2024 :: week 12

 

March 17

Sunday evening the boys enjoyed eating some mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert with Pepaw. You have to have green ice cream for dessert on St. Patrick's Day. 

March 18

Monday evening Will made these cinnamon sugar pull-aparts for dessert. He is taking a foods class this semester and seems to be enjoying himself. It has certainly increased his confidence in the kitchen and putting items in and out of the oven.  

March 19

Anthony and Will are participating in two fantasy baseball leagues this season, both of which are run by Darren H. and are populated with family members and friends from BYU. This is Will's third year doing the Yahoo! League, where teams are redrafted each year. It is Will's first year in the keeper league where managers can keep players on their roster over multiple seasons without redrafting them. Will inherited Randon's team because he stopped playing, so he's got his work cut out for him this season. I wasn't pleased when I found out that this draft started at 9pm on a school night. I'm not sure how late they were up, because I was in bed before they were done. 

March 20

Wednesday night we finalized our brackets. Will is so excited, he made a poster sized bracket for our wall. He also filled out several brackets--chalk, Ken Pom picks from 10 years ago, best logo, etc. Lauren's team name is "Lavendar Haze," and has a lot riding on Marquette. Elliott's picks, "ElliottRule$" picked Houston to win it all. "Miles' Picks," were heavily influenced by going to two BYU Big 12 tournament games last week, because he picked BYU to run the board. Like Will and Elliott, I picked Houston to win too. Tony went with UCONN and will probably beat us all because he has decades of knowledge cataloged in his brain from caring about NCAA basketball the entire season (as opposed to March only like me) under his belt. May the best guesses win!

March 21

Will taking his obligatory "dunk" on the way in to his piano lessons.

March 22

When I woke up on Friday I was tired. I didn't really feel like doing much of anything. It was overcast, a little cold, and sitting on the couch watching shows with Miles sounded awfully appealing. Sometimes that is the right answer, but I knew that I would be annoyed with myself if that is how we spent our day. I texted Jill to see what they were up to and if they wanted to meet us at Science City. She was up for it, and we got there a few minutes after it opened at 10am. We had a really great time. It wasn't terribly crowded, so we were able to have fun and give the kids some autonomy and not stay glued to our sides. The skeeball game, indoor playground and slide, train kitchen and farm area were our favorites. Henry's day was made when we heard several trains go by while we played outside.

March 23

It is the lull between sports seasons, and we are enjoying some increased unscheduled time on Saturdays. In the morning Will went over the Bensons to hang out. That night they went to a stake youth activity together. In the afternoon Townes came over to play basketball with Elliott while Mikey came over to play with Miles. Anthony and I ran errands and worked on various to-dos around the house.

2024 :: week 11

March 10

We had a full van coming home from church on Sunday. Tony was in Nashville for work, but Emily and Cal stayed home because they were sick, so we had room to give Tyler and Mikey a ride home. 

March 11

For the first day of Spring Break we decided to get out and do some things in Kansas City. Our first stop was Penguin Park. The park is in North Kansas City (not too far from the temple) and has been around for awhile. In the 1960s large fiberglass animals--penguin, kangaroo, giraffe--were added. Then we headed to the downtown library. Because it was a nice day we played on the roof for a bit. This library has a nice children's section, and we played games and used their building toys for a bit. A few times I felt chocked up, realizing that we don't have many spring breaks left with all the kids at home.

March 12

Tuesday Will spent the day with the Bensons. They spent some time at Shawnee Mission Park and also walked around their neighborhood. Lauren was a lifesaver. I had a migraine and had to rest much of the day. She watched Miles and Elliott for me, and among other things, they watched Star Wars. Tony got home from Nashville late that evening.

March 13

Wednesday we headed to the Big 12 Tournament. We went to the BYU v. UCF game. We had a great time! The Cougars played well and we ran into a lot of friends. Tony and the boys got on the big screen several times--dancing and cheering. I ran into Carrie Diggins and chatted with her through much of the second half. After the game we took the street car to City Market and got Pigwich for lunch. 

March 14

The boys had so much fun at the game Wednesday they decided to go back for more. And they took Knox with them. Lauren and I stayed home. Again, the boys ran into many fellow BYU fans. Unfortunately, the second game didn't go as well as the first. Texas Tech was up most of the game, so there was never a time to get too crazy. Will and Knox walked around and explored the T-Mobile Center as best they could.

March 15

Friday I took Lauren and Ariana shopping. We hit up 5 Below, and Amazon resale store, TurnStyles, Good Will and Plato's Closet. Both girls were able to find a few things they liked. I was grateful for the chairs at Plato's Closet. At that point I was getting tired from all the shopping. My 16 year old self would be disgusted with me.

