My Weekly General Conference….6

For those of you who don’t know, my church holds a world wide conference twice a year that is broadcast live.  During 4 sessions over 2 days we get to hear from our Prophet, Apostles, and other church leaders.  I’ve decided to study one talk each week until the next one roles around. I’m posting it on here to make sure I do it!

This week’s talk is from the Sunday Morning session.  I chose it especially for this week as it is going to be the Teachings for Our Time lesson in Priesthood & Relief Society this week.  It’s also special because it was given by President Thomas S. Monson, the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He is God’s prophet on the earth today!

What Have I Done for Someone Today? by President Thomas S. Monson

Click here for TEXT and here for Video.

  

  Quote:

“The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: ‘He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.’”
( Hidden Wedges, Ensign, May. 2002, 19.)

 

Facts:

So many really cool facts!!  Like, did you know that President Monson’s Great Uncle baptized his future wife’s father in Sweden?  And did you know he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Utah?  Did you know he was only 36 when he was called to be an apostle??

To read a ton more VERY interesting facts and cool stories check out:

http://www.thomassmonson.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_S._Monson

11-22-2009 Week in Review….in rhyme….

So, on Monday you may wonder

What we did so I’ll tell you

Christy went and spent some cash

To get a new hairdo

Her hairdresser is quite stubborn

And when Christy asked, she told her

Not to ask again, until she’s old

To cut her hair above the shoulder.

So with 7 inches missing

She wondered what Ryan would think

But decided it didn’t matter

When two guys gave her a wink!

Then Monday night she stayed up late

To watch for meteors

But she was really tired

She’d spent all day doing chores.

She fell asleep but then awoke

Around 2 am, no lie

And looked out the window in time to see

A meteor shooting by.

So out to the lawn she ran with a flash

But made sure she was properly dressed

And stared at the sky for a very long time

You’d think that she was obsessed.

Then sure enough, there it was,

The biggest one she’d ever seen

Then from just yards away the sound of hooves

And something let out a big scream!

A herd of deer was grazing nearby

The star must have startled their feast

But the sound that they made was something unreal

I’d never known such came from a beast.

Then as fast as they ran, Christy ran, too

Back to the safety of her yard.

Feeling so glad that Ryan was in bed

And not out here calling her a retard.

But the screams didn’t stop, they went on for some time

Those poor deer were going quite loco.

So Christy went inside to escape and to get

Herself a big mug of hot cocoa.

Tuesday, I simply can’t remember

So that’s all I’m gonna say

And so we’ll have to keep on moving

Right on into ol’ Wednesday.

Okay, so Wed-nes-day was CRAZY

I really had no clue

Of all the things I’d overbooked

And there was no time to do.

But let’s add to that a child

Who’s smarter than our gate

And escapes every 5 minutes

For a solution I just can’t wait.

You see she’s taught her sister

How to open up the door

And I found them running down the street

Off to go explore

This was only an hour after

Giving Poison control a call

When Ella ate a tube of diaper cream

Yes, she ate it all.

But luckily it’s non-toxic

Another tragedy aside

Yet when Poison Control asked for my name

I probably should have lied!

Yet I managed to get done

Two photo shoots and more

I even got my children fed

And shoved them out the door

Off to Scouts and Town Hall meets

Then back to cleaning the house

A break to nibble on chocolate

Purchased by my wonderful spouse.

Now Thursday started way too soon

Of course it was pouring rain

And wouldn’t you know after waiting an hour

Dade’s bus just never came.

So I drove two kids to school

And made it home just in time

For a call from my dad

Saying Terralynn was not fine.

At only a week she was already sick

And tests were run at UNC

Dad asked me to pray, of course I did

We love this sweet baby.

Then my visiting friends paid a visit

To share a message and to chat

It was nice to hang with a grown up

I can not get enough of that.

Then off to Parent Teacher conference

To meet Corben’s teacher, and learn

That Corben is doing fantastic

His grades would be of no concern.

In fact, he seems really bored here

The lessons are much too easy.

