Pumpkins, Goblins, Witches...oh my!

I've been dragging a bit with the holiday cheer but thanks to a few borrowed costumes we pulled off another year!

I'll be your patient any time.  Wink Wink

Musical Grandpappy Tyler

Nerdy Nate

Colin Creevey Coop (from Harry Potter)

Baby Alysee

Minnie Mouse Chloe

Chloe and Alysee were on a roll tonight and got Chloe all dressed up like the cutest Granny you have ever seen.  She's rather perky...if you know what I mean.

Granny Chloe

We enjoyed pumpkin carving with the Cobia's and our church Halloween party.  Happy Halloween!

Coop and his beard

Following a haircut, shower, nails being clipped...

Cooper says to me: "Mom, can I shave? I have long hair on my chin and above my lip."

Mom:  "No you don't."

Cooper heads to the bathroom to check himself out.

Cooper: "It's a good thing I am not Hispanic or they would be really dark hairs."

Mom:  "Maybe you're just growing up to look like dad."

Cooper:  "Was he this hairy when he was ten?  I mean...I look like Hitler."

Mom (totally busting up): "We'll ask dad tomorrow if he thinks you should shave."

How can you not love this kid?

My Sails

I won't lie...today feels like the first day since before Christmas break that I have had some time to PONDER and enjoy a little ME time. I was reading an article in the Ensign this morning about being a positive person. I loved how it said, "Being of good cheer does not mean being ignorant or naive to life’s challenges." The article went on to say that being cheerful is having "a deep trust in God’s unfolding purposes—not only for all of mankind, but for each of us as individuals." As I personally and my family experience trials, I am choosing to TRUST IN GOD. The article contained the quote "We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." So for my ME time I designed a new wall poster for our family room (I try to change it out regularly).

Happy Mother's Day to Me!!!

I think the best part about Mother's Day is Birch getting to spend it with the family!  Any Sunday that starts and ends with my Lover is a GREAT day!

 The Hen and her Chicks

Our dinner was super tasty but our dessert was even more memorable.  Birch had been told about these apple apricot roses.  Not only are these remarkable in their looks but they were super tasty!  Let me just remind you that Birch cooks grilled cheese sandwiches a few times a year and occasionally pancakes from a box.  I'm thinking the man might have a talent he is hiding under a bushel. 

Sure do love my kiddos!!!

Family...it's what it is about

Uncle Lyle and my dad decided it was time for some brother bonding time.  We were the lucky ones to get to spend a little time together while they were on their way to Diamond Lake for a few days of fishing and staying at a cabin from their childhood.

 Uncle Lyle has always been a favorite of mine!  He always makes you feel like a million bucks.

My dad may be older but Uncle Lyle beats him in height!  Perhaps this is where Alex gets his height from?  We're looking forward to future visits!

Pictures from their cabin fishing trip taken by Lyle:

Puget Sound Kayaking - Father/Son Scout Trip

Tyler and Birch had such an awesome experience kayaking the Puget Sound with the other boys in Tyler's quorum.  Tyler's amazing leader, Marc Murdock has some great connections to beautiful handmade wooden kayaks that the boys were able to use.

  

Along with the sea otters the boys harvested clams to cook up for lunch.

Masonic Award

Alex was recently honored to receive the Masonic Award.  It was a lovely ceremony and you could tell that each nominee was of the highest caliber.  It made me smile to see that maybe of the nominees are Alex's good friends.  So nice to know your kids are hangin' out with the best!