Good thoughts.

I had to put this one up where it was a little more noticeable. I know this seems kinda preachy, but it's thoughts like this that give me courage and hope when times seem to be too tough :). I hope it may lighten your load as well.

Daily Gems
Stand Steady and True

"Discipleship does not guarantee freedom from the storms of life. Even as we are wending our way carefully and faithfully along the strait and narrow path, we encounter obstacle and challenge. There are days, perhaps even months and years, when life is just hard. We experience our fair share of adversity, heartache, loneliness, pain, grief--sometimes; it seems more than our fair share. "What to do when adversity strikes? There is only one thing to do. Stand steady and see it through. Stay steadfast, constant, and true. The real tragedy in the whirlwinds of life comes only when we allow them to blow us off our true course."
Topics: discipleship, adversity, faith, endurance
(David S. Baxter, "Faith, Service, Constancy," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 14)

Trick or Treating

Since I devoted the last blog to the new trend of Trunk-or-Treating, I felt it only fair that I blog tonight for the traditional fair. Yes, my child has more candy than she could possibly eat. Yes, I buy candy far more often than I should. Yes, we went trick-or-treating throughout our complex. Crazy. I must be crazy. However, it was a blast. Contrary to last year, the weather was perfect. We needed jackets, but what do you expect at 6:30 p.m. at the end of October? Last year we made it to 5 buildings and were FREEZING and called it good. Tonight, we circled the entire complex. Granted, we didn't it every single door (thank goodness) but we probably should've skipped a few more than we did. The kids were having such a good time, though. As we were walking the home stretch, Erica commented on how heavy Ella's bag was (Not to mention Mailee's) and what they were gonna do with it all? I said, "Well, at least you have brothers who are missionaries, right?" not remembering they had two missionaries. Lucky Erica. She's gonna ship all that candy off. Ella got to play the game, enjoy the time dressed up, eat some goodies, and Erica gets to get rid of all the extra! What a great situation....FOR HER! Too bad for me, oh well. I'm sure I'll think of something... Sorry, grandmas, no pictures. The kids looked the same as they did at the trunk-or-treat. It was good times, though. Mason rode in the stroller the entire time and didn't make a peep. What a trooper. He loves to be outside, though, so I expected nothing less. It was good fun though. The old-fashioned way. Of course, it was different than I remember. We had only a few houses within walking distance. Our trick-or-treating back in the day meant someone's parent had to be willing to cart around a bunch of hyper-active kids. We would go to a cluster of houses, run from house to house, and jump back in the car for the journey to the next cluster. Ah, the joys of living in the boonies. Guess it just goes to show you that times change, but some traditions can stay in tact. :)
Happy Halloween Everyone!

October adventures

'Tis the season! We spent last night carving pumpkins with the Helgesens and tonight at the trunk or treat with our church. Both VERY good activities and fun for all! Here's the pics from both events. Enjoy!

As you can see, Josh was in charge of the camera. Rachel said it wasn't a good idea to let him carve a pumpkin :) Whatever works. Below you can see how neglected Mason is. No one to hold him? How could that be?
Lastly, the trunk or treat. Brooklyn was SO excited to be Elina! This is her first official "girly" costume, just for the record. (previous Halloweens have found us as a candy corn (see Mason :)), a chicken (cutest waddle you've ever seen), and a monkey (just in time for "Curious George"). Yay for Halloween!

Halloween 06

Photobucket Album

Sorry these had to be albums! Either my pics or too big, or I just have too many; photobucket wouldn't let me make a slideshow of so many. I hope you all enjoy them anyway! Where did the time go and how did these guys grow up so fast??!!

Halloween '05

Photobucket Album

Debbi and I were reminiscing today about Halloweens past, so I couldn't resist a little stroll down memory lane :) Enjoy!

yay for swaps!

It's time for another swap! My friend Crystal had a GREAT idea! She is hosting a swap {here} and everyone is welcome to join. It'll be fantastic and very inexpensive. Feel free to join, I promise that you will not be disappointed!

the patch

Well, we finally made it to the pumpkin patch and it was as much fun as expected. We looked at the animals, rode to the patch and chose our pumpkins for the season. We had a blast. Mason could've cared less, I'm sure but Brooklyn enjoyed it :). We got to ride in the tractor-drawn wagon, wade through the patch and Brooklyn got to pull a wagon. Very exciting, let me tell you! Anyway, we got some really cute shots, so enjoy!

