Pumpkin patch

I'm tired, and don't want to write much much. But I do have a few pictures to share. Overall it was great! I rode up on the bus with the kids. There were 11 parents for 21 kids. So I hung out with David and Max. It was a little chilly, but we had fun.

David and Max on the bus

the big pumpkin at the entrance

the slide at the end of the hay maze

on the hay ride

picking out a pumpkin

Dennis found a big one

Rooms 3 and 4 on the hay ride

sitting for lunch

David's turn on the tractor. He didn't want me to take a picture, but I did anyway.

Full Sunday

I was thoroughly impressed with Aaron today. After a long overnight shift (including a patient that came in by life flight) he came home, showered and went to church. That means he woke up from his nap yesterday around 4:00 pm yesterday and didn't go to sleep until 12:30 pm today. I guess that's not as bad as some of his 30 hour shifts, but 3 hours of church is hard to do after no sleep. He had to get up and walk around during the musical number so he wouldn't fall asleep. I don't know how he stayed awake during Gospel Doctrine or High Priest Group.

I had plenty to keep me awake acting as bouncer in Primary. We practiced our sacrament meeting presentation today. We had two classed that had no teachers. I sat with one class the CTR 8 class. Their teachers had been released since she had a baby last week. (We don't have new teachers yet) They weren't too bad, but I had to encourage one boy to get up and sing every time (funny since his mom is the chorister). Thank goodness for Br. L* who volunteered to sit with the Valiant 11 class (which includes his son). But we had a visitor which stretched all of the adults to our limits. She was little (4 I think). She was visiting with her older sister who came with the missionaries. This girl has been to a few Relief Society Activities but is now coming to church. So this little 4 year old has probably never been to church, and doesn't know how to act in church, but we still had to maintain control of the primary. Getting her to sit down for more than a minute was a chore. Everyone was helping out, including Caitlyn (one of our outspoken CTR 5s). We got her contained for the most part, but we couldn't stop her from randomly screeching, loudly. I had to abandon my 8 year olds when Emilia (another CTR 5) started crying and wanting her mom with 20 minutes to go. It was crazy. And we get to do it again next week! Some of the other kids wanted to know if our visitor would be here next week. I just told them "If she comes next week maybe she'll learn how to behave". It's true, how is she going to learn unless we give her a chance? Before being in the presidency I would have been negative and hoped she didn't come the next week, but it's really amazing how much the Lord softens your heart when you are trying to serve Him.

As for after we got home from church, our day was pretty crazy. I knew Aaron needed to sleep. I also knew that it my pot roast was going to get done before he left for work tonight I was going to have to start ASAP. So after 10 minutes of trying to find something for lunch for the kids and them rejecting everything, I pulled down their Halloween candy and let them have at it until I was done putting everything in the slow cooker! That's right my kids had candy for lunch!!! At least they had apples for snack and a yummy roast for dinner. I think it might be the only roast I have ever done by myself. Sunday dinner is usually Aaron's thing. And roasts are usually Aaron's thing. But I attempted it and I think it turned out pretty good. But I'm glad I checked it with an hour to go because it was still pretty raw. So I cut it into chunks and turned it to HIGH. It was done by 6:00.

Timothy woke up from his nap complaining that his teeth hurt. He continued whining and asking for the "number thing". I couldn't figure what he wanted "The number thing for when I'm sick."
"What?"
David: "The thermometer"
How did David figure that out before I did? He was right. Somehow Timothy thought that would make him feel better. Or maybe he remembered what I told David the other day when he refused to let us take his temperature. "I have to use the thermometer to see if you need medicine." Both my kids know that the medicine will help them feel better, and it tastes like bubbles gum, so they like it. At any rate Timothy wanted the thermometer and sat in my lap until it beeped. Sure enough 99.9 - a low-grade fever. So he got a dose of medicine and 20 minutes later was fine, although his nose is really runny now. Oh, and we finished off our last box of tissues. I think that's 300 tissues between the four of us in 1 1/2 days. We'll have to use TP until I get more at the store. Oh well!

In other news my sister Sara got her acceptance to Nursing School and will be starting the program in January. Did I tell you she wanted to go to nursing school because she was bored? Yeah, that's my sister. She's just trying to fill up her time while she waits patiently for her eventual wedding. I don't know how she is so patient! Way to go Sara! Good luck with Nursing School!

