Brady's Christmas Concert

Friday, December 18th--This year we had a much better experience than last year when it came to Brady's Christmas preschool concert! There was no traffic, we got there plenty early and it was all great! The kids sang plenty of songs and Brady had a speaking part "Here at the North Pole, everyone is ready!" Nate was able to take the day off so he got to go too. They do the same program every year so the one I missed out on last year was done again---phew! There were plenty of times we could hear Brady's deep voice, it was quite hilarious! We got a pic with Brady and his teacher, Mrs. Smart.

Our Greatest Christmas Gift....

Friday, December 4th--I made my way to the Festival of Trees again. This time, to be able to meet with the families of the children we dedicated the tree to. I've mentioned it before but will do so again. We dedicated our tree display to Sadie Huish (age 6) and Lucas Nelson (age 8 months), both precious angels who passed away this summer from different forms of brain cancer. Both families live within a few blocks of each other and from me, in Eagle Mountain. After reading their blogs (http://sadiehuish.blogspot.com/ and http://nelsonsforever.blogspot.com/ ) I knew we had to dedicate our tree to their children. I knew the Nelsons already but didn't know the Huish's other than their daughter, Livi, was on the same t-ball team with Brady and I'd seen Tiffany at church meetings. I was so grateful when Dustin & Crystal agreed that we should dedicate it to them. Stories of Sadie and Lucas inspired many of the ideas we had, one of the reasons the design was child-like. Copies of Sadie's beautiful artwork were placed on a small art easel on the top of the tree and a large art easel to the side of the tree.

I gave each of Lucas and Sadie's siblings a Curious George fleece blanket and a stuffed Curious George. They seemed to love them a lot. We made our way through the crowds and went straight to the tree. It was very crowded but I told everyone to take their time looking at the display. We spent about 15 minutes there and took pictures. My friend, Sharee, just happened to show up while we were there so I got to introduce her and let them know she helped design the tree decor. My one wish was that I wouldn't be a cry-baby the whole time. I prayed it would be a happy experience and it was just that. There were only few tears but mostly smiles and lots of hugs.

I am still touched and honored that both families allowed us to invite ourselves into their lives and loss. Lucas had only been gone a few weeks when I asked his mom, Shannon. I cried many tears, and still do, thinking about each of them and how they cope and grieve on a daily basis. They are my heros and examples of courage and faith--faith to move forward and do what it takes to make sure they are reunited with their little angels someday. Sadie and Lucas are also my heros, what they endured as they fought cancer, I wouldn't wish on anyone, but they still found moments to smile and the sparkle in their eyes is priceless. I will remember them the rest of my life, I am sure of it.

This experience has truly been our greatest Christmas gift. I couldn't ask for anything more. I will hold the memory of this in my heart always. Thank you so much to the Huish (Zach, Tiffany, Livi & Sam) and Nelson (Aaron, Shannon, Kaden & Jonas) families--you are my friends and true examples of strength.

Taking My Family to the Festival of Trees

Thursday, December 3rd--Today was the day I was, finally, almost 100% better after getting the flu on Tuesday. Nate and I took the kids to the Festival of Trees. He came straight from work and we met him there. It was horribly packed and trying to find a parking spot took quite a long time--even at 4:30 in the afternoon. We started at the gingerbread houses, so many creative ideas! Elise and Brady loved the ones that portrayed the house in the movie, "Up". The tree display we donated was quite close to the gingerbread houses so we went there next. The kids looked for a bit and seemed to love it. A few more aisles of trees were all they wanted to handle. They were getting pretty bored so Nate took them home and I finished looking around. There was a variety of different kinds of trees, some were quite elaborate and beautiful, others were plain and, um, not-so-beautiful. I was surprised to see so many trees still for sale. I wonder if the troubled economy contributed to that. I hope all of them sold. My SIL, Wendy purchased a beautiful tree with Beanie Babies all over it. I left and went to SuperTarget to get stocking stuffers (it's the place to go!). After that I stopped at Burger King to get some dinner. I regretted that decision as I got food poisoning and suffered for the next 4 days! UG!

