Day 21 MOM

I occasionally call to get indexing help.  I usually wish I hadn't because the old people who answer usually know less than me. So today I called and then felt annoyed at the response I was getting--but I decided to open my heart and feel more gratitude.   What a difference in my experience.  By the time I got off the phone I felt so warm fuzzy towards the cutest little old Australian lady.

MOM MOM Day 20

Wrote a note to some one to let them know how much I appreciate them.  This said person was a primary teacher and was released and made pianist.  I heard through the grapevine she has taken this release very personally and it crushed her--so I was hoping it would brighten her day.

Day 19 Mom the Great

I painted an extra Christmas tree and took it over to a new lady who won't have decorations.  Hope she enjoys it.

MOM day 18

Invited Nilo for Thanksgiving dinner--we are up to over 40 for dinner.  Should be fun.

Day 17 MOM

I picked up Ava and brought her over for a couple of hours to get to know her. SHe is 4 and adorable.  The Swendsen's are a new family in the branch.  The husband is the 2nd counselor.  She has 5 kids.  The three oldest boys sit like perfect soldiers but the two youngest demand their mom's attention.  I was hoping if I got to know her she would sit with Kenzie and I at church and it would help Heather out--we shall see.

MOTHER Day 16

HUMMMMMMM I got to church early because it was the primary program and they said the seating would be tricky.  Then I made Kenzie a delicious dinner because I love her so much.

Mommy dearest Day 15

I went to the Stud rack to get my favorite son's shirt.  It WAS embarrassing and took a lot of nerve.  I got the shirt and and packaged it up to send to said favorite son.  Enjoy the cologne--it was not cheap.  But you are worth it.

mom day 14

I usually drive Kenzie and Amy to tennis on Wednesdsays--Amy's mom just got back from Canada and was not feeling well, so I drove the kids to tennis and went back and picked them up.  I know it was tough but someone had to do it.

Mom day 13

I wrote a note to someone just to let them know what a great person I thought they were--beautiful inside and out. 

Emilee- N14

Today I went to order something on Jared Berensen's wedding registry and saw that they have crib sheets on there! I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation like for when nieces and nephews visit... but I thought it was pretty funny anyway!

Taylor

No shave November is a tradition stretching back to the times of early Neanderthals. It is quite self explanatory, you do not shave your face for all of November. In light of Texas forming a petition to secede from the united states someone else decided to create a petition of equally ridiculous proportions; a petition for Obama to participate in No Shave November. It is actually creating a lot of attention and if it gains 25000 signatures Obama is legally obligated to respond to it in a public form.

Too long; didn't read (TL;DR)

1. Click here
Petition Obama to participate in No Shave November
2. sign up and sign the petition.
3. while you are already signed up look around at some other petitions
    Reform the electoral college
Allow people to opt out of Obamacare
Recount the vote for presidency

MOM Day 12

I know boring--but my post today is the same.  I went again to the Cantebury house and helped.  I was not going to go both days, but feeling the guilt creep in I went.  I know the Cantebury group appreciated the help and it will keep good relations between the two groups.  They are Episcipalian.  I thought it was interesting--we were decorating the building for Christmas and there was a debate about whether to put up or not put up the nativity--it is NOT suppose to go up until after Advent.  I was also curious about the Minister not helping in this whole process.  I was thinking our Bishop would have been right there helping.  Not sure what he does.  All very interesting to learn about.  The Minister is a very nice man, but for some reason he gives me the creeps a little bit. 

Mom day 11

I had committed our RS to go help the Cantebury group.  So I went over there for 2 and 1/2 hours to clean out a room and closet and wash Christmas decorations and sort through boxes.  The secretary there is Lynn Denker.  She could not get anyone from her group to come and she was feeling very desperate and overwhelmed.

MOM day 10

There is a new family that has moved into Dhahran.  He works for dad.  She is really a very nice lady.  I am hoping for a missionary opportunity.  I invited her to enrichment where we are making tree decorations.  I invited her and emailed her the picture so she would know what she was making.

MOM day 9

We had the Tolman's over for dinner.  They live in Abqaiq.  I picked them up from the bus, took them to church.  They came over after for dinner and then I took them back to the bus.

MOM Day 8

I knew that I would be watching Jordy so I went to to hobby shop early to cut stars out for the Enrichment activity.  I watched Jordy, and Kenzie helped, and drove her to her party and then went back to the hobby shop to meet Deb to help cut out more stars.  Then I rushed home to help dad get set up for Rook.

MOM day 7

What else--I helped Jan and Leanne at their craft show--waited on customers, wrapped cinnamon rolls. etc

MOM day 6

Took a map over to a new lady with detailed instructions because she had mentioned wanting to go to the Caravan of Crafts

MOM day 5

I helped Jen again get ready for her craft show.

Mom Day 4

Watched Dille's three kids while Angie taught her class so her husband could go to Bahrain on his boys night out.

MoM November 3

Painted for Jen.

Emilee-N11

Today I made lentils!!! Super easy, very healthy! I loved them! Brandon liked them too but only as a side!

cook lentils with 1 chopped up onion and minced garlic. (1 cup lentils-2cups water)

Saute chopped red onion with a bit of butter/oil until they are brown and sweet!

Combine onions with lentils and add salt to taste!!

Yum, yum, yum!!!

Taylor

Yesterday a dude robbed a bank two minutes from me. He got away with an apparent 1.5 million dollars. The police have no clues. basically this guy won. I think he should get to keep the money.

Emilee- N8

Today I got to play with Seth! He would kick me then I would poke him! We went back and forth a few times!!

McKenze- Day 7

Today was Beach Day for my grade, and I didn't really want to go, but I went anyway because Amy really wanted me to. I had an okay time... it wasn't horrible, but it wasn't that fun. Also there was a dance on Wednesday that I wanted to go to, but I went and babysat the Johnson's kids instead, so that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson could go out.While I was babysitting, one of the kids had diarrhea so I had to change 2 REALLY gross diapers. And one of the other kids threw up.Also, they have this big dog, and while I wasn't looking, he jumped up on the table, and ate Louie's sandwich. The sandwich was one a paper towel and he also ate that to. I hope he's okay...

