Halloween 2015

It's 2:30 am unfortunately,  little B woke me up to tell me he had thrown up.  Poor guy threw up last week, and of course there was the heart breaking Halloween of 2014 where he threw up all evening. 

My guess is it's some sort of fall allergy he has mixed with a sensitive tummy because he doesn't actually get sick or anything just throws up and is fine (well, last Halloween I think he was sick AND had allergies).

Silver Lining: He made it through tick or treating without any problems this year AND he is a fantastic little puker...always makes the bowl.

I ran my 10 miles today...down to Farmington and back to Bub's soccer game in Bountiful.

The kids and I love this bicycle gang that always shows up in October. I ran past and had to snap a photo. 1/2 marathon is next Saturday so thats it for my long runs! Not sure long distance running is my thing, but I am willing to hold off judgement until after the race.

Couldn't ask for better soccer weather.

I attempted to get the healthy food in early...before the candy fest started.  Relatively healthy lunch...I mean a hot dog (no matter what fancy brand) is still a hot dog. We learned the secret to great pumpkin seeds...boil them in salt water before roasting!!

A few hours later we were getting all ready for the big night!

The Kratt Brothers Chris and Martin in creature power suits

You can't tell from the photo but they have kangaroo and Tasmanian Tiger Creature Power discs in.

Should of had ears and tails but I whipped the face paint idea today so I wasn't prepared.

Miriam and some friends had coordinated costumes this year. 

This was their ride for the evening, driven by a Yeti....

We saw her at 6:00 and then in a neon orange blur a few times during the evening.

Darin and I took these cool cats + a non-pictured ninja around the neighborhood.

The littles dropped out after a bit and I took the older two further into the hood. 

After Soren had rested a bit, he re-joined Bub for a trip out to our old neighborhood.

So fun to see both our new and old neighbors this year!

Halloween 2015

Byron's class put on the Halloween program they have been working on for the last few months. 

Lots of silly songs and jokes, black lit dancing skeletons, and startling "BOO's!" shouted. 

Thursday was the day of class halloween parties! This was bitter sweet for the boys because their new school doesn't do a Halloween Parade. Since this is Miriam's last year for the parade, I let Byron go to his school late to come see old friends, teachers and his big sister prance around.

As always the principal and staff went all out. They went with a rock star theme this year.

This was my first year ever not helping with class Halloween parties.  Since I am helping with two productions at M's school, and volunteering weekly at the boys school to help get them adjusted, I decided not to do parties.  It was nice not to stress about them, but when the kids came home and told me all the fun activities and games I kind of missed it all!

It rained all afternoon. Luckily a mom gave Miriam a ride home, but she had to wait on the porch for the boys and I to get home.  I just couldn't resist snapping a photo of the converse wearing-reading-princess...kind of sums Miriam up in one picture.

We got those pumpkins carved that afternoon. Darin said he would take the kids to the city pumpkin walk while I attended yoga.  With the promise of yoga in my future, I was able to help the kids get their pumpkins washed, cleaned, and carved before Darin got home from work. 

Darin and the kids walked down to the park in the rain, I stopped by after yoga to have a quick stroll through the pumpkins and give everyone a ride back home.

One of our favorites....

 Friday was a LAZY morning day for all of us.  Miriam made mini-doughnuts for her and the boys breakfast while Darin and I slept in.  I left for Crossfit while the kids were playing games on the computer and came back to them still playing games. We had no plans until 1:00 when I had to get the kids to piano lessons.  Afterwards, we kept heading down south for some cousin time.

Spencer had his 8 year old birthday party.

The whole house was decked out with these Lego cut outs.  The boys had a blast making Lego creations, and playing games. But, the best part was getting to stay while all the other guest had to leave to keep playing with cousins during Anna's "Witch Hat Soiree".   Miriam got to go with Anna to her cooking class during the Lego madness so all the kids got a full day of cousin fun in.

Miriam borrowed Madi's hat for the event since I wasn't on the ball. It happened to match her outfit perfectly! The party was non-stop giggles and crafts with pizza and cake for dessert.

Lots to Celebrate!!

First of all Lisa is staying with us for a few days!

PARTY!

