November News

After Molly partook of the water, she exclaimed with all her three-year-old animation, "Delicious!"  We can't get her to stop talking, ever, even at church.

My Thanksgiving table is really lovely.

 Our FHE activity was creating turkeys.  My family really loves creating together.

 Molly and I found Uncle Brent in her book, aka Mr. Parker.

 Maddie was deputy mayor at BIZ Town.  This is her afternoon speech.

 Meg went to the BYU symphony with her roommate.

 I made kinetic sand for Molly.  Natalie remarked, "You created a space for learning and creativity."

 Maisie cut out the fruit in this picture and added her face.  I guess she poked her head out in the hall and make a few passers-by laugh.

And then that same tiny girl is on her way to sectionals.

 Here she is!

 Here we are.  She ran so well and so fast.  She qualified individually and with her team.

I love this screen shot because her head is not cut off, but all the rest of the girls are cropped.

 Maddie performed in the Veteran's Day program.  She sang a lovely solo and carried the tune so well.

 My little van no longer belongs to us.  She is now providing much needed safety and transportation for another family.  I will miss her.

 "Friends-giving" was a new concept to us, but we sure enjoyed our friends and the good food.

Our big kids were at the temple, and I guess Andy posted this -- those two fill me.

 We fed the missionaries, watched a faith-filled show, had "Come Follow Me", sang in family choir, and played games.  Today we were enriched.

Halloween

I am so happy for me that my children are not allowed to wear costumes on Halloween; I am so sad for them.  Here are they are headed out the door.

 Austin wore this to the office.  Gross.

Molly and I spent the day waiting for the evening to come.

 This is her "Snow White" manicure.

 This is how I got ready.  I simply put mascara on.  My lashes look so long and luscious.  (Probably because that was the first time in three days that I put some on.  Sadly, Halloween is dark.  Not one person saw those lovely lashes of mine.

But I did make all these costumes, well, not Molly's dress.  We are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs plus the wicked queen.  Not picture was taken of the entire family, blast.

 Molly walked around all night saying, "I'm Snow White."  We really were quite the site; I heard so many people exclaim that we were really cute.  Nailed it.

 I sprayed her hair black.

 Many of Maddie's friends didn't even recognize her.  Grandpa came to the same conclusion -- he really had to look to see Maddie in that costume.

 The non trick-or-treaters.

 Just the kiddos.

 We always walk the city street with the rest of the community, then we head to Grandma's house where she has special treats for us.  Then we go to the church for hot dogs and trunk or treating.

 This is the aftermath.

 I made that cute vest.

 He promptly sorted his candy.  I wish I had taken a video or picture.

 Snow White took a long shower to wash the black out.  She soaked and soaked and soaked.  I think her 30 minute shower was her favorite part of the day.

Yay that we made it.  Yay that Maddie was old enough to take the littles around.   Yay that we were cute.  Yay that we came home happy.  Yay that it's over.

Our Primary Program

Today was our primary program wherein Maddie, Eddie and Ryan took part.  These are the details I have to remember.   (Sadly, this was the first time in six years that I wasn't in charge of the music.)

• Before it started Andy helped Ryan fix his flipped up collar and handed him a kleenex. (I was hoping that he wouldn't pick his nose and eat it.  He does that.  I have no idea why.)
• Ryan then used that kleenex throughout the entire program, during the songs and during the speaking parts, to pick and play with that monster in his nose.
• During the last song, Ryan had a piece of kleenex shoved up.  I mouthed to him that he should take it out.  He mouthed to me that he had a bloody nose.  HAHAHAHAHA!
• Maddie's voice was heard above all the rest.  Way to represent without me.  She sang her solos and testified with boldness.
• Eddie sang every word to every song.  Occasionally I heard him sing out loud and clear.  He testified of the miracles of Christ.
• Ryan had his part memorized, but he pulled out a slip of paper and unrolled it.  Then he pretended to read it.

 The rest of the family.

 After church we played games and studied.

 Monday night I made Halloween pizzas.  Clever pumpkin. Molly calls pepperonis, "peppermints."  She requested, "I want more peppermint pizza."

 Mr. Ghost.

 Another ricotta pizza.

 Our neighbor grew these pumpkins and donated them to us.  We painted them for FHE while listening to a conference talk.

 Everyone had so much fun.

 Tuesday night I made green muffins and witches' brew.

 Rave reviews from all my peeps.

 Cowboy day with these two.  They are the cutest.

 Halloween dress rehearsal.

 Wednesday's dinner was mummies.

 "I learned the bats.  There are 1,000 (types).

 Saturday I spent the day in Phoenix for TIME OUT FOR WOMEN.  I went with my dearest friends.  Nancy packed a huge lunch in a cooler.  Denyse and I carried that cooler to and from the parking garage; I think we walked over a mile to make that happen.  It was worth it.  We ate in style.

 I love this lady.

 Here we are together.  We learned how to receive and act upon personal revelation.  The whole event was powerful.  I walked away feeling and knowing that I am good enough, but that I can be better.  I plan to go next year.