McKenzie- Day 6

I got to talk to Reilly today!!! :D

McKenzie- Day 5

Today I went to school. Like I do every day.

Emilee- N6

Today was filled with good things!

1: I voted! (Technically I mailed it in last week, but today is the day it counts!)

2: Out of the blue Rieve says: "I am going to wear a pretty dress when I get married... [thinking face] After I get a PHD! Do you have a PHD, emmy?"

Emilee- N5

Today I told Rieve that I ate all her Halloween candy to see how she reacted! She is such a mature little 2 year old! She was not happy but handled it quite well! It really made me laugh!

Also, I am grateful for 90 degree weather in November! We spent a wonderful afternoon at the beach!!

Brittney - Nov 4

Today I went to a retirement/rehabilitation center and brought cookies to the people there. I met some awesome people.

We asked this awesome old man what song to sing, and he said, "sing my song! Our Savior's Love".

Turns out, this jovial old man is none other than Crawford Gates! Composer extraordinaire! He composed the music for Our Saviors Love and tons of others.

So I sang Our Saviors Love to the guy who composed it. I’m practically famous!

Brittney - Nov 3

Taylor and I drove up to Grandma's and Grandpa's to spend quality time with them. We even went in time to make dinner with them, because we knew it would mean a lot to them.

Brittney - Nov 2

This weekend Taylor came to visit! Which made me very, very happy. We played mini-golf and I let him win, so he'd feel macho.

Brittney - Nov 1

Today a friend was trash-talking me in Words With Friends, so to make it interesting I made a bet I'd win - and I did!!! So the friend has to wear around an embarrassing t-shirt for 5 days of my chosing.

Emilee- N4

I remembered day light savings and got an extra hours sleep! I hate day light savings!!

McKenzie- N4

Today I was cheerful ALL DAY no matter what sized lemons rolled down the chimney. Well, actually I take it back. During Math class I wasn't too cheerful. I wasn't sad, I just wasn't cheerful.Because it was math in the morning which is just so... UGH!!!

P.S. Did you like my use of color?? :)

McKenzie- N3

Today, I studied SO HARD for my math quiz. I was up until 11:30 studying!!!!!!!!!!!

Camree- N3

Today i had a bad migraine at work and felt really nauseous.  I ran back and forth from the bathroom all day....My manager tried to send me home several times....But... I stayed through my entire shift because my dad taught me to suck it up and do what needs to be done.  I am grateful for a father who taught me priorities and to be tough.

Also... at one point we ran out of toilet paper and i was stuck on the throne.  I texted a co-worker and she brought me some.  I am grateful for cell phones.

Emilee- N3

Today we are driving to Agoura so we can support Rick at his Eagle court of honor. This Eagle has been a hard one because every time Rick is about to do something big to complete it, Kent ends up in the hospital! Rick has had to make sure he gets everything done and really be on top of things. Luckily Kent got out of the hospital yesterday and will probably make it to the ceremony.

(Mom: he went in for a check up and they found a small blockage. Too small for yet another stint but they were able to clear it. His heart looks good otherwise and the electrical part is looking lots better than last year.)

MOM NOV 2

I am grateful for a healthy body and that I rarely get sick.  I hate to be sick!!  I am not a good sick person.  I did several batches of indexing and tried to find more information about John Henry Barnes and his dad, which I now know is Charles Barnes.  The are slippery ones.

November 1 MOM

I am grateful we are continuing this blog.  That is my November!!  I love hearing what you are all up to and the wonderful children that I have.  Thanks for being examples, thoughtful, caring adults!!  Also today I got out my Family History Newsletter.  Very few people read them, but I have been writing them now for about a year.  I try to put in good tips and helps and a personal story about an ancester from the branch.  I am hoping to see fruits of my labor at some point. 

Camree- N Day2

Today Cody and I got up early to drive to SL for Jason's wedding. Also, I am grateful for technology because i accidentally grabbed my old limited use recommend and if it wasn't for the technology and the temple workers being able to look up my records, i would have not been able to attend the wedding. 

McKenzie- N2

Today I stopped fasting at 4:00 P.M.!!!!! Full 24 hours!! Aren't you people proud of me??

McKenzie- N1

Today I started fasting at 4:00 P.M.!!!! I've never started fasting that early before!

Brittney - Day 31

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Today I made a Halloween dinner!!!

Mummies!

Scary pizza face - with half of it cut (I forgot to take the picture before eating some)

Pumpkin!



Emilee- N2

Since Dad and I are crazy dreamers I thought I'd share my dream with you guys. Christy Witt was making fun of me. I kept trying to ignore her/ explain myself and she was just laughing at me and being really snobby! Then I couldn't help it and started crying. Sister Anderson saw and said we had to both go talk to Brother Anderson and I started crying even more! (It was like going to see the principal or something!) As I was waiting outside his office with Christy still laughing at me, I woke up. My face was soaking wet with tears and I was REALLY crying. Brandon was already awake trying to figure out what was wrong with me! It took about 10 minutes for me to calm down... Brandon and I had a good laugh about it in the morning when he asked what my dream was that upset me so much and I said "Christy Witt was making fun of me".

Hope this made you laugh, or at least be glad none of you share a room with me anymore!

Camree- N Day 1

Today i wrote a friend an unexpected and uplifting text. I also told her how grateful I was to have her as a friend.

Emilee- N1

N= November :)

Today I went to enrichment. It starts at 7 and I get off at 7:15 so I usually just don't go knowing that I'll walk in late and miss the first half anyway but today I went! Also, I looked super stylish in my new blue skinny jeans :) I am SO glad that they make cute maternity clothes these days! Sorry you had to suffer, mom!

MOM day 25

I actually switched 24 and 25 around but anyway.  Today I subbed.  I should have thought of some wonderful way to make kids' day at school just that much more fun!!  But I did not.

 But, Today I went out of my way to talk to two ladies, one of which I do not like.  I think she is a gossip and judgemental and she don't think she likes me at all.  But I asked her how she was and actually got into a long conversation.  She has a son Kenzie's age so I asked about her son yadda yadda yadda. 

