October 2007: Halloween Party

We have been very grateful to stay with my parents and have enjoyed going to church with them in the same ward (congregation). The Canyon Lake Ward had their annual Halloween Party and we were happy to attend. We nearly swept the Costume Contest awards - Tate, our adorable razor sharp toothed shark, placing 1st in his age group - Owen, a lovable ketchup-faced Captain Jack with his sidekick Smee, Eyan - placing 2nd in his age group. We are just counting Eyan as part of the package as they were hand in hand. My sister Vanessa and husband Josh -golfers -placed 3rd as well as our cousin Collin Layton - Boba Fett. I think our family's pirate crew looked pretty darn cute! Mike decided to shave and leave a mustache and part his hair down the middle. When he came out of the room like that I just about died laughing from being so caught off guard.

Our Disneyland Trip Oct 07

October 2007: Ode to Scotch Tape

Scotch tape - a 5 year old boy's solution for everything -

• when you run out of room on a regular piece of paper to finish long words like "halloween" and "birthday" - just write on another tiny piece of paper and tape it on the edge
• when you break the end of your plastic shovel off from digging in every substance possible, just tape it back on
• when your tractor's wheels and roof just won't stay on, layer after layer of scotch tape is sure to do the trick
• when you rip a hole in the sofa from running on it while mom is passed out from staying up all night with a sick baby, just enlist your little brother to cut you off a 3 foot long piece while you hold the two ripped sides together

These and countless others just have to make you laugh and appreciate the ingenious mind of the 5 year old boy. Thank you Owen. I love watching you in action.

October 2007: Pumpkin Patch

We love the Pumpkin Patch. Eyan has started saying his own prayers. The week before we went, he slipped in "Pumpkin Patch" about 3 different times into his prayers. It was hilarious! All the cousins were able to go along with Aunt Kelly, Uncle Steve, Aunt Dawn, Sophie, and some friends of Kelli's. It was a long drive to Escondido, but worth it. I love seeing the gigantic pumpkins on the vine; the little pumpkins were set in large piles. There was a tractor hay ride - Eyan's favorite part - a pony ride, a petting zoo with a pesky little goat, and a hay maze just the right size for the kids.

October 2007: Legos are the best toy

My boys LOVE Legos. They are the greatest toy. Owen really is amazing with his creations. He enjoys creating his own things - like a pool on the back of a train, castles, car washes, etc - as well as being really good at following the step by step instructions on his own. Here he is making a hotel with Grandma. Eyan is also very methodical in his creations. He has a distinct pattern when creating "sumping" - translation "something". "Sumping" can now be substituted for almost any word - tower, car, boat. If he wants me to "help" him make "sumping" he gets upset if I put the Lego in the wrong spot and does it himself. I grew up with brothers that loved Legos; my mom even kept their bucket'o'legos. I love those kind of toys that just lets their imagination soar.

October 2007: General Conference in our P.J.s

The first Sunday in October is an opportunity to listen to our church's General Conference, an international broadcast from Utah featuring our Prophet, Apostles, and other leaders from our church. It is always an inspiring time. This conference really helped me to feel enpowered as a mother and I am grateful for that. Sometimes I struggle in feeling that my strengths don't always coincide with what Motherhood requires. I came away feeling that I really could become good at this :-).

It has become more difficult to listen with 3 little munchkins, but I realized I need to put more preparation into creating a great experience for them as well. My brother Lucas and his family came as well as my sister Vanessa and hers. I'm sure it was quite a new experience for Jesse, but I think he loved it. Mom and Dad asked for it by building such an accomodating house!

September 2007: Such a cute baby

September 2007: Reflections

September 2007: JESSE IS HOME!!!

Our family is so happy for the return of our little Bub, my brother Jesse!!! Poor guy, he'll probably never outgrow that name. Jesse has been serving a mission for our church for 2 years down in San Antonio Texas and many border towns. He speaks wonderful Spanish and loved the people. He is a hard worker and loved watching individuals and families' lives change as he taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesse left when Eyan was 5 months old. 3 of his nephews and 1 niece were born while he was away. We were all so thrilled to have him home for awhile before he goes up to BYU for the second half of Fall Semester. Mom is still mad at me for introducing Jesse to BYU's block scheduling. She was hoping to have Jesse home until Winter Semester began. He has been enjoying his nephews and niece and we have all been having some great times together.

September 2007: When Daddy Comes Home

Mike went to his annual Barnes and Noble Conference in Florida and brought back surprises for the boys. Didn't you just love it when your Dad came home from business trips? We knew that meant surprises. Of course when Mom went out of town, that meant Dad would buy us sugar cereal:-)