A quick recap...

I have not written for awhile. I guess I haven't felt inspired nor inspiring. Maybe I just haven't taken enough time to reflect and just think. So while I consider the deeper moments of my life, here are a few pictures to recap the most recent of events around our household.

Castle Park - not a baby friendly destination. This is just about the only thing Andrew could participate in. Needless to say - we won't be going back anytime soon...at least not as the only parent!

We made a quick and impromptu trip out to see Grandma and Grandpa. Ava demonstrated her mad skills in the kitchen. I am training her up to be the perfect "Betty Crocker" housewife! She's got the look, right?

We thought about riding the ATV's...didn't quite happen but sitting in the garage was still pretty exciting.

Oh, the tempting 50 degree pool (ok - maybe not that cold but it's close)! If only we could just go for a little dip!

My parents and my sister Rachel made the trek out to visit us for Thanksgiving.

We celebrated my Dad's birthday though it was a few days early. Happy Birthday Grandpa!

The kids worked hard to decorate the tree. Andrew focused his energy on ornament removal...

Tis the season for goodies of all kinds...but who can resist the allure of chocolate?

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Fixed!

Yes...it is fixed and beautiful. But even better news is the fact that I have the greatest car insurance ever. It was decided that I was only 50% at fault for this fender-bender (a blessing in itself) and so AAA waived my $1000 deductible. That's right - I didn't have to pay a dime out of pocket to have my car (or the other party's car) fixed. The shop repaired the car in under 4 days and we were ready to go - new car seats and all. I'm sure somehow my rates will increase - don't they always? But for now, we are quite pleased!

A Crumpled Car...

This is my sad car. Sunday afternoon he was hit in a small, but disappointing miscommunication. I know we'll get him fixed...someday...when we're ready to pony up the unfortunate $1000 deductible.

Prop 8

This is my prop 8 sign. It has been up for 2 weeks now. No one has taken it...even through Halloween night (though we have lost 2 others previously). I am grateful that my freedom of speech was not violated this time. I feel akin to others who proudly display their beliefs, either for or against, in appropriate ways. This is the beauty of living in a country where the laws we uphold come from the voice of the majority...or should come from this majority.

Much has been said on this subject, much has been written. The lines are drawn in the sand and to spend much time writing my convictions here would be to endlessly quote others who have said it so much better. So here is my favorite opinion piece. It pains me to see things like this, meant to air on TV today. This has never been about hate. It was never meant to segregate a group of people or to demean them in any way. Those that cannot or will not see beyond the fallacies presented will never understand my view.

I believe wholeheartedly in the family. I have a very strong testimony of this cause, of why we are fighting as a people for this amendment. I do not have all the answers and I do not know all the repercussions but I know that we have a prophet today who speaks to us the will of the Lord. I have chosen my side. I will stand united with God. I have felt His peace as I have prayed for guidance on these issues. This is no small thing and sometimes it is very difficult to stand for truth and righteousness but I know I am here in this state for this purpose, today. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to grow and to be strengthened by my God. I have participated recently in a scripture study group with some other women from my ward. We have studied the book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon and I know that it was no small coincidence that we began and finished when we did. The Lord prepares his people for the trials they will face. He has prepared me. I know of his love and his willingness to guide me. I am hopeful when I read Mosiah 24:14-15:

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

I know that if move forward, work, pray and pour my heart out to the Lord, that through my faith I will be strengthened and my burdens lightened in such a way that I can feel happiness, peace, and be cheerful amidst these struggles. This may be the greatest blessing I could seek for.

Today this country will cast their votes. It is a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to do so. Make your voice heard!

Student of the Month...

This one earned the "student of the month" award for his class! Good job Ethan!

Halloween

Yes, it was Halloween. We carved a pumpkin the night before. Ok, Todd carved the pumpkin. The kids don't like to touch the guts.

Halloween night the kids hit the streets with a hoard of children from the neighborhood. We live in a great place for trick-or-treating! Ethan was a Star Wars Clone Trooper (this was the only time all night he wore his mask) and Ava was a pumpkin.

Andrew doesn't look too thrilled about this excursion but don't let the expression fool you. We've discovered that he LOVES to ride around in the stroller as of late. I think I might finally have a new running partner! He was dressed up as a giraffe though he just looks like he's wearing pj's. The hat (which makes the outfit) was lost at the last minute...not that he'd wear it anyway!

Once Ava and Andrew had reached their max, we headed back to the house and Ava began passing out the candy to all the other kids. She took this job very seriously and really wanted to do nothing else. Andrew spent the rest of the evening dancing around in front of our house, at first in his "birthday suit" and then with the addition of a diaper. I finally got him dressed in some pj's before everyone labeled us as a bit "trashy".

Now after only 2 days of candy eating, Ethan and Ava have relinquished their candy to the "Candy Fairy" in exchange for potential toys, prizes and/or cash. I wonder what the "Candy Fairy" does with all that candy?? Hmmm...

Just as a note...our kids are not forced to give up their candy. It is a choice they make all on their own. In fact, Ethan told us boldly this morning that he doesn't care about the candy. It's not good for his body or his teeth...he just likes to eat it sometimes. Yes, and that's exactly how I feel about it too...but you couldn't convince me to give it all up so easily!