You can't pull an empy wagon, so Brooklyn spent a considerable amount of time picking up grass, leaves and attempted rocks to fill her wagon. She was overjoyed when we had pumpkins to put in our wagon. What Great Entertainment!

The weekend

Ahh, the weekend. It was fun! We had the pleasure of a houseful of Hibshmans. The OU game was awesome! We even WON!! (Sorry, ISU, crappy homecoming for you, but very much YAY for us!) The weekend began as any other; just hanging out, a little golf (boys), a little shopping (girls), lots of junk food and eating out. Then the game came. We travelled up to Ames and settled in for a few hours' entertainment.
Our seats were on row 30, which happens to be the very Topmost row. Minus the stairclimb (although it was a good workout), they were PERFECT. We had an awesome view of the field and the game. It was great. We were a little worried we would be a lonesome OU boat in a sea of ISU, but we lucked out. There were quite a few OU "vessels" around us and it made the game even better.
It was definitely good clean fun. Unfortunately for my kids, I'm not the best mom an didn't take sunscreen. It was a beautiful sunny day (FINALLY) and we needed it. Oh well...they survived. Lucky for me, their sunburns faded the next day. Super fun! Thanks to the Hibshmans for making the trek.
Sunday night rolled around and left us home alone again. A whirlwind weekend, and back to the quiet life, just like that. Mason, being the little boy that he is, took the opportunity to pull himself up onto his knees at the couch. He's done it a couple times since then, always from the sitting position. He is slightly more willing to be on his tummy lately, but prefers to stand. I think he may walk before crawl, but we'll see!

On a completely different note: I'm so EXCITED for bachelor tonight! It should be a good one! Happy MONDAY!

Tagged

I've been tagged. The rules are that you list 6 facts/habits about yourself then at the end of the post name 6 people that you are going to tag. Then you go into their comments and tell them that they have been tagged. (Although, Heather might regret tagging me, as I have yet to think of anything terribly interesting to write :))



1. I cannot believe that Brooklyn is so close to Kindergarten. Even though it's still 2 years away, I am having a hard time imagining dropping her off to school for the first time (for pretty much the rest of her life :)).



2. I wish I was better at sewing, and that it was more cost effective. I have a strong desire to sew, but when it costs more to make something than it costs to buy it...the incentive definitely diminishes. In some regards, just the fact that you've made it would counter the cost, but for the moment, I don't have the funds, equipment, or luxury of having such accoplishments.



3. I wish I was a better writer. I have these big dreams of writing something fun or profound and no imgination to support said dreams. Someday, I hope to get a Master's in Writing to encourage this dream. Maybe then I can help support our household. It should happen right around the time when I don't need to help support our household. Oh well...it'll make all my lessons on irony that much more concrete :).



4. I am pretty good at entertaining my kids. I love to go to the park and watch them play. Of course, this is more enjoyable with another parent (mom or my husband). Brooklyn can run around for hours on end and Mason is content to watch for a while. Soon, however, I am sure he will be running along with her. (Unfortunately, I'm not great at entertaining educationally as many of my good friends are (ahem, Debbi)...maybe someday...)



5. There's a small part of me that misses the photo lab at Macey's. (don't keel over from shock, anyone). I miss the people, the work was enjoyable and the hours were decent. I miss seeing everyone's wedding pics, and I love to be able to change pictures and do things to make them look better. Unfortunately, I don't have a program to do such things, or knowledge of how to do it on my own. Maybe that's something I should work on...



6. Finally, I cannot wait to be NOT a student anymore. I am excited to be broke but living off my own money. I will bask in the day when money is tight, I can get a job and not TELL a living soul that I did so....Hoorah for the end of school and the ability to support ourselves!



Tag: Rindee, Trisha, Lynsi, Caron, Sarah N., and Cari

good thoughts

I got this in my email today and it really struck me for some reason. This is talking specifically about the Priesthood Quorum associated with my church, however, I think it can be applied more broadly. Just think at how much we can accomplish when we work together!