But it’s illegal to give his higher work

That would truly keep him busy.

This frustrates a parent to no end

Why couldn’t they help the smart kid

To reach for new heights and learn greater things

I wish they’d do more than they did.

Now Friday was something quite special.

Five years of marriage to date.

Hoping to go hang with my hubby

For a night out, I just couldn’t wait!

But there wasn’t a sitter to be found

You see there’s this movie, that’s right,

That has all the women gone crazy

New Moon took my sitters tonight!!

But I tried really hard not to be sad

Ryan said we’d just put the kids down

And hang out together and each chocolate.

I hoped it would erase my frown.

Then suddenly there came a door ringing

And who stood there but my Father-in-law

Claiming that he was our Sitter

I almost knocked him to the floor

When I ran to give him a big hug

I think I took him by surprise

And then in walked my sweet husband

I definitely had tears in my eyes.

So off on a date we were headed

To eat at a local restaurant.

When we got there we found it was seafood

And that’s something that I didn’t want.

But since we had a cool gift card

We decided to give it a try

And started ordering big things

That we usually couldn’t afford to buy!

So I had the Fillet Minion

And Ryan had one with Shrimp, too

And we finished it up with dessert on the house

As we sat out on a couch made for two.

Then Saturday came on like always.

So busy, Dade was babysitting by 8.

And I ran out with Corben to practice

For the church program, I just couldn’t wait!

Then after 3 hours of singing

And eating pizza by the slice.

We came home and hung with the family

The weather for once was quite nice!

Then off again to take some pictures

Of friends who I love quite a bit.

And then home again, back to my family

In hopes I’d finally get to sit!!

By Sunday I was feeling quite tired

But the kids were going to sing

And I sure couldn’t miss their performance

Or the amazing Spirit it’d bring.

Though butterflies were in my stomach

I tried to stay focused and lead

As the children sung out so amazing

You could tell that they wanted to succeed.

The program was ever so perfect.

The children sang so loud and strong

I was so very proud of my singers

With them I could never go wrong!

Then back to our home we were headed

Followed by Grandma and my Sis.

It was so nice to eat lunch together.

It’s times like this I surely do miss.

While Ryan slaved hard in the kitchen

Making bread, pizza and éclairs, too.

I chatted with my mom and family

Then we stuffed ourselves full of great food.

Then outside to take a nice picture

Of four generations together

I sure do love my sweet family

I don’t think they could be any better.

Now I’m off to take advantage

Of the quiet that is all around

For most of my children are sleeping

It’s weird without any sound!

Rant….

Okay, I’m cranky and I don’t EVER do this but I’m going to.  I’m just going to vent for a moment so that all you other moms out there who think I’m perfect (HAHAHAHA) can see otherwise.

My kids are making me CRAZY!! Who knew that a silly gate has been the key to my fragile sanity all these years.  I could go about my business knowing that my kids were at least safe from the world (if not each other) in the living room.  BUT for whatever reason my Ella has suddenly lost her mind the last few days and she’s taking Sylvie on her mom maddening adventure.  She opens that gate every 2 minutes and they both explode out of the living room…one heads upstairs at break neck speed to go play in the boys room, change her clothes for the 15th time, or go dump my makeup on the floor and eat it.  The 2nd either runs into the pantry and starts pulling things down, locks herself in the bathroom where she flushes an entire roll of toilet paper or plays in the sink, OR she heads right for the side door and out into the yard.  So I’m yelling and trying to catch ONE of them while the other is causing major mayhem and I finally catch one after a good struggle (because they always put up a fight even as they’re yelling “Sorry Mommy”) and just as I get them put back in their Safe Room and head to repeat the craziness catching the next, the first one is OUT AGAIN!!  And the worst part?….This is NO EXAGERATION!!  They are all over the place.  And when they’re NOT out of the living room??  They’re eating diaper cream, pulling out HUGE chunks of each others hair, biting, dumping out their milk and painting with it, or EATING the leaves off our fake trees!!  Now, maybe I could side track them with lunch or something but that means an hour of trying to get two girls to STAY in their seats and not throw their food or spit it out onto the floor.  Keeping them from getting & pouring their own drinks, and from pulling all the silverware out of the drawer.  Yes, I’m sitting in the same room with them at the table and I feel like I’m in a 3 ring circus!!