MOM Day 29

Today was alll about SETH.  I cut out and sewed 12 burp clothes of varying sizes and shapes and colors.  And I cut out boats to make a mobile for him.  I am so excited !!  I hope he loves his boat mobile.  I need to tweek them a little bit.  It was tricky figuring out how to cut and sand and shape these boats.  They are not identical or exact but I think they are cute.

MOM Day 28

I helped Jen cut out and sand her stuff for the Craft Fair.  I hope they sell a lot!!  I think the TWN is actually warming up to us a bit.  He did not seem as grumpy.

MOM day 27

I went to the Hobby Shop with Leanne to help her cut out stuff for the craft fair.  I even went above and beyond by first picking up Debbie then driving to Leanne's to load the wood and drive us all there.  Then after loading all the wood and taking her back home.  But I do love the Wood Shop.  Too bad the TWN there does not like me.  He thinks I break his equipment.  But I don't.  They don't maintain it properly.

MOM day 26

I taught the RS lesson for Sue since she was going to be OOK.  It was a very busy week so preparation was put off to Thursday night.  It was on Principles of Faith.  I know I am a slow learner so everyone else was not surprised by this.  But what I learned that has really opened my eyes is that Faith is based on keeping the commandments.  The more I think about this, the more it makes sense.  It really takes a lot of contemplation to really get the WHOLE picture.  I am still awed by this concept and molling it over.

MOM day 24

Kenzie was watching Blake for Leanne who is watching Blake for his parents.  She forgot about her SSAT class (she asked me to sign her up, I did not make her do this!!!!) so I watched Blake while she went to her SSAT class.

MOM Day 23 Happy Birthday Kenzie

What do you think I did good today?  Today was all about Kenzie.  I made her day the best I could.  Started out with a delicious breakfast: Brittney Sandwich.  Put the happy birthday sign up on the door.  Started the birthday cake.  Which I hope to post the pic.  It turned out soo cute.  Best thing I talked dad into letting her open ONE present before school.  I ran out to Al Midra to get the correct chip size for her.  Which is above and beyond the call.  You have to park so far away from the building and when I got in there was told I could not change the chip size OF COURSE without dad's Igama.  Luckily he had a copy in the car BUT by the time I got BACK to the car and to STC I was literally dripping sweat.  SO embarrassing--but I went in anyway for the sake of the Child's happy birthday.  After that I had arranged for a driver to take Kenzie and friends into the mall for lunch and a bit of shopping.  Then we took her to the school play of Alice in Wonderland.  Came home and opened the rest of the presents.  I SERVED  KENZIE ALL DAY.  And LOVED it of course.  Happy Birthday Kenzie.  Now how do I post a pic on here?

MOM day 30

Today was not one of my better do something good days.  BUT--I taught CPR all day and did not get home until 5:00 and had "temple night" at 6:30".  Temple night for us is coming to our house and indexing or working on Family History for an hour.  we get 10 to 12 max.  So I figured being the Haag Holiday noone would come BUT even with that depressing thought I mixed up some caramel and some hot fudge and chopped up nuts so we could have "split indexing".  BUT surprise surprise we ended up with about 10 people.

MOM Day 31

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  This was a weird Halloween.  First time in my parent life I did not go out Trick or Treating with anyone and no trick or treaters came to the door.  WEIRD.  DAD brought me home flowers.  Wasn't that sweet!!!  It made me very happy.  So today--I finally accomplished something I have procrastinated forever doing.  I had some things I have taken forever to get out and deliver.  Felt so good to get it done and off my conscience.  HAPPY HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!  The weather was soo nice today.  I have NEVER seen such nice weather on Halloween.

Emilee- Day 31

Happy Halloween!!! I will miss this, my favorite part has been hearing from you all on a daily basis!

1- I painted pumpkins with 2 toddlers WHILE sabie was awake! She did not like being kept from the fun!

2- Second, I took the girls trick or treating!! It was so fun to see Rieve so excited! We only went to houses we knew in the neighborhood (3 houses were home!) but she LOVED it!!! And I live in a really hilly area so pushing both girls in the stroller all over the neighborhood is actually a lot of work! My back hurts now!

3- My neighbor is moving out!! I e-mailed our landlord to see if we can move into his unit. His is an end unit, has a dishwasher, extra windows, AND a yard!!! I really hope he says yes, the yard is really small but a little patch of grass is better than no patch of grass!! Plus it would give us the best to parking spots in the complex!

P.S. Make sure to look on facebook/blog and see what Brandon Silva did for Halloween this year! My favorite Silva family Halloween costumes yet! Camree you especially will go crazy!

Camree- Day 31

Today i dressed up for Halloween at work. My manager and a few coworkers were on my back about it so to get them off i dressed up. I didn't want to spend any money for a costume to wear to work so i made my own from home. This counts as my thing because 1.) It's Halloween. 2.) It made my coworkers and manager happy. 3.) It's something different i don't do everyday. And 4.) I had to leave my comfort zone to do it.

McKenzie- Day 31

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!! :)

Today I invited Amy over, and we made Halloween food!!

They're Mummies!!! :) Their names are are Tony, Jack, and Sandra :)

We also made dessert!

It's supposed to be worms in dirt, but the Commissary didn't have worms, so we ended up with crocodiles in dirt :P 

Brittney - Day 30

Today I spent time with a friend who I hadn't seen in a while, even though I had a really busy day. It was so fun to catch up and to help her through some things she's going through.

I also stopped at the store to try and get something for a friend - but  couldn't find what I needed - but I was late and stopped and did it anyways.

Camree- Day 30

I know we are not supposed to use homework on here, but yesterday i wrote a research proposal on the effect gesturing has on memory recall....and i found out some pretty cool things.

As it turns out, when people move their hands as they talk, they actually can remember more about their conversation later on.  The same goes for when others use hand gestures as they talk to you, you remember more of what they said later on.

Even more interesting, is that it is not limited to representational hand gestures (gestures used to represent something like spreading your hands far apart when you mention how big something was.)  But, beat gestures, or spontaneous gestures (any gesture you do unconsciously, such as playing with your hair or swinging your feet) actually help later memory recall as well.

