11-11-11

Veterans Day was special for us this year. My Dad was able to come out for the Take a Vet to School Day held at my kids elementary school. My Dad served 20 years in the Air Force and flew KC135s in Vietnam. There was an assembly where the kids sang a patriotic medley and then we had some time in their classrooms.

First stop, Grant's class. He was so excited to have Grandpa there!

Next up, Parker's Class. The kids recited a poem and gave them some cards. Then all the kids lined up and shook all their hands and said, "thank you for your service." It was really sweet.

Thanks for coming Grandpa!

Payday, Payday

I always say that I love my job but my employers just don't pay me very well. You know, in terms of cold, hard cash, I net around zero dollars a year.

However, what they do pay me, in terms of warm, soft moments, can be quite lucrative.

And, FAMILY PICTURES - it's like my annual payday.

Good pictures capture the hearts of these kids and helps me to see the beauty in each of them.

Extra bonus: all my earnings are tax-free!

Halloween Repeat

This year the boys wore the same costumes from last year. Anna, who outgrew her costume from last year, was given another red riding hood costume from her cousin! So, the only change this year is the addition of the cutest pumpkin you ever did see!

2nd Child, 3rd Person

Grant keeps talking about himself in the third person.

This morning he kept saying things like, "Granty cold" and "Granty hungry"

It's starting to creep me out!!!!

Super Mario Smart Cart

Parker had a rough morning. Lots of arguing, lots of pouting... You know the drill.

Before he left for school, I sat beside him and looked him in the eye saying, "I know you had a rough start to your day and our morning didn't go as smoothly as it usually does. I think things will get back on track for you now and at school."

Parker responded, "Yeah, it's like what Nathan (his cousin) says. You know what he says? That sometimes you can have a really bad start on Super Mario Cart. But then you can have an awesome finish."

Oh, the wisdom of Nintendo.

Show-Off

Abby turned 5 months last week.

She also started sitting up.

And, seriously, have you ever seen so many rolls????

special, special day

Parker got baptized yesterday!

It was truly a special day.

Afterwards he told me that he felt really good and

was so happy that people came to share it with him.

The cousins sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus". That is such a simple and beautiful song. We have been practicing every night at prayer time and I have enjoyed how it has welcomed the Spirit into our home each night.

The bishopric welcomed Parker into the ward. He told an analogy of washing clothes and how many stains can just go through the regular wash but some require a little extra treatment. He likened it to repentence. He asked Parker, "What does your mom do when you get your pants dirty?" Parker replied, "She sometimes gets mad."

Outted again.