I know, I know….they’re little, this too shall pass, their good girls, it’s just a hard day, they need a nap (I need a nap), this is all part of being a parent, someday I’ll look back on this and laugh, go outside and count to ten, find some YOU time, go take a bubble bath, take them to the park and let them run, go outside and have a good SCREAM…..I know all that stuff….just right now, I want some sanity….and a GATE THAT WORKS!!!………….I’m not bitter. 

Okay….1 twist tie, 1 Tinkerbell movie,  and 1 deliciously yummy chocolate bar later…….I feel much better.  I take it all back.

P.S. For when Ella and Sylvie read this later in life……I love you….but sometimes you make me crazy…….You make me crazy….but I LOVE YOU.  (And I hope you have kids that make you just as crazy so I can laugh when you call me and give you all the same advice that you won’t care about.)

The Family Email…..updated….and still going!

I know, at first this may seem weird that I’m blogging the reminder email about my mom’s family’s annual Christmas party…BUT…in usual family fashion, we always have a way of making it more fun………..Enjoy.

Hi All,
Please forward this e-mail to anyone I may have missed (I don't have everyone's e-mail).
The Christmas Party will be at Dave's house on Saturday, Dec 19th @ 6pm.
We will serve appetizers so please reply with what you can bring.  (reply to ALL to reduce duplicates)
Thanks,
Terri

---

I love the family party
Seeing everyone is great!
But this year I will miss it
To see Jason graduate.

On Saturday he'll don his robe
Just like Marie did twice
Then pack his stuff, and move away
To live out Mom's advice. (We can dream can't we!)

To Asheville ('least still in N.C.)
With mountains and fresh air
Eventually, though, he'll move back here
(Unless his choice girl's there.)

So for this reason, I won't be
There chatting 'round the fire
I'll give support so he'll give back
To me when I retire!

Love ya!!
Cindy

---

Your sweet reply has made me smile
on this homework loaded day.
A message from the poem gnome
shouldn't have come any other way.

As for Jason wish him luck
and give a hug for me.
I know one day when you need him most
He will support you happily.

I'm gonna miss your happy face
so I'll try not to cry.
I guess I'm gonna feel better
as I eat your pumpkin pie!

Love Ya!
Terri

---

I think my family's awesome
I'm sure you all agree
I sure wasn't expecting
A poem from Aunt Terri

So I thought that I would tell you
How cool you are to me
And let you know that I, as well,
Have to miss the party.

I really hate to miss it
It's the highlight of the year
But my calendar is screaming
That I'm overbooked, I fear.

I have 2 family events that day
One for Jason and then one more
For Ryan's family is flying in
To celebrate their daughter.

So although I will miss you all
I know you'll have a blast
And we'll be sure to be there next year
Like we have years in the past!

Luv ya!
Christy

---

Oh no, what have i done,
This was not ment to be.
Holidays are there for fun,
And time with family.

Please don't miss the party,
For my cap and gown and sash.
Go be with all your siblings,
I'm just as good with cash.

Love you Family
Jason

---

For more years than I can remember

The Edinger family has been

A true blessing of friendship

with love that never ends.

It's Christ that brought my "other" mom

and daddie together

And then from that came this family

Cherished oh so much by me!

Although weird and imaginative I love you, Edingers all the same

But didn't the first email begin with who and what to bring?

So keeping with the question at hand and what we will be snacking

I think a veggie, cheese and cracker tray is what I will be packing!

I think I now have proven that it's not only in Edinger blood

it's through the bonds of family that I too can rhyme pretty good!

So with great anticipation, I hope that I will see

Many of you that evening to celebrate Christmas with family!

- Shelley

---

Jason Jason Jason

You are making us oh so proud.

