Halloween

Monday was nice.  David and I tried to take it easy and since he napped most of the morning, I got to make up on some of the sleep I had been missing most of last week.  I got the laundry washed mostly - but David would not let me put him down long enough to fold it.  After school, and an early dinner, I took the kids to go pick up our glasses.  We all look great!  :)  On the way home, I took the kids to Cold Stone for a Family Home Evening activity.  

Tuesday was Halloween - the kids got to wear their costumes to school - but some how Aaron managed to lose his costume....  So he didn't have it to wear for the trunk or treat.  I went to Becca's in the morning and we worked on a desk for the dolls.  Then Dan got home in the afternoon.  There was band for Eileen and Volleyball practice for Anna, then we had dinner and headed over to the church for the trunk or treat.  We all had a great time - though the turn out wasn't as big as it usually is.  Aaron went "as himself" since he had lost his costume.  

Wednesday was the usual insanity.  School in the morning, piano practicing in the afternoon and choir, young women's, young men's, cub scouts in the evening.  Sister Cottrell stopped by to chat and hang out.  She had dinner with us and helped watch the kids while Dan was with the young men.  She is such a sweet lady!  

Thursday was a big day.  On Thursday, I became the mother of a teenager.  She is such an amazing young woman!  She had a flash cake and a wonder woman cake.  She blew out all the candles on the first try - no problem.  She was excited about her presents - a craft bag, kindle cover and some e-books from mom and dad, a really cute dress from grandma and grandpa Jones and a mermaid tail from grandma and grandpa Cox.  After we put the younger kids to bed, Dan and I watched the first Iron Man with Eileen - we are taking her through the Marvel movies one by one.  :)   

Friday was back to school and such as usual.  We watched The Incredible Hulk with Eileen at night.  She's been enjoying the movies so far! 

Saturday was crazy.  Eileen had flute.  The kids had piano lessons, Anna had Robotics, then in the afternoon, we all had to be out of the house for about 4 hours for a home inspection.  Dan and Anna were at Robotics.  I took the kids with my to get my fixed glasses, then we headed to the Zoo - Eileen went to the library instead.  We had a fun time running around and playing and David mostly cooperated. 

Sunday was great.  Dan and I talked to Eileen about not bringing her crochet bag to church as a way to try and get her to stop isolating herself from everyone else.  She was REALLY not happy with us, but it seemed to work.  She read scriptures during Sacrament meeting, and actually participated a bit more in Young Womens.  Choir was awesome this week - we had a great turn out and I'm getting really excited about how everything is sounding!  After, we headed to Doug's house to visit.  Julia is in town and Grandpa was back from Washington DC and getting his medal for his participation in the Philippine Scouts after WWII.  It was really neat to hear him talk about it and learn about what happened there.  He has done so much to try and share the stories so that those who fought can receive the recognition that they deserve. 

After we got home and had some dinner, Anna and David had fun playing with a balloon and David was just cracking up!!! So funny!

Dan out of town :(

This week was a bit crazy...  It started off well enough.  We had a busy but normal Monday, laundry, grocery shopping, school, after school sports, piano practicing and homework.  All sorts of fun!   For Family Home Evening - we carved pumpkins - the kids had a great time!

Tuesday morning, I went to Becca's house and we mostly did a bit of planning for next week, but still had a great time!  After school, was soccer for Anna, and Dan took Eileen down to the temple.  When he got back, we did a quick dinner and then Dan and I headed to the temple.  My mom drove in to help out while Dan was gone.  Thank goodness for my mom - I would not have survived this week with out her.  After the temple, I quickly grabbed David and headed to the church for Institute.  

Wednesday morning, Dan left for Philadelphia.  In the evening, Anna had a soccer game, I had choir, Eileen had mutual and Aaron had cub scouts.  I dropped Anna off on my way to choir and my mom got to deal with the rest of the craziness.  Also our house officially went on the market.  

Thursday, we weren't supposed to have our house open for showings until Friday, but we had a request to have some one come view the house in the morning.  David had a doctors appointment anyway, so we agreed.  I took David to his appointment - his 4 month check up.  He is doing great!!  He was 15lbs 11oz - so he's a big boy compared to my other babies.  He's healthy and growing and developing right on track!  After, I headed home, then picked up the kids from school.  James had a dentist appointment in the afternoon, Eileen had band, and Aaron had drum lessons.  It was all rather crazy busy.  

Friday, we had showing scheduled for most of the day.  Mom and I went out to lunch, and I ran some errands to kill time.  The kids were able to get piano practicing done, then after we got Anna from robotics, we headed to Chick fil-a for dinner and then I dropped Anna and Evie off at activity days.  Eileen and I wandered Hobby Lobby and my mom kept the boys at Chick-fil-a to run and play.  Finally around 6:30 - we were able to head back to the house and head to bed.  

