Shout to the heavens...

We are the epitome of a shout commercial. We are the reason shout continues to be the number one stain remover. Without us that company would surely go under, because there's no way that any other kid comes home from school as dirty as my kid...and I'll bet you can guess which kid I'm talking about (aka, connor.) 

Ebola...

Tammy and I had a hair brained idea yesterday while running. We passed a painter who was covered from head to toe and quickly realized that CDC workers (trying to dodge ebola) would be perfect costumes for our church Halloween party. It was great, but talk about sweaty. We practically suffocated (especially our husbands) and quickly realized how grateful we were to not be real nurses fighting ebola. One night in that outfit was enough for me.

Memories...

This picture (drawn by grace) makes owning a boat worth every penny put into it each summer. Having a boat can at times feel like babysitting. It has to be maintained, winterized, de winterized, and costs gas money every summer but the memories by far outweigh all of that.

Bloody fingers...

You know you live in a friendly town when a random stranger lady asks you if you want a bloody finger cookie. Hmmm...not sure how to feel about that...

Field trips...

I got to take this little sugar bear on her school field trip last week. I love this girl so much. She's five years old which means this is sort of what I like to think of as a golden year. It's the year in school when you're still young enough to do lots of crafts and go on lots of field trips. She enjoys every minute of it too.

Hiking in this beautiful place I call home...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love where I live. Beauty is everywhere. We spent yesterday having a picnic. I ran 9 miles with my friend in the morning while my oh so dedicated and good husband made our lunch. We also hiked some and barely dodged the rain. It was a great time. I love being with this great group that belong to me.

Sunflower...

The day my boys stop surprising me with flowers will be a sad day...but that hasn't happened yet, so I'll just keep smiling.

Late night chats...

 Quick update on homecoming. Halee had a great time with her two friends. It definitely wasn't the usual "church dance" Halee is used to, but she knew it wouldn't be. The punch bowl was being guarded by teachers, a kid snuck alcohol in, passed out and had to be taken away by ambulance. There's really no "traditional" dancing...rather, it's more or less "grinding" on the dance floor. Those were the negatives for Halee, but she's found friends (especially the girl pictured here) that share her standards, and they all made the best of it, and had a blast in spite of those things.

I waited up for her and she showed up at 12:45am. We talked for quite a while. I love that she opens up to me...because in all honestly I'm here to listen to her take on life because she's very perceptive....I truly admire her and the wisdom she's gaining at such a young age. I can tell you this much...she doesn't get that from me. I'm very proud of this little girl of mine that is becoming a woman before my very eyes.

Donuts...

We make the most fattening, delectable treat only twice a year. On the weeks of general conference. It's a tried and true tradition that everyone counts on. The little girls and christian punched the holes thru the dough. I fried the donuts, halee frosted them and Chris Austin and connor sat around...which was ok with us. Too many bodies in the kitchen can sometimes equal disaster. They were delicious. We each took turns talking about our favorite general conference message. A good time was had by all.

Halee at homecoming...

My little beauty is currently at her very first homecoming dance. She and two of her girlfriends met at sharis restaurant and are going to hopefully dance their hearts out later on. I can say this much....this part of parenthood is really fun...

Catch...

Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely loved playing baseball and catch in my yard as a kid? My sister gina and I would play catch for hours and I never got bored of it. The boys pulled the mits and ball out yesterday and today and you know what? I still love it just as much now as I did then.

General conference...

It's that time again. General conference, for the church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints. Where get to hear messages of love, hope, faith, and encouragement. The older kids are taking notes, the younger ones counting how many times they hear the words "Jesus Christ" and scarlett is snuggled under a chair. I feel blessed.