8.5mo.

News Flash:  We're still pretty obsessed with our scootin', straw sippin', avocado eatin', belly sleepin', medicine chuggin', chatter box.  He's such a happy boy, unless you bring food around him and you don't share.

Don't worry, we haven't completely neglected the "others".  Today Ry and Andi created a moment after they asked to leave music class and go home.  Strange considering they love staying for the parachute at the end.  Anyway, outside they were themselves, loving being with their best friend.

And Mr. Jackson made me so happy this evening.  After dinner Andrew headed over to Dick's with Wes Pollard to gather needed supplies for the Turkey Bowl (I'm pretty sure Wes would have supported this outing :)) so I had to take the kids home and put them to bed.  Not always a fun task an hour past bedtime.  In the car, I told Jackson I had to get in the house, change Cole and put him to bed so I needed him to get everyone else's pj's.  He of course replied, "Got it".  Once Cole was in bed, I came out to find Jackson working on the fire.  I love it when he steps up to the plate to be the "man of the house".

Wesley

All I could think was, "Why is Andrew calling me so early?"  I mean typically I would have finished getting ready, after all, I had just walked out of the shower, but I chose to pick it up.  He was so weird.  Why was he asking if I had spoken to Shay?  And then, he lost it.  "I think Wes is dead!".  No, what.  What was he thinking?  Once I hung up the phone, I fell to my knees.  I began a prayer, but couldn't finish it.  It was ridiculous.  I didn't need to because let's face it, it was Wes.  He was going to be fine.  He had to be fine.

The day before, Wes called me just to chat.  I remember talking about school, Paige, Andrew, life.  But just incomplete thoughts are all I have left of that conversation.  He had called Andrew that night to tell him how excited he was to graduate soon and apply for Chiro. school.  How could this be.

I made Andrew come home and I am glad he did.  Soon after walking into our room, he received the final call.  He collapsed on the bed.  I can still see it.  I can still feel it.

Four years ago today, we had plans for Thanksgiving.  They quickly changed.  I remember walking into the Anderson home, Cosmo running down the stairs and into my arms crying out, "I'm so sorry.  I don't know what to do."  As I sit here looking at the clock, I am thinking that at this point, where were piled in an RV: Cosmo, Annette, Tori, Ivan, Mya, Zoe, Chris, Andrew, me, Jackson, and (Ryan in my belly).  We laughed, cried, reminisced, pondered, reflected, prayed, CRIED.  In Vegas, I believe, Cosmo and I were outside getting gas.  He asked, "What do I do?"  I can still feel that as well.

Wes was the glue.  Wes was my buddy and one of Andrew's best friends.  We used to call Wes our son because when he lived with us, he would seriously call to see what's for dinner.  He tagged along wherever we went.  He even tagged along on our anniversary.  But we loved him.  We couldn't get rid of him :)  I remember a time I thought he almost got rid of me!  We were driving home from school and he took his truck (Sean Maloney's old truck) through that gigantic dip on Banson.  Well after a good rain, that dip turned into a pool.  I thought that was the end of our lives.  But that sparks another near death experience.  Wes and I decided to race from from Seminary.  He took Ave. V and Ricky and I took Red Rover.  I saw Wes coming and I hit it hard, in the Firebird.  On a bend.  Not a good idea.  Once I got the car straightened out again, Ricky and I just looked at each other, hugged amidst the violent shakes, and said "I love you".  And yes, I blame it all on Wes :)

(*because I lost all my pictures since 2005, this is what I could find on my blog.  But I guess the fact is, I could sit here and put up a million if I had the resources)

Four years.  Four years.  I sat down to write something completely different, but it is what it is.  Each year is slightly different.  This year there were many tears in the morning.  Then life carried on.  Tonight we spent time with family and friends.  We didn't dwell on Wes, but it felt good to be in company of those that loved him too.  We love you Wes.

Card Exchange

Before I left last night, about an hour before, Jackson disappointed me real bad.  So just before I walked out the door, Jackson asked where I was going.  While giving me a big 'ol hug, he said, "Mom, I hope you have a great time!" and then he patted my head.  His little brain was turning, that I could see; the result... "Hey guys, let's all tell mom something nice about her.  Oh, and let's all make a card for mom."  Yes, this is my little man, the one that hates to disappoint me and will go to great lengths to try to make me pleased with him yet again.

