Husband & Wife Q & A

Saw this on Facebook and its hilarious. Justin is almost spot on...

ASK your Husband these questions and write EXACTLY what they say! 

What’s my favorite color?
You have three- Pink, Brown and Green.

If you bought me one present that would make me uncontrollably excited, what would it?
A puppy... kidding... Cheesecake from the Keg

What’s my current dream car?
Marano

What makes me sad?
Your kids growing

How tall am I?
short as heck

What do I do when I’m alone?
Sleep

What is/was my favourite show?
Dr shows

If I became famous, what would it be for?
Volume of Dr Pepper consumption 

Where can I most likely be found?
In your bed

What is my favorite restaurant?
Anywhere that sells Chicken Wings

Where is one place I don’t like to be?
Crowds

Who’s my favorite person?
Remy

Where would I go for a weekend alone with you?
A museum 

You get a call that I am in trouble, who am I with?
By yourself

What’s my favorite gas station snack?
Dr Pepper and salt and vinger chips

Barkers Questionnaire age 8

1. At what age is a person an adult? Why?

-20. Because your mature.

2. what is one rule that you hate?
-No Electronics whenever you want

3. What is makes your family special?
- I dont know

4. What should you learn before adulthood?
-Math, writing, uh a lot of stuff. School work.

5. Are you a good friend? Why?
- Yes. Uh because I play with my friends when they want to.

6. What would be different if all animals spoke?
-The talking

7. Would you cheat in a game? Why?
-No. 

8. What would you want to be famous for?
-Lacrosse

9. If you could be invisible, what would you do?
-Going into my parents room when they are sleeping.

10. What is the best gift you've received? why?
-my lacrosse stick
11. What is the hardest thing about being a kid?
-school. 

12. Where is your favorite place in the world?
-high river 

13. What rule should everyone follow? why?
-not allowed to break any law.   

Remy Question- age 6

How old are you? Six

How old is mom? 29

What's your favourite colour? Pink

What's your favourite food? Apples

Who's your best friend? Katie

What's your favourite song? Drag me Down

What do you Like to watch? Trolls

What's your favourite animal? Bunny

What's your favourite game? Cover Your Assets

What makes you happy? Mom

Where's your favourite place to go? Grandmas house

What do you Want to be when you grow up? Teacher 

Who loves you the most? Mommy

What does mom do all day? Help old people

What are You scared of? Bad Dreams

Where does money come from? the ground

Where do you live? In High River

What's your favourite number? Eight 

Kalia's Questions- age 12

1. Which would you rather have: $1,000,000 today or 1 cent doubled every day for 30 days? (this teaches your kids about compound interest) 1 million dollars today.
2. If you could have only one superpower, what would it be? Invisibility 
3. Describe yourself in 5 words or less. Athletic, Funny, Determined, Sweet
4. If you could give every person a gift in the world, but if would have to be the same gift, what would that gift be? Money
   
5. Imagine you’re the President and you need to have 3 people to assist you. Who would you pick and why? Mom- someone who is smarter then me, Dad- cause he is as smart as me, and Emma- cause she would be a good friend though it 
6. If you could set one rule for the family that we all have to follow, what would it be? Kalia gets the newest phone
7. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Costa Rica
8. When do you feel a child or teen becomes an adult? 25. Cause your more mature
9. Describe what a perfect day would be from the moment you wake until bed. Waffles for Breakfast, hanging out with friends for most of the day, ending with a bath.
10. If you could change anything in the world, what 3 things would it be and why? A bigger house, more friends, and new clothing.
11. If you could eat dinner with 3 people you don’t know, who would it be? Taylor Swift, Ed Sherron and Shawn Mendez
12. What makes our family amazing that you feel is unique about us? Our athletic abilities- (this made Justin and I laugh out loud) Ya but mom can tackle..
13. What are 3 things are you grateful for in your life? a place to live, family and friends.
14. What’s a hobby that you don’t currently do that you’d love to learn? Surfing
15. If we lost everything we owned today but could keep 3 things, what would you pick and why?  My bed, my phone and my clothing 
16. What do you feel is the hardest job in the world and why? The President 
17. Do you believe money can or can’t buy happiness? Cannot 
18. If you could grow up to be famous, what would you be famous for? Soccer
19. What do you do when you can’t sleep at night? I drink water and read.
20. What product would you stockpile if you found out it wasn’t going to be sold anymore? Clothing

Annaliesse Questionnaire age 11

1. If you won a million dollars, what would you buy? Um I would probably donate 3/4 of it to charity and then save up the rest for my mission.

