Thursday, September 23, 2021

Christmas Quilt

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 Audra inspired me to make a Christmas quilt using the pattern that she used for her fair quilt. Her sewing leader happened to have yards and yards of Christmas fabric that she was willing to give me, so I sued that fabric. I don't love the blue, if I'm being honest. I may end up making another one. I wanted it to be red, white, and green, but since this fabric was free I couldn't turn it down. I think it turned out OK, I just don't love it. But, I am excited to use it once Christmas time comes. It's a king size quilt, so it's huge and it was a lot of work, and it will be fun to put it to use.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

DMNS

We have kind-of had a rough start to our homeschool year. Adjusting to a school without Audra has been harder than I expected- not having her here has thrown the dynamics of our school completely off.

We needed a field trip- thankfully we got one!

We went to DMNS, specifically to see their Numbers in Nature exhibit. I'm pretty sure the kids just ran around socializing with the other kiddos, but guess what? It was exactly what we needed. The girls loved it.






We missed not having Audra there, but she has her own fun:




Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Temple

 For the first time in 18 months I went to the temple. You have to register for a time before hand, and masks are "recommended" (I really wish they were required!). It was great being back!



Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Art

Camille made this at art class for Cloverleaf:


"I can't imagine my life without wolves, books, fruit, chocolate, orange chicken, flowers, summers, sports, teachers, family"

Monday, August 30, 2021

Camping

 This weekend we went to our annual camping trip with Common Ground Homeschoolers up at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This year, three other families joined us, which was awesome. Sometimes we don't get any other families joining us.

These three families were great! The kids all got along great!

Audra missed the first night because she had a football game and had to be there for marching band, so Ben came up on Saturday morning to drop her off.

We stayed in a cabin for two nights. We came home exhausted!

This post I put on FB isn't entirely true, but I had fun writing it and it is mostly accurate, so here you go:

Once or twice a year I try to take the girls camping. I'd like for Ben to come, but he says, "I don't work hard during the week to pretend to be homeless on the weekend." I told him he's missing out on making memories and he says he has great memories sleeping in his own bed.
This time it was a two night trip. Because of marching band, Audra had to miss the first night. But I know she was sad because she said, "are you seriously going to make me come up the second night? Ugh!" to which I replied, "you are no longer my favorite."**
So off I went with the other two. We went on a beautiful hike in which I heard birds chirping, crickets singing, and lots of "this is the worst day ever" and "why do I have to go hiking just because you like hiking" from the children. So obviously they can't be my favorites, so I guess I'm now favorite-less.
Ben and Audra came up Saturday, Ben just for the day, Audra to spend the night. I went to give Ben a hug and he said, "um, no, you stink!" But he was wearing his birth control hat, so after 17 years of marriage I think it's safe to say we have both stopped trying and I give us another 6 months.
After two nights of sleeping like a chipmunk was gnawing on my face all night, I came home having learned that no matter what others think, mosquitoes find me attractive; smoke follows cranky mothers; and while yes, we are creating family traditions, sleeping in tents was everyone's family tradition until the "house" was invented, so maybe we should update our traditions.
Ben says I bring the madness upon myself.
Touche.
**Obviously, for those of you who know Audra, you know she would never say anything so negative as she always has a positive, "let's do it!" attitude, so obviously I made that conversation up and she is totally my favorite.
















Light

 Tonight for FHE we went around the room asking how each person gives light. Camille's comment about Audra won the night:

"Audra, you are like never evil! You have never even been grounded!"

Monday, August 23, 2021

Marching Band

 Audra is loving marching band! Which is good, because she was unsure about it and I kind-of pushed her into it, but it turns out mom was right- it's her favorite thing in the world.

School has been a little rough for Audra. Not academically, but friends wise. There are a bunch of mean girls in her seminary who refuse to acknowledge her in any way, and then the high school is so big that she doesn't have any friends in any of her classes.

I know she will make friends and that it will all be OK. But, until then, marching band has been a tremendous blessing to her.

Friday was the first football game where she went and played. It was 90 degrees but they decided to wear their uniforms- she was HOT. But, she had a great time- except I need to teach her how football is played!