Oct 27-29

Thursday, October 27th-

The Hermitage

Today we found a jewel in the middle of Nashville. After breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we went to see The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home. Silas had wanted to get out an enjoy some countryside while we were there but we didn't have time this morning. This ended up being EXACTLY what we were looking for. It's over 1100 acres of countryside in the middle of the city.

At the Hermitage

We enjoyed learning more about Andrew Jackson and his family in the museum and in the actual house. We spent a little time walking around outside and though the gardens were the family is buried. There was a class of 4th graders from a local school there helping with the tours as well which was super cute.

We could have walked around for hours but we wanted to get some more Goo Goos chocolate from the mall and have enough time at the airport.

We ended up being an hour earlier than necessary so we waited at a lounge/restaurant before we could check our luggage. I read my book and Silas checked his email, something he hasn't done much on the trip. It felt like we were getting back to normal. We weren't very happy about that.

Do we HAVE to go home?

Once we got on the plane we took a few more pictures. The sad one is the most truthful. We didn't want to go home. That sounds awful but we had such a good time and I didn't have to deal with all the things that have caused stress lately (kids, dishes, laundry). Sigh.

Friday, October 28th-

Gifts for kids

Got home super late. The flight was ok although not really comfortable. Dad picked us up at the airport and visited with him for a few minutes at the house before heading home. We did stop in St. George for dinner at the Black Bear Diner. It was good but late and we were super tired.

Happy birthday, Uncle Ryan!

Molly on my lap while I started getting trip pictures organized

This morning mom stayed for a while so I started laundry and then we went to the cemetery. It's Ryan's 42nd birthday today!

Molly and I went and helped at the school and then Silas took her to lunch and I went out with Amber. It was really nice to chat. Good friends are so important!

It was a cold and windy day today. Fit perfectly with my gloomy attitude about being home. Haha

In the evening we were lazy and caught up on Studio C.

Saturday, October 29th-

Luckily, we didn't have any plans today. I did my run (5 miles today!) and the kids played outside most of the day (after their chores and computer time). With some of the neighbors they are building a fort or something in the back back. They are pretty serious about it.

In the afternoon Silas and Molly napped and I worked out blogging about the trip. Silas didn't vacation wasn't exactly as relaxing as mine, since he had to go to meetings during the day. He is exhausted!

I am grateful for this stress-free day. I feel like it helped us get back into the groove without running all over town or without entertaining anyone.

Oct 24-26

Monday, October 24th-

Getting settled

This morning we headed over to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for Silas to start the security conference. He started earlier that they were ready to check us into our room but they let me go up to the hotel gym while I waited. Within an hour our room was ready and we got our things settled in. I got right to work getting some family history work done. The old laptop is getting slow and Silas ended up not needing his laptop during the conference so by the afternoon I had both of them on and just went back and forth.

By lunch time I was feeling a little headachy so I went for a walk around the hotel. It is huge (3000 guest rooms and convention center) and amazing! There are several sections and they all have atriums, fountains, ponds, restaurants, stores, and more. I found a chicken salad sandwich at one of the cafes. They are my favorite and this one was SO GOOD!

Silas had a few breaks here and there so we got to see each other a little during the day.

Amazing hotel!

After Silas was done for the day, we decided to go to the IMAX theater that is in the Opry Mills Mall, which is right by the hotel. The movie was super pricey but we enjoyed going out. We don't really go see movies much because we like to be able to have time to talk on our dates so even though it wasn't a very touristy thing, we had a good time.

Evening at the hotel

For dinner we decided to stay at the hotel and try the Italian restaurant, Ravello. It was fancy and yummy. The waiter was from Egypt and very kind. We had to wait for about 30 minutes for a table so we walked around and took pictures.

One of the nice things about being on vacation and having hotel rooms with lots of TV channels is that we have watched a lot of college and professional football games. Super lazy and relaxing!

Tuesday, October 25th-

Today is Grant's 8th birthday!!! Before Silas and I headed out the door (Silas for the conference breakfast and me for the hotel gym) we gave him a call. Grandma is sufficiently spoiling him so he is doing fine.