Saturday was crazy.  Eileen had flute lessons.  We had piano lessons - but Sister Hendrickson was able to come early to do lessons so that the kids and I could head to the church at 10 for the primary activity.  The kids had a great time and enjoyed eating ice cream.  At 12:30 we had to be out of the house for an Open House for most of the afternoon.  We took the kids to the mall food court for a late lunch, then I took Anna to Robotics, then I took the other girls to our eye appointments.  We got them all checked and glasses frames picked out, then headed home to dinner.  By this point, my mom and I were exhausted and we had already gotten a couple offers on the house and we were ready to tell people - get your offers in this weekend - and we will decide by Monday.  In the evening - I tried David's first solid meal - he had rice cereal and loved it - he has taken to solid food much more naturally than he took to nursing.  He devoured all I gave him!  It didn't help him sleep better though - he hates it when Daddy is gone.  I was up with him again around 2 and my Mom was also having a hard time sleeping, so she started her drive home early.  - Really early.

Church was wonderful!  The talks and lessons were great.  Choir went really well - the kids were mostly well behaved.  Eileen made a friend during young women's - she found a praying mantis on the window sill and made friends with it.  By that evening, we were ready to talk to our real estate agent and pick an offer.  We made our choice and we are now under contract.

Changes

This week has been long and tiring.  We are officially moving at the end of the year and as a result we have tons of stuff that needs to happen.  Much of this week was spent getting the house ready for pictures to prepare to list it for sale next week.  This week was also Spring Break for the kids, so it's been kinda crazy! 

Monday, we headed down to Colorado Springs to spend some time with Sister Cottrell.  We met up at her work and had lunch, then went downtown to see the Humpty Dumpty Statues - the kids got a kick out of them!  

After, we went to a mining museum and the kids had a lot of fun learning and panning for gold and doing a little scavenger hunt.  It was a great little museum - my favorite kind of museum - interesting, fun and cheap. :) 

David rolled over this week - but he only did it once.  I couldn't get him to repeat it.  :(  This was him thinking about doing it again. 

Wednesday was choir and activity days, and cub scouts and young men and young womens.  Busy night, as usual.  Thursday was the big push to get the house ready for pictures, then on Friday, the real estate agent came to take the pictures.  In the meantime, I took the kids to the Fall Festival at Nick's Garden Center to get them out of the way.  They had fun doing the maze and getting timed on it - and I had fun taking pictures of my cute kids! 

Now we are working at getting the kids into the habit of keeping the house clean so that it is ready to be seen at any time.  Saturday was busy with music lessons, robotics, grocery shopping, and such.  Dan and I went to go visit with Dwayne and Nicole for awhile and had a fun time! 

Today was wonderful, but hard.  It was the primary program Sunday.  Anna's last primary program.  The kids all did a great job!!  I got to substitute in Nursery with Kay and we had a fun time playing with Alec and chatting. 

After church, we had lunch, then ward choir, then back home to feed David and practice with Lydia, the I had to get ready and go to the Temple Workers devotional to sing with the choir.  The fireside was wonderful as it always is.  After was the hard part since it included telling Christina the we are moving.  I knew that would be hard for me - I knew that spending that much time thinking about how much I would miss singing with the Chorale would be hard - what I didn't anticipate was getting to see a sweet little couple who have been coming to Chorale concerts as long as I've been in the chorale - some of my earliest memories of Chorale Concerts include their beautiful smiling faces.  They are just some of the sweetest people ever.  After the fireside, I went to say hi and the husband told me that he had been practicing and was going to audition for the Chorale and sing with me.  At which point I lost it. 

Busy busy busy

My mom came out and tried to help out, but was also stressing out trying to figure out what was going on with Grandma Penny.  Dad was in Scotland and Pam was unable to travel, so my mom, unable to figure out what was going on, finally resolved on going out to Utah.  Monday morning, we got snow, so in the evening, I hit Walmart and Goodwill for some winter gear for the kids. 

Tuesday, she took the kids to school, then I went to Becca's for a bit, then I took my mom to the airport so she could go to Utah.  

Wednesday, with some help from the sweet amazing people in our ward, we managed to get kids to activities and me to choir.  Evie also had a class event that day and I had to get an allergy shot.  Evie's class was inviting parent to come see what the kids had been writing - Evie loved having David an I come and see her and talk to her!  

 Thursday, the kids had early release day.  So the morning was drop off kids, drop off James, pick up kids, pick up James (with David and I getting a little nap between.)  Dan got home in the afternoon and we spent the afternoon cleaning up and being together!  In the evening, was the school's Skate City night.  We all went and had a fun time skating!  Eileen even let me skate with her!  It was lots of fun! 

Friday, was mostly just recovery - it really felt like a Saturday though!  Anna still had Robotics, but otherwise, we had our day to ourselves to get stuff done, run some errands and such.  My mom was supposed to get home Friday afternoon, but she ended up delaying her return until Saturday.  In the evening, Eileen and Anna and I went to Natasha's bridal shower and had lots of fun!  