We had a zen thinking putty session the other night till about 11 pm. Best therapy ever.

Saturday was Ray girls witch trip!

Always so fun, and this year especially fun to have Lisa with us.

We had bead charms made, but Grandpa also added to our Halloween jewelry collection with "Grandpa made" bracelets.

Miriam and I snuck away for a caramel apple + one for the boys at home.

That evening was a HUGE celebration!

A milestone birthday for Dad/Grandpa.

Good food, cute decorations, funny moments, tender moments, harp songs, guitar, and singing, some whipping and nae naeing happened. Happy birthday was sung in English, French, Chinese, and Tuvan Throat sining. Pretty much the perfect birthday party. 

Love this family of ours.

Sunday was Miriam's very. last. ever. Primary Program.

Miriam went out with a bang singing 2 solos beautifully this year.

The boys were so cute singing their little hearts out as well.

The boys and M said their parts clearly and looked at the audience. Cute kiddos.

It was so fun to have both sets of Grandparents AND Aunt Lisa come.  Talk about a stroke of good luck/timing! We had a fun combined family dinner, even Alicia stopped by for a second. 

Fall Break

Gardner Village trip.

Miriam gets to go back with the Ray girls this weekend, but this was the boys chance to go.

It was crowded! But so fun to get together with friends. Finding the witches is always entertaining, but our most exciting find was a turtle in the stream.

Yummy caramel apple was my highlight.  No surprise there.

Then the kids and I headed up to Silver Lake.  I was so proud of myself for taking the kids and finding it myself (even though it was so so easy to get there, very well marked).   Most of the leaves are gone, but the yellow aspens (I think) were a beautiful golden color. We want to go back when the wild flowers are in bloom.

Miriam is full swing into Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson, and Kane Chronicles so there was an on-going imaginary game the kids were playing about half-blood summer camp.  I always choose to be Nike the Goddess of Victory when they play.  I should be whatever Goddess is a charter service because thats my only role in the game. I love their little brains.
We hunted down sour patch kid slurpees for the ride home.

Did my 9 mile run on Friday.

The rest of the day consisted of chores, home improvements, piano lessons, oil change (where we got free pumpkins!!) and a slow, long drive to P-town.   My mom made us pumpkin cookies when we got there.  We just vegged watching baseball with my dad till bedtime.

The next day Tatum had the cutest baptism day/party ever!
Pastel rainbows all over the place because Julia is a go big or go home kind of person.  Wonderful talks, sweet music all for Tatum, one of the cutest, spunkiest 8 year olds around.

All the cousins together!!
Fun family dinner at J & J's and then home again home again jiggity jig.

Labor Day 2015- a long long time ago...

I didn't take any pictures this whole weekend.   I am not sure why, I hauled my camera in my purse everywhere we went, I just never took it out. Maybe it's because we are waiting for my new phone to arrive (birthday gift:) that takes good pictures.  I wonder if I am subtly breaking up with my old camera...not calling as often, avoiding eye contact...that type of thing?

Luckily the kids took a few photos:

These were from my cousin Adam and his wife Lisa's baby blessing on Sunday.

Fun people, and amazing Uncle Bruce lasagne.

Baby Jett is adorable...I could hold her for hours, I don't know how Lisa is going to get anything done with those big eyes staring up at her. Lisa will though, get a ton done, because she is a spitfire of energy. 

Spencer joining Apples to Apples with the kids.

The amazing magnetic tower.

On Friday right after school and Miriam's well-child check up we hurried to join the thousands of other people headed out of town to get to Scofield.  This was a work weekend so it was just my parents and us, and I loved it.  I seriously love working with my parents.  We didn't accomplish as much as we should have because of sleeping in (Darin and I) but we did a fair amount.  The kids entertained themselves.  It's amazing and wonderful how much I can contribute now that my kids are older.  Work use to be this very frustrating start.stop.start.game between taking care of their needs and trying to be contributing adult.  Now all the sudden I am a full functioning contributor and it feels nice. My parents were planning on making a trip into Provo for supplies so we drove out together Saturday night and ate at Red Robin.  I have said it before but it bears repeating.  My parents are the hardest working people I know!  I am so grateful for the example they set in my life.  Work is necessary, so make it fun, and when you have put in your 100% effort feel free to relax like crazy! Fun stuff. Good way to live.

