2024 :: week 51

December 15

Sunday evening we hosted our first ever Finnish Independence Day party. We invited the Derus, Rowes and Sheldons because Landon, Jeff and Ken also served in Finland. Ken and Jeff served in the early 90s, Anthony served from 00-02, and Landon served from 06-08. Each family brought Finnish treats to share and we enjoyed sampling them. The star of the show was the pulla Josh Turner (Jeff's stepson) made. The Derus brought rahka, the Sheldons brought cookies, and we made mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie).

December 16

Elliott took a tumble at the park Monday and really banged up his face. While he was playing football with friends on the tennis court he was running a route and the wind caused the net to billow a bit and it caught his foot and he face planted. He has a bit of a goose egg on his eye and cut his lip pretty badly. I took some pictures and sent them to Melissa B and asked her to send them along to Alex (a pediatrician who works at the same practice as our pediatrician). He showed them to Dr. Jen and they didn’t recommend stitches (apparently they only do stitches on the mouth if the cut crosses the lip line and his is mostly inside the mouth). We watched him that evening to make sure he didn't have a concussion--he didn't-- and have been giving him ibuprofen for the pain. 

December 17

Tuesday we celebrated 15 years of Will! Will is the perfect first born. He works hard, is a good example to his younger siblings, and is fun to be around. He's a good sport about riding the bus to school, even though it gets him to school 45 minutes early. The Royals are his favorite, and his big birthday gifts this year were tickets to the playoff game against the Yankees (from Papa & Nana) and tickets to Opening Day in Spring of 2025 (from Memaw & Pepaw). Will started high school and seminary this year and is excelling at both. He started mowing lawns this spring and averaged 2-3 lawns a week throughout the summer, and has transitioned to raking this fall. A perfect day for Will is walking to Chick-fil-A with Jude & Adrian, playing some pickleball, then watching a game on TV. 

December 18

We got our annual Santa picture at Bass Pro on Wednesday. We met up with the Allreds, which made the time pass faster. It continues to be unseasonably warm, as is evidenced by the shorts both Elliott and Miles are wearing shorts. 

December 19

The carpool crew met up for breakfast at Chick-fil-A during the late start time to celebrate the end of the first semester of middle school. Nothing says a great first semester like a tray of chicken minis. 

December 20

Friday evening was our ward Christmas Party. Stephanie T was in charge and it was quite the production> We feasted on some of the best food I've ever had at a ward party. Everyone brought a side or dessert, and the ward provided Costa Vida as the main course with Chick-fil-A nuggets for the kids. The primary children sang, and the youth did a shadow nativity. Lauren was one of the angels and Will was a shepherd. 

December 21

Saturday I ran a few errands to prepare for Christmas. That night we met up with neighborhood friends and enjoyed the lights at Sar Ko park. It was chilly, but not too cold. The kids had fun hanging out with their friends. After we looked at the lights we got dessert at Culvers. 

2024 :: week 50

December 8

Miles is enamored with the lights on our Christmas tree. He keeps asking when he can sleep under it, but he usually only remembers to ask on school nights. Most nights we have been reading under the tree. Miles does most of the reading these days. Miles has really taken to reading, and is very good at sounding words out. He can read all of the BOB books we own, and most of the early readers with little to no help.

December 9

It was an unseasonably warm day and Elliott and his buddies had a lot of fun playing at the park after school. In more exciting/scary news, a student in the grade older than Will brought a gun to school today. Several members of law enforcement descended on the school, and they temporarily locked the school down, though they told the kids it was a drill. Will was in his math class, and he texted Anthony and I. It was a scary half hour with lots of misinformation going around. Thankfully no students were injured and the student with the gun was taken into custody without force.

December 10

In the morning I went over to my parents to clean in the basement in preparation for the Tom visit and the Starita move. In the afternoon I met Joi, Amanda, Michelle and Charlotte for lunch at Best Regards Cafe to celebrate Charlotte's birthday. That evening it was a fun surprise when we opened the Shawnee Mission School District Magazine and we saw this photo that was taken in Miles' classroom. Miles is in the red Phillies shirt.