Saturday was kinda insane.  In the morning was flute and piano lessons, the robotics for Anna and the rest of the kids went to Tina's so Dan and I could to go the temple for Natasha's wedding.  The wedding was so beautiful and wonderful!  Being at weddings always makes me so grateful to be married to such an amazing guy!!!  After, we got the kids and picked up my mom from the airport, then met up at the reception.  The food was yummy and there was dancing after.  Dan and I had lots of fun dancing with Evie and James and even a little bit of dancing together.  Eileen and Anna complained that the music was too loud.  :) 

I am married to the most amazing guy in the world.  After getting the kids all to bed and heading to bed, Dan and I realized that it was my mom's birthday on Sunday, and he went out at 11:00 at night to get a card and some flowers for her.  My mom headed back to Texas early this morning. 

Today was wonderful!  Church was great and I got to do a musical number!  David was mostly good - though James struggled a bit.  Choir went well and then we had some fun and rest in the afternoon together. 

on Friday, we gave the kids some news that they promptly spread to everyone that they talked to.  We will be moving back to Texas at the beginning of the new year.  The kids are alternately excited and sad about moving - and I guess I am too.  Eileen told everyone she spoke to today at church, so the ward isn't happy with us... :(  We will really miss all the amazing people we have come to know and love here. 

Dan out of town :(

Dan got a blissful 3 months off from travelling after David was born - it has been wonderful, but the number of shows in October meant that he had to do some travelling this month.  He took off on Wednesday and will be back next Thursday. 

Here are some goofy pictures of Evie and James. 

Monday was a fairly normal day - laundry, grocery shopping and piano practicing.  Anna had soccer, and we had a family home evening lesson on the first article of faith.  

Tuesday morning, I went to Becca's as usual and we had some fun making a coffee table for the dolls.  In the afternoon Evie had her 8 year old check up.  She is growing well and doing awesome!  

Wednesday morning, Dan left for California for a show.  The kids had school, David and I had errands and in the evening was all sorts of craziness.  Tina came to help with the kids and getting them to activities.  I went to choir and had a wonderful time.  

Thursday was more of the usual busy-ness.  School, piano practicing, band, soccer...  

Friday was once again more of the usual.  Anna had robotics after soccer and in the evening, we had a mostly quiet night together.  

Saturday was rather crazy.  I had to drop Anna off for a soccer game in the morning, then get Eileen and go take her to flute lessons, then there were piano lessons.  Sister Cottrell came up to help out.  She watched the kids while I took Eileen to flute and then let me go watch some of Anna's soccer game - they are getting so much better than they were during their first game!  Then Anna had robotics in the afternoon and I had to run to the grocery store.  Then in the evening, I had a fireside that I was singing at with the Chorale.  I took Eileen and David and Sister Cottrell stayed with the other kids.  Eileen helped with David while I sang and then I could still nurse him in between.  The kids love having Sister Cottrell around and she was so much help!!  

Sunday was rather crazy with Dan gone.  David wanted to be held all through church, and all through choir too, and then all night also... so by the end of the day I was exhausted.  I had another fireside int he evening, but this time I needed Eileen to babysit the younger kids, so I took Anna to help with David - but he was inconsolable, thankfully there were some wonderful women there who helped her so I could sing.  She was amazing, but David seems to have realized that daddy was gone and was missing him.  My mom drove out to help out while Dan was gone, but while she was on her way out, we found out that Grandma Penny had had a heart attack and was in the hospital.  

General Conference!!!!

This week has been busy as usual.  Monday morning, I went for an allergy shot, then spent the rest of the morning doing laundry and working on my computer.  In the evening, Anna had a soccer game - her first this year - and we all went to watch her for FHE.  She had fun - and the kids had fun running around the rest of the field that wasn't being used.  

Tuesday morning, I went over to Becca's house, and we had a fun time trying out making a jewelry box for our dolls.  They came out good - though I didn't get mine finished.  :)  In the evening, I got to go sing the national anthem with the Colorado Mormon Chorale.  I took Eileen with me.  We rode the light rail down town and had a fun time together.  When we got on the light rail, we heard "this train is broken, we are expecting grand delays, but we are still accepting passengers at this time" but we were already on, so we sat it out and ran a bit late.  It was a bit of a fun adventure though!  After, we grabbed a bit of dinner to eat on the way home.  It was a fun little night out with my oldest daughter!  

Wednesday, I went to the allergy clinic again - got another allergy shot and had an appointment.  Ran into Kay there!  Then headed home.  Anna was supposed to have a soccer game, but the other team cancelled.  I took Aaron to cub scouts and then Dan dropped off David and James to me and took Anna and Evie to Activity Days Girls and he had young men's.  Evie was SO excited for her first Activity Day girls activity.  She had a blast!!

Thursday, Dan and I went out to lunch together.  It's been a lot of fun getting to see him more at lunch time.  Now that James is in school - it's easier for Dan and I to go out for lunch - so we are doing it once a week!  After school, Anna had soccer, Eileen had band and Aaron had drum lessons.  Then we had a quick dinner and Dan and I headed to the temple.  We did sealings since we needed to get back to David, but it was WONDERFUL!  We got to get a lot of sealings done that we've been waiting awhile to do - including my great grandma - it was such a powerful experience to feel like she was there waiting and grateful!!!

