gone camping

Last Friday I did something I've been wanting to do, but dreading to do....camping. I love camping, but the idea of going with 3 kids, one of which is not yet 18 months, has quite frankly been haunting me. Knowing I won't get much sleep, if any, being cold, worrying about Levi around a campfire, the endless packing for just an overnight campout, etc. But I did it! and I'm glad to say that it was fun despite the inevitable. We didn't sleep much, Levi was infatuated with the fire, we packed what seemed like our entire house, we woke up to a partially inflated air mattress, had neighbors that talked to the wee hours of the morning, but the kids had a great time and so did I-no really, I did. I will do it again, although, it might not be until next year since winter is quickly approaching. We hiked, threw rocks at the river, built a fire, roasted marshmallows, got dirty, and hung out. We went with our friends, the Schanz's. The kids really were in seventh heaven. They picked berries and mushrooms, both probably poisonous, for hooouuurrss. 1st family campout: check. Success!
Proof that we were there and proof that I'm "butch" when camping.
Someone is excited
It was nice sleeping next to the sound of this river.
Gooey marshmallows
Gooey and sticky marshmallows. Seriously, I can't believe I didn't think that marshmallows would get all over Jordyn's hands like this. They only wanted the marshmallow and not the chocolate and cracker to go with it. Silly girls.
Good night.

1st day of Kindergarten

Parents received this poem by an unknown author wrapped around tissue. I thought it was cute:

Every one has a "first day"
when they feel sad and all alone,
It can be so scary
when you're out on your own
And I know that a "first day"
can be full of doubts and fears,
But they're full of new beginnings.
Take my hankie, dry your tears.

You'll find lots of things to do
and you'll probably make new friends.
I promise we'll be together
when the school day ends.

Here comes the teacher
blow yor nose and be brave.
Come on now and wipe your eyes,
this is no way to behave.

Well good morning teacher.
We really must beg your pardon.
No, MOMMY doesn't always act this way,
But it's my first day of....KINDERGARTEN!

Sydney started her 1st day of kindergarten this morning at Eagle Academy. It's a charter school. She got into the school by lottery. In the morning a friend a few house down will take to school and I will pick up in the afternoon. At this school, kids wear uniforms. Sydney was very excited this morning. She expressed some concern about missing us during the day so I gave her a heart bracelet I got when I graduated from H.S. On the heart says L.M.K. (my initials before I got married). I told her it's her special charm bracelet and when she's feeling like she missing us she can rub her heart bracelet and when she sees LMK she'll know it's me saying, "Love My Kiddo" and feel a little better. I was proud of myself that I thought of this last minute. Sydney was very happy about this special present I got her :) I also placed special kisses from me in her hand if she needs something a little more, like a kiss. She'll be fine though. She's going to be a great student. She got to school this morning saw a few kids she knew and walked to class. She found her cubby and sat down to color a picture of a rainbow that every student had on their desk. She told Jordyn she was going to miss her too. So sweet. When we left she cried a little bit; a minute later when I peeked in, she was fine and coloring her picture. We're all going to miss Sydney's presence during the day.

U-pick-it

Yesterday I woke up and told the kids we were going to be farmers for a few hours and actually pick our own vegetables. They were kinda confused at first, but as soon as we started picking vegetables at the you-pick-it-farm in Palmer, they were loving being "farmers." I have heard of this place but thought it was more of a farmers market. All of us had a ton of fun getting dirty, picking the vegetables, and learning what certain vegetable plants look like. It's embarrassing to admit, but I didn't know what a broccoli plant looked like or many other vegetables. I don't even know what to do w/ most of the vegetables either like: kohlrabi, bok choi, or even rhubarb. Can you tell I was born and raised in Southern California? So if you have any ways you cook some of those vegetables please write a comment. We did pick the vegetables we know and love: broccoli, peas, potatoes, onion, and carrots. We'll definitely go back in Sept. and then next summer for sure. On the way home we quickly stopped by a reindeer farm as well and took a few pixs.

9 years

On Wednesday Jeff and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary. As I say every year, it sounds like a long time but it doesn't feel that way. I guess moving a lot, having kids, working and having fun makes time go by fast. So last night we went on a date. We rode bikes at Eklutna Lake, ate dinner, and read our letters we write to each other every year.
The Eklutna Glacier carved this valley as it retreated, leaving horizontal scarring on rock formations as evidence of its passage. Glacial and freshwater streams flowing into the valley created the 7-mile-long lake. Eklutna Lake feeds a power plant and provides drinking water for the Anchorage area.
The ride around Eklutna lake was Gorgeous. It really was awesome to explore somewhere new.

VT conference

Here's an outline of what I did. The theme was being a SUPER HERO Visiting Teacher. I was really nervous because the RS Stake Presidency was there and the Bishop came in too, not to mention all the sisters in the ward. The room was completely full.

1. Intro to Super Hero VT: ask the question: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
2. A Super Hero visiting teacher is.... have the sisters fill in the blank. write answers on board.
3. Show 2 min. clip "Visiting Teaching" from LDS dot org These qualities are super powers.
4. Introduce the 3 responsibilities from the handbook page 69. Love and Know each sister, Help strengthen her faith, and Give Service. Ask how can we accomplish these 3 things. i.e. pray for them, support, prepare lesson, etc.
5. EXAMPLES
Scripture Super Heros that exemplify each of these responsibilities: 1. love : 3rd ne 17: 21-22. 2. strengthen faith: Moroni 9:25. Third. Service: Christ washing Apostles feet.
6. Ward SUPER HERO VT examples.
love: Carrie Elordi
faith: Kristin Armstrong
service: Katrina Rico
7. Close: bear testimony, pass out hand out and new assignments.

I was pleased with how my lesson went, sister's comments throughout the lesson, and feedback afterwards. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father did inspire me with this lesson. I prayed for the Spirit to be present and I think there were several women who felt the Spirit so that alone I'm thankful for as well.

super hero invitations

Yesterday I handed these out for the "Super Hero" VT Conference I had. I was thinking that you could easily change the words up and have a super cute "Super Hero" birthday invitation for a Super Hero party. I'll have to remember this idea for Levi's birthday.