Perry’s 16th Birthday!

 

Perry is Permitted!

 Perr Bear has his drivers permit!! He passed and is so relieved! Let’s go Perry! 

“I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints…”

 Thought of the day…

Pres. Nelson- “What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement.”

This quote was part of my Sunday school lesson yesterday. Since being a missionary I have made it my personal mission to correct the use of “Mormon” as the church’s name. Two full decades before Pres. Nelson called out for a course correction! It’s hard to change that idea in people’s minds; I still correct people and state that we are Christians! But it can be a frustrating task. Yet after reading this quote I will keep doing it every time because I never want to “disregard” my Savior, His name, or His atoning sacrifice for me. ❤️

This is THE church of Jesus! The only one with His valid priesthood power. HE leads it! HE designed it. HE is the owner of it. And He wants us to be His through the saving ordinances His church offers. So…

When we say the name of the Church, never rush to get it out; let’s say it with the reverence & respect Jesus Christ deserves. “The Church of Jesus Christ […pause here to let the name of Jesus sink in…] of Latter-Day Saints.” 

We belong. ❤️

Day 4 Nashville & Columbus Fall Break

 

Ooey gooey cinnamon rolls bakery.

Day 3 Brown county Fall Break 2025

 What a fun day! We bought Subway sandwiches to pack for a picnic lunch in the park. We stopped at the same place we'd been 10years earlier. It was fun to remember that time when the kids were all little. They don't remember it (except reading it in the blog), but it was nostalgic for me & dad. We drove up the steep parts of the road further up and parked. Then we rode our bikes up the mountain to a nature center. We enjoyed the bird sanctuary and saw several different kinds of birds: House Finches, Cardinals, Woodcocks, Goldfinches, Mourning Doves, Red-winged Blackbirds, and White-Breasted Nuthatches. We also watched the squirrels compete for the bird seed. One squirrel in particular was trying to work around the "squirrel-proof cones" meant to prevent them from getting to the seed. A group of people had gathered in the observing area with us. They too were watching the same squirrel: it ran up a tree, down a very thin branch, and leapt on top of the roof of the bird feeder. Everyone cheered and clapped! It was funny!

The views were so pretty on this ride. We stopped near the tower we climbed the other day to hang out on the open grassy area. We had snacks and played frisbee for awhile. We rode back down to the van. I opted to ride back down the rest of the way, and Perry came with me. It was really fun to go down so fast and take in the beautiful trees and fall colors! The weather was perfect today and the breeze on the way down was refreshing. It was fun to do that with my Perr. 

After showering we watched more "Next Gen Chef: CIA". Then we walked around some more shops where I saw some beautiful Christmas Nativities (thinking about buying one). We walked further to have dinner at the Brown County Inn. It was a cool old lodge with some really good food. We enjoyed the path there on Salt Creek Trail. They had cool games outside the Inn like shuffle board and mini golf. They only played one hole: the metal loopy-loop. :) We'd never seen a hole like that. It was cool, but loud! ha ha

We headed back to the rental and watched a show snuggling together. Then went to bed; crashed actually cuz we were all tired!

Day 2 Brown county Fall Break 2025

Our first full day was great! We hiked trails in Brown County and enjoyed our family time together in nature. Indiana truly is so beautiful! During our hike we talked, told jokes, played alphabet games and wrote a script for a short scary home video. 

We found a penny smasher for Perry & Josie's souvenirs. Had dinner at Brozinni Pizzeria. Charlie bought a bag of dirt at a rock shop. He took it outside to find hidden gems in the dirt with the stone wash channel. It was pretty cool!

