Chasing Sunflowers

While the men went to priesthood, I took Kayleen out and we took some pictures. The conditions weren't ideal, but at least I have a willing model when I'm in the mood to play a little. Two weeks ago the field where I took her was covered in Sunflowers! Unfortunately I waited too long and they were almost all gone.



Then I came back and spent the rest of my evening playing with editing. I remember why I haven't done it since summer ended. Once I start I can spend hours! Probably because I don't really know what I'm doing so it takes me forever!

Still, it was fun and I love to try new things! We did find a second spot that had some sunflowers that were still blooming.

Now I just need to figure out a time in the next few weeks to take pictures of all four of them for their annual portraits!!

Thanks my beautiful Kayleen for putting up with my whims!

Soccer on a Cold Saturday Morning

Although it was chilly - we loaded up the entire family to watch Spencer's soccer game this morning.He played hard, though the team was a little off this morning... He's playing with a good friend of his from school.
No, this is not his friend. One of the parents dressed their dog as a mascot, so I snuck a picture.(I could complain here that later the same parent was smoking a cigarette - really the kids are playing and running and you're blowing smoke - but I shouldn't)Spencer has the famous tongue that was inherited from me. When concentrating it must be hanging out of the mouth. Hmmm... That could really hurt in soccer!In this picture we were trying to figure out where the call is that they all seem to be fighting over!Air Spencer! Team Pics

Chatting again with his friend. Gotta love Soccer in the cold!

Happy 15th Jarom!

I should probably dig up some pictures, but since I am already overdo on this post, I thought I'd just pick one that I like. Wednesday was Jarom's 15th birthday. While I could wax on about the fact that I have a 15 year old, that is not the point of this post. I'll keep this simple and just say that I am so grateful that I have such an amazing son. He's grown and matured, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and I am in awe at the young man he has become. Granted, he is still a 15 year old and that means that at times he is wacky beyond description and occasionally moody (but not too bad). The fun part is that I can now be wacky with him and he gets my sarcastic humor. It blows my mind that time is moving so quickly. I have basically 4 years left that he is "mine" and I can hope that we continue to be friends as we have become. Happy belated birthday Jarom! Love ya tons!

Highs and Lows

Life is crazy - I don't really have anything to post because we are just doing the "regular" stuff. School mainly, then throw in soccer starting, dance starting, scouts, social, house... Well you know. But as my kids are growing, we are developing a new kind of communication. We started something this week (we'll see how long we keep it up) but we are trying to say family prayers together in the evening and I asked the kids the other day to tell my their Highs and Lows for the day. It has actually turned into a fun time to talk and visit and laugh. My kids have a very sarcastic side (hmm... I wonder where they get that - and NO it's not all me!) and they spend a lot of time giggling and laughing at each other. But its fun for me to hear a little more about their days.

My low this week is work. It is just crazy and hectic, scheduling new kids, 8 new referrals already, testing and next week we are being audited!!! The district comes in and goes through our files to make sure we are in compliance with all of the laws and mandates. FUN!

My high though, tops all of the lows. I had the opportunity last night to be present for the Patriarchal Blessing of my oldest son. I won't share any details, but I will share that the spirit was amazingly strong. It is one of those experiences as a Mom that just pierces your heart as you hear about the love that Heavenly Father has for your child and the amazing opportunities and gifts that he has and will be blessed with. I am in awe.

We need highs and lows. Here's hoping your highs are good ones and your lows - not too bad.

August?

Attention! Attention! Does anyone know where August went? It was here, and now it's gone. I'm still looking for it. Let me know...

First Day...

So today was a different sort of first day of school for us. Jarom is taking early morning seminary this year (something that we groaned and complained about as a teenager and now he is doing it willingly!!) so we have to leave the house at 6:30 to get him there! So Jarom and I left at 6:30 and then I headed to work after dropping him off. As I was leaving Robby was getting up to get ready for his first day of Middle School!! He got himself ready and then headed out to catch the bus. He took us on a tour of his classes last night and he is excited to start! As Robby was leaving, Tim and the other two kids got up and got ready for school. In the past they have always gone to school with me, but 7am is just tou early for them to hang out in my office. So Tim brought them to school this morning. About 8:10 I realized that I wasn't even going to see my youngest 2 before they started their new school year, so I hung around outside until they got to school so that I could give them a quick hug before they rushed off!! 3 shifts but we all made it! No pictures this morning - was going to try for this afternoon But... I'm sure I'll make up for it taking a zillion pictures on another day!!


Post script (added the next morning...)
So when you see me this year and my eyes are glazed and I look a little frantic - just know that its normal and I only have nine months to go until next summer vacation!

Today I Touched the Temple

Today I had the amazing opportunity to attend one of the dedication services for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and to sing in the choir. It has been a summer full of rehearsals as we prepared for this sacred event and the chance to contribute the the spirit that was felt there. I was a little nervous, and feeling very humble, but most of all just wanting to really feel the spirit of our Savior as we sang. As soon as we took our place in the temple I could feel my eyes water and then began the battle to keep my emotions under control. Luckily, during the songs I did ok and only leaked a little during some of the talks. That is, until the final song, the Hosanna Anthem. The song is a combination of a prayerful request that the Lord would accept our offering and singing praises to Him. I did okay until the line that says we'll sing and shout with the armies of heaven. I know that we were not alone! I also know that my Dad was close by. I smile to think that maybe he was part of the Heavenly Choir that joined us! No wonder I had a hard time with my emotions! I am proud to say that it was only a few tears and no actual sobs! One of my favorite things was when President Monson spoke to the children that were in the temple and told them to reach out their hand and somewhere near them touch the temple. Then they could say "Today I touched the Temple and the Temple touched me." Truly today I may have briefly touched the temple, but it left a permanent impression as the temple touched me.