March 16

Saturday morning we went to the Overland Park St. Patrick's Parade. To be honest, it was a bit of a disappointment. We loved going to the parade when it was in the fall, and attended many times over the years. In the fall there are multiple marching bands, which feels more festive. But because marching season is over there were none. It is also usually a bit warmer. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it just wasn't as good this year.  

2024 :: week 10

March 3

Sunday our ward held another linger longer. This time the theme was "cereal." The ward provided milk and orange juice. Everyone else brought a box or two of cereal to share and enjoy. A few people brought muffins and yogurt. It was surprisingly fun. I ate some Kellogg's Corn Pops for the first time in at least a decade. 

March 4

Elliott and I made a quick trip to Target to pick up a few things for Miles' birthday. We had a really great time shopping together. Elliott is such a happy go lucky kid (most of the time). I had fun pushing him on the card while he stood on the cart in front of me. 

March 5

Miles is five! To celebrate turning 5 on the 5th we had a special shopping trip at 5 Below and had burgers for dinner from Five Guys. Miles has been looking forward to this day for weeks, and I *think* it lived up to the hype. Miles is an important part of our family—he keeps things real and makes you earn his respect. He loves to climb pretty much anything, and swing as high as he can on the swings at the park. He plays endless amounts of basketball and baseball in our front room. He enjoys coloring and making lists of all the words that he can spell. He has a near encyclopedic knowledge of mascots—though Slugger and KC Wolf are dearest to his heart. His favorite part of the day is the hour after the elementary school gets out where he gets to play at the park with neighbors and future classmates.

March 6

Will sent Anthony and me this picture and the following texts: "Made these in foods today. We kind of messed up. They're orange mini muffins. They were mid." 

March 7

This photo is my latest submission for the "random places Elliott reads" gallery. Here he is, using his feet to keep his Big Nate book open when he brushes his teeth. 

March 8

Friday was the first day of Spring Break. Unfortunately I didn't think about then when I scheduled Miles' five year check up six months ago. Friday morning Miles and I headed to the doctor for his appointment. Miles had to get four shots and he was very brave. I held him on my lap while two nurses administered the shots simultaneously. Afterward he got an otter pop, three lollipops and three stickers. It was an overcast day, and Miles was feeling a little drained from the shots, so we spent the rest of the day at home. 

 

March 9

Saturday started out with a chilly soccer game for Lauren and the Pink Thunder. The Thunder were dominant and won 9-0. In the afternoon Miles got to go on his first birthday shopping trip with Memaw and Pepaw (they start birthday trips when kids turn 5). He got some fun Spidy and his Amazing Friends action figures, baseball cards, an Eevee Funko Pop, a book, some candy and gum. In the evening Tony flew to Nashville for a work trip. He ran into two family friends flying fun places for Spring Break. 

2024 :: week 9

February 25

Lauren is so good with her baby cousins. Calvin is a tough customer, but he likes Lauren. And finally, after 12 years, another local girl cousin for Lauren!

February 26

We had a fun experience Monday night. Monday morning Tony saw that BYU alumni and friends were invited to watch the basketball team shoot around that evening. We weren't really sure what this would actually entail, but we had a free evening and decided to drive to Lawrence and see if we could meet the team. We ended up having a great time! There were only about 30 other BYU fans there, most of whom were from our stake. We waited around outside the field house for about 20 minutes, then the team arrived. Once the team was inside we got to watch while they shot around for about 20 minutes. Then we were able to go down on the court and meet the players and ask for autographs. Will and Elliott walked to Academy and bought cheap basketballs to get signed. Miles brought his Cosmo pennant. All the kids were able to get a few autographs--Dallin Hall, Coach Pope, Trey Stewart, Spencer Johnson, Noah Waterman and Fousseyni Traore--which made them very happy. Elliott was excited because he made a basket while we were there too.

February 27

I got TJ tickets to the BYU-KU game in Lawrence for his birthday. I bought them from a friend of our neighbor. They were up in the top corner, and we had to duck under a beam to get our seats. We were surrounded by KU fans, but it wasn't a problem because they were nice. It was an exciting game! Tony nearly lost his voice cheering loudly. Coming down the homestretch, when it really looked like BYU was going to win it was a little surprising how quickly the KU fans cleared out. I guess they aren't used to losing at home. After the game we waited around for a bit, congregating with fellow Cougar fans. TJ was pleased that we made it into The Cut: At Kansas.

