80's Night

I just came across a picture of an 80's party we went to last year. My hair didn't get as BIG as Jenny's, but it was still Rad! We had a blast playing "Name that 80's Tune" and checking out each other's yearbook. Doesn't Willie look "like totally awesome?"

Halloween Night

The kids had a blast at trunk or treat. It's so fun to see all the kids from the ward and some from school that come out to the church for goodies. Wes is a big 12 year old this year, so he dressed up as a mummy (Wes' t.p. creation) and passed out candy. What a sport. He still scored some candy. I'm not that cruel!
Maddie was Marie Antoinette, Zach was Robin Hood, and Carina was Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. So FUN!

Carina's Halloween Party

a

My friend Kari hosts an annual Halloween party for adults. It is always so awesome. This year she held one for kids also. It was for kids ages 5 and under. Carina had such a fun time with all her friends. Here is Kari with one of her kids, Peyton. Cinderella is Emi. The astronaut is Colin and the princess on the cell phone is Sariah. I will post pics of the adult party soon.

Forest Lawn Glendale

Home to Sammy Davis, Jr
Walt Disney
Clark Gable

and now . . .

Willie.

It's official. Willie will report daily to a cemetary for work.

Kitty Litter Dessert

Carina and Maddie were so helpful making kitty tootsies.

The final product was thoroughly disgusting.
All it was missing was the foul odor.
We measured its success by the fact that only one
out of thirty guests at the Halloween party even tried it.

Mary had . . .

Avalon!

Our new abode

This is it! We have still got some moving to do, but here is our new place.

Carina lost a tooth!

Tunneling into a sand dune

Came across this unfortunate story that reminds me of the times in Pacific City when we tunneled into the dune.

Wellington boy killed in sand-tunnel collapse
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700260449,00.html

At the time I had visions of the possibility, and I think we even had a close call once, but what a tragedy!

Something to talk with the kids about . . .

Ninja cat

Time to Pack

We listed our house and sold it in two weeks!! It was an amazing blessing! We had it on the market last year for 6 months and not a single offer. We sure showed it plenty of times though. I turn into this witchy mom who forbids her kids from getting out lots of stuff and making messes because we MIGHT have to show the house. Heavenly Father must have known I couldn't have handled it again for so long. All the prayers didn't hurt either. Now it's garage sale time on Saturday and we have to be out by the end of the month.
We found a rental yesterday and signed a 6 month lease. We can start slowly moving in on Saturday, the 20th. That gives us 10 days to take our time. Is that good or bad?It is about 5 blocks from the kids school so we will be walking and riding bikes more often. Fun! It's a cute 4 bedroom, not very big, no pantry, which I will miss, but we'll manage for a short term stay. We are still in the ward, so we are very happy.
Willie is looking for work now because Keystone Homes is closing shop. He has applied for jobs here in Arizona and also in other states. I know the Lord will bless us and we will soon find a great job . I am constantly amazed at the blessings our family receives each day. Family, friends, and ward members are praying for our family and I feel so blessed and comforted and humbled by their simple acts of love for us.
I am so very grateful to have the gospel in my life to give me guidance and direction. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us and I am so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know he loves me and loves each one of us. I know that if we trust in the Lord, we will be blessed.

Happy kids

The kids have been in school for one month now. Activities and sports have started and things are really busy! Wesley ran his first cross country meet today. He loved it! He said today that he is so glad he joined the team. His best friends are on the team and they are working hard and having a blast. He loves his coach, Mr. Quinn, who is also his P.E. teacher. Go Wildcats! Scouting and Mutual also keep Wes busy. He is having a great 7th grade year so far.
Carina continues to love Kindergarten. She has recently learned to play a couple of things on the piano and is teaching them to Kacie, her best friend. I babysit her after school for a couple of hours. She is a sweetie! Carina loves having her over every day.
Zachary is enjoying 3rd grade and is also enjoying running. He loves P.E. and is still obsessed with legos. They keep ending up in the laundry. AAARRGH!
Maddie is super busy girl. She just joined the school band and is a flutist. She has learned two notes and is excited to play them for me. They practice before school Mon, Wed, and Fri. She is also on the Robotics team again. The team is small this year. It is made up of 3 fifth graders and 3 fourth graders. The theme this year is "Climate Connections". Crotchet club and activity days also keep her very busy. She loves to be involved and hang out with her friends.