We made our home video after dinner back at the rental.  Dad did an awesome job making it look like one continuous shot. We took turns being the ghost: Josie was first outside as seen through the window. Perry helped her get draped, and then some tourists passed by. They asked if they needed help, but Perry just said, "We're making a home movie for fun." He said it was the most awkward moment of his life! ha ha ha! It was pretty funny. Then Charlie was the ghost at the front door, which was fun trying to find something for him to stand on to look taller... until he got yelled at by the old lady renters next door. We had already shut the door getting ready to start that scene when we heard them holler something like "Stop making all that racket!" He just said, "ok sorry". I felt so bad for him and wanted to go knock and their and talk to them. It was only 8:30pm, for crying out loud!! We finished the rest of it silently and added the sounds and screams after. Perry was the ghost in the curtain and I was the ghost that grabbed Charlie in the bathroom. We created the scariest 45sec movie ever! ha ha

Day 1 Brown county Fall Break 2025

 

Wicked Woods 2025

 

General Conference Weekend

 

What a blessing this weekend was! We felt it was especially important, given the hard things in this world, that we commit to stay home and watch all sessions of conference together. (Except for late Saturday night session; Charlie was so tired and Perry went to homecoming) Kaden's girlfriend Suri joined us for lunch & the Sunday afternoon session. She was baptized a couple weeks ago in her Purdue University YSA ward. After that session, we were able to have a nice chat on the back porch.

Conference filled my bucket to over flowing! I feel like a new person. I have a renewed conviction that I really am on the right path and I need to stay here no matter what. I especially need to keep holding my family to the higher standard the Lord has set. Defend my testimony, be a peacemaker, build my family influence in the home, and keep the world’s influence out.

Thanks to Elder Carlos A. Godoy, our family has a new motto: "No complaints; only smiling faces and grateful hearts."

Perry & I loved Elder Kevin G. Brown’s talk about defending and strengthening your testimony. I felt like shouting, “Amen!!” the whole time he spoke. He has a great love and enthusiasm for the Lord and His work. So do I! This was Charlie's favorite talk. Charlie also, loves the Lord with enthusiasm. :)

Josie connected with Sis. J. Anette Dennis' talk. Dad liked ...

Pres. Dallin H. Oaks is going to be our new prophet, now that Pres. Nelson has finished his earthly work. Pres. Oaks’ closing talk was so validating to me and Dad. Often as parents (and humans) we question if we are doing it right. But Pres. Oaks listed many ways to put the family first and protect the family unit. I felt a sweet peaceful reassurance from God, that we are doing and being exactly what our children need in this hard world. Coupled with Elder Brown’s talk, I will continue to defend my testimony and the ways we fight to keep Satan out of our family and home. It’s honestly so exhausting! But there is no way around it. Just in and through Jesus. Giving in to satan is not an option. 

Update 10/7/25-  Kaden texted me later on Sunday "thanks for helping Suri". I didn't know what he was talking about. He explained I helped answer some questions she had. Funny thing is, I didn’t know that. I thought we were just talking getting to know each other; I was sharing my testimony through my love of God and the Book of Mormon as we talked. What I thought was a casual common conversation, the Spirit took and used it to help her in ways I wasn’t aware. Her parents aren’t currently supportive. (Likely because they have been told we are a cult, ha ha ha! Ugh, people throw that around the same way people throw the word “nazi” when someone disagrees with political opinions. Such ignorance, ha ha!) Gratefully, the spirit strongly urged me to reach out to her mom, Tricia. We text, talk on the phone and have even gone to lunch. She is a lovely woman and if I weren’t a “cultish Mormon” I know we could be very good friends! I offer open friendship and honesty to any questions she has and let her know I want to support her. Will she join the church eventually like her daughter? I don't know. But that’s not my goal. My goal is to calm her troubled heart and show her compassion. Because she is concerned for the soul of her daughter. And  I want to help assure her, that we truly follow Jesus the best we know how. Just like she and her husband are doing. 

Homecoming for Perry & his homies

 

Josie’s Fall Symphonic band concert

 

We love that Josie is making good friends in band and learning skills. She loves music and is really enjoying percussion. Her friends Gabby Jefferson, Rachel Holt, and Yara Piragova are in band as well. 