Thank You cards were our assignment for this month.  My sister-in-law Tristan allowed me to steal her "Thank Who?  Thank You!" idea and I ran with it.  It was fun really.  Jackson even wanted to help out and so we were able to put to use some Kindergarten skills together.

I in return received some fabulous cards I'll have to post at another time.  But seriously, these people are talented.  I had no idea this world existed.

But let's not forget last month: Birthday!

Because I don't have a silhouette or circuit, I have to handcut everything.  On my Christmas list this year... a SILHOUETTE (yep - cause I learned the difference last night!).  But this card was fun - cutting the cake and sewing on the button.

I am having a fabulous time hanging out with these girls, talking and learning new things.  I am grateful for a supportive husband because this week has brought three GNO's in a row - oh, and I made an escape Monday night as well.  A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Friends

After dropping Ryan off at school, Andi proclaimed, "I want to go to Corinne's house."  Luckily for her, it was already planned for Corinne to come to our house.  It made me laugh because my kids have so grown to love socializing.  Wait, maybe saying they've "grown to love" it isn't accurate.  As far back as I can remember, they have enjoyed it.  As do we!

A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful. - 

William Arthur Ward

Ractober - Mall Scavenger Hunt

Jackson walked in the door, saw me decked out in my 80"s attire and exclaimed, "Mom, you look awesome!".  I know son, I know :)

Michalle has often said she's not very good at planning things and/or organizing events.  Let me tell you, each time this girl does something, she does it well.  Michalle wanted to do a GNO for my birthday - but with a twist.  She gave me a few options and I chose MALL SCAVENGER HUNT.  I have fond memories from my Young Women's days and let me tell you, this new memory did not disappoint.  

To add to the festive mood of my 30th, Michalle encouraged us to dress from the 80's.  I did what I could with what was in my closet, but Jen checked out the mall and scored!  Lauren was a bit shocked when she met us for dinner (so sweet of her to do that considering she wasn't able to come out to the mall).

Find and take a picture:

store catalogue - fake tree - a chair - animal print - tie - pose w/mannequin - sparkly - map - tag - glasses - heels - all on escalator - gumball machine - kid ride - soda machine - directory - reading a book - tiara - star - lounging on a bench - posing w/Abercrombie poster - bra - pj's - something your grandma wouldn't want for Christmas - all in hats - hug a stranger (this was easy considering it was such a mixed group of friends but you never would have known this didn't know one another!!) - stuffed animals - game that begins with "Q" - undies - cool shirt - quarter - perfume - ugly prom dress

 My shades were $300 and I think it's safe to say they would be worth every penny!

Michalle is so very thoughtful; despite how much she thinks she isn't.  She remembered what I like and she made it all for that night.  Then she went out and got prizes or party favors for everyone that came.  And hello, "30 Sucks" dum dums - so cute.  We have been through a lot together and I am grateful for her unconditional love and loyalty.  

But that's not all, Michalle even made me a beanie because last year I missed out on a beanie from her... well, long story but my point is, again, so thoughtful - Thank You Michalle and all the girls that were able to make it.  I am grateful for each friendship and the efforts you put forth to come celebrate.  Haha, I know for most of you it was down to the wire - thank you, thank you.

I can't wait until we do it again.

Little Sister Gone Big

When it's just the three of us, Andi sets up to the plate.  Don't get me wrong, she takes charge even when the boys are here, but there's just something different in her demeanor when she's the big one.  She loves to feed Cole, or have little picnics all on her own.  She RUNS to get diapers or toys or anything else he needs.  Again, she will often do this when everyone is home, but there's just something else when they're not.  Maybe the way in which she carries herself?  Maybe more responsibility?  I don't know - but I love our time together.  "The babies" used to be Ryan and Andi ... now Andi and Cole.

Thank You Isn't Enough

When I get this feeling, I make grand plans in my mind to repay people.  The plans rarely evolve which is so very sad.  Sometime last week, Nikki had Andi over so I could get some rest.  After school, Andi showed up to Pinetree as girly as one could be.  And let me tell you, her face beamed with excitement.  This poor girl really is the product of a boy home - so when she gets the chance to be all girly, she's all over it.