2. How long does it take to get to Grandpas house? Which Grandpa- about 2 minutes.

3. What is something I always say to you? Um- Get me a Dr Pepper

4. What job would you like to do when you get older?  

5. What is the capital of the US? Ontario 

6. Where do babies come from? Your womb

7. At what age do you become an adult? 18

8. If you could change one rule your family has, what would it be? Sleepovers

9. If you could be a superhero, what superpower would you have? Invisibility 

10. What would you do to save the planet? I would take care of it better. 

11. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Candy

12. How much does it cost to buy a house? Um... $2,000- 10,000

13. Why do you think we should be nice to others? So we don't end up in Jail. 

14. What does love mean to you? Companionship 

15. What are you scared of? Fear itself 

16. What is most important to you? Food

Options at Remote School

Remote School this week included:

Photography- Selfie Skill testing.

Outdoor Ed/Art - painting roasting sticks 

Drama class- year 33 BC

Computer class- led by cousins.

Plus the regular subjects

Of course there was the regular stuff including 

Mommy and Daddy working late one night after dinner on everyones google classroom, to make sure we don't miss anything. 4 kids remote schooling at once is hard for a Daddy.

Grandma doing remote schooling Thursday and Friday as Mom and Dad both have to work. 

Home Ec Makes smoothies

Kalia and Annaliesse went to the school and emptied their lockers. It is kinda heartbreaking to watch this happen in March.

Barker and Remy also had stuff to pick up from Elementary but they weren't allowed in. Justin picked their stuff up for them.

Yoga is a pretty regular physical activity lately at this house- it is usually followed by a smoothie. The kids even made up their own recipe for a smoothie:

Ice

Frozen Straberrys

Yogurt

Yop

An Orange

orange jucie

Banana

dash vanilla 

TBSP sugar. 

This smoothie recipe will feed all 4 of them- and MOST of the time they remember to clean it up.

Boy vs Mud

Ended the weekend with a scratched cornea.

Did you know they no longer cover the eye with a patch? Or give drops?

We didn't either...

Spring brings mud

Boy vs Mud. 

This time mud won.

Sat #2 SD

Saturday #2 Social Distancing.

We took the kids on a walk this morning. 

By the time we got home, 2/4 were mad about something silly.

But it lasted a good 2.5 hours

When we got home Justin and I dove deeper into social distancing and sat alone for a while in the sunroom. 

 Passed 30 minutes.

The kids (Barker and Kalia) got over it and we sat down to play Settlers of Catan.

Mommy won- but lets be real for a minute.

We always sit down in great moods ready to play, but sometimes as the game goes on- the parents give each other the LOOK.

The Look that says "Make someone win please so we can be done." Kalia is not in on the look, she just says it out loud, in a whine while half laying on the table. Annaliesse and Barker argue NO NO we are winning. So whichever parent is closer to the win- we do anything we can to help the win...

Don't lie- I bet you do it to OR you have thought about doing it.

But it passed a good hour and a half.

For dinner we had 8 hot dog buns that needed to be used- a fire pit in the snow sounded reasonable.

Until the water under the burning logs put an end to the fun- along with all the water everywhere around the fire, making it colder and wet. 

But it passed a good 2 hours.

Supper was done earlier then anticipated the kids all showered off the smoke smell

Passed a good hour.

We watched a movie as a family, on Disney Plus. Turns out I don't remember Avatar as good as I thought. Probably wasn't the MOST family appropriate for 12-6 years but they enjoyed it. Added a round of milkshakes and it was bedtime!!! We watched 2/3 of the movie and saved the rest for tomorrow.

Passed a good 2 hours.

Remote School has a Yoga Class

Keeping busy with Mr Moxley at home!

The kids school desk has been working great- Justin is finding it a bit difficult keeping 4 kids busy with school at the same time. When they all have questions at the same time, or one needs constant hand holding, while another goes through work sheets rapid fire. All I can say is, Justin can you get all the bugs worked out before I am back to Full-time Stay at Home Mom April 01- thanks. 😂

Home ec class is going full swing with Annaliesse. She asks to bake all the time, but we need to eat faster or slow down the baking. Good Job Annaliesse.

