A Morales Minute

 I went to the temple today to do an endowment session with my Aunt Laurel who is visiting and staying at my parents for a few days. Mom and Dad were leading the session so it was fun for all four of us to be in there. It was a very full session of women. There were 31 women and 8 men! 39 of the 40 seats were full. I've been in sessions and lead sessions that had 42-46 people (folding chairs were brought in to accommodate after 40). But never have had this many sisters.  I used to have such anxiety going to the temple. So nervous about remembering what I was supposed to do and say. Being a temple worker definitely has helped ease that now that I know what to do and say more easily. It makes it so that I can focus on the words more and not stress about what's next. After I crossed into the Celestial room I had the overwhelming feeling of how happy I felt. The thought came to my mind, "Being prepared makes such a difference." I thought yes it does! I felt better prepare...

Night swims!  Laying out in the sun during the day!  I like coming to Arizona because the evenings it's still warm outside that we can be out playing and having a good time but not sweltering hot. The days are so hot but it's great to be out poolside and then dip in the pool to cool off.  Koda has picked his person between Marty and Diana. He likes to follow Diana when I'm not around. It's cute that she likes him too.  June 26th  Keeping up with our goal of going to the temple to do baptisms every month this year! Tyler has wanted to go to the Mesa temple since we came to the Easter Pageant. We made it happen this month. It was great that Christy dropped off Makaela so she could join us.  Every time we go someone comments on our boys. They're such good kids.  Handsome boys.  After the temple we went to spend the day at Darin and Christy's. Christy provided a yummy lunch and we enjoyed catching up with her and the girls. And spending time with thei...

Crazy story today...so we get to the airport, get all checked in at the counter. The guy at the counter checked my pet carrier bag with Koda in it. Asked him to turn around and he did. (What an obedient dog.) Koda was cleared to fly. Next we went through security. I had to take Koda out of the bag and carry him through security while his carrier went through the bag check. All clear there. Koda climbed back inside his bag so good. We walk to the gate and wait to board. As I go to board the lady at the gate said Koda looked too big for his carrier. She asked the other girl at the gate and she agreed. They said Koda couldn't fly. Not only does he have to be able to turn around in his bag but also be able to stand up in the bag. Well he can't. He's too tall. So apparently, pets have to be able to have all the space in the world to move and stand and sit while on a plane but not us humans. We're packed in small spaces like sardine. The lady at the gate started putting in th...

Breakfast for Jaime. Banana pancakes, bacon, hash browns and OJ.  Aidan and Tyler wanted to make cookies with Jaime for Father's Day. I thought it was such a sweet gesture. Olivia was a bit bummed she couldn't be here for it as she feels it's been a thing for her and Jaime to make chocolate chip cookies together. I told her she's here in spirit. The kids all called Jaime to wish him a Happy Father's Day. We need to enjoy these last few years of having kids home for these smaller holidays. Before I know it we won't have any of them here for them.  P.S. Can't believe I didn't get a picture of Jaime with the boys! 

This year I don't think Aidan has changed much physically. lol He's really enjoyed his sophomore year though. He loved his history class and stem classes.  Aidan will be starting Running Start at CBC this year. He's going to be done with high school before I know it! If there's anyone I can think of who will do as you ask, it's Aidan. He's always so willing and responsible to get something done if I need him to. He's seriously the most chill kid I have. Always respectful and loving.  Tyler has grown and matured and learned a lot this year. He LOVED football of course but turns out he really enjoys DECA. He's the life of the party. One of the DECA advisors told Jaime how Tyler just lights are the room, or van, for any DECA meeting or trip. He loved going to a Mariners and Trailblazers game. Competing at DECA state in Seattle was a big learning experience for him. He's eager to improve and go again next year.  Last day of his Freshman year. Tyler is go...

It's that time of year where we're gone several evenings or weekend afternoons attending different high school graduation parties/open houses. Since Jaime is the principal he gets quite a few and then we always get invites to attend those of kids in our ward or stake.  Jaime completed another school year and conducted his fourth high school graduation. Their timing is incredible. Having the largest school in the state and Jaime keeps graduation to 60 minutes. There are schools so much smaller where graduation is a couple hours! Even the graduates don't want to be there that long. It was nice for me to be able to watch it from home this time.  Once graduation is done, Jaime always feels the stress of that event lift off his shoulders. I only wish he could have the evening to rest and recover but unfortunately, he's at the senior class party now. He definitely needs the next day to recover.   

Isaac, Lindsey, Olivia, and Emma came home for Memorial Day weekend! I loved having them here. We had fun playing games.  Aidan was at a friends house for game night so we wasn't here this time. But Makayla came and joined in the fun! She comes over so that Olivia can have time with her and family. I love it! But he was here when we played guess the song. It was a fun game. Everyone enjoyed trying to guess it first. Depending on the topic some were pretty easy to guess (Disney) and some were pretty hard, like from movies that were pretty old.  I glad they want to come home. I hope they always know they're welcome and will want to come often. We like having special nights like this where everyone just laughs and enjoys being together.   

Only Aidan can get Koda to sit in any position. The silly dog doesn't squirm to get out either!  

Jaime and boys brought me breakfast in bed this morning. French toast is still a favorite.  I love my boys. I feel so blessed to be a mom. Missing my girls but that's another part of my blessing as a mother, I have children to miss when they're gone! We had Mom and Dad over for dinner. It was nice to be able to visit with them and show mom a little Mother's Day love.  The other three hooligans Facetimed me! I it made my day they thought of me today and wanted to spend some time talking with me. Gosh I miss them all so much! I will admit that having them all together does help ease my heart some. They do a great job of taking care of one another.   

another day at the temple! Holding to our monthly temple trips with the boys. Every time we go someone comments on our wonderful boys. Such great young men.   

Sometimes I wonder if the kids will get bored of doing this every year but they don't! They all look forward to it.  May the 4th be with you! The boys set up the Star Wars decor and helped label the food items.  Nothing like a good light saber fight.  Such a fun and tasty tradition celebrating! I'm not sure anyone can decide if they like May the 4th or Cinco de Mayo dinner better. Family traditions are the best!