I'm sure you'll hear your momma

Cheering from the crowd.

You should feel pride in your accomplishment

and hope that you can see.

Your family here in Maryland are very happy for thee.

- Shelley

---

Family, oh family

How strange are we?

That we respond to a simple email

With many stanzas and "thee"

 

I shake my head and laugh

but here I do it myself

coming up with clever, yet informational

rhythms you won't find on any shelf

 

So here are the answers

to the questions my Mom did state

Two, newlyweds, please

and we'll bring some brownies on a big, special plate

 

Oh, and Jason my cuz

Before the mountains you will traverse

Good luck with graduation!

But you know I did it first!

 

Love you!

Have a great day,

Marie

---

The temptation was just to great,
I could not be left out.
I need to show that I can rhyme
and rid your mind of doubt.
I too will not attend the gather
that will happen coming soon.
It's not that I don't want to come
or appear as being rude.
Six months ago I spent a grand
to give thanks with those I adore.
And in a week, be downing turkey
with those who rhymed before.
Please understand my love is great
regardless of your last name.
I'd do anything to be with ya'll
but ain't coming just the same.
I know this may sound harsh or brash
you may think that I should chill.
But don't forget my only goal
was to show off my rhyming skill.
So now that I have cleared your mind
of negative thoughts 'bout me.
Lets return the conversation back
to where we all agree.
I'm proud of all my cousins,
my little brother too.
A house, two cars, and three children
show I got eight years on you!
So enjoy your little gown and hat
I'm sure it took much work.
But in eight years you'll be like me
Debt, bills, and going berserk!

Haha, Just kidding (mostly), Love you all!!!!  Thanks for being weird!
--Jymn

---

Now it is my turn
I know not what to say

Dave's garage a fire will burn 
Ping Pong upstairs we will play

For those of you who travel far

I will offer you a place to stay

Or you can sleep in your car

If I can't win when we play

And while the songs are sung

And the food begins to spoil

Let's drink some Rum

Or even better Crown Royal

And for the food we bring

Does it really matter

Lets just hope the following day

It doesn't leave a spatter

I know my poem

Is just a mess

It's not as good

As all the rest

  Created by :          Ed Edinger 

---

My Turn

What a wonderful family to which I was born.

You are the best ever, and you make me so proud.

The poems you wrote were so creative and fun,

They brought me such laughter, they are number one.

The Christmas party is a time for joy.

A time to remember our Savior and and his gift to us.

It's a time to come together, as many that can,

To embrace each other lovingly as the Edinger klan.

Congrats to Jason who will be walking down the isle.

As the Edward's family watches with gladness in their hearts.

What a wonderful event you will all be sharing.

Cause Jason means so much to us, we can't stop caring.

As far as food for the party, I will make lasagna. 

It won't be homemade, but by my friend Mrs. Stoffers.

We won't see you guys on the 19th, but we will still have a blast.

We will look forward to next year, we hope it comes fast.

Jennifer

---

So that’s it….so far.  I fear we may have chased of anyone else’s RSVP until they can figure out how to do it in rhyme!  Don’t worry, I’ll add more if they come…

My Weekly General Conference….5

I’m switching things up a bit!  This is from the Saturday evening session:

Love and Law by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Click here for TEXT and here for Video.

 

  Quote:

"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination. "
— Dallin H. Oaks

 

Facts:

1.  Dallin Harris Oaks (born August 12, 1932) was born in Provo, Utah. He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago's school of law, former president of Brigham Young University, and former justice of Utah's Supreme Court. In 1981, he was closely considered by the Ronald Reagan administration as a supreme court nominee along with Robert Bork, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy. The position was filled by Sandra Day O'Connor to fulfil a campaign promise made by Reagan to appoint a woman to the court. (http://tinyurl.com/y8cqtdj)

2.  Elder Oaks is a graduate of Brigham Young University (1954) and of The University of Chicago Law School (1957). He practiced law and taught law in Chicago. He was president of Brigham Young University from 1971 to 1980, and a justice of the Utah Supreme Court from 1980 until his resignation in 1984 to accept his calling to the apostleship. (http://tinyurl.com/yzzoph5)