Again, Nikki came to my rescue when I spoke of Cole wheezing this morning.  After school I dropped off the other three and took Cole in to the doctor.  Turns out he has an ear infection, AGAIN.  And yes, he too will now need breathing treatments.  Grrr.  I whined and the doctor told me, "I have three kids and all three have asthma too".  Fabulous - sometimes it just happens.  Oh well, I am grateful Nikki gave me that extra push to take him in.  I am grateful a few meds (Prednisolon, Augmenten, Budesonide & Albuterol - because amox. doesn't seem to cut it for Ry and Cole) will make him all better.  I am grateful for insurance.  I am grateful.  Honestly, I didn't think it'd be this - he has been FINE!  Stuffy nose and whinny but come on, he's getting two more teeth.  You just never know.  Hopefully we have a good night - not like the night Ryan had such a meltdown over dinner he couldn't even figure out "pants off or pants on".

But that night Cole was in heaven - he was so in love with the rice/chicken casserole I made.  Thank you Pinterest yet again!

Shopping Cart

Cole 2011 (8mo.)

 Jackson 2006 (5mo. maybe)

I received this cart cover thingamagig at one of my Jackson baby showers.  He used it ALWAYS.  Then Ryan came and was usually in the carseat.  When he sat in the cart, Jackson was usually with him.  Then Andi came and really, my point is, I am just now pulling this thing out again.  Cole began sitting up in the cart months ago but I just now found it.  He LOVED it.

Halloween Festivities

Friday night we went over to a friend's for some Halloween fun.  This was especially exciting for the kids because we missed our ward party.

2006 & 2008 flashback... OK wait, I totally thought Ryan wore the turtle as well.  But I guess it's just a flashback to 2006. *I was hoping to take a picture of them in the same pose, but I can't fine the one of Jackson on his belly and I didn't get one of Cole standing.  Grrrr - but I think the similarities are still rather apparent.  They're cheeks are chapped as well.

OK... 2011.... 

 Oh my I can never settle on one.

Check out Andi, one in each hand.  And Cole just took it all in whether he was sittin' in the car, on the floor, or in someone's arms.  Jackson was so very focused carving his pumpkin.  And I think Ryan was a bit disgusted by the insides of his pumpkin!

After the carving session, the kids rocked out in the garage.  No, really, they ROCKED OUT!

Monday morning Ryan had his preschool Halloween party.  Would you believe I showed up with a dying camera battery!?!?  I was so upset - but what do you do.  Is Grandma K not awesome!

(Ok, I'm back.  Somehow I got distracted in organizing my Primary folder.... random??  Yeah!)  

So, onto Halloween evening.  We were invited to the Wirthlin's in McMillan Ranch.  Andrew desperately wanted to host something because we so badly wanted to deck out the front porch and scare little children.  Being as insane as it has been, I decided we were not hosting but instead, simply showing up elsewhere.

It was fabulous if I do say so myself.  It was so nice to not be stressed out especially considering Andrew didn't get home until a half hour before we were expected to leave.  

For the kids, Andrew and I dressed up this year.  It was easy really considering we found our costumes from 1996!  I am rather annoyed though that I can't find that picture to post.  Hopefully I can add it later.  The main difference is this year we did not sport the black lipstick.

We had dinner with friends and family (my parents and Bri were able to join us!) and then we all headed out to begin the hunt.  At this point it became every many for himself but that was fine by us.  

Especially when Cole announced he was over it all and wanted to go to the car.  I do believe those were his exact words.  So while everyone else finished up, I headed back to the car with Cole.  He was perfectly content once inside with the light on - could he be afraid of the dark!?

It was a fabulous Halloween this year - my only regret was not getting a picture of Cole in a pumpkin (pinterest).  Maybe we can still do that this weekend???

**The moment that stands out to me was the chat Jackson and I had between houses.  He asked, "Mom, are you going to die?".  "Yes.  Everyone dies," I respond.  "When?  I don't want you to die.  Can you live a long, long time with me?".  To which I of course replied, "I sure hope so!"

Primary Program

Primary is not the place I would request.  Nor is it the place I ever thought I'd be put.  But I am, whether I like it or not, and so I WILL make the best of it.  I mean really, being the Primary President does require me to do a lot of things I thoroughly enjoy.  I'm just not typically drawn to this age group.  However, I am growing to love these kids, especially some of the more difficult ones.

The program has been stressful.  Not entirely, I did enjoy writing the script, but everything else has been overwhelming.  You have so many people asking, "how do you want this?" or "when should we do this?", etc.  I don't know.  I haven't a clue really.  I'm figuring it out as I go which works fine in some settings but when you have a ton of people in the organization, it because a little messy.