"Priesthood quorum members are taught in more ways than by lessons in a class. The quorum is a service unit, and the members learn in their service. A quorum can give greater service than the members could give alone. And that power is multiplied by more than their numbers. Every quorum has a leader with authority and responsibility to direct priesthood service. I have seen the power that comes when quorums are called to moveout to help in times of disaster. Time and again I have had people outside the Church express surprise and admiration for the effectiveness of the Church in organizing to give help. It seems to them like a miracle. In all priesthood service the miracle of power comes because leaders and members honor the authority of those who direct the service in priesthood quorums across the earth."

Topics: priesthood, service, authority (Henry B. Eyring, "A Priesthood Quorum," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 44)

DISGUSTING

I absolutely cannot take it anymore! In the last week of near-solid rain, I think I've tossed 100 worms back out my door. For some reason, these squishy, disgusting, earth-roamers, venture into my house and either a) dry out and get stuck in my entry-way or b) inch as far as they can across my carpet and die a slow death. Today, though, was the clincher. I DO NOT like having to toss them out in either situation, but today I found these. Brooklyn leaves her shoes by the wall near the door and we picked them up to put them on and discovered this:All these buggers were hiding out under my dear daughter's size 7s. TOO MUCH!! I also found a couple more under my boot that you can see poking out the bottom of the pic. I HATE WORMS!! And I'm sick and tired of having to throw them outside. I've heard salt on the doorstep solves such a problem, so I sprinkled a generous amount today. It BETTER WORK!! EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

yes, it's pumpkin time!

Jon always gets these grand ideas for dinner. They are usually complicated, and ALWAYS delicious. This time, however, I got to take care of the complicated, tastey dinner. Dinner in a pumpkin. As you know from previous posts....I LOVE pumpkin! (I also love banana squash and have yet to find any....) So, I tackled the recipe found by Jon and this is what you get. A tastey dinner in a pumpkin. I was very proud of myself and it was VERY much worth the effort. So, drool away, my friends!

granny airbag

I got this video in my email the other day and it made me laugh so hard, I just had to share it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAwoZMc7JnA

I can't figure out how to put the whole video on my blog so it'll just have to be a link. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!

failed attempt

Since it's been rainy and ugly for a few days now, I attempted to post a video I took of Mason this afternoon. For some reason, he was really giggly. I've also noticed recently that when he catches the camera aimed at him, he gets a big old GRIN on his face (see hair-cut pics). Unfortuanately, my attempt to post said video didn't work out. So, sorry all. For those of you with the urge, try imagining a belly laugh from my **adorable** kiddo :). Better luck next time.

fall "break"

One of the perks of law school is that they have a "break" part way through each semester. I say "break" because more often than not, the law students spend the time catching up, getting ahead, preparing resumes, working, or otherwise job-relation inclined. So it has been for our household up until this year. Jon was going to take Friday off (but ended up at work) so we could play. Friday didn't quite work out as planned, however, so Saturday was the day we made it out the door. It was a little road-trip of sorts to see a little more of iowa. We headed up to Mason City. There's a wind-farm there, a Shopko :), and a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was really interesting. It was fun to get away too.

Coming up this weekend is the big OU game with part of the Hibshman Family. Yeah, we're excited.

Also, this last weekend Mason officially pulled ahead of Brooklyn in the hair cutting department. He's now 2 for 1 on her. Our second hair-cutting event took place over this last weekend. Isn't Mason so handsome?? The picture of him in his P.J's is the before Pic, and then when he's ready for church is the After pic :)

I had more to post about when I sat down, but now, after a couple welcome interruptions :), I can't remember what they were. So, when they come to me, I'll post again. Happy Day!

crayons

My curiosity has been piqued...and the results are:

You Are a Red Crayon

Your world is colored with bright, vivid, wild colors.You have a deep, complex personality - and you are always expressing something about yourself.Bold and dominant, you are a natural leader. You have an energy that is intense... and sometimes overwhelming.Your reaction to everything tends to be strong. You are the master of love-hate relationships. Your color wheel opposite is green. Green people are way too mellow to understand what drives your energy. What color Crayon are you?

healthy habits

As I've mentioned before: we have the healthiest habits ever! Especially when it comes to a weekend spent at home. General Conference is just such a weekend. What would a weekend be without a treat? One quick phone call from Jon to Jenny and we are "blessed" with a dish full of Scotcharoos. Tastey little morsels comprised of Corn Flakes (or Rice Krispies), peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and oodles of love (among other necessary ingredients). They are T-A-S-T-E-Y! As you can see, Brooklyn thoroughly enjoyed licking the spoon. But then, who wouldn't?






