Family, isn't it about . . . time?

New Year's Eve 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:46:00 +0000

Happy New Year from our family to yours! We had a wonderful 2022. Highlights were Bradley's graduation, Bradley's mission and Jude's baptism. Everyone was healthy, we only had one run to the ER for stitches. Jamison started driving (permit). We bought a second new car. I started teaching 1st grade full time. We are happy and thriving as life continues to march forward!

December 2022 Misc Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:45:00 +0000

Enjoy the December 2022 installment of misc pics and videos. These are all the pictures and videos that don't get their own post, mixed together each month. Enjoy!

December 2, 2022

December brings a lot of dress rehearsals and final performances of music I've been working on for a while. I remember in high school and college, December was filled with caroling gigs. That made December busy and stressful for me as a singer. I rather enjoy the choral concerts more than the caroling. December becomes a musical payoff for me after many weeks and months of preparation.

December 4, 2022

Truth

December 10, 2022

This girl is driving! How is is possible?! We're only in the first days here, but she is doing great!

December 11, 2022

Sometimes church for an 8 year old is a mix between boring and exhausting. But, when my kids fall asleep in church it must mean illness because this rarely happens. Poor Jude, this was the first sign of being sick. He was down for a day but bounced right back.

December 11, 2022

I've never thought my sister and I looked much alike. But, when I glanced quickly at this screen shot I say Elizabeth. It was weird and awesome. Bradley was playing with some of the FB filters. This boy.

December 13, 2022

My shopping buddy.

December 14, 2022

Ugh. One of my student's parents sent in her Elf on the Shelf. I had allow it because of how much power this doll has. This guy watched us all day and ended up turning our classroom upside down. Why?!

December 17, 2022

This guy enjoying a Saturday snooze. Again, still a little under the weather. He is so cute. Not a lot of sleeping pictures of kiddos for me anymore. Where does the time go?

December 18, 2022

I have no idea why I only got pictures of my boys this morning. Maybe the girls were taking too long and I just went with what I had. Either way, these three are sure handsome.

December 21, 2022

Cora, Charlie, Levi and Jude enjoyed a little escape to get out some energy. Cora is so beautiful.

December 28, 2022

We got a new trampoline for Christmas. Anthony and Conley started building it and met a few road blocks. The more springs they would put on the harder it got. They would put the spring in the connection next to the tramp and then pull the tramp as hard as they could to connect to the outside ring. It was SO hard. We were exerting all our energy and pulling so hard. We kept falling down and snapping the tool that was meant to help us. Finally Jamison came out. She was like, "You're doing it wrong." She put the spring on outside ring part and then used the tool to stretch the spring instead of the tramp mat. Then the spring would easily attach to the connection. It was SO easy.

Lessons I learned that day: Read the instructions, ask someone for help who has knowledge, and use the right tools. With all of those lessons learned my take away is that we sometimes are so prideful that we don't use all that has been provided for us. The Lord has provided us prophets and scriptures as guides. Let's not let them gather dust on a shelf. Let's use what we have been given to make this life easier.

Christmas Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 04:37:00 +0000

Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. I love when that happens! We woke up and opened presents.

After presents we attended church. I put together the narration and the musical numbers for church. I also sang a solo. It was a good service. I hope everyone liked it and could feel the spirit.

After church we went over to the Popes for some lunch and to open a few more presents.

Then back to my house for dinner with the family.

Tad and Anthony made a delicious smoked prime rib. It was heaven!

Sarah Day is the charcuterie board Queen!

What a fun crew! I love my family!

The night ended with a projector movie in bed for the boys. It was a great family Christmas gift.

A short, tiny video of the projector set up. It's great quality.

Christmas Eve Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 04:27:00 +0000

Once the dinner and program portion of Christmas Eve is finished, the rest is pretty routine.

We open a present of new PJs.

We always leave cookies for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer. Elfed, who is in the background hanging onto Jesus, always heads home to the North Pole.

The stocking are laid on the couch with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be there.

This is when the adults disappear and go play a Christmas Exchange game with Sam, Kaylee, Loren, Sonya, Tad, Tracy and mom. This game is so, much, fun! Sometimes if we are gone long enough, Santa has already come and we can take a beautiful picture of all he brought!

Then it's time to rest for a few hours until everyone wakes up!