December 11

Winter is here. The leaves are off the trees and we can see our breath more often than not when we walk to school. Miles needed a new coat and I found one last week when I was at Savers. I love how bright it is--it is easy to spot him across the park. I spent a few more hours cleaning at my parents to get ready for the Toms.

December 12

Nana & Papa sent an advent puzzle in their Christmas box this year. When we were in Utah for Thanksgiving last year Lauren helped Papa with theirs, and this year she works on it most mornings while waiting for the carpool. 

December 13

The Toms came over for a bit Friday afternoon. Riley loves all things fans and vents, and Will gave him a tour of the vents on our mail floor. I made a major mistake and left a few melatonin gummies out next to my bed that Riley found. I didn't think there would be any reason for them to go into my room so I didn't worry about hiding them. Riley found them and then ate them and then took a long nap that negatively affected his bedtime. I still feel bad, Laura & Trevor! After the Toms visit I met up with some book club friends for a Secret Santa exchange at the Blue Moose Christmas pop-up. 

December 14

Saturday was a very Christmasy day. We met the Toms at Union Station and walked through all the vignettes in the Holiday Reflections exhibit. That afternoon the kids performed at their piano recital. Lauren and Brena performed a duet of "Angels We Have Heard on High," Will and Elliott performed a duet of "Silent Night," and then Will also played "Christmas Time is Here." I have LOVED having our home filled with the sounds of these songs as they have practiced over the past month of so. That evening Anthony and I went the NCCT holiday party and at the Fowling Warehouse in KC. It was our first time fowling (knocking down bowling pins with a football) and it was kind of hard. We both had sore arms the next day. 

2024 :: week 49

December 1

Will is still feasting on his Halloween candy, though it isn't going to last much longer at the rate he is going. Oh to have the metabolism of a 14.5 year old boy.

December 2

Elliott went with his third grade class on a field trip to visit Kauffman Stadium. It was chilly, but he had a wonderful time. He said it is the best field trip he has ever been on.

December 3

We picked up Lauren up from school about 15 minutes early so we could catch our annual showing of Elf at Union Station. While we were driving to the school to pick her up were trying to navigate around all the cars that were lining early for pickup and Lauren's bus driver honked at us. Lauren said she is grumpy and she is correct! Elf was funny as always, and Union Station in December is always so festive. 

December 4

Miles' ear infection from last month never really went away. The round of antibiotics he got at CVS didn't do the trick, so I made an appointment with our pediatrician. She prescribed him a round of a stronger antibiotic. Miles and I had to take a picture when we saw double Kia Souls at the parking lot at the doctor's office. 

December 5

Lauren brought home several of the projects she worked on in her sewing class this semester. She made an apron, nine-patch pillow, bag, dog bandana and pillowcase. On Thursday I went to Terrance O's funeral. Terrance is the father of one of my closest high school friends, Soni. 

December 6

Friday Lauren sang with the Indian Woods choir at Union Station. They sounded so good! That evening we had our annual Finnish Independence Day dinner--salmon soup, pumpernickel bread and blueberry pie. Jude & Adrian joined us for dinner. It was good to see them as they recently returned from a two week trip to Germany.

December 7

Lauren's hair has gotten really long and she is hesitant to get it cut. I convinced her to let me trim it Saturday evening. Earlier in the day Lauren ate some of the German chocolate the Benson's shared with us and had a mild anaphylactic reaction. 

2024 :: week 48

November 24

Kasey is always coming up with novel ways to sing during singing time. This week, in honor of Thanksgiving she made these pilgrim cut outs. Miles looked so cute as the boy pilgrim (Charlotte is the girl pilgrim). 

