Dog Walking and Robotics

A friend of ours just rescued 3 puppies.  She asked if my kids would help walk the dogs.  After school the kids and I head over.  They love walking those crazy dogs.  

Aaron and I have gone on a few stroller runs.  It has been a very crazy month so it is nice to take Aaron out during the day rather than always running in the dark.

Joshua's robotics team took second yesterday at the competition.  They were the highest ranking middle school team and lost to a high school team.  It was fun to watch on youtube since we can't watch in person.

We also went to a baptism yesterday.  It was wonderful to see Oliver be baptized and hang with the Clarks.  

 

Robotics and a little random

 

Since life threw me a curve ball, I haven't taken many photos.  Joshua, Evan, and Leah all had robotics competitions.  They all did great.  Joshua's team was one of the highest ranked middle school teams.  They were competing against high schoolers.  Evan took 4th in Skills competition.  Leah made it to the finals.  They are all doing so great.  It is so fun to watch them learn and grow.  I wish I could show pictures but due to covid we can't go in to see anyway.  

We have a neighbor who decorates for every holiday.  On our walk we stopped to take picture.

On my run yesterday I came across a house fire.  I am sure the house was a total loss.  I am so sad for them.  

After the funeral I needed to run.  Running just helps my mind and body.  I wanted to show the kids the ice.  It was fun seeing the snow is Bismarck.  It has been awhile since I have driven in the snow. 

Dad's Funeral

 

My 2021 started out with quite a shock.  My Dad passed away on January 2.  I got the call around 11 PM.  He had a heart attack.  He had previously had a heart attack 4 years ago or so, but this one he was not able to overcome.  The Bismarck 2nd Ward was so kind and loving.  They made us feel so comfortable.  My family, Ward family, and friends have all been so loving and kind.  I am so grateful for all of you and the prayers you have said for us.

This day was the hardest day of my life so far.  I know I will see him again.  I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we can be reunited.  My Dad always made sure we went to Church and had a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  It was such a comfort to be in a Stake building much like the one I attend here in Texas.  It reminded me how me of how many people love and care about me.

It was so great to be around the family that was able to travel to the funeral.  It was wonderful to spend that time with my siblings sharing tears, laughter, and lots of memories.  It was so great to see my Aunts, Uncles and cousins.  

We all went out to eat that evening and shared our memories and tears.  I wish we could all get together more often.  As we were reminded life on this earth is so short.  

The Rest of December

We played at the new park.  The kids love this merry go round.

I just love these trees.  All the leaves are now gone but they were so beautiful for the first few weeks of December.  

We had a couple of robotics competitions.  We have done two of them virtual.  

We did our Christmas baking.  We did several light the world activities.  

We made gingerbread houses.  

We had step competition.  Michael was doing church business while walking on treadmill.  I know you are all dying to know who won, and it was me.  lol

We went to check out the Christmas star.  

Dallin got braces.  

We did a Christmas light run.

It was fun to see all the lights on foot.

For personal development we made a little Nativity.  We do them via Zoom right now.  

My Aunt made these awesome stockings!  We love them so much.

We had a great Christmas!

A friend gave Joshua an air horn to wake us all up in the morning so he was the first up Christmas morning.  lol

Leah and Evan got roller blades.  They are getting the hang of it.

The older boys got hover boards.  They are so good on them.

We also put a volleyball net.  We are having a blast playing volleyball.  We have been playing everyday unless it is raining.

We played lots of games.  The game above it called awkward hugs.

Aaron got kinetic sand.  He loves playing with it.

We have been relaxing and taking it easy around here too.  

We also went to a wedding.  It was so pretty and fun.  

 

Happy Birthday Joshua and Date Night

 

Joshua turned 14.  He wanted to paintball for his Birthday.  Michael took him with a friend.  Michael forgot to take pictures.  

My sisters and I planned a date.  We went out to eat and went on a carriage ride to look at lights.

We had a good time.

We finally decorated for Christmas.  The kids were super excited.

On our date we made the boys shirts.  It said my deer on it. lol

Thanksgiving and Race Day

 Well, I guess I'll start with Race day because that is how the pictures went in.  After the race we ate a Barbecue restaurant.  Michael and everyone hated.  I didn't mind it.  I was so hungry that all food tastes good.

I loved the shirt and medal!

Jenny ran the half and I ran the full.

Originally we were going to run the Marathon in Memphis, but with Covid we switched it to Tucson.  Tucson ended up cancelling which deferred my marathon to 2021, but I was ready to run.  I found a small local one a week earlier than Tucson was going to be.  I signed up and went for it.  

It had several Covid protocals.  It felt very safe.  The race was great!  I am a little sore and the 8 loops was a little crazy, but my training paid off.  I learned a lot and enjoyed all the training and race.  I am so grateful for everyone cheering me on and everyone who supported me.

We had a great Thanksgiving.  We just had my brother and sister over with their families.  The food was good and the company was great.

Michael and the younger kids slept in the tent on Wednesday night.  They watched a movie and slept pretty good too.  It was cold outside too.  They were brave.  The older boys are too cool to sleep outside now I guess.  

More November

We have so many leaves in our yard.

The kids are loving it!  We raked 3 of 4 times this week and it never looks like we did the next day.  I sweep multiple times a day but whenever the door opens the leaves come flying in.  I do enjoy the fall and cooler temps so I'll take it.

Crumbl opened up here, so we went to check it out. We enjoyed our cookies!

Aaron is so sweet to help me me sweep the front steps.  I love when kids are excited to help.  They grow up too fast, and start complaining when doing chores.  ha ha

Evan had his first robotics competition.  He did great.  Michael and I disagreed with the judges on scoring but Evan was happy with the points he got.  Kids are such great examples to us. 

Leah and I were playing around.  I made a "new" mask for her.  ha ha