The Werewolf and the Ninja...

It was a very busy but fun Halloween this year.

Aunt Pam started the week off with her annual Halloween Hoopla party on Monday. We got to drop the boys off and while they had the time of their lives Justin and I ran some errands.

 On Wednesday was the freezing ward trunk-or-treat that was actually enjoyable thanks to Mammy's hot chocolate and whip cream she provided for all who was there.  

Thursday was Nathan's Party and parade at the school where they had mummy races, played games, and ate Chick-fil-a.  Thursday night we all met at Mike and Deb's.  The dad's took the kids out while the mom's stayed and visited while Deb passed out candy.  Boy did they get a TON of candy!

Friday was Kendall's party at school.  He was in a little parade and then got to do all kinds of fun activities.  That night Nathan had his Halloween piano recital.

This year Nathan decided to be a werewolf.  Thank goodness Scotty had the costume and let him use it.  He scared me several times throughout the week and just thought it was hilarious.

Kendall went for a Ninja.  He had got the costume for his Ninja birthday party in September and had perfected his moves all month for the big day.

Morning

I feel so grateful to live in such a beautiful town.

One Saturday morning we were going on a family date and we looked over to see hot air balloons.

It made my day.

Happy

 We spread a plaid blanket on the cool grass and had a picnic on the lawn across from the temple. As we were eating we talked about the neat feeling on the temple grounds and watched Angel Moroni glow as the sun set behind it . Fall was in full force and the American flag peeked above the trees.

The boys finished up their food and had races rolling down the hills.

I reflected on the knowledge that we are a "forever family."  A gift that sometimes I can't comprehend but boy am I sure grateful for.

The Pumpkins of 2013..

 For FHE we decided to carve pumpkins and the boys wanted to do a lesson on service and missionary work.  We combined it all, listened to Halloween music, recorded a Halloween dancing video,  roasted and ate pumpkin seeds, and called it a night.

It sure was a fun one.

Having Fun With Fall...

 Each day I drive to the school to pick up the kids I have to pinch myself.  The trees and bushes are such vibrant yellows, oranges, reds, and lime greens.  The sky gives the colors a "pop" background with a rich bright blue hue.  The beauty is surreal and maybe because I know it will be gone in a few more weeks makes it that much more enjoyable.

It also puts a bee in my bonnet to do some fun fall activities with the boys...Justin included.

We have enjoyed pizza nights, making caramel apples, fall walks, creating window monsters with Mammy, hot chocolate, pumpkin carving, and washing our hands with creamy pumpkin soaps.

Fall brings a special cozy feel I wish I could bottle and bring out in...say January.

Red Rocks

 A Saturday to Red Rocks was beckoning to us and after we had visited our favorite store in Morrison we drove up to natures gorgeous structure.

We got some fresh mountain air and plenty of exercise going up and down the stairs.  I'm pretty sure I burned an extra 800 calories just watching my three guys do push ups, body raises, bleacher hoping, and rock climbing.

 I am loving Kendall at this age.  His little woopie-do that he always turns the front of his hair into cracks me up.  He wants to keep up with Nathan and does a dang good job at it.  He is sweet and kind and I wish he would stay little although all his different stages have been a ton of fun!

 Nathan is into working out.  I'll find him reaching his goal of 100 sit ups followed by another type of exercise goal.  He is easy going and so fun to talk to.  I am loving our conversations as he gets older.  I find out something new and get to hear a joke everyday.

A Silly Santa

We woke up to a blanket of white outside this morning.

The kids got bundled up and we were off to school.

It was only fitting to listen to Christmas music as we watched the snow fall on the streets. Nathan got us all in the mood with his outfit and dance moves!  We could not stop laughing.  He sure knows how to get everyone in the mood for a good time.

A Special Saturday...

 We got to wake up early and head down to Castle Rock to attend a very special event.  A girl that Justin grew up with has a daughter that is struggling with cancer. 

Family and friends of theirs put together a 5K to help with some of the medical costs.

We were honored to run for little 3 year old Presley.