Barker and Remy working in Art class drawing Baby Yoda and a puppy.

Barker is more of a gym class person...

Our older girls are staying in touch with their friends, FaceTime, Google Classroom and Google Hangout. The hardest part for them I think.

Its been pretty cold outside, so the walks went from twice a day to once a day. SOO they have been doing Yoga class in the living room. Barker didn't join the first day, but did Yoga eventually with everyone. 

A friend posted on Facebook about "Mr M" and it made us both smile. Thank heavens for Social Media- being able to stay in touch with parents who are doing the same things. Laughing at our new "coworkers" and dealing with becoming teachers over night all while reassuring our kids about the new normal for a while. Thanks Jen for being a good friend from afar!

Now a little bit of reality- see Annaliesse's glare and Remy's blotchy face from crying?!?

They are usually so good during the day but there are often tears, or frustration or anger. We are trying really hard to keep our patients as the kids are under stress and change. Remy was crying about  not getting a piece of cucumber and Annaliesse was mad she was mad.... 😔

Tonight for dinner we had Remy's new favourite. Burrito bowls. 

We made Pulled Pork- served it with Rice and toppings- pretty much like Haystacks - but with pork and a Coconut Curry Sauce. Thanks Sissy Bennett for the recipe!

COVID-19 Remote School Day 01

So much for getting way behind on Blogging- then the end of the WORLD happens!

Just kidding. Not the end of the world.

The Beginning of a new normal- for a bit.

Last night,  Sunday March 15 2020 at about 4:30pm the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Education announced that all K to 12 schools in Alberta will be cancelling classes effective immediately and for an indeterminate amount of time. Justin and I were woken up from a Sunday nap by Grandma Chipman texting us to watch the announcement- as her and Grandpa were watching.

Justin and I watched the news unfold on our bed- with the door closed so we could have a few minutes to digest without the kids in ear shot. We were pretty shook and overwhelmed with the news- as I am sure most of Alberta's parents and families were. Finishing the news cast we called the kids in and told them the news. Kalia, at first was thrilled, until we informed her she would still be doing school but with Us in charge. She quickly saw going to school would be much funner.. Annaliesse was bummed right away. Saying "I have to be home ALL THE TIME??" Barker was thrilled- until he to realized friends, soccer at recess and Lacross was also a no go. Remy was stoic. Ok she says and then just listened to her siblings bombard us with questions and concerns.

We answered them as best we could for a bit, until things just kept circling back. At this point we changed directions, and watched a movie as a family! One the kids have not yet seen Mrs. Doubtfire, it was a hit and the kids were soon inthralled (thank heavens). Justin and I settled the kids down, but we both were pretty stressed all evening. 

I had been a Stay at Home Mom for 12 years. I got a temporary full time position for 3 months- and the kids end up doing REMOTE SCHOOL where DADDY has to be the teacher??!? Where he gets our kids full time to teach them, keep the house going and navigate through this crazy pandemic. How did this happen? I was pretty ticked and felt like a terrible mother for Sunday night, while Justin took the evening to wonder how on earth IT happened to him?? 😅😏😐

We took the time to worry and think and stress- until Monday morning when we woke up with a resilient attitude- or as resilient as we could be with out all the information. Praying for Peace in our hearts and in our kids.

This morning I headed into work. I have 2 more weeks of work as a Recreation Therapist at Bow View Manor before my Temporary Full Time Position is over. Justin is home with the kids today, as we knew Friday he didn't have a lot of work this week. 

The commute was dead and I arrived early to work. Got my temperature taken before I was allowed to enter and a day of meetings and change happened, just like last weeks Wed-Fri, constant changing of policy and procedures because of COVID-19. 

Justin had the real work at home. The kids woke up staged and they had a pretty low key morning until they took a walk over to Grandmas and Grandpas to get some Fresh Air and change of scenery. Justin and Grandma watched another news release at 11 by Justin Trudeau, where the douche was late for a national broadcast, at his own house, while the kids did puzzles and watched the news too. 

