IDAHO FALLS SPOOK & SPLASH

October 24-25

We traveled to Idaho Falls for Hailey's last swim meet of the season. It was a really long drive, and normally we don't travel that far to go to a swim meet, but Hailey really wanted grandma and grandpa to come (they live in Idaho Falls). Hailey was so excited to show grandma and grandpa her skills--she couldn't wait for us to get to the meet. When we finally arrived, she couldn't relax until she saw grandma smiling down at her.

Grandma, and Grandpa Elkington, Piper, and Aunt Gene were able to come watch Hailey on Friday night. They watched her swim in the 100 yd freestyle. Hailey did fantastic in this race. She placed 5th overall, which is quite an accomplishment. Her last race for Friday night was the 100 yd IM, which Hailey had never raced before. The 100 IM consists of a 25 yd butterfly, a 25 yd backstroke, a 25 yd breaststroke, and a 25yd freestyle. Hailey did fabulous in this race! It was so fun seeing her do all of the strokes all at once. She actually got DQ from this race, because she started to bring her arms out of the water on the butterfly, but she then decided that she was too close to the wall to complete her arm movement, and she reached for the wall instead. The rule in butterfly is that if you start your pull down on your arms, then your arms must come out of the water to complete the stroke. It really was a timing issue...the lady who was judging Hailey's event actually disqualified almost every kid she judged. I guess in some ways it is good, because they know what is expected of them...in other ways, it seems too strict. Hailey was disappointed, but truly she did an amazing job!

On Saturday Hailey swam in three events-the 25 yd freestyle, the 25 yd backstroke, and the 25 yd breaststroke. In the 25 yd freestyle we were ready to race, the announcer had announced the race, and all of a sudden we were both struck with fear as we realized the race was starting on the other side of the pool. We had raced the night before from the side where we were standing; however, the races the night before were longer races, and all races are started, so that everybody ends in the same location. When Hailey and I realized our error, and we heard the announcer announcing the racers to get in the water, we panicked! We took off running around the edge of the pool as fast as we could. It was like the scene in "The Princes Bride" when Fezzik and Inigo were trying to get through the market quickly, but to no avail. In the movie, Fezzik yelled out "everybody move", and finally the sea of people parted to let them pass. We really needed Fezzik to yell in our behalf...I was so sure the race was going to start without Hailey, but fortunately we made it to the other side just as the racers were ready to start. Hailey jumped in the water, wiped away her tears (the poor girl was crying), and put on her game face. The next race Hailey raced in was the backstroke. I think this is Hailey's strongest event. She has only been able to race in this event twice, because it has always been raced on a Sunday (so we don't participate) during the meets. With only racing this event twice, Hailey is right up there with the best of them. It truly blows Bryan and I away. She has truly exceeded what we thought was possible. Her last race for this meet was the breaststroke. It was so fun to watch Hailey in this event. When a simmer swims the breaststroke they move up and down in the water. Well, when Hailey was on the "up" portion of her stroke, she was constantly checking out her competition...she kept looking from side to side just to make sure she was still in the lead. It almost seemed as if she was just working as hard as she had to...not really pushing it as hard as she could--she figured she was in front, so why push so hard? At the end of the race, one of the girls that was racing against Hailey got so upset that she changed her kick to a butterfly kick just to pass Hailey (the other girl got DQ). Hailey placed 1st in her heat, and 5th overall. Fifth place must have been her lucky number for this meet, because in every event (besides the 100 IM) she placed 5th.

Hailey starting off the blocks. (This always makes her a bit nervous, but she is truly doing great at it!)

Piper and Hailey
Hailey was so glad that Piper came to watch her swim. She was so excited to have the support of our family, and her best friend and cousin-Piper!

Piper, Amber, and Hailey

Hailey with her coach, Matt. We are truly grateful to Matt for his ability to teach kids how to swim. We started swimming with no intentions of ever competing. We truly just wanted to have peace while playing in water. Matt has helped us find that peace, and he has also added a dimension we never expected. It has been a fun and crazy ride!

FEATHERVILLE

October 18-19

We were so blessed to be able to go to the cabin with the Pruett's, the Carroll's, and the Simmons. In a way, it was a good-bye to the Simmons' family...a one last hurrah! I am sure; however, that it won't be the last time we get to hang out with the Simmons. We will definitely miss them while they are in Utah, but good friends are never too far away.

