Baptism

 

I normally don't do a separate post for baptism, but the month you got baptized was the same month I like to have you fill out the questionnaire. I didn't want to forget that special day for you. Grandma and Grandpa flew in for the occasion. We had some fun with them on Saturday. We dyed Easter eggs and watched Wild Robot with them. On Sunday, you wore new white dress. The baptism on later that afternoon. It was so sweet to have such support for you. All your Oregon cousins were there with both sets of Grandparents. There were many from the ward that came also. Maggie was baptized during COVID so she only had grandparents and siblings and then Sam was baptized over spring break so again it was just family. It was overwhelming (in a good way) to see so many friends care about you. You had your grandmas talk, Maggie and Sam were your witnesses, and Sonora and JoJo gave the prayers. We are so proud of your decision. We came back to our house for a ham dinner with the grandparents. We ate outside, but we had to light a fire to keep grandma warm. We love you so much.

Eight.One Years Old

 8.1 Years Old

• We got to celebrate your birthday with your friends. We invited a bunch of girls over after school for a fairy party. We bought little wooden houses from the dollar store and had all the girls paint and decorate the yard with cute landscaping (flowers, bushes, fences, mushrooms). The weather was perfect and you all played a ton outside, jumping on the trampoline and finding cute things to add to the house. 
• None, let me tell you the rest of the story of your birthday party. I get a phone call from the school earlier that day saying you and another girl were using the bathroom in the gym (which the middle school girls use) and got hold of the tampons and played with them all. You were putting them in the sink and watching them swell along with fighting with them like swords. A couple of other girls came in. Some stood and watch, but one girl went and told the teacher. When Ms. Weaver asked if you knew what these were, you confidently replied with tampons (because last month you and Piper found one on the ground at the middle school and played with it on the way home, so we have already have had one talk on these before). I didn't know what to do because your party was today. Maddy's mom called me and told me that she was grounded (she was the girl with you who started it). Honestly, I was laughing during all of this because it was just funny. We decided to keep your party, but that weekend, we made you earn $5, go to the store and buy a box of tampons, and give it to your teacher on Monday in a brown paper bag with the words "I'm sorry" on it. I later found out it was my friend that had to deliver them to the bathroom and was laughing at what the story behind that must have been. 
  
• With Spring coming so early, we are getting out to enjoy it. We drove down to McDowell Creek Falls. It had some great falls and one part there was this wooden path way that had you walking over the creek and up to the falls. Elaine came with us so that was fun you all.
• This month, the ward hosted a Pinewood Derby. We did not go for speed, but went for cute. We made a minon car. We eve got a giant googly eye to go on it.
• This is birthday season, we had your party, we celebrated Maggie's birthday and will soon celebrate Dad's birthday. Dad wanted to do a big date to celebrate so he bought tickets to the Blazer game. It was late and a school night, but we had fun. We got there early enough to get your face painted and pick up noise cancelling head phones. We got the biggest bag of popcorn t share and the dancers came up to our section and passed out those sticks that make crazy noise. It was a blast. 
• Spring break has been the perfect mix of relaxing and fun. Dad had to work the first part so we had a few days at home playing with friends and seeing cousins. The weather was amazing so we played outside as much as possible. The Prices gave you all four jell guns for your birthday so we have been having gun wars in the nice weather. The day the weather turned was the day we headed out to the coast for out trip. It was cloudy, chillier, and rainy at some times, but we still had a great time. Our first stop was Astoria. I made sure that each hotel had a pool. When we got there, they were apologetic because instead of having one big room for us, they gave us two rooms that connected. It was the best. You all loved the breakfast, and watching TV in bed. We spent the morning walking along the boardwalk and visiting the column. The airplanes were a huge hit. The sun came out a bit so we just hung out on the grassy hill, re-flying those planes. We made our way to Fort Stevens, which was still cool, but most of it was roped off, so not 90's cool. We made our way down to Seaside that afternoon. Our hotel was right on the main street. We walked to the different shops (book store, toys store, and of course the candy store, clothes store where you bought a hoodie). We ended at the arcade area. We ordered in clam chowder and fish and chips (though not that good). More pool, more TV, more relaxing. The next day was rainy. We went down to the beach part and was walking along when the rain dumped. We found out quickly that Dad and JoJo did not have good rain coats. We found a small aquamarine where we feed sea lions and did the touch and feel tide pools. We ate at Mo's, which we all loved their calm chowder. We didn't know what quite to do because it was raining and we couldn't check into our place for a bit more. By the time we made it to Ecola State park, the rain had stop, but the wind picked up. We found a rocky beach with a ton of sea foam and just hung out for a bit. I had all these beaches that I wanted to see and the weather worked out just enough for us to see them. We stopped at Cannon Beach, Hug Point (all of our favorite), and Arcadia (which I want to go back to). We ended at Rockaway for the night. The place had a pool and there were other kids your age there, so that was nice. We finished watching Hamilton . The next morning, Dad took you back to the pool while I walked the beach with Maggie. We ended with ice cream at Tillamook. It really was a great trip.