They headed home and got the basement and basement desk ready for Remote School. I hesitate to state what a big job this was- as our desk is generally over flowing with random objects, the drawers were also full of all sorts of things. The basement itself was in need of a clean. Secretly I am so glad I didn't have to do that!! Justin had the kids read and write for 30 minutes after the clean where he took a sweet "Mr. Moxley video clip!" 😂

Another hour spent outside after this big job was done and the first day of Remote School is over! We have as yet to receive any sort of instruction from the schools- except emails saying they are working on it. 

I got home to a clean house, happy kids and a overwhelmed husband. He says "Day 01 is done- I have no idea how I am going to do this until your done work in 2 weeks."

You got this honey. 

I got this.

The kids got this.

PS We are as prepared as we can be :) Lots of food from our 3 month Food Storage our Church asks us to have, and the frequent store trips Justin has been doing since I started back to work in January. Grandma can help with childcare if we run into problems, and we have toilet paper- even though we didn't buy 20 packages from Costco like lots of people. 

Sacrament Ordinance at Home

Today was our first Sunday with Church Services suspended. We (Uncle Mark and family and us) decided to gather at Grandma and Grandpa for Sacrament and Lunch. Grandma Moxley came out for the morning meeting as well- we were so happy to have her for the morning. 

We sat around the living room, had Opening Song and Prayer, followed by the blessing and passing of the sacrament. It was different doing it in the Living Room, on a plate and in plastic cups but the spirit was there nonetheless. 

A testimony meeting after the sacrament was taken, where the spirit was felt. 

Mommy: Justin and I want the kids to remember this day. Even though we weren't at the church surrounded by our ward family- the Holy Ghost was with us. We partook of the sacrament to renew our covenants with God. The world right now is turning on its end but we know with Faith that all will be well. It will be hard, and different and not what expect all the time, but we will follow Him and continue to live in Faith. The letter form the First Presidency sent out said this " We encourage members in their ministering efforts to care for one another. We should follow the Savior’s example to bless and lift others. We bear our witness of the Lord’s love during this time of uncertainty. He will bless you to find joy as you do your best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in every circumstance." 
How blessed have we been to have a Prophet of God preparing us for this. Home Centred Church Supported worship. We have been working on our Come Follow Me at home and have seen it bless our lives already. Mommy and Daddy love the Lord and we do our best to teach you guys about the Lords love for you. We are striving to teach you to see the Lords hands in our lives. We know he lives.

Daddy: I want to have my kids and family remember this moment in time that we came together as a family, to remember that our Heavenly Father loves us and that if we look to Him and Christ for help. that they will give it to us. Also that we are lead by a prophet of God that has given us revelation, (very recent)  that we need to focus on the family and home centred church. I know that he was truly inspired for preparing us. I am grateful for the strength of my family and the spirit which they carry. I am grateful for the testimony of my mother, and the things that she has taught me. over my life. I know that times will tough and that we will make it thru it. the Lord loves all of us. 

No picture of doing our Sacrament Meeting as it didn't seem appropriate- but here is a picture of Come Follow Me! Grandma Moxley is sitting on my right- and Daddy and Aunt Lindsay on my Left- they are not in this pic, as I was trying to be sneaky.  

I lead the discussion and scripture readings, as Justin and I take turns leading with our little family each week, it was my week. It was a treat to have so many with us this time, as we taught our kids about Jacob when he taught repentance and the importance of family to his people. 

After church we had a super yummy lunch with everyone plus the missionaries. Grandma Moxley headed home and so did we. 

Justin and I had a bit of a Sunday nap- only to be awoken by Grandma texting us school is closed. 

PD Day Friday

Justin worked this Friday- so I took the day off work to watch the kids.

 It was sooo nice to be home with them. They were delightful for the most part. Kalia was in a cleaning mood- she cleaned the basement and the kitchen 3x. 

The other kids played LEGO all morning while I helped a little but really just soaked in being home with them. 

They got done with Lego and Kalia wanted to do an art project- so Remy found a book in her room, 52 crafts to do. So she took it to Kalia and they choose a craft to do. It was hard to let them paint in the kitchen Kalia just cleaned- I said Yes anyways.

Pictures turned out cute- wrong season girls but cute.

Daddy got home early and was attacked. Everyone was happy to be together as a family. Piling on the rocker- but being careful this time NOT to tip over. Tipping over with that many people on was so scary to watch- someone could have been easily hurt and Great Grandma Chipmans chair broken.