November 25

Monday morning we kicked off John Family Staycation 2025 by meeting the Wilsons at the zoo. It was freezing! The temperature dropped twenty degrees over night and it was in the 30s, overcast and windy the entire time we were at the zoo. Thankfully there are several indoor exhibits and we visited many of them. We did have some fun encounters with the otters and kangaroos outside. We also rode the train and carousel. Calvin loved all the animals and his energy was infectious. There weren't many people at the zoo, but we did run into the Priday/Moss family, which was very fun. After the zoo we went home and packed, then headed to the Westin to begin our overnight adventures. We started by riding the streetcar to the City Market and eating a delicious dinner. Elliot ordered a burger and declared, "I've been missing out!" because the last few times we've gone he ordered chicken strips. On our ride back to the motel we ran into my high school friend Michelle and her family. Small world! That evening we went swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool and warmed up in the hot tub together. Then Anthony used the sauna and Will worked out in the gym while the rest of us hung out in the hotel room and watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. 

November 26

Tuesday morning we woke up and drove to Chick fil A for breakfast. Then we tried out the KC Wheel! It was pretty cool to ride up and see the city from the sky. Our ride lasted about 5 rotations, which was plenty for some of the heights-wary members of our group. Then we played a round of mini-golf at the adjacent Pennway Putt Mini Golf. The kids enjoyed the mini-golf more than the wheel, and with Will keeping score on his phone the game became pretty competitive. Miles had the highest score by far, but was the only one of us to get a hole-in-one (though it did ricochet off a wall to get there). After the wheel and golf we dropped Lauren off at home and hit up Science City. It was more crowded than I hoped, with various daycare and school groups. We pretty much tried to avoid wherever the Adventure Club was and were able to have a good time. 

November 27

It is officially soup season! I've made zupa toscana twice in the past week. In the past month we've had white bean chicken chili, willy chili and chicken & wild rice soup. Corn chowder is on the menu for next week and hopefully I can find a good copy cat recipe for Cafe Rio's chicken tortilla soup. Soup is one of the things I enjoy the most about the winter months.
 

November 28

Will, Elliott and Anthony started Thanksgiving off by playing in the Turkey Bowl arranged by Uncle Matt. I opted to sleep in (it was freezing!) and then go for a walk around the neighborhood. During the day we watched football and the Macy's Thanksgiving parade while making our side dishes (sweet potatoes and green beans). We met the local Crane family at my parents for a delicious meal. A quiet but satisfying Thanksgiving Day

November 29

Anthony and Will spent the day at the Chiefs game. They had to get there very early because they scanned tickets as part of a fundraiser for the SMS Speech and Debate team. Halfway through the first quarter they were able to search for a place to watch the game. They found some standing room in a restaurant and watched the game. The Chiefs didn't play like they deserved to win, but they puled off the W. Elliott clearly found me a poor game watching substitute for TJ and Will, but I did my best to understand what was going on. In the afternoon my friend Soni and her daughter Naomi came over for a few hours. It was fun to catch up with her and see Miles and Naomi slowly warm up to each other. That evening we all watched Wonka together. 

November 30

Saturday morning while I was at water aerobics it started to snow. I was hoping it would just be a dusting, but the flakes kept getting bigger and then began to accumulate. It took me about 20 minutes to drive home--instead of the usual 10--because the roads were so slick and everyone was driving slowly. That evening Lauren and I went and saw Wicked with friends from my book club (and Lauren's friend Ariana). I really enjoyed the movie and have been listening to the soundtrack ever since. The music was so beautiful. 

2024 :: week 47

November 17

Anthony left in the morning for Miami for the ICE conference and will get back late Wednesday. Miles was up in the night crying about his ear, so I took him to the CVS clinic so we could get him started on antibiotics if he needed them (he did). Ward council, afternoon church, less daylight and no TJ for parental backup made Sunday feel really long. My parents had us over for dinner, which was so helpful. Our younger kids struggle to stay in the bathroom while they brush their teeth. Elliott is brushing his teeth while Will is practicing piano, Miles is playing basketball, and Lauren is working at the table. 

November 18

Monday was another long day. With Anthony gone it was my responsibility to get Will to seminary. Will started basketball tryouts at SMS. One of the women that I minister to cut her finger and asked me to come over and help her patch it up, which I did on my way to pick up Will. It was a rainy day and we watched Home Alone 2 after dinner. The dark evenings really make it feel like fall. 