The theme for this concert was music around the world. They had pictures and video of different countries showing where the music is from. To make it "fun" they had some kids pre-record flight announcements and dress like airline attendants. It was funny... first couple times! But they used that same "ding" as on flights, and showed a window seat view of the plane taking off the runway with engine sounds. It activated my air-sickness responses: My saliva glands went nuts like preparing to be sick and my stomach started to turn! I never would have guessed that would happen unless on a real plane. After the 3rd time the "ding" preceded the song announcement, I started covering my ears. It was funny, but I was actually feeling sick. I know now I have a Pavlovian response to airplane noises. I really am such a terrible airplane passenger; Even when it's not a real airplane!

It was worth it to see our beautiful girl perform. We love going to support her at her band concerts. We love you Jo!

Last Primary Program for our Kids

 

Charlie’s class was asked to share their favorite story about a prophet. This is what Charlie said:

My favorite prophet story is from Lehi in the Book of Mormon. He was given a vision about the tree of life. This vision uses a lot of symbols that tell us how to follow God’s plan. There was a beautiful tree with bright white fruit. Everyone who ate it felt joy. To get to the tree they had to go through dark mist. In order to get through it they had to hold on to an iron rod that lead them to the tree. The rod represents the word of God, and Jesus Christ. The fruit represents the love of God. When we trust Him and follow Jesus, we receive the blessings of God’s love. 

Remembering Pres. Russell M. Nelson

Our beloved prophet Russell M. Nelson passed away last night. He just turned 101 years old, our oldest prophet in this dispensation. When Spencer and I woke up this morning, he read a text from my brother Warren telling us of his passing. I was shocked and wept. Yes, he is 101 years so it should come as no surprise, but he was so lively and healthy. I love him so much, I was never going to be ready for him to pass. My heart aches for the world, but I also feel so happy for him and his amazing reunion in the Spirit World. President Nelson truly is a beloved prophet. He was the prophet for 7 years from 2018 to 2025. He's the only prophet my kids really remember. 

I woke up the kids and gathered them on our bed while dad told them the news. Dad got tears in his eyes as he informed them. After a minute, he asked what they remember from Pres. Nelson's teachings:

Charlie: "He taught us to think Celestial. To not just think of this life, but to prepare for the next life."

Perry: "He announced a crazy amount of temples."

Dad: "He was always reminding us to treat others with kindness. He gave the example of being in the operating room [when the surgeon got angry at a colleague and threw a scalpel at Dr. Russell Nelson and it landed in his arm. Pres. Nelson decided right then he would create an atmosphere of kindness in his operating room]. He often aught us the importance of being loving and kind."

Josie: "He always said, 'My dear Brothers & Sisters, I love you!'"

Mom: "He encouraged us to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. He always spoke with loving boldness. Whenever he taught and expressed love, he'd smile & his eyes sparkled."

Pres. Nelson was honored in Time Magazine last month. A quote from the article I love: "My faith teaches me that over two millennia ago, Jesus Christ preached these same laws of happiness: to love God and to love our neighbor. After 101 years, I can say that these are not abstract theological ideas—they are practical wisdom. They are what have sustained me through loss and triumph, uncertainty, peace, war, and healing. If we embrace these eternal truths—honoring our own worth, treating others with dignity, and nurturing our families—our lives, and our world, will be steadier and more joyful. That is my birthday wish for all of us." 

Han Korean BBQ & HotPot

 

Fever Game Date Night!

 In recognition of his hard work at Lilly, Spencer was given courtside tickets for the Fever. It was so awesome! We were right behind the basket. The ESPN camera man was sitting on the floor tight Ind front of Spencer. 

Ice Cream Torment

 Wednesdays are really busy. With me driving Charlie to piano & soccer practice back to back, we often end up having Wednesday dinners late. Which usually means we don’t have time for dessert. This greatly upsets Josie. Who, as dad says, “Just like mommy, gets upset when she doesn’t have ice cream!” 

