March

 March was Full! We started it off with Greg getting Lasik. During school he would say when I graduate, I want Lasik. It took us a hot min. His recovery was FAST, like 24 hours and he was fine. It is strange for him not to have his glasses on. The moment for him: he was watching TV with no glasses; he said I have not done this since I was in middle school.

Denali gave his first talk in sacrament meeting. I made him write it, he really had to think about what to say. I was a proud momma. He talked loudly and would speed up then catch himself and slow down. He has grown into a great young man.

TALK: Hi, my names Denali Procter in April I turn 12. But because of the recent changes I was ordained a decan in January.

I was asked to talk about eternal truths from the strength of youth. In the introduction of the walk-in gods light section, it states heavenly father has given you access to heavenly light. Gods light helps us see the right path which is his eternal truths. I got this definition from google where it says from the bible God's truth is eternal, it came from the beginning and has never changed because God cannot change, Some of gods eternal truths are love thy neighbor as thy self which is also the golden rule do unto others as you would do unto you, go to church, and the word of wisdom which means don’t drink alcohol or coffee. This is an analogy of how I see eternal truths. If anyone puts a fork in the outlet, they will get shocked that will never change.

With this I can say that light helps us see, a personal example is doing homework in the dark with no light. It might be hard to see the question or even see what I wright. Getting baptized gives you the Holy Ghost which gives you a lot of lighter. Then going to the temple adds even more light because of covenants with heavenly father. Every week when taking the sacrament, it adds heavenly fuel to all of our lights. The way to start is on the path of eternal truths is being baptized. I had to wait a few months to be baptized because of covid. When being baptized, when I stepped into the water it felt cold but the second, I went under I felt a random warmth that I intuitively knew it had to be heavenly father. For all the kids who are about to be baptized do not be worried, it was one of the best times of my life because I always felt the spirit the whole time even out of the water and still do. There are times that the spirit whispers things that I should do and should not do. Another eternal truth is fulfilling your priesthood duties. Since I am a deacon, my main responsibility is passing the sacrament. My first time passing the sacrament was terrifying, I was scared that I would mess it up or I would trip or etc. I was really excited to pass the sacrament as soon as possible. However, I had to wait for my grandparents to come back. They surprised me and made it back the first Sunday in January so I could be ordained. For the boys going into young men’s in a year or two do not be scared. The first time I got up after the sacramental prayer I got this felling, a voice that whispered to me all the steps. I still feel that heavenly help every time I get up. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Just life stuff: I have had a strong feeling about getting my kids passports. (I do not know why). The hardest part was going into the courthouse because Greg and I both had to be there. Coordinating our schedules was a feat. We will be able to laugh about it in 5 maybe 8 yrs. About every 10 books I read I try to read a self-help. This one was: Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes. My main take away is there is time to do everything you want but you might have to give up some of the “Down” time or “waste” time. I have gotten SOO much done just by doing it why I watch TV at night or not picking up my phone during the day. Minor changes make a SIGNIFICANT difference. We are having our monsoon; I feel like every year I have to drive in one storm. This year a truck almost hit me because of all the water we could not see each other.

We finally took our Christmas tree down. Yes, there is more room in our living room, but it is sad to put the season away. I had to wait till it was getting warm enough to remember summer is coming.

We went to the Drive in and watched kung Fu panda 4. We try to go whenever there is a kid movie. Colvin wanted to sit on top of the car.

The best part of Arizona is NO day light savings. It does kind of suck to be in different time zones as the family but WORTH it.

I found a quote: maturing is not getting older it is being able to see an others point of view.

We finally let Colvin watch Jurassic World, he has been begging for ever. He LOVED it! He had to dress up as Owen to watch the movie.

Azalyn got her first migraine and slept for over 13 hours. I hope this is a one and done thing. We moved her stuff to her own room; I was done with the fighting of who made the mess and who’s toys. She still sleeps in the boy’s room. I wish I would write down more of the funny things my kids say. One day Az was helping me clean, and she saw the pool guy. She said mom if he is cleaning our pool why do we not have a house guy. Why sister indeed. At church she received a little stuffed Deer. She named it deerie and it has gone EVERY were with us for the last month. 

Bad mom story: I got busy one day and spaced dinner till the boys got home. I thought that is ok I will make pork chops. NOPE no pork chops, OK I will get the canned meat out and make “chicken” pillows, NOPE no canned meat. Ok desperate times count for desperate measures, I ordered pizza. Only I did not order from our close pizza place Greg found that out when he went to pick up pizza. Greg was so cute and called and said to make life easy I am picking up pizza. 

Other Mom story: Last year we ran out of time to dye eggs. The kids have NOT let me forget it. This year we got out the eggs and went to town.

I got a new calling. Activity days girls, talk about humble pie. For the last 2 yrs. I have told Greg how easy it is, and how he should embrace it and love it. I came home from my first activity crying. The lord knows what we need to stay humble.

It is perfect weather right now. Hot enough to put on shorts but not killer heat yet. I slept outside with all the kids. They all made it all night. TIPS: you all need your own sleeping bag, or your toes get cold. Connect the couch together or someone (you) will end up on the ground. With the great weather we also have to snap a few family pictures. I capture them right after church.  We have to set a timer for 15min because smiling at a camera is torcher. I have started hanging the laundry outside. I LOVE it, it takes more time, but I love being outside doing something. We finally got to use some of our baseball tickets and went to the last spring training game. Sid and Matthew came too. It was so fun talking to her. Highlight of the game Colvin caught a ball. There also was a ward party, Colvin was overjoyed we did not miss it. They launched rockets, the smile on that kids’ face was as big as the launch. We tried to go on a bigger bike ride, but my tire came off. Blessing Greg was home to come pick me up. It ended.

up being a huge blessing because we were biking to a neighbor’s house, and I got more time to talk. I have been trying (since my book) to connect with people and not just small talk.

I have talked about the Mesa Easter pageant for a year. Timber, Darlin and Holden came up. They came late the night before, so we could play, then we all drove to the pageant together. There is a really cool HUGE park right by the temple the kids loved. Mom, Dad and Blazen also met us at the pageant. This year Easter hit me so hard, He did it all for ME! I cried the whole pageant. One time “Jesus” ran right in front of us, and I said LOOK Jesus. Yes, everyone just LOOK. Azalyn fell asleep, she was heavy caring back to the car, but I love feeling her in my arms. One note for Greg we were really early but had great seats.

We went to the Surprise Egg hunt; this year it was at the stadium. It was a cool idea but not greatly executed. They had age groups, but it was just one giant line. When we got down there, we had all the kids go together. We had made a meeting place if we got separated. Well 2 sec into the mad dash Colvin was lost. We went to the meeting place, and he was there waiting. Mom and Dad got to see Surprise at its finest, with egg hunt and bounce houses.

Ending in Vegas.