09/30/12 Dad is the new Executive Secretary

PVHS Band (Dallas & Bryce both on board)

9/30/12

Can you believe it's the end of September already?  Today's Aunt Ruthie's birthday (I'll have to remember to call her when I'm done here!!!)

This morning started with a meeting with the Stake Presidency.  Dad was asked to be the executive secretary in the bishopric today.  And then after he said yes before church he was sustained during sacrament mtg (along with 2nd counselor) and set apart right after church today.  FAST!  WOW, huh?!  They sure did things fast!  The 2nd counselor was also asked this a.m. before church too.

Today was my 2nd time teaching Holly's class and there were only 2 kids.  Holly and a different girl than was here last time I taught.  I can't believe how wiggly the whole senior primary is.  It is kinda crazy.  We'll have to work on figuring out how to help them be more reverent!

This past week has been about the same as most weeks.  We have stayed super busy at work.  Dad's magazine came out and Bryce ran 2000 magazines around and placed them in gas stations, at school, rec center, stores.  

Both the girls and the boys missed their church meetings this week since they aren't used to Tuesday night having things...!!!  We'll have to work on that!

Went to Justin (I'm pretty sure that's the right one...???) Turner's wedding reception (married to Hettie, a girl he's been dating forever) last night.  Got to see the Bowles.  Little Josh is a senior in H.S. I think they said and he's giant tall but skinny.  And they have 2 out on a mission.  One is serving in Mexico City for about 1 year now and the 2nd is serving in Pittsburgh PA for about 45 days I think they said.  The third was there and had gotten into some trouble and I don't think he'll be going.  Not sure.  Sorry I still can't keep track which one is which for sure.  I think it's the oldest (Kyle) in M.C. and the 2nd oldest Koby got in trouble and Keith is  in PA . They looked really good...same as always 'cept the kids are bigger.  Sis. Bowles said she's been Primary President for a couple of years now and they really like it up in Manti.

We went to Grandma and pa's house yesterday (Bryce and me and the girls) and moved a whole bunch of rock onto paper yesterday.  Basically restoring the yard to the way it was before the fire.  Kinda sad.  We did all that work and it just looks like it used to.  Nothing new.  It's like buying a new vacuum.  Like Dang, I already had one of those, ya know?!  Their yard is kind of overwhelming right now as they have so much yard work to do everywhere.  They got insurance $ to replace stuff and get a new white picket fence and rebuild the gazebo and they have a company that is supposed to be doing all the work but they are working slowly and not really getting the job done so it makes them want to jump in and move the project along.  The people doing it keep getting other jobs and putting mom and dad on the back burner.   And taking short cuts like they are supposed to remove all the debris from the project and they loaded it all onto Dad's trailer (so much so that they bout flatted the tire) and they are calling that good.  So now Dad has to haul it to the dump.  Even though the bid included hauling off the debris.  Well hopefully they will get a move on it and finish up.  

Grandma and pa are leaving tomorrow on another 10 day trip so we'll go see them tonight and then not again for 2 weeks.

The missionaries came over for Monday night pizza this week and invited Dallas to come teach but he didn't feel like it.  Bummer.  I hope they don't give up and keep trying with him.  I feel like he is walking a fine line and can't decide which side of the path he will land on.  He does so many great things but I am so concerned about his relationship.  I guess that's a mama's job.  I hope you can come home and have a positive influence without driving him away.  I'd feel more comfortable if we could get her coming to church and discussions again but her Aunt kinda squashed all that about 6 weeks ago and doesn't let her do anything.  I guess, that's what they are telling me anyway.

Everybody everywhere I go is asking about you and when you'll be back.  Pretty exciting to think about.  We are still trying to decide how we will furnish your room and gotta get that done soon.  I'm so glad to hear you are still immersed in the work and enjoying it there.  Stay that way as long as you can and time will go more quickly.

Well take good care of yourself.  Your package should arrive in 3 weeks I think -- hopefully in time for you to actually use your whitener before you come home!  Make sure and keep your teeth trays because I am pretty sure you can use those again and just purchase the cleaner in the future.  Plus they are little so it won't be any big deal to keep them.

Well better run.  Getting stuff ready to take up the road.  Love you lots!  Mom.

