Sunday, Jarom was ordained to the office of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. I am always so touched when I see the priesthood in action. I am grateful to him for striving to honor his priesthood and I am grateful to Tim for setting the example of a worthy priesthood holder. I love to see him teaching our boys about the priesthood and what their responsibilities are.
How lucky we are to have the gospel!

3 Large Pizzas, 2 Gallons of Lemonade, a bag and a half of chips...

So I have entered a new stage in life. I know that Jarom has been a teenager for awhile, but as mellow as he is, we really haven't been in on the teen scene. So Saturday he had friends over for a game tournmaent to celebrate his birthday. It is a great group of guys and they played Yu-Gi-Oh, Chess, and Videos Games. How lucky am I that that is what my 14 year old son wants to do?? Everyone seemed to have fun, and certainly didn't need any help from me being entertained. I had one primary responsibility... keep the food coming!!!

Reflections on Fall (and RS!)

The air changes, the briskness awakens my senses, rejuvenates me with energy and spirit. I love to wrap myself in warm sweaters and cozy blankets. Fall reminds me of my Heavenly Father, wakening my spirit, breathing rejuvenation into my steps, reminding me to draw long breaths and enjoy the clarity of the air, at the same time adding clarity to my thoughts and actions. He then wraps me in his cozy spirit, the very arms of his love. Fall reminds me of the majesty of my Heavenly Father’s creations, as he colors the world in warm, rich colors. It inspires me to surround myself in those things that are warm and rich, beautiful colors, wonderful smells, laughing voices, and the comfort and the closeness of family and friends. Fall reminds me of who I am.

On another note, I LOVED Pres. Uchtdorf's message last night at the General Relief Society Meeting. Sometimes there are messages that seem to touch you at your deepest levels, and that is what his did for me last night. I've been thinking that I needed something and had kind of come to the conclusion that I was just doing my daily routine and I needed something to work on and his message reaffirmed that for me! If you missed it make sure you get online and watch it. You can read it too, but for me watching is more effective. Or I recorded it and would be happy to share!!

General Conference Packet

I used this author's general confernce packet for my kids in April and was excited to find an updated version for October!!!

here is the web site or just clock on my post title and it will take you there!!!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/6177170/October-Conference-Packet

Happy Birthday Jarom!!!

I have a Fourteen year old!!! As I look up to him (literally) I am so impressed with the young man he has become. How lucky am I to have a son who feels that it is important to study hard, do well in school, read his scriptures, and try to make good choices. He loves computers, video games, and yu-gi-oh cards. He likes to play games with his family and I think, deep down inside, he even likes to hang out with his Mom! Sure, he rolls his eyes at my weirdness, but secretly I know he is laughing with me! I'm constantly blown away by how smart he is and by how much insight he has into things spiritually, academically, and philosophically! I'm grateful to be his Mom, and am proud of all he has accomplished!!

Spencer - Soccer Superstar

Spencer LOVES Soccer! Here are some cool pictures of all of his cool soccer moves!!!

The most important thing about being a girl...

So Tim got Kayleen this book "For Girls Only - Everything Great about being a Girl" As they were talking about it, Tim reminded her that the most important thing about being a girl is being a Daughter of a Heavenly Father. Kayleen, in the most serious voice, responded that that was the most, most important thing of all!!!

Principal's Pride!

Our school has a neat tradition to honor the kid's accomplishments. Their teacher's nominate them and then on Friday, their name is called over the loud speaker and they get to come to the media center and receive their award in front of their parents. Kayleen was honored to do for "always following directions and doing her personal best"

This is her next to her project!

She even let me do her hair this morning with the blow dryer and everything!! She looks so proud, doesn't she!

Our principal does a great job of making the kids feel special!

It's a great time to take time out and be proud of each of them and their accomplishments!! Way to go Kayleen!!

(Of course I was kind of wondering of the following directions and doing her personal best wold translate to the home environment? At least she does it at school...)

Tag! You're it!

So Melinda tagged anyone that hasn't blogged in the last 24 hours... That is definitely me - I have been slacking and will probably regret it! But I'll at least do the tag!