:The end product:


Unfortunately, the topping turned out to be as thick as the base. Although it was good, it was slightly overwhelming. So, Jon scraped off this much: Well worth the effort and VERY satisfying. Happy Tuesday everyone!

the bachelor

ahh...the time has come again. The time to pick this year's bachelorettes. Granted, I mostly pick who I like and I generally stink at this part of the game. Regardless...here we go!

1. Jenny (LOVE her, she's my fave.)
2. Kristy (cute, but I'm a little unsure; watch she went home tonight and I'm confused :) )
3. Stephy (seriously, can we think of a better name to go by??)

Now, we must wait and see...how did we do? Only time will tell :)

"my" city

At least Jon will appreciate my outcome: :)

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heartWhich is why you're attracted to the romance of RomeStrolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in handAnd gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

What City Do You Belong In?

interesting

This is the weather map on weather.com this morning. I found it incredibly interesting that there's almost a solid line down the center of the country as far as temps go. My dilemma is: I can decide which side of the line I'd rather be on. Although high 80's is a little toasty for October, I definitely am not ready for it to snow....Oh well. It'll all be completely different in 3 days anyway. Wherever you are, enjoy the weather!

ah, the joys of cut and paste

Remember, back in the day, when your kindergarten teacher announced that you got to use scissors and paste for art time? The "huge popsicle sticks", the jars of paste, macaroni noodles, paper plates, construction paper, and the weird kid who ate the paste? (I actually went to school with a girl who would fill the (uncooked) macaroni noodle with paste and then eat it...) It was the best time of the day! Cut and Paste! What could be better? Well, Brooklyn and I had a cut and paste day just for fun. It was Brooklyn's first try at glue (we've been practicing scissors for a while) and she actually did pretty awesome. I showed her how to squeeze lightly and put little dots here and there. Then I held my breath and waited for the gargantuan glob of glue to come. Lucky for me, it didn't. We had a blast. As I was mostly observing, I started practicing making the string of people holding hands. Granted, this is a learned art, and consequently, one I have not mastered. But it's OK, because I made a rather successful string of people and gave it to Brooklyn. First order of business? Cut off their heads and glue them onto her sheet. She did it very tidily, I might add. I was hurt for a millisecond and then I thought, "well, at least she has an "artistic vision" for her paper". At least, that's what I told myself. So, here's my string of beheaded people.

Impressive, eh? Finally, came some self portraits for heritage's sake, and a picture by Brooklyn.

(she almost got my head in the pic, impressive also, eh?)

And, because I don't want anyone to feel left out (Yeah, Mason really cares, deep down!), here's a super cute pic we got last night. No, his hair will not stay this way when dry. Oh well.

photo blog

I just have some random cute pics I wanted to share with you all, so Here we go!
Little boy, through and through. What else do you need besides a RED Tractor? Amazingly, these two played "together" in their room for a 1/2 an hour or so. It's amazing how productive you can be when that happens!




Saturday, hanging out on the bed, inspired a little photo session. This is the closest we got to the kids both looking and (sort of) smiling.
Ah, fall...We've already had our first pumpkin pie (made from real pumpkin, I might add) and this is Jon's most recent Apple pie. It is YUMMMMY! We also recently discovered (Thanks to America's Test Kitchen) that apple pies store best on the counter wrapped in foil. We had our pie the day after and it wasn't soggy at all! (Slice anyone? We still have half a pie and love it when people help us eat!)
Saturday we also went on a little road trip. Due to time restrictions, we only got to Ames, but we also discovered this Barilla Pasta factory along I-35. Pretty interesting. Unfortunately these were the only pics we got. At least they had an Italian flag! (That's essential, you know.)

Tonight is the Bachelor and all my fav. 1/2 hour sitcoms. It's pathetic how addicted I am, but I'll get excited anyway and kind of ignore that fact :). Hope everyone has a great week!