Friday morning, David and I took it nice and easy.  After school, I picked up the kids - all of them for once - and dropped off all but Anna and David at home.  Eileen babysat while I took Anna to her doctor's appointment.  She was so cute playing with and reading to David - he just LOVED it!  It was so cute!!!

Friday was supposed to be the school carnival - and the kids generally love going - but Dan and I really didn't want to try to make it work this year - between Anna's doctor's appointment and the cost and everything else, We decided that instead of the carnival, we would take the whole family to Nickle-a-Play.  We had a fun time playing games and collecting tickets.

Yesterday and Today were General Conference.  It was so amazing!  The talks were so wonderful!  The kids were mostly well behaved, so I got to listen to most of it!  Saturday morning, Eileen had flute and Anna had a soccer game, then we all sat down to watch Conference.  In the evening, during priesthood, Crystal and Lydia came over for Ice cream and fun.  Becca and Jeremiah and little Laura came over for the last session and dinner tonight.  Then in the evening, we got to spend some time chatting with Gene and Ann.  Between sessions, Dan took some of the kids and the dog for a walk.

Evelyn gets baptized!

The week has been a rather busy one!  Monday morning, I headed over to get an allergy shot.  Then I met up with Grandpa for lunch at Mimi's.  We had a really nice lunch together and then I snagged this selfie of us on our way out.  After, I picked up the kids from school, and he took Evelyn out for her birthday ice cream.  In the evening, we had a great FHE lesson on the Sacrament before putting the younger kids to bed and going grocery shopping and folding laundry.  

Tuesday morning, I had an appointment at my Ob-Gyn  that was a bit longer than expected due to an emergency that the doctors were dealing with when I got there.  After, I headed over to Becca's, but we were both a bit indecisive, so we mostly just chatted and bounced ideas around - the most productive thing we did was make lists.  :)   In the afternoon, Anna had her first Soccer practice.  Then in the evening, she had her Track banquet.  We were supposed to bring food for our own family, so we packed up some egg salad sandwiches and some leftovers and headed over to the school.  Between picking up Aaron and Evie, picking up Eileen from Band and picking up Anna from soccer, then going back for the banquet - I drove to the school 4 times in the space of 3 hour - makes me very glad that we live near the school!!  After, I headed to Institute for a wonderful lesson!  

Wednesday morning, I made a quick run to Costco, then met up with Dan for lunch.  We went to Firehouse Subs together and David was nice and let us have a nice lunch together.  After school was the usual craziness, plus Anna had an orthodontist appointment after her soccer practice.  It went a bit long since the doc was running a bit late.  Then in the evening, Dan had young mens, Eileen had young womens and Aaron had cub scouts.  I had choir and David was VERY cranky the whole night - he did not want me to sing with the choir - every time I tried, he started screaming...  I don't think he likes my singing... :P  

Thursday, I headed back for another allergy shot, since it's been so long since I have been going regularly - they had to re-start me.  After school was soccer for Anna and Band for Eileen, plus an orthodontist appointment for Aaron.  The doctor made a comment about seeing me a lot at the office - and since I've got 4 kids being seen by him now - it's no wonder.  

Friday was a bit crazy, but mostly in the evening.  After school, I picked up the kids (except Anna who had soccer and robotics) then Dan took Eileen down to the temple for Baptisms.  The kids did their piano and we did some clean up, then I went to pick up Gene and Ann from the airport and Dan was able to get Anna from Robotics.  We had a wonderful evening with Grandpa and Grandma Jones.  

Evie (and all the other kids too) adores her baby brother.  She loves to help and carry him around.  I need to keep an eye on her, because I think she sometimes forgets that he's not a doll....  But she loves him!  She propped him up on the couch, then photobombed him when I took a picture.  

Saturday morning, Dan picked up my Dad from the airport.  Then we all got ready and headed over to the church for Evelyn's baptism.  She was so excited!!!  She got a beautiful dress from Grandma and Grandpa for her birthday.  The baptism went well and it has been so sweet to watch her try to keep this covenant that she has made!  After the baptism, the family all came back to our house for lunch, including Becca and Laura, and Jeremiah met her there after helping out with Colorado Cares.  We had a fun afternoon together.  Dan and Anna had a Robotics practice and we mostly chatted and played games and enjoyed each others company.  Some of us even managed to get in a nap.  :)  After dinner, we took Grandma and Grandpa Jones to the airport and sent them back home.  Dan watched Dwayne and Nicole's kids so they could go on a date, and I took the girls - all 3 of them!! - to the Women's session of General Conference.  We had a wonderful time listening to wonderful messages and after, chatting with friends and eating ice cream!  

