January

The boys and I stayed up for the new year’s. We want happy things for 2025.

Greg has very low energy and endurance. Since we all got guns for Christmas we decided to go shooting.  It is only about a 30 min drive from the house. He can sit most of the time, but we can all be a family.  Colvin loves his BB gun. He has become a really good shot. After he got used to it, he loves dad’s big gun, the .223. Denali at first just tried to empty his rounds as fast as possible. He loves to shoot but he also loves to help his sister shoot. Azalyn is not the biggest fan of shooting but she just loves being out there. One time there was a guy picking up “brass.” Azalyn picked that up like a pro. She now has “brass” (shell casing) decorating her room. Greg took me to a shooting range. He wanted to find out what hand gun I wanted. We have short bursts of time to do things with Greg. I took the kids to up town alley, the boys actually wanted to bowl. Only on Tuesdays is league bowling, and don’t get in the old people’s way.

We did not have the kids go back to school till Gregs first round of blood work came back. I would run with Colvin in the morning. He would rollerblade and I would run. My kids need one on one time.

My kids just have to touch their dad, making sure he is real.  Azalyn has been having a really hard time going to bed. One night I said OK now we are not going to be a stink, and she said we will just have to see about that.  (she was)

New church time 11: We had 2 options, be lazy all morning and then still rush to church OR get dressed early do our family thing in the morning then walk out the door. Our goal is option 2, so far, we have made our goal every week. It does give you a different spirit at church.

New games: There are 2 new family games we got for Christmas. The one is a lying game. Azalyn refuses to lye, she said lying is bad. I guess I have taught her something. Talking about teaching, I asked Colvin if he could hold still, NOPE but he did point out that he could hold still longer than marshmallow. 

I got a Gel nail kit for Christmas, Azalyn loves me doing her nails but then she will pick them off, she says it is just too satisfying.  I begged a few friends in to letting me do their nails. I have a Dream someday to go to nail school.  I found a nail lady and put tips on, Greg could not be more excited. There is a lady in our ward that has written a few books, it has taken me months to find one of her books in print (most of her books are only on kindle) I finally got one and had her sign it.

During this whole ordeal with Greg, there have been tons of blessings. He got his year-end bonus; it was what he was hoping for. It will help so much with bills, but we are hoping to do something fun with it as well. Greg got a gift card from his manager to Gold Belly, a very high end food website. He got Wagyu Stake, they were good, but everyone agreed we would rather have his tri-tip. Greg and I were finally able to get our passports. There is opposition in all things, 2 different appointments and a run to Walgreens. I got my stove fixed mostly, they don’t click, and they can all light, maybe not on their own, but I have more than one burner. We got all new garage doors and lifts (one side came completely off). With Greg being home we were able to go to the temple a few times. It was the perfect thing for Greg, 2 hours and sitting. He also did a few honey dew projects. For Christmas I got a family hand canvas. He framed it, and it turned out fantastic. Note to self- Greg should not have his phone and shop while high on meds. I might do more orders, but he spends more. He got us new night stands. They look soo good.  One night, I was feeling overwhelmed, and I told Greg, we need to get away for a few days come back and regroup. A quick google search of family friendly places in Arizona, Tucson. If packing was only clothing, I would be done in 30 min.  it is all the “other”.  Tucson is only 3 hours; it is the darkest city in the US for a city its size. It was the perfect re-start trip, fun memories but not over doing it. We went to Tombstone; such a fun bucket list to check off. History is told from the survivors. We were able to go to 2 shows and a tour. We all had a great time. We took a family “history” picture.  The next day we went to the Desert Museum. We got two free adult tickets from the library. They were having a dinosaur expo that Colvin loved. We had to find a fact about each dinosaur. Denali and Azalyn were able to pet and feed stingrays. The hotel had a hot tub and a heated pool, Greg could not get in because of his back but would sit out with us. One night I told the boys the story of my hand. They ate it up. We found the best Mexican restaurant in Arizona so far. We were there 4 days and ate there twice. We took the kids to a Brazilian Buffet. (all you can eat meat). The boys and I were sick! On the way home we stopped at the Tucson temple. Checking off one more temple for Colvin.

Azalyn has decided that she does not like the drive in. I took the boys to Mufasa. Dad and Azalyn stayed home and watched Bluey. The next weekend the boys and I stayed home, Greg and Az went to a school dance. Greg said that it was so fun watching her run and dance with all her friends. She was fascinated by the cheer leaders.  A good time was had by all. See her birthday blog she turned 6.

I need to relax and enjoy the down time I have with Greg. He helps as much as he can, and the rest can wait.