There is no such thing as a "typical day" around here. Tonight, however, I decided to write a brief 'journal entry' to capture a rather ordinary day around our place - to record the little things I'll likely forget by the next day.
Although we had a late night on Friday, Aaron and I were up by 6:17am to see that Tanner was ready for the snowshoe day hike at Taggart Lake in the Grand Teton National Park with his Teachers' Quorum. Initially, there was some reluctance but as final preparations were made, Tanner committed himself to make the most of the adventure.
After reading scriptures, I had secret hopes of attending the temple today but as the day unfolded, I could see others were in need of my help. My brother-in-law went in to the hospital yesterday for bleeding ulcers and ended up being diagnosed with a non-contagious form of pneumonia. Though medical professionals were reluctant to admit, it seemed to be a direct result of the aspiration incident that occurred after his ATV accident back in June. While Kasey spent time at the hospital with Cameron, we watched 1-year old Jagger for the afternoon. He really preferred to be carried around by me and it didn't take long to recall how difficult it is to get even simple things done with only one arm. It was nice when Aaron returned home because 'dead arm' had set in.
But back to the morning. While I spent some time looking online for a few last minute Christmas items (ugh, we waited too long for some things - shipping issues), Aaron made us yummy omelets. My awesome neighbor delivered our Bountiful Basket. And though still dark outside (and we thought the other kids would sleep in a bit after being up so late the night before), we could hear the pitter-patter of little feet coming down the stairs. Anna was convinced this would be the best day for Aaron to take her out for her traditional birthday breakfast. And why not "hit two birds with one stone" by taking Brinley along? Then Elsie was in tears because somehow her birthday breakfast didn't happen back in July (first time ever - but she was right). And so, Aaron put his half eaten omelet in the refrigerator and the four of them headed to JB's. The girls were thrilled.
Quinn didn't mind being left behind and he happily played in the bonus room while I jumped on the treadmill for a little work-out. Jantzen eventually found us but apparently woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We worked through a few things:).
When the girls returned, we held our morning "pow-wow" and went over the plans for day. Saturday chores - not my favorite thing - but, it was the the 'pay-day' for the kids to do extra work to earn some Christmas money. They drew names earlier this month and most of them have already selected their purchases for siblings. Now the great time of financial reckoning. We turned up the music and got started with our jobs. The response was fairly typical. For some, it's like pushing a string. Others took their responsibilities more seriously. Nonetheless, it took a very long time for everyone to complete the tasks assigned - and it's always a great exercise in patience for me. Here's where I'll skip the details of the next several hours.
Answered a few phones calls. Finished up a little computer work. A neighbor stopped by. Jantzen remembered Aaron promised to take him to the church to play basketball. After getting his stuff done, Aaron made good on his deal and a few of the kids joined in the outing. Another pouts and cannot understand why permission is not granted to her to attend as well. Remember that pushing the string thing? It's real.
Then, we got teacher gifts prepared along with the 12 Days of Christmas gifts we are leaving at the doorstep of a family in our area. Another child was busy making Christmas crafts. Tanner returned home. Everyone tried to entertain Jagger while eating dinner. G-ma and G-pa came for him and we started Saturday night baths. The older kids delivered the "Third Day of Christmas" gift incognito. Some finished up homework and other projects. Dishes. Bedtime routine (and this takes a while). Tanner and Aaron quietly escaped out the door for an 8:25pm showing of "The Hobbit" for Tanner's birthday activity.
Well, good enough. This summary captures enough to remind me what today was like.
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