Yesterday I ran 3 miles on the treadmill for my 10K training so today I just road a bike for an hour and read one of Annette's books. It was lovely. Then more family history for me! Again, Silas was in a couple of times to say hi between sessions. For lunch I just ate some leftovers from other meals, mostly because I wanted to stay in the room and do as much as I could. I am reserving a lot of temple work, so I'm happy about that.

When Silas was done we headed for downtown again. Today we visited a chocolate shop called Goo Goos. It is amazing chocolate and they had a cute store. We also went into the Johnny Cash Museum for a few minutes.

We were planning on headed out for some dinner and then to the temple but on the way back to the car Amber called me to tell me that Ryan Shakespear, a friend from the Valley View Ward, had passed away in a hiking accident. We were in shock. We love the Shakespears! In fact, Erin and I were recently talking about how we wish we could buy the house between them and the Aitken's that is for sale.

So instead of going out to eat, we went straight to the temple. It is outside Nashville so we had a very long and quiet drive. The temple is small and beautiful. We just missed the 6pm session so we were able to do initiatory for a while before the 7:30pm session. Besides us there were 5 other patrons, 3 of which were workers. It was small and different but as powerful and true as ever. The workers were kind. The message was the same but meant a little more. We are so grateful tonight for the Plan of Happiness!


Since it was late when we got out we had to stop at a sports bar that was still open. It was nice though and although it was loud because they were playing the first World Series baseball game, we had a good meal, enjoying one another and trying to be more grateful for each other.

Wednesday, October 26th-

Last day in the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Hotel. In fact, we had to checkout by noon even though Silas was going to be in meetings until after 3pm. I ran my 2 miles as fast as I could and got some family history done before getting the luggage out to the car. Silas had a break and came to help me load the car.

While out we could see that there was smoke coming from somewhere on the roof but once we were inside no one seemed to know anything. Silas went to his next meeting and I hurried and got another delicious chicken salad sandwich and found a place to sit when someone told me that they were evacuating one of the sections. By the time we left we could see the fire engines outside but I don't think it took long to take care of it. It was interesting though because most people in the lobby area (where I was finally able to eat my lunch) and that section didn't know anything about it. There was no panicking either.

The fire did cut the conference short though, so Silas and I headed out for more sight-seeing. We first stopped at the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Greece. It was an amazing place and I sort of felt badly that we didn't have the kids with us. There was a small art gallery which we walked though as well as a lot of history on the Nashville Parthenon and the original Parthenon.

The next stop was Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. Oh my, was it splendid! It was probably the best ice cream and the most unique flavors! I got a peanut butter ice cream that was amazing. Silas had several but his favorite was Fennel something, which tasted like black licorice. He was in Heaven!

The store was super cute and the two young employees were really nice and knew their ice cream! They were like little salesmen, but that you actually like!



Before heading out for dinner we checked in to our hotel, The Club Hotel. It was a nice hotel but nothing could compare to the Opryland. After settling there were went over to a Mexican restaurant, Chuy's, located in the Opry Mills Mall. They had some hilarious shirts and we decided to get one for each of the boys. The food was yummy too and the service was quick! This was a major plus because we didn't want to be late for the GRAND OLE OPRY!

Tonight was Silas's first live music concert and it was really special to have that at the Grand Ole Opry. Plus tonight they were doing a special show for the Battle Against Cancer so there were some emotional stories and songs. Martina McBride was the final performer which was a treat because we knew most of the songs she sang.

We are sure loving every moment of this trip! (Well, maybe not EVERY moment because let's face it, life isn't always rosy. But we have really had a wonderful time.)

Oct 20-23

Thursday, October 20th-

Molly can write her Ms and Os!!!