I had told Jo we needed to go up for scriptures and prayer and there’s no time for ice cream tonight. She made a case that dad said she could, after she helped clean up the kitchen. I answered that I didn’t know that, but it’s late; she can have some tomorrow. I told her I’ll even make her a nice sundae tomorrow. But she wanted it tonight. I told her it’s not healthy to have dessert right when going to bed. Dad then said “don’t worry we aren’t having ice cream either…” To which I quickly reminded “Mom & dad have ice cream after you guys go to bed, which is 1 1/2 hours before our bedtime!” Dad and Perry, laughed and Perry said “Of course mom is arguing why it’s ok that SHE gets ice cream!” I couldn’t help but bust up laughing. Josie was laughing too, but still pouty. So I told her I won’t be having any tonight either. 

We got Charlie and Josie to bed. While I tucked her in and chatted about her day, Dad snuck downstairs to get a treat and brought it to our room. He found a sticky note from Josie on my dairy free Talenti gelato jar… it said “Wow, really.” With a crying sad face and a puddle of tears! And a “(jk)” just kidding. I told him I wasn’t eating it, especially not after the note! Mom guilt is a real thing for me. I’d be a hypocrite! Dad said “It’s not technically ice cream; it’s gelato! Besides, she put J/K!” I informed him that she did not actually mean just kidding. She said it, but she isn’t kidding. She’d actually be upset and hold it against me if I had ice cream. I told him I wasn’t eating it. But he went ahead and ate his ice cream on our bed. Just then, we heard Josie’s voice coming from her room on the other side of our bedroom wall. We stopped to listen and heard her shout:

“You sit on a throne of lies!!”

I’m not sure dad has ever laughed that hard! We couldn’t stop laughing… loudly and for a long while. 

Josie has such a great sense of humor and I love these memories. 

For the record: mom kept her word and joined in no ice cream solidarity, for Josie’s sake. Dad, finished his jar of gelato. 

No more braces for Perry!

 Woohoo!!! Perry was so excited to get his braces off today. He only had to have one round, unlike all his siblings. So that was his one and done. He looks so handsome! Congratulations Perry! Now just be faithful with your retainer so you never have to do it again. ;) 

We love you!

When my honey travels for work

 

Spencer took a short trip to Boston for work. I love that even when we’re far away we can get ready for bed together, brush teeth together, and talk about our day together. I love still getting to see his kind eyes and his cute smile even though it’s just on the screen. 

While we were talking tonight, he looked so adorable and so handsome, so I took a screenshot of my honey’s face. In these moments, I’m grateful for technology.

I’m so grateful for the way that my husband provides for our family. I’m grateful he doesn’t have to go out of the country very much. Lately it’s just been to Boston and back. I’m grateful for the way that he loves us. I’m grateful for the way he needs us. I’m grateful for the way that we need him and he always shows up. Spencer truly exemplifies what a good man is. I’m grateful that he FaceTimes me every morning, in the afternoon when he can, and every evening. I’m grateful that he always remembers to pray and read scriptures with me daily. I’m grateful that our kids love him and respect him and look up to him. I’m grateful for his gentleness, his patience, his humor, his hard work. I’m grateful for his kind eyes that match his kind heart. I’m grateful for his strong hugs and sweet kisses. I’m especially grateful that God always answers our prayers in bringing him home safely after work trips. I don’t ever want to go a single day without him. 

I love you, Spence.

Sound of Music’s 60th Anniversary

 Josie and I had a movie date yesterday afternoon. In honor of its 60th anniversary, we went to a special showing of The Sound of Music. It was awesome! While she knew most of the songs from me singing them or playing the soundtrack, this was her first time seeing the film all the way to the end. I played it for the kids years ago, but none of them lasted through the first half. 