 Sunday was great - though a long day for Dan who got up super early to take my Dad to the airport. Then came home and got ready for church and his meetings.  Sacrament meeting was wonderful!  Evie and I talked a bit about the Sacrament and what it means and why we take the Sacrament.  David was actually quiet for the Sacrament.  The talks given were wonderful and included farewell talks from two Sisters leaving on missions soon and a wonderful musical number.  Classes and lessons were wonderful, though I missed most of Relief Society while feeding a hungry baby.  After church and lunch, I took the girls to ward choir practice.  I'm so excited!!  We are starting Christmas music!!  In the evening, Becca came over for dinner with Laura.  We had a great pancake dinner made by Evie and Dan.  And I got this cute picture of Laura laying down next to baby David!  After putting the younger kids to bed, Dan and I played Killer Bunnies with Eileen - who smashed us!  But it was a fun game!  Now time to rest for a busy week again next week!!

Birthdays and a Championship!

We've had a rather busy week!  Monday was the usual laundry day.  Evie had an orthodontist appointment after school.  She is definitely going to need braces....  Dan and I sure make cute kids, but they all have big teeth in little mouths.  :)  Other than that, we had FHE in the evening and grocery shopping.  

Tuesday was my morning and Becca's - her street was under construction, so I had to walk around the long way.  We made bookshelves for our dolls - and now after making so much furniture, I'm starting to think I need something to put it all in....  After school, Eileen had band and Anna had a track meet.  We all ate an early dinner, then headed over to watch her compete in the qualifying meet for city championships.  She did really well on her 800, but struggled a bit in her mile - she had run an extra relay for someone who wasn't there right before it.  She qualified for the championships in the mile, the 800 and with her 4x100 relay team.  She was such a trooper and did a great job!!  

Wednesday was a normal school day for the kids.  I got some work done in the morning.  In the afternoon, Anna had her track practice and the rest of the kids had piano practicing.  Eileen went on a bike ride - she really enjoys getting out on her bike and riding around.  In the evening, I skipped choir so I could be at Eileen's Young Women in Excellence night.  It was a great evening.  Eileen didn't realize that she would have to talk a little bit and was blindsided by the request, so she got up and mumbled something and sat back down.  She REALLY hates speaking in public....  even in a relatively small setting like that.  I think if she had been prepared, it wouldn't have been so bad.  I wish I knew better how to help her.

James is so funny - his clothing choices aren't always the best - Dan got this funny picture of him headed to school in a button up - long sleeve - dress shirt and sports shorts and tennis shoes...  Such a funny kid!

Thursday was my birthday.  38 years old!  That's really starting to sound awfully close to 40....  I got some work done in the morning, and did a little shopping at the craft stores, then Dan took me out to lunch!  It was a nice little outing and David was nice and well behaved for us.  :)  In the evening, I got to eat my yummy dinner and a yummy pineapple upside down cake.  Dan got me some gorgeous earrings and a couple of books about making doll house stuff.  :)

Friday, the kids had the day off of school for a teacher work day.  Anna still had track practice, I tried to get my allergy shot done before I needed to pick Anna up again - but didn't end up having enough time - I will have to try again on Monday.  Then I picked Anna back up and took her home.  Then in the afternoon, she had robotics at the school.  Evie was supposed to have a birthday party in the afternoon, but no one was able to come.  She was really disappointed.  :(  She still got to watch some movies and eat no-bake cookies with her siblings, but it's not quite the same thing as having friends over.  In the evening, Eileen and I went out to the store to get Evie's birthday present and a few other things for the weekend.

Saturday was Evie's birthday - and a crazy busy day.  It started with Anna's City Championship meet.  She did well - and even got 7th place overall in her mile!  Eileen had flute lessons.  The kids had piano lessons.  I had a choir concert at noon, Then we had a little bit of down time in the afternoon where we got cupcakes made for Evie's birthday and the kids even got to play a little Zelda.  Then we had Evie's birthday dinner - all sorts of ramen noodles - and we sang and did presents.  Then we headed over to the church building for a going away party for Megan.  We are so excited for her - but will miss her!!  She's going to have an amazing experience serving in Brazil!

Sunday was wonderful - but David hadn't wanted to go to bed last night, so I was a bit tired...  The choir sang in Sacrament meeting and did well!  We even got a couple new faces to join us!  Then I took David out to feed him and we had a nice quiet feeding time and he took a nap before we headed back into Relief Society!  After church, we had a nice afternoon.  Evie had her interview with the bishop.  Dan went home teaching.  I fiddled around in my craft room.  Becca and Laura came over for dinner and fun, and we all had a great time!  Evie is so excited for next week!

Haircuts and Holidays

Monday was Labor Day, so the kids were off of school.  Dan let James wield the hair trimmer and shave his head - then of course, James got his hair done too. :)  We spent most of the rest of the day cleaning up and doing chores around the house and then some time playing Zelda.  Dan and Anna went out running, and Eileen hid in her room most of the day.  

Tuesday, James had a field trip with his class to the Zoo.  He had a great time - but he always seems to come home happy - he really loves school and his teacher.  David and I had fun a Becca's house.  I got a yummy lunch and we got our couches finished.  After school, Eileen had band and Anna had track, and then in the evening, I had Institute.  Class was wonderful and full of stuff to think about.  