We played RISK this afternoon- using it as a tool to teach the kids about the COVID 19 pandemic. Simple teaching tool, simple words, constant reassuring while playing... parenting win. On the flip side, RISK is the WORST game to play with kids. Barker cried before we even started- Remy got board and Kalia did her best to egg everyone on.... parenting fail. We lasted an hour before the tears were too much.

Justin and I went over to the Smiths for a games night with Buchanan's. So much laughing and food- played 2 games that we have never played before that were hilarious. Utter nonsense takes a lot of courage and self awareness to play but man did it make us laugh. Gestures was definitely NOT a game to play boys against girls- one team was royally spanked....

 

Snapshots

Grandma got her Left hand opperated on this last week. The kids were thinking about her, but really just wanted to see the blood and gore. First thing Remy asked when she heard me talking to Grandma about the surgery, was "can I see a picture of it?" They remembered the blood and stitches from the other one, so they wanted a peek. Grandma hadn't taken the wrappings off yet, but Remy was instant. So Grandpa sent Remy a pic of Grandma.

We had the family over for a BBQ Tuesday night, along with the Missonaries. Our house isn't as big as Moms and Dads- we can't seat 16 people in our dinning room, so Grandpa and Daddy were going to eat in the living room. Grandpa stepped on the smallest, sharpest toy we have- THE ONLY TOY out on the floor and almost went down like a bag of bricks. He managed to catch the plate but all the food on it went flying. It was pretty funny, as I got to see the whole thing. A quick clean up with jokes all around.

Grandma and Grandpa just got new carpet and they have been VERY careful with it- then they come over and spill food all over our carpet!!! 😂😂

Things like this have been on the back burning with me working. The kids clothing was in dire need of going through, particularly Annaleisses and Remy's. Remy for a long time was in the awckard Size 5 and some size 6. Then all of sudden half her wardrobe didn't fit. Her closet was packed and it was getting a bit crazy with the amount of laundry she was generating on her own. Annaliesse is changing from an ONLY LEGGINGS type to a sometimes other pants type, and she is growing in the shirt area. We got the bins out one evening I had extra energy- and with Justins help we got a handle on it. The joys of parenting- these are the types of things no one prepares you for....

Grade 7 Ball

Left to Right: 

Coach Lee, Grace, Olivia, Georgia, Ashlynn, Hannah, Jade, Coach Holiday

Faith, Kaylee, Kalia, Allyssa 

Senator Riely Grade 7 Girls Basketball Team is done for 2019/2020 season.

They made it to the semi-finals but weren't able to push through to the finals.  

The girls worked hard this year, with most of them playing a team sport for the first time ever. Learning a lot in the first couple games, learning to work together as a team and getting over some hiccups with getting along.  We, as parents, are so proud of the hard work you have been in this year. The early practices, the injures and the teamwork. Good Job ladies- we can't wait until NEXT YEAR!

Sunday- Home Centred Church Supported

Our Prophet, President Russel M Nelson, implemented Come Follow Me, Home Centred Church supported Church 1 year and 3 months ago. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went from a 3 hour block of church to 2 hours with the other hour being spent at home doing the new Come Follow Me program. Moving the focus to home centred gospel study.

"The new home-centered and church-supported curriculum needs to influence more powerfully family religious observance and behavior and personal religious observance and behavior," Elder Cook said. "We know the spiritual impact and the deep and lasting conversion that can be achieved in the home setting. Years ago, a study established that for young men and women the influence of the Holy Ghost most often accompanies individual scripture study and prayer in the home. Our purpose is to balance the church and the home experience in a way that will greatly increase faith, spirituality and deepen conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Last year Come Follow Me focused on The New Testament. This year the focus is on the Book of Mormon. Last year was our learning year with this new program- we did it often with the kids but not as regularly as we would have liked. We missed more weeks than we would have liked, and had a learning curve doing it at home every week.

This year has been much more successful in our little family. Justin and I have both gained a stronger testimony of Come Follow Me, and made it a priority in our house. We have also found things that help our kid focus and bribe them occasionally. Remy is reading verses on her turns, and doing so well. Barker is following along and being able to answer questions past the primary answers (not always hahaha he's 8). Annaliesse is focusing and being able to interpret the scriptures more and more. Kalia is having a harder time then others- but things are getting easier for her. We are so blessed to be led by a Prophet of God in this modern day.