Festival of Trees--Decorating Day

Monday, November 30th--(I will post pics when I get them) We showed up at South Towne Expo Center at 9:30 am to start decorating. My brother-in-law, Dustin and his wife, Crystal came with their 1-year-old, Danika and my mother-in-law, Rosemary, also showed up to help decorate and take care of Danika. We found our spot, aisle P-5, pretty quick and starting pulling everything out. The tree took a while to get up and stabilized--FOT rules are that a hollow trunk needs a PVC pipe in the middle and rebar around the outside of the trunk to secure the tree for transport. Being this was the first year we did this, we didn't know what to expect at all but we went with the flow and were very thankful there were spaces, surrounded by us, that weren't occupied till much later, when we were almost through. We needed all the space we could get!
We had a blast! It was so much fun decorating and seeing others create their masterpieces as well. We had so many miracles take place during the adventures of getting everything we needed to make this happen. I am still amazed as I look back over the last couple of months.
I need to thank those that helped make this happen, their input and work contributed so much: my cousin, Carly Bates--she helped me start the initial decorating of the tree and figure out how to connect all the lights on the tree (a nightmare! ha ha), Rhonda Pierson--she sewed 6 fleece blankets (1 to go with the display, 4 for the siblings of the children we dedicated the tree to and an extra for a Christmas present), Sharee Forsgren--she came over to my house to help us make the final decisions on how to decorate the tree, Rosemary, my MIL--she donated items and money and then came to help on this day. I appreciate so many that offered to help as well!
I'm thankful Dustin & Crystal let me help. Last year, they mentioned they wanted to do a tree and I asked if I could help. We worked well as a team and I hope I wasn't too much of a control freak!
The weekend prior to decorating day, Crystal, was contacted by a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune to do a story on our tree. I was amazed at this request as they didn't even know what our theme was or anything about the children we were dedicating it to. A photographer caught us while we decorated and took pics. We were very happy to find an article, on-line, about us and the tree on Thursday, December 3rd. Here's the ">link.
After about 5 hours we finished up. It look much longer than expected but the requirements are that ALL things placed on the tree need to be wired on so that nothing falls during transport of the tree to the buyer. We are thankful the tree sold at the auction/gala.
As my family was dealing with so much illness the week before, I kept praying I would be able to stay healthy so I could decorate. I was thankful for that! The next morning I woke up with the flu. I had planned to go to the auction/gala to see if our tree would sell and just couldn't--I was pretty bummed. We don't know who bought it or for how much but that fact that it sold, and the money goes to Primary Childrens Medical Center, and so many enjoyed it is all that matters.

Day 8--I'm Thankful For My Health

Sunday, November 29th--I'm at home today, another week of no church. The family is sick. Elise was doing well and then started puking her guts out late last night. I have been faithfully taking all sorts of vitamins and herbal remedies in hopes of maintaining my good health--so far, so good (knock on wood!). I'm thankful for friends and family who have shared their secrets of staying healthy and I'm using those to their full extent. I'm sure eventually it'll all catch up to me and I'll get the mother-load of all illnesses but for now, I'm enjoying pretty good health and I pray it'll get me through this coming week as we do the Festival of Trees.

Day 7--I'm Thankful For Living In the Moment

Saturday, November 28th--As I was driving around running errands today I came to a realization that made me a little sad. Elise is almost 8, which means, in only a few more years, that Christmas "magic" we've all enjoyed ever since the kids were babies won't be present anymore (you all know what I'm talking about). Soon she'll figure it all out and it won't be as "magical" anymore--I think I was 9 or 10 when my big sister opened her big mouth! It made me sad. I know once she knows that Christmas will still be wonderful. I just remember once I knew, things just weren't the same anymore. I still loved Christmas and have always but knowing SC doesn't come to my home made a difference.

I'm going to try my hardest not to think about it anymore and just live in the moment, enjoy the "magic" with my children, put on all the movies about SC and just soak it all in. I know, by doing that, it'll be an amazing Christmas--as will all Christmas's I get to share with my family. My family is what I give thanks for the most.