In the theater though, Josie kept looking at me smiling and mouthing the lyrics. I was doing the same to her. She’d poke me and make a funny comment and we’d have to stifle our giggles. 🤭 She loved the movie! Gave it a 6/10 (which is pretty good for her high standards). She would’ve rated it higher, but she really cringed hard when Captain Vontrapp confessed his love to Maria, and nuzzled his face on her head after kissing her. Haha! She audibly groaned and twitched in her seat! Then she whispered to me: “What was that!? Why’d he nuzzle her so awkwardly?? I’m cringing!” Haaa! 

Today for church Josie wanted to match. So she picked out my clothes for me. I love her sense of fashion. I love spending girl time with my Angel Face. I love our bond. Although she is a huge daddy’s girl and definitely gravitates more to him. But I don’t mind a bit. Their relationship fills me with joy! 

The Lord’s Strength

 

I just read this with my kids and it hit differently today….

Matthew 11:28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest⁠.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart⁠: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy⁠, and my burden is light.

Let the Savior help you. Don’t do it alone; ask for His help. Ask for Him to ease your burden, let Him carry it for you. ❤️

Practice praying these words, at any moment in your day : 

“Lord, please give me the strength to _______” 

Perry's Hot Ones & Homies

 

Tongue Twisters: genetically speaking

 

I was delighted to learn that Josie can make the tongue-clover like me! I think she does it even better than me. Perry was able to get it started too! Charlie didn't try in this moment. Dad... well... we're just happy for dad that he can at least turn his tongue sideways. :) 

Charlie’s 6th grade class

 

Kaden moves to Heritage Halls Dorm

 

Kaden lived with Papa & Grandma Lee for about a week before he could move into his dorm. Papa was so good to help Kaden move into and get settled. I was aching the whole day, longing to be the one to move my son into his first dorm as he starts college. But I know this was the best solution.

My babies

This is still one of my all time favorite photos of our four kids together. I miss these moments. But I cherish them, as I do all the new moments and memories we make together at every stage. I love being their mother. They are truly precious and so very special to us. 

 

Photos from the Uncle Bill File

 Warren randomly sends screenshots of old photos from Bill's stash of stuff. I so badly want to get my hands on all of those photos and put them in proper albums. Until then, I'll archive them in random posts here. :)

Top photo L-R Timmy, Nancy 10yo?, & Jason. That was my favorite Easter dress. Backyard Covina, CA house. Bottom photo- Nancy 5yo?, Brenda Phelps, & Bill at the Phelps home in Alhambra, CA. Last- Nancy 7yo & Elder Warren on a layover in LAX from the MTC to Guatemala. 

Blake, Mom, Warren, Billy & Scotty hiking.

Parenthood isn't for the Kids; Its for the Parents

Parenthood. It’s definitely not like we imagined it would be. When you're young and newly married you dream about what your kids will be like and what kind of a mom & dad you'll be. I guarantee every young couple has observed parents with a judging eye and whispered to their spouse, "OUR kids will never be like that..." HA. Oh such naiveté.

We have had a very difficult year. I thought the sleepless nights with newborns and sick kids, and tantrums in store aisles was hard. But I was wrong. 

As you raise children you become more keenly aware of the world around you: pitfalls, dangers, traps... rising evil. And you navigate it accordingly, often creating future safety plans to protect your family. But this year, we have had trials come up that were never on our radar. I’ve been thinking and praying a lot to understand them. Trying to grasp my role and my responsibility in it all. Trying to figure out how to shift and become what my child needs from me in this new situation. But only to find trying to do my part seemed to make it worse. So I began seeing a parenting therapist, reading more books on parenting teens, mental health, etc. It's been a huge game changer and opened my eyes to many things. But I've still been struggling with this one concept: 

If it’s typical that our children reach an age of becoming rebellious & unteachable as they prepare to leave the house, then what was the point of all the teaching and guiding we did? Why did I pour my whole soul into this if they were just gonna burn it all down and do it their own way, regardless??