The theory is that because moving while talking or listening makes the speech more active, it is easier to recall later on.

When adults use representational hand gestures when talking to young children it also helps them understand more complex ideas and instructions, and it helps with quicker language acquisition because they can understand the hand gesture that accompanies a novel word and figure out the meaning.   

So..... Talking with your hands....turns out is a really helpful thing.  Sorry Mom that i frequently tease you for your elaborate and constant hand gestures.... despite how humorous they may appear.  Also, when you would never let me doodle during seminary and i told you it helped me remember the information later on....and you said that was ridiculous... well it has been scientifically proven that it did help me.  :) 

Dad Day 31

OK, this is it, the last day to impress the judges. Today I brought flowers home for Jeannie.

McKenzie- Day 30

Today I went to Mom's CPR/First Aid class even though Hasan was going to be there and I REALLY didn't want to go to a class with Hasan because he freaks me out, but I still went to the class because Mom wanted me to.

As it turned out, he got sick and didn't go to the class!! :)

And now I am certified in standard First Aid with CPR/ AED

McKenzie- Day 29

Today I made Dad a special treat :)

McKenzie- Day 28

Today I made my own chalkboard!! I found a recipe online for chalkboard paint, and so I made some and then painted a piece of wood  :)

Emilee-Day 30

Today I wrote a missionary who I have been meaning to write since she left a year ago.... yea I'm pretty bad!

Brittney - Day 29

I KILLED A CAT! On accident, it was dark and ran infront of my car. But I've had suggestions from people that I've helped make the world a better place by eliminating one more cat, so here it is, folks.

TODAY I KILLED A CAT!

Camree- Day 29

Today, on our day off work, Cody and I took grandpa over to Paul's house to pick up some shelves.  Then we helped him transport the shelves to his house, and cut them, and hang them, then took him to the car dealership to pick up his car, then went to dinner with them even though it was our day off and there was plenty of errands we needed to run. 

Dad Day 30

One more day to go everybody, you better make the 31st a good one. As a warm up for tomorrow, today when I went to go to work, McKenzie was Skyping Reilly on my laptop, which I take to work ever since Aramco was hacked and they don't allow internet, so I decided to have a bowl of cereal and let her finish. That was good deed number one, but wait there is more. I left the house with just the right amount of time to get to work on time and I passed John Denker walking to work because he had missed the bus. So I stopped and offered him a ride to work, but wait there is more. My office moved over by North Park so I had to go out of my way to take him to his building and by the time I got back to my office I was a couple of minutes late, but happy that I had made both McKenzie and John happy.  

Emilee- Day 29

I can't believe how fast this month has gone by!!

I never check the news. EVER!! But today I looked up updates from hurricane Sandy. I also looked up some more info about the political stuff they talk about in the Count of Monte Cristo because I wanted to know if it was fictional or not!

Brittney - Day 29

Ok - this one is a big deal for me! I took Lacey to a corn maze a couple of weeks ago during the day, and there she learned that if you go at night it's haunted. Well, the idea of a haunted corn maze scares me silly. I have no desire to go. But she's been bugging me about taking her there for 3 weeks now. Yesterday she was really disappointed when I said Halloween will be over this week and we can't make it to a corn maze.
So tonight I am taking her, even though I'm scared.

Brittney - Day 28

Today I did two things. I'm UNBEATABLE!

#1 - Again, I'm pretty new in my ward. I've gone out of my way to be social and to meet people, even though it's not in my nature. After church there was a mix and mingle. I was stressed out about going, because I'd have to walk in there by myself not really knowing many people. But I did it! I even stayed 25 minutes.

#2 - There is a man who lives right by Skyline Highschool that has gone missing. He's 80 and has early stage dementia. He took his dog for a walk on Wednesday, and hasn't been seen since. The first presidency sent a letter to the church's in our stake and asked that everyone go help the police and look for him. A lot of wards cancelled church completely to look for him. I went over after work and was registered with the police as a bonafide Police Volunteer. I though I could just come and search however long I was able, but it was really organized and we were assigned 4 streets and had to knock on every door to ask if they'd seen him, and to get permission to look in their backyards, sheds, boats, campers, etc. (the police are thinking he maybe got lost or wanted to get lost and wondered off and ended up hiding in someone's yard). It was super awkward and it was a ton of work. I left my house at 3 (thinking I'd be done by 4:30 to go to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner) but didn't get done until a little after 6:30. On a sad note, he went missing last Wednesday and still hasn't been found.

Brittney - Day 27

Today I took Lacey to the zoo for their halloween day. They had booths to set up for trick-or-treating, and everyone was dressed up. I was afraid it would be cold, but the wheather was perfect. It was sunny and warm and dressing up was a blast. It was an awesome day, and I am glad I could take the time out of my schedule to take Lacey.

Brittney - Day 26

Today we had trick-or-treating at work! We get thousands of kids here (there are about 800 people who work in my building, and most of their families come in, and their Mormon - so that is a lot of children). So I dressed up as an 80's girl and I invited my friend Brittney Henderson to come with her 3 little kids, and we all went trick or treating around my office. It was so fun!! So my thing was instead of just enjoying today for myself, I invited Brittney to come so she and her kids could enjoy it as well.

Brittney - Day 25

Today I tried extra to be very cheerful and smiley to people I saw at work and out on the town. I noticed it made me feel happier, and I could tell people really did appreciate it, and it lifted their mood as well.

Taylor - Day 29

I thought I would share with you guys my Halloween costume. I plan to go around campus tonight see if i can get some reactions.

Dad Day 28

Mom and Rosey wanted to see a movie in Bahrain so I braved the Causeway yet again. 2 3/4 hours one way, but I stayed cheery. Also, on the way home we had a guy merge into our lane and I had to drive up onto the curb to prevent an accident. My defensive driving skills saved an almost for sure accident in Bahrain.

Emilee- Day 28

Today I watched my friends little girl after church. I didn't really know what to do since we don't have anything for a 3 year old to play with but we played a computer coloring game and she helped me make dinner so it turned out great. I also stayed at church the whole 3 hours, I know I always stay the whole three hours, but today was hard because I was really uncomfortable and felt like I had morning sickness (I know, weird).