The cabin is always so much fun! We love to explore the ranch on four-wheelers, climb in the treehouse, swing on the tree swing, and relax hours away in the cabin--it truly is a getaway!

Jill, Austin, Mike, & Parker

Jackson, Vaughn, Brooklyn, & Heather

From left to right: Amber, Ava, Jacob, Hailey, Brooklyn, Lizzy, Jackson, and Hannah

I convinced everybody to stop under the trees, on our way to the foot bridge, for one last photo of us having fun on the jeep. It took a lot of convincing, because everybody was sick of pictures...they consented once I told them that they would love looking back on all their fun memories!
(From right to left: Amber, Lizzy, Jakey, Hailey, & Bryan)

Mike took all of the kids on a four-wheeler ride. They had so much fun exploring the ranch, and spending time together.

I feel so blessed to have so many great friends. I wish I could invite everybody I love to the cabin all at once...
(Jill, Julie, Heather, & Me)

Kids waiting for their turn on the swing. (Ava, Lizzy, Parker, Hannah, and Hailey)

Lizzy was so cute! I just had to take a picture!

I think the kids felt a bit tortured with all of the pictures we insisted on taking. There were a few moans and groans, but I think it was worth it!
(From left to right: Brooklyn, Lizzy, Ava, Amber, Parker, Hailey, Hannah, Austin, Jackson, and Jakey in front)

I AM TAGGED

I am: happy with who I am.
I think: a lot about my kids.
I know: I am a daughter of God.
I want: to be a better mom.
I dislike: boogers on my walls (thank you kids!).
I miss: Bryan when he is at work.
I fear: anything that could take Bryan or my kids away from me.
I feel: happy when I am with my family.
I hear: the sound of the computer.
I smell: remnants of dinner (chicken pot pie).
I crave: Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.
I cry: when school starts again.
I search: the YW handbook.
I wonder: about the day when I will meet God again.
I regret: not spending more time with my children.
I love: my family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I care: for others.
I always: want to do the Lord’s will.
I worry: about my kids.
I am not: alone.
I remember: very little.
I believe: in Jesus Christ!
I dance: to “Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam” just to see Jacob laugh.
I sing: really loud with my kids!
I argue: with myself more than anyone else.
I write: a “to do” list…or else I will forget.
I win: when I listen to the spirit.
I lose: when I forget to pray.
I wish: I knew the Lord’s will for me.
I listen: to my kids’ tales about school.
I don't understand: why my husband likes Weird Al Yankovich.
I can usually be found: working on my Young Women’s “to do” list.
I am scared: of failure.
I need: more faith in myself and in my Lord.
I forget: lots of things lately (that is why I write my “to do” list).
I am happy: with my life, and my sweet family.

Now, it is my turn to tag. I tag Heather Pruett, Pam Grant, Angie Dodds, and Heather Stevenson.

PRESCHOOL FIELD TRIP

October 14, 2008

We went to Linder Farms Pumpkin Patch for a preschool field trip. We got to choose a pumpkin, go on a hay ride, color a pumpkin picture, and go through a hay maze. All the kids had so much fun! I was so glad that siblings were invited--Jakey had a great time!

Jakey posing for a picture. (I asked him to smile, and he squatted down and acted as if he was ready for a picture. Why he chose to squat for a picture...I am not sure?)

Amber posing next to her pumpkin!

Amber, Bridges (Amber loves this girl), and Jakey running through the hay maze. Jacob cruised through the maze. I kept telling Amber to keep up with him. I think they had a blast trying to keep up with Jacob!

Family Pose #1

Family Pose #2

ONE CHAPTER CLOSES AS ANOTHER OPENS

I have been serving in the Relief Society Presidency for the past year and half. I have been so blessed through this service. I have learned so much from the sisters in Relief Society. It is so difficult to put into words feelings of the heart. It is hard to explain lessons learned and cherished memories. I think when you are given the opportunity to serve with others, you are blessed to partake of their goodness, and you are able to glean from them their strengths. This chapter is closing, and a new one is opening.

