Sunday Struggles

Its the end of the week, and boy do I look forward to Sundays - church in the morning and a relaxing afternoon of naps, games, family dinners and sports.

However, Sundays are not nearly as relaxing and spiritual as I once remember them. Our service starts and nine and ends at noon - smack dab in the middle of Sophia's morning nap. I am sure you can guess where this post is headed. I work with the youth for the first hour and Aaron takes Sophia to his priesthood class. Or should I say... Sophia takes Aaron to the foyer. The second hour Aaron an I take turns leaving Sunday School when Sophia is talking or squealing uncontrollably loud. By the time we get to sacrament meeting Sophia has been awake for about three and half hours, refuses to sleep in our arms and we are expecting her to sit somewhat quietly so that those within 10 rows of us can still feel the spirit.

I know that we are not the first family with this struggle on Sundays, that it will only get more difficult with more children and that we will not be the last with this frustration. But it stinks!! We spend most of our time in the foyer or trying to entertain Sophia so that we won't have to go to the foyer. Lesson.......what lesson.

Now, for all of those older, wiser or more experienced than me; I have a question. I have noticed several families with many children sitting quietly and reverently on their pew. After asking their tactics they've told me they employ the "feet don't touch the ground" rule and if the child is taken out to the foyer for misbehavior they don't get down and walk or play.

I am a fan of this idea but at what age do you start it???? Obviously 11 months is too early to sit still for an hour but is it too early for her to know that when she screams she get to go to the foyer and walk around the halls and play with all the other kids that have been taken out??

Sophia at 11 months!!

Sophia turned 11 months old a few days ago!! We cannot believe that she almost a year old. At eleven months old Sophia.........
is walking with us while holding one hand
FINALLY has two teeth that have broken through on the bottom
says (the ever so important word) mama
gets so excited when she hears our alarm sound around 5:30, indicating that Aaron has opened the door.
has a tendency to bite and hit when throwing a tantrum (we are working on that one)
and so much more!!!!

We can't wait for her one year photos to document her fun personality at such a young age. I would write more but she is screaming in her crib - gotta go!

Say hello to Bambi and Bobby!!!!

On Valentines Day Aaron and Steve surprised Jamie and I with reservations to a murder mystery weekend. We had to cancel due to Sophia getting sick. Well...this weekend we finally redeemed our trip. My sister Tammi watched Sophia and the four of us started our trip after everyone was free from work on Friday.

We drove about three and half hour north of Frisco to my Aunt and Uncle's house in Guthrie Oklahoma (which also happens to be the small town that the B&B is in). We stayed with them Friday night and then saw all the local attractions and shops Saturday afternoon.



We had to report (in character) to the murder mystery/B&B by 6:30 Saturday night. My character was named Bambi. I was a blond "performer" who worked at a local night club owned by Aaron a.k.a Bobby Burns. The evening ended (meaning we cold finally get out of character) at about 11:00p.m. There were about 34 participants and an extremely complicated, twisted and strange plot. In the end, the host had to tell us who actually committed the murder.

The room Bambi and Bobby stayed in was titled "The Barrel Room". Yes, our bed was in a barrel. Our trip ended with breakfast on Sunday morning and then we drove back to Frisco. We all had a great time and were shocked how fun it was to do.

Thanks for spending the time with us this weekend Jamie and Steve. We had a great time.

Our Baby Olympian!!!

Tonight we all had settled down in front of the television to enjoy our evening of the Olympics. I was playing with Sophia on the floor and she took her first steps!!!! Although, we can in no way consider her a walker. She, without a doubt, took two consecutive unsupported steps. ( A few times) :) Our little baby is 10 months and 3 weeks old today. We are both excited and nervous about this new to come phase we are about to embark upon. Yippee Sophia!!!!

BON APPETIT!!!!

Does that dish look yummy or what???? ...I hate cooking!!!

Our family from St.George came and stayed with us for a little less than a week. We only get to see them about two times a year and Sophia had only seen them twice. Sophia LOVED playing with her Uncle Ryan.

We loved spending time with you Ryan. Thanks for keeping us all laughing!!

As most of you know Sophia has not taken much of a liking to my sweet Dad too well. So...I was worried about how she would respond to her other Grandpa. However, much to my relief she did great!!! Grandma and Grandpa Boyce spoiled her with tons of attention and she ate it up all week long!


After moving in to our new house we renovated almost everything in the inside until we ran out of steam (and money). So there remains much to be done outside that we've been putting off. However, now that Aaron had some captive helpers, he and the guys repaired our fence. Yippee! Thanks for spending a portion of your vacation working (in the 100+ heat) on our fence.

You can never be too safe...huh Ryan?????