But finally, it was here.  I was so excited the day was finally here because I just wanted it to be over.  They did a beautiful job.  I was so pleased with all the kids.  The second counselor in the Bishopric came over and told me, "I have sat through many, many programs over the years but never have I felt the Spirit so strongly as I did today."  The previous Primary President just came up and hugged me with tears in her eyes.  I think when you watch a group of difficult children do something so beautiful, it has that much more of an impact.  Some of these kids really give us a run for our money but Sunday, they were fabulous.

Not only am I so grateful to the children for a successful program, but I am also so very grateful to my counselors and teachers.  There is no way this could have happened without them.  Laura, Becky, Jen, Carlos, Merete, and all the teachers!!!

2011 Primary Program – October 30^th

Song: “How Great Thou Art” (All children will begin seated in the congregation.  Once Blaine begins the music, the children will reverently walk up and find their seat.)

Narrator 1 (Carly Cooper):  Hey, what’s going on here?  Who are all these kids?

Narrator 2 (Blaine Haub):  These are my friends from church.  We come here every Sunday.

N1:  Every week?  Why?  Why would you go to church all the time?  Isn’t it just the same every week?

N2:  God gives us a lot of help to get through this life and we learn about all these tools by going to church often.

N1:  Like what?

N2:  Seriously, there’s tons.  Let me show you.

*Piano plays “If I Listen with My Heart” while the children stand and 2 Nephi 32:3 is read: Simon Johnson:  “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

*Sing: “If I Listen with My Heart”

Jazmyn Barron:  The scriptures are the word of God.

Braden Bowers:  There are four books of scripture we use in our church: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.  We call these the “standard works”.

Connor Cooper:  “And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promise which the Lord made unto our Fathers.”  Mosiah 1:7

Libby Holman:  The words of Christ help us in our daily lives.  They tell us the things we should do and they help us when we face trials.

Logan DePrez:  (bear your testimony about the scriptures)  I can know the scriptures are true.

N2:  Look, here are my Scriptures.

N1:  That’s huge.  Why is it so big?  What could possibly be in there?

N2:  The Scriptures Teach of Heavenly Father’s Plan.  See look, read this…

*Piano plays “I Will Follow God’s Plan” while N1 reads and while the children stand.

N1:  “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).  What does that mean?

*Sing:  I will follow God’s plan (CS, 164, 65)

Jaden Pyne:  Heavenly Father has a plan for me.

Daniel Kelemen:  The Family: A Proclamation to the World declares that we are “Each beloved spirit sons or daughters of heavenly parents, and, as such, we each have a divine nature and destiny.” 

Rylee Rudert:  Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan.

Grace Haycock:  Heavenly Father’s plan gives us freedom to choose right and wrong.

Makenna Evans:  2 min. TALK: I followed God’s plan by being baptized this year and I will continue to follow his plan by keeping my baptismal covenants.

N1:  That sounds like a lot.  (Holding up Scriptures)  Where did this all come from?

N2:  God speaks to us through His Prophets, or his servants. 

N1:  Huh?

*Piano plays “Stand for the Right” while children stand and N2 reads D&C 1:38.

N2:  Here, listen to this: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

*Sing:  “Stand for the Right”  (CS, 159)

Ulysses Mendez:  Prophets speak for Heavenly Father.

Max Johnson:  We are led by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.

Wil Kimball:  There is safety in following the prophet.

Katelynn Duncan:  TALK: What I learned from President Monson in the Oct. General Conference

N1:  Alright, so you have a bunch of Prophets, teaching all this stuff.  What’s the big deal?  Why do you think it’s so important?

N2:  The most important thing to me is that I have learned Jesus Christ is My Savior and Redeemer.

N1:  Wait, what?  I don’t get it.

*Piano plays “Did Jesus Really Live Again” while

N2:  “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3).

*Sing: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?”

Taylor Pollard:  Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer.

Jesse Cooper:  The 3rd Article of Faith proclaims, “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Katelynn Morales:  Jesus is the perfect example and I’m trying to be like Him. 

Lyndsie Mansfield:  When we sin, we become unclean.  In the scriptures we are taught that “…no unclean thing can dwell with God...”  Christ’s Atonement gives us a chance to repent of our sins.  The Atonement cleanses us and makes it possible for us to be forgiven.

Rex Rudert:  Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too.

Scott Johnson:  Talk - I love Jesus and I’m thankful for His Atoning sacrifice.

N1:  So some of this does sound familiar.  (Flipping through Scriptures)  But what is this part back here?