November 19

Tuesday night I went to Matt Ross to give feedback about aquatics in Overland Park. Over the past decade I have felt extremely dissatisfied with the direction the city is taking its parks and rec department. I am not optimistic they will agree with my opinions, but here's to hoping. After the open house I picked Will up from tryouts where he found out that the did not make the freshman team. It is pretty disappointing. Will's assessment is that a few kids that aren't as good as him made the team but they are taller than him and they attended the coach's bootcamp this summer. I am proud of him for putting himself out there and trying. 

November 20

Wednesday morning I helped out in Mrs. Dearing's class. I go once a month and do whatever odds and ends she needs done. I took this picture of Elliott as they lined up to go out to recess. Later I met Stephanie for lunch at Costco. That evening we were all excited for Anthony to arrive back home.

November 21

We have been watching Freaks and Geeks with Will and Lauren. Anthony and I enjoyed watching the show in the early years of our marriage and it has been surprisingly great watching with Will & Lauren. The show touches on serious topics in a humorous and relatable way. The show has led to some great conversations, and fun inside jokes. I think we will always say, "Lindsey sweetie, tell your brother he has a beautiful body." 

November 22

Friday we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with Miles and his kindergarten class. They sang a few cute songs, are predictably Miles was quiet and hung towards to the back. We are grateful for Miles and his wonderful kindergarten teacher Mrs. Phipps. That night we went to the Stake Council Christmas party at the Messner's house. We carpooled with the Olsons, which is always fun. Meanwhile Will camped with the YM at Shawnee Mission Park.  
 

November 23

Another busy Saturday with something fun for everyone. Kendall came over to play with Elliott and Miles. Lauren spent the day with Cat & Sally. Anthony and Will watched both the BYU football and basketball games. The football game was against Arizona State, and it ended in a craziest way! The game was almost over--but not quite--and the fans rushed the field. The refs put a second back on the clock which gave BYU one last chance. They didn't win, but it was surprisingly close. Saturday evening I went to a holiday pop-up restaurant with a group of mom friends. The menu had fun Christmas-themed items like Tiny Tim's Turkey Burger and Uncle Frank You're a Cheap Steak. 

2024 :: week 46

November 10

Sunday was the Primary Program! I have been part of many programs as a teacher and counselor, but this was my first time as president. The kids did amazing and I felt the spirit so strongly, especially when the kids sang. 

November 11

Monday afternoon we went to OPC to hear Elliott and the 3rd graders sing as part of the Veterans Program. The music teacher--Miss Featherstone--is experimenting with various musical program formats. The previous music teacher--Mr. Klemm--did the same format for the kids K through 4th. The kids always sang about 5 songs and it was always in the evening. 

November 12

The trees in the neighborhood are so pretty right now. It looks and feels like fall! Even though it is fall, the holidays are just around the corner. I drew names for the Crane cousin gift exchange, then updated the spreadsheet.

November 13

Wednesday morning I got lucky! I have knowns for awhile that World Market does promos around Christmas and Easter where store associates hide "elves" or "eggs" around the store each morning with a clue. Each one contains a coupon of some sort. I hadn't been for awhile and decided to go and try my luck. The clue was that the elves would be hidden near something blue. I found this one and it was a coupon for $20 off! I ended up buying a planter for my room.

November 14

I can't get enough of the colors on our street! Townes came over after school to play with Elliott for a bit. That evening was the RS Friendsgiving. We were supposed to bring pie, and I bought one at Hy-Vee. I had plans to make one, but then the day got away from me.

November 15

Friday night we met up with our fall dinner group at Burg & Barrel. We met with Billie P., Amy & Travis C., and John and Mary Ellen N. The food was pretty good. Our kids were busy with friends that evening. Townes came over to play with Elliott, Will went to the Bensons, and Lauren slept over at the Hagmans. As our kids get older and more independent managing their social calendars--and demands--is getting more time consuming.