Wednesday was a quiet morning for David and I and a busy afternoon with all the kids doing piano lessons, homework and after school activities.  In the evening, Dan and Eileen had mutual.  They did a combined activity and the Beehives were in charge.  I think they all had a fun time - I asked Eileen how it went and all she said was "good" - she's becoming a teenager way too fast...  I had choir in the evening and had a great time.  David was mostly good.  I think he's getting used to it - but he still doesn't like it when I sing the high notes right in his ear.... 

Thursday was another normal school day.  David and I had an easy morning, then we picked up the kids from school and had a rather busy afternoon.  Aaron had a dentist appointment and did well.  Anna had track and Eileen had band and with Dan picking up Anna, we all managed to get where we needed to be.  

Friday was another usual school day.  After school, Anna had track, then Robotics club.  Eileen had an orthodontist appointment - I am hoping to get her braces on during the kids fall break.  Dan and I (and David) made a Target run while Eileen watched the older kids.  We needed to get some gifts and some groceries.  

Saturday was a rather crazy day.  Anna had a track meet - Dan took her to that early on and then came back to take Eileen to flute lessons.  The kids had piano lessons and then after Anna's track meet, we went to Dwayne and Nicole's house for their daughter's birthday party.  We all had a great time.  The kids got nice and wet from a water balloon fight and Dan and I always have fun with Dwayne and Nicole!  After, we stopped by the house for the kids to change and to grab wedding gifts before heading to the church building for a wedding reception.  It was so much fun - they are such a sweet couple!  As crazy as this week has been - I think next week will be crazier...  

Sunday was great.  Church was wonderful - David was a bit cranky during Sunday school, but fell asleep for Dan so I could play piano in primary during the third hour.  We made cookies after lunch and Eileen and Anna came with me to choir.  We had a great time - I'm starting to think about Christmas music!!!  Becca came over for dinner and we had fun chatting and eating!  After the younger kids went to bed, Dan and Eileen and I played 7 Wonders and I got smashed - but it was fun :)  

This week, I've started trying to get into a work schedule and getting my scrapbooking going again.  I'm hoping to be back in business next month!  It was kind of nice setting myself a schedule and getting something productive done.  I'm looking forward to this coming week and getting into a routine.

Big boy is growing fast!

David is growing like crazy!  Monday, he had his 2 month check up - where has the time gone!!!  He is growing so fast!!!  'he is over 13 lbs now and running to the 80th percentile in everything - our biggest baby yet.  He has also started getting a longer sleep at night - then he wakes, eats and goes back to sleep!  After David's doctors appointment, we headed to costco for peaches and some ribs for dinner.  Then we got the kids from school and headed home.  Eileen had her dentist appointment in the afternoon - thankfully Dan was home and able to watch the younger kids.  We had the sister missionaries over for dinner and had lots of yummy food followed by a wonderful lesson.

On Tuesday, I spent the morning at Becca's.  We had fun making doll stuff in the morning, then Natasha came over for lunch and after we worked on getting her wedding invites ready to mail out.  After, I picked up the kids from school, then we had a quick dinner before heading to the high school for Anna's track meet.

Wednesday morning, David and I took it nice and easy.  Then after school was the usual craziness.  In the evening was Young Mens and Young Womens.  I had chorale, which was wonderful.  David entertained the whole choir by letting one rip during the closing prayer.  Otherwise, he was pretty good!

Thursday was just David and I taking it easy in the morning followed by a afternoon of piano practicing, track practice, band, and the cub scouts in the evening.  Last night of cub scouts being on Thursday - next week it goes back to Wednesday!

Friday was an early release day for all the kids - Quest got out really early, but the kids got to have lots of fun in special classes.  Evie got to do origami, Aaron got to learn to cross stitch and Eileen and Anna got to do a fun problem solving challenge.  In the afternoon, we did a bit of cleaning followed by some playing of Zelda.

Anna has decided to make Dan go running with her when ever she doesn't have track practice or a meet.  So they went running bright and early Saturday morning.  Then Dan took Eileen to flute and the kids had their piano lessons.  Anna went to help the Wests can peaches.  It was really weird not having her around - I kept looking around, wondering where she was, then remembering that she was over with them!  Eileen had a friends birthday party to go to in the afternoon and had a great time.  After failing to start the crock pot again, we decided to have hamburgers and invited the Wests to join us when they dropped Anna off, so we had a fun easy meal with great friends!

Church today was wonderful.  Eileen actually got up and bore her testimony in Sacrament Meeting - she is petrified of speaking in public, so this was a big thing for her.  I got released from my calling as a Sunday School teacher.  I'm going to miss teaching that class, but I'm glad I got to teach today and bear my testimony one last time.  Becca and Laura came for dinner - the kids had a blast playing with Laura, and I had fun chatting and planning with Becca!  I've been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am.  When I think back on some of the sweetest and most precious moments of my life - so many of them are a direct result of going to church and going to the temple.  And the ones that aren't a direct result, are still indirectly connected to our family trying to live the gospel.  I am so grateful for these wonderful memories and look forward to many more to come as we continue to try and raise our family in the gospel.  We are making plans to go visit Dan's family in Idaho when the new temple opens up.  It opens around Thanksgiving, so we will head out the weekend before so that we can be there for the dedication and get to go to the temple!