N2:  This part in the Joseph Smith History kind of explains that:  “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other— This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! ” ( Joseph Smith—History 1:17).  I believe The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored.

*Piano plays “Praise to the Man,” verses 1 & 3 (Hymns, no. 27)

N1:  Restored?

N2:  Yeah, restored.  Like, brought back. 

*Sing:  “Praise to the Man,” verses 1 & 3 (Hymns, no. 27)  Johnson boys

Sean Spencer:  Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration.

James Cusumano:  Nearly 200 years ago when Joseph Smith was only a few years older than I am, he wondered which church he should join.  He carefully studied the Bible in his search for the truth.  Joseph knew the scriptures were true.  After reading and pondering James chapter 1

verse 5, he decided to ask God which church he should join.  Heavenly Father and His Son

Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

Jacob Cipperley:  After being taught by Moroni for several years, Joseph Smith received the gold plates.  With help from our Father in Heaven, he translated the gold plates into the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Jade DePrez:  The 6th Article of Faith says, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

Westin Kimball:  Talk - The priesthood has been restored. (baptism)

N1:  OK, so now that it’s ‘restored’, what’s the point of it all?

N2:  The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel make it possible for Me to Live with God Again.

N1:  Whoa, whoa, whoa.  What are those!?!?

*Piano plays “Scripture Power” while a child recites the AofF and the children stand to sing.

Ben Rudert:  “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:4)

*Sing:  “Scripture Power”

Jackson Anderson:  Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to love Him, trust Him, and keep His commandments.  By reading the scriptures, I can strengthen my faith in Christ.

Travis Kelemen:  The scriptures teach me repentance brings Forgiveness

Blake Spencer:  When I am baptized, I will make a covenant with God.

Cooper Bench:  Talk - The Holy Ghost comforts and guides me.

N1:  So why are you guys all here?  Why aren’t you in that big church I’ve seen in Santa Monica?

N2:  Oh that?  That’s the Temple.  The Temple is a House of God and a lot of important things happen there.

*Piano plays “I Love to See the Temple”

Sarah Duncan:  “Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” paragraph 3).

*Sing:  “I love to see the Temple.”  (CS, 95)

Maverick Evans:  The temple is a house of God.

Thomas Skelton:  God has commanded His people to build temples.  The pioneers worked hard and sacrificed to build temples.  It took them 40 years to build the Salt Lake Temple.  Families are blessed through sacred temple ordinances.

Gavin Sanchez:  This year we have learned that we can prepare now to be worthy to go the temple by living the Gospel Standards.

Ty Haycock:  Talk – testimony about the Temple

N1:  You have to prepare to go in there?  I can’t just walk inside?  Why?

N2:  No unclean thing…

N1:  How do you get “clean”?

*Piano plays “The Lord Gave Me a Temple”

Jonathon Kelemen:  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?    . . . The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)

*Sing:  “The Lord gave me a Temple.”  (CS, 153)

Giselle Mendez:  My body is a temple.

Jay Kimball:  Temples are beautiful, sacred buildings where the Spirit of God is always present.  My body is also a temple.  When I dress modestly I can have the Holy Ghost as my constant

companion.  Dressing modestly shows respect for Heavenly Father and for myself.  When we live the Word of Wisdom we are treating our bodies as temples.  Following the Word of Wisdom blesses us with a healthy body, a strong mind, and the guidance of the Holy

Ghost. 

Gunner Evans:  Reading, watching, and listening to wholesome things keeps my mind clean.

N1:  How do you know what’s good and what’s not?  How do I know what God wants me to do?

N2:  Just pray about it.  Prayer is like talking with God. 

*Piano plays “A Child’s Prayer”

Noah Barron:  “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be give him.”  (James 1:5)

*Sing “A Child’s Prayer” (Duncans)

Taylor Sanchez:  The scriptures teach me that I can pray to Heavenly Father.  It is up to me to start the conversation with Him.  I know that God hears and answers my prayers.

N1:  Well, I guess that makes sense and that would be nice to be heard.  Like, to have someone really understand where you’re coming from.

N2:  Come on, let’s go hang out with everyone else.

N1:  But it’s so quiet in there.

N2:  They’re being reverent.  (N1 looks puzzled)  Reverence is Love and Respect for God.

*Piano plays “Search, Ponder and Pray”.  N1 and N2 walk over to a group while Matthew 16:27 is read: 

Connor Cooper:  “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27).

