Candy Corn Pictures

Jake Advances to Orange Headband

COOKIE DECORATING

HALLOWEEN GATHERING

The kids wanted to create their own "Halloween Celebration". They planned face painting, balloon darts (with treats inside), pumpkin bowling, and a mummy wrap game. I then invited two families over to enjoy their surprise. I loved that each of them took part in the planning. I loved their signs. And I absolutely loved how they took care of the little kiddos making sure that each of the kids were having a good time. 

I love the spelling for Mummy Wrap! It melts my heart!

Balloon Darts

Pumpkin Bowling

Face Painting

Thank you, Pruett's and Tobler's for coming to our celebration!

HALLOWEEN GATHERING

We invited our good friends, The Palic's, over for yummy cinnamon rolls, and a good 'ole game of mummy wrap. It was boys against girls in this race, and although the girls made a valiant effort, sadly... the boys won. We had a great time! We are grateful for good friends who are willing to play crazy games with us!

Love Hailey's Face. Love the Thumbs Down.

BYU vs. TEXAS

TEXAS vs. BYU
We drove down to Provo, so that Bryan could watch his Alma Mater play football. Ironically, we were not cheering for BYU, but Texas. Halfway through the game, Bryan text-ed me and asked if it was okay to pray against the Lord's school. I responded that I didn't know, but I was willing to try. Texas lost big time. It was a disappointment to Bryan; however, I still think the trip was a fun getaway. (Bryan may feel differently.)

Temple Square

While Bryan Watched football, I took Jacob and Amber to temple square, the children's museum, and out to dinner. We enjoyed our frolicking through Salt Lake City! (Hailey was competing in a soccer tournament at home.)

 FEATHERVILLE

Every chance we get we go to Featherville! In fact, we spent Saturday in Featherville, Sunday at home, and then Monday in Featherville. It really doesn't matter if we were just there--we absolutely love it there! I love Labor Day weekend!

I love this video. I wish it were right side up, but it's still worth posting. My kids will always treasure playing at the Culvert! 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND
We went to the cabin on Friday, and teamed up with the Jeff Miller's for some ultimate fun! We
left on Saturday night with plans to return on Monday.

FIRST DAY of SCHOOL
I cried this year. I cried a lot. This year marks the year when all of my children are in school for the entire day, and when Hailey is now in Middle School (at a new school with people she doesn't know--Middle School is bad enough without those parameters). After kissing and hugging my kiddos good-bye, I finally released my grief, and I wept. I am a mom. That is my job. I love my job. What do I do now that they are all gone? Now that they are all growing up? I don't doubt that I will be plenty busy--being a mom is more than time spent in my kid's company, but more specifically what will I do with my heart?  I miss my kids. I love them home. I love being the one who teaches them, who cares for them. Sometimes I wish I felt that home school was the answer, but I don't, and so I cry.
After crying my eyelids dry, I called my dear husband for his calming reassurance. As soon as he answered, a fresh new batch of tears emerged without warning. "I wish Jacob wasn't our last," I told him. I do not doubt the inspiration received determining that he would be last. I just sometimes wish the inspiration was different.
My heart aches. I really don't like the first day of school, but I am ready to smile, because I know that this is for our good. Doctrine Covenants 90:24 states, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing and all things shall work together for your good." I will study. I will pray. And I will believe in happy endings.