Track Meets and Apostles

This week has been a bit busy.  We had laundry to do and grocery shopping to do on Monday.  It's kinda funny, my days are so quiet in the morning, then crazy in the afternoon.  So opposite!  Afternoons include picking kids up all over the place at all sorts of times and then trying to get everyone's piano practicing in while still picking others up at the right time...  

Tuesday was my morning with Becca and Laura.  I went to their house - Becca brought up her baby swing and since her mom Deb and sister were visiting, we had lots of help with the babies so we could do more crafting!   

Wednesday was a regular school day, then in the evening, I had to leave early to go sing with the choir.  We were singing the opening and closing songs at a fireside on religious freedom, so I asked Megan Johnson to come with me to help with David while I was singing.  She was awesome and I had a lot of fun chatting with her and singing with her on the drive up.  The I bought her dinner after the performance on the way home.  Eileen and Dan had Mutual activities and Anna had Activity Day Girls Activities.  

Thursday morning was my obgyn appointment.  David was good for me and slept the whole time.  In the evening, Aaron had cub scouts and it was pack meeting night, so I went with him.  

Friday was more normal school stuff.  James loves school.  He loves his teacher and gives her a hug in the morning and before he leaves in the afternoon.  His favorite thing to talk about when I pick him up is what he ate for lunch.  

Saturday, Anna had another track meet.  She ran the 800 and the mile and one of the relays, plus the long jump.  She really seems to be enjoying track and having fun running.  Dan took her to the meet in the morning, then I took Eileen to flute lessons, then the kids had piano lessons, I took Eileen to the special Youth Q&A session with Elder Bednar at the church.  Then Dan had his priesthood session and Eileen rode her bike over to visit with a lady from our ward and help her in her garden and teach her how to crochet.  Then in the evening, Dan and I (and David) headed for the church building for the adult session of our Stake Conference.  It was wonderful hearing Elder Bednar speak.  Eileen came back from the youth session almost giddy.  She had stood up and asked Elder Bednar a question, and he had answered it.  She even answered a question that he had asked.  She went way outside of her comfort zone and had an amazing experience!  

David is officially 2 months old.  He is growing so fast and eating a ton.  He sometimes sleeps for as much as 4-5 hours in a night, but it's not consistent yet.  His siblings all still love him and love to help take care of him.  

Today was the general session of Stake Conference.  We got to listen to Elder Bednar again along with another general authority.  Plus we got to hear from our Stake President and some wonderful testimonies!  There was a theme running through the whole conference of ministering to the one and how the purpose of the programs of the church is to help Gods children make and keep covenants.  It was wonderful!   The spirit was strong and the messages were powerful.  I'm so grateful for this weekend and the chance to have my spiritual cup refilled!!  

Becca and Laura came over today along with her mom and sister.  We had a fun and yummy dinner together.  Then in the evening, the youth came to our house for a fireside with the bishop to talk about their experiences with the Stake Conference and what they had learned.  

Quiet vs.Crazy

Well, this week has been an adjustment.  James started his first day of Kindergarten on Monday.  He is LOVING it!  He loves to talk about his day after school and loves going each morning.  I can't believe my sweet little boy is a Kindergartner already!!  Here he is, ready for his first day of school!!

We are starting to adjust to our new routines - David and I get a quiet morning together, the pick up kids from school and life gets crazy and  busy.  I pick up James, head over to the other school to get Eileen and Aaron and Evie, then go back and get Anna at 4:30.  Eileen decided to quit swim team, but still wants to do club swimming.  I'm a little sad, but at least it makes our lives a bit less complicated.  

On Tuesday, Becca came over and we started working on making a couch for our dolls.  David was a bit cranky though, so I didn't get much done.  In the evening, I went and helped out with the service project again - we got a lot done!  

Wednesday Eileen and Dan had a youth temple trip and I had chorale.  The kids got to have some extra friends come to hang out while Megan babysat them for us.  

Thursday morning, I had a dentists visit - it went well - no cavities!  After school, Eileen had an orthodontist visit - hopefully, we can get her braces on soon so we can get them done soon.  Then in the evening was cub scouts for Aaron.  

Friday was relatively quiet.  David and i made a quick trip to Costco in the morning then headed home for lunch.  

Saturday was crazy.  Anna had her first track meet and needed to be there by 7:30 in the morning.  The meet lasted until after noon.  I went to the temple for the endowment of two wonderful young women.  Eileen babysat - for all 4 of the younger kids.  We left a bottle of breast milk and prayed that he would be good for her.  He was - he was quiet and happy and ate fine from the bottle.  When I got home, Sister Cotrell had come over to visit!  The kids loved having her over and she thanked us for the use of our washer and dryer by treating us to dinner.  It was fun chatting with her!  I wanted to say Thanks You to Eileen for doing so much to help out on a crazy busy day, so I took her to Hobby Lobby and let her pick out some yarn.  :)  She's been making doll clothes ever since.  