• Woke up Grandma Warby
• Quick grocery and DI stops
• Lunch at Deruchette's house
• Ryan's piano lessons
• Cora dance class
• Cleod's first recital with new teacher! He did so great! (Took video but forgot to get a photo)

Friday, October 21st-

• 

  Helping at the school

  Frustrating morning. Boils down to me not feeling like I'm getting the help I need around the house. The kids have been less helpful lately than normal. Plus, I was feeling some extra stress due to our trip.
• Went on a 4.5-mile run, the farthest I have gone. It was a great run and I probably could have gone farther which makes next week’s 5-mile run not seem so bad.
• Took Molly to help in Cora's class this afternoon. She was super good.
• Took Molly to get her blood drawn for the 3rd time. She was ok to go to the hospital and get checked in. In fact, she was excited. But she wasn't happy when they actually drew her blood. She whined more than the 2nd time. Poor thing. Hopefully we don't have to do that again.

• 

  Waiting at hospital

  Once the kids were home from school we packed the last minute stuff and drove to Vegas. It was a quick, uneventful trip without any stops. Silas and I both started out with headaches but it ended up being ok.
• Spent the evening just visiting with Grandma and Grandpa and having a little birthday party for Grant. Grandma had bought a bundt cake (yea!) and Grant opened his presents. When we first told him that we’d be missing his birthday for our Nashville trip he was a little sad but he's totally fine now. He's just a nice boy!
• Silas forgot his business cards which is something he really needs during a conference like this so he created his own tonight and printed them on cardstock Mom had. They look so nice!

  

  Grant's "party"

  
  

Fell asleep on her scriptures

Saturday, October 22nd-

Silas and I flew to Nashville today! The kids will stay in Vegas with my mom and dad until Monday and then she will take them to Cedar. The kids were fine saying goodbye although Ryan and Molly seemed to care the most. Before we left Grandma’s house Molly said, “I don't want to be missing you.” Ryan hugged us a lot. It was cute but I was so ready to go. I hope I can get a good break from the daily...stuff...to be able to handle it better when we get home. I'm just tired of the kids not listening to me. This week was awful that way.

We enjoyed some Jamba Juice while we waited to board the flight. We were both a tiny nervous about flying since we haven't done it in 10 years but the flight was fine. Uncomfortable, but fine.

We picked up our rental car at the airport and headed right to Hattie B's chicken, a popular place in downtown Nashville that a new member of our ward recommended. We had to wait in line for a LONG time and Silas's chicken was really spicy, but it was a yummy dinner. We can already see that there is A LOT of drinking that happens in Nashville which is different that Cedar. Haha.

We are staying at one hotel for 2 nights before we got to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It is a nice hotel and just a few blocks from the Opryland. We did end up making a late night trip to Target and JCPenney for some things we forgot: Shaving cream, a brush and comb, and a white shirt and tie for Silas. Haha

Sunday, October 23rd-

Today was amazing! We went to church this morning with the Cumberland Ward. It was tiny and the building didn't even had pews. We had 4 people introduce themselves beofer sacrament meeting even started which was nice. All the meetings were wonderful and full of the Spirit. We met some wonderful people today!

After church we headed over to Edley's BBQ. Some ward members recommended it and it was amazing! Then we did some more Sabbath worthy activities. We took a walk on the Pedestrian Bridge over the Cumberland River and visited the National Cemetery.

It has been really nice to have a couple of days together before the security conference starts tomorrow.

Oct 14-19

Friday, October 14th-

Today the elementary school had their Color Run and Molly and I went up to what the kids. They were super excited about getting all messy.

Cleod and his bass clarinet

Last night was Cleod's first BAND CONCERT. It was actually fun to listen to, even though it was the first concert performed by this beginning band. I enjoyed it and was proud of my boy.

Ryan helping Cora read Thursday night

ALSO, tonight Silas and Cleod went to a Stake Campout. Cleod was so excited, he packed without being asked twice! It's a little chilly but I'm sure they will be fine!


Saturday, October 15th-

• 4 mile run with Megan
• Ryan helped kids with breakfast, started chores and watched part of a movie while I was gone.
• Took the kids over to help at the church for about an hour.
• Silas and Cleod home when we got back, smelling like campfire!
• Grocery shopping date with Grant. (Wal-Mart was insane. Don't go on Saturdays!)

• Saved stroller!!!