I have now been called to serve as the Young Women's President. I am so grateful for this opportunity. With my whole heart and soul, I want to do the Lord's will. I already feel of His love for these dear young women, and I am so excited to serve with them, and love them as I love the Relief Society sisters. It is my prayer that I will be able to be an instrument for good in these young women's lives.

The Relief Society Presidency (those of us who knew) got to go to lunch before our release. Sister Stone and Sister Phillips were not getting released...just Heather (Sister Pruett) and I. Sister Phillips was unable to come, because she was not getting released, and we were told to keep it confidential. Sister Stone knew (of course), so she could call new counselors.
We needed this one last hurrah. I have never been so blessed as I have been while serving with these sisters. Their examples of Christ-like love uplifted me on more than one occasion. I feel grateful to have served with them.

Me and Heather Pruett (Sister Pruett)

Sister Stone and Me

FUN WEEKEND

October 11-12

We had a fabulous weekend! It all started with a phone call from grandma saying she was in town. My girls were thrilled! Amber was so excited that she couldn't hardly wait until we saw grandma. She kept insisting that I call her and figure out her exact location. I kept reassuring her that we would see grandma soon, but none of my reassurances seemed to calm her excitement. When grandma finally arrived, she insisted on taking us out for lunch. Amber chose the Olive Garden after I pleaded for no hamburgers. We then rushed to Hailey's school to kidnap her for lunch!

Grandma and the girls at the Olive Garden!

Jacob insisted on getting out of his high chair. I was a bit worried by my decision to allow it, but it wasn't as bad as I had expected. He stayed right next to the high chair completely content.

All three kids at the Olive Garden!

Our next big adventure for the weekend occurred the following day when Hailey was involved in both soccer and swimming. When soccer began this season, we questioned whether or not to allow Hailey to play. She was already in swimming, and she really wanted to continue swimming until the October swim meet in Idaho Falls. Grandma and Grandpa Elkington live in Idaho Falls, and she wanted them to be able to see her swim. I can't really say what finally convinced me to allow her to participate in two sports. Maybe it was her love for both of the sports.... (She is constantly asking me if it is okay that she LOVES soccer and swimming the same. I always answer in the affirmative, which satisfies her until the next time.)

Saturday morning began with a soccer game, which started promptly at 9:00am, and a swim meet, which also started early; however, we signed up for later swimming events so that we could make both soccer and swimming. We really wanted to be able to attend both sporting events, so Hailey could support both of her teams. Honestly, it really wasn't too difficult to make it to both events...thankfully they were both in the Boise area.

SOCCER
Hailey played a ton of soccer! We had told her coach earlier that we would be unable to attend the last two games, so he decided to give her some good playing time! I started getting worried toward the end of the game that she was getting too much playing time. She really gave 110%!

Here is Hailey ready for the pass!

When Hailey wasn't playing in the game, she was pounding the grass, jumping up and down, and screaming for her team--it was so fun to watch! She was really excited about the game!

We were so cold!!! Grandma, Jakey and I bundled up with layers of blankets and coats. The weather in Boise had definitely turned cold. Bryan made hot chocolate before the game, and I held the container of hot chocolate throughout the game just to keep me warm. I was really grateful that he was so thoughtful!

Here is Jakey bundled for the cold weather!

Amber and Grandpa were buddies throughout the entire game! They kicked a soccer ball for a while, and they even went on an "adventure". (I'm really not sure what kind of an adventure...that's just what Amber told me.)

SWIM MEET

When the soccer game ended, we rushed our little family away from the freezing tundra, and into our warm car. Halfway to the swim meet we got a phone call from my friend, Melissa, whose daughter also competes with Hailey in swimming. She informed us that we had about 20 minutes before Hailey's race...so it was literally a race to the race. We made it to her meet within minutes of her first race. She first swam the backstroke, and she did a fabulous job. It was her first time competing in this stroke, and she surprised us all with her speed. Her second race was the butterfly. The butterfly is not her favorite stroke--she has always struggled a bit with the techniques; however, she looked like a pro on Saturday. We were so excited for her! Her third race was the breast stroke, which "use" to be her least favorite stroke. Neither Bryan nor I really know what happened, but it is now Hailey's favorite stroke. Whenever she is given a choice to choose a stroke at swimming lessons, she always chooses to swim the breast stroke. She has finally figured out the techniques of the breast stroke! In her heat for this stroke, Hailey placed 2nd, which really is an accomplishment. Finally, Hailey's last race was the freestyle. This stroke is "old hat" to Hailey. She loves it! She also did a fabulous job with this race...she improved her time by 10 seconds. WAY TO GO HAILEY!