Camree- day 28

Today i choose to share this photo with you all because we can all relate it and it is humorous. Raise your hand if you ever broke your arm and was not allowed to go to the emergency room. Or had your broken finger taped to a used popsicle stick.

P.s. mom... this is all in good fun :)

McKenzie- Day 27

I have to watch Tubb's cat over eid, and the cat is pretty lonely, so today I spent a little extra time with it

Emilee- Day 27

Looked up a middle eastern market in our area and actually found one! I went and got everything I need to make a wonderful Saudi dinner tomorrow night :)

Dad Day 27

Tonight I decided to give BYU one more chance to show that they are a decent football team. They have lost to every good team that they have played this year and since I would have to stay up until 2am in the morning I didn't want to waste my sleep on a losing endeavor. I made the right choice and got to enjoy BYU put together a great performance against a good Georga Tech team in Atlanta. BYU 41 GT 17. Its almost 2am and I am going to bed a happy boy.

Dad Day 26

Grandma and Grandpa finally confirmed that they are coming to Yellowstone for the first few days to be with us on Christmas.  So, today I made the final reservations.for the snow coach into Yellowstone Park and for the snow mobile rentals. I am counting this as day 26 because I debated with myself over renting 2, 3 or 4 snowmobiles to take turns on and I went with four as a gift to my beloved family. Those who care about such things can look them up. They are all Ski-Doo's. We have 2 GT 600 and 2 MXZ 600. The itinerary is below.

Sun Dec 23 Drive to West Yellowstone - Church in the car
Mon Dec 24 Snow Coach to OldFaitfull
Tue Dec 25 Christmas Day - 4 snowmobiles available
Wed Dec 26 Camree, Cody, Gram & Gramp leave. The rest Skiing/snow boarding at Big Sky
Thu Dec 27 Snowmobiling
Fri Dec 28 Skiing/snow boarding Big sky or Grand Targee
Sat Dec 29 Drive home

McKenzie- Day 26

Today was church and I tried to pay attention to the speakers more.

McKenzie- Day 25

Today Mom invited people over for dinner and I entertained the little kids so that the other people could play games

Camree- Day 26

Today a coworker asked if i would be willing to paint her nails cool for her Halloween costume. She wanted it done tonight since tomorrow we can dress in costume at work. I got of at 10 and would have liked to be able to go home and sleep...but i agreed to do it anyways. It took 2 hours, we finished at midnight.... but it made her happy and i improved my nail art skills.

Emilee- Day 26

Today I got to wear my Halloween shirt to our ward Halloween party!! I was SO excited that I could wear it! I was REALLY really hoping to be big enough that it would make sense and I think I pulled it off! I also took a picture sideways so you can all see how I look. Taylor, your wish has finally come true! You can not, never could, and never will be this big!

Taylor - Day 25

Today I bought some squeaky cheese. And it made me exceedingly happy.

Camree- Day 25

Today I was looking for a parking spot at school, and i got there early giving me plenty of time to find one.  After a while I found a parking spot, but gave it up to a rather distressed looking driver, seeing as I had ample time and she appeared as if she was already late. 

As Murphy would have it, however... I did not find another parking spot for 44, yes, 44 minutes! I spent 44 minutes driving around that parking lot looking for a spot.  Needless to say I was in fact very late to class, and missed a quiz that could not be made up.  After class i told my story to my professor pleading for a chance to make it up since i was at school on time, just stuck in the parking lot all because i chose to be nice.  He took pity on me because of my generosity and said just this once he would let me do extra credit to make it up...which is actually better because now i am guaranteed a 100% where if i took the quiz i may have missed a few questions.   

Camree- Day 24

Today at work a customer was being very very rude.  She was returning some items and did not bring with her the same card she used to purchase the items.  Our policy in this situation is to give the costumer in store credit.  She was very upset because she wanted the money not the credit but there was nothing i could do. 

I did not say to her all the mean things i was thinking...I think that was very nice of me. 

Camree- Day 23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YEZ!!!




Today we carved pumpkins with Kory and Steve.
When we started Kory told the boys that if they broke her knife she would kill them.  Not a minute later.... SNAP!... I broke her knife.  Somehow i broke her steel knife off in my pumpkin trying to get the top off.

Camree- Day 22

Today i was running a little late to class and as i got to the building my class was in I could see behind me two girls carrying heavy things.  I was already late, and they were far enough behind me that holding the door for them would be quite inconvenient and slow me down, but I held the door open and waited anyways. 

Camree-Day 21

Today i painted my nails for Halloween!

Dad Day 24

We have a computer tech in our department from Iraq who is not very capable. It is not only that he isn't great with computers; he is also horrible following through on things and forgets to do almost everything that he is asked to do. In any other company he would have been fired years ago. I know, you're wondering where I am going with this. For the past two months I have been asking him to add an SAP computer role to my SAP capabilities. Today I needed this computer role to be able to finish something and the system told me that I still was not authorized. I marched into his office and blasted him. I was not the least bit diplomatic or sensitive (Darth Vader would have been proud and Mother Teresa would have cried).

During lunch when I finally had time to reflect, I started feeling bad. Not that he didn't deserve it, but that I should have been above that. So after lunch I bought him a snickers bar and went to his office to apologize. He readily forgave me and told me that he had corrected the problem in SAP.  
 

McKenzie- Day 24

Today I babysat Amy's little brother and sister while her dad was taking her to piano lessons. I tried to say no when he offered me money, but he wouldn't leave until I took it.

Emilee- Day 24

Today, not only did I smile as I passed someone walking home from work, I even said good evening!!

Brittney - Day 24

Today I went to institute! I enjoy going but some days I'm so busy or exhausted I don't end up going. But today I got my lazy booty in gear and went to institute, and it was awesome. A very good lesson on the Savior.

McKenzie- Day 23

I didn't really do anything today, but I am very happy! Because... it's... my... BIRTHDAY!!! And for my birthday mom and dad bought me an.... I PHONE!!!! My i-phone is named Perriwinkle, and it makes me SO HAPPY!!! :)

Emilee- Day 23

Today I had not done anything, at least not anything hard, out of the ordinary, or per-meditated! I was just going to look up something I have been curious about but THEN I opened my e-mail!!