February 28

Renee texted me Wednesday and asked if I could pick Gemma up from preschool for her. She was out running errands and had a popped tire. Miles was excited to get Gemma and have her over for a bit. We brought her home and they shared some snacks while Renee got her tire fixed. 

February 29

I still enjoy going to water aerobics. My favorite teacher/class combo is Sarissa's Aqua Surge Class held Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 8am. 

March 1

Friday night Lauren was busy! She left the Girl Scout World Fair a bit early to attend her soccer game. Luckily her game didn't start until 8:45pm, so she was able to do both. I think this will be her last year as a girl scout. It has been a fun run, and Charlotte is an amazing leader.

March 1

Elliott had his last basketball game of the season Saturday. He played well and had a lot of fun. This may be his last  year playing with Upward. It is a good program, but Elliott needs to be pushed a little harder and he has never had coaches that really understand basketball. We didn't stick around for the end of season party because Kendall was getting baptized. Kendall has been one of his best buddies since birth. 

2024 :: week 8

February 18

Soni was in town for the long weekend and we got together for dinner Sunday evening. Soni's dad has ALS and my mom is healing from a stoke and dealing with the after effects of that, so we have a lot to commiserate about. 

February 19

Monday the kids had no school, but Anthony had to work. In the afternoon we drove out to Kaw Point so Will could film a video for his YouTube channel, Xplore KC. It was good to get outside. The kids had fun throwing rocks and sticks into the river. Will got some good footage for his video. One thing I did not expect as how bad the river would smell. When we went down last year I didn't notice any distinct smell, but this time as soon as we got out of the car we all immediately wondered what was causing the bad smell. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's for a late lunch. 

February 20

Basketball is the sport du jour of the John boys. After school until it gets dark (and sometimes even after it is dark) you can find one, two or all three John boys working on their game. 

February 21

Miles and Elliott helped me pick up a few "essentials" at Costco. The kids have been enjoying these mini muffins lately, though they are pricy enough they are only allowed one bag each per day. 

February 22

Post-mutual knockout has become the expectation for the John kids. Recently Lauren has started getting in on the action too. She doesn't have as much basketball experience as her brothers, but she's got a great touch when it comes to soccer throw-ins, so she did surprisingly well.

February 23

Friday evening our older kids had plans. Will went to Target and Chick fil A with school friends. Lauren went to Ethnie's birthday party. Elliott went to the SMS basketball games with Townes and his family. The Wilsons invited us to go to their school carnival with them. Emily knows that Miles is a HUGE mascot fan, and their PTA arranged to have KC Wolf and Sluggger take photos with kids for an hour. Miles was so excited! He brought his Sluggger stuffie and was beaming with excitement while we drove to Brookridge. As soon as the mascots entered the gym it was a different story. He started crying and was clinging to me and buried his head in my shoulder. He finally agreed to take a picture if Anthony held him and we were both with him. Eventually he calmed down enough to let Sluggger hug him and get his autograph. It was a super fun night! Emily wins aunt of the year award for making the mascot magic happen for Miles. 

February 24

Elliott had another basketball game Saturday. He played well, despite being given some tough defensive assignments. The kid Elliott was guarding had several inches and pounds on him, but Elliott didn't back down. He made him work, then swatted the ball away and ran it back down the court to score a layup. 

2024 :: week 7

February 11

We planned on having a big Super Bowl party, but Lauren threw up in the middle of the night Sunday. We ended up watching the game at home by ourselves, except for Will, who watched with fellow Chiefs superfan, Uncle Matt. We still had fun, but it is a lot easier to have fun when your team wins the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. Besides the Chiefs, it was a busy Sunday. I spoke in church about callings, sustaining and bearing each one another's burdens. In the afternoon TJ and I taught our youth class about the Christlike attribute of hope.

February 12

Tara (Landon's mom) took Nathan, Landon, Will and Hank to watch Tripp & Knox play in the Indian Woods basketball team Monday evening. The boys made plans to spend the night at Tripp's house Tuesday because school is cancelled for Wednesday (Chief's parade).

February 13

We visited Memaw Tuesday night after going to CFA for dinner. Elliott has always loved snuggling with Memaw, and neither her stroke nor Elliott getting older has stopped that.

February 14

We opted to not go to the parade this year. Instead Will spent the day with his friends, and we had Tyler and Elliott over to play with Elliott and Miles. We watched the parade on the TV and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

February 15

Will is taking some fun electives this semester--Intro to Foods and Design & Modeling. Now that they are cooking a few times a week he sends us pictures of the food he makes. Here are pineapple turnover biscuits and no bake cookies. They've also made microwaved chocolate cake this week, but he didn't send a picture of that. In his Design & Modeling class he is working on designing a cube--first by mapping it out on graph paper (isometric design), then practicing with blocks, and then using wood blocks and glue for the final product. I enjoy seeing the kids learn new things and expand their horizons.