So Aaron is off at the hospital once again. Three more night shifts and then he's off for 2 days. Well... He gets off at 7:30am on the 31st and doesn't have to go to the hospital until 5 pm on the 2nd, but he does have clinic on the afternoon of the 1st. I hope he'll catch up on some sleep. Tomorrow he is watching Timothy while I go with David's class to the pumpkin patch. Julie's kids are sick, and Timothy is too, so I can't ask anyone else to watch him. So Aaron says he'll sleep out on the couch while Timothy watches a movies or something. I'll be back around 1:30, so he can get some real rest. I hope they both survive (just kidding).

Trunk-or-treat

Tonight was our church trunk-or-treat. The kids dressed up and circled the parking lot.

They had donuts and apple cider too. It was a little chilly, not at all like the last 4 trunk-or-treats in TX.

They got plenty of candy to last a while.















David's stash















Timothy's stash

We left in plenty of time to get Aaron to work in time.


Of the 6 bags of candy we brought to give away this is what was left.

Lonely Friday

I'm not really that lonely, but almost every post this week mentioned a day. Aaron is doing a 5p - 2a ER shift. That leave me plenty of time to blog. So I'll have to retract my earlier post. As it turns out Aaron's shift is 8:00 pm to 7:30 am (I had the times mixed up). So He will be able to come to our trunk-or-treat!!! Although I doubt he would have gone late if it were the other way around.
Whatever Aaron had last weekend, I have it now. David and I were both really sick on Thursday. It was the first time David missed school. He had a fever and aches, and coughing, runny nose, the whole thing! He started feeling sick on Wednesday evening. We signed him up for an art class, since he loves to draw. He did a really good job. I should take a picture of his drawing!
It's an 8 week course. This week was about sea animals. They had him pick a picture to copy. The picture he chose looked like it was from a coloring book, so the colors are his own addition. He chose markers. It looked very much like the drawing! I asked him if he was excited to go next week, and he said "no". I was surprised, and worried, since we are paying a lot for the course. When I asked him why he said, "My brain hurts." I was worried that maybe it was too much for him to go back to school 4 hours later. But I soon realized he was sick. We were heading to dinner on the chiefs (the chief residents buy dinner for the other residents occasionally). It was at a burrito shop. David was not excited to go, and he almost fell asleep on the way there - usually he's really excited to go to a restaurant. We didn't stay very long because David was in a sour mood and just wanted to lay down on Aaron's lap. He still ate his dinner though.

By the time we got home he had a fever. I also started feeling achy that night. In the morning my head hurt a little but I was well enough to go to my dentist appointment. I'm glad Aaron was off in the morning. He called the school for David. I started feeling worse after my appointment, and by the time I got home I was weak and I had a fever. We mostly just hung out and watched movies and played games. When Aaron left David and I were playing Skip-Bo and I realized we both looked pretty pathetic. At nap time I went into to Timothy's room to get him to lay down. I fell asleep. Surprisingly Timothy stayed in the room completely occupied by all the toys he got out. When Timothy got bored and woke me up we found David asleep on the living room floor.

Somehow we survived the rest of the day, and I even made dinner. I had to cancel my visiting teaching appointment though. David slept in this morning, but was feeling better, so he went to school. I suffered through the morning, but got better (that's why I didn't hang out with you and Robby this morning, Jules). The down side is that I have gone through about 100 tissues today. I am NOT exaggerating. So tonight we are just hanging out here. Cleaning, blogging, and watching TV.

a little late?

Our church trunk-or-treat is on Saturday at 6:30 pm. Aaron is working nights starting at 7:30 pm. Would it be really horrible to ask if he can go 30 minutes late? He's only come home on time from the ER once so far. He stays an average of an hour late each shift. I would hate to have to take the kids by myself on Saturday, with no one to hand out candy at our car. It's supposed to be over by 7:30 and it will only take 10-15 minutes to get to the hospital. What do you think?

Grateful Wednesday

I know this is usually a Sunday thing. But I have a lot to be thankful for after my day yesterday!
I am grateful that :
*Aaron had the day off to spend with us.
* my visiting teachers came over and offered to watch Timothy while I go with David on his first field trip to the pumpkin patch next Monday.
*Aaron made lunch for me before we picked up David.
* it was another beautiful day and we decided to go for a hike.
* we stopped at the salmon hatchery on the way there, just because we saw the sign.
* we got to see some beautiful scenery on our 4.4 mile hike.










* I didn't have to use the toilet on the hike.




