Making a List...

Owen was super excited today after church to show me what he did...he had made a "wish list" for Christmas.  Not exactly sure how that fit into the gospel, but I loved reading his list!!

Here is what he is asking for:

1. a vacation to Indiana

2. a puppy dog like Farley

3. an ipad (for the third Christmas in a row!)

4. a bird that is in an egg

5. a Steve Nash poster

6. $1,000

7. Sky Landers Giants game

8. xbox

9. really cool basketball shoes.

Was it a Trick...or a Treat?

 We had yet another successful Halloween night...and the candy wrappers in their beds to prove it!

...we had the COUNT...

 ...Marty from Madagascar...(See the resemblance?)

 ...and what Halloween would be complete without a little (or BIG) Identify Theft!!...

 ...and last, but not least, Our Crate.  Making himself at home in Indiana!!  

 

Oh Happy Day!!

Well...we got it out.  Took 2 weeks and Creighton's foot, but it came out!  Oh happy day!!

It's a Birthday Miracle!!

Happy 39th Birthday!!

It's been a long time coming...but we came up with 300 reasons why Mike needed a new iphone!!

Luck of the...Italian?

Well we must not have the "luck of the Irish"!  This week alone, between Owen and myself we have managed to go to the dentist 4 times this week and it's only Thursday!!!

...I went because I bit into one of these

 ...while eating what I thought was one of these...

 Owen went because he got one of these...

 He left the dentist like this:

 I, on the other hand, left with two of each of these:

A Little Piece of Heaven on Earth

A few weeks ago Mike and I went on a hike . Ian wanted in on the action so our "quiet time" together became a mom, dad, and Ian outing.

As our hour hike passed on, I began to realize that I {LOVED} our non-quiet time. It became quite clear that I had my own little piece of heaven right here on earth as we talked the time away.

Grandparents Day

The boys celebrated Grandparents day today... What lucky boys they are as both sets of Grandparents were able to come... They are sure loved!!

Lucky #13

A bit delayed...but here are the pictures of Crate popping the balloons to get the clue of what his birthday present was...(the letters spelled out Indiana).

AOL

It's been a crazy few weeks...and a lot has happened. 

 Ian received his Arrow of Light last month and we are very proud of his accomplishment.  He worked very hard over the summer to get all of his requirements completed.

He is excited to move on to 11 year old scouts...mainly for the camping and the pocket knives!

Good job Ian!!  We love you!!

WARNING: Parental Advisory!!

What you are about to see may not be suitable for all audiences or stomachs!!

As many of you know...my dad is quite the "HAND"-y man...and then, this happens... 

Birthday Bash

 Creighton has always disliked his AUGUST birthday...but we try each year to make it up to him...(and for the record, it's wasn't the best for ME either!!)

This year I think he had a great time...he gathered a few of his favorite friends and "jumped" right in to the fun.

 Party #2 came on his actual birthday.  Dinner at Smash Burger...

 a special gift from Indiana...

 and lots of love from Family!!

 Happy 13th Birthday Crate!!!

Genealogy, I Am Doing It

Mike and I had the opportunity to take our oldest two to the Meas Temple Saturday, along with my dad, and do baptisms for family members who have passed on.  It was the first time for all of us and it was an evening I will never forget.   My dad had done all the hard work and we were able to do the fun part.  I am forever grateful to him for allowing us that opportunity!! We were able to do work for my Grandfather, and an uncle and aunt...along with some family members that were related to my Great Grandmother.  It was an evening I can't quite put into words and the excitement I feel knowing that someday we will all meet again, is, well, priceless!!

Thanks to Aunt Shar for watching the boys!!  They had a fantastic time...but we are talking about Aunt Shar, McDonald's, candy, treats, and Baby Griffin...can't really go wrong there!!

What I Learned

This past week I was able to spend some quality time with my sisters.  Though we all live within 30 minutes of each other, well almost all of us...we rarely see one another.   I came to realize I have been missing out on what they bring to my life.  We stayed up late and talked, we cooked, we cleaned, we worked, we got lost, we laughed until it hurt, and a few of us even cried, but we did it all together.  

I walked away feeling loved and wanted.  Guess no matter how old you get, you always want to have that feeling.  I also realized how much I have taken for granted the fact that I have a husband that treats me with such love, honor, and respect. And, that my children that aren't really that bad after all :D.  I realized that my "problems" could be so much worse and that my life is truly full and richly blessed. 

I am both happy and sad that our weekend is over.  It was defiantly a learning experience for me. Through life, I have realized that even those experiences I would never choose to learn on my own, I am grateful for the lesson they teach me.  They have molded me into who I am and what I believe.  Each life lesson has made me stronger in my love for the Lord and my testimony of His gospel.  I know that He loves me and through my obedience, He has blessed me and my family beyond comprehension. 

I will forever treasure my parents, both sets of parents, for the unconditional love and knowledge they continue to give to me.  The encouraging words, council, and support never seems to end.  The love they have for our Savior, and His gospel is seen in all they do and say.  They are true examples to me and each day I strive to be more like them.  

My life is wonderful...and really, what more could I want?

and the winner is...

What a surprising evening we just had. 

We attended an awards banquet for all those who had participated in sports throughout the year. We were unaware that Baker would be receiving TWO very special awards.

He received an award for most improved in basketball.  His coach said that the recipient of this award was one who surprised him.  This player did not start off in the starting line up and in the fist game he put him in with only 10 minutes left.  They were down by quite a bit and once this player went in, he was a "mad man".  Baker ended up scoring over 12 points in 9 minutes and led their team to the win....and started in the rest of the games :D

He also won the award for best sportsman ship.  They announced that the winner  was a constant example not only to his team mates, but the opposing team and his coaches.  As parents, we are never surprised at the example Baker is to our family.  We are blessed to have him in our home and grateful for the example he is and all that he stands for.

Congratulations Baker-man!!  We love you!!!