March

Jeremy's eagle project is almost completed.  March 1st he and Steve spent most of the day finishing up the brick work.  They got most of the edging in place before they had to call it a day.  Naomi had a soccer game in the afternoon and then we were off the Haylie Tufts baptism.  We all slept well that night.

March 3, 2014, Nicholas passed the sacrament for the first time.  He was so excited to get to be a part of the deacons and he took his assignment very seriously (with a big smile on his face the whole time.)

March 7th, I took Jeremy to the allergist to see if he is eligible for an oral challenge for egg.  He is officially taller than I am - 5'9" and 133 pounds.  He is growing so fast.  Dr. Black gave him the green light for challenging the egg allergy and we got it all set up for April 15th.

Nick had been asking some really good questions about the pre-mortal life and how it fits into the big picture of the Plan of Salvation.  He was having a hard time with the scripture and text book answers so I ordered a copy of "My Turn On Earth" because I had loved it when I was about his age.  We watched it as a family and the kids LOVED it as well.  I was surprised to see that Jen Parker (from City Rep Theater) was in it.  She is so talented and I really enjoyed working with her in several plays.  Nick is now confident that he understands the Plan of Salvation and sings the songs around the house.  They have asked to watch it several times since then.

Naomi loves playing soccer with her team, Hearts.  Coach Rumfelt teaches fun exercises each week to encourage the girls to think on their own and not wait for the coach to yell out a play.  Every week we get better.

Nick's basketball team was finally able to get together and hand out the trophies for participation.  Nick was so excited to get the award for "Most Improved".  As much as the coaches frustrated him this season, he did learn a lot and he enjoyed playing with the other boys.

March 17th, the leprechauns played a big joke on us.  We woke up to freezing rain.  It was really pretty while it lasted.  Everything had thawed by the end of the day.

 March 18th the youth went roller skating at Frye's Roller Skating Rink.  This was Nick's first YM/YW combined activity and he had a blast.

March 19th, Graham David Cannon was born.  I must say that I have the cutest nephews in the whole universe.

March 21st, while I was cleaning the house for company, Nicholas bust through the door yelling, "Mom, Oreo is bleeding!"  Oreo is our neighbors cat and we were pet sitting for the week.  I immediately set down the cleaning supplies and went to check it out.  Before they left town, my neighbor told me that she didn't know when Oreo was going to have her kittens, but she hoped it was not until they got back.  No such luck!  Oreo was indeed in labor and the kids got to watch as she gave birth to five adorable kittens.  Nick was very relieved to know that Oreo was not going to die.  Because we were there and watching over her, Oreo would let us come near and change out her water and food and build a make-shift tent around her because it was raining.  She hissed and swiped at anyone else.  When the rain got really going she even let us gently transfer her babies into a plastic container to keep everyone dry and safe.  One of the neighbors' dogs ventured too close and got a bloody nose as a result of it.

Later that night Bradden, Sunny and the kids arrived for a weekend visit.  It was great to see them.  I love that they are just over the mountains in Tennessee.

March 22nd, we got up and went to Naomi's soccer game.  Naomi loved having an extra big cheering squad.

Jeremy and Hyrum checking things out on the tablet.

Nick, Maddie and Sunny cheering Naomi on.

She is ready!

Olivia liked having the best seat in the house.

After the game we took them to see Jeremy's project.  We packed a picnic lunch and spent some time exploring the farm while we were at it.  

Hyrum loved the gongs.

Hy and Naomi digging in the dirt.

Sunny, Bradden and Steve relaxing.

Olivia and Naomi saying "hi" to Puddin.

After lunch the kids wanted to play at a park so we took them to our favorite park with the big swings so everyone could get in on the action.  

More digging!

Olivia on the big swing.

Nick jumping off the swing.  I am really glad that I didn't see this happening because I might have had a heart attack.  This is how Nick broke his elbow when he was 5. 

We love the big swings!!!

After playing at the park for a couple of hours we came back to the house for some pizza.  Steve and Bradden took the kids for an outing while I had a doTerra party.  Melonie's (sister-in-law) direct upline was coming out to train some new recruits and wanted to have a party at my house so his new recruits could see how it should be done.  We had a great time with the neighbors and friends just goofing off and trying the oils.

The next morning we had a huge breakfast for everyone before they left to return home.  We are already planning a visit in June or July to see their new place in Knoxville.  Nick and Jeremy had an interview at church to receive their temple recommends.  Nick was so excited - another first!

Nick is getting really good at drawing cars.  Here is a sample of his work.  He wants to be the next Chip Foose from Overhaulin'.

March 26th was Jeremy's last day in the in-class portion of driver's ed.  Now he has to do the behind-the-wheel portion.  I am not sure if I am ready for this.  

March 28th was our monthly Girl's lunch at On The Border.  We love just getting together and gabbing over good food.  

March 29th was a mixed bag with the weather.  We woke up to rain and thought maybe Naomi's soccer game would be rained out.  The rain broke just long enough for them to get in a full game and then it started raining again.  By the time Steve and Naomi were ready to leave for the Daddy/Daughter dance it had stopped raining again.  The dance was a 50s theme and so Naomi and I had a great time getting her outfit put together.  She was so excited she wouldn't let Steve see anything until she came down the stairs all dressed up.  They went to Steak-N-Shake for dinner and then headed to the dance.  As usual, the school was decorated to the hilt and, as usual, they had a great time.  

This picture sums up the whole night - pure joy!

Back at home, Naomi quickly changed into her church clothes and she and I went to the Stake Center for the first ever Women's Broadcast where the girls eight and older were invited.  Naomi was thrilled to be able to come with me.  The spirit was very strong in the room.  Naomi felt it and said she wanted to come to all the conferences with me.  That is what a mom wants to hear.  By the time we got home, she was completely exhausted.

March 30th was fast and testimony meeting since the following Sunday would be General Conference.  Nicholas got up and bore his testimony about how much he loves being a deacon and passing the sacrament and having the priesthood.  He is one great kid!