Christmas Eve at Abuelos

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 04:21:00 +0000

We had a great time celebrating Christmas with Anthony's parents. My kids love their Abuelos, Tios and cousins. It is always so much fun and can we talk about the food for a minute? DELICIOUS!

It was all so delicious. After we ate it was time to open a few presents.

Then we played some fun money games. Abuela is so much fun. Merry Christmas everyone! The joy of children on Christmas is one my most favorite things. Here is Jude trying to scoop up money with a spatula on a flat surface with a blindfold on. It was awesome watching the kids try this.

This game was fun. You had to pull a string and fish for an envelope. You could get a dollar bill or as much as a fifty! Conley was the lucky winner!

We were all missing Bradley. We are so glad he was able to call!

Enchanted Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 04:09:00 +0000

This place was sure pretty! It's called Enchanted Christmas and it's out in Summerlin. I think it was incredibly overpriced, but looking back now, I'm glad we went because some of the pictures sure turned out great. There is something magical about Christmas lights, and to a kid, who didn't have to pay so much to get it, it was probably pretty fun! It was set up like a maze and you had to find different things in the maze and get stamps on your passport and all that.

What I didn't love about this venue was the focus was on having a lot of lights. The lights were really awesome.It was pretty don't get me wrong. But, I didn't leave there feeling anything special about Christmas. I mean they didn't need to set up nativities or have Luke 2 read or anything, but it felt very dry and plain.

I would like to focus on the Light of the World. All of that light represents Jesus Christ. He came into this world and that is why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas would be obsolete if it wasn't for the Christ child. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of the Savior.

Holiday Concerts

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 03:57:00 +0000

The holiday concerts for both schools were this week. Jamison, Conley and Cora all did a great job at their concerts. I think it was cool to have the junior high join with the high school for a song at their concert.

Unfortunately I didn't record anything! I think I was feeling a little overwhelmed with how many pictures and videos are on my phone so I just hit a road block. I regret it! I can't even tell you what they sang! I know the world may not care to ever listen to what I record, but I enjoy it. My kids also enjoy it. So I have learned my lesson! Even if it's not everything from an event, pull out that video camera and at least capture some! At least I can enjoy a few photos of my kids. They are the best!

Ward Party and the Messiah

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 03:51:00 +0000

Our Ward Christmas party was on Saturday. Great food, music and entertainment. It was a Cowboy Christmas.

Our ward has grown! We've got from bare bones to a full, huge ward! I can't wait to get to know everyone better. We've been together for about 2 months now. It has ben great but has met its challenges as well.

After the Christmas dinner it was time to speed to the Smith Center to perform the Messiah with the Las Vegas Master Singers a the Las Vegas Philharmonic. It was great running into these ladies there.

Let the Christmas festivities begin!

Jude's Baptism

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 03:28:00 +0000

What a wonderful day! I am so thankful for this sweet, fierce, strong, mighty warrior I was given as my 6th child. He is most incredible little boy ever. I love him and am so thankful he was able to be baptized today. I am grateful for his testimony, and that even as small and new as that may be, the seeds that have been planted in his heart and soul are taking root. I love you, Jude!

Family Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 03:39:00 +0000

October and November family pics. Okay, they're not really family pics! We sure do love being able to talk to this boy once a week! What an incredible blessing!

Baptism Photo Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 03:23:00 +0000

How exciting! Jude is going to be baptized in just a few short days! He is ready and so very excited. Months ago he told me that he was going to wait for Bradley to get home to have his baptism. But, I made sure Bradley would be able to watch via Zoom. So, Jude was okay with that. He got to pick out a new suit. He said he wanted a blue suit with brown shoes just like Bradley. He sure loves his brother!

November 2022 Misc Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:21:00 +0000

Enjoy the November 2022 installment of misc pics and videos. These are all the pictures and videos that don't get their own post, mixed together each month. Enjoy!

November 10, 2022

The CCSD Honor Choir concert was fantastic! What a great way to celebrate our 21st anniversary! Conley was the middle school tenor section leader. Exciting! It was also fun to hear Megan perform with the High School honor choir.

Knock, knock. Covid came again for our house. This time it was me. Again, I think this was my third time. This time it was a nasty sore throat but I didn't lose smell or taste or feel super lethargic this time. It also seemed to cause horrible back pain. So fun!

November 16, 2022

I asked Cora to see if she could figure out dinner on her own. Not bad girl! I love that she is aware that one of my kids hates sauce, one likes white sauce on their pasta and most the others like red. She's going to make a great mom someday!