3.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since May 1984. (http://tinyurl.com/yzzoph5)

He was the youngest Apostle by years at that time, and the first one younger than President Thomas S. Monson who had been ordained over twenty years before. (http://tinyurl.com/y8cqtdj)

He recently returned from two years as area president of the Philippines Area. His current Church assignments include chairman of the Temple and Family History Executive Council. (http://tinyurl.com/yzzoph5)

4.  He and his late wife, June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children, twenty-eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She died 21 July 1998. On 25 August 2000, he married Kristen M. McMain in the Salt Lake Temple. (http://tinyurl.com/yzzoph5)

5.  He has been an officer or member of the board of many business, educational, and charitable organizations. He is the author or co-author of many books and articles on religious and legal subjects. (http://tinyurl.com/yzzoph5)

6.  Elder Oaks is known for delivering doctrinal talks at conference that covers facets of the church's basic doctrines. His delivery is simple and concise, and his messages are often referred to for clarification on doctrinal matters by the members.  (http://tinyurl.com/y8cqtdj)

11-8-2009 & 11-14-2009 Weeks in Review…

Well, sorry this is late but we’ve been reaping some blessings to overflow and I haven’t found much time for blogging!!  My photography business has taken off with everyone trying to get Fall pictures in before the leaves are gone and in time for Christmas.  As thankful as I am for the needed income, I’m a bit worn out!!  In the mean time, here’s what we’ve been up to!

Tuesday night there was a service auction at church.  It was so much fun and I’m sure several ladies had a fun time laughing at me as I tried so desperately to win some babysitting so Ryan and I could get out of the house!  I also won some help organizing my home and some help with my music for church! YEAH!

Thursday was report card day.  The boys both did Amazing, as usual.  I am always SO very proud of them and what they accomplish at school.  They are such great boys!

I spent most of Thursday a nervous wreck.  Our huge yard (almost an acre) is fenced in and since we live in a sort of rural neighborhood we quite often get deer visiting us.  We try to keep them out of the back because the fence is sharp in the back and we’ve had more deer than I’d like to admit die trying to get over it.  One time a huge buck came running around the house to where Ryan was working and jumped right over his head!  Anyway, this little doe made her way through the fence in the early morning and spent all day trying to figure out how to escape.  She almost jumped the fence a few times but would always stop just short.  I was finally able to sneak around to the side yard and open another gate that was easier for her to escape through.  She’d been there almost all day.  It was kind of like having a pet deer and the girls spent all day at the window.

Friday we headed to a local park with our playgroup.  We walked the trails and did some tree rubbings.  The trail was great because it had buttons you could push that made the trees talk!  Thanks Lindsay for the pics!

 

Saturday we got a short but very nice visit from Dade & Corben’s grandparents.  We love them so much and so enjoy our time together!

Sunday was the first time I’ve EVER forgotten to turn my ringer off before church.  I usually don’t even bring my phone but sure enough there it went, right in the middle of Sacrament Meeting!  It was very okay though since it was the announcement of the birth of my newest little sister.  Meet Terralynn Jane.  She’s gorgeous and Linda did such a great job.  Congrats, Dad & Linda!!

I am now the oldest of 10!!!

 

 

• Tuesday was a crazy day of trying to get 2 boys to the dentist and keep everyone calm in the waiting room (we’re notorious for getting kicked out).  BUT despite being 20 minutes late and almost in tears when we got there, the girls were great and the boys got the best thumbs up EVER on their teeth cleaning.  NO CAVITIES! YEAH!

Tuesday was also my baby sister’s birthday!!  Happy Birthday, Alora!!  We love you!

Wednesday the kids had school off due to Veteran’s day.  It’s been raining for days and I just LOVE it.  Makes me want to curl up with a good book and a hot chocolate.  (Instead, I’ve been finalizing photos!)

Friday we got a visit from my sister and her beautiful kids.  She got a first hand taste of how busy my girls are.  I am so thankful for such wonderful family who loves me despite my crazy!

