New Years Eve

New Year's Eve was a whirlwind. At first we weren't even sure how long we'd be there. After talking it over, we decided that we could stay and head out in the morning. With that news, we made a few plans and waited for things to get started.

First off, I started the morning with our last girls outing for our trip. Christy and Shantelle picked me up bright and early and we went out to breakfast at the Rusted Spoon across from Winco. I had been to the one out in Perry and looked forward to breakfast. When we sat down our waitress came over got us some drinks and then took our order. While we waited we just talked about everything going on. It was more of what we did at the hot pots. It was just nice to sit down and relax with the girls.

When our food came, we jumped in. It all smelled so good and tasted even better than it smelled. The only thing I didn't like was the hashbrowns. They were okay, but not as flavorful. While eating we started to joke around about having babies together. I laughed, but they continued to talk about it. Eventually, it came out that Shantelle is actually pregnant. I apparently missed the transition and felt pretty dumb. Gave her a big hug and asked how she was feeling. The conversation moved on and sadly our breakfast was coming to an end. At least it wasn't the end of hanging out. We all went home to get our kids and then headed to Christy's house.

Hunter had planned a relaxing day for his mom and wanted all of us to be involved. He even called both Shantelle and I to finalize plans. It was planned as an all-day movie party. After being dropped off, I grabbed my kids, we went and grabbed some treats, and then headed to Christy's house. When we got there, they were already having some fun playing games and running around. Our kids had no problem jumping in and having fun. Despite the plan being a movie day, things didn't go as planned. The kids didn't want to stop playing, so the three of us adults watched a movie we wanted to watch.

When the movie was over, we let the kids play for a little bit longer, but not too long, we sadly had to get going. So we had the kids clean up and then said our goodbye until next time. The kids were crying and didn't want to leave. I felt bad, but we all reassured them that it wouldn't be the last time.

When we got home, we grabbed some lunch, and shortly after Jeff, Tiffany, and their kids had arrived. We quickly cleaned up our lunch mess and got ready to play some games. Jeff brought a handful that we could play for the night. All of which we had never played before. It was a blast. We loved one so much, that I actually went onto Amazon and ordered it. As the night went on, we stopped playing to have dinner. Mom made her traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, which were delicious,, and then we had goodies to munch on the rest of the night. We played our games while the kids were in the other room playing Jackbox TV games. They were busting out laughing and it seemed like they were having as much fun as we were. 

Eventually, the time went on and it was time to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We finished up our game, cleaned things up, said goodbye, and then went downstairs to get to bed. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

Last Visit

With our goal of visiting family and friends as much as possible while in Utah, we had another visit planned with Nelson and Deann. Before leaving Georgia we had planned to do dinner and games at their house. When we got to Utah those plans changed. Nelson's adopted sister (I think it was his sister, maybe adopted step-sister) had passed away and her viewing and funeral were being held on the day that we had planned to go up to their place. We still wanted to be able to visit them, so we decided to change our plans.

Ben was now attending the viewing, funeral, and graveside service. He asked if the kids and I wanted to go and I told him that it would just be easier keeping the kids away than hearing them complain about attending a funeral. So when it was time, we all headed for the viewing. We all went inside for a few minutes to pay our respects, but when they started to get things ready for the funeral, that was the kids and I cue to hit the road. 

While they were at the funeral, the kids and I went and ran some errands. We grabbed some chips to go with the dip we had made, some drinks, and a dessert. We went to The Cupcake Shoppe which sells the best decadent cupcakes ever. We grabbed a variety and then individual treats for each of the kids. As soon as we were done, we headed back to the funeral home just in time to see the procession pull out of the parking lot. We took a U-turn and headed to the cemetery.

We got to the cemetery before the procession. I drove around hoping that I would find the gravesite. Luckily, after a few turns, I was able to find the popup canopy and found a place to park. We waited a few minutes for everyone else to pull up. When they did, we got out and followed them to where she was being laid to rest. It was cold, misty, and windy, I just wanted them to hurry up as bad as that may sound. After standing out there for almost 20 minutes, they finally got things going. Once the graveside prayer was done, the kids and I booked it to the car and waited for everyone else to follow them to the church for the luncheon/dinner.

When we got to the church I felt bad. They had things set up and ready to go for at least 40 or so people, and there was maybe half that. Once everyone was seated, they had a prayer and everyone went and got a plate. It was good and with so much leftover, if you went hungry it was your own fault. When everyone had had their fill, they even told everyone to go ahead and take leftovers home. That one took me by surprise. But they had some takers. When we were done, we got in the car and headed up to Nelson and Deann's house. 

When we got up there we pulled out some snacks; crackers, chips, dips, and the very yummy cupcakes. After everything was pulled out, we nibbled and visited. We were also given a few gifts to open from Grandma. As we did so we kept getting winter weather warnings about a storm coming in. With the constant annoyance of the warnings, we finally decided that we would call it a night. We didn't stay as long as we had wanted, but it was good that we left. It was really coming down and had we stayed longer who knows what we would have been driving through. So we said our goodbyes and loaded up in the car to head home.

I was glad Ben was driving. It was snowing and almost hard to see out of the window in front of us. Ben went slow and made sure that we made it home safe and sound. Once home, we all went to bed.

Pop

Aunt Cindy always gives us the coolest little toys for the holiday, even for the adults. In Nana and Papa's gift bag, they got a fidget pop ball. The kids had a blast trying to get all the pop dots pushed in and to stay in. No one was able to. They passed it around and around taking multiple turns. Finally after many turns, William was the one who was able to get all the dots pushed in and stay in. It made me laugh when everyone was so made that the youngest of the cousins was able to figure out how to make it work. It was awesome.