3 Names you go by - Kristin, Mom, Mrs. Norris
3 Things you are wearing right now -Pink Capri's, Black/White/Grey Sweater, Wedding Ring
3 Restaurants I love -Cafe Rio, PF Changs, and Rumbi's
3 Favorite things to do - Reading, Date Night, and Talking to my Big Sis
3 Trips to plan on this year - Chico in 3 weeks for my Brothers Wedding, San Diego Next Summer (I hope), and maybe a weekend with Tim (besides Chico).
3 Things you want badly - Love at home, peace, serenity (hmm... maybe I haven't been very patient today...)
3 People who will do this - Annalisa, Heather G. and Jen
3 Pets you have/had - Boo, Lucy. and Rags
3 Things you did yesterday - Worked, Went to Spencer's Soccer Game, and tried to finish my book (maybe that's why I'm tired today!)
3 Things you ate today - Dee's Cereal, Jalapeno Corn Bread, Chili (Thanks Tim!)
3 goals - Be a better mom, , run a 5K, and be more consistent doing the things I should (ie scriptures, prayers...)
3 Fears - Losing a family member, losing my mind, losing my health
3 Things you plan on doing today - Eating Fresh Peach Cobbler, Reading a little (I still haven't finished that book), Sleeping!!! (It's already 9pm)
3 Things you plan on doing tomorrow - Work, Homework with Kids, Mopping the Kitchen Floor
3 Favorite Holidays - Thanksgiving (it's all about family), Christmas, Memorial Day (that means summer is almost here!!!)
3 Favorite beverages - water, diet coke, and lemonade

More than you ever wanted to know I'm sure!! You're turn!

Garden Plenty!

I didn't feel like going to the grocery store yesterday. Somedays it is just too much work. Lucky for us we had a frozen lasagna in the freezer! I went out to the garden to see what I could fix to go with it. Yum!! Check out that fat carrot!!

Girl Cousins!

Jessica, Kayleen, and Holly
Kayleen is surrounded by boys. She has three brothers and on Tim's side two boy cousins. On my sided she has 5 boys cousins and 4 girls, but 2 of the girls are older. Jeniel's girls are the perfect ages. One is a year older and one is a year younger with Kayleen right in the middle. We were excited when they invited us to go shopping with them at the outlets. We left all of the boys at home and just spent the day. They don't get to see each other often so that made it extra special!! Aren't they cute! (Notice their matching flip flops... Kayleen's feet hurt and then so do Jessica and Holly's we decided that for $2.50 it was well worth the peace!)

Cool trampoline pics! (Happy Birthday Traci!)

We celebrated Traci's birthday in rip-roaring fashion. Tim BBQed and then the kids entertained us all with their amazing jumping skills on the trampoline. Unfortunately Robby and Spencer's bedroom window is missing a screen and they think its cool to jump out of it on to the tramp. Little three year Ian thought that was a great game and was headed out the window right behind him when we caught him! I'm thinking about a window lock!!

Belated Tag...

So Heather tagged me (like 2 weeks ago) and I used the excuse that I was at work and had already read it so it wouldn't be spontaneous... The idea is that you take pictures according to the instructions as things are NOW. Not after you tidy up or put makeup on, NOW. So I have waited and am being belatedly spontaneous. Here is my disclaimer... I've had a nasty cold for a week and a half and today I am home from church with 2 kids that I have passed it on to... So here goes.

My toilet:

The boys toilet no less...


My sink:

It was clean... ( rotated and saved this three times - it just want to be sideways...)

My closet: I have every nook and cranny taken with some kind of container...

My favorite room: Where I can usually go for some peace - especially early in the morning...

The laundry room:Actually not too bad...

My fridge: Hmm... are you hungry!

What my kids are doing now:

Actually two of them are at church - where Tim is also! Glad someone is getting the blessing...

My favorite shoes:

I used to not be able to wear flip flops because my feet hurt too bad. Definitely one of the advantages of losing all of that weight...

My self portrait right now:
Once I figured out I was staying home with 2 kids, I didn't quite finish getting ready...

There I am in all my glory...
Love you all

I tag - who ever hasn't done this yet - It's time for a wake up call...

Temple Square with Traci and Ian

Tim's sister Traci came into town for Labor Day weekend. Grandma and Grandpa picked them up at the airport and we met downtown at temple square. It was a nice day to just wander around and enjoy the beautiful scenery and take some pictures!!This is Grandma and Grandpa Norris, Traci with Ian on her lap and of course Kayleen, Spencer and Robby.

We went up on the observation deck in the Joseph Smith building. I love this picture of the kids looking at the temple. Kind of a great reminder...

We spent some time at the grass by the Church office building. The boys had a great time letting Ian push them down and around and climb on top of them! They are really good sports and love to play with the younger boys!

I'm just wondering if someone could come and make my yard look like this! Any volunteers! I know there would be blessings in heaven...

It was a beautiful day and the reflection at the pool was amazing! We live so close, its nice to go and visit every once in a while and remember how lucky we are - and blessed!

Future ReAl Player...

This summer Spencer attended a week long soccer camp. On August 29th, everyone that attended that camp got to attend the ReAl game and be on the field as the players came on. He was so excited!

The kids got to line both sides of the tunnel to greet the players, and of course Leo the Lion!

This is a picture of Spencer on the JumboTron! How cool is that!!

ReAl won 2-0, so all in all it was a great night! Go Spencer!