ava doing the same green runs as us so we saw them several times. But Brad and the two oldest were on the other side of the mountain the whole time. They also had a great time! It was a sunny, warm ski day and we all had a blast!

Drives to the Temple

 Brad and I made it to the temple tonight. Our original plan was to go last week but the crazy winter storm changed our plans so we went today. The high wind made it a little difficult but not as bad as the snow and ice would have made it last week. We had a great session doing sealings and we were able to seal all the couple family names that I had brought. I brought 10 not thinking we would get to all of them but there was only one other couple there with two couples to seal so we had plenty of time. 

The kids had a fun pizza party at home together. They always love their kid party nights. I’m grateful they all get along so well!

Brothers

 Ryder woke up sick this morning so I kept the boys home from piano lessons. I’m really hoping Ryder feels better soon and this doesn’t start weeks of sickness for our family like last year! But it was nice to slow down today and rest more. Luke was a happy bundle of energy roller blading around the house and taking care of Ryder so luckily Ryder was able to get plenty of rest. I love how they take care of each other. I know Ryder would be doing the same thing for Luke if the roles were reversed. They’re such good brothers! 

The Pinewood Derby

 Ryder and Luke raced their cars in the pinewood derby tonight. Brad helped them finish the cars a few days ago and he even got to come and watch them race a few times before heading to his stake meetings. The boys did well but didn’t place in the top 3. They still had fun though. Luke got awarded ‘most creative car’ and Ryder was awarded ‘most sizzling car.’ 

Boredom

 Luke will often tell me he’s bored which is usually his way of asking if he can watch TV, so Brad and I talked to Ryder and him a few days ago about the great things that can happen when we’re bored. And today, great things happened when Ryder and Luke were bored! They cleaned their room and closet and then read books! It really was a picture perfect moment and I’m glad I caught it. 

Youth Led Sacrament Meetings

 Today the young men and young woman planned and led sacrament meeting for church. Kade was the organist! He did a great job. We practiced together at the church last night and he was having a blast playing with all the stops. I think he really enjoys playing the organ. All the speakers were youth and all the youth sang a hymn together for a musical number. I loved it. It was a wonderful sacrament meeting.

Family Date Night

 Brad’s staff gave us a coupon to the escape room in town for Christmas and we finally cashed in on it tonight! We took the kids to dinner before hand which was delicious and then headed to the escape room. None of the kids had been to one before so they weren’t sure what they were in for. It was a pirate themed one and Brad was teasing Luke by telling him we might get stuck with the pirate skeletons if we can’t figure out how to get out! Haha. But we all had a great time, especially Luke, and we made it out in time even though we needed a few hints. It was a really fun family date night!

Crosstown Basketball

 I was so happy it was Friday today! I love Friday. We all seemed to go in different directions tonight though which I didn’t totally love but it was all good things! Kade headed out for a church campout. He said he was excited but I think he’s crazy to camp in the snow in negative temperatures! They did build a tent with a heater, but still! I hope he stays warm and enjoys the night!

Ryder went to his friend’s birthday party at the pizza buffet and arcade and then back to his friend’s house for a movie. He had so much fun fun!

Brad, Tenley, Luke, and I headed to the highschool to watch the crosstown basketball game. Our team played great and won the game! 

Undefeated Champions

 Tenley’s team played in the championship volleyball game tonight and they won! It was such a close game and my stomach was in knots almost the entire three sets! I was so happy for Tenley and her team to get the win! It was a fun season! She had a great coach and amazing teammates! It couldn’t have been better.

Rollerblade Bros

 Luke is still obsessed with rollerblading. Ryder still want to as well though, so they made a plan today. They each get a rollerblade and they roll around the house like you would on a scooter. Haha. In fact Ryder went into the garage and had a rollerblade on one foot and a scooter on the other. It was hilarious! But I’m glad the found a way to roll around still because we actually got a lot of snow today and the temperatures dropped to below freezing. Winter may actually be here now! 

Tenley and her team played in the semi finals game tonight and they won! They’ll play in the championship game tomorrow night! I’m so excited to watches! Brad surprised Tenley and I and showed up to watch her game! He was able to leave work early. It was so nice of him to make it over to watch.

A Three Car Garage

 Winter has been so mild that Kade hasn’t been too bothered about having to park his car outside, but when he saw negative temperatures in the forecast he decided to organize and clean the third bay in our garage so that he could park in there. It only took him a few hours with Ryder and Luke’s help and he found a way to get it to fit! It’s tight with our three vehicles in there but it should work!

We’ve been enjoying watching the Olympics every night. It’s fun to cheer our country on and to see the amazing athletes. Luke decided to strap on Ryder’s rollerblades tonight to see what skating might be like. He’s figuring it out OK!

Kade’s First Date

 It was nice to sleep in today! I was pretty worn out after our ski day yesterday and extra rest felt so nice. I cashed in on the coupon Kade and Tenley gave me for my birthday to detail my car. They spent a lot of time on it and it looks so nice! 

Tenley, Ryder, and Luke went to a party tonight and Kade went on a double date so Brad and I picked up take out and had a date at home watching basketball and the Olympics. It was a lot of fun and my kind of date night! Kade’s group went to the roller rink and out to dinner and they had a great time as well! It was Kade’s first date and he took a girl who has been one of his good friends since elementary school. I’m so glad she was his first date!

Adventures on the Ski Hill

 We took the kids up to the ski hill today and had a blast! Kade spent the day with a friend so we didn’t see him very often but the rest of us stayed together. Tenley, Ryder, and Luke are all so brave! They all did tricks in the terrain park and tried to find every jump on every run we went down. Luke took it all too far, though, when he decided not to get off the lift when he should have. Ryder and I were a few chairs back and we saw him heading back toward us when he should have gotten off! It was scary. The workers stopped the lift, found a ladder, leaned it up against his chair and went up the ladder to take of his skies and help him climb down. It wasn’t fun for me to watch as his mother. But luckily he made it down safely! He told me he was thinking of jumping off in the powder and I’m so glad that he didn’t do that! It was definitely a day filled with adventure.

Kade and Tenley went to a stake Valentine’s dance tonight. They said it was a lot of fun!