The Stranger

 

Today I am grateful for Autumn.  I love the browns, oranges, yellows, and reds that come with the season.  I love the smell of spiced pumpkin candles and pumpkin cookies in the oven. I love the excitement of college football and children starting a new school year. I love breaking out my boots and sweaters.  I love hearing my mom’s voice as she reads the children’s book “The Stranger” by Chris Van Allsburg each year. I love Sunday drives up the canyon.  And I LOVE watching October General Conference at home in my pajamas!     

Little Man Mitch

Last weekend I went to Idaho and visited my sister, brother-in-law, and their little man Mitch.  Mitch is a sweetheart and it was so fun to spend time with him.  He is quick to smile and is quite the flirt.  At church he was passed from one woman to the next.  Many referred to him as their boyfriend and they all stopped to talk to him in the halls.  Mitch without fail would turn his head to the side, bat his eyes, and give a smile every time. 

I know Mitch existed before he was given a body and came to this earth. I also know each child comes with their own personalities.  However, I have to give props to my sister, Kim, for being such an excellent mom.  It is a little weird to see your younger sibling become a parent but I’m also so impressed with Kim and proud of her.  I know each little spirit she brings to this world will be one lucky kid.

Thanks Kim for a wonderful, relaxing weekend!   

Primary Program

Trev and Ady had their annual Primary Program this past Sunday.  When we moved into the ward, the Bishop called me to team teach Trev and Ady’s class.  It was a wonderful opportunity to transition the kids to a new ward and help them make new friends.  Last week I was called to be the 1st counselor in the Young Women’s.

  

The kids were with me when I received the call.  Poor Trev immediately started crying that I wouldn’t be with him.  So I wasn’t surprised when I walked into the chapel on Sunday while the kids were practicing to find everyone standing and singing except Trev.  I made my way up to the stand with some treats in my hands because I know if he is hungry it is hard for him to change his mood.  After some coaxing and a few hugs, his attitude started to change.  I was so proud of him when he stood tall, sung with an intent little face, and read his part perfectly! 

Ady does much better with change and tends to roll with the flow.  She is always dancing about and singing as it is so I knew she would do a great job.  I was surprised when she told me she was nervous to give her part.  However, she did an excellent job and spoke confidently into the microphone.  She sang her little heart out and I could see the budding of sweet young lady. 

I’m so happy to have these great kids and their dad in my life. 

The Poor Man’s Vacation

Kent and I took the kids camping at Jordanelle Reservoir over Labor Day weekend.  It was so nice to escape the day-to-day grind. 

On Saturday we took grandpa’s boat out for wake boarding and water skiing.  We were lucky to have some of Kent’s family join us for the water activities.

Here is Kent wakeboarding.  He is so fun to watch because he loves the water.

Ady spent several hours playing in the sand on the beach and was covered in mud from head to toe.

So was her brother and cousin Ben.

Grandpa was nice and went REALLY slow while Ady was in the tubes because she hates to go fast.

Ben got bored and laid down.  Can you see his head?  Ethan decided he would try to surf in the tube.

Sunday we went to Cascade Springs.

The best part of going to the Springs was the air conditioned drive in the car!

After the springs we came back to camp and roasted hot dogs and ate in the shade.

Then we took the kids on a walk and taught them how to skip rocks.

And some of us even climbed rocks.

Each night we roasted mallows.  Treven made several s’mores for me and insisted I eat them.  When he wasn’t looking I would throw some of the s’mores into the fire!

Ady found her way into my sleeping bag one night.  She helped to keep me warm and toasty.  I am definitely no sleeping beauty!

 

Kent was a very happy camper.

I would say our first camping experience as a family was a success.  We didn’t burn down the forest and we only ran to the store 3 times for items we forgot!