Baptism cont.

When he got home, William cleaned up and asked if he could open up his gifts. We told him yes and he brought his gifts into the bedroom. One by one, he opened each one. He was so excited with each one. He got a new set of scriptures, case, stickers, treats, and more.

Baptism

The day finally arrived, and our youngest is getting baptized. We had to make special arrangements (coordinating with both bishops, getting the necessary paperwork, scheduling the building, and putting together and printing a program) for him to be baptized in Utah during Christmas break. All of it would be worth it for him to be baptized with all of his family there instead of just us and that is exactly how he wanted it. He even helped me put together the program and picked everyone that he wanted to participate. It was going to be great.

Today all of our efforts paid off. We showed up at the church building and were greeted by Bishop Budge. He was able to direct Ben to the closet so he could get the baptismal clothes for himself and William. We of course snapped some pictures before and after and once everyone was there and ready we got started. 

Baptism of William Scott Sagez

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

 

Presiding………………………………………………………………….…………………….……Bishop Budge

Conducting………………………………………………………………….………………………Bishop Budge

Pianist…………………………………………………………………………………………...Jenny Dee (Aunt)

Chorister……………………………………………………………………….…..….…..Jerilyn Sagez (Mom)

 

Opening Song…………………………………………………………….………………….4^th Article of Faith

Opening Prayer………………………………………………………………….…….…......Lani Hall (Nana)

 

Talk on Baptism…………………………………………………………….…………….Karen Sagez (Aunt)

 

Baptism of William

Witness Gabbi Sagez and Owen Sagez (siblings)

 

Talk on Holy Ghost…………………………………………………………………….…Tiffany Hall (Aunt)

 

Confirmation of William

 

Closing Remarks…………………………………………………………………………………..Bishop Budge

Closing song……………………………………….………………….………………….When I am Baptized

Closing Prayer………………………………………………….……..….…..Angela Venable (Grandma)

Everything went great and as planned. William had a smile from ear to ear. He was so happy that everyone said yes when he asked them to be a part of his program and even happier that so many people had come to witness this special night. The best part he said was how he felt when it was all done and he was officially the newest member of the church. He said he loved it and would do it again.

When all was said and done we went into the gym and had cookies and water as a refreshment. The kids of course ran around the gym after finishing their cookies, while others visited. We made sure that William went around the room giving hugs and telling everyone thanks for coming. He happily did so and loved every last hug.

Christmas with Annie

Today was our final Christmas party with Annie. The party was at Beth and Parker's. After a playdate with Taycina and her kids, we headed towards Taylorsville. We were the first ones there, to bide the time they pulled out their new VR games. The kids had never played on one before and were really excited. They first challenged them to the elevator simulation. They didn't tell them exactly what it was, and it was a good thing too. When the elevator door opens and you start to walk out, you find yourself walking on a high-rise beam. It was funny to watch each of them completely hesitate to walk out of the elevator. After they each braved the elevator, they got to play a fun game; Beat Saber. They all loved it.

When everyone finally arrived, we had a blessing on the food and then all sat down to eat. Everyone contributed to our dinner and all of it tasted great. When we were done eating, we all pitched in to clean up so we could play a game. This year, our gift game was bingo. When you get a bingo, you get to pick a present. The kids were really excited and couldn't wait to play. We each grabbed a card and a handful of M&M's and waited for the numbers to be called. One by one bingo's rang out. 

When everyone had their gift, we all opened them to see what was inside. There were a wide variety of different things. There were some games, candy, toys, and oddly enough a wine voucher. That one made me laugh because Ben ended up with that one. It was a different way to play the gift exchange and I think everyone liked it. After everyone was done opening their gifts, it was time to head home. We had the kids go around the room and say goodbye and thank you before heading out.

Christmas with Nelson and Deann

Tonight, we were getting together with Nelson, Deann, and the rest of the family. It's been a very long time since we've all been together. Even Cody and his little family were joining us tonight. I would dare say, we were all looking forward to it. Tonight's festivities were at Brian and Karen's place. They were providing the main dish, smoked pork, and everyone else brought different sides. When everyone got there, it all looked so good. We gathered in the kitchen and had a blessing on the food and then everyone dished up.

While eating, we were all catching up, especially with Cody and his girlfriend. They announced that they were expecting a new little one to their family. It was exciting to hear all that has and will be happening to their family. When we were done eating and visiting, we gathered in the front from for gifts and then to take some pictures. Since we were all there, it seemed like a great time to take family pictures with everyone.

When we were done with pictures, we all did pretty much whatever. We visited with different people or played games. The kids played foosball with Nelson. It was so much fun to watch them play and interact with each other and Nelson. They were having a blast. When all was said and done, we said goodbye until next time.

Outfits

Today we were going to Church with Nana and Papa. I didn't have the kids pack church clothes because I knew they would be getting an outfit for Christmas. They all happily got ready and put on their new Christmas clothes. When we were all ready for church, we took a few pictures in front of the Christmas trees before heading out.

Games

After everything was done, was all went our separate ways. We didn't have anywhere to go, so we just chilled with Mom and Dad. We watched a movie and even had time for a little nap. Later on, Jeff and Tiffany came back, and we played games and munched on leftovers from Christmas Eve. It was so much fun. You don't truly realize how much you miss someone/multiple someone until you're gone and moved away. I don't was Christmas break to end.