DONE!

I finally did it. This year's costumes are done! They turned out great, and what's even better, the kids like them and want to wear them!

Sam-Perry the Platypus, aka: Agent "P"


Now he's just Perry the pet! :)


James-Phenius


Chloe-Ferb

Barnyard BOO

We had a great time going to the Thanksgiving Point Farm and playing Halloween games. The farm was all decorated up as well as were the employees. We went with some friends to make it even more exciting.
This was the first time the kids got to put on their costumes. They had a great time, and I am happy to say that I love the way they turned out.
There was bowling, eye-ball toss, Halloween croquet, a spooky obstacle course, and a haunted house spider toss. They even got to milk a cow, ride a pony, and see the cutest baby goat that was only 30 minutes old.

Sneaky-Sneaky

This is what I caught this little girl doing today. It's amazing how fast they learn when they have older siblings. I just had to stand back and watch (and snap pictures) and giggle to myself.

October Nights

There is something in the air that just grabs me every fall. I am a fall girl. Everything about it makes me happy. I have been having so much fun with my kids and all that fall has to offer.
We love to go play out on our front lawn when night comes along. I enjoy sitting in the cool air and admiring our Halloween decorations. The kids love to run and play and explore. The lights are a big hit of course. We look at them, touch them, play in their light and shadows.
This is one of those moments that you hope you can keep sharply in your memory. A moment when you just stopped and did nothing but enjoy each other and your surroundings.

Witchy-Poo

For family night we went to Gardner Village to see the Witches. It was a blast. Last year we went for the first time and that created a tradition we wanted to start.

Up On Top of the World

Last night James slept on the top bunk for the first time. He was so excited to sleep up there just like Sam. I know it doesn't seem like that big of a milestone, but wow, it just amazes a mom when her little ones are able to do new things.

What a Way to Wake Up

This is why we come here so much...

When did he get so Big?!

In just 3 weeks James is completely suited up in Hockey gear, skating (scooting) around on the ice, and shooting the puck like a pro! What a big kid he has become!

We're Getting Great Reception in Here....

That is just one of the many comments that I got when I took Chloe to a family get together with this bow on her head. I have loved this bow since I got it from my friend when Chloe was born and I have been waiting patiently for her to grow into it. It could be argued that she is still not quite there, but I just loved how it looked with her shirt.
Needless to say Seth and my dad were laughing themselves silly with all the one liners they were able to come up with throughout the night. It was all in good fun. Chloe and I didn't mind. She looked cute...and she actually loved her bow. I am glad that she is finally liking to wear them. It is much more fun when I don't have to go looking for them and fighting her to keep it on.

Great Grandpa M's Honorary Birthday Party

My mom's side of the family was putting together a family reunion together to celebrate what would have been my Grandpa's 100th birthday. Since we, and most of my family in Utah couldn't go to San Diego for it, we decided to get together here and have our own little party.
I told Sam and James that we were going to a party and they were so excited,but when we showed up and the night progressed, poor Sam was distrot about the whole thing. There were no balloons, not "cake" (we had pie and apple crisp -Grandpa's favorite), not candle, and no one was singing "Happy Birthday." So of course my sweet mom took care of that. She stuck a candle on the crisp, had everyone sing the birthday song and let Sam blow out the candle. He was such happier after that! :)
We had a great time being with cousins and getting to know each other and each other's kids.
We finished the night with a very sweet PowerPoint presentation my dad put together while my mom narrated my Grandpa's life. It was fun to see old pictures and hear stories.
I must say with all that went on the night, my favorite part of the whole night was when we first arrived. My brother, Mark, opened the door (even though it was not his house) and greeted up with an "Hello, hello, hello". He sounded and looked like my Grandpa. From the large old school ball cap high on his head, to the plaid tie and temple tie clip, large glasses case in his shirt pocket, and a sweater vest to top it all off. It was awesome! Only Mark! :)

Finally! At least One of Them Likes to Color!

I think the verdict is still out on what she likes better- eating or coloring with the chalk.
I'll take what I can get.
Beggars can't be choosers! :)

Maintenance

I feel old. I can't believe that I have lived in my home long enough to have to touch up the trim on the outside of it! What a good feeling. We have been so blessed to be in a beautiful home that we can grow into.
Seth's mom came out to help me get things rolling. We are great painting buddies. She always helps me get the drive I need to get the ball rolling. Sam and James were into painting with us too. Sam was a great help. I don't think I am going to have any peeling issues on the parts he painted. He made sure to get lots of coats on it.




We finally have to resort to having them paint their own board on the lawn because they were just to fast and helpful! :) I love that I can work with my kids now.

HAPPYisimo

As happy as me little girl looks here covered in cookie crumbs and discovering the excitement of cool water....that's how I have been feeling lately and I just needed to stop and take note of it.

I have a very blessed life.

I am grateful for:
-a loving Heavenly Father and all of the many blessings he gives me. Those I know of and those that are not present in my mind
-my amazing husband who loves me and does so much for me. He is a great partner and an amazing father
-my kids. They are all so different and so full of love, life, happiness, and eagerness
-my home. I love that it is a beautiful, comfortable place where the Spirit can reside and people feel warm and welcome
-the gospel. I am so thankful for the knowledge and testimony I have that is of an eternal nature. I am grateful for my eternal perspective and the outlook it gives me in my daily life. I am serving in nursery right now and I am grateful for all those beautiful kids I get to serve and learn from. They are such an example to me. I am grateful that through my calling I get to study the gospel in such simple terms each week to prepare to teach them each week
-my health. I know that I don't have the best health, nor do I do everything I could/should to take care of myself, but I am grateful that I am able to do not only the things that are asked of me, but those things that I want and like to do as well
-my talents. I am blessed with talents that I love and feel are able to benefit myself, my husband, my children, and all those around me in ways that help cheer up, inspire, teach, and brighten
-my childhood. I love that I am able to look back at my life and pick out moments that are happy, instructive, and helpful to me in my life now. And I know that I will continually be able to feed off those experiences throughout my life