*Sing: “Search, Ponder and Pray” Senior Primary

N1:  So what have the scriptures taught you about the Savior?

N2:  In Primary we have been taught that in Matthew 22:37 is says, In Matthew chapter 22 verse 37 we read: “Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

Kayla Morales:  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we know that we have a loving Father in Heaven.  We lived with Him before we came to earth and we are not alone during this life.  Heavenly Father has given us instructions to help us find our way back to

Him.  The scriptures contain the word of God.  They teach us gospel principles and they

testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  There is power in the scriptures and I know that they are

true. 

  

N1:  This is a lot of information.  I mean seriously, there’s just so much stuff.

N2:  This is why it’s so important for me to study the scriptures and strengthen my testimony so that one day, I can serve a mission and teach everyone about the love God has for them.  D&C 133:37 says, “This Gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” 

*Sing:  “We’ll Bring the World His Truth”  Primary sings first verse – men in congregation sing second verse.  Men and entire primary sing third verse.

PB&J

You kids are really there for one another.  Haha, whether you like it or not :)  No, but really, you love one another so much and we desperately pray that never ends.  And really, nothing is as fun as it could be if you aren't doing it together.  Music class is a blast when you have your BFF.  And everyone needs a sister when you're too lazy to take off your own shoes.

The other day Jackson decided to teach himself to make a PB&J.  Once mastered, he taught the skill to everyone else.

Friday IHOP served children one free spooky pumpkin pancake.  It was fun taking them out for a midday feast.

Andrew got me a FABULOUS birthday present and it arrived well wrapped.  The kids have been playing with that "wrapping" and some are even sleeping with that "wrapping".  One piece in particular resembles, in their minds, a tv.  Ryan fell asleep in the tv.

For months now I have been wanting to - wait, rewind, for YEARS I have wondered if I could pull off RED LIPSTICK.  For months now I have wanted to try.  The other day, while filling a prescription, I had time to kill and chose to do so by browsing.... wait for it.... RED LIPSTICK.  When I could not commit, I stumbled upon a tube for $1.  Sold.  Turns out this stuff stains - and isn't quite my shade... but Andi LOVES it.  (Today I found markings in my couch because she decided to hide her face in the cushions - grrr)

Ractober - Friends & Family

Needless to say, I was spoiled this year.  I am so grateful for all the sacrifices and efforts made by those near and far.  Thank you.
Becky kicked it off with dinner at Oggi's and a girl's night hanging out.  It had been way too long and I so enjoyed the evening.  But I can't tell you how bitter I am that neither of us got a picture.
For lunch, Annette and Richard took us out to Chronic Taco to celebrate because they weren't able to make it Sunday.  Lunch was yummy and relaxing and topped off with a cute, cute gift.
Then Jamie, Marci and I had a chance to catch up and then go out for dinner with Amber too.  I thank them for their generosity and fabulous company.  I mean really, you wouldn't believe me if I told you the places the conversation traveled!

Sunday was my actual birthday and no joke, I think the Primary kids knew that I needed a good day from them.  The night before was awful - Cole was up all night (later we found out it was because of an ear infection) and I was beyond exhausted when it was time for Ward Council.  But we had a program rehearsal and they eased all my fears.
From there, we headed to Acton to celebrate with family.  Bri and Mark did a fabulous job with decorations. Cole especially appreciated each and every detail.  Jackson and Ryan were jumping for joy over the balloons.    Each kid picked out a gift for me and then decorated the gift bag.  I love that they're getting old enough for stuff like that.

I told my mom to not get a cake, but she never listens.  But I did appreciate the fact that it was a beach scene = heaven.  And the kids appreciated the delicious frosting.

Andrew made a cake, thanks Pinterest, that was delightful.  Of course it's not always fun and games when you have little ones; breathing treatments followed dessert.  Cole even experienced his first puff.  Not sure if he'll be going down this road, but he was so stuffy we had to give him something.

My little photographer went to work during gift time.  And he was given plenty of material thanks to my incredibly generous family.

Laura Bowers, Nikki, Lauren and Laurel also surprised me with "birthday wishes" that were very much appreciated and unexpected!

As if that wasn't enough, I then had the privilege of reading through many facebook comments from friends all over.  You think it's a simple thing to leave someone a birthday wish on FB, but some of these comments are so personal and thoughtful.  They really are memorable.  Thank you all for making 30 so amazing.  Oh, but wait, it's not over yet.....