November 16

Will and Miles walked over to Target Saturday. Miles loves getting to do "big kid" things with his older bro. Tyler came over to play with Elliott for a bit in the afternoon. Everyone but Lauren went to our neighbor Mark's wedding reception for him and his new wife, Amy. They got married a few months ago, but decided to have their reception after they were more settled. Lauren went with Cat, Sally, Brena and Charlotte to see Moana 2.

 

2024 :: week 45

November 3

Sunday after church was our last linger longer of the year--chili themed. That evening Pepaw made a roast. After Miles went to bed we watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because Anthony and Elliott recently finished reading it. I worked on a cross-stitch while we watched.

November 4

Miles was the Star Student for his kindergarten class this week--he has wanted this for weeks and his name was finally chosen on Halloween! Star Student responsibilities include helping the teacher, filling the estimation jar, and bringing snacks for the class for the week. Privileges include bringing a show and tell and being the line leader for the week. Later in the week the class writes the start student a note and tells the star student something they like about them. Miles filled the estimation jar with duplos. He brought the Bobby Bobble Head Anthony gave him and Elliott to share, which unfortunately broke in his backpack. When he filled out his star student "favorites" he listed blue as his favorite color, breakfast casserole as his favorite food, The Book with No Pictures as his favorite book, and "Amazing" by Kanye West as his favorite song.

November 5

Election season seemed especially long and depressing this year. I went and voted after water aerobics. I have said it before and I'll say it again, in the future I am going to vote for whoever sends me the least amount of political mailers. I really dislike how many resources are wasted going towards physical mailers.

November 6

Lauren and Will kept a good volley streak going this evening. The front room continues to be the family sports court.

November 7

I am on the yearbook committee at OPC. Thursday we took the all school photo. I got the assignment to climb up on the roof with the photographer and the walkie-talkie to give directions to make sure the kids line up in the right place. I didn't mind being on top of the school, but climbing down the ladder was a little disconcerting.

November 8

The boys dragged this large branch across the park Friday afternoon. It was fun to see the older and younger boys work together. Friday evening Anthony and I drove to the Plaza Branch of the KC Public Library to go to hear Richard Ostler speak. Richard Ostler is a former YSA bishop who has a podcast, "Listen, Learn & Love." His goal is to create a better Zion, specifically by providing support to LBGTQ+ members of the church and their families.

November 9

Saturday was busy. In the morning I went to the Stake Relief Society conference. It was pretty good, and while there their announced that the Overland Park Ward would be leaving our stake and joining the Overland Park Stake. The Bensons spent the day with Will, eating lunch at CFA and shopping at Academy and Target before playing video games. Joi organized a hay ride as Shawnee Mission Park for a bunch of OPC parents. It was fun to spend time with them outside of school.

2024 :: week 44

October 27

As per tradition (that our ward inherited from the Lenexa Ward) the youth sang "Called to Serve" this Sunday as Sister Gabi Bailey is off to serve her mission in Orlando soon. Miles rated it "Good."

October 28

Miles has been busy collecting acorns around the yard. The trees in our yard produce a seemingly endless supply of acorns. I told him I would pay him a penny for each acorn he collected and put in the yard waste bags. I ended up paying him almost $4.

October 29

On Tuesday I joined our RS group to volunteer at Pumpkin Hallow. LDS groups all over the county have volunteered at this event for as long as we've lived here, but this was my first time being able to help now that Miles is in school all day. It was fun. That evening Lauren had a choir concert at Indian Woods.

October 30

We tried a new thing this year and held Trunk or Treat on our youth activity night. Sister Dutcher (YW president) and I were in charge. We ordered donuts and bought apple cider for dessert, a backdrop for photo opps, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets. 

October 31

Halloween 2024 is in the books. 

November 1

Because the weeks leading up to Halloween have gotten so busy, the Allreds held their annual Halloween party the day after Halloween. As usual they had a spooky menu

November 2

Saturday morning Anthony took the older kids (and a few friends--Ariana Olsen and Elliott Wright) to the BYU women's soccer game at the CPKC Stadium. The Allreds went as well. They got go sit nice and close, but it was chilly.