Today was church.  we had a wonderful Sacrament meeting, including a great talk from a newly returned sister missionary.  Our ward choir sang  a musical number and did a great job!  David was good for Dan so that I could direct the choir and teach my lesson, the he and I crashed for most of 3rd hour in the mother's lounge so he could eat and eat and eat.  After church we headed home for lunch, a bit of a nap, some home teaching, ans Stake Choir.  After we had our Sunday dinner, Becca came over!  She has a standing invite and it's been lots of fun having her come join us!  The kids love little Laura.  Even Koopa was having fun playing with her today.  After scriptures and prayers, Eileen and Dan and I played Timeline and had lots of fun.  

Back to School

Monday, as usual was laundry and grocery shopping and of course we had fun playing with Sandi and Kai!  We had the sister missionaries over for dinner - it's so fun to have the missionaries in our house!  

Tuesday morning, Eileen and Anna started their first day of school, then I headed off with James for my 6 week check up which went well.  Then I met up with Sandi and the kids at the park.  After some bloody drama with a couple cut feet, we headed home, then I took Aaron to the Orthodontist to get him a couple more brackets on his teeth.  He now has top and bottom brackets.  

After, I got Aaron and I some lunch, then took him home where the kids watched the BFG with Aunt Sandi since Kai had hurt her foot again and needed to stay off it!!  I went to pick up Eileen and Anna from school and we went to the swim team and track team meeting, then Dan and I spent some time in the evening running some errands to get them ready for sports.  That night Sandi and Kai headed back to Texas, but it was a blast having them here!  

Wednesday, the younger kids and I met up with Becca at the park for a playdate and had fun chatting and playing.  Then Becca came back to our house to play some more and have lunch with us!  When we got home, Dan had just gotten home - he was feeling sick and needed to sleep to recover.  Anna had her first day of Track and came home tired and with sore legs.  Then in the evening, I had choir, and Eileen and Dan had mutual.  

Thursday, was Evie and Aaron's first day of school, plus, James had some back to school stuff to do, then Dan came home and rested, still not feeling quite up to normal.  Eileen had swimming after school.  They got two new coaches this year since Gabby moved and I am not able to deal with coaching with a brand new baby and kids at two different schools and in two different sports!  In the evening, Aaron had cub scouts.  

Friday, was a busy day - James and I went in to his school to meet his teacher and after school included all the running around that comes with picking up Evie and Aaron and Eileen, dropping off Eileen at swim, picking up Anna from track and then Dan picked up Eileen from swimming.  Then we got dinner done before dropping Anna off at Activity Days.

Saturday was even busier.  Eileen had flute in the morning, Dan took the primary age kids to the ward primary temple trip.  Eileen and I got a couple quiet hours while the kids were at the temple, then they came home and we got some stuff done around the house before heading to a fun kids event at Crit Castle games.  Eileen's friend had asked her to come - so we all headed over for a bit to play games and have fun.  The kids loved it and now want a ton of new games.  After, we headed home to can peaches.  Sister West came over to help us and learn how.  It actually went pretty quickly.  Then we had a yummy dinner of chicken soup and had some fun chatting and playing together.

Sunday was busy too - church of course was great - but Dan managed to give me his cold, so I woke up rather groggy and stuffy today.  After church, I had some leftover chicken noodle soup before taking a nap.  Then I headed to ward choir which went great!  Following that was Stake choir which was also great and finally back home to have dinner and have fun with Becca.  Natasha and Eldon were going to come too, but she wasn't feeling good.  :(  Dan and I played some games with Eileen before sending her to bed and now - I'm going to go crash!

Counting Down

My kids are all rather excited for school to start - some for rather odd reasons.  Eileen is excited for school to start so that she doesn't lose track of what day it is anymore.  This week has mostly been taking it easy and getting ready for school.  Monday was laundry and grocery shopping as usual.

On Tuesday, Becca came over to play and have fun making stuff.  The kids love playing with baby Laura and having fun together.

Wednesday was the beginning of Chorale for me.  It's always fun seeing everyone again and getting new music!  Dan and Eileen had their mutual activity - they all headed down to the reservoir for fun and boating and lots of good times.

Thursday was cub scouts for Aaron and normal fun stuff for the rest of us.  We met up with a friend at the park to play for awhile.  The kids had a great time!

Friday, I was brave and took the kids to the zoo.  We put David in his car seat in our wagon, I knew I wouldn't be able to carry him in the snuggly all day with out damaging my back!  It was pretty nice weather and the kids had a great time playing and exploring and checking out the animatronic dinos all over the zoo.

Saturday morning, Eileen had flute lessons, and the kids had piano lessons.  Then in the afternoon, Sandi and Kai got in for a visit!  We all had a fun time together!

Sunday was wonderful.  Classes were great, talks were great and we are rather excited about an upcoming Stake Conference with a General Authority coming!