On Sunday they asked for more people to help make cupcakes for the Halloween party cake walk. I am still getting over a cold and have been tired and busy lately so I passed up the opportunity. When I got the e-mail today, I wrote back saying I'd help out!

Brittney - Day 23

Today I let everyone merge in front of me who wanted to. I'm generally a nice driver, but today I tried to be extra conscientious of when others wanted to switch lanes or merge.

Brittney - Day 22

Today, I went to court and didn't die.

I got pulled over by a retarded cop because my tires stoped turning after the white line at a stop sign. Gag me. And my registration had expired. Woops. So I had to go to court and show that I registered my car.

As I was walking down the hall - a guy was lead down the same hall in handcuffs and SHACKLES with an armed escort. I don't know what you do to earn yourself shackles, but my guess is it's REALLY BAD. I was really scared. I kept picturing him leaping at me and holding me hostage or something equally awful.

But, that isn't my "special thing". On the way out, they had early registration set up. So I meandered over and voted.

GO OBAMA!

McKenzie- Day 22

Today I gave mom a massage. :)

MoM the best Day 22

Today my goal was to get my CEU's done.  It has been weighing on my mind for a month.  YEAH, it is done, reported, recorded and my nursing license renewed and paid for!!!  Today I also ran to the Al Munirah pharmacy to get Lynn a thermometer and when I got to her house with it, she needed butter so I ran and got her butter.  I hope the poor Dunn rep gets better with his new thermometer.  (The Dunn rep is here doing boarding shcool interviews and became very ill so Lynn Denker is nursing him back to health.)

Dad Day 22

Last week, Mark Turner sent me an Outlook calendar meeting attendance request. I put the meeting in my I-Phone, but didn't acknowledge the meeting because I had so much going on that day and the meeting was 4 hours long and it was only remotely related to my area. Just before the meeting Mark called and asked if I would be able to attend. I told him that I was very busy and I wasn't sure how much I could contribute to the meeting. He asked me if I would please attend because he thought that many issues could be resolved on the spot if I were in the meeting. As it turned out, he was right.

I am using this as day 22 because I really didn't have time for the meeting and I knew that this 4 hour meeting would result in 4 hours of overtime tomorrow, but I went to the meeting anyway because Mark asked for my help.

Emilee Day- 22

I have always wondered about Jesus Christ's siblings. This morning I took the time to research it. He had at least 4 brothers named James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. They also mention "sisters". It was interesting to find out that they may not have recognized his divinity while he was living but after his death James went on to replace the apostle James after his death by Agrippa as an apostle. His brother Jude wrote an epistle, and Simon they believe became a bishop. Also, I was really happy to find an LDS source online.

I always thought that John the beloved was Christ's brother because he told her to take care of Mary. When Brandon corrected me I was really confused but this site says that Christ's brothers may not have supported him, therefore they were not at his crucifixion. If they had been, he probably would have intrusted her care to one of them.

http://jesus.christ.org/questions-answers-about-jesus-christ/did-jesus-have-siblings

MOM Day 21

Today I am going to go donate blood.  There is a man in the Khobar branch who needs blood but cannot have his open heart surgery unless he gets 7 to 10 more pints donated in his behalf.  So far there are 4 of us going at 11:00.  I am actually very excited to make a difference today.  I just hope they let me donate.

Emilee -Day 21

Today I made Pumpkin rolls to bring over to a friend and her family. They just found out that there son is NOT glutton intolerant and can now eat everything again! Pumpkin rolls is a good place to start! She also gave us some used baby stuff so I sent along a thank you card as well.

Dad Day 21

I left work a little early today (which is something that I never do) to take McKenzie to her horse riding lesson. I was so glad that I did because it made my day to watch her ride a horse like a proper British lady. She controls the horse so well and she definitely gets style points. It was just really fun to be there with her.

Brittney - Day 21

I'm in a new ward. It's awkward to start a new ward, especially when you don't know anyone and you don't have anyone to go to church with you.

But I've made huge efforts to not be shy and to meet people. So today I was very out going and commented in Sunday school and met people.

McKenzie- Day 21

Today I wrote Reilly a poem! :)

McKenzie- Day 20

Today I wrote a letter to Ninny :) It was actually an e-mail, but still

MOM day 20

Today I bought presents for two ladies having October Birthday's.  The one lady has a brother who has cancer and will  not make it long plus other bad family things going on so her Birthday this year SUCKED.

Emilee- Day 20

Today Brandon and I went on an 8:00am Saturday walk in the rain. Can a Saturday start more perfectly? I also did lots of little things throughout the day that I wont bore you with, I was trying to just have an extra special Saturday. It will end with the temple tonight.

Brittney - Day 20

Today I took Lacey to a kids Halloween thing they do at the U at Red Butte Gardens. We made necklaces to ward off witches and Dracula. We wondered through the haunted forest and got freaked out when a fog machine made this horrible noise in a maze and squirted right into our faces. It scared me. A lot. And I carried her huge heavy painted pumpkin all the way to my car - which was very noble.

Dad Day 20

Today I went to work to earn money so that mom could buy presents for two ladies having October Birthday's. 

Camree- Day 20

This weekend I hosted guests for my fist time.  Cody's whole family stayed over staurday to sunday.  I wanted to take a long nap before work because i was really tired, but instead i took his family out for the day before work so that they could have a fun day. 

Taylor - Day 19

Today I pulled out my saxophone and started playing around a bit trying music I could find online. doing quite poorly may I add, its been a couple years. How could this get any better you may ask? well put on your funderpants. Someone outside my window yelled FREEBIRD! quite sarcastically, I suppose i wasnt appreciated, so I quickly youtubed "intense jazz solo saxophone" and plugged in my speakers, jumped in front of the window and did my best to look the part.

 I believe I have just won, you may all continue battling for the place of first loser, formally known as 2nd place.

Camree- Day 19

It wasn't really a big thing, but some days i honestly don't have time to do plan and carry out big things.  At work someone brought in cupcakes for all the employees who closed, which was supposed to be 4.  We were so busy tonight they called in an extra employee, making it 4 cupcakes for 5 people.  Someone obviously couldn't have one...so i didn't eat one so everyone else could enjoy!