This is a picture of Amber and Kailey. Kailey and Amber have been friends since we started swimming lessons at the Meridian pool. They are like two peas in a pod. Amber loves Kailey!

This is a picture of Taylor and Hailey right after their first race. Taylor is Hailey's good friend on the swim team. Taylor and Kailey are sisters, and their mom is my good friend, Melissa. This sweet family has really made an impact on our family. We are going to miss them when we take our break. (Hailey will be swimming in one more meet, and then we are taking a break...we will miss our friends!)

Jacob peering through the bars!

Jacob, Amber, Hailey, and Taylor posing for a cute picture!

Jacob was so funny! Hailey kept cheering for her team mates by placing her hands up by her mouth and shouting for them...well, Jakey thought it was a good idea. He copied her over and over again. He couldn't say what she was saying, but he gave it his best shot!

...OUR LAST STOP--LUNCH!

Grandma and Grandpa treated us to lunch at pizza hut. We are truly grateful to them. They took such good care of us while they were here. We do not know how to thank them enough for their generosity and love. They truly blessed us by their presence.

Jacob kept insisting on feeding Bryan.

Grandma, Grandpa, and the girls at Pizza Hut. (I think Grandma and Grandpa had just as much fun coloring as my children did.)

SHOES

We were walking through the Disney Store, and Amber spotted the love of her life. They were perfect! They even had heels! My little Amber is definitely girl through and through. She loves to twirl, dance, dress-up...you name it! (I guess the one thing that is not "girly" is the fact that she doesn't like to get her hair done.) Anyways, when Amber spotted these shoes, all notions of being a witch for Halloween were gone--she now wanted to be MINNIE, and it was all centered around a pair of shoes. (Fortunately for me, we already had a Minnie costume at home that was given to Hailey for Christmas a couple years ago, so buying the shoes ended up being a good deal for the both of us!)

FAMILY PICTURES

On Tuesday Pam Grant took our family pictures. Pam and I have been friends since college, and apparently I am lucky to have her as a friend--not only because she is an amazing person, but also because she is an amazing photographer! We had so much fun taking our family pictures...I almost forgot that I normally stress through the whole process. Honestly, I am truly grateful for the sacrifice Pam went through to take our pictures. We went to five different locations just to get the right shot, ...and maybe to help Pam a little with different locations. She kept saying it was benefiting her, but I know there was a lot of kindness coming into play as well. That is just the kind of person Pam is...she is always caring and looking out for others. Thank you Pam! We love our photos!

This has to be my favorite picture that I have seen so far (we haven't seen all of them--I actually stole these pictures off of Pam's blog). I love how we are each captured! I am really excited!

I never realized how much I would like a brick wall, but I really love this shot! I am so excited to see how the other "brick wall" pictures turned out!

I have never seen this type of shot before, but I really like it! Again, thanks Pam!

We took this picture at a old house. It was amazing! It had pillars and the whole nine yards! I thought it was a really great place for photos!

This was also at the "majestic" house! While taking this picture, Bryan and I kept switching back and forth between looking at one another and the camera (which was totally not on purpose). It was really funny because we were never looking at the same place at the same time. Pam wanted it to be spontaneous...I like how it turned out!

I love this shot of the kids! It always feels good to get a good picture of all of your kids. Inevitably there is always one child not looking, or something else...I am glad one turned out!