09/23/12 Ceiling fan blues

9/23/12

Andy and Katie installing the wall hangings in the hallyway

Well after 7 hours we have a ceiling fan installed in our office downstairs.  Holy Smokes was that a difficult project. I will give you a BRIEF explanation.  Our new house has 9 foot ceilings so to start off with the light was VERY high in the sky, ya know?!  And of course we didn't own a ladder.  So Dad got 3 kitchen chairs and could reach the light but not quite see what he was doing up there.  Plus it scared me to have him up there on teetering chairs.  So he gets up there and pulls out the old light to find out that it was installed with a plastic small piece that won't hold a ceiling fan.  It takes quite a bit of effort to remove the buggar.  We go over to Home Depot and buy an extender that should be a piece of cake to install.  Come home and it is WAY too big for the spot it goes in...like 2X too big.  So Dad has to improvise and take parts of it and make it work.  All but impossible.  AND it requires cutting up the ceiling.  Not cool.  And he can't quite see what he is doing.  At about 20 minutes to 10 p.m. (when Home Depot closes) we decide we need a ladder.  Go buy one and come home and finally it comes together at about 12:30 or 1 a.m.  Even after all that the fan has a little bobble to it.  Who knew that would be such a challenge?

And there are 4 more rooms that could need them.

We really hope the contractor didn't do the same thing in every room.  But we are really worried he did.  

Bryce

Dad was amazing and just kept plowing through it.  I am proud of him.  First of all there is no way I could have done the project at all.  But then when we had all those problems he just kept going.  

Today is the Brigham City temple dedication instead of regular church.  You must have a recommend to get in and it is at the stake center.  So I gotta get the kids up and going because you are supposed to be there by 8:30 in your seat for the 9 a.m. start.

Before our little ceiling fan project we had a pretty fun day.  Dallas went to homecoming and so he wanted to wash his car.  So at 9 a.m. he washed his car and I washed mine and then we both washed the mustang.  We made pancakes before that.  Afterward I made another batch of salsa (3rd batch this week...) and jalapeno jelly (never had it but I had a LOT of jalapenos so I'll let you know how it is ... I haven't tried it yet.  Kinda scared!  I had tons of onions so we tried to make onion rings and since the deep fry was out the girls wanted donuts.  Yup all kinds of goodies going on!  I like our new kitchen.  Plenty big for the girls to "help" but not be in the way!

Dallas said he really enjoyed homecoming.  They played volleyball and swam and went to Olive Garden and the dance with one other couple. He says he would get a bigger group next time.  (He had 2 other couples that flaked out on him).

Bryce asked Maddy to her homecoming (in a couple weeks) and she said yes but she recently gave him the whole...we aren't "Bryce and Maddy" anymore so he's been walking around in a funk.  I feel bad for the kid.  Last night Sara and Ciara (girls from school) were texting and flirting with him and he was pretty funny about it but right before bed he was bummed about Maddy again.  Ugh.  

Well I may write some more later but I really need to get everybody up and moving so I better run.  

I hope you had a great week.  I really enjoy reading your letters and hearing your success.  It makes me so happy!  

Love you lots! Mom.

09/16/12 Taylor's homecoming

Andy & Elder Squires

9/16/12

Maddy & Abby with Aaron & Mason

Taylor is home and spoken in church!  Bam.  Just like that.  He's trying to figure out how to fit into the "real" world again!  He seems like he's still adjusting.  English works but he talks a little funny and can't remember some words.  His talk today was good but short.  I was disappointed.  He only talked maybe 10 minutes at most.  And it was all doctrine with only one story from his mission.  After the meeting was winding down the bishop got up and said, Taylor, Elder Squires, I mean, you didn't bear your testimony in Spanish for us.  Come back up and do that before we close.  So he had to get up and who knows what he said!!! (not me!)  So he kinda got to speak 2x!We had a nice luncheon afterward with ham sandwiches that were broiled in the oven.  Yummy.  Chips, fruit, veggies, cookies, soda.  The usual.  All the squire kids and family were there but no grandparent squires.  Gma and pa griffin were there.  No SLC Griffin's.  Us of course.  Some friends and ward members we don't know. It was nice.  The weather was perfect.  

Next week is the Brigham City temple dedication so there is no church.  In fact, in order to get into church you have to have a temple recommend.  (are they doing this there? Kinda doubt it.  They did this in the past with other temple dedications.).  So after church today we went and got the girls and Dallas recommends.  Me and Dad and Bryce already had one.  Should be nice.  