* Aaron only had to carry Timothy the last 30 minutes.
* David walked the entire way, even if he was tired, grumpy and a little whiny.
* David recognized that he "did his best" and celebrated that he finished the hike by himself.
* both kids fell asleep on the way back, even though it was 5:15.
* we stopped for gas in a little tiny town
* we didn't stop earlier, because our car wouldn't start after that, and there was no cell service at the trailhead.
* Aaron kept his cool as he tried to fiddle with the car to see if he could diagnose the problem.
* Aaron had received an emergency flashlight for his birthday and we had it in the car.
* when Aaron decided to have someone jump us, the guy he asked actually knew something about cars.
*the kids kept themselves occupied by talking to each other and writing on the fogged up windows.
* Timothy had to go the bathroom while we were stuck at the gas station - and not on the road- he has a hard time waiting.
* when I saw that the women's restroom was out of order, the men's restroom was unoccupied.
* we determined it was the battery that was dead, and not the alternator(more expensive).
* just before we left, the the missionaries happened to see us and offered their help.
*Nathan and Amy's phone was busy when we tried to call them to get an auto supply store number and address.
* we decided to find something to eat at the next Wendy's, since we were now an hour behind schedule.
* when we didn't see the Wendy's right away we turned around and I saw the auto supply store.
* the auto supply people were helpful.
* David had brought my Parents magazine into the car four days earlier, even though I had told him not to.
*while Aaron replaced the battery the kids occupied themselves by climbing into each others seats, sitting on top of each other, climbing on the ledge behind the seats, and I got to read the rest of my magazine that had been sitting in the car.
* Aaron and I both agreed that we could spend too much money at Wendy's since we had just spent $XX to get a new battery and it was 2 hours past dinner time.
* we made it safely home the rest of the way even 2 hours behind schedule.
* the kids were so exhausted they fell asleep almost immediately after getting into bed.
* the Lord watches out for us and knows what we can handle. He made this a lot easier than it could have been!

We are so blessed!

Pleasant Monday

Today has been an incredible day. Aaron didn't have to go in until 10:00 am. The kids slept in until 7:15 (and so did I). I left the house before Aaron, he swept the floor and took out the garbage before I left! I went to the book sale at David's school and picked up 2 hardback Harry Potter books, in great condition, for cheap!!! Now I am only missing #1 and #6. Oh, and 3 movies and 5 other kids books ($15 total). Not as good a deal as the library sale, but still cheap.

The weather is fabulous. After I picked up David I suggested we go to the park instead of going home. It's 65 degrees, sunny and a little breezy. Not too hot, and a little chill in the air. The breeze makes for nice clean fresh air. I love it!!! The sand was wet from the rain the last few days, but tomorrow is laundry day, so I didn't care. We spent a good hour or so there. I just enjoyed being out with the kids. It was too late to put Timothy down for a nap when we got home, but the boys have been playing so nicely. They built a fort with the couch cushions and blankets.

David just told me he wants to have a lot of jobs. Here's his ever growing list:
Doctor
Teacher
Dentist
Wrecking Ball Operator
Fire Engine (I keep telling him it's a fire fighter)
Librarian
Policeman

And his favorite word today: brilliant. When they were building the fort he kept saying, "I have a brilliant idea". He still amazes me with his reading. Last night he sounded out "organization", and "engraven". And knew "people" by sight. He did sound out "apostles", but that's a hard one to sound out;)

And for good measure here's a couple of pictures I neglected to post earlier.

Timothy climbed inside Maddie's kennel when we went to
Valerie and Christian's place for Conference.

The only good picture I got of the boys when we had
dinner on the docked ferry during intern retreat.
David wrote his own name on the name tag.

Pictures from my family's visit

Thank-you Mom for sending some pictures for me to post. I'm still mad I didn't take any pictures! Our only group ferry picture.
Scott and David are being silly
and Timothy didn't want to stay for the picture,
in case you couldn't tell.

If only he'd smile for me like he smiled for Grammy

At breakfast before they left. Timothy again not being cooperative.

Timothy liked his bacon!

Ward Activity

Tonight was a quasi-disaster. Not a complete one, just partially one. Part of the reason is that Aaron was working. But only one thing could have been avoided. The rest just came with the evening. The ward put on a talent show. I had signed up to sing something. 6 ladies had signed up so the activity chair asked if we wanted to do something together. Slowly everyone dropped out except me. Then they asked the Primary presidency if they would do something. So we put on a 3-ring circus. I thought it was pretty good. Just something to laugh at. I was reminded on Sunday that I had signed up to sing. So I thought of something I had sung in the past. I didn't have the sheet music for it, so I asked my sister Eva, is she had a copy I could use. I got it Thursday morning and ran it over to my accompanist that evening when I had a car. I didn't realize how complicated the piano part was until I saw the music, so my accompanist backed out. I don't blame her. She didn't have much time to practice, with two little girls and one on the way, and going out of town on Saturday. So I searched for another song. I found one and practiced it Thursday night and Friday. Aaron burned the piano part on a CD for me, so I wouldn't need an accompanist.