I discovered a really cool website, in case your little kiddies are wanting to send SC a wish list: http://www.santaclaushouse.com/ (I SOOO want to go there!)

Mail wish lists to:

Santa Claus House

101 St. Nicholas Drive

North Pole, AK 99705

Your kids should receive a letter back with a postmark stamped: North Pole, Alaska.

Day 6--I'm Thankful For Christmas Cheer!

Friday, November 27th--I spent almost the entire day decorating my home, inside and out. I absolutely loved it! Nate and the kids put up the family tree downstairs. It's a crazy looking tree but they are all very proud of it and I am proud of them for making it just what it needs to be. Elise & Brady spent a chunk of the day "studying" the commercials on TV and making their Christmas wish lists--then revising several more times as more things of interest popped up. I loved watching other neighbors putting up their Christmas decorations this weekend as well. There's something to say about that "feeling in the air". It's definitely in our neighborhood and all around. I'm so happy for this time of year! Like I said, it's been a very long year. I'll be glad when 2009 is over and we can hope for a wonderful 2010. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this next month with my family and friends celebrating as much as possible with plenty of Christmas cheer! Happy Holidays! I'm so thankful!

Day 5--I'm Thankful for GREAT Food!

Thursday, November 26th--HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I just spent the entire day either cooking food or eating it. Elise did an excellent job setting the table. The turkey was nice and moist (Martha Stewart you rock!), the gravy took a little while to get perfect but it was just that. The mashed taters were smooth, no lumps. The rolls and veggies, celery with cheese whiz, stuffing. Sparkling Cider fizzing in our mouths. It was all so great! Then there was the dessert......woah baby! Pumpkin cheesecake, mini cakes from Dippidee---that was only the beginning! We hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. My sister, Alishia, and her family came to eat with us. We had a wonderful time with them, as always. I'm truly thankful for them and all the love and affection they show Brady and Elise.

After we said "good-bye" to them we headed to Nate's parents house where most of his family was still around. We ate dessert there, so delicious, a pumpkin roll from Schmidt's Bakery, homemade banana, pumpkin & apple pies. Just amazing. Needless to say, we all overate today. I don't regret it a bit, it was all so good. I enjoyed every little bite thoroughly.

I hope everyone was able to enjoy a scrumptious Thanksgiving and ponder on the hundreds, even thousands, of reasons we should all be thankful!

Day 4--I'm Thankful for Trials & Enlightenment

Wednesday, November 25th--Tonight is the eve of Thanksgiving. In a little over 6 hours I have to get up, at 5:30 am, to prep the turkey. I realize, in exactly a month, it'll be Christmas Day, which also means this year is almost over. This year has been.......wow.......full of huge ups and downs. So many trials and yet, so many joyful experiences too. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on my own life and all the changes I need/want to make. I've worked on some and am making baby steps in the right direction. I've thought about all the things that matter to me. So many of the things that were superficial and petty no longer matter. My faith in my Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ, my family and so many friends that uplift me----those are the things that matter.
I feel like I've grown up a lot this year. I've realized I need to stop making excuses for all the things I need to be doing in my life that I'm not doing. No more pity parties, no more feeling sorry for myself. I have a great life and I need to acknowledge that and seek out reasons I'm blessed every single day of my life. Even through all the trials and stresses that are dished out, I've got to find the positive in order to learn and grow. This may not be the feelings or opinions of others, but it works for me and for that I am thankful.

