Makin' $$$$

Christen has had several lemonade - cookie stands this summer. She is so cute and does the whole thing on her own. This time she and her friend Mia went in together. They made $10 together.

Parade Time!

It's that time again. Another tradition that I love about living here! This Year Brandon marched with the High School band. Go DC!! All of the hard work during the summer paid off when Brandon had a great time. Brandon is playing the Baritone (he plays the bass clef still and it sounds the same asa trombone basically but it has fingering like a trumpet). He has been playing the Trombone since 4th grade but the high school does not march trombones - apparently too dangerous for their tight formations. Brandon was dissapointed at first and he had to learn the new instrument. He's is doing really well now. Its been great for him to meet new friends before school even started and also be a part of a great group. The band also won first place in the parade!!

Happy 9th Birthday Christen!

Christen and her friends - she decided that she wanted ice cream sundaes instaed of a cake this year - although Denise ended us sharing some of her cake on their actual birthday. We took
the girls bowling and they had a great time. On the actual day of her birthday - the 25th I got her out of school just a bit early and got a drink at Sonic. Then we went home and Grandma and Grandpa were waiting there for her. They gave her a musical jewelry box and jewelry - which she LOVES. Speaking of jewelry, she has a boy that is a friend from school who actually gave her some jewelery for her birthday. I wasn't quite sure what to think but I guess it is fairly harmless.

Later in the evening we met our friends, Dave and Denise at Red Robin for dinner. This has become a tradition. Denise has the same birthday, which makes it extra fun!

I was relly happy that she had a great birthday and a great time with her friends, but i was also a little sad that my little girl is growing up!! It seems ok for the boys to get older - but not her!! SIGH!!

Just today she and I had a special day together. Todd and the boys were at the scout Klonderee (post to come) so we went shopping, got lunch, and then went to the play "Annie" that some of our friends were in. It was nice.

School Sock Hop

Todd and I took Christen and her friend Emma to the school Sock Hop Fundraiser. They had a great time and Todd danced with both the girls - as well as me. Christen was in a group that performed a dance for everyone to "Rock Around the Clock"

Happy Birthday to ME!!

I was very spoiled that year! Lots of Facebook bday wishes (loving that!), many calls from dear friends and family and lots of fun and FOOD. Too much food actually - but hey - I indulged. Probably should have been more careful but it was great. Lets see how many "out to eats" ...? 5 FIVE!! Craziness. Fun times though. Also saw two movies - Extraordinary Measures - I would highly recommend - and Leapyear - cute, but not a buyer for me.

Most of my gift receiving I will get during spring break when Brandon and I travel to Washington DC to visit our great friends the Ahlstroms - and DC. We hope to see Roger (Todd's brother) and Andrea as well. CANT WAIT!!!

Missionary Moment

That evening we had smores and burned school papers!

We have had an incredible experience this past month or so sharing the gospel with our friends and neighbors Dave and Denise. I guess the sharing started well over a year or so ago when we became closer friends. Anyhow, just last Saturday they were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I did not have my camera that day so I need to get pictures from them to post. They have had so much support from our Bishop, the ward, missionaries, RS, High Priests, friends from work, and recent converts from the past few years. It really was an amazing experience. We have grown so much in our own testimonies. They are great people and so excited to serve and to be involved. The very next day after their baptism - the day they received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Stk had asked Dave to speak at a multi stake new member fireside! He did a great job too!

My ladies weekend

Last weekend I had a rare treat of flying to Utah for the weekend. The purpose was to go to BYU Women's Conference with my mom, sister, sister in laws and a few nieces. It was great fun. A side bonus was seeing a few wonderful friends!! As soon as I got off the plane and found the car that Teresa had left for me - THANK YOU! - I met my friend Julie and Rachel for a late lunch. It was so awesome to see them! Sorry I missed you Jackie. It was nice to catch up. Then I had some time before I was to meet up with the family so I saw the Draper temple in the distance and decided to drive up to it. From there I saw 3 temples in the area. On my whole trip I think I counted that I saw 7 temples. Crazy!

After that I decided to stop by Temple Square. The tulips were beautiful. I love seeing the Christus in the visitors center. I also stopped in the JSB, looked around and went to the distribution center downstairs. Also checked out the Conference Center.

After the BYU conference I also got to see one of my best and oldest friends and college roommates. Amy and I knew eachother in Texas in High School too. She is on bedrest now - expecting her 3rd girl. She has a 4 yr old and then had recently adopted a beautiful baby about 5 months ago so she will have her hands FULL!! I hadnt met Audrianna yet so that was so fun.

I was REALLY grateful for my little GPS to get me around!!

TWILIGHT

I went this morning with my friend Leslie to the morning showing of Twilight. There was a line up of ladies I knew and some I didnt know 1 hour before! It wasnt sold out - but it was fuller than usual AM movies. I know alot who went last night but I didnt think I could stay up and now that I can go to movies during the day with my kids in school -it is GREAT!!

Anyhow, I really enjoyed the move. I think that there was too much hype about it but most of it was good. I wouldnt say excellent -- of course there was a lot left out --some of it good to leave out for the tween crowd. Definately liked the book better - but worth seeing. What did you all think?

Saying goodbye

It was a sad Friday afternoon as we said goodbye to some of the very best friends we have ever had. Our friends Mark and Lori and kids packed up and left for back east. It just wont be the same without them and seeing their green van around town or meeting up to play or do scouts or go out, Christmas eve play, or have lunch or so many other things. I helped Lori start a blog so those of you interested can check my links. We had them over for dinner Thursday and the kds played Friday. Miss you already! Keep in touch! Brandon was SO SAD today when he was the only Deacon on the bench ready to pass. The other boys came late and there was no Andrew. He was teary eyed and it was really pathetic - poor kid. Finally, Todd got some men to help.

Conference

I love it. The older I get the more I appreciate General Conference. I have always listened or watched but now it seems like I am making it more personal to me and my family. You know when people say." Oh that talk was meant just for me. . ." There seemed to be alot of those this weekend. It also helps that my kids will either sit for awhile and listen while they are doing a little project or they know to not bug me if they havre had enough. I love that Todd and Brandon go to the Priesthood session together. Brandon is all about the ice cream afterward too!

Sunday morning we went over to Mark and Lori's with a buinch of people to have a pot luck brunch and watch Conference. They are moving on Saturday and my family and I are SO SAD!! We are happy for them to have the experience of living back east. We will definately be visiting and finally get to see Todd's brother and wife too. We will have to plan it out. Anyhow, we had a nice time - and it was nice for us because we just watch on the internet --which we are greatful for - dont get me wrong. I remember when I lived in Australia we had to wake up at like 2 AM and go down to our little chapel. There was no Tivo or recordings bake then. Wow, how things have changed!!

I love the church website too - http://www.lds.org/ . I was looking up some scriptures and studying some talks for a workshop that we are doing in November and it made it so easy. It has also helped thatr our friend Travis came over and fixed our computer to go MUCH FASTER than it was both for email and internet. IT people are so smart!!