My part of the circus act was to dress up Timothy in a lion costume and have him jump through a hula-hoop with red and orange streamer flames. I whipped up a lion tamer's costume for me. We practiced this afternoon and he was having a ball! I decided to go a little early because it is raining and I couldn't put the streamers on the hula hoop until we got to the church. I stuffed everything into two bags grabbed the hula hoop and rushed out the door. I hit traffic and only got there 10 minutes early. This is when I wished I had Aaron. I tried to get the kids to sit down while I put together the flaming hoop. I had to figure out when I sang and when the circus act was to see if I had time to change. I didn't so I asked them to move up my song. I tried to put everything together and I couldn't find the CD. The one with the piano part. It was the very last thing I put in my bag. But it got lost somewhere between my house and the church. I ran out (in the rain) to see if it fell out in the car, nope. I ask Jenni (our secretary in Primary) if she had seen the orange CD case. We looked all over. Couldn't find it. She asked to look at the music, and said she'd try it. It was simpler than my first choice. And she agreed to play for me! Blessing!!!! I was saved. However during my scavenger hunt Timothy climbed up on the stage! Oops!

So then Jenni told the MC to put our song later so she could practice. That meant that I had to change costume for Timothy and I before I sang. Oh well. While we were on stage waiting for our part Timothy ran out and started dancing. I had to run on and drag him off. Not such a big deal. Our routine wasn't that entertaining, oh well. Then we had to run off and change clothes again.

It's not easy to sing well when your are nervous. I make mistakes, even when not on stage. All this panic and running around wasn't helping any. My throat was dry even though I drank 3 glasses of water, and I was sweating more than I wanted to. So my song was far from perfect. I missed a few notes (thanks to Jenni for playing them for me!!!) I'm sure I was flat at some point. And about halfway through I realized I hadn't been concentrating on my annunciation or facial expressions.

I left soon after the closing prayer. Maybe that's another reason I'm not making friends, I go to activities, but don't have the opportunity to socialize because I'm chasing two kids! So I did it, not perfectly, but there it is. Can I not do that again for a long time?

PS The CD was on the couch when I got home. It must have slipped out of the bag when I picked it up.

ER

Aaron's new service is the Emergency Department. So I guess it's really called the ED, but outside of the hospital everyone calls it the ER. So far so good. Out of 28 days he has 17 shifts. The hard part is when they give him a day off on Thursdays. That's the day he goes to the clinic, so he really doesn't have a day off on 3 of those days. That leaves 6 days off. All but 2 of those he is on an overnight shift so technically he works that day, even if it's only for a few hours.
Right now he is doing 4 shifts of 5pm -2 am. It's better than being on call because he doesn't have to wake up and go back to work. I don't know how he does it with the change in schedule. And only 5 days off during the month! I think he's just glad he's done with the wards for a month. He and his senior resident didn't get along so well.
At least I get to wake up next to him, even if he's not in the bed when I go to sleep!

What I planned on blogging about...

Making a collage for "homework"*

I meant to talk about the great things my kids are doing. I mentioned that Timothy was quietly reading while I was helping out at David's school. He has been really great lately with learning letters. In the past he wouldn't answer me when I would quiz him on the letters. But he's actually learning them now, but gets bored, and then starts asking me what letters they are. He loves to hum, and make up his own songs. He is finally getting the hang of some games. He enjoys playing UNO with me and David, although we have to remind him to match every turn. ("find a green or a 9") and then he can play the right card.

David is becoming a great reader. For a while he didn't seem to be progressing at all. He didn't want to read out loud or attempt to sound things out when I asked him to. Now he wants to read more than just one verse during scriptures, and sounds out very difficult words, and is very pleased when he sounds it out and can recognize what it is. This week they are doing "F" in kindergarten. At school when Mrs. L* introduces the letter of the week she asks the children to list words that start with that letter. David came home Monday with a new idea. "Mom, guess what! "ph" makes an "f" sound!" Even though I've told him many times, it finally clicked!
"When we do the letter "P" I am going to say "phone". He thought he was being pretty sneaky.
I'm guessing what happened is someone said that phone started with an "F" and Mrs. L* explained the "ph" sound.