Eight Years Old

 8 Years Old

• You are 8 years old!!! This is a special year for you. You have chosen to get baptized. With the craziness of birthdays and spring break, we picked April 13 for the day. To celebrate your birthday, you were able to invite some friends from school and church to come over to decorate fairy houses. The weather was gorgeous so whenever you girls weren't painting or hot gluing items to the house, you were all running around outside and jumping on the trampoline. Maggie helped you decorate a cake the night before and you ended the day with opening presents. 
• The really funny story was what happened before your party. I get a call from the school that during PE, you and Maddy got into the tampons and played with them all. Two more girls came in, one joined you and another told the teacher. You all earned lunch detention on Monday. We talked about it the next day, and you were able to earn money through extra chores and buy tampons to give back to the school. I had you deliver them in a brown paper bag with you writing "I am so sorry" on the front. Later that week I was telling my friend who works at the school and she started laughing because she was the one that had to deliver them and was so confused on the back story of this bag of tampons.
• Also this week, Dad and I went to Costa Rica so Grandma and Papa was able to watch you all when we were gone. It was a mix of staying at their house and staying at our house. They were so sweet to take care of you all. 
• This month, you also preformed in the Little Mermaid. This is your first real theater experience. At the beginning of all the practices, you complained that they were boring and you didn't want to do this next year. But as the performances got closer and the more you were able to go on the stage and make friends, you really enjoyed your time there. You were Rochelle, a very sassy mermaid. You loved all the makeup you got to wear for each performance. Your line was, "She totally brings down the tone"

Seven.Eleven Years

 7.11 Years

Dear Millie,

Happy Valentine’s Day. I know it is different being home on a snow day, but I have enjoyed having you home to celebrate with. 

My favorite memory of you this year when you and Lainey got into the green food dye. I acted like I was really upset with you, but inside, I was laughing so hard. I will never forget that image in my mind.

I was so proud of you when we were skiing up at Hoodoo. Maggie picked the run and she picked a black. Sam was too scared to try. I wanted to try but deep down I was nervous. I hadn’t really done a black. I wanted to be brave in front of you kids. When I said that I was going to do it, you replied that you were going to do it too. Then you just flew down the steep hill. You were awesome. 

A favorite part of your personality is to take whoever is around you or wherever we are and turn it into a fun time. You have this ability to be friends with everyone. You bring whoever is near you into your amazing circle of fun. It doesn’t matter if they are a boy or girl, you see the best in everyone. You are also able to come up with the most imaginative games, whether you are stuck inside on a rainy day or exploring a new park. You can always come up with a fun new game.

Your greatest gift is your ability to stick with and work hard on your goals. You have focused on the piano this year and your improvement shows. When doing your chart, even after a tiring day at school, you can push through and get it all done without complaining. Your diligence will take you far in life.

If you could see yourself through my eyes, you would know you are always loved and wanted in our family. Being the middle child can be hard because you are stuck in the middle. But I promise you that we need you and love you so much.

Without you our family would bland. You spice us up with your exotic dancing and colorful projects. You keep us on our toes and have caused me and dad to laugh so much. I really do love it, even when it is extremely messy.

I like you because you are spunky and sassy and make life so much more fun.

