Calling changes

Last Sunday I was called into the bishop's office. I was slightly nervous because I already had 3 callings and I couldn't imagine what else they would ask me to do.

Bishop said, "We are under direct orders from the stake president to release you as primary chorister."
So, I was released and guess what?  I wasn't even given a new calling.

A couple weeks ago Brian was released as Elder's Quorum president. In his exit interview with the stake president I was asked what I do. I was surprised to see Pres. Shumway taking notes as I spoke...

"Well, I have three callings. I'm the stake Young Women sports director, which I super duper love, but it gets busy during Girls Camp time because I'm on the YW board and take different responsibilities to help with camp. I'm on the stake Relief Society board to help with the stake aerobics group. That's not too bad because I go to aerobics anyway, but I also have board meetings to attend with that and assignments for events like women's conference, etc. I'm also the ward primary chorister. Which is fine because its a Sunday calling so it doesn't overlap much with the other callings, but it is definitely a lot of work. So, I serve in all three auxiliaries which only gets confusing when I go to auxiliary training meetings because I am literally running from room to room to be where I'm needed when I'm needed."
Pres. Shumway replied, "And how many kids do you have?"

...So that's probably why I was released.

Levi is Threevi

It was hard to get the jumpers to hold still long enough for a picture.

Ashby was just a happy blur most of the time.

To start the birthday celebration we headed over to a new trampoline arena we'd been wanting to try - Hang Time.  The trampolines were really fun for the kids, but they were nothing compared to the foam pit. So awesome to be able to do whatever you want in the air and not have to worry about how you land. The foam pit was super fun for everyone - but man are they hard to get out of!

Anybody want to see me do a flip? I won't blame you if you don't.

After Hang Time the cousins headed over to our house for lunch and cake. Our original plan was to get together for a bike ride later in the evening, but the sporadic rain storms helped us decide to celebrate Levi earlier. Luckily, I was able to scrounge up some taco salad to feed all 18 of us.

Brian and I were up late the night before trying to figure out the birthday cake. Levi had seen a picture of this Lego cake and was excited to have it for his birthday. Its really a simple idea with frozen pound cake and marshmallows. But the frosting part of it kept us up til 2am. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. Especially since Levi loved it and everyone said it was tasty.

Lego Cake!  http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pound-cakes/building-blocks-cake/

The gathering didn't end until 4pm which seemed too late to give Levi a nap, so we decided to continue the celebrating at Miracle Bowl. Levi promptly fell asleep in his car seat. We ran an errand on our way, so he was able to get a little cat nap in, but I really, really hate waking sleeping kids - it goes against everything I believe.
Bowling was a success! We had the whole venue to ourselves and the kids really enjoyed it. I think it may have been Levi's first time actually ever bowling. And Paige got brave and started putting her fingers in the holes and rolling for real.

The celebration ended with dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. A very special treat indeed.

We certainly wore out the birthday boy, and ourselves.

attention getter

We've had some sickness making the rounds at our house lately.
Here's a conversation with Paige about it.

Paige: "I like being sick because then I get all the attention."
Me: "You don't think you get enough attention?"
Paige: "Not really. Its because of the boys. Mom, sometime you should be sick so then you'd get all the attention."
Me, laughing: "Well it doesn't really work like that. Because even when I'm sick I still have to take care of everyone else."
Paige: "Don't worry, I'll take care of you."

Freedom Morning

It wasn't what I envisioned.

I envisioned finding a good parking spot close to the start line of the Freedom Run.
...all the roads to get anywhere were already blocked.
I envisioned getting there in plenty of time to stretch and find my running buddies (maybe even use the bathroom).
...I was dropped off a few blocks away and was running against the flow of runners to make it to the starting line.
I envisioned my shin splints and hip throbbing with every step.
...they didn't start hurting til after the race.
I envisioned running along side my husband and kids.
...they caught up to me on the last uphill stretch after sprinting past everyone.

I envisioned having to walk some of it.
...I didn't walk (except at the water station - and that was a welcome break!)
I envisioned passing out at the finish.
...Nah, I was fine - just sweaty.

Some of the girls from stake aerobics.

Paige and Ashby rode their scooters while Brian pushed the little ones.

I envisioned heading out to find a spot on the parade.
...we stayed and played on the playground instead.

I envisioned watching the whole parade.
...It took us a long time to walk from Kiwanis park all the way to the University Ave. But it took us past the parade staging area, where we looked at all the parade floats up close - even better than just watching the parade!

Paige loved seeing all the princesses.

1944 Hellcat tank destroyer

I envisioned a nice shady spot on the parade route.
...that, of course, is hard to come by. We crowded in on the sunny sidewalk next to a large group. Eventually they unroped the large grassy spot they had saved earlier that was COMPLETELY empty. They even let us use their umbrellas and camping chairs. SO NICE!
 I envisioned Cody sleeping in the stroller through most of it.
...He didn't

I envisioned a nice long nap at home for me afterward.
...Ya Right!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!