Friday foto

Blake finally making his appearance into this world!

NO SHOW!

Our house was suppose to show today at noon! I went to school to take a mid-term and rushed home in between classes to do the final touches only to find out they cancelled because they found a house yesterday! BUMMER!!!!!

Aux. Training!

Last night was our auxiliary training at church. Before I had this calling I used to look forward to this night. It was a time to feel uplifted, motivated, and refreshed in my calling. (If you don't know what I am talking about-in our church we don't have a paid ministry. We all have callings-assignments where every member has a job that we volunteer to do. We feel that a calling is from God and we are put in certain positions (callings) to learn things and share with others ) 7 months ago I was called to be the stake primary president. (more explaining-primary is the organization over the children. A congregation is a ward and several wards together make up a stake) Ok so back to the calling. One of my duties is to be in charge of a meeting that is held twice a year called auxiliary training meeting. This is where all the primary presidencies come together and be trained! ( Yeah a joke right be trained by me!!! ) This has really been a challenge for me. I liked to just go for these meetings not teach them. This calling has made me have to step out of my comfort zone a lot and really have to rely on the Lord for strength. Last night we joined together for a training. There was the sweetest spirit there. I felt such a peace and grateful for this opportunity to serve. I have learned so much already from the amazing people that work in primary. They may not be learning a thing from me but I am learning so much from them. When I was driving there I was dreading it. I had an hour drive alone to really take some time to think and try to get a better attitude-but as I drove home I felt so much more uplifted. I was so rejuvenated to be a better mom and wife. It works...service takes your worries away and lets you focus on a better more eternal things.

college fall break!

Today and tomorrow I have fall break from my college classes! I was able to do the preschool that I shoot twice a year to schedule on my fall break! So today and tomorrow I will try my best to make around 160 total children smile at me! Thank goodness preschool parents usually think their children are cute even if they don't smile! CHEESE :)

Friday foto

My niece Lucy posted this old pix on her facebook and it brought back a flood of memories! Here is Harrison-2 (about to turn 3 the next week), Andrew-2, Blake-3, Rachel-4, and Lucy-4 are all at the fair with my folks! It was Sept. 17, 1998. I had just delivered Leah Beth and was in the hospital! Which meant Ella (my niece) was about 6 or 7 weeks old or something like that and William was around 6! We didn't realize at the time how crazy busy we were or how crazy busy we would be when we had teenagers and how they would all start college and missions the same time. Now I wonder if we should have spaced them out a little so we could've helped each other more! But it sure is nice how my brother's children and mine are so close in age and are so close growing up! It makes life an adventure!

Fall Party time

This past Sat. night the boys had a couple of school/church /cousin friends come over to hang out and play games. We did this a couple of times last summer but since putting the house for sale we really haven't taken the time. We all had so much fun-we can't wait to do it again...sale or no sale of the house we are going to plan more of these fun nights! The only hard part is not being able to invite every single person. Because we are so limited on space we made them limit their guest list to kids more their age and their siblings instead of all their church friends! Having teenagers is way more fun than I ever imagined!

Friday foto

My sweet Granny and little Caroline 5 years ago!
I stole this idea from my friend Lisa. I don't know if I can keep up every Friday but I thought it was a cute idea!

Mourning the loss of summer

I love fall. I have always loved the fall-cool weather. But this year as we have started to pull out the jeans and sweatshirts I am not ready. I am still missing summer. Time is going so fast. I miss....

sleeping late with the kiddos and hanging out.... road trips


remote control car races


sweet little nieces and nephewsWashington DC

The Lake with friends

The beach

Popsicles

Blake's first youth conference in New York

camping with friends and cousins

Ice cream

Horse shoes

Lawn mower rides

Blake's first electric razor shaving experience!

Rat tail wars

Paper mache' crafts

cliff jumping

scout camping

bike rides

So farewell summer till next year!
Since school has started back life seems to be moving at an incredible fast pace. Steve is staying busy with work, scouting, and young men. Blake is training for his first year of high school wrestling. High school and early morning seminary-youth conferences-efy and life has been such a smooth transition for Blake. It is fun to watch him grow. Andrew is finishing up his first year of cross country and beginning his last year of middle school wrestling! He and Blake just finished their fall job keeping score at the ball park. Leah Beth is doing great at her new school and making lots of new friends! Caroline is our spice and keeps us all on our toes making sure we are on target with scriptures, prayers and kid dates! I am trying to juggle my last big 18 hour semester. I swore I wouldn't do 18 hours again to myself again but I only have 4 more classes next semester left to take so why not! I started my practicums this fall and I LOVE LOVE IT. I can't wait to finish! I am still stake primary president love traveling through out the stake getting to visit with all the primary. It is amazing the neat ideas I have taken from them! Our house is still for sale. It has been 7 months now. Showings are slow but I am sure in time we'll get to the land. We are hanging onto every last moment with our dear friends the Matheny's as they are preparing to move. We will miss them so much and can't imagine life here in Murfreesboro without them.