Saturday the sun finally came and and it was beautiful!!  We got out of the house for a bit to buy the ever growing Dade some new Sunday shoes!  He’s growing too fast.  He’s also been enjoying a new Saturday job.  A wonderful family nearby has taken him on as their Saturday sitter.  I miss his help but he’s loving “making the big bucks”!

Sunday was such a nice family day.  We spent a great deal of it out in our wonderful yard.  The boys were digging for treasure in the backyard and came across some old bones.  It turned out to be from one of the deer we buried a few years back but Corben was VERY excited.  Luckily most of the remains were gone so I don’t have a skeleton being assembled in my backyard, but don’t ask Corben what he has in his pockets….you just might get to see some deer teeth!  GROSS!

The Berlin Wall…..

November 9th, 1989 – The day the Berlin Wall fell…….

I was just a baby when we moved to Berlin, Germany but my memories of that place are very clear.  I remember the apartment we lived in, the playground behind it, the train rides to Stake Conference.  My baby brother, Jymn, was born there.  We were there almost 4 years.  It wasn’t far from our home that the wall stood.  In my memory it was behind the apartments across the playground from us but it must have been a bit farther….maybe not.   I remember a flag stand that my dad had, he’d found it in an old Nazi bunker (to my recollection).  On top sat a red piece of stone surrounded by black barbed wire.  I could never tell the story of how it was taken as well as my dad but in short, he snuck to the wall one night with some friends and cut pieces of the barbed wire fencing off to keep.  They were a mere 20 feet from the East German guards.  As a teen I remember visiting my father in Germany and standing beside the wall looking over.  It seemed so ominous to me, so sad.  Just a year later it all happened.  I remember sitting and watching in wonder as the waves of people flooded out of the gates and into the streets of West Germany.  I remember the tiny cars they drove, the Trabants (or as most called them Trabies).  They were so tiny!  My dad told stories of them being abandoned all along the roads leading out of East Germany.  Of people lifting them up and putting them in dumpsters.  My father made his way to the wall and happened to be there the same time as a German newspaper.  He has these amazing photos of his moment as a Wall Woodpecker (as the German’s called them.) 

 

I have a piece of that wall.

I will never forget what it stood for…

…and what it fell for.

This was posted on a MSN this week.  It’s a short version of my Dad’s story……….

My Weekly General Conference….3

Again, Saturday morning session:

That Your Burdens May Be Light by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

Click here for TEXT and here for Video.

  Quote:

• "There is no faith where there is no obedience."
  — Elder L. Whitney Clayton

 

 

Facts:

1.  Along with being raised in a loving home, two pivotal events in Elder Lyndon Whitney Clayton’s life have made all the difference, he says. One was serving as a missionary in Peru. The second was marrying his wife, Kathy Ann Kipp, on August 3, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple. They are parents of seven children.

“Our children joke that time at home with Mother and Dad often turns into spontaneous family firesides,” says Elder Clayton. “And that is a fairly accurate description.” The Clayton family loves to sit and discuss a wide variety of subjects; they also love to sing together.

Elder Clayton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on February 24, 1950, to L. Whitney Clayton Jr. and Elizabeth Touchstone Clayton. He grew up in Whittier, California, USA, received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Utah and a law degree from the University of the Pacific in California.

In 1970 he was called to serve in the Andes Mission in Peru. It was there that he learned to love studying the scriptures. “One of the great joys of my life is a quiet hour each day studying the scriptures,” he says. “I find great comfort and peace and guidance in that.”

Elder Clayton has served as branch president, bishop, mission president’s counselor, and Area Seventy. Serving as bishop in a Spanish-language ward in Santa Ana, California, “was a tremendous blessing,” he says. “It enhanced my ability to see that those who keep the commandments are happy.”

He has found the same to be true in his travels as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. “No matter where people live in this world, the Lord will bless them if they keep the commandments,” he says. “Those who put their trust in Him will find that He will enrich their lives in every way.”