February 16

Elliott's has had a fabulous 2nd grade year in Mrs. Jones' class! He's made some great new friends--specifically Townes, Eli, Tristan and Miles. I snapped a picture of these pictures Mrs. Jones has hanging up in her classroom while I was volunteering to help at the Valentine's Day party. The parties were rescheduled from Wednesday.

February 17

While Miles and I were driving he wondered why there were signs with "p's" crossed out along the road. He asked if it meant that you couldn't go pee on that side of the road. I find his emerging literacy so delightful. Now I think of him every time I see "no parking" signs.

2024 :: week 6

February 4

Sunday our ward hosted a Break the Fast after the block of meetings. We missed a lot of it because I was being set apart as Primary President. My counselors are Jeannette O & Emily Z, and Shannon C (my former fellow nursery worker) will be our secretary. I am excited to work with these women, but a bit overwhelmed about the responsibility. I have previously served in two different primary presidencies, but not since the church has changed to the 2 hour block and Come Follow Me curriculum. I have a lot to learn.

February 5

I am convinced that no one was more relieved than Will when the news broke that Bobby Witt Junior is going to not only stay in Kansas City, but that he is going to be a Royal for a very long time.

February 6

There was free admission at the SMS basketball game Tuesday night, so we all Elliott sat with his buddy Townes and loudly cheered for the SMS Raiders, though the lost in the final seconds to Lawrence Free State. Despite the loss, we had a great time and the boys are already making plans to go to future games. I found the lack of shot clock to be so obnoxious, it made the last two minutes of the game very anticlimactic.  

February 7

Jill had her baby Wednesday! Claire Elizabeth Allred was born at Advent Health (formerly SMMC), the same hospital the younger three John kids were born. I stopped and met Claire while Lauren was at volleyball practice. Joanie (Jake's mom) brought Arthur & Henry up right as I was getting ready to leave. It was fun to see the brothers meet their baby sister.

February 8

The only thing Elliott likes more than snuggling up in his soft blankets with a Big Nate book, is snuggling up in his soft blanket reading a Big Nate book while Mom scratches his back.

February 9

Elementary kids had the day off Friday, so I took the kids to meet Claire. I always forget how tiny newborn babies are until I get the chance to hold one. Claire is so cute! She looks a lot like baby Jill and also Arthur to me. In the afternoon the boys and I met up with the Renee and he kids at Strang Line Park, and Lauren got together with Ariana O.

February 10

Saturday was another busy day of basketball--Will had a game at 9am and Elliott had a game at 11am.  Will got his belated birthday shopping trip with Memaw and Pepaw in the afternoon.

2024 :: week 5

January 28

Miles and Dad played catch with the football while we watched the Chiefs take on the Ravens. I was a bit anxious as we watched the game, but they played well and are heading back to the Super Bowl in a few weeks!

January 29

The day I was dreading finally came. The city chopped down the ash trees along Bond. It feels so naked when you walk or drive down the street. I am sad. Luckily within the week they were back, ground up the stumps and planted new trees all along the street. 

January 30

Tuesday evening Anthony and I took Will to the "Come Look at South Night," at SMS. I am excited for all the opportunities coming Will's way as he heads to high school. He is planning on band, and is hoping to get involved in the digital media program (these classes have limited enrollment and freshman get lowest priority). I was flattered Will was willing to pose for this picture with me. I can't believe my baby is going to be going to the same high school I did later this year.

January 31

Miles is getting pretty good at writing, letters and numbers. He wrote this paper that says "4 Miles 40 Mom" all by himself. He likes that he is 4 and I am 40 years old.

 

February 1

He's at it again! Grabbing Elliott's backpack and making sure it doesn't get left behind. Miles is definitely the Felix to Elliott's Oscar if they were the Odd Couple. 

February 2

Lauren bought Elliott this mini Bop It! game for Christmas and the kids have had fun trying to beat each other's records.

February 3

Another busy Saturday with basketball for both Will and Elliott, football for Elliott and volleyball for Lauren. Four sports for three kids has made for a busier winter than I expected, but it has been so cold I'm glad the kids have gotten plenty of chances to be active. This Saturday Anthony was asked to be line judge at the volleyball match and he took the responsibility very seriously. In the evening I went over to Allison Bishop's house. She has been serving as our ward's Primary President, but as of tomorrow I will be taking over. Allison and her presidency and me and the new presidency met to share ideas and ask questions. It was a good meeting and I feel a little less overwhelmed.