* David gets a monthly homework assignment with 20 activities that he can choose at least 12 that Aaron and I can sign off. He doesn't have to turn them in (unless he wants to), just do them. That is what we were doing in the picture.

busy busy

Well, let's see what have I been up to? Mostly reading and playing with the kids. I helped out at David's school today. It was so nice to be around adults for 3 hours! The original plan was to have Timothy stay home with Aaron, but I forgot the dates had changed. Luckily was deleting old emails and found one from the PTA lady saying she needed help setting up for the book sale on Wed and Thurs, and NOT Friday, like I had planned. Well Aaron had a meeting this morning at 11:00 am, so I decided to take Timothy with me rather than only stay for 1 1/2 hours.
It actually turned out really well. Someone had already divided the books into kids, fiction and non-fiction, and moved them into the library. We went from there dividing the genres and organizing them on the tables in the library. Timothy was completely occupied by all the books. I would have to remind him to put the books back where he found them, but he was quietly "reading" most of the time, and they had books with sounds that kept him occupied for a while. About halfway through, I let him pick out a doughnut (he chose the cream filled with chocolate glaze - the messiest one of course). He sat on a chair and ate some of it but then needed some help. I saw the anxiety in the librarian's eyes as she asked me if he needed a napkin. I assured her that I would stay with him until he was done and then we would go to the bathroom. She was very grateful!
He got bored with about 45 minutes left, and took me by the hand (which he never voluntarily does) and wanted me to find clues with him. I did so for about 10 minutes and then he found another book to read. We were getting pretty close to done when I had to go get David. I may help tomorrow if the aren't done. I really enjoyed getting out of the house and doing something productive!
I hesitate to mention this because I have friends here that read my blog, including my great VT Julie! But I haven't made many good friends here yet. I have friends in the primary presidency and my Visiting teachers, but I haven't made that effort to get to know people. I blame myself really. But in H* it seemed it was easy to meet people. I had playgroup every week. I had preschool 2x a week. I think we had BBQ's at Tara's every other month (I miss that!)
Part of it is that I am in Primary, but I was in YW for 2 1/2 years, and I still managed to meet people. Part of the reason is where I live. I love having Nathan and Amy living downstairs, but they are working/at school all day. But other than them I only have one other family within walking distance. I live fairly close to student housing, (a 10-20 minute walk or 2 minute drive). They all live so close, it seems like I am intruding, no that's not the right word. I'm sure it is all my perception. I think the issue is more that I have to make more of an effort, but I'm not doing it. A preschool co-op didn't work out for me this year for Timothy. When David was little Arlynda and I exchanged babysitting during the day so we could have some time off, but it also helped build a relationship. I've thought about doing that for Timothy, but the people I am close to live in student housing and already live close to many others they can trade babysitting with. So they probably don't need it as much as I do. Again, I am assuming, and not making the effort. Maybe it's fear of rejection. I'm afraid that if I ask for a babysitter they will be more than willing to watch Timothy, but won't need the return favor because their child is in preschool, or they have a standing arrangement with someone else, or have people closer that they can call at a moments notice. Then I feel like the moocher, for always asking and never giving the service. Wow, this is NOT what I was planning on posting about but there it is. Those are my thoughts today.

AAADD

My sister Eva sent this to me, and I have to agree, this is totally me!!!! Have a laugh

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age
Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway,

I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,

I notice mail on the porch table that

I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.


I lay my car keys on the table,

put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,

and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back

on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think,

since I'm going to be near the mailbox

when I take out the garbage anyway,

I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,

and see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go
inside the house to

my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been
drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks,

but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I
don't accidentally

knock it over.

The Coke is getting warm,

and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it
cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,

a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they
need water.

I put the Coke on the counter and

discover my reading glasses that

I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,

but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a
container with water

and suddenly spot the TV remote.

Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be
looking for the remote,

but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
so I decide

to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first
I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers,

but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table, get some
towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to

remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

the car isn't washed

the bills aren't paid

there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water,

there is still only 1 check in my check book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done
today, I'm really

baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm
really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,

and I'll try to get some help for it,

but first I'll check my e-mail....

It fits! I've always wanted to go

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

Finish the sentance

Also something I've been meaning to post.

My roommates and I once: copied a key that our friend left in our apartment. We later let ourselves in and "redecorated" it for them!

