This week has been a good week for our little family. Report cards came home this week and both girls had perfect report cards--all A's. They are both such smart girls. I like to claim that it comes from me. My family stepped up again this week. Jake had youth conference and I was unable to get off work for Friday night, so Sandra and Charity took the kids to Jackson for the ward fall fest and had them home in time for Primary practice Saturday morning. Jake has almost completed replacing the fence. We are replacing the the entire back panel because it is so weak and storms can blow it over rather easily. Today was the kids Primary program practice and I was one proud Mama. Naturally, I think my kids are just the cutest kids ever but it was cute. The girls did their speaking parts perfectly. Aubree sang a part of "Praise to the Man" with another little boy and sounded excellent. Ginny played "He is Risen" on the piano and nailed it. Jacob William, had the congregation chuckling. He had one of the first parts, approached the microphone, grabbed it close to his mouth, and whispered lightly into it. During the first couple songs, he would stand but place his elbows on the pew in front of him and prop his head on his hands. I am amazed how quickly my babies are growing up! Ginny is losing the little girl look and looking more like a little lady, it makes me a tad sad.

Happy Halloween

Fall happens to be one of my favorite seasons. I love the wind, the leaves changing colors, warm days and cool nights. Yesterday was our ward Halloween party and the kids looked great and we had a fun time. There were games, a chili cook off, and of course, a trunk or treat.

Ginny chose to be a "dark angel", Aubree an "ice princess", Jacob William "Bumble bee the Transformer", and Christopher wore "Winnie the Pooh". I think my kids are the cream of the crop.

Fall Fun

The girls were able to have two days off from school for Fall break and Jake was off a full week. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we took advantage of it and went to the zoo three days. We went first with Charity, Rob, and Riley. In case you are unable to tell from the photos, Aubree is going through a stage where she wants her photo taken a lot.







Then the next day, Nana and Becky came up so we went again. Then we took daddy. It was a fun time. Here are several photos from the zoo. Some look redundant but I found it comical of how many times my son was cut out. Now, please do not assume that I do not want my oldest son included in the photos, the problem was my mom had the camera. :)
Last Sunday, we had a surprise visit from Michael. I found out earlier that week he was coming down to go hunting but was under the impression, that was the mere purpose of the trip was too hunt and not visit. So, I had planned to not bother him. I did not want to be intrusive and wanted him to know he could come down and not be bothered. I had fallen asleep last Sunday and Jake came to wake me up said Michael as coming over and would be here any minute. I grabbed some clothes but did not have time to straighten my house. In the end, it did not matter how my house looked, I was so happy that he came. Sandra, Brent, Charity, Rob, and Riley came too. I was reminded how much I enjoy being with my family. It helps to to have a few breaks in between.
Jake also began to rebuild our fence. It is not in good shape and should have been replaced sooner but we have held off due to finances but now it is not a matter waiting to afford it put it in but it is a necessity. Here are several photos from the zoo. Now, please do not assume that I do not want my oldest son included in the photos, the problem was my mom had the camera. :)

Do you ever feel you are just a mean, bad person? I am having one of those days where I am struggling to remember my self worth, although I know it is there. My day started well until right before church started and my feelings were hurt. Someone we consider our friend, told me hat I had a bad attitude and they were sick of it. (all I did was ask him to give his wife a message because I may not see her in time and no one in the presidency answered their phone) After sacrament, I decided to right the wrong and apologize if I had ever done anything to offend this person, but that did not go well either, they were still hurtful and mean towards me. So, after church I went and spoke to the wife and offered any apologies for anything I may have ever done. She said I had not done anything but at one point she felt judged. I assured her that if I ever made her feel that way it was not intentional and I think nothing bad of her nor her family. Oddly, this is a family that Jake and I considered friends and have done many kind things for (anonymously and in general). I learned today that some people who you think may love you, may really not. Needless to say it has been weighing on me since it happened. This is a family that I have stood up for when their other friends have said bad things about them. Guess, there is a reason I am not a part of that group.... I am not sure why people do not want to be my friend, I honestly try hard to be kind and considerate of others. Every girl wants friends, right? However, above all, I just hope that my daughters do not ever feel this way. I hope that my children never feel like they are second best and I hope that all though some people may not like me, that they do not prevent their children from being friends with my children. I would never intentionally make a person feel judged or less than they are. Anyways, this happened before sacrament and for some reason it effected my whole church day. I arose early this morning to prepare my lesson for Sunday School and when the time came, I feel that I let the previous experience fluster me. And to top that off, the Stake President and Elder Bluth (member of the Seventy) were in attendance in my class. Amazing, how we can let one single small event get to us and effect our day. Then there are moments to put life back in perspective. I walked in our bedroom to lay down a few minutes and noticed a lump in my bed. I flipped on the closet light and there asleep on our bed were two my angels. Christopher was asleep on Ginny, that moment brought life back into perspective for me.

My kids are such characters and each have a very unique personality that I adore. This past weekend was general conference and after conference on Sunday, Christopher, the girls, and I drove to Jackson for the evening. On the way down, I was telling the girls that they could attend the college of their choice and that we would support their decision. Aubree especially was very glad to hear this news. She expressed her desire to attend the "brown school", claiming that they were her friends and nice people. It took most of my power not to chuckle out loud. Ginny was not sure where she wanted to go but Utah still sounds pretty good to her. Jake has our entire little family rooting for the Utes. She is very independent. I sent lunch money with her to school this week and wanted to pay for a full week but she had a different idea. She paid for her lunch and a few extra days, bought her some flaming hot cheetos, and then put some change in the fundraiser can for her classroom. As for Jacob William, he has made a little friend in the neighborhood and always tries to go to his house and see if he is home. He also gets very excited when his little friend comes here looking for him. A week or so ago, we did family home evening on putting on the armor of God and he still enjoys wearing his around, although he probably has no remembrance of the lesson. Christopher refuses to let anyone feed him but himself these days and makes quite the mess. He also received his first hair cut on September 30, 2011. However, he still has his little mohawk.....
I have began to notice a pattern that has developed with the men in my house....they all strive to be like the one directly older than them. For example, Jacob William wants to be just like his daddy. Sunday mornings he is insistent about wearing a tie and some Sundays a suit too because his daddy does. Christopher tries to do all that his big brother does and follows him around.
I am 100% okay with this because I am married to a great man and will be very happy if my boys turn out like their daddy. He treats me and the children well. I just hope my boys learn not to procrastinate.