Spence and I have talked about this daily ad nauseam over the last year. Most recently I vented to my husband and in desperate tears lamented, "I don't understand!! We did our best! When we knew how to do better, we did better. We apologized and truly worked to be better. But it wasn't enough! So, what was the point? If it was always going to be like this, out of the primal need to rebel and venture on their own and turn against us, what was the point!?"

My sweet husband lovingly gave his best reply to calm my deeply troubled heart. He reminded me to "look at the big picture, think celestial, think of eternity..." etc. I know he spoke truth, but it wasn't a comfort to me. Because I was thinking about eternity. That's all I think about! It's my main motivator in life. Wanting my children to WANT to be with us and each other and God for eternity. 

So later I poured my heart out to my Father and He enlightened my mind and calmed my heart with this understanding:

I sobbed to Him and lamented, "I did my best! I repented and said sorry when I got it wrong. I prayed and You gave me guidance. I acted on spiritual promptings, I changed what needed changing; I went to therapy for help to be a better mom, I read the parenting books, & I read the Lord's words most of all. I did all You asked in my parenting! But it isn't helping my kids!  The only one growing, changing, becoming, and getting closer to You, is ME!" In that very moment, He washed total calm over my body and one word entered my heart & mind: "Exactly." 

I could picture Father smiling, and I knew He was saying "Now you're getting it."

I now understand that parenting is for the parents.  Through all we’ve done for them and become for them, WE are the ones growing, learning, changing. WE are the ones coming closer to the Lord. The point of parenting was never to ensure our children are who they are supposed to become by 18. I’m not sure our job was ever to succeed in making them fully-functioning-valiant-Christian adults by the time they leave the nest. I believe our job was to show up, keep them safe, give them direction/teach, and love them fiercely while praying they’ll choose the Lord’s ways. 

To drive this lesson deeper into my heart, Heavenly Father inspired Sis. Wright to share some words in the adult session of Stake Conference last night. My allergies are acting up, so I had to go into the hall several times with coughing fits. I was getting frustrated with my lungs and thinking, "Why do I bother  going back in, I'm just gonna cough in a minute again." But I went back anyway. Just as I entered I heard Sis. Wright share these words... 

"I have 5 grown children and only 1 of them is still active in church... I fought for years to get them to do the right things... but I realized too late that they are entitled to their agency...after all, it is from my own mistakes and experiences that I have become who I am today." She went on to say that she was trying to protect them from their own mistakes, but deprived them instead of learning experiences.

It was one of those moments where I knew God was speaking directly to me through someone else. I heard her words with my ears, but they made a home in my heart that changed me, once again. I raised my eyes upward and said in my mind, "I hear You, Heavenly Father. Thank You."

Several years ago, when Kaden & Perry were leaving primary age, dad & I felt prompted to allow natural consequences to be the kids' teacher. So instead of telling them what to do and not to do all the time, like when they were little, we changed our approach. When they'd ask "What should I do?... Why can't I? ... What if I just __?" and so on, with "That's something you need to decide for yourself... you should try praying about it... do what you think is right...what is your gut/heart telling you?" They didn't like that. Partly I believe because when I was telling them how to act & what to do, if it wasn't a favorable outcome, they could point at me to take the fall. ha. 

Like Sis. Wright, I wanted to protect my children from the pain of mistakes. I wanted to rescue them from hard consequences. But how can they truly learn without feeling and understanding consequences and opposition? The adult world would be so much harder for them if we succeeded in sheltering them from all of that. Home is the best place to mess up and make mistakes. Where they are loved and safe and guided by mom & dad. But there will be so many more experiences outside the home to learn too. Here at home, they've been taught how to manage their choices and work through the consequences of life. They definitely don't like it, but I pray years down the road they'll recognize their ability to handle hard things, because they were prepared at home for it.

I now understand, children won’t truly become and grow and change until they’re in our shoes: parenting beautiful perfect babies who turn into sassy-hard headed teenagers/young adults. And THAT is where they will really learn to lean on the Savior. Because it has always been His job to do the rescuing and save them. 

