So Sunday the 9th was Fast Sunday. We were all fasting especially for Rose and Jared. Well after church and all my meetings I came home and started making wheat bread. I was planning to call Rose to see how she was doing but wanted to wait until Jared left (he was leaving on a business trip that afternoon). Well I had my phone still on silent so I didn't hear it ring but I happened to see the screen light up showing there was a voicemail. I checked the message and it was Rose. I called her back and she asked us to come out. I grabbed the dough and we left. I called Pauline and she was on her way as well.
When we got there we tried to help w/ the kids and comfort Rose. While Rose was at church w/ 2 of the kids Jared basically packed up his stuff and left. He had his step father come over until Rose came home to stay w/ the other 2 girls but still. Pauline got there shortly after and we all helped w/ the girls, I baked the bread, helped get them dinner, and get them ready for bed later. Rose then let us know what was going on. We decided to stay the night w/ her and Pauline to make sure she'd be safe. Steve gave her a blessing and later rededicated the house. After hearing what's been going on we let her know our thoughts on the situation and after the blessing it was clear that she needed to file for a divorce.
The next day we helped her get some things done and help w/ the girls. Luckily Sophia had warmed up to Steve from times before as we've tended them so she was his best friend and loved to play with him :) I called work and took the day off so I could be there to help. Luckily they were really understanding of the situation. My mom showed up Monday night as well so we headed out since we had work and school the next day.
Steve putting some clothes on the doll w/ Summer (it's tape actually)
Good uncle Steve w/ Sophia
That week was pretty chaotic for us; I can only imagine what it was like for Rose. I was somehow able to finish my project during the week, then that weekend we went back to Rose's to stay w/ her. We went up Friday after work and stayed over night, then hurried back down Saturday for Carrie's wedding. The weather was beautiful for an outdoor wedding thankfully. It was held in Melanie's backyard. We helped get the last minute things set up and ready. The whole afternoon/evening turned out fantastic! It was a beautiful wedding/reception.
Carrie walking down the isle w/ Dave
All the siblings: Jeff, Stacie, Carrie, Melanie and Steve....so cute ;)
Steve and I at Carrie's wedding
Right after the wedding we came home, grabbed a couple more things, then headed out to Rose's again to be w/ her. We tried to help w/ meals, keeping the girls entertained and trying to let Rose sleep. Her neighbors and friends in the ward were helpful as well and very willing to help out. Sunday night we had planned to go to LuDean's for the family get together. Dave invited Rose, my mom and the girls to come out also. It was our Halloween party so they all dressed up.
Rose and the girls dressed up in their Halloween costumes
We had dinner and played Halloween bingo and got LOTS of goodies. I think we all had a GREAT time! Thanks ;)
The next week I took my final and finished up my Event Planning class; that felt good to get done! We also had a RS activity of candy making. We had a really good turn out and I think all who came enjoyed themselves. I also went over home/visiting teaching w/ my VT Coordinator and the Elders. It went really well.
The weekend of the 22nd-23rd we went back up to the cabin to finish staining the deck. Steve picked me up after work and we headed up through Parley's Canyon. We stopped in Heber to get some gas a quick bite to eat then were one our way. Dave wasn't too far behind us so after we got the fire going, water turned on and unpacked he was there. We watched a movie that night then went to bed.
Fire going at the cabin
The next morning Steve and Dave went out on the boat fishing, and I slept in of course. I then worked on getting some things started for our branch Christmas Party. I then made some lunch for them (Stuffed Peppers) when the got back.
Such a hard life fishing
After lunch we went out and stained the deck. Dave/Brandon had done the outer part several weeks before but had never finished. Steve and I weren't able to make it up that time so we wanted to be able to help out.
Looks so much better!!!
Hoping it drys quickly.....
Steve and Dave having so much fun....almost done ;)
See the difference between the newly stained deck and the old deck?
This last week of the month has been so cold!!! And since it was cold I caught a little cold. So, Monday, the 24th, after work I decided it was time to make soup. We had some broccoli and potatoes, so I decided to make cheesy broccoli potato soup. I added some celery too; it was yummy! Steve picked up some bread bowls after fishing w/ his cousin Greg. It was pleasantly surprised how well the soup turned out!
