Ward Halloween party

Here are some photos I found on my camera today. This photo (sorry all of the photos are dark) of the three boys was taken last Friday. Their elementary school was again awarded being a A+ school so all the students and staff received these t-shirts!


Saturday we all went to our ward's Halloween part. The boys all went as characters from Star Wars, the Clone Wars. We do not wear masks at our church party so their costumes were incomplete, but not the fun that was had!
Molly and her friend Katie did a fabulous job decorating our van trunk for the party!

James did a great job passing out the treats.

Ryan dressed as Jango Fett...

Chase went as Commander Cody.

Reid went as Commander Rex.

I can't believe we don't have one picture of Molly dressed up as a cowgirl, she looked so cute. She is always such a good sport to dress up and participate in things.

Tagged!

My sweet, sweet sister-in-law has tagged me. This ought to be good for me to reflect and goal-set. Here goes!

What was I doing:

20 years ago: I turned 21 (I'm dating myself but oh-well). I was attending college and working three jobs: newspaper editor and Chief Justice: both paid positions at the college I attended and was also a dental assistant for a periodontist.

10 years ago: Living in Washington state. We had a six year old, a four year old, and a newborn. I was serving in a Relief Society presidency.

5 years ago: Living in Gilbert, AZ, serving as 1st counselor in a primary presidency. Two more kids have been added to our family, Chase would have been four years old and Ryan 11 months. I was struggling with getting therapeutic services for Chase at this time and learning the ropes of the world of autism.

3 years ago: Living in Tucson, AZ, serving as primary secretary. I was probably still painting the interior of our home!

1 year ago: Keeping busy having one child in preschool, two in the local elementary, one in middle school and one in high school and trying to volunteer at all of them! I was serving as ward compassionate service leader and involved in stake YW camp.

yesterday: Took our dog, Violet, to get her haircut. Met up with Melaney to give her Stampin' Up order. Helped the kids with homework. Made hamburgers for dinner. Made a flyer for an upcoming YCL sleepover. Spent most of the day working on an upcoming talk. Home teachers visited. Had a FHE of pumpkin carving. We were 'ghosted' and received cookies - the kids loved it.

today: Volunteered at the elementary school in both Reid and Chase's classrooms. Worked on upcoming talk (again!). Talked on the phone to April, Mary, Claire, Karolee. Made cookies so we could 'ghost' neighbors. Took Chase to yoga. Served taco soup for dinner. Attended stake auxilary training meeting, James conducted and gave a short lesson.

tomorrow: Take Ryan to a friends to play before school. Haircut and color in a.m. for me(yippie!) Pick up Reid from band. Will work on my talk some more. Prepare Reid and Chase for Thursdays cub pack meeting where they both need to present for two minutes what they have been working on in the Faith in God program. Young women tomorrow night - it's a priest/laurel activity "game night" the laurels are in charge of. I need to bring cookies and two gal. milk so I suppose I will be making more cookies.

Next year: Wow - Ryan will be in school all day so I'll have no kids at home with me. hmmmm, let's hope I can make exercise a priority. Let's hope the house will stay clean. Austin will be a senior in high school - I'm sure I will be worrying about if I taught him all he needs to know! Molly will be dating in another year and a month - mmmmm...life will be interesting!

Young Women In Excellence!

Last night we held our Young Women in Excellence. Our theme was "Lighting the Way to Excellence".
Here is a picture of Colette (second counselor) narrating our program. She did such a fabulous job finding a program online that showcases the girls talents. I am so appreciative of her and thankful to serve with her. Next to her is a YW torch that are Beehive advisor made for the girls to use - I love how it turned out! She made it of colored foam - each piece was placed (each color representing its assigned value) as the girls recited the YW theme.

The leaders joined the young women for a song...

Our bishop spoke to us...Molly brought a non-member friend and I loved how at the end of the evening when I asked her if she enjoyed herself she said yes and that particularly liked the comments from the bishop. How great is that!

We had vanilla ice cream and lots of different toppings in the colors of the Young Women values for refreshments. Here is faith, divine nature and individual worth.

Knowledge and Choice and Accountability...

Good Works and Integrity...

A picture of the display tables (the picture was taken before all the items were placed). One of our young women made these value colored table squares for one of her personal progress experiences.

Molly (in yellow for good works), Courtney (in green for Knowledge) and Katie having fun after the program...

Courtney, Julia (in purple for integrity) and I at the end of the evening.

I think it was a good evening. I loved hearing each of the young women talk about and display the things they have been working on in their personal progress. We also had a few share their testimonies of the personal progress program at the end.

journal entry...

Saturday James and I had the blessing of attending a session at the temple. Our friends, the Carters, invited us. Their son was going for the first time - he is soon to be a missionary! What a special time in his life and the life of his family. Our friend, Joanne, came with us and it was such a terrific day. It was so nice to enjoy a relaxing dinner afterwards with these sweet friends.

My heart has been very full this past week. The funeral on Friday, the temple on Saturday, church on Sunday, my visiting teachers came Monday morning and my partner and I visited the sisters on our route Monday afternoon. Monday night we had Family Home Evening - we had Reid, Chase and Ryan practice their parts for the children's primary program and then James gave a lesson. After FHE I prepared my talk for Young Women In Excellence.