November 20, 2022

The sun made the pre church pics impossible today! Ah well!

November 22, 2022

Coronation Mass with the UNLV orchestra. I'm the top left in the soprano section.

November 30, 2022

Holiday Extravaganza

Conley was selected to particpate in the concert this year. Each school can select only a few students. High school and middle school teachers also perform in the group. It's kind of cool. They put it together with just a few hours of rehearsal. Way to go, Conley!

Kenya November 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:15:00 +0000

This is sort of a place holder for November 2022 pictures from Bradley. There are more, but here are a few for now.

Making chapatis

View from the top of our flats

Ireen's Baptism

Finished chapati

Rain

Thanksgiving Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 03:22:00 +0000

On Friday, we started our day with a photoshoot for this soon-to-be baptized member of the church.

Thanksgiving links:

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Then, the afternoon was pretty much cookie prep all day.

And the winner is . . .

Congratulations to Sarah! Maybe it was the fact that it was her birthday! Or, maybe that she and Spencer came over to borrow a few of my ingredients so I'll take full credit. Okay, okay, just kidding! Her cookie was really good! The Harris Unit cleaned house this year! Wahoo!

Thanksgiving Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 03:07:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Day started with a football game at the pavilion. Jamison was the professional flag football player than helped all the boys.

Thanksgiving links:
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

While they played I put together my trifecta. I am usually in charge of the cranberry sauce and cream corn and I also made the stuffing.

We went to Anthony's parents house for dinner number 1. It was so delicious!

Then we headed back to my house where everyone came over for dinner (dinner two for us.)

Bradley loved that he got to call while all the cousins were there.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 02:55:00 +0000

Thanksgiving week has begun! First up, a Thanksgiving craft with Auntie Ann. These kids sure do love their Aunt. She is just the right mix of hilarious and crazy that kids gravitate toward. She's also loving and so incredibly crafty. They loved this craft.

Thanksgiving links:

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Next we went the park for a few to let the kids run out some energy.

After the park we went on a small hike near Sam and Kaylee's house.

And to end the night Auntie Ann taught the kids how to make little pies. Delicious!

Jude Turns 8!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 02:41:00 +0000

Happy birthday to Jude! This silly boy is officially 8! He had such a fantastic day. From Dutch and Pink Box all the way from Sister Pope in Ohio to a FaceTime call from Kenya from his big brother Bradley, he has been pretty darn spoiled. We have enjoyed eight hilarious and loving years with this boy. He is practically perfect. We love you so much, Jude!

You can always count on birthday dollars from Grandma!

We had to stop at the high school for a fundraiser Jamison had to help with. Afterward we took Jude to his favorite restaurant.

Yes, that's El Pollo Loco. This boy loves BRC burritos and Mac n Cheese. He is a much cheaper date than some of my older kids!

And now, time for the cake!

Nellis AirShow

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 01:07:00 +0000

What a fun event. It was hot and crowded, but it was worth it to see this incredible display at NAFB. How cool it is to live in the same town as an Airforce Base. The kids enjoyed it too. I haven't been to the Airshow since about 1993 or '94.

Enjoy a few video clips of the show.

October 2022 Misc Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:44:00 +0000

Enjoy the October 2022 installment of misc pics and videos. These are all the pictures and videos that don't get their own post, mixed together each month. Enjoy!

October 1, 2022

Conley auditioned for Honor Choir. Spoiler alert: He got in. Can you believe that he was selected as the tenor section leader for the second year in a row? What in the world? Where did this boy come from? Apparently he's a good singer too!

October 1, 2022

Time to relax and enjoy hours of General Conference. We love Gen Conf weekend. It is always welcomed in our home.

Levi and Jude's friend even watched with us.

Elder Renlund posing as Uchtdorf. This was a funny video Anthony put together.

October 2, 2022

Jamison has written a song and she will not let me listen to it. This is as close as it's gotten to me hearing it.

October 7, 2022

Had a little fun at the water park. October is always a wonderful sigh of relief that we made it through another summer!

October 9, 2022

I was asked to direct a YM and YW choir for stake conference. I was so grateful for Conley, Cora and Jamison who participated. It gave me at least three of the parts I needed. The turnout for the choir was really low. It's hard to devote so much time and energy to directing things when only a few show up. I have been trying to teach my kids to support others when they put on firesides, activities, parties, etc. The participation in a choir may be a little forced my kiddos, but they don't seem to mind and hopefully it is teaching them to love and support in the future.