Our job has only been to guide them to Him. And we have done that. Everyday of their lives “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, […] that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." I recently quoted this out loud and when I heard myself say it, the Spirit emphasized that last part: for a remission of their sins! It scripture doesn't say "we teach our kids about Christ so they won't mess up. So they won't have hard times. So that they will only have peace and joy (only rainbows & butterflies!).  It says we teach of Christ, so our children will know who to go to when they sin. It says it right there: our kids are going to mess up! They are going to have need of repentance, just like me! So our job is to teach them how to repent and how to turn to Jesus Christ!   

So, as far as our parenting goes for Spencer & Nancy Jones…

We are doing our best. When we learn how to become better, we do better. Tomorrow, when we get it wrong (again) we will apologize, and work to do better some more. We will pray for the Lord's help, repent, and do over. And that is enough. 

Family Walk to Geist Dam

 

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom with a distinctive appearance and a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is known for its potential to support cognitive function, mood, and immunity, due to compounds like hericenones and erinacines that may promote nerve growth factor synthesis. While research is ongoing, it is also used in East Asian cuisine for its seafood-like flavor and texture

Chuck’s recent Doings

 

He got his first round of braces off, yahoo!! He’s so excited to have chewy treats again. 

He’s been really working hard and being more bold on the soccer field. 

For a long time he’s been complaining about a “popping” sensation in the back of his head. I brought it up at his well visit in May, and his Dr. Freeman suggested we keep a log of when it happens and how it happens. So after doing that the follow up is for him to get an MRI to see if there’s anything going on. Gratefully and such a blessing it came back clear. Think next I’ll take him to a chiropractor to see if it’s just out of alignment. 

This boy is so sweet and so good. He does random funny things that keeps us laughing! My favorite though is that he comes and asks for hugs frequently throughout the day. The other day he said to me, “ I need a hug, mom. You are my safe place.” That melted my heart. I love how good he is at communicating his feelings and advocating for himself. He really understands his emotions and does a pretty good job of trying to explain them to me and to others. Makes it easy to know what he needs. Except when he’s tired! It’s only after he gets sleep that he recognizes that his grumpy fit because he was tired ha ha ha.

 We love you, Charlie boy.

Move houses or Burn it All down…

 … those are the only options in my mind when I find a monster in my bed!!

I was straightening up my bed when I turned over my body pillow and found the BIGGEST sPiDeR Ive ever found in my house! 

Now, I’m not usually afraid of spiders. I mean I don’t want them touching me and for sure they can’t be living in my house. But this thing was so massive and scary all I could do was scream at the shocking sight of it. Josie and Charlie came running (I was currently on the phone with dad who was on his way home from work).  Josie, my once again, brave girl… trapped it in a jar and we took it outside on the porch. I didn’t want to release it until I could research what kind it was. Because if it was poisonous, I’d never be able to sleep in my bed again. Seriously, I’d have to move or burn it all down and destroy every web, nest, egg sack, and relative of this 8 legged beast! 

Gratefully, I discovered... with several cross searches and extensive verification... that this was only a common house spider known as the American Grass Spider. Happily relieved it’s not a Brown Recluse (I have 2nd hand PTSD from Leslie Sandgren’s horrific experience with those evil arachnids). The Grass spider’s bite is the same threat and irritation as a mosquito. Ok, good. I can sleep again… after I strip my sheets, vacuum all around my room and spray bug killer on every nook & cranny!!

I figured I should release it outside, but Perry had his own plan: he took the jar from me and took it to the deck. Then he shot inside the jar with the A-Salt rifle until it was dead. I asked him to stop because it isn’t fair to shoot a “fish in a barrel”. But the deed was done. I feel a little bad, but not so bad that I won’t sleep tonight. In fact I’ll probably sleep better. At least I would have, right up until dad said “But now it’s spider family will seek their revenge and ascend on our house!”

Gee. Thanks, honey. :(