Also I have been making an extra effort to be more diligent in my scripture reading. As I read from 3 Nephi I can't help but read the Savior's words aloud. It seems each time the Spirit comes so quickly as I study here.

Sunday I had a Laurel class presidency meeting, then attended Bishops Youth Committee which was followed by my PPI (Personal Progress Interview) which was followed by church. I know some may think of this as burdensome but I want to record what a tremendous blessing in my life these 'meetings' have been. I am learning so much and am thrilled to be called to the work. I am so very imperfect and I guess I am thankful I have been given this, some small step as I work my way back to Father in Heaven. Also, I recognize how blessed I am since I have a absolute genuine love for the young women I serve with. What joy they bring to me!

Today the morning was spent volunteering at the elementary school. I graded papers in Reid's class and helped make a bulletin board display in Chase's class. The afternoon was spent preparing for Young Women in Excellence (which is tomorrow night). Our theme is "Lighting the Way to Excellence". We hope to have a lot of displays of the accomplishments of the young women. They will also dress in the color of the value they have been working on. I am in charge of the refreshment table. We will be serving vanilla ice cream with an assortment of toppings that are all in the seven colors of the young women values. I hope it will be an enjoyable evening for everyone.

Today Ryan and I also got the Halloween decorations up! whoo hoo! I didn't put up as many as most years since the holiday is almost here, but still the kids are enjoying them. The little boys are looking forward to their schools fall festival on Friday and our ward Halloween party on Saturday. There is a lot of counting down of days happening in our home - lots of excitement to wear the Star Wars costumes.

Oh - I suppose I should write that today we turned in the box for our cable. They will disconnect us in the morning - the kids are getting their last cable t.v. fix.We told the kids we will be trying this for six months and then we will reevaluate. We may get it re-installed for April's LDS general conference,but we know we can always get that online.

Yesterday I enjoyed a belated birthday lunch at Olive Garden with Susan. Thank you so much Susan for treating me and for the lovely birthday gifts. You truly spoil me. As you can tell James and I have been enjoying the chocolate!



Today Reid's fifth grade class is going to BizTown, a make-believe city within a building where the students learn life skills such as holding different job positions (Reid is the CEO at Best Buy) and writing checks, purchasing items for their business, etc. He dressed up for his job at Best Buy!



Ryan and I had a quiet morning. After his bath he wanted to soak his feet. He laughs and laughs when the bubbles are turned on! He is pretty fun.


This afternoon James and I attended a graveside funeral service. It was an emotional afternoon. The speakers brought many important thoughts into my heart. Funerals provide important reminders to the important things of life.

I want to wish my sweet mom a very Happy Birthday today. It was good to talk with you mom, glad you got the gifts, and that you liked them. We all love you!

Tomorrow James and I are going to the temple - another wonderful thing. Make it a good weekend.

birthday treats...

I love these black planters and am excited to get them filled with some some flowers that will last through the fall. These are what I picked out for my birthday from my mom-in-law. Now everytime I go in and out of my front door (which is a gazillion time a day!) I will think of her and her sweet generosity.

When I went to Washington my sister gave me some $ (along with a gifts in a jar cookbook that I LOVE and a most wonderful card) and told me to let her know what she got for me. :) Doesn't she have great taste!?!

I LOVE these glass containers! I had been eyeing them before I went to WA and then again, saw them there so when I got home I went and bought them. I have them on top of the piano in our entry and all my little friends that visit especially like the treats inside.

I am excited to wear these earrings she picked out for me. (wink!) My sister always knows just what I would want - good job shopping Cindy and thanks!

My sweet friend Jo-Anne gave me this aDoRaBlE scat cat for my b-day!

Scat cat sits on my piano, but he is a little lonely, as I still have not gotten out my Halloween decorations. Hopefully they will be out by this weekend since Halloween is almost here.

family pictures

Saturday morning we had a friend take some family pictures at a local park. Here are two casual shots that were snapped with our camera - I am looking forward to seeing the ones the actual photographer took.

zoo - pantry - Beehives!

Yesterday the little boys and I visited the zoo. We only saw about half of it, strolling lazily along...We brought along strawberries, grapes, go-gurts, water and wheat thin crackers...The boys especially liked seeing the zebras, giraffes, and the speckled bears. It was a nice visit!



Don't be too excited but here's a finished picture of our pantry...

I know looking at a pantry is not too exciting. The paint job is complete, shelf liner is placed, food storage is sorted, food is organized...I'm glad it's done.


Today I hosted the Beehives over for an afternoon of getting-to-know-you games and snacks. They are such sweet girls - they bring me such joy!

school break activities

Our last week of the school break has been pretty busy. My parent/child outing with Reid on Monday went well - we had a great date with each other at Panda Express and then he was a good sport and we did some shopping together. It was great to spend one on one time with him. I learned he wants to join a kickball league, is enjoying his class science unit on the skeletal system, is excited to get through his last year of elementary and move on to middle school and wants a Playstation 2 for Christmas. He is a cute boy.