Never in my life have I: gone sky-diving.

High School was: great, for the most part.

When I am nervous: I tap my toes and feel sick to my stomach.

My hair: is naturally blond, and curly. Never dyed or permed, or chemical altered in anyway.

When I was 5: I went to kindergarten, and played with my best friend Ruthie B*

When I turn my head left: I see the beautiful pine trees out the window.

I should be: cleaning, the dishes and bathroom need serious help.

By this time next year: David will be in 1st grade, and my sister Sara might be married;)

My favorite Aunt is: Aunt Goldie and Aunt Patty- I can't pick! I only have two and they are both great, but too far away.

I have a hard time understanding:

My ideal breakfast is: waffles, with lots of toppings, orange juice, and.

If you visit my home town: you will be fed well by my family. But it's not a real touristy place, more a place of memories.

If you spend the night at my house: you will be awakened in the middle of the night if you are a light sleeper. I hope you like the couch, our air mattress died this summer.

I shouldn't have been: so upset with David this afternoon. Way too many timeouts today.

Last night I: folded laundry.

I've been told I look like: my sisters.

Family Visit

I've been working on this post for a while and figured I'd better post it sooner than later. I was waiting for pictures, but they'll have to come later! I had family come into town and it was lots of fun. They arrive Monday evening and checked into their hotel. I don't know if I mentioned this before, but both my parents have a hard time going up and down stairs, so it would be difficult to have them stay with me having to go up and down 15 steps anytime they wanted to go anywhere. We met up with them at Marie Callender's for dinner. My mom had called up some relatives in the area and we all met together for dinner. Not everyone could come but 14 of us were there. Two of my mother's aunts - her mother's sisters- were there. Aunt Donna and Aunt Kelly. Kelly's husband Dean was there too. I remember Kelly and Dean from our family reunions in Montana, they own a ranch out there. One of their daughters - Denise - came. She does research at a hospital in town. She and Aaron talked for awhile since Aaron will be at that hospital for a few months next year. One of Donna's sons - Steve - and his family. The kids had to leave early to work on homework. My mom was snapping pictures and showing off pictures and getting us all reacquainted. Donna looks so much like my Grandma B. They didn't growing up because my grandmother had very light hair (thus her nickname Blondie) and Donna had dark hair. Now they both have white hair and similar facial features. My mom had pictures of all her aunts and uncles and passed them around. We enjoyed stories and good food and then my mom, dad and brother Scott went back to our house. We put the kids to bed and enjoyed some pie. After chatting for a while Mom and Dad went back to the hotel and Scott camped out on our couch, reading a copy of the Half-Blood Prince that I had picked up from the library a few days earlier.

Tuesday the kids slept in and Scott avoided an early morning wake up call. We had a fairly normal morning as David had to go to school. Timothy and I hung out with Scott all morning and did laundry. I picked up David all by myself for once since Timothy wanted to stay with Scott. I kept didn't put Timothy down for a nap because we were leaving around 2:00 and I figured he'd fall asleep on the drive. My parents arrived a little after 2:00 with ice cream to go with the pie. I stuffed it into our freezer then we loaded up in their van and headed for the ferry docks. We hadn't been on the ferries yet, so the kids had fun. It was a little windy and drizzly outside, but the kids didn't mind. Dad enjoyed being on the ferry because of the memories. It was the same ferry he rode 37 years ago when he went on his mission. He was intrigued to see the development that has happened since the last time he was here. We took a lot pictures and Grandpa treated us all to overpriced pretzels. We knew it would take us a while to get back to the van so we headed back with about 15 minutes to spare. Trouble was eminent when the ferry started slowing down before we got to the elevator. We hurried as fast as we could. And my dad got into the driver's seat as the line of cars next to us drove off. That was cutting it close. After another 30 minutes or so (Timothy fell asleep for 10 minutes) until we got to a beautiful assisted living facility where Aunt Juanita lives. This is my mother's aunt, her father's sister-in-law. I couldn't keep the kids contained in her little apartment especially when they saw the water out back. There was a lot of sidewalk and grass for them to run on. So we let them loose. Juanita's daughter met us there later and we ate in the cafeteria. All of the residents just loved seeing the boys. They set us up in a little room in the back. We served ourselves at the salad bar and the servers brought us the rest of our dinner. After dinner my dad helped Aunt Juanita with her computer and then we headed home. We didn't want to have to wait for (or pay for) the ferry on the way back, so we drove the long way around, and arrived around 8:30. My parents went back to the hotel and I put the kids to bed. Timothy was already asleep and it didn't take long for David to fall asleep. Scott and I hung out since Aaron was on call.