So did you get to keep your current companion?  Was that who the teeth whitener was for?  I was waiting to hear if he was still with you before I go get some.  If he's transferred than I'm just sending yours!  The mag should be out very very soon so your package will be sent by Wednesday this week I hope.  So any last requests?  This is it!!!  Course you can pretty much get whatever you want in 6 weeks!!!!  

Grandpa and Grandma Griffin

Bryce's Maddy told him she doesn't want to hold hands and be "Bryce and Maddy" and he's been in a funk.  Poor guy.  I think they are still going to prom (he asked her last night) and they'll still go out sometimes but she says she doesn't want to feel like she's cheating on him every time she goes out with someone else.  I'm like, yeah Bryce...that's what we have been telling you all along that we want you to do!!!  He's still not happy!  Now if only Dallas' girl would get the same idea...!!!

We have been busy getting situated here in the new place.  We are getting closer and closer to settled.  The girls room is done...they have a desk, bookshelf, bed and cupboard for their clothes.  Bryce is done...desk, nightstand, dresser and bed.  Dallas, same. The kids stuff is all the old stuff they had and then some used pieces that I have stained dark to match the dark colors of the house.  We bought us new bedroom furniture and just got our bed last week.  Dad's so happy to not have the mattress on the floor anymore.  We are still waiting for our dresser. We also got a new sectional for the family room.  It is SO comfy and nice!  We realized that none of the rooms had ceiling fans upstairs or the office.  So that will be on our list for a little while.  Unexpected surprise.  They aren't cheap or easy to install either!

We will start working on your room soon.  Right now you have a big overstuffed, over-sized comfy chair.  I plan to get a king or queen bed so that your room will become the "guest" room when people come to stay.  I figured you wouldn't mind since we don't have company often and you'll probably be away at college anyway.  I need to get you a nightstand and dresser too.  

What size clothes are you wearing?  I would like to make sure and get you a little something.  The boys pretty much took all your clothes so be sure to bring back at least an out fit or two so we have time to shop!

Switch in plans on the sacrament meetings.  Turns out the 3rd ward had the primary program on November 11 when they told us you would speak.  So we talked to 8th ward and they want you that Sunday.  So you'll speak on the 11th in your ward you left from and the following Sunday, November 18 in our new 3rd ward.   I told the new bishop today and he was like, o, I already switched the primary program to another week.  And I was like, ooops, I already told 8th ward.  So he said...k, leave it alone!  We'll have AJ on the 18th!  You'll like him.  He seems very very nice.

Laura and Elder Taylor Squires

Well anyway things are staying busy and happy and the kids are growing like weeds and we can't wait for you to join us!  We found the airport so now we know where to find you when you come home!! It is WAY out there past Bloomington.  Very nice facility.  We went to see Tay come in and were just a few minutes late and missed the actual off the plane part.  But we got to hug him and see everyone.  He looked like he was kind of in shock and overwhelmed!  I imagine after all those hours on a plane you would be pretty messed up!  Who knows what day/time it felt like for him!  

I hope you enjoy your last days there.  You are almost  "on the ark"...40 days and 40 nights!  Can you believe it!?  Keep up the good works!  We love you so much!  Love Mom.

09/09/12 Settling in to the new house

9/9/12

I guess transfers are happening this week, right?  

Bryce, Dallas and Andy enjoying the new furniture

Taylor will be home on Wednesday and Elder Campos is shipping out of here too.  WOW!!!  

Been keeping busy this week with work and the house.  Seems there is always lots to do everywhere I go!

We got our living room furniture this week so there is somewhere to sit downstairs.  I must say...it is REALLY comfy!!!  Still waiting for our bed but delivery is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m.  Yeah!!!

Now we got to get busy getting your room ready!!!    So far you have a big oversized, overstuffed chair.  I want to get a queen bed so that when company comes they will use your room (you'll probably be off to college a lot anyway!)

Dave approached me and said you can come back to work as soon as you are ready!  I told him you'd probably be ready the week after you get home...is that true?  I just think you will go crazy if you don't have something to do after being so busy as you've been for so long! I want to take off a couple of days and hang with you but then after that everybody is pretty much gone all day every day around here.  Anyway it is exciting to think about and I hope it isn't too premature and going to make you homesick and trunky.  Don't worry about stuff here...we'll get it all figured out for you!