Day 3--I'm Thankful for Hearts Touched

Tuesday, November 24th--Well, I started my "week of thankfuls" out with the obvious and had debated on keeping that "trend" the whole week. Today, that all changed. As I've mentioned before, I've been working on a large project for the last couple of months. Along with Nate's brother, Dustin, and his wife, Crystal, we are donating a tree to the Festival of Trees (click for details regarding the festival) this year. It is a "Curious George" themed tree. We have been decorating it, with the help of others (thanks SO MUCH Carly & Sharee!) and, I must say, it looks fantastic (these pictures do it NO justice!)! It's bright in colors and quite whimsical. Very child-like, which was the point. We are dedicating the tree and surrounding items to two children, Sadie Huish (age 6) & Lucas Nelson (age 8 months), who both passed away this summer from different forms of brain cancer. (Click on their names to be directed to blogs their parents created on their behalf. You can see how beautiful these angels are.) Sadie & Lucas' families reside in Eagle Mountain, within blocks of each other and within blocks of my house. I've known the Nelsons for a while but hadn't known the Huish's very well, or anything of Sadie's battle with cancer, until Shannon Nelson had brought their story to my attention.....two weeks after Sadie had passed away. During this time was when Lucas was battling cancer. I read Sadie's blog and all about her journey during the 16 months she fought an incredibly tough battle. My heart was truly touched. Shannon also started a blog all about Lucas' journey and his incredibly tough 3-month battle. Again, my heart was touched.

These children and their families are on my mind every single day. I get teary-eyed thinking about them and pray their families are able to cope and feel the comfort and love of our Father in Heaven. Also, the incredible amount of support they have from our amazing community. I wish I could have known little Sadie. She seemed like such an amazing little girl--which makes so much sense, considering how wonderful her family is. I wish I could have seen baby Lucas' big, beautiful smile in person. His family, too, is so wonderful. The stories of Sadie and Lucas have touched so many hearts and blessed a community, and so many others, with the desire to continually want to do more, to serve more, to love more, try harder to do good and be better. I don't want to ever forget their courageous fight or all of what their families have been through as well. Regardless of never knowing these two beautiful angels, they will always remain in my heart............and I am so very thankful for that.

Day 2--I'm Thankful For My Chillins

Monday, November 23rd--Many years ago I thought very little of myself. I thought I was undeserving of all the happiness others experience on a daily basis. I never thought I would find the perfect man to marry and if, by some miracle I did, we wouldn't be able to have children. I had no physical or health problems to back my feelings on this.

The day that pregnancy test was positive, the first time, I couldn't believe it. I had convinced myself it could never happen. Then a week later I was incredibly sick and had all the typical symptoms of a pregnant woman. I felt Elise move at 22 weeks pregnant.......it was so magical. She finally cooperated for Nate and moved for him at 24 weeks pregnant. It was all reality now and I finally believed I was deserving. I knew she would be born healthy and perfect, that confidence came from the most amazing blessing Nates dad, Dan, gave me. Dan gave me the same kind of blessing when I was pregnant with Brady. Both were born healthy and perfect.

I still have those moments where I am shocked and amazed at the fact that I'm a mom. It's not always an easy job but I experience moments of joy and happiness every day with these crazy kids. I love Elise & Brady SOOOO much and can't be thankful enough for being allowed to be their mom. I say it all the time, I hope I can always be the mom they deserve to have.

A Week of Thankfuls--Day 1, My Best Friend & Love of My Life

Sunday, November 22nd--Today I start another annual week of "thankfuls" for Thanksgiving. I admire those that have been able to do this for the whole month. While I haven't written it down, I find reasons every single day of my life that I am thankful for---a long list of reasons, I am so blessed.

Today, I am thankful for my most favorite person in the world, my Nathan. He's brought me to life, encouraged my confidence and just makes me a better person on a whole. He's incredibly romantic and showers me with affection on a daily basis. He's the most amazing dad! I've never seen such a devoted dad, it's so heartwarming. There's so many little things he does that I'm thankful for. I could go on and on (he truly is THAT amazing!) but really, he's the best thing that's come into my life. I look forward to so many more years happy years with Nate. I love him SOOO much!

Time To Paint!

Sunday, November 15th--While mom was getting things for the tree we're donating to the Festival of Trees, the kids had a hey day going through the craft store, Michaels, and wanting just about everything they got their little hands on. Needless to say, it got quite annoying! When I had got all the items I needed we let them grab some cheap crafts to take home and paint. Sunday night Nate opened them up and the kids started painting. Brady chose a wooden airplane and Elise chose a pair of ceramic animals. Elise LOVED painting her little creatures. Brady got bored pretty fast and let Elise take over the painting of his airplane. Between them both, they did a great job. You can tell they're both really proud of their accomplishments.