Reverence Tent

Last week we were reading in the "Friend" about another family who made a reverence tent during conference, so that they could be like the people during King Benjamin's reign from the Book of Mormon. In Mosiah 2:6 it reads, "And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which King Benjamin should speak unto them".
My kids listened attentively to this story, and their faces lit up with anticipation as they realized that conference was coming up that very weekend. I have to admit that my first initial thought was not necessarily excitement...it was more along the lines of "uh oh--now there is no way around turning our house upside down"; however, my views soon changed as the days approached to conference. The days that followed were torturous with excitement. Several times I was asked "how many more days", or "how much longer". Finally the long awaited day arrived, and we woke up ready to build our tent. We used our couch, our kitchen table, chairs, and tons of blankets to create our masterpiece. When the tent was finally accomplished, our cute kids ran throughout the house gathering items to make it truly "comfy" and ready. They gathered pillows, and blankets to form beds. They also gathered "conference papers" (handouts I had prepared earlier to help entertain), and crayons. We built a tent that will go down in the "Miller Hall of Fame" for best tents ever! We were ready to listen to the prophet!
This really was so fun for our family! One of the rules of the "reverence tent" was to be really "reverent" so that we might be like the people of King Benjamin and hear the prophets voice. Our kids followed this rule surprisingly well, and Bryan and I were able to hear the inspired words with very little interruption. It also served another purpose...since we used all of our chairs to build the tent, there really was no "comfortable" place to sit, which created a better learning environment for us adults. I wish I could honestly say that I have never dozed in conference before...I know that the words spoken are inspired, and every time I have fallen asleep in the past I have felt a great loss for missing the word (even though it does come out in print). This year; however, was easier for all to be attentive, and therefore uplifted. I am truly grateful for a prophet that leads and guides me. I know his words are inspired. I know that if I listen and obey, I (and my family) will be blessed. I have a yearning desire to follow the prophet's inspired words, and therefore follow my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Immediate goals obtained through listening to the word of God:
1. Take time to enjoy the moments
2. Pray not only for things needed, but pray prayers of thangsgiving, and pray prayers for those who may turn against you, and use you. Pray with more intent. Pray to talk with Heavenly Father.
3. We must have hope that things will work out for our good even when our trials seem unbearable. Our faith will grow, and we will be uplifted through our trials.

Hailey and Amber coloring ties for the general authorities (in our reverence tent).

Posing on top of the beautiful tent!

All three kids "listening" in the tent!

LITTLE BOYS!!!

Jacob is in the "get into everything" stage. One of his favorite games is to pull everything from my bathroom drawers and cupboards, and throw them into the bathtub. He also loves tearing up little bits of toilet paper and throwing them into the toilet, or perhaps throwing in the entire roll (occasionally he'll eat the little bits). He also likes to take the garbage can lid off and play with the lid. And yet another favorite game at our house is to pull out all of the books from the bookshelf, or the movies from the movie cupboard. Usually while I am in the middle of cleaning up one these messes, he is off accomplishing another one of his daily tasks. I have always been told that little boys are different from little girls, and I am beginning to believe this simple truth. Truly I feel that Jakey gets into more things than either of my girls (however, Hailey would get into the toilet and garbage on occasion, but it was easy to break her of the habit-Jakey won't stop!).

With all of this about the "trouble" Jakey gets into, I must add the endearing qualities as well. He always manages a heart warming smile in the midst of his adventures, which (of course) keeps me laughing. But even more importantly--he is good. Tonight while Bryan was trying to do the dishes, he was trying so hard to help by getting the dishes out of the dishwasher, and handing them to Bryan. He tries to make mom happy by picking up the movies, or books when asked, and he is an always ready participant of family prayer as he loves to fold his tiny little hands together (it never lasts through the whole prayer, but hey--we're loving it anyways). Just watching him grow has been so fun for me. He is so precious and pure...straight from our Heavenly Father. His innocence wins me over every time!

October 2, 2008

PUMP IT UP

We were so excited that school was out, and going to Pump It Up sounded like so much fun! We had such a great time playing with our friends!

The girls posed so cute for Julie. (Starting from the top left: Hannah, & Hailey ~ Bottom left: Ava, Savannah, Lizzy, & Amber) The girls had such a great time playing together. The ran from place to place trying to get all the fun in that they possibly could.

Crazy Pose!

Jakey kept me hopping the whole time. I was so tired after only being there for just a short time (apparently I need to exercise more). He couldn't quite make it up the stairs for the slide, so as soon as I took him on one ride, I was stuck taking him on ride after ride. It was really fun seeing his excitement, and his love for sliding!

Parker and Austin playing in the hula hoop!