October 9, 2022

Beautiful night sky

October 14, 2022

Took the boys to get out a little energy.

October 16, 2022

What in the world, Conley?

October 17, 2022

Halloween time!

October 20, 2022

So sorry for posting this Jamison! But, it's hilarious!

October 21, 2022

The Egg Drop

Levi did such an incredible job on this project. When we couldn't find sponges in the stores, he found them on Amazon for me. He kept telling me how to do this and I didn't understand everything he wanted. But, he helped me get what he needed and he nailed it. He has so much ingenuity! His design worked!

October 23, 2022

Stake Conference choir

October 25, 2022

Ward Trunk or Treat

Jamison borrowed a jersey. I bought Conley a mask off Amazon. He said he was a fishionary. Cora and Jude were thrilled to find matching shark outfits at Savers and I think Levi's a penguin. I give myself about a C+ for Halloween this year. The kids didn't seem to care so that's good. I've done A work in the past. I'll get back up there.

October 27, 2022

Space X. Kinda cool.

October 30, 2022

Trick shot! That was sweet.

Kenya October 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 23:40:00 +0000

Enjoy a few pictures sent from Kenya during the month of October.

Christopher and Us

Playing with the trains, but they're asleep

Elder Marufu, Elder Munyamana and me with my 2 liter passion fruit Fanta!!

My bed and mosquito net. Some have been asking to see it, so here it is!

I <3 climbing trees.

Inside passion fruit

Shawarma and Kenyan Dewski

Outside Upper Hill

Me, Elder Cummings and Elder Bidwaya

I found passion fruit!

District Discussion Meeting

Cake with the Elders

The tracks

Temple Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:39:00 +0000

After stake conference we packed everyone in the car and headed to the temple. I love that we can fit 7 people in this car. It's so crazy and doesn't look possible from the outside. It reminds me of when we put a third row in our Jeep years back and could take 8 people in that little Grand Cherokee.

We love this tradition of visiting the temple after stake conference. We pack a lunch and try to get some nice pictures. It's always a pretty pleasant trip.

Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:35:00 +0000

My friend Joe gave me his season ticket seats to see Hamilton. Jamison got to go for the first time. I just love Hamilton. This is my second time seeing it on stage at the Smith Center, but I have it on repeat pretty much all the time. The cast was phenomenal, we loved every second! Thank you, Joe!!!

Abuelo's 86th

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 00:32:00 +0000

Happy 86th birthday Abuelo!
We sure do love this man!! EVERYONE does!

Schofield Fall Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:21:00 +0000

Conley and Cora did a great job at their Fall Concert. Way to go C and C. They are both natural performers! I will say I was pretty concerned when their old director announced she was leaving to open a new school. But, their new director, now in her second year at Schofield, is great! Cora just loves her and she is getting such an incredible sound out of these kids! Conley loves her too, but Cora and her a like BFFs in Cora's mind. You can watch a few songs they performed on the Playlist here.

Primary Program and Alex Boyé

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:58:00 +0000

Today was our ward's primary program. I have been blessed to be the primary chorister for the last 4.5 years. It has been such an incredible calling. In fact, I was never even called to do it. I subbed for a few weeks and have been there ever since! I haven't complained though because it has been amazing! I love the children, I love the music and I love the Lord. It's the perfect combination! I love being in primary each week with Levi and Jude. The are smart and silly. They try to be reverent and participate, but they can get a little silly with their mom in there teaching the music. I think Jude loves it and if Levi knew how to roll his eyes, he would. Secretly I know he wants me in there, but I do embarrass him sometimes.

Jude did a great job on his part for the program. I am so proud of him. And, he sang his heart out. He knows every word to every song. He loves to sing.

Levi is a contender for best singing voice in the house. He does not want to be told that. It is embarrassing to him and he doesn't like to practice that talent. But, when he doesn't know I'm listening, I do! He's got a great singing voice! We'll see what that brings later. He did a great job in the program today as well.

These three are all graduated from primary and got to enjoy the listening side of church today.

After church these two and I snuck over to a fireside that Alex Boyé was putting on. He is a great speaker and everyone knows he's a great singer! It was an incredible message.