News del Mercado: Mother's Day/Dad's Birthday

It's funny writing this title since my dad's birthday was on Mother's Day this year. However, I am referring to the fact that Jason's birthday was the next day. I didn't actually get to talk to my dad and Mary Lou on Sunday because they were finishing up their cruise, though we texted and then Jason talked to them on his birthday, so that was good for everyone.

Jason and I celebrated both of us on Friday night at the temple and then we went out for sushi afterward. It was so good!

On Sunday, the talks were exceptionally good, as typical for Mother's day and the Primary children, all 12 of them, sang their hearts out.

We just got a new RS presidency last week because the previous RS president is now the Bishop's wife. For that reason, I didn't expect much from the Relief Society meeting, but Esther had planned things as soon as she was called and had quiche and fruit for us to enjoy after we listened to the testimonials of our previous president and a counselor. We each got a rose with a question on it for a conversation starter. The Young Women were with us, which was so fun, so we conversed with all the ladies. It was simple and so perfect.

We zoomed with my mom and Jim, had good conversation with our kids, and watched The Chosen. Jason made delicious fried rice with chicken and shrimp that was a hit with me and the kids, minus Erik, of course. Kai made an extraordinary cake with fresh strawberry frosting.

They got me some sweet cards and goodies, plus a new bush for our yard.

Victoria made the adorable picture collage with pressed flowers.

It's an Arrowood Viburnum and will look so good for the grad party and beyond! I took this pic today and it looks like it needs to be watered...

One thing I have been enjoying with my kids lately is watching a show with them. We used to have Friday movie nights and watch a movie from Netflix, either as a couple, or a family. We kept getting busier and busier and were trying to finish watching Lost with Kai and Erik (Victoria and Austin lost interest). So we discontinued our Netflix movie delivery and finished that. It's easier to fit in a 40 minute episode on a Friday or Saturday than a 2 hour movie. At some point, Victoria and I started watching Gilmore Girls when we could, which has been so fun! Then Kai wanted me to start the new She-ra with her (those are 20 minute episodes) and Austin, Jason, and Erik wanted me to watch The Mandalorian with them. This has been one of the best things I could do to spend time with each of my family members. We enjoy discussing the show, relaxing for a short time after some very busy schedules, and just being together. These times with them have really helped me to not be so overwhelmed with everything going on in my life. I cherish these moments ✨️ 💖.

Bright and early the next morning, I gave Jason some apple gouda sausage to cook for himself for breakfast. He says it was good! We have a pretty tight schedule on weekday mornings, so there's not much time for big breakfasts, but he works from home on Mondays, so he had a few extra minutes to make it. Though he still had a very busy work day- lots of online meetings!

A fun diversion was that our good friend Ryan Strum, his brother baptized Jason, happened to be coming to our area for work and came right to our house after flying in. He was a little later than he thought, but I got to see him for about 20 minutes after I got off work and before taking Kai to get her cast on (more on that next post). Jason got to visit with Ryan for almost 2 hours! Though we forgot to take pics.

The only positive thing about Kai's cast yesterday afternoon is that she didn't have to go to work, so we got to eat dinner together for Jason's birthday! I grilled some garlic pepper hamburgers with pepper jack cheese and made homemade fries and a salad. Kai made another cake (both of these were made one-handed, but I think with the actual cast on it's harder).