I love you because you are my daughter. I thought we were finished having kids after Sam. But both Dad and God told me that we needed to have another one. And then you came along. You were the child who I didn’t know that I needed. When I held you, I just knew you were going to bring us so much joy into our lives. I am so grateful you chose our family. 

I will always love you, Mom

Seven.Ten Years

 7.10 Years

• Christmas festivities are under way. Dad and I were able to go to your Christmas concert. It was cute to hear you all sing. You kept telling us that there was a surprise for us. The last song, you all had snuck hand bells and sang a Christmas version of "We Will Rock You" with the bells. You loved how you wore a matching dress with your teacher. Other fun things that we did this month was visit the Keizer lights, decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa at the Ward Christmas brunch, and had Red Ribbon dinner where you got cute animal post it notes.
• You were able to preform in the Nutcracker for dance. This has been something that you have wanted to do for a while. Your class was assigned snowflakes. The costume was so beautiful. For your dance, they had your class come out with the older girls, so it was darling to see you all blend together. Grandma and Papa along with Auntie Annie, joe and Elaine came and watched you the first night. Lizzie Leder came the next day to watch you.
• This year was a bit different. We got to be in Utah for actual Christmas. We missed the last day of school before the break. I know you were bummed about missing the party, but your class has had fun all week so you were just missing the movie Polar Express. We made sure to watch it on the way to Utah. We stopped first in Brigham City and slept at Grandma's. It was nice to have a slow morning and breakfast with them. We then buzzed on south to visit our friends, the Barbers. We got to see the house they are building, eat yummy sandwiches at the gas station (where each of you were bold enough to ask for free popcorn), and end up at the trampoline park in Provo. They have a girl named Rose that you really liked playing with. Afterwards, we headed out to the Cowles. We introduced them to Happy Birthday Jesus and spent hours in their hot tub. You were all so excited to sleep in the same room together. The next day, we got ready for church and met up with Stinky Face's family for church. The weather was awesome in Springville. After church, we walked to a park and played fetch with Boba. McKay was home for the weekend, and all the older boys were so nice playing legos with you all. The next morning, Josh took our family skiing at Sun Dance. The snow was horrible, but that didn't stop us. He wears is bright BYU jacket, so it is easy for all of us to follow him. He is so good about making it fun for you kids. After skiing, we said goodbye to Utah County and headed back north to Grandma's house.
• Grandma was so excited to have you kids to be there on Christmas. She pulled out all her sugar cookies for you kids to decorate. You are a disturbing child and turned one of the gingerbread men into a red devil. I think you had more frosting on your face than on the cookies. Christmas Eve, we watched a movie, had steak and chocolate milk for dinner, and reenacted the Nativity (you were an angel). We hunted for the star, where you found donut pjs. It was hard to fall asleep, but you all slept in the same room together and eventually fell asleep. Sam was the first up in the morning. He turned on the TV and we watched a christmas movie downstairs while we waited for everyone to get up. You all ran upstairs to find your stockings. This year, Santa gave you a Harry Potter lego set. You screamed and jumped up and down. You opened it that day and got it all built. You and JoJo gave each other the ear muffs that you really wanted from Target. Mark and Kami were there and they loved seeing all your reactions. More cousins came over for dinner that night. It was a full house. We finished the week with a family party at the church and swapping gifts. 
• We made it home before New Years. We hosted a big Price Family New Years party with Hawaiian food, Just Dance on the Switch, and games. We popped out confetti at 9pm. 