Steve and Greg fishing up Big Cottonwood Canyon
Tuesday Steve went back up to the cabin w/ Dave to winterize it. Since the weather was getting a LOT colder he figured he couldn’t wait for the weekend so they’d better go up. They left in the morning and were able to get back in the afternoon. It worked out well since Steve doesn’t have class on Tuesdays.
Steve doing homework w/ Bailey and his knee brace on. He's going to have surgery on his knee ligaments in December btw. We're praying it fixes his knee problems, specifically from his knee popping out all the time.
After work I decided to make pumpkin gingerbread. It turned out really well also. I also had my 2 counselors over to discuss the Branch Christmas Party. We got a lot done and decided to do a theme from the Primary song “Picture a Christmas.” We decided to focus more on the Savior instead of Santa and gifts. I think it’s going to turn out really well. I’ve got great counselors helping out so I know it’ll turn out great! We have a great start and are on our way. The class I just took, event planning, is going to come in handy. It’s helped me organize the different pieces of an event and make sure you don’t miss something important.
Speaking of my Event Planning class, I finished that last week and got my grades this week. I somehow finished my course project paper the day before Carrie’s wedding, the 14th, with everything going on. I got an A on my paper. I also took my final the week after I turned in my paper and got an A on that too. So, overall I got an A in the class; yeah!!! I have only 2 more classes to go. Since I wouldn’t get a full refund for my 5th class this yr I’ve decided to wait til January to take my next class. I figured I my as well as wait and get full reimbursement and enjoy the holidays too! Plus I’ll be busy with planning the Christmas Party and whatnot so the break from school will be nice.
Wednesday after work I did some grocery shopping then met w/ President Thorup and the Elder’s Quorum to go over new home and visiting teaching assignments for November. Things went well and we were done in about 1 hr; record time!
Thursday I made biscuits and gravy since I was craving sausage and I know Steve loves it. I then decided to go play volleyball at the stake one more time. It was a lot of fun. I got my knees skinned up again but it was worth it. I miss playing volleyball.
Friday the 28th, we had a casual day at work so I decided to organize a team potluck. I made mom's sugar cookies and even had orange Koolaid frosting to put on top. They turned out great! We had everyone bring different things (hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, veggies, fruit, cake, cookies, pop, chips, etc). It turned out really well actually. A lot of people said it was the best they’d ever had. Steve picked me up after work and we went to the SLC Temple and did initiatories. It was a really neat experience.
After the temple we met Carrie at our place, jumped in her car, then went to Red Robin’s where we met Dave and Joann. It was Dave’s birthday so we decided to go eat out and celebrate. It was fun just talking and relaxing. It was good to hear about Carrie’s honeymoon adventures in Jamaica too. They went scuba diving! For Dave’s birthday we had them bring sing to him and they brought him out apple crisp and ice cream; yumm. We then went back to Dave’s place and watched his new movie “Captain America” with Dave, Joann and Rob. It was pretty good actually. I think you’d love it Dad. :)
Saturday I got to sleep in while Steve went w/ Dave and Rob back up to the cabin to get the other boat. They decided by bringing it down here it would create more room in the garage up at the cabin and they could go fishing down here if they really wanted to. While he was gone I ended up cleaning and doing laundry. Not the most fun thing in the world but it’s got to be done. After he got back we went to Ross to return a shirt for me and ended up finding some black boots that I really like. We then went back home and I made homemade pizza w/ wheat dough. I made enough dough to make breadsticks too. They all turned out really good. The wheat was definitely more filling than white bread. We watched a movie and went to bed.
Sunday I had meetings like usual and church. After church we took a short nap, then I made more sugar cookie dough. We then went up to Dave/Joann's for dinner. Carrie and Ryan had made turkey burgers for dinner and invited us up too. They were great! After dinner I rolled out the dough and made pumpkin shaped cookies then we decorated them w/ orange Koolaid frosting, candy corn and sprinkles. It was a lot of fun.
Steve's sugar cookie he decorated
Well Steve is at the ER tonight for his EMT class so I'm just home taking it easy. I made some sweet and sour chicken and am trying to get caught up on this blog. Wow!!! What an eventful month. Bring on November.... Less than a month away til Steve's 26th birthday now. Yeah :)