Tuesday the little boys all went to the dentist - no cavities. Hurray! Ryan did so great at the dentist, he let them polish his teeth and got fluoride. Chase, for the first time, let them take x-rays of his teeth. This was such a huge leap for both the boys. Everyone did so terrific.
After the dentist I took the boys to the store to pick out their Halloween costumes. This is the first time that I have purchased full price costumes for them. Normally we use hand-me-downs, create our own costumes or buy costumes at deep discount so I experienced quite a bit of sticker shock at the price, but the boys are happy and they have already been wearing their costumes around the house. They are all going to be characters from Star Wars so I have been having many battles occuring around me.
Afterwards we all went to Chase's yoga session and after made another stop at Wal-Mart. The quest to complete the pantry is still underway, we needed to get more shelf liner.

Today I took the boys swimming! We had such a nice time! Here is a photo of Reid and Ryan showing their silly muscles while Chase chose to be a little more serious.


The water was so warm and the pool was pretty much empty so we had such a relaxing time together.

Weekend of General Conference

We shut out the world this entire weekend and enjoyed the messages of General Conference. I am already looking forward to going to lds.org to review many of the talks.



We also took time for Family Home Evening. We made a pizza together and then enjoyed being outside and making s'mores. We also tried out one banana boat to see if we liked it. I am hosting a girls camp activity at our home in a couple weeks so we wanted to see if it would be something the girls could make while they are here. James had never eaten one before and I was in grade school the last time I had one.
During FHE we talked about what careers each child is currently thinking about. Here is the lowdown: Austin: computers/engineer. Molly: dental hygienist or teacher. Reid: designing legos. Chase: mailman. Ryan: policeman. It is fun to hear what things they are thinking about.


Reid is such a little cub scout helping gather wood for the fire, starting the fire and of course, playing in the fire...


Chase likes his marshmellows even when they are burned black.


Ryan with puffy cheeks! He had his mouth full of s'more!


We liked it, but thought it needed more marshmellow.

Today it is back to work on the pantry. The project is almost complete, but I need James to paint the ceiling line (that I can't reach) and we need to go through and put back the food storage and the cookbooks. Meanwhile the rest of the house is in shambles! Regardless, I'm thankful the world stopped and that we, as a family, we could gather around the television for the messages of Conference.
Tonight Reid gets his parent/child one on one date. He is very excited! He has chosen to go to Panda Express. I cherish these 'dates' so we can talk to each child individually and see what their little minds are thinking/worrying/excited about.

Since I've been home...

I wanted to spend some time with the boys so Wednesday we went to the park with some friends! It was a beautiful day. We had a breeze, shade under the grown trees, snacks and good friends. Reid enjoyed climbing the trees. Chase enjoyed digging with his buddies. Ryan hung out with older kids and would only get his picture taken with our friend, Andrew.




Wednesday evening for mutual the Laurel class learned about fondue cooking. My friend Nancy prepared a wonderful evening for us - she taught us how how to cook with a beef broth which we cooked beef and veggies in. We did a cream cheese fondue for bread and a chocolate fondue for cake and fruit. It was great for the girls to cut, chop and slice and enjoy the delicious food!






Yesterday we emptied out the pantry to paint. Today we (me and three great little helpers!) painted the off-white walls a true white. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to refill these empty shelves and get all our food out of the kitchen and back onto the pantry shelves.






Tonight I took a break from the pantry to attend a scrapbook crop. I went alone but sat next to some great ladies from a neighboring ward that we share a building with. I actually got a lot done and was happy that I took time to attend. Tomorrow is the Saturday session of General Conference that I am looking forward to watching.

Seattle photograhs!

Austin and I had such a wonderful time in Seattle! I took a full card of photographs - about 155 photos total. Here are some of the highlights of our trip!

These first photos are of: Mt. St. Helens or I suppose they are of the fog that hid Mt. St. Helens! Also, Austin practicing his golf swing the day before they hit the course. My mom enjoying the last sips of caramel apple cider before we hit the shops!






This friendly squirrel I encountered while walking the campus of Green Rver Community College. Also are photos of our trip into Seattle where we visited the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museum and then we went to the Pacific Science Center where we enjoyed the warmth of the butterfly house. Afterwards we ate lunch at Ivar's fish and chips on the Seattle waterfront.







These pictures were taken during our trip to my sister, Cindy's home. We had a fun game of Monopoly and enjoyed her beautiful big yard. Cindy made us all a delicious dinner and I'm glad I snapped this picture of my sister with her cute boys, Brett and Brock. On Saturday my mom, sister and I went to see The Phantom of the Opera! It was magnificient!







These photos are of our last day in Washington. We enjoyed a bike ride - isn't the river we rode alongside gorgeous! We stopped during our bike ride and enjoyed wild blackberries and my dad picked a few apples. After, we went to downtown Tacoma to visit the glass museum but it was unfortunately closed for the day. The glass picture was taken outside the museum. The glass works we did see were beautiful. We'll have to visit the museum on our next trip!