Wednesday was a good morning. I was awake a little after 6:00, but everyone else was sleeping so I just sat in my bed and read. Eventually the kids woke up Scott and they played until I jumped into the shower. We got David off to school and then played at home. Later we had to go to the park because the kids were way to noisy and Aaron had come home and needed to finish up some work before taking a nap. It was almost 2:00 and Timothy wasn't anywhere near going to sleep, so I let him out and we walked to the park. Aaron called after a while letting us know he was going to sleep and we could come home. My parents met us there after making a shopping trip to Trader Joe's. They stocked us up with all sorts of goodies. Hummus, and five layer dip, bread and chips etc. And the yummiest bruschetta. I'm going to have to learn how to make that! I made pizza and Aaron cooked up some shrimp when he woke up. We had a conglomerate for a meal. Pie and ice cream for dinner. After the kids were asleep my parents headed back to the hotel once again.

Thursday after David was at school we met my parents at the hotel, helped them load up and went to a late breakfast at a local pancake house (not IHOP). It was really good. Then we said our goodbyes and Timothy and I went home. I love that we get to see family more often now. Especially since the kids are old enough to remember.

Happy Birthday Scott

Today is my youngest brother's birthday! He turns 14. (In case you didn't notice my birthday post a few days ago, my oldest and youngest siblings are 19 years and 3 days apart!) He was given the name Christopher Scott, but we always called him Scotty. Somewhere around 2nd or 3rd grade he decided to be called Chris. Many at school and church call him Chris, but he's still Scott to me and Uncle Scott to my boys.
I remember that I was a junior in high school when Scott was born. My friends at school were shocked that my mom was having another baby. In fact one of my friend's father assisted in the delivery. I remember using him as a subject in one of my high school English essays.
Scott is smart, helpful, and loves to play games. My boys love to play with him, and wear him out I think! He sings, and plays the piano a little. He is a "divergent thinker" as my dad puts it. He was reading chapter books in 1st grade and told us at the age of 3 that he was "playing with his imagination". Scott is a great brother and I was glad to have him here to play with my boys and to hang out with and discuss Harry Potter! Happy Birthday Scott. I love you! Thanks for hanging out with us this week!

Happy Birthday John

Today is my BIL John's birthday. He married my sister Tina 3 years ago! They now have a beautiful daughter Elizabeth. John has about 7 months left of Chiropractic School, so he is busy with studying and tests. John is a fun addition to our family. He fits right in. Aaron is glad to have someone to talk about medical stuff with. John has a great sense of humor and loves to cook. Tina tells me about his favorite meals that he loves to make. He is a great husband and father. I'm glad he treats my sister so well! Happy Birthday John. I hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Eva

Yesterday was my older sister's birthday. Eva is now 33, and I didn't blog yesterday because I still had family in town. I did get to talk to her though. Eva is always tons of fun. We love to play games when we get together! She is good at keeping in touch. She always sends birthday cards (something I never do, but should). She keeps the family connected! "Have you talked to ..... lately?" And my answer is usually, "No, I should call him/her". Eva is also great at organizing. I wish I had her skills!
Eva is amazingly talented. I always looked up to her for her musical talent. She plays piano better than any of us, and has sung in and directed many choirs. At BYU she was in Women's Chorus and then Concert Choir. I think it would have been great to work with Mack Wilberg! She was lucky! She now teaches voice and piano lessons. She also just qualified to be a substitute teacher, since the chiropractor she was working for decided to retire and sell his business.
Eva and her husband Dave will be great parents someday! Until then she is the great Auntie Eva and my kids love her and she loves to take care of her little nieces when they are around! Happy birthday Eva! I love you! I hope you had a great day!

Grateful Sunday

I haven't jumped on the bandwagon until now. But I have so many things to be grateful for I thought it would be very appropriate.

• General Conference. I got to listen to four wonderful sessions. I love all of the talks but but I can only mention a few. Pres. Eyring's talk really touched me. As well as Elder Packer's, Elder Wirthlin's, Sister Cook's, Elder Hilibig's, Elder Cook's, Sister Beck's and Elder Snow's remarks. OK, I liked a lot of them!
  
• Technology. I listened to Conference over the internet yesterday watched it today over the internet and via satellite at Valerie and Christian's.
  
