last play

Today was CJ's last performance for "Mother Goose Mystery". He was sad that it was over. They all did a great job!

Mason was able to play the violin to wake up Johnny. 

Here he is with his crush Bo Peep. He played Johnny Hubbard, Mother Hubbard's son. CJ sang and danced in this play. This character really stretched him.

Then both Karlee and Mason were mice as the cast sang "Three Blind Mice". It was fun to watching them be on stage too.

The woman who wrote the play attended the same performance as we did. She was very impressed with how well the kids did.

Haley, CJ, and Isaac at the end of the show. Haley and Isaac were reporters. Yes CJ is wearing a tiara. It was part of the show.

Johnny and Bo Peep, so cute!

game opener

Friday night our district 5th graders played the National Anthem at the Cougars game. They sounded great! CJ was so excited to do this. This is our last band event for him. I've called our rental company and we'll return his trumpet in about three weeks. He's enjoyed it but he loves the viola more.

These boys are up close hoping to catch a fly ball. We had a fun night. It was a perfect evening to watch a baseball game. 

Saturday evening we played basketball in our driveway while the dogs hung out with us. Later on in the evening Mason was loving on Murray and found not one but two ticks! There's the big one you can see and a tiny baby one next to it. Mason and I held down Murray hoping Brian could get them out. We think we got them... All these years living here and two weekends in a row we've found ticks on Murray. The first one was just on his hair. We weren't so lucky this time. 

last orchestra

Wednesday was CJ's last orchestra event...here. There were about 15 students and they did a great job. I'm glad CJ enjoys playing the viola and plans on continuing to play it in Oregon.

They play at Barnes and Noble for a fundraiser and last year we visited Bailee in the cafe. I really miss her. 

Always when I ask Mason if he wants to come he says no. This year I didn't ask him and shortly before they started playing here came Karlee and Mason. It was nice to see them there to support Carson. While the orchestra was playing these two played pat-a-cake with George. It was fun hanging out in the children's section. 

I won!

Last week was teacher/staff appreciation week. When I arrived at work today I found out I won this basket! The PTO had dozens of baskets for everyone to put raffle tickets in to try and win. I won!! There is also a 9x13 pan. Everything I need to bake a cake. So awesome!

Sunday moments

Carson had his second day of performances today. (We attended yesterday's performance, I'll add pictures soon.) We left church about 15 minutes early to get him there. We then headed home to change and tidy up the house for another open house.  As we headed back to church for Mason and Karlee, Brian and I were very frustrated/angry with each other. The stress of selling the house and all that we need to do to move is causing stress between us. I hate this part. I'm ready for all of this to be behind us. 

Mason stayed after for choir and Karlee met with Bishop to start her mission papers. It's pretty exciting! She's debating between putting her availability date as her birthday or in November after Adam is baptized. It'll be a tough decision for her.

The open house was a flop. In the two hours only one party showed up near the end. They don't have their house on the market either. Brian and I decided to drop the price yet again, another $25,000. This will put us in another market. Hopefully this will get us some showings.

While I was making lunch/dinner I facetimed with Bailee. It was so nice catching up with her. We don't seem to talk as often. She said it was because I don't call her often. I guess I'll need to make a change. Look out Bailee!

Karlee taught the lesson for FHE and the spirit was very strong. She did a great a job. She asked us questions about experiences and really made us think trying to see the Lord's hand in our Iives. 

Brian made the treat for us. This might be the first time he's made cookies since we've been married. I'm sure I never really gave him a chance since I love making cookies. ;)

Then we went out and played four square. It was so much more fun playing with 5 people. So glad you're home Karlee!

It's always a struggle keeping Stella out of the game. 

We also facetimed with McKinzie tonight. It's so fun visiting with them. The kids are all getting so big! By the end of the conversation Dex was freely smiling at us. We need to FaceTime often so when we see them at the reunion he won't be afraid of us. 

Karlee started her mission papers tonight! It's getting real!

boys

This past week CJ's class was having debates as they were portraying colonial people. I think CJ was John Adams. He took his wig to school to look the part. If it had been white it would have been perfect!! He loved it!

During art class he painted this mask. I'm sure you can guess who it is. 

Mason had a research paper to work on all week. He was struggling so he decided to go to school early which unfortunately caused him to miss seminary, two days in a row. By the end of class on that second day his teacher was very impressed with his work and told the rest of the class that if they needed help to ask Mason.That really gave him a boost in his self esteem. Mason is so smart! I'm glad when he needs help he's not afraid to ask.

McKinzie sent out this gem to the family. Everybody loves to lick beaters.

Our day today has been working on yet another bathroom. We changed from this sink and counter to granite. We're also changing out the towel rods.

So far so good!

Then we looked at the other sink. There are 2X4's in the way.

I've already arranged for a plumber to come out tomorrow because we have broken valve handles upstairs and dripping water downstairs. He might have to finish the job. There's a reason plumbing and electrical should be done by professionals. You want to kill something (or someone) when it won't work!

home sweet home

Karlee arrived home Wednesday morning! We both were so excited! She drove home with Marin F, a girl from our Stake. It sounded like they had a blast on the drive. We originally thought about flying her home then this options became available. It's a good thing too. Do you see all the stuff she brought home with her? Somehow she managed to have it all put away, out of sight for showings, by 1ish. I was impressed. Today she has been on her computer applying for jobs. She already has a job lined up to teach swim lessons again. She's hoping to find a job as a CNA. That would be perfect. 

She's been home two days and she has definitely added excitement here. The boys have asked her for all kinds of help. I'm loving it! So is Karlee. She's a ball of energy. She has emptied the dishwasher without being asked too. I hope she keeps it up. So glad you're home Karlee! We love you!!