Playin' In the Snow

Sunday, November 15th--Last night we had some great snow fall so Nate got the kids dressed up warm for some morning play-time in the snow. They crammed all the typical snow-playing in (snow angels, snowman building, snow ball fights and a little eating of the clean stuff) before it was time to get ready for church. I think they really enjoyed themselves! Once their tooshes were frozen we brought them in and gave them nice, warm baths then time for church. The kids are looking forward to more snow soon!

Elise Got Bangs!

Saturday, November 14th--Well, it's been a very long time coming for Elise to get a hair cut. There's no good reason, I'm just a huge procrastinator. With Christmas coming, we always take family photos for our Christmas cards so I wanted Elise to have a new look. We drove down to my sister-in-law, Marissa, to get Elise's mop chopped. I told Marissa to do whatever she wants while keeping Elise's length (that was important to Elise!). She did a great job and Elise looks so grown up and even more beautiful with her new look.

From Silly to Sentimental

Monday, November 16th--So I was reporting my daily "status" on Facebook and decided it would be an expression of my annoyance of the song "Christmas Shoes" and the fact that the radio stations playing Christmas music (which I LOVE) seem to be playing that song far more than I would prefer (meaning, don't play it at all, thank you very much!). What can I say? Yeah, it's suppose to be touching---it does have a sweet, tender message but the guy that sings it has a horrible voice and, I dunno, it's just annoying (by the way, I feel the same about that "Butterfly Kisses" song too!)! So, shortly after, Nate posts something on my Facebook "wall" making a joke about me becoming a "fan" of said annoying song (yep, I said "annoying" again, get the point yet? he he he). So I commented back that he became a "fan" of ANY Michael Bolton song. You see, Nate thinks Michael Bolton's voice is annoying every bit as much as I think the "Christmas Shoes" guys voice is. So I also mentioned I'd be playing him a MB song shortly.......and, I did. I went to http://www.playlist.com/ and chose a version of "White Christmas" MB did a while back. The ending part is the best for driving Nate crazy as MB holds notes, dips and dives notes too. It almost looked like Nate was grinding his teeth as he endured the torture I placed upon him. It was awesome! (note: DO NOT even joke about me liking or being a "fan" of "Christmas Shoes"! My revenge will be swift and harsh! ha ha ha) I happen to like a lot of MB songs and even his version of "White Christmas" is pretty nice. As I was searching for a "perfect" MB song to play for Nate I came across a song of MB's I truly love. He doesn't have the best voice, I'll give you that, but he chooses or writes music that is beautiful and the message is INCREDIBLE. He recorded a song years ago called "Once In A Lifetime". Strangely enough, this song is not popular, I don't know why, I think it's the best one he ever did. Here's a YouTube link (the video someone did to the song is very odd but it's the best one I could find unless you wanted to watch a video about Luke & Noah being each others one true love!)

Anyhoo, when I first heard this song I remember thinking how much I wanted to feel that way when I found my one true "Mr. Right"............and I do! I hope Nate doesn't mind that every time I hear this particular MB song that I'm reminded of why I love him so incredibly much and how lucky I am. He is the "once in a lifetime" for me. Perhaps he'll be forgiving of being associated with a MB song knowing how much I feel blessed to have him in my life whenever I hear it.

If you can't bear to listen through a MB song (I understand, you either love or hate him, there's no middle ground!) here's the lyrics to the song---I hope you've found that special person you feel this way for!

Once In A Lifetime

Some people fill their lives, with empty nights,
And days that slip away
Some search till the end of time, but never find,
The open arms of fate.
One moment comes along, someone who's a dream to you,
All at once your dreams come true.

[Chorus}
Once in a lifetime, you find the one you really love
For now and forever, one love that never ends.
Once in a lifetime, when every star that lights the sky
Will shine with one reason, leading your heart to the one love you find
Just once in a lifetime,

Some people live their lives in compromise,
And hide their dreams away
Some never take the chance, within their hands,
To claim the prize they make
When faith is all you need, to hold the hand of destiny
Find the love that's meant to be

[Chorus]

If you believe in the power of love
And you believe that dreams come true
Magic will fill your heart, when that moment comes along
Just once in a lifetime
Once in a lifetime, when every star that lights the sky
Will shine with one reason, leading you home to the one love you find
Just once in a lifetime, just once in a lifetime.