Thanks mom and dad!

Date Day

The weather is gorgeous right now! Finally we are back to temps in the 70's and the leaves are responding! When Cameron asked if Darin and I wanted to ride a new trail around Park City we knew we'd better seize the opportunity while the days are so beautiful.

We rode the old Union Pacific Railroad trail between Wanship and Park City. 

Cameron and Sarah introduced us to Chubasco's.  

Such a fun Mexican restaurant with a huge selection of salsas.

The guys graciously kept their speeds down to accommodate Sarah and I.

Since we were in Wanship we drove around Highway 89 through Morgan to get back home.  

Sarah then insisted that we stop by Taggarts.

Why have I never heard of this cute little gem hidden in the mountains?

We shared amazing cheesecake in the car because the wait to get a table was unbelievable.

We hustled home to the kids, where Miriam had everything completely under control.  

It's a good thing my Saturday was so nice because Sunday was too full of responsibilities to be fun or restful.  

Although, we did squeeze a pretty hilarious family whiffle ball game in there between 7 and 8 pm. 

The Weekend...

I love home church.

I love hunkering down with my little family for the weekend. 

Saturday I ran 8 miles in the rain...all the way to Byron's soccer game which was played in a drizzle...and then home again. This game was their first loss but I loved it because the boys had to deal with anxious emotions, and they played their little hearts out! Byron's coach can get heated, but he is so kind to the boys when their emotions get the most of them.  It's always such a blessing when you get a good volunteer coach. I tell Byron over and over that I don't care who won, I only care how he played, I hope someday he believes me. 

The kids watched a group of deer jump our fence, and then continue to jump each of our neighbors fences.  When they were telling Darin and I the story, we looked up to see 3 bucks walking through our front yard and up the street. As long as they keep their escapades to the early morning I don't mind having them mill about.

The kids made some kind of hide out fort on the deck, they played in Miriam's room, and Byron created his up-cycled scout project.  A fun Hermit crab habitat. Darin supervised that...he is the best.

I made freezer jam with strawberries I found for $.33 a box!! 

They had to be used immediately, which is where the jam idea came about. 

I love it too much. 

After conference Miriam and I got her Halloween costume worked out. That included a trip to Target and Jo-Ann's. She had a late night planned so the boys and I (boys includes Darin) had ice cream with fresh strawberry sauce and watched some Wild Kratts. The boys are going to be the Kratt brothers for Halloween so it was kind of character research.

Sunday we had German pancakes with...wait for it....strawberry jam! And Darin's famous fried eggs.

Darin and I did couples yoga...that sounds strange, but it really is so great. I believe he is confident enough with his manhood for me to mention that.  Yoga makes my life better. Period. It's for everyone. 

Then Conference.

For a big portion of the first session Darin and just snuggled on the couch.  There may or may not have been some drifting off to sleep in there.  Pretty darn heavenly. 

I decided to try out my selfie skills.  I am not very good, and also I did not do my hair or put on make-up all day.  This is me in the raw.  Kind of hard to post these without smoothing out my wrinkles but I am trying hard to be at peace with reality. 

Then the kids came over.  

Then we started paying attention to conference again...

We took a family bike ride to "puke park" after lunch.

I am always proud of the kids for their tough bike riding skills. They complain, and cry, getting up the hill to our home, but they make it up on their own little leg power.

(obviously we didn't do anyone else's hair either)

So fun.  

All of us climbed to the top of the web.  I didn't dare take my fingers off the rope to take a family picture.  It is high! 

We rode home (up the hill) and finished conference.

Darin earned his dad of the decade award by helping Miriam with her math homework.  

Do all kids have to learn the hard way that procrastination causes pain and anguish? They got it under control and I hope M does well on her test today.

We had peanut butter and STRAWBERRY jam sandwiches, apples, and strawberry banana smoothies for dinner.  See?! I love that jam TOO much...it's going to be a problem.

Freezing Time - A Wednesday

6:00 am I wake Miriam up, and then return to my room.