• Family. I am so blessed to be near family. We got to play games with Nathan and Amy last night and had a wonderful meal with Valerie and Christian. And tomorrow my parents and brother Chris will be coming up to spend a couple of days with us.
  

Perhaps next week I will be more specific. But I just have an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude today, and I wanted to express it. It will also explain why I won't be blogging for a while - I've got family in town!

"I can't tell you"

So this is Timothy's newest phrase. It doesn't exactly make sense, but I know what he's saying. When I ask him to make a choice that's the response I get.
"Are you going to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?"
"I can't tell you."
"Are you going to walk to your room or do I have to carry you?"
"I can't tell you."
"Are you going to climb up by yourself or do you need help?"
"I can't tell you."
"Would you like to help me clean up the blocks or the cars first?"
"I can't tell you."
As frustrating as it is, it's kind of cute.

Catching up

I feel like it's been forever since I posted last. I had planned on posting on Aaron's next call night, but this week is intern retreat, so he didn't have call on Monday. Let me try to catch up a little. Last Friday Nathan and Amy watched the kids while Aaron and I went to the alumni reunion. They are celebrating 100 years for the hospital. We mingled with other current and former residents, and enjoyed a fabulous dinner and dessert. The presentation and speakers were fabulous and I learned a lot about the hospital and the people that have given a lot to it. The greatest part - It only cost $11 - that was for parking!

Saturday I finally got to go to a library sale. I always missed the ones in H* because I was out of town or had a YW activity etc. So Aaron and I took the boys and went about 10 minutes early. There were about 500 people in front of in line - no joke! And I realized we came totally unprepared. People came with tote bags, and boxes, plastic storage containers and rolling suitcases. Um we brought our hands! They gave out some plastic bags from a radio station, but they didn't hold the big books. I only planned on buying ten books for each kid at $1 each. But then I realized the paperbacks were 75 cents and mass produced paperbacks were 50 cents. VHS movies were $1 and DVDs were $2! I didn't even get a chance to look for any books for myself! We spent $18 on 22 items, not bad! They have another one in April so I am going to save my money and maybe go by myself! Although I think Aaron would want to look as well.

We didn't stay long because we were going to the temple and wanted to make the 11:00 session. We made it and and Aaron was able to pick up his framing order at JoAnn's. Later that evening I was able to go to the General Relief Society Broadcast and have dinner, provided by the stake, beforehand. When I got home I was pleased to hear that BYU was winning and continued the stay ahead of New Mexico to win the game!

We have all had runny noses and coughs for the last week or so, but Sunday was bad for everyone. After Sacrament meeting Aaron took the boys home because Timothy was not going to nursery like that, and David would have been fine if he would remember to cover his mouth. Oh well.

Monday started intern retreat for Aaron. The interns take off an entire week (pediatricians from the community fill in for them) to get to know each other, hear some lectures and to have team building activities etc. Timothy had his well child check up. His doctor was one of the speakers that we saw on Friday night. She did her residency here and has 3 kids of her own. Timothy is 38 inches tall and 37 lbs! Yikes!

That night we had a dinner on a docked ferry as part of the intern retreat. It's a popular place for weddings and other events. The had some great appetizers and pizza and Caesar salad. Then they had a clown for the kids, who was a little funny. It entertained my kids at least, and Aaron got to mingle with fellow interns and the chiefs and department heads. The CEO of the hospital is from Aaron's former institution and they had a great conversation about Dr. F*. Then we had a quick chocolate pie and cheesecake for dessert and then we went home because it was late!

Yesterday, while the car was in the shop for an hour, Timothy and walked around and there was a tree trimming crew out. Timothy was fascinated. The guy in the cherry picker waved at him. We watched as he used different tools to cut the branches and a man on the ground used tools to pull the branches down. Then he covered his ears and stared in amazement as the wood chipper broke them into bits. It was a fun moment, until it got cold and windy. Last night we also got a sitter for the kids and met up with some interns for karaoke and country dancing. I didn't sing, but we did get to dance!

Today the interns are doing a city wide scavenger hunt and then they are going to a campground (usually used by girl scouts) to make dinner and do skits etc. I was invited to go to the cabin, however, I decided going to the Enrichment opening social would be more fun. With a title of Death by Chocolate how can I miss that?
I am excited for October to be here. The kids love all of the Halloween decorations. I love the fall sweaters. The leaves are starting to turn beautiful colors. I see one on the way to David's school that is a gorgeous yellow color. I am thinking of taking my camera tomorrow to attempt to capture the beauty.