Sunday Afternoon Creativity

Hyrum designed and built this car out of 171 "brain flakes" that Sariah got for her birthday from Freeman's

The Temple for Talmage, February 8th

James went as his escort.  They were at the temple by 3pm.  The rest of us showed up for the 4:30 session.  Those who made it to be with Talmage were: Grandpa and Grandma Hales, Uncle Tim and Aunt Stacey, Uncle Dave and Aunt Taneil, and Uncle Severin and Aunt Haley.

On our way out, President Risenmany set him apart to be an ordinance worker!!  In the blessing President Risenmay gave him some amazing promises  It was a meaningful experience.

Ordered ribs and onion rings to celebrate.

First Quilts

These guys LOVE the heavy denim quilt that Cary and Mary Withers gave to Talmage for graduation.  Rex asked me if he could make one.  I said we had a bunch of denim and I didn't see why not.  Lyle and Hyrum decided they wanted to make one too.  So, Wednesday afternoon we got started.  They had a good little rotation going--CUT, SEW, PRESS, CUT, SEW, PRESS.  They were nearly gleeful as they worked.  We talked about what it was that made them feel so good.  We talked about being productive and how creating something is following the example of the Great Creator and whenever we follow his example we feel good.

It only took one time on my lap guiding the sewing and then they did it almost entirely on their own, foot pedal and all.

Did to do a little unpicking, but not much.  Lyle decided to pin his pieces together after that so he could "be like Grandma."

Each of them completed one row of 8 squares that afternoon.  They were so excited about that and I was too.  They worked so well together, they used kind words and gave compliments to each other.  It was a Heavenly afternoon.

February 4, 2020

On February 4, the anniversary of Rebecca's passing, it snowed.  Coincidence?  Hard to believe this snow out of nowhere was completely unrelated to the date.

That night was Makaley's Senior night basketball game.

Sariah had her first foul out that night.  She plays great defense but like someone that night said, "The referees had her number."

FHE Activity

Let's just say I got out really fast on this FHE activity:

 A push-up contest.

They had to push up and hold while the push-up went down the line, then they had to go down and hold the down position while it went down the line.  Sariah and I are sure grateful for all these strong men in our lives.

Grandpa's Ties

MaryAnn helped Grandma Hales clean out Grandpa's closet.  She sent a tie for each of our boys and James to have.  One tie was even still tied.

Tough decisions.

The ties are a little big for the little guys just yet, but it sure is special.

Fast Sunday

It's not easy for these skinny, little guys but they do a good job fasting.  Always happy to break their fast though.

Hyrum - chips on the sandwich

Lyle - meatballs on dill pickle chips

Rex - peanut butter and pepperoni

Bryant - meatball marinara

Typical Sunday Morning

Rex is usually the first one awake and often dressed and ready before anyone else is out of bed.

It's a slow reluctant process for Lyle.

Talmage spends a lot of time "preeping"--that would be somewhere between praying and sleeping. 

Bryant is trying to track down a white shirt (although he was reminded a day in advance).  He is pictured here checking the downstairs dryer.  Today he found one he had grown out of.  He rolled up the sleeves that were too short and popped off the top button as he tried to stretch the collar.

Hyrum was still in bed and Sariah's door was closed as she went through a few dresses before deciding on one.

Dad was making one of his trips to the seminary to grab something he wanted to show the primary kids but forgot to bring home on Friday.

And thus it usually is.

Mission Prep

For the record, there were no guesses in the United Kingdom.

This is what Talmage spotted on the way to the Distribution Center, a Shelby Cobra.  He was pretty excited.

This is Talmage RIGHT after he got home from going out to dinner with Grandpa and Grandma who wanted to treat him before he left.  Applebee's then left over pizza!

Rough Sabbath

Sariah's ear had started bothering her on Thursday.  She was hoping it was just clogged up but we didn't have any success with our home remedy wax removals.  By afternoon on Sunday, she was holding back the tears.  When Sariah is moved to tears from pain I know it's bad because of her high pain tolerance.  I hadn't thought she had an ear infection because she didn't have a fever.  We were very blessed to get into a doctor and get to a pharmacy just before it closed to get antibiotics for her ear infection.

Come Follow Me Scrabble had been such a hit, the kids wanted to try it again.  They finished up while I took Sariah in to the Urgent Care.


She was feeling better by family night the next day.  So glad.