Teen Bop

Last year, I did something I have never done before. I went to the midnight showing of Twilight. This year it wasn't even a question of if I would go to the midnight showing of New Moon. I went with my friend Courtney, who happens to be 17. She's the one who talked me into going to Twilight in the first place. I admit, I own the books and I like them, though I don't believe they are the most well written books I've read. I will also own that the movies need special affects work. Yet this craze is sort of fun and for one night, I get to go and be a teen bopper, or at least act like it. The funny thing is, when I woke up the morning after I viewed New Moon, I kept thinking about it and wanting to discuss it with Mike or whoever else I knew who follows Edward, Jacob and Bella. THEN, I went and watched the movie AGAIN with my sister-in-laws. It is suddenly dawning on me, that perhaps I am no longer an idle Twilight Fan, but an actual "follower" For example, did you know that they almost canned 17 year old Taylor who plays Jacob in the movie, but he beefed up, so they kept him? I don't own any Edward cutouts or Jacob shirts, but perhaps I can ask Santa for a Twilight poster and keep my fanaticism out of public display. The next movie comes out in June. I'll buy midnight showing tickets, but maybe this odd behavior will calm down by then! Here's to all the non-teen twilight fans out there!

Thanksgiving

Isn't Thanksgiving such a great holiday? A day when you actually think about everything God has given you! I think we should have more Thanksgivings in a year and not just so we can pig out on oh so delicious food! Yes, bring on the pecan pie, stuffing and turkey, but please don't forget the gratitude and maybe a side of humility. And how about some family memories for dessert?

This Thanksgiving we went to Ohio where 6 0f the 7 kids in Mike's family convened. Above is Mike's older sister and his youngest sister, both tremendous women! We enjoyed playing "Bang!" (a card game) watching New Moon, going to the temple, attending our niece's baptism and of course, eating. I only wish we could have played football. That is something we never did growing up, but a tradition I think would be fun to start.

Of course the kids rode horses. I don't know who enjoys it more, Mama, or the kids! Lydia also enjoyed time with Papa. She told me a few days before we left that she couldn't wait to wrestle Papa. They seem to have a special bond.
Mike's brother Chris, and his wife Nicole. They asked me to take their photo for a Christmas card. I posted this one because I think it is the only one where Chris actually smiles! (Come on Chris and Nicole, you didn't think I would take all those pics without posting one?)
The lighting was great a few of the days, so I followed Colton around outside and took pictures of him. I made him sit on the wood pile just like I made Chris and Nicole!
I love that these two are friends. Lydia can never seem to decide if McKensey or Colton is her best friend. On the days that Mckensey is her best friend, Colton is best friends with McKensey's younger brother. (at least, according to Lydia)
While we were in Ohio, our niece was baptized. I loved feeling the Holy Ghost as she was baptized confirming that she is being baptized just as Christ was. It was a good reminder.
Mike's team won the intramural championship! Way to go. Mike is second to the left.
Mike running at his game. I managed to patch his dilapidated shirt. It was a fun challenge.

This n that

A few nights ago before bed, Mike snuck Lydia into our room to play her Leapster. Colton quickly found his to join the crew. Here they all are looking mischievous as they evade bedtime, and Mom.
Lydia and best friend Kensey. They always hold hands on the merry-go-round. Too cute!
I took this photo for a new photography blog I am a part of. This is my free piano that I just had tuned. It works great and I am so glad Mike has such a good nature and is willing to heave this heavy box of strings and keys all around when we move. I am taking lessons from our neighbor and I love it. I have no natural talent, but I am improving and it feels good to be learning. I will admit I won't be volunteering to play in church for a long while yet! Wish me luck.

I love this man!

Can you see why I love this big hunk of love? For a chemist, he sure has a lot of personality! This was Mike after his last MUDDY football game. (I have yet to get his TORN shirt clean.) This was the first game I missed and from the sounds of it, Mike played really well. (Though he may be trying to impress me- as if the torn shirt wasn't enough!) His intramural team has made it to the championships!

Halloween

Colton was playing the part of a football player tonight at a party when he kept raiding the snack table. Those Dorito's sure are good!
Ready to GO! He hardly let that football out of his hands all night! He'll make a great running back!
Lydia was supposed to be a dog, but like all indecisive children, this afternoon she decided she wanted to be a princess. I guess she was Cinderella putting on her lost slipper.
Please excuse these pictures that are all out of order. Colton enjoyed carving a pumpkin and standing on the table. I think standing on the table was the best part for him.
Getting ready to hit those houses! Note who is wearing the dog costume.
Snarfing a cupcake from the cake walk. Colton is in the middle of the circle doing the same thing. I think my children like pastries.
Cupcakes Lydia and I made for the party we went to. The sort of fun, and easy treat I can handle. (spider webs if you can't tell.)
The result of a fun filled night. Lydia's bag on the left, Colton's bag on the right. We all have our priorities.
Carving the pumpkin.
A Pirate Party at school. They even dug up treasure in the playground sand. It was so cute!

Thank you Mama

A little gratitude goes a long way. The last two nights, Lydia has thanked me profusely for dinner. "Thank you Mama." She says repeatedly. I'm amazed at how happy it makes me to hear those three words coming out of her mouth. Never before has she noticed that night after night a meal is placed before her. Never before has it been acknowledged that I took the time to plan her meal. This is the payoff of being a Mom. Seeing your child grow and learn and become aware. I'm sure that when Lydia says thank you her gratitude is the result of a pleasant taste in her mouth and a full belly, but to me it means thank you for staying up all night to feed me when I was a baby. Thank you for giving me comfort when I have fallen down. Thank you for taking me fun places, getting the stains out of my clothes, cleaning up my spills and answering my incessant question of 'why?' Well Lydia, thank YOU for letting me be your mom.

I love autumn

The trees are turning colors and I LOVE IT! Mike was kind enough to act as chauffeur on a photo shoot where I got this picture as well as the last one. I love leaves crunching under my feet and watching them fall quietly to the ground
Along with leaves come those fun fall activities. We made bats out of black construction paper and hung them in the window. (Very exciting for a 3 year old.) Today we picked out a pumpkin and Monday we raked leaves for a widow across the street. Growing up in Idaho, I did not rake too many leaves. We raked the leaves from just one big old tree and it took us an hour. The pile was almost to my shoulders and about 10 feet long. When I took Lydia to school the next morning, the grass was covered again! I guess we will be back, but I think we are all excited about that because it felt so good to do some service.