Seven.Nine Years

 7.9 Years

• While Dad and Sam were in California, we had a great girls' weekend. We invited Elaine, Annie, and Grandma over for a crepe dinner. I was amazed at how many you all ate. Then, you and JoJo got to watch a younger girl movie upstairs. Lately, you love tying the fort making blanket to the bunk bed and then dragging it across to the chair so it makes almost like a lean-to fort. Then you pull out Maggie's mattress to lay on under the fort. It makes a great movie watching place. The next day, we drove with Maggie to Albany and watched BYU Folk Ensemble. Their folk dance team was amazing. You told me that you like the Philippine stacking dance and the Ukraine men's high kicking dance. There was a moment where you fell asleep. I guess we party too hard that night.
• You have been talking about a duck pond that you and Maddy went to. I have no idea what you were talking about. I hadn't seen any duck pond in Hasler Farms and I even went onto Google Earth to see if I could see it. Still nothing. Then one Sunday, I finally had you just walk me there. We had to go in this big circle because you only knew where to find it from the way Maddy showed you. There ended up being a very beautiful duck pond in Mari Ann Estates and yes, the let the public come and feed the ducks. There was one, big, scary goose. Mowgli hid behind us, so that was no help. We took the other kids the next week and you all discovered that the trees growing around the archways were kiwis. You all picked one and brought it home to ripen. They were small, but not too bad. 
• Even though it was sprinkling a bit, I wanted to get out to the mountains. I took you kids to Silver Falls and we tried a new hike. We saw four waterfalls and you all really like the middle falls. They were the kind that you could climb behind. 
• Piper has been such a good friend to you. She invited you to go to OMSI with her family and then go out for ice cream and sushi. You loved it!!
• Piano recital was early this year. You played Decked the Halls and Up on the House Top. This is your first year with a paid piano teacher and you have loved it. I love seeing you practice without asking. It has been awesome.
• Thanksgiving had a fun surprise. The Strasser came into town so you were able to see Laynee. They came to play dodgeball with us and then they invited you to go hiking at Silver Falls and then stop at our house afterwards for hot coco. It was great having Idaho friends see us. 
• We ended the Thanksgiving break with going out and getting a Christmas Tree. Before we left, I told you all to grab your jackets. Well, when we arrived, you were just in pants and a long sleeve jacket. I asked why you didn't grab your coat. You told me that you didn't think it was that cold. Well, it was 35-40 degrees outside. I lent you the gloves that I brought for myself and told you not to complain. The fireplace afterwards was well received by you. 

Seven.Eight Years

 7.8 Years

• We got to go camping for my birthday with the Smiths. It was crazy trying to find a spot. One of the roads was closed so we ended up having to go all around and camp in the day use area. It turned out find and we had a great time eating dinner in the dark and having a fire. The next morning, you kids build a teepee so that was fun to watch. 
• We got a girls weekend while the boys went to Utah. We made caramel apples for the first time and Grandma came over and we visited the candy shop and explored a new park.
• Grandma and Papa Matthews came into town to see our new house and visit JoJo for her birthday. Grandma was good about playing games with you and tucking you in bed at night. 
• JoJo turned five. We hosted the big family dinner. You picked out a little stuffed super kitty stuffed animal to give to her.
• Dad was just finishing up a long work stretch and was heading out to CA with Sam. You wanted him to look at your ankle because it was hurting you. When you realized that you weren't going to him for five days, you started to cry. It was a very middle child moment. Sam got to go to both UT and CA. Maggie went to Wicked. You found out that dad and I are going to Costa Rica. You just felt so left behind. That day, dad surprised you by picking you up from school and took you to get sushi for lunch. It was a much needed date. 
• We had a great Friday that made moving here feel so good. Maddy had Rylee over preparing their YW lesson. Later Cassie joined them to get ready for the middle school dance. Sam had a bunch of boys over for guys day. And you and JoJo rode bikes over to Maddy's and was outside playing all afternoon. It felt good that we are close to good friends, It made my mama's heart so happy.
• You got sick on the day that your school took the walking field trip around town. So one Saturday morning, I took you for a walk down to K's coffee for a drink and muffin. I love spending that time with you.
• "Halloween was the best. Especially the candy!" This year, you went as Hedwig for Halloween. We had an indoor trunk-o-treat at the church along with a chili dinner. Maggie was being a great big sister and led you and JoJo around to get the candy. The Price's came for Halloween night. We had a spaghetti dinner and then went trick-o-treating around the neighborhood. You were so excited to visit Maddy's house because her house won the best decoration award with a giant skeleton coming out of her roof. Afterwards, Sonora and Jessie had a sleep over. It was god to have a slow morning where you girls pulled out all the dress up to put on the Cinderella play. Each of you wanted to be Cinderella so you guys preformed the play four different times.