Happy Halloween!

Nope, Spencer is not Dorothy for Halloween. He dressed up as his other passion in life - Thomas the Train. Madison is Sleeping Beauty, Skyler a Ninja and Megan just wanted to be something scary. She definitely succeeded. The kids came home with a load of candy. (I've been having sleepless nights worrying about all the candy "bugs" eating away at their teeth)

My cute little Dorothy

Spencer has discovered the movie "The Wizard of Oz". He loves musicals or at least any movie that has singing and dancing in it (the Wiggles is another one of his favorite). He has now pretty much memorized a part of every song sung in the movie. His favorite character of course is Dorothy. Getting ready for Halloween I discovered a Dorothy dress that my sister had given Madison a couple of years ago. Well, Spencer got sight of this dress and that was it. For the next couple of weeks he insisted on wearing the dress every day. I finally had to make the excuse that I am washing the dress and because it is dirty he is not able to wear it. I felt a need to break the cycle of Dorothy. It seems to be working as he is now imitating Scarecrow's dance moves and sings with him as he and Dorothy goes off to find the Wizard.

Neighborhood buddies

Spencer is one lucky guy. He has two little neighbor boys his age eager to play with him on a daily basis - Sam and Jameson.

Hooray! Hooray! for the new school year.

Yep, I'm one of those moms who look forward to when summer break finally ends and the kids go back to school. Here they are ready for their first day of school.

Soccer girl - Meg

Megan has shown a tremendous amount of interest and love for the game of soccer. This year we decided to pursue soccer with a little more intensity. Instead of signing her up for the Legacy Center soccer program, we had her try out for the Lehi Strikers League. She was fortune enough to be chosen to play on one of three U10 teams. As a coach's assistant I was able to experience the difference in league coaching versus community - what a difference! Being involved in a more competitive level also brought on some new challenges. Megan and I experienced several moments of frustration with each other. I discovered that I'm very competitive and get way too emotionally involved. Megan discovered that she has a mom with a powerful voice. I got drawn into the practises and games and found myself "yelling" with enthusiasm. Megan thought I was yelling at her not realizing that I was only raising my voice as the intensity grew within the game. I would call it an "enthusiastic emotional display of encouragement" . Needless to say we talked it over and for now the issue is resolved. Megan is an amazing girl and has accomplished so much. Myself, I have a lot to learn and to correct. Way to go Meg!

Summer fun continued...!

July was a continuations of some fun activities with friends and family. We went to temple square via tracks, which is always a highlight for my kids. I finally got to see the new Joseph Smith movie and loved it.


Here we are spending a Saturday at Jordanelle. My sister Lidia loves to go on outings and goes all out. We had wave runners and canoes and everyone had a blast. Natalie and her kids were there too. The cousins really enjoy each other.




This month we also had two birthdays. First Jon on the 21st. What a picture! If he could be goofy like this all the time he would. He is a great husband and father and I love him dearly. Some of the things I adore about him is:

1. His dedication to our family
2. He works hard to provide for us
3. He is ALWAYS looking out for my well being and happiness
4. He loves me unconditionally
5. He puts up with my nagging
6. He genuinely cares

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!

Spencer had a birthday on July 26. He turned two. What a cute boy he is. He is into trains and the Wiggles so I attempted to make him a choo-choo cake. Needless to say there were some complications but he loved it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCER!

We went camping with our friends in Toeele. We try to do this every year and it has therefore become a tradition. I am not a big camper (two nights is about the max that I will sleep in a tent) but I try to tolerate the no running water and smelly camp toilets.

Summer Fun!

Summer is finally here and has allowed some wonderful fun filled days in the sun. One of the highlights of summer is spending as much time as possible at the pool.

Summer also invites some fun activities with the church. Activity Days Day Camp was a blast!

Don't forget that summer means a bunch of lazy-do-nothing days and days shared with good friends.

Sporting events have also been a part of our summer days. We've had baseball, soccer practices and swimming lessons so far.

The zoo has been another one of our favorites this summer. You can never get enough of animals. Ours seemed to be the giraffes.

Liberty Park is one of our favorite parks and we try to go there every year to feed the geese and ducks and of course to ride on the rides.

Keepin' it Real Tag

I haven't had much to blog about so this tag is welcomed in the way of helping me post something. My instructions are to take pictures of the things listed below, but no straightening, primping or prepping. I have to leave everything just as they look and take pictures. Here I go:

1. The refrigerator: It is a good thing I went shopping yesterday.


2. My closet: It is what it is. Definitely not my dream walk-in closet.

3. The kitchen sink: Hooray for a clean sink! I do like a clean sink. When it is clean it feels like my whole house is clean. Kind of weird!

4. Laundry pile: Okay this is kind of embarrassing. There always seems to be a never ending pile of clothes somewhere. Either I am washing or I am folding laundry on a daily basis. I could definitely do without this responsibility.

5. The toilet: I was very nervous about this one. Thank goodness the seat was down. It's a good thing because I think the toilet bowl needs a scrubbing.

6. My favorite room: I picked Megan's room as it is the only room that is somewhat completely done to my liking. I have so much I want to do to all the other rooms. My problem is I lack talent, finances and motivation.


7. Favorite shoes: There is definitely only one pair of shoes - my slippers. If I could where them to the store I would.




8. What are the kids doing right now: Megan is at her activity day and Skyler is playing at a friends house. Spencer was taking a nap until I took this picture. He is such a light sleeper.

Madison is playing with her friend.

9. Self portrait: There was technical difficulties with the download of this picture. Sorry.

10. Where I want to go: Back to Cancun. Or any kind of warm water beach. Oh how I wish.