MOM Day 19

Today we had Nilo over for dinner and made dessert and sang happy birthday to him and give him a present (1/2 a month's salary).  He called Linda up crying because he felt so special and touched and loved. 

Emilee- Day 19

Today, I made a phone call I have been putting off for a while! I just don't like the phone... and its hard for me to call people in the evening because I always feel so tired.

I also had a positive attitude all day even though I felt SO useless all day long! The girls grandparents were visiting today and their mom was working from home and was able to come and go to see how things were going. The girls also decided that today would be a scattered nap day so only one was awake at a time almost the entire day! 4 adults for 1 awake kid was totally unnecessary! I was there to show the grandparents the ropes, but I was only really able to give them a few pointers and they could have figured it out on there own so yea, I was pretty useless!

Brittney - Day 19

Today my thing was actually hard for me to do.

There is a guy I work with who started about 4 months ago on the management team. He drives me a little nutty. Every time he talks to me or needs something I have to breathe deeply. He is such a nice guy but for some reason he completely rubs me the wrong way.

Today in a meeting there was a cookie left over. Instead of just telling someone to take it or giving it to one of the guys who sit next to me, I thought about who I could give it to. This guy came to mind. So I wrote him a nice letter telling him I appreciate all he does and that he’s doing a good job, and left the note and the cookie on his desk. It took a lot to sit down and write the letter and give it to him, but I did it.

(Note – I did this even after a comment he made to me earlier today – I was walking down the hallway carrying a brown paper bag (like a grocery bag), and he walked by me with someone else and said, “so now are you the bag lady?” What kind of a comment is that? The bag lady? Just because I’m carrying a brown paper bag once? No, I’m not the bag lady. I didn’t even say anything rude or sarcastic back to that, so go me.)

Camree- Day 19

There is this coworker of mine who just plain bugs me.. when i see she has the same shift as me i cringe. She just kinda bugs everyone,..just a really really annoying person.  Tonight she had to do outside duty at closing, and it was freezing. She didn't have a coat, so even though she bugs the crap out of me..i offered to let her wear  my coat while she was outside.

Dad Day19

I see that mom used the Nilo birthday gig for the past two days. I am also using it today because I made the decision to have him to dinner and I called and invited him and last night after midnight I went to the store and got the roast and I pulled out SR 300 to go in a card for him. He is hard to do nice things for because he gets so emotional. He was very appreciative and I am sure will talk about this birthday for many many years.

McKenzie- Day 19

Today I had to give a talk in church. No me gusta.

MOM Day 19

Had Nilo for Dinner and had a balloon tossing contest with McKenzie.  The Balloon burst on her.  And she got soaked.  But it was a great time. 

MOMMIE Day 18

When Nilo was here on Wednesday he made sure I knew his Birthday was on the 20th.  I blew it off.  But yesterday I decided I really should do something special for him so we invited him to dinner today.  Yeah.  We will celebrate it up with him!!!

McKenzie- Day 18

Today I went to SSAT class for the first time, even though I had missed two lessons, and I wasn't actually enrolled (mom just talked to the lady and she said yes), and I didn't even have a book. I didn't know what to except and I was a little uncomfortable, but I went because I knew that I should.

Emilee- Day 18

Today I looked up how to paint wooden furniture! We found a changing table/dresser combo that is just what I have been looking for on Craigslist but I don't like the color! I can't wait to get it and turn into something brand new by painting it!!

Taylor - Day 18

I don't know if this video will work right for everyone. but they just released the Joseph smith video in a bunch of languages including Arabic. its available online for a buck 50. I know the guy narrating the garden part. Thought you guys might be interested.

Brittney Day 18

Today I wrote a thank you note to the janitor at work.

Camree- Day 18

At school there is very limited parking.  I get there at 7:00 A.M every day so i never have to search or fight for parking.  However, after about 9:00 the parking lot is full and you have to circle around for a very long time until someone leaves and even then you have to fight off other drivers for that spot.  It's just like that scene from Finding Nemo where all the pelicans are fighting over Marlin squealing "Mine! Mine! Mine!"  When walking to your car to leave all the drivers pull over and ask you if they can follow you to your car and take your spot.  Doesn't sound like a big deal, but where i am so shy and hate talking to strangers it makes me very uncomfortable- especially when i can't remember where i parked.  Usually i dodge in between rows of cars trying to avoid the scroungers, but today i decided to be nice and help someone out.  So i told someone where my car was so they could have my spot.  If you have ever spent more than 20 minutes driving around a parking lot looking for a spot, you know just how frustrating it is and just how much better i made this girl's day by coming out of my comfort zone and giving her my spot.    

Camree- Day 17

Today i was really busy and my visiting teachers wanted to come over.  I really didn't have time for them, but i knew it was selfish of me to not let them magnify their calling because i was busy, and that it is my calling too to let them visit.  And so i prioritized and made time for them to come.  

McKenzie- Day 17

Today I was at a lunch club, and all of a sudden I hear a bunch of screams. I looked around to see where they came from, and there was a girl choking. Her friends were just screaming and being useless, so I ran over to her. In Girl Scouts I learned how to do the Heimlich, so I started doing it, and in a little less than a minute, the food came flying out of her mouth. She was very grateful that I saved her life.


Just kidding, that never happened. I didn't do anything today.

MOM Day 17

Darn I did not have time to post on Wednesday and with Alzhiemers setting in--it is hard to remember.  Wednesday I thought I had NOTHING on my calender so I was going to spend the day finishing my CEU's.  I did not even pick up my book till 9:30 pm and then fell promptly asleep.  DANG.  So one of the reasons my day turned out this way was going over to the school to talk to the man over Community Ed.  He miss communicated to Lynn and I and how the system works for payment.  So instead of getting like 2200 Riyals for teaching three weeks of CPR and First Aid--dragging all my stuff over three times a week and sterilizing it all three times instead of one--I found out I am only making like 850 SR.  He totally led us down the WRONG garden path.  He is a squirrel to talk to--BUT I tried to hold my ground.  My usual nature would be to skirt the issue and not push for the bottom line.  I pushed until I got the answer I needed and then kept pushing telling him he made a mistake, he did not communicate the details and what could he do to correct the problem.  I was surprised at myself for pushing pushing pushing. And even after all this, Lynn wanted to cancel the class for the next day--seeing the pay is pathetic--but I felt obligated to keep to my commitment.  SO again I dragged ALLL my supplies over and did a 8.5 hour class.

