That's Classic-Jan 8, 2021
Well, actually there wasn't a lot of excitement in January, which is what I love about January. However, we did need an outing. For Christmas, Graham got some wheels he can clip onto his shoes, but there isn't anywhere he can try them out. Ya know, like being able to take them off some sweet jumps. I wondered where I could take him. Classic Skating came to my mind. I texted Lindsey Taylor to see if they would be up for an outing, which they were—Charlie had turned 14 earlier in the week so this could sort of be a party for that. It was so great to visit. Well, as best as we could with masks and being in a kid fun-zone.
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Ollie would run up to tell us something all sweaty but still wearing his mask. If we were willing to put up with all of that, we must have needed a night out! It was great. We all went home with a smile on our faces.
There was a guy working so hard. Clearing and wiping tables, sweeping the floor. I thought what a dreadful job that would be and yet how much I appreciated him doing it. When we asked a lady to take a group photo of us at the end of the night she said, "I took two because the janitor was in the background." I think I like the one with him in it. 
Feeling Puzzled
January is a great month for a puzzle! We got this 1,000-piece puzzle for Christmas. Ava and Katrina helped put the border together but then they had to fly away. This left Callie pretty overwhelmed whenever she looked at it. We have never attempted a thousand-piece puzzle before.
On a Saturday in January, I decided to help out. While movie after movie played on Disney Plus, I worked on the puzzle. Callie came over and was blown away by the progress. It was a good one! This gave her the steam to press on and she finished the rest nearly by herself. One night, after yet another movie She said, "I just want to finish this one section before bed." I came over and started plunking away. We could not stop! Graham kept coming out of his room, "It's getting late you guys."
"Just a few more minutes," we promised.
"You GUYS the light is bothering me."
"We won't be much longer."
Couldn't stop!
When I told this to Katrina she said, "I know what you mean, I was really enjoying doing it, myself."
We left the finished product on the table in the basement. Then Grayson said he was hosting a party. We didn't want soda splashed on the puzzle. Everyone wondered how we might get it to the dining room table.
Next thing you knew I was carrying it upstairs like a hanging quilt! The pieces locked together so beautifully; you could actually lift it up!
I don't know what is happening here, but this was the last time I brought my phone to church. Since the Hymn Books aren't out, I use my phone to pull up the Hymns. However, I am too paranoid of them playing when I am unaware. Instead, I use Matt's Mission Hymn Book and my Grandpa's Mission Hymn Book. Every time we open it, we smile that baby Callie also scratched her name into it.
An Unexpected Friday
"Ghee, That's Nice"
Callie is such a help to me. She gets started on dinner for me sometimes or helps me tie baby quilts. I was SO behind on baby blankets for people in my neighborhood (well, now it's for their grandchildren) that I took this winter to catch up. Who cares that the baby is now nearly a year old, right?
Sometimes, I get texted a picture of the "ghee-ghee" in use:)
Super (close call) Bowl
Matt had an especially busy Sunday. The boys didn't want to start the game without him, so they had it recording. We spent the day making our favorite foods. Graham made his delicious pretzels; Callie and I made a chocolate silk pie with truffles. I made scalloped potatoes. We had our party dips and chips ready to go on a table downstairs with specialty drinks. Graham even got the grill all ready to go. All Matt had to do when he came home was fry up the steaks while I steamed the edamame. Matt came home feeling famished. We were all very much looking forward to our little party at home. After we blessed the food and dished up, the boys headed downstairs. I heard the doorbell (oh no), Callie answered. It was a friendly neighbor bringing a belated Christmas card. He came into the kitchen. I could tell he was up for a visit. But it just wasn't a good time! I chatted as I dished him up a plate. I then proceeded to visit with him to the front door. I opened it, he stepped out, and I thanked him for stopping by. Downstairs, Matt thanked me profusely for giving him the night off!
Climb Like a Monkey, Walk Like a Man
Callie has been getting her energy out at the Fit Stop this winter at Ninja Camp. Wednesday is rock-climbing, Friday is Cross-training. Callie enjoys it when she beats the boys in a plank or wall sits.
Sometimes she is needed to walk on Dad's back. I decorated my living room tree in pinks on purpose. I knew I wouldn't get around to taking it down before Valentine's.
When Matt finally got home (from IDAHO), we enjoyed a candlelight Italian dinner, just the four of us. When we sent this picture to the Boca's chat, Mallerie wondered, "No big heart-shaped sugar cookies?!" The truth was, no there weren't! Callie helped make the dough, but instead of chilling it, she froze it. It took a loooong time to defrost. Then it was crumbly and wouldn't roll out. We pressed the dough into a sheet pan and called it good.
And they were!