(http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7155558fcc599110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD)

11-1-2009 Week in Review

Hmmm…let’s see…what did we do Monday….oh yes….See my previous post. 
But, so this blog isn’t a total bore, I’ll dig around for something interesting.

A good friend shared a bag of clothes with Ella this last week.  This picture is actually from last Sunday (when we discovered Sylvie was sick & decided to keep Ella home too.)  Before I knew she wasn’t going I reached into the new bag of clothes and pulled out the very first thing.  It was a dress that looked VERY similar to the dress I’d found for Ella’s favorite doll at Goodwill.  She was VERY excited and asked me to put her hair up just like Joy’s hair so they could be twins.  SO cute!

***Tuesday was my Dad’s b-day and Wednesday was my baby sister’s birthday!  She’s 3! Happy Birthday, Dad & Naomi!***

Tuesday – I thought Corben was recovered and sent him to school and then off with my mom for the evening.  She took him out for an evening of fun away from our sick house.  They went out to eat and to a movie.  So much fun!…..2 hrs after he got home he was sick again….Sorry Mom!

Wednesday – was kind of a recovery day for everyone.  Most everyone felt better but me……

Corben decided to get creative with his time and made these cool stilts.  He was really loving being able to reach everything in the cupboard.  I sure love that kid.

Thursday, to celebrate everyone feeling better I went and bought Pumpkins.  They were REALLY cheap seeing as all Walmart had left was a huge box of rotting ones and when I told the manager they were gross he climbed in personally and found me 4 that were Not Gross (he even smelled them) and then washed each of them for me.  Cool!

 

Ryan and I each took one of the girl’s pumpkins and cut our face into the back.  Don’t we make a cute couple??

Friday was no school so we tried to catch up on the world of housecleaning that we’d left behind all week.  Mom then took the boys out for a Hayride and walk through a Corn Maze.  My kids (and I) are so lucky to have her!!

Saturday started bright and early….or should I say Rainy and Early.  For the 2nd Saturday in a row I’ve been greeted with Rain Rain Rain!!  Somehow, I’ve still managed to fit in 2 photo shoots each day and just prayed it wouldn’t be too dark.

I got back in time to rush to finish costumes.  So much of a rush that there are NO PHOTOS.  I know….it’s weird.  The girls went in some Beautiful dresses a friend gave them coupled with some fairy wings and wands.  Corben wore a Ninja outfit from a few years ago and added a bow & arrow set & homemade quiver (I sacrificed and ate most of a can of Pringles so he could have it.)  Dade had an awesome costume.  He originally was going to be a Stop Sign.  We made the sign and were getting ready to cut out the face hole when he decided otherwise.  Last minute he decided to be a Road Construction Traffic Coordinator (or, in other words, the guy who stands at the beginning of the construction with the Stop Sign that swivels around and says Slow on the other side.  We couldn’t find a reflective vest so we cut up a yellow T-shirt to be the vest and lined it with Duct Tape to look like reflective stripes.  We painted the back of his stop sign to say SLOW and he was good to go!  It was pretty awesome.

Being the Brave and Trusting mother that I am….I let Dade go Trick or Treating with several of the Young Men from church.  We were in a neighborhood that I trusted and I made sure to remind him that he, and the other young men, were passing the Sacrament in church today and that they needed to stay worthy of such a task.  He was good and had tons of fun stopping traffic with his sign.  He’s a funny kid.

This was Sylvie’s first year Trick or Treating but she was right on task.  She was climbing out of the stroller before we even hit the side walk, and running to the door.  Everyone though the girls were beautiful and most thought they were twins.  Ella’s “Happy ‘Ween!” made everyone laugh…..though her “I have to go Potty!” was not as cute….Several people let us in to use their restrooms, however.

We got home and found that not only was all the candy we left gone….but so was the bowl.  I’m sure some mother is a bit curious where her new kitchen bowl came from, this morning. 

So, now church is over and everyone is napping/reading/blogging…..so I’m off to find something quiet to do! See ya later!