Dressing for Winter

The Children's Place was having an online clearance sale two weeks ago. I was able to purchase winter clothes for both Brooklynn and Jeffrey for $150. Yahoo! Coats from Costco- $50 for both. Perfect timing- the weather has dropped to 40 degrees in the morning.

Prop 8

I know that I'm not in CA anymore, but I can't help feeling passionate about Prop 8. My former roommate, Deborah, has a great blog with a wealth of information. Check it out.
http://www.booksandbeaches.blogspot.com/

Twice Blessed

At our Stake Conference in January (California), Elder Robert Hales came. To make it a memorable experience for the kids we decided our little family would help with building preparations. We were assigned (with a few other families) to polish all of the wood paneling, pews, pulpit, etc in the chapel. We took our time to make it shine.

Sunday morning we arrived just a few minutes after the doors opened- 7a.m. It was extra special to hear conference and have the speakers bear testimony from the puplit we lovingly polished. Jeffrey and Brooklynn were incredibly well behaved during the conference, especially after arriving 3 hours early to get to sit in the chapel. Mission accomplished. They still talk about it.

This past Sunday was an impromptu Stake (east coast) meeting. We met at the stake center to hear Elder Boyd K. Packer address us. We arrived 5 minutes early and the parking lots were full. Traffic was directed 1/4 mile away to the elementary school parking lot. There were only 2 chairs left in the over flow, so we sat in the Relief Society room to listen. It was a great conference. A few topics: parenting- enjoy the time with your children, economic situation- do not fear and move forward with faith, when we try to do what the Lord would have us do we will be blessed.

We feel really lucky to have been visited by 2 apostles in one year!

The Party Girl!

That's the new nickname. Up all night and sleeps all day. Poor little Malia slept until 3:30 pm on Saturday. She's up all night with congestion. Too tired in the day to do much but eat and sleep.

Early American History

This month we're studying Jamestown and Williamsburg. I found this book at the library.

We finished it up yesterday. A biography of a 13 year old who comes to America without his family in hopes of acquiring land and creating a future for himself. He ends up being gifted by a captain to the king of the Powhatan Indians. He learns their language and serves as an interpreter between the Idians and the settlers.It was very informative, but graphic in parts. I had to skip details and summarize the basic plot a few times.

Next on the reading list is Pocahontas.

It should be fun to read about the same events but from a different perspective.

I happened across this at the library

The book is divided up into seasons and has colonial activities for each. So far we have made butter. Next we're going to try dipping candles. Should be fun.

Ansel Adams

This week the kids looked at Ansel Adams photographs and then went around our area taking pictures. Even though He did black and white photography when I went to remove the color from their pictures there was a revolt. So, here is a sampling.





I couldn't resist posting this one.

Soccer

Jeffrey and Brooklynn are enjoying this soccer season. I just had to take a picture of Brooklynn looking for bugs while she is playing defense. Brought back so many memories from when I used to play.

My Green-Eyed Girl

The Bipartisan Marriage

The secret is out! Mark and I are members of differing political parties- makes for lively conversation around election time:) We've watched the DNC one week and the RNC the next. We are enjoying the debates.

I've found we're not on the right or left anymore, but walking more in the center.

Framing the Farm

All of the grandkids were given a 12"x36" landscape photo of the farm. In the foreground is the pumpkin patch with a field of corn behind it, followed by the pasture, farm yard, grandpa's house, the temple and mountains. We took it to Michael's on Saturday to have it framed. What a budget breaker, but thank goodness Michael's was having a 50% off custom frame sale! We can't wait the 2 weeks before we can pick it up!

In the mean time, we framed an 8x10 my cousin's father-in-law took. It's a view my grandfather would see as he would walk from one field to the next. We're really happy with how it turned out! Kind of rustic, looks like we brought it out of my grandpa's basement.



It matches our cushions perfect!

Emotional Month

September- My grandfather passed away at his home in South Jordan the beginning of the month. He was still able to get around and help out on the farm to the end. Just the way he wanted. I'm sure he's driving a John Deere in heaven somewhere.

We are grateful we drove across the country over the summer and were able to see him one last time. I'm glad the kids have the pictures with their 'Farmer Grandpa' and their last memory of walking around the farmyard with him.

Mark's grandfather passed away the following week in UT.

The silver-lining was attending my sister, Rachel's, wedding at the Jordan River Temple and reception in Farmer Grandpa's backyard.

The Brickers

The wedding day was a beautiful day and we're so glad to have Skylar as part of the family! Farmer Grandpa's brother, Uncle JH, married them. It was a beautiful ceremony.

I was finally able to meet Rachel's dear friend Shannon and take her pic.

Shannon and Malia

Cousin Rach was generous to offer her babysitting services for Malia during the ceremony- Thanks Rach. Then off to Cousin Rachel's sister, Becky's, house to catch up with them and cousin Deb, Aunt Gail, and Aunt Becky (we have lots of family names! love it!)

The Beckys

I spent quite a bit of time sitting in Grandma and Grandpa's house, taking it all in: looking and knick-knacks, going through grandma's recipes and writing down my favorites, looking at books, etc. I just felt compelled to sit and soak it all in, think back on my memories with them, smell the farm, watch the sunrise over the Rockies from their balcony, etc. I know it won't be the same when I make it back to UT.

Sunrise over the Rockies


My Favorite Climbing Tree

Saturday morning was Bridget and Natalie's babyshower. It was great to be able to spend time with family!

I arrived home late Saturday night and Mark and the kids were still alive and our place was still standing:) What a guy- thanks hon!