6:45 am I go wake her up again, she had fallen back asleep and although she hates when that happens, it makes me think she needs the sleep so I let it happen. 

As she is eating breakfast the boys come in to the kitchen for theirs.  They had Cherrios.  We hardly ever ever have cold cereal but if you read this series it will sound like we usually have cold cereal! I found a deal 5 boxes of cereal for $1.50 each, and the only non-sugary version offered was Cherrios so we happen to have 5 boxes and my kids think its like Christmas morning when they get to have it.

Anyway....Miriam gets on the piano at 7:00ish...not the enthusiastic practice of a few days ago, but it happened. I get Byron set up to do his Keyboard Chatter, he burns out of doing homework before this happens in the evenings so we do it first thing in the morning now. Luckily this is the last week of it! I love that the kids learn keyboarding but both Miriam and Byron have fought me on doing it. One less think I need to encourage for awhile.

7:30 Byron starts his piano practice with me,  and Darin leaves for work. 

7:45 Miriam leaves with the neighborhood ballroom dancing kids.  

8:30 I drop Byron off at school

9:00 Soren and I hit Cross Fit.  There are no kids there today so I let him sit on a weight bench outside of the kid room to watch while he plays video games.  He is really good NEVER to leave the bench which is the only reason why the trainer lets him watch.  He is entertaining too.  He was pretending to row with us during our row/box jump workout. Sometimes he dances to the hard core music.  I wonder if he will remember this crazy ritual we have together.

10:00-10:30 Soren and I do his homework and then he is picked up by his carpool.

I start roasting butternut squash and cutting up vegetables for soup.  I make a hole batch of butternut squash soup for me (with fresh sage, onions, tart apples...add some salt pepper and cream before eating AH-mazing) and Vegetable Chowder Soup for everyone else.  Darin will eat butternut soup once in awhile but he is not as enthusiastic about it as me.  My darned kids don't like butternut squash OR sweet potatoes!! Not one of them would eat it as babies, and they still won't.  It's one of the great mysteries of my life!! I make them try it every year just to see if anything has changed.

I send what seems like a thousand texts, and emails. Get Nutcracker tickets purchased, get my volunteer times nailed down, work on getting Byron's baptism planned, and get some things ready for Young Women's tonight.  It's around 1:00 by this time and I realize I need one more onion, more chicken stock, and the kids will be more excited about the soup if I have some rolls on hand so I decide to run to the grocery store.

I shower, get ready run to Dicks, come home finish the soups, clean the kitchen and it's already like 3:00.  My day seems very unproductive at this point...all I have done is communicate with people and make dinner.  But it is what it is.

The boys had their first day of Chess Club after school.  Byron is hooked! Soren is just there because I don't want to run back and forth from the school to pick them up individually.  

They both had fun but it's Byron who truly loves it so far.

Miriam comes home soon after we arrive so we divy out snacks.  I try to let everyone have some downtime but Byron needs to get his stuff done before soccer practice so I have to rush him a bit.  He and I work on his math packet, chinese characters, and reading while Soren meanders around entertaining himself and Miriam is on the computer...I am hoping doing homework but I don't know for sure, could be American Girl Doll searching.

Soren decides he wants to come to soccer practice with us, since it's a bit of a drive I figure we will stay there so I can do some reading with him. Darin is on his way home from work so I let Miriam stay to keep doing her homework (or whatever she is doing).

We read a bit, watch Byron play for a bit, and then do a photo shoot.

He wants last weeks bike accident documented so I oblige. 

Before practice ends the mosquitos chase S and I into the car.  They were militant! 

It's after 7:00 by this point so I hurry to drop the boys off at home and run to Young Women's.

We are planning our Young Women in Excellence so it's mostly Personal Progress passing off, and idea giving but one of the moms made us crepes, with Nutella, whipped cream, fruit.  Yum!

I get home around 9, everyone is in bed but it seems like it was a rough night for Darin. I don't know for sure because he is already in bed as well.  So I go kiss everyone goodnight, go put away the soup (Darin and the kids have cleared the table and put dishes in the dishwasher...need to give credit where credit is due) and then I go to bed too.  

In bed before 10:30...that is not at all a usual occurrence. We need to do it more often.