The boys did great!  Nathan took off ahead of all of us on his scooter and Kendall ran with Justin.  About 1/4 of the way left, Justin stuck Kendall on his shoulders and off they went.  I brought up the back with our other friend, Shalyn.

The boys got their face painted, jumped in the bounce house, ate grape cotton candy, and left with balloon animals. 

Our prayers go out to Presley and her family and every time we wear her "run for Presley" shirt we are reminded of this sweet little girl.

We headed home to change our clothes and went up to the boys school to help with a service project our ward was doing.

A sister in our ward had recently died.  A few years earlier she found out she had cancer when she was PTA president of the boys school.

She had tended the gardens out back next to the playground and since she has been sick they had been very neglected.

Our ward got busy to work with gloves and tools and in no time had the gardens looking beautiful.

It was a perfect day for some gardening and time to reflect on sweet Paula.

  Cada (a girl in the ward who just graduated from culinary school) put on the most gourmet lunch we had ever eaten as a picnic.  It made it very special.

I hope when they go out to play for recess they will see those beautiful gardens and think of that day we went to honor Paula.

Indian Chief

 Nathan had to do a book report presentation at school and had to pick an interesting person from the "old days" to talk about.  After throwing a few ideas up in the air he finally solidified it with a little help from Papa. He was going to be Chief Sitting Bull.

After checking out the book from the library, doing lots of research, making note cards, and practicing he was finally ready to transform into the chief.

The day of his report, Justin and I were able to meet at the school.  We walked down the hall and the smell of a delicious feast greeted us when we entered the room.  It looked like Thanksgiving.  The children all wore their costumes and were eating a hearty meal from their desks as they watched and cheered for each presentation.

You could tell they were loving this special day at school.

As I watched Nathan do his report I couldn't help but think he looked like an eighth grader.

After his presentation we turned to leave and Nathan came running up to us.  He scooped us up by our legs and shouted, "group hug!" 

It was a great moment.

 I love how his eyes look black with a little twinkle.  Perfect for an Indian.

The General Conference Board

Before:

 After:

 About eight months ago after I found this on pinterest, I knew I wanted to make one for our family.

Each night after the boys went to bed I would pull out the project and work on it.

This conference it was finally ready to be put to some use. 

If you are wanting to make one for your family I would say, do it!  The boys loved it and paid attention to the speakers.

My favorite part is that it is heavy duty and will be around for many conferences to come.

It is always nice to have something for the kids during conference but my favorite part is the feeling that lasts the entire weekend.  The talks this conference were amazing.  I have several favorites and can't wait to re-read and listen to them.

Todd, Martha, and Buddy came down and spent the night.  When the boys watched the Priesthood session, Mom, Martha, Buddy and I went out for frozen yogurt.

We each took turns being in charge of different meals and snacks.  After the Sunday session Natalie came over and did the girls up with her new shellac system.  We all felt so pampered!

It was relaxing and uplifting.  I feel inspired and happy.

I love this family of mine!

What Was I Thinking?

 I had things organized down to the last perfect detail and by the time we did it, all things derailed.

Justin got off work early so that he could take the boys and I up into the mountains for a scenic drive to see natures hand at work; a swirl of colors deep and rich before the hard freeze hit.  This time of year I look so forward to.

Snacks were packed, jackets tucked around our waist, and the camera was ready to capture glorious sights.

I was pushing myself for about a week and about 30 minutes into our journey I became extremely ill in the car.  Just as we had pulled off into a field lined with golden aspens and crimson shrub oak bushes I could not move.  My heart sank with disappointment as I told Justin we needed to turn around.

I handed him the camera and asked him to snap a few pictures so that later when I was going through the pictures I would be able to enjoy them and see that our family was having a "normal outing" free of a sick mom.

It was the longest car ride home and I didn't remember the twists and turns of the road being so intense and painful before.  My body was in a rage and my face was so intensely burning.  The talking in the car turned into a muffled sounds and the scenery outside was blurry.  I honestly don't remember getting into the house or into bed.

I awoke the next morning with my heart full of gratitude for priesthood blessings and a two little boys- who even though lots of times their fun is cut short, they understand.