fall is in the air

Tonight was our annual Pumpkin Walk. Monday it was beautiful and nearly 90 degrees. Today it was cold and even snowy...grrrr. We walked through more quickly than usual. Luckily, the school has been doing this activity long enough that they have learned a lot of tricks to keep the pumpkins looking good, even with rain/snow. Everything is laminated, and most the pumpkins are spray painted. The kids were proud of their creativity, as they should be. We bought our dinner there and then hustled to the car to eat. It was freezing!

Maddy's class made monkeys...I haven't exactly figured out why the monkeys go along with standing for excellence, but they are super cute!

Carter's class used a line from Kung Fu Panda for their theme. They each interviewed a friend and then wrote a little paper about them. I laughed that Carter's friend (above) thinks he is really, really, really good at sports and football...has he actually ever seen Carter play? Oh dear!

Lady's pumpkin is a moose...she thought making the antlers was the best part. "We bended hangers and put brown socks over them, see?"

Even with the cold, it was a fun 30 minutes spent checking out all the pumpkin values. The kids reminded me tonight that Halloween is very close, and we really have to dig out the costumes and see what fits for this year. Can't believe it's already October!

fall pictures...done.

I took the kids today (ALONE!) and spent over an hour taking pictures. The kids hated it, complained, had to be bribed with ice cream....time and money well spent. They turned out great! I posted the kids' new individuals pics in the sidebar. The rest...well, here are the good ones!

Jace..."Mom, it's too hard to smile!"

So sweet.

It's likely you will see one or several of these come Christmastime...but I just had to share. And seriously...those are some pretty good lookin' kiddos!

another testament

My mom sent me this....it is beautiful. These photos depict my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon. I hope you all take a minute and watch...it's always good to be reminded about the real reason we're doing all that we do.

I added his other video in case you haven't seen it...they are better if you watch them on full screen...hope you love them as much as I do!

random decisions

Woke up today...did piano lessons with all 3 kids by 7:15...took everyone to school...cleaned like crazy...decided it was time to paint a wall in the bathroom. The main reason...I just refinished the old tiny set of drawers that I keep in there for tp, wipes, etc. I did the drawers white and wanted them to stand out so....that led to the painting the wall decision. I already had the paint, tape, everything but a roller. Jace and I made a quick trip to Home Depot (and yes! with just one kid, it really was quick!). I let Jace help out on the first coat, and as you can see, he was so so proud!

It was such a small space, it was done in just over an hour.

All finished!

Probably no one else will see this wall, since it's in the master bath...but I'll see it several times a day, and I will love it!

too quiet

You know those moments when you realize the kids are being way too good and way too quiet? Had one tonight. I was helping Kenz make handouts for her young women's lesson on Sunday, so we were tucked away in the back corner of the basement. We were almost finished, and I realized Jace had not interrupted us....never a good sign. I went to his room and found his very large, multi-sock covered feet. He put on every pair of socks he could find...would love to get the reasoning on that decision. "Hmmmm, I'm bored. I know! I'm going to put every sock I own on my foot. That will stretch them right out!" I de-socked one foot to show you just how big his very small feet became...too funny!

Carter of course thought the whole thing was pretty funny...until I asked him to help Jace pair the socks back up!

This is Jace's "that was awesome" face!

I can't complain too loudly...usually Jace's quiet moments are followed up by some sort of major disaster. I can handle stretched out socks....I can handle most anything after the 1 a.m salsa incident at Lindsey's house last night!

christmas in september

For the past..well, forever...Tim has been wanting some sort of cable tv. He especially wishes for it this time of year...football season. After much calling, bargaining, and budgeting, we decided to bite the bullet and get cable. Tim is like a kid on Christmas right now, checking out all his new sports channels. I'm feeling technologically challenged...too many new functions on the remote. But I have to admit, it will be pretty nice watching BYU beat Florida on Saturday from my very own family room. Happy watching!

fry sauce

Maddy: "Mom, isn't it right that fry sauce has ketchup in it?"
Me: "Yep, you're right, ketchup and mayo."
Maddy (running into the kitchen): "See Carter, told ya I was right...it DOES have ketchup in it!"
Me: "Hey guys! Stop fighting!"
Maddy: "Sorry mom...I just love being right!"
........hmmmm........it does feel good when you're right.....but maybe you shouldn't rub your brother's nose in it!