Emilee- Day 17

There are some things we just DON'T do when Sabie is awake! Our craft/make huge messes time is during Sabie's morning nap! Today Rieve REALLY wanted to do "When sabie is sleeping" activity in the afternoon when sabie was awake. I said ok and her face lit up, she was so excited!! It wasn't as bad as it could have been and sabie didn't eat anything she isn't supposed to so I say success!!

Taylor - Day 17

Today I sent some messages to some people I have not talked to in a long while. I think I made their days.

Dad Day 17

I was going to follow Em's lead and say that today I didn't eat a cinnabun, or a piece of pecan pie or a hamburger or french fries or a taco, etc. etc., but that is too negative. Instead, I will report that I ordered pizza and buffalo wings from Dominos and it made me very happy.

Camree- day 16

For someone's birthday we surprised them and took them out for the evening.

McKenzie- Day 16

Today I learned how to make fake blood! MWAHAHAHA!!! I dont really know what that evil laugh was about... I also spent like FOREVER filling up an entire cooler with water balloons! But my real thing for today is learning something new! How to make fake blood!

Emilee- Day 16

Today I made a difficult choice and did NOT eat a pumpkin roll for breakfast! I probably would have felt sick all morning had I eaten it so I'm glad I didn't, but it was hard to resist my favorite dessert!

Dad Day 16

Today McKenzie had one of the worst days of her life. She scored an 86% on her math test and was distrought. Mom comforted her and then left to teach first aid. Then I comforted her when I got home from work and then had to go to a High Council meeting. When I got home I surprised her with a package of Polo's and kissed her on the forehead. 

Brittney - Day 16

Today I took Riley out. We ate dinner, walked around the mall then watched The Adams Family, which I haven't seen in forever.

Camree- Day 15

 Cody's Grandma is planning a big extended family Christmas party and she was feeling very overwhelmed with it all.  I offered to take charge of part of the party so she had less to worry about.  This is way out of my comfort zone because i am shy and will have to talk to and coordinate with a lot of the extended family i have never met.  I also do not feel comfortable with being in charge of big things that involve lots of other people.  However, it took a load of off her mind and made her day much better.

Also....today Cody surprised me with a new, legit car stereo so the radio is no longer static and i can actually listen to my own music.. it made my day!

Emilee-Day15

My Halloween decorations are finally up and is makes me very happy! Also, I wet my pants today! Which doesn't make me happy but it did make me laugh! I didn't even feel the slightest urge to pee then I sneezed and wet my pants! I blame Seth! (His favorite hangout is my bladder!!)

Beautiful Mom Day 15

I had a very busy day trying to catch up and running to appointments.  I knew a new lady in the Branch was getting her shipment but was not sure how to fit in helping her.  I got home just after 4:00 hoping to get back to catching up and getting ready for the next event.  I decided to call Keller's and just see if they needed help (desperately hoping they would say no we are fine) but the workers were still there putting beds together and things were in a BIG mess, so I did run over for 2 hours to help.  Of the three new families, theirs was definitely the worst situation.   I also offered to go over again in the morning for several hours.  I am feeling frantic inside because of all the lose ends I need to work on.  Oh well, they are not going any where.

Brittney - Day 15

Today I wrote a letter to someone I love.

McKenzie- Day 15

Today I talked to Siri for half an hour. It was highly amusing and I discovered a lot of new things. One of those things, was that Siri doesn't have a gender. I found that very surprising seeing as she sounds like a girl. I also found out that Siri has a friend named Eliza, who is a retired psychiatrist.

Dad Day 15

Every morning there are TWN's hanging around the parking lot hoping to get a car washing job. Usually, I wait until the end of the week so that my car is clean for the weekend. This morning when I waved the car washer guy off because it is mid week, he looked sad. Usually, they don't show any emotion when I don't want them to wash my car. Maybe since I am trying to be more in tune with my fellow earthlings I just notice more. Anyway, I changed my mind and paid him to wash my car. 

Mom Day 15

I came home after teaching CPR, after a very busy day.  Kenzie needed water balloons and other things for her re-creation of the civil war.  SO even though it was after 9:00 at night, and really was tired, we drive to the commissary and then to Al-Munirah looking for said supplies. And Al-Munirah had them.

McKenzie- Day 14

I ruined my Indomitus shirt last year, and so I haven't been wearing it. I was to shy to go ask for another one, but  I did it anyway. And I even got it for free!! YAY FOR FREE STUFF!! By doing this, I did something that I was too shy to do, and I am also doing service to my fellow Indomituses because wearing your house shirt gives you house points which help you when the Camal Cup!

Mom day 14

There have been workers outside our house for days.  I feel like I am on display.  They watch me come, they watch me go, they watch me come, they watch me go.  Yesterday they were out there till very late at night.  SO today when I am watching them watching me I assumed they would be there late again.  I feel bad for them.  SO I decided to do dinner for them.  I am always perplexed at what to feed them.  Of course--rice and chicken.  I did not dare try to make it how they would like it so, feeling a little like a cheater, I ran to the dinner hall and got two big containers of rice and two of chicken kabob and another chicken dish.  But much to my disappointment, when I got back there were only 4 there.  One would not eat.  SO the three got a big dinner.  I hope it helped their life be better.

Brittney - Day 14

Today I made the 45 minute drive all the way to Orem to eat Sunday dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. I even rinsed dinner dishes.

Below is what I found on the front porch. It's kind of hard to see, sorry. Grandma and Grandpa always tape a letter with money to pay the paper carrier. It's always there. For years. The paper carrier seems to never pick it up, since it's always there. So today I came up to the steps to find the following sight. Apparently they figured the paper carrier, after years, just wasn't getting it and needed some help.