What's new with you?

Not much new around here. Just the same ol' stuff. Busy dad, worn out mom, goofy kids...the usual! Since there have been no major occurrences, I have selected, for your viewing pleasure, some pics of random things that have been going on. :)

First, Joshua turned our kitchen into a "grocery store." Yep, he brought about every conceivable thing into the kitchen and set up shop. I was on the phone with my mom, and it was one of those times that I knew he was probably doing something that would be a lot of work to clean up later, but I was enjoying our conversation so I ignored the warning voices in my head! :) It was worth it though, because he was so proud of himself, as you can see! I had to "buy" his shoes from him so I could help him put them on so we could go pick up Bryan. I think they cost me more the second time around than they did when I first purchased them!

It finally looks like fall around here!!

The kids have been loving tramping through the leaves and especially throwing them in the air.

(Grace was napping whe we took this picture - we didn't exclude her on purpose!)

Last Sunday was our ward's primary program. It was Joshua's first program since coming to primary and my first program as the primary chorister, so it was a big day around here! Joshua was so excited and he even memorized his part and said it all by himself! Talk about proud parents!

I, on the other hand, was really, really nervous!! I didn't think it would get to me, but I woke up that morning and thought I was going to puke! My stomach was all butterfly-y and I felt weak in the knees - not a good sign. The kids did wonderfully, of course. It was a great program and I was so proud of how hard they had all worked and how brave the all were to share their testimonies with us. When I got up to lead the closing song, I had to turn around and face the audience because they were singing with us. We were singing the first verse of I am a Child of God and as I stood there with the kids singing out behind me and the people in the chapel looking so touched by the children's testimonies, I was just overcome and I started bawling right in the middle of the verse! Children are pretty special to our Heavenly Father and they have a lot to teach us-I know it's true, my own kids show me that everyday. So thank you to my wonderful primary singers for letting the whole ward see my emotional side! :)

And lastly, the kids have been really into building tents lately. This has been a common sight in our living room...unless of course it is dinner time and we have to dismantle the tent so we have something to sit on!

To the Veterans

As you all know, today is Veteran's Day.

We just want to thank all of those who have served our country, and thus us, in the military, as well as those who are currently serving. We have a couple of grandfathers who are veterans and we value their examples of patriotism. I always enjoy meeting veterans and hearing of their experiences. There is a lot to learn from those who willingly sacrifice their time, comfort, and often their lives, for their country and the freedoms of others.

Please know we truly appreciate you!

Happy (Belated) Halloween!!

We decided to stretch the Halloween festivities out over a couple of weeks, so this is one giant post of all the fun!!

First, these are two of my most favorite picture of the kids:

Grace the Curious Kitty:

To Infinity and BEYOND!!
Pumpkin "Carving"
Grandma Guymon sent us a super fun Halloween package with lots of fun Halloween activities and treats, including these fun pumpkin face pieces. The kids had a blast with them! Aren't they so cute? Sure are a lot less messy,too!








Lubbock 3rd Ward Trunk-or-Treat!
Our ward has an annual trunk-or-treat each year on the Friday before Halloween. It was so much fun! We were reminded again how blessed we have been to be here and to meet so many wonderful people that have truly touched our lives.
The trunk-or-treat is held at a ranch, so there were animals for the kids to see/pet, hayrides, food, and of course, trunk-or-treating!
Here are Joshua and Grace with some of their friends:
Pirate Owen, Buzz Lightyear Joshua, Sleeping Beauty Claire,
Cinderella Sabrina, and Kitty Grace.


Since Joshua was going to be Buzz Lightyear, he wanted someone to be Woody. (He had a good point, the two kind of go together like PB & J!)
So Bryan was the handsome Sheriff Woody.

My cute fuzzy kitty!

(Yes, she has a black eye, and NO, her brother does not beat her and she has not taken up boxing!! She fell and hit it on the footboard of our bed, poor thing! With her, I'm sure it won't be the last. For example, her new favorite adventure is to walk around with her eyes closed and see what she runs into! Doesn't usually turn out very well...)

Handsome, and very excited, Buzz!

Halloween Party at our place!

Since the kids had already gone trunk-or-treating we decided to skip the trick-or-treating on Halloween night and we had a rockin' party instead! It was so fun to hang out with the Odells, the Strattons and the Nelsons. Lots of good food, games, and company!

First I had to show off a couple of Halloween decorations I made this year. My friend Kaci helped me make this wall hanging. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, considering my sewing abilities, but please, if you quilt professionally, don't look to close!!

This is what I made for the table decoration for our party. I found the idea in a Family Fun magazine. It was so quick and easy, which was good, since I didn't do it until that afternoon! The kids each got to take home one of the salt dough ghosts as a party favor.

On to the important part of the party...

The Eighties Odells in all their eighties glory.

(Sad part is they were able to find most of their costume pieces at the local Walmart!!)

Thanks for dressing up guys, you looked TOTALLY AWESOME!

And here are some of the kids all dressed up!

We also had a super cool Spider man, the cutest witch EVER, and one adorable bumble bee, but of course I forgot to take pictures. :)

So that was our Halloween - SUPER FUN!!

Is it Thanksgiving yet?!? I'm ready for the next party!

A little confession . . .

So I have to confess, and this is a really serious sin here in Texas...

I don't really love football.

Yikes! I know, I'm bad.

I don't mind it, but of all major sports, it is really my least favorite. I would much rather watch basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, swimming, gymnastics...you get the idea. :)

However...

...because there have been THOUSANDS of crazy people camping out in "Raiderville" since MONDAY so they can get the best seats...

...because Texas Tech clothing is flying off the shelves quicker than most essential food items...

...because there has been a "Countdown to the Game" sign at the bottom of my TV screen (the spot normally reserved for emergency weather info) since Monday...

... because campus is surrounded by fields full of RV's that have been waiting to start the party since Wednesday...

...because it is all people talk about...

... because Tech is playing the # 1 team...

...and because my husband is all decked out in his raider wear and is going to wait in line for three hours to get in...

I must say. . .

GO RED RAIDERS!!

WRECK 'EM TECH!!!!