pumpkin carving, yuck.

I don't like carving pumpkins.  But, we did.  Why? I don't know.  This is phase 1.  Hoping to finish today.

and finally zach

Zach finally let me get a picture of him.  Not very good ones, but you get the idea.  He went from being a Ranger from his favorite books to choosing the castoff costume of Maggie's.  He never ceases to amaze.

Walk through the woods to the Wood's

It was an absolutely beautiful fall day.  The leaves were falling, the colors were rusty, and the temperatures were cool.  The sun was shining through the leaves, casting an autumn glow.  We took advantage of the last bit of good weather and went to see the Wood's. 

Primary halloween party

Our four primary kids had a great time at the primary carnival.  The leaders and teachers had some of the most creative games for the kids to enjoy and ended with eating cardboard style pizza.  It was a hit. 

 Then, we came home and took pictures because I had the camera on the ready.  Now, I just need to get a picture of Zach.

Sam is fourteen

Can't believe the kid is so old.  Eighth grade and fourteen definitely equals old.  Sam has grown so much since becoming a deacon, and looking ahead, the next two years will be no different.  I have a sneaky suspicion that a major growth spurt is about to come and that his body may start to catch up to those grand arms and legs.  So, here are fourteen reasons why we love having Sam in our family:

 1.  Sam is our favorite babysitter.

2.  He chooses very good music and is extremely careful with what he is willing to listen to.  

3.  Sam knows the scriptures.  I am constantly amazed at what stories he is able to tell.

4.  As the only boy in grades 6, 7, or 8 that is a Mormon, Sam stands tall as a great example of what he believes.

5.  Anna loves Sam to give her airplane rides and they are fast buddies on Monday afternoons while the rest of us go to gymnastics.

6.  He knows soooooo much about college football.  He knows who is good, who the best players are, what uniform options teams have, superstitions, injuries, and through it all . . .

7.  He is still loyal to BYU

8.  Sam is great at making dinner and likes good food.

9.  He is very active and enjoys playing basketball

10.  He can surprise you with acts of kindness

11.  Sam is the best lawn mower we can hire and he insists it is so much fun, he would love to work for free.

12.  He nervously bites his nails, and doesn't like it much when reminded to stop

13.  He is a book worm

14.  He is a fantastic example to five younger siblings of learning, living, and loving the gospel.

Happy Birthday, Sam!!  Hope it is a great one!!

Life cycles

 I thought that when a child grew up, they would exit certain phases.  Like the milestone of potty training, or fit-throwing, or sleeping through the night.  Once done, always done.  That's what I get for thinking.  In reality, life seems to be a never-ending cycle. Struggles and triumphs come and go and then come again.  Those same demons that once torment, seem to somehow trickle back until they are once again conquered.  

So, here is the quote that got me thinking.  I find it true with my oldest and my youngest.  Two people who hold the rest of the books in their places as our family's bookends.  We love them both in whatever mood happens to spring up.  We love them through smiles, laughs, cries, triumphs, and weaknesses.  They teach me everyday and hopefully I am learning that everything cycles.  Everything comes around and then around again.  Then, by knowing that, hopefully I can stop thinking and just enjoy the now before it cycles away again.

(some changes to original were made)

Lucky Nine

Happy Birthday to Maggie!  We love her so much and love how independent and helpful she is becoming.  It seems like we have been lucky to have her in our family for more than nine years, but here are nine reasons we love her bunches.

1.  She is an excellent big sister and many times we find Jill sneaking into Maggie's room at night just to be by her.  Maggie usually relents and they end up snoozing through the night in her twin bed.  Anna adores her and many times wants Maggie to be the one to get her out of her crib in the morning.

2.  She can do anything that you ask her to do.

3.  She loves helping with dinner and has become quite a good cook.

4.  She is stubborn which allows her to withstand a lot of the junk that surrounds her in the world.

5.  She is excellent at running, gymnastics, swimming, basketball, cheerleading, and likes to be active.

6.  She is very persistent when she wants something and is very good at changing the subject if she happens  to be in trouble.  

7.  She loves to jump on the tramp and has devised ways to coerce Jill into going inside so she can jump higher and do lots and lots of tricks.  

8.  She loves to craft as long as the project can be finished in an afternoon.  

9.  She knows that she is a Child of God and that He loves her.  And, that is the most important thing of all.

Happy Birthday, Maggie.  We love you tons!