Happy Halloween, 2009!

Saturday (evening), October 31st--After the kids appearance on TV, we walked back home and ate dinner. Since we hadn't had Daylight Savings yet, it didn't get dark till 6:30-ish. It was kind of weird but many of us started earlier. I found some amazing coupons for full-sized candy bars at Costco so we got a few boxes along with a bag of smaller candies for the little kids. It was a hit, needless to say! Nate took the kids out for a while and I passed out candy and cleaned up the tornado-of-a-mess the kids left prior to going out to trick-or-treat. When Nate returned I took the kids around our street. A few of our neighbors did some pretty cool stuff! One, the Parry's, had a spooky looking yard and served up hot dogs and hot chocolate. Then we hit up the Alonzo's who had done a haunted porch. It was very creepy and scared the kids quite a bit. We walked up into the covered porch to find 3 skeleton men hanging from ropes. There was fog everywhere and creepy music. To get to the candy you had to walk pass the "dangling" men. Brady and Elise were not too happy about that. I laughed and walked over to the bucket of candy and then one of the dangling skeletons said something and freaked us out! I laughed and demanded to know which one was Tony Alonzo--he revealed himself and, as we laughed, made Elise and Brady feel better. It was incredibly creepy-awesome! I don't know if they can out-do that one for next year! When we got home I convinced Elise to take Nate over to the Alonzo's house. He walked into the porch area and I could hear him screaming (faking it, I think......) and he said, "Elise, help me!" She wouldn't budge! It was so funny!

When they got home we dumped out the candy buckets and well, they got tons! We put it all in one bowl and let the kids eat a few pieces before baths and bed. Our last trick-or-treaters came at 9:00 pm. They got handfuls of candy since we had so much of the little pieces left. They looked very happy and I was happy to get rid of it, considering the big bowl full of candy sitting on the counter in our kitchen! It was a WONDERFUL Halloween!

Earlier, in the afternoon, Nate and I had a great time attending Desert Star Theater. We saw "Snooty and the Beast". It was pretty funny! They were giving out season tickets for best costume. I dressed as a witch. I didn't get picked as a finalist though. I was bummed but we had a great time anyway. I recommend getting season tickets! We have them and love it!

Just for kicks and giggles--a pic of me with my sparkly black lipstick. Kind of a dark, goth moment, I guess.

On TV for Halloween!

Saturday (late afternoon), October 31st--My favorite meteorologist and neighborhood friend, Lindsay Storrs, sent out a message to everyone in our neighborhood letting us know she'd be broadcasting the Channel 2 Weather at her house and she wanted to invite all the neighborhood kids to gather around her, dressed in their Halloween costumes. It was pretty crazy, a football game had gone overtime, but she made it work and the kids loved seeing themselves on TV (Nate DVR'd it! We saved it if anyone wants to see it.). In one of the photos Spiderman is trying to grab Lindsay's microphone--that is her little guy, Aiden. Brady and Aiden are the same age and Brady thinks he's pretty cool! Aiden is also in the picture I took with the kids and Lindsay next to the broadcasting van. Thanks for the experience Lindsay! The kids loved it!

P.S.--Lindsay, time to update your KUTV page! Coen isn't on there--poor Coen! ; )

P.P.S.--I think Aiden may be following in your footsteps wanting that microphone as bad as he did! he he he

Murder Mystery Party--Staying Alive--70's Style!