I got your whitening kit yesterday at walmart and I have your cc and the access #.  Just waiting for dad's magazine to print and then we'll send off your final package.  Was there any other requests?  I can't remember.  

I start my new calling today...teaching Holly's class on Sunday (and achievement days during the week).  She is pretty excited to have me as her teacher.  

Went to CeCe Stevens 1st b-day party yesterday.  They had a huge crowd of people.  And great food!  

Dallas is still too serious with his gfriend.  Doesn't listen to me.  Need you to come talk some sense into him!  He needs his big bro guidance.

Bryce is doing great in school and might get to start at the city soon.  He had an interview Friday and has to finish his application and stuff.  He applied to a bunch of other places and he is hoping to get offered something somewhere else.  We shall see.

Well gotta get the kids ready for church and head out!  Love you lots! MOM

09/02/12 New ward, new calling!

9/2/12

Hi AJ!

How was your birthday?  I thought of you on your birthday...I had court until late so I didn't do any celebrating.  I can't believe my baby is 21 years old already!  Where did the time go?  Seriously, it went fast!  You've made me proud!  I couldn't have asked for a better son!

Seems like we are so busy lately that I can't remember what we did from one day to the next or what week it is or anything.  I hope it will slow down a little now that I am out of YW, but to be honest with the moving I haven't really felt a slow down yet!

I got called in the to the Bishop's office and got a calling already!  I am Holly's 8 year old teacher in Sunday school/ primary on Sunday and then I'll do activity days during the week every other week.  Right now they are doing activity days on Tuesday which will have to change if I am going to participate.  They do it at 5:30 - 6:30 on Tuesday's right now -- which is about the worst time we can get and not going to work.  From what I have heard there is a lady filling in for the regular girl next week and then the regular lady should be back.

We found some bedroom furniture for us this week which we ordered and hope will be here sometime this coming week.  We got a call that our living room sectional will be in on Wednesday.  We have great big empty rooms right now!  We've been sleeping on our mattress on the floor since we've moved in.  Dad hates it.  It's a long way up in the morning for him!

Friday night I sold concessions for the band at the PV football game.  Katie and Holly came and helped.  We sold pizza, candy bars, soda, gatorade, nachos and hot dogs.  It was really hot!  I think the band did pretty good.  The boys helped bring stuff back and forth from the band room.  

Saturday grandma had everyone over (Wendy and family, Ben and Laura, and us) to pick plums and make jam.  We made some really good jam and then had dinner together.  It was a nice day.  

Grandma and Grandpa are on their way to a 10 day trip for Elderhostel.  Grandma just had her battery replaced on her pace-maker this week.  They had to open her up.  Pull out the old pace maker and stick in a new one.  She is recovering pretty well.  She has a big scar on her upper right shoulder/chest area.  

Taylor's homecoming Sunday is 2 weeks from today.  He comes home in 10 days -- next Wednesday.  Wow that is quick!  Pretty exciting.  

One of the missionaries we are working with is also heading out in 10 days.  Dallas is working with them tonight from 7-9.  I am glad they keep pulling him in with them.  He really needs that!  He is an awesome kid but I worry that he'll get pulled into the world -- with his g-friend and work etc.  I hope that he will start feeling a part of our new YM...so far the boys aren't feeling too happy about it.  Of course, they were "it" in the old ward and were pretty loved and important.  It takes a little time to feel part of things again.

Our new ward seems to have quite a bit of sickness and hardship.  We have a young mother with cancer.  A another young mother that just underwent brain surgery.  Lots of old people with all kids of ailments.  Everyone seems very loving and nice though.  

Well, take care of yourself and keep up the good work.  Endure to the end!  You've done awesome and we are proud of you.  I know that it is because of you that I have made some good changes in my life.  Hopefully I will continue.  I tell myself if my son can serve the Lord 24/7, surely I can do _________.  And I've been having a better attitude and working harder doing whatever I'm asked to do.  I also have been reading BoM every day and enjoying that too.  So thanks for your great example and hard work.  

We love you lots!!!!  Gonna go play dominos now for our Sunday night activity.  (Went to Gma and pa's yesterday so we are home tonight).

Love you!!! MOM