Sunday, October 16th-

Today was one of those mornings when I feel like it is hard to get the kids ready alone. Actually, it was mostly hard because I slept in until 10am and so the morning went by way fast and we lost a lot of time. The kids also had a hard time listening and as a result I had a hard time being patient.

In addition, I remembered that I needed to make a cake for Frank, who we invited over for dinner for his birthday. So I made a sheet cake and got some dinner prep done before church. Cleod helped which was nice although he really played with the meatloaf goo...

Speaking of Cleod, he had to wear dirty church pants. Oops. Oh and white socks because for some reason both his pairs of church socks are dirty too.

Another stress this morning was getting a text from Jim saying that Silas wasn't feeling well. He had a migraine before and during church. Poor guy. I ran some good and Gatorade over to the church. Jim came over later and got a case of water from our food storage to take to the church too. His headache didn't go away until evening, after having Frank over and after he went home teaching.

While Silas was home teaching, the kids and I went over to Christine's house. Jana and Jeff were spending the night on their way back to Arizona. We didn't get to stay very long but the kids had a great time and we had a good visit!

Christine, Me (holding Jana's baby Wes) and Jana

My kids with Christine and Jana's = 15!

Finally home for the night.
Obviously the girls missed him.

Monday, October 17th-

• 3 mile run- fasted I've done! 9 min 41 sec average!
• Laundry, laundry, laundry
• Ironing
• Redo chore chart (mostly to add picking out the next day’s clothes)
• Lunch date with Dad and Molly at Great Harvest. Yum.
• Kids home from school
• Guitar lessons here
• Dinner
• Home evening...Cora taught about the Good Samaritan
• Cookies Cleod made for the neighbors for our treat

Tuesday, October 18th-

I've been making an outline for Mom of the daily routine so that she knows what's going on while we're in Nashville next week. Putting the schedule together makes me tired...for my mom AND for me. With kindergarten, we only have an hour here and there at home most days. And today Cora started a dance class on Tuesdays and Thursdays so we basically have something every evening. Putting it down on paper for Mom gave me more concrete proof of why I feel like I can't get anything done at the house lately….I'm shuttling kids all day from place to place! It feels overwhelming at times, especially because I am doing a lot of this stuff without Silas.

There is a lot to be grateful for though. Life is hard as the Bishop’s family, but I'm so very grateful that he is willing and worthy to serve the Lord. I'm also grateful for his great job.

I am grateful for my house. I have struggled with it at times, but I really love our neighbors and I do like being home.

I am grateful for kids who are musical. I'm grateful for good music teachers. I'm grateful Cora is finally in something of her own. She smiled so big today when I picked her up. I'm also grateful that I don't have to work out of our home so that I am ready and available for my kids.

I'm grateful for a decent vehicle...I basically live in it some days so I'm glad I love it!


Wednesday, October 19th-

Did a 2-mile run this morning and went my fastest! I am actually surprised that this whole race training thing is working for me. I haven't ever run consistently so I have never gotten to this point before. I'm pretty excited. Friday I need to do 4.5 miles, the longest I've ever gone, and I'm excited and a little nervous about it.

Today was a typical crazy Wednesday. Get kids to school, run, gym (I know, but Wed is my favorite class), pick up papers, feed girls, walk Cora to school, fold one load of laundry while starting another (which is still in the dryer and it's 10:53pm), kids home, snack, roll papers (I did some dinner prep), paper route... Let's stop there. Cleod went to Skyler's house so Ryan and Grant were going to do papers, which is fine and sort of normal but then Ryan crashed on his scooter and bloodied his knew a bit so Grant and Cora ended up doing almost the second half. It took a lot longer but I was really proud of my little ones for stepping up without complaining. Grant was ready to do the rest all by himself! He is such a helpful guy!

OK, so as soon as we got back from papers, I made some rice and sauce for Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner tonight, Cleod got home and then we headed out for his piano lesson. He was late getting done so we barely got back home in time to get scouts shirts and drop Cleod and Ryan off at the church. The 3 littles and I ate dinner, Silas got home and ate with us and then we both headed to the church, Silas for interviews and me for the boys. Cleod and Ryan ate and we started bedtime stuff. Phew.