Friday, October 30th--My awesome friend, Kerri, put on a Murder Mystery Party--Staying Alive. It was a 70's theme--Nate went as "John Revolting" and I went as "Gloria Stunnem". I think John is quite self-explanatory but Gloria's character description is an independant feminist that likes to dress sexy (thanks Kerri! ha ha). I sent out to find a disco costume for Nate. You'd think that would be easy right around Halloween, eh? WRONG! I went to 5 different stores, including a Halloween warehouse, and there weren't any to be found. PLEH! Finally, my friend Heather, called me from Walmart (a place I had already looked with no luck) and said they had them. I told her to please grab one for Nate. Phew, mission accomplished! Next was trying to find something for me. I found a dress at Walmart that could look convincing and a scarf to wrap around my hair. I combed out my styled hair to make it frizzy and brought out the bright-blue eye shadow. OH, since my character was a feminist I decided my little contribution to that was not to shave my legs for a few weeks! Totally true! I didn't quite make it a point to show them off, I wore long, black boots. he he he (yes, I know that being a feminist doesn't necessarily mean unshaven legs!) Nate looked surprisingly sexy in his disco outfit but opted not to do the 70's hair-do.

Kerri borrowed a cooking device called a "raclette". It was pretty cool! It's a small grill with little metal dishes underneath that cook things up as well. Perfect for dinner parties since you put it in the middle of the table, plug it in and grill away! Kerri had strips of steak and chicken, along with shrimp, potatos, bread and cheese. It was so yummy! Everyone else brought side dishes, appetizers and dessert. While we ate our delicious meal, we began the murder mystery. My character had some secrets, including that she was once a man AND that she was the murderer of Jackie Fever! It was so much fun! Plenty of laughing and acting. What a blast!

Kerri was Lyza (last name ?), her husband, Grant, was Andy Warthog. Heather was Diana Rush, her husband, Clark, was Bruce Leap. Dawn was Sunny and her husband, Eric, was Share.

Ya gotta love those wigs! LOL!!

Elise All WITCHED Up!

Tuesday, October 27th--I just loved how adorable Elise looked tonight so I took a few pics of her. The book is a new Halloween favorite I bought at the school book fair: "Trick or Treat, SMELL MY FEET". I highly recommend it!

JDRF Halloween Party

Tuesday (evening), October 27th--There aren't too many "perks" to dealing with Type 1 Diabetes but we have the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to remind us we're not alone. They do get-togethers quite often and we attend whenever we can. Many of the get-togethers have vendors and sponsors that will inform us of the latest technology in meters and pumps, plus update us on the latest in research for a cure. We enjoy attending, the staff at JDRF are always mindful of the many children that come and seem to make sure they keep them entertained and enjoying their time.

The Halloween party was held in the barn at Wheeler Farm. It was insanely crowded! Ford sponsored the event (bummer, no car give-aways!) and, I assume, KFC did as well because that's what was for dinner. Nate's dad, Dan, came along, enjoying his new freedom from being released as bishop of his ward. Nate couldn't attend. He was heading back from Reno and wouldn't make it in time. We had some fairly crazy weather, it was snowing, but we made it to and from safe and sound. After we ate dinner we went into a large tent where there were several little areas to play games and earn prizes. The kids had a great time! We were suppose to do a trunk-or-treat but the snow made it unappealing so everyone gathered back in the barn and those of us handing out treats made a line around the room and then the kids and parents walked around collecting treats. I'm sure glad Dan was there and was able to walk the kids around while I passed out treats. They got LOTS of candy and toys. It was quite chaotic but we're glad we went and look forward to the next party.

Elise's Spooky 2nd Grade Program

Tuesday (afternoon), October 27th--Elise and all the other 2nd graders at Pony Express Elementary did a program full of Halloween-ish type songs and performed it for the whole school. There was also an evening program but we were unable to make it due to a JDRF Halloween party we had already made plans to attend. Brady and I showed up to a packed gym full of kids and teachers yelling at them to be quiet (awww, memories!). All the 2nd graders were suppose to wear all black. They sang songs like "Scarin' Alive" (sung to the tune of "Stayin' Alive"), Igor and a few others. They were hilarious! The music teacher also had the kids do some choreography to some of them, it was very cute! I know Elise loved learning all the songs because she sang them around the house all the time. Way to go Elise and the rest of the 2nd graders! (the cute girl smiling at the camera is Elise's friend and our neighbor, Adeline)