The Fast and The Furious

As you can see, our night was a success. They got this thing DOWN! The boys literally RAN from house to house to house. Towards the end, Carson would hang out at every door and have long funny conversations...asking his famous questions..."Where's your Dad/Mom? What's your car? Can I close your door?!" That boy cracks everyone up. Funny boy. We had to force them to stop and only got them to by bribing with their collected candy. They loved trick or treating with their friends and then got a kick out of handing out candy when we got home. They were so excited to see what the trick-or-treaters at the door would look like. It was so fun. I want them to stay cute like this forever. It's just too fun.
Happy Halloween!!!

What the Devil???

I had a Halloween Piano Recital this week. In the past I've waited and held a Christmas Recital, but it is always such a busy month and it just ends up adding too much stress every December. This year I mixed things up with the Halloween Recital. It was so, so fun! The students came in costume to play their spooky tunes and the room was filled with so much excitement...it was totally the costumes. They added such a fun dimension to the performing. It was a huge success.

Behold, the Devil, I mean...the Teacher.....! (hopefully this is not how they see me every week)

and a few of the other costumes...

Knight

Butterfly and Little Geisha

Ingrid

The Biebs (we had some Bieber fever!) and Officer Loveland

Nerd, Jester, Ballerina, and Football Player

They got my genes. :)

Check out this hunk! I think the stache is quite becoming on him.

I love that I get to teach music. Although it can still feel like any job, it is so fulfilling. And it is a sacrifice for my little family. I couldn't do it without so much support from the hunk. My little family (devilish and all) is amazing. I'm a lucky girl.

Sneak Peek

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

No Ordinary School Day

This day was FIeLD TriP DAy!!! Off to the fire station.

Pumpkin Pie

We made our annual trip to the Pumkin Patch. Cade kept calling it the pumpkin pie...and he calls candy corns unicorns. I've reminded him so many times but it doesn't seem to stick. I'm okay with that.
The weather was beautiful. I wish it was like this all year long. The boys did awesome and we had a great time.

Riding the ponies was the highlight. They felt like real cowboys.

Cade is quite the ladies man.

Family picture. Yes...another with the boys in their broncos shirts. Another game day. Is the season over yet?!
Like the little pumpkin that Carson picked out?
Fun day.

Skeleton Strikes Again

Beware the wii playing, wrestler in training, boxing SKelEToN!!!!

Professional Wrestlers In Training

Talk about making a Mother proud!

My Version Of The...

Green Belt

We hit somewhat of a milestone in our li'l family. We went on a bike ride...meaning...all four of us rode our own bikes. And not just down the sidewalk by our house. On the Green Belt. Oh ya. It was a risky move but it awesome!

We watched the Saturday morning session of General Conference, stuffed our faces with sticky buns, and then loaded up the bikes and set off in between sessions. The weather was beautiful and we did it all with friends. It was risky because it was an especially busy day downtown...it was game day. But it made it even more fun.

I love where I live. I've mentioned that before, but I just really do. This forever long path is so fun and so beautiful. It gave us the chance to teach the boys to stay on the right side of the "road." They loved acting like they were driving all by themselves on a road. It was a high traffic day so obeying the traffic laws was a little more crucial. We road by the river, through trees, tunnels, and over bridges.

We even got to ride right behind the stadium where the game was happening live. There's nothing quite like college football...especially when you get up close and personal with all of the passionate tail-gators. Good place to people watch. It was exciting and the boys loved it.

We ended our ride at a park downtown. Perfect. I'm proud of my little men. They are fast on their little bikes. We rode quite a ways and they had no problem keeping up. I love my family...my husband and my kids. Conference was wonderful as usual. All weekend I was certainly reminded of all of my blessings.

This Is How We Roll!

Creative Juices

A couple weeks ago we had some little friends over while their parents had a date night. After being at our house for 15 minutes or so we all found ourselves staring at each other asking the classic question..."Uh, what should we do guys?" Shane suggested we make a movie and Jaxon, who is a cute first grader, lit up with excitement. We scrounged up any "dress ups" from around the house (aka...halloween stuff since we aren't stalked in the dress up department). We made do with the few things we could find.

I'm pretty sure we are ready for Hollywood. I mean, we started with a beyond creative script and story which included two little ones being held captive by the big, bad...skeleton...being saved by the lovable humble guy who happened to come into contact with a "magic fairy." Total winner. Add that to our incredible actors. They are oozing with natural ability and really are just what you would call "raw talent." Plus, the editing is just beautiful. I'll just let the movie speak for itself. Without further ado, I present to you...

Skeletor

Faith

I've been thinking a lot about faith lately. Actually for a long time. Faith isn't something that I've felt like I've really struggled with. Having faith has come easily and naturally, even without a lot of understanding of all things spiritual. I'm optimistic and hopeful. So in my mind, I guess I've always felt like a faithful person. Until recently.

Let me clarify. Do I still feel like a faithful person? Absolutely. I think. Maybe? I guess I have been thinking more about what that means, exactly. Faith isn't something that is always tangible and that's where I can struggle. I like things to be black and white. So I've been reading and studying a little on the topic of faith.

Today I read Ether 12 which is full of words on faith. Some great reminders of receiving "no witness until after the trial of your faith". "They obtained not the promise until after their faith. And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God." I naturally thought to myself...am I a faithful person? I can say that I have faith and quickly read through this thinking...yep...I'm good. But today was different. Instead of moving on without much thought like most days, the thought crossed my mind....this is all good and sounds great but now what? Just tell me what to do! Tell me what faith looks like. Show me how to show my faith. Black and white! To my surprise another scripture popped into my head, which pretty much never happens. I'm not a super scriptorian and mostly can never remember what I read or where I read it. This time I even remembered where to find the scripture (thank you seminary). It is simple and straightforward. "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82: 10). And "If you love me, keep my commandments." So simple but so profound to me today. Exactly what I needed. How do I show my faith? I DO what He says. I keep His commandments. My actions should reflect my faith. I can't just think that I'm a faithful person. I must be a faithful person. I quickly thought about all of the good things that I'm not always doing. As always, I have much room for improvement.

Now I know that keeping the commandments and staying the course doesn't relieve me from my trials and pain. But it does bring peace and comfort. It is a daily reminder that the Lord is aware of me and helps me to keep an eternal perspective. Life will always be unpredictable and full of hardship. Showing faith is one thing that I can control; a choice I can make to better my days.

During last General Conference Elder Nelson included this in his talk on faith:

"Our beloved President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness. He said: 'I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith'."

I am looking forward to conference this weekend. No doubt there will be more words of wisdom and direction regarding faith. I am ready and waiting.

Par-Tay!

Here's what I've decided. Everyone needs a friend obsessed with birthdays! It really makes the whole birthday thing a completely different experience! For me, at least. Meet Stephanie. She is that person.
Not only does she love birthdays (and celebrates for an entire week), but she is a game player and loves to make amazing cakes. She even has a cake blog. Combine everything together...BiRTdaY PaRTaY!!! I was in good hands.


One of the games we decided to play was "Minute To Win It." You might remember this from last December...played it with my fam over Christmas. It was a hit. We managed a few pictures from it...not enough (from the whole party really). Jake and Stephanie attempted "tortilla head." (flip the tortilla up off the flipper and catch it on your head)

...And the excitement captured as Steph caught it on her FIRST attempt. I think she's been practicing...

And Tiffany totally rocked "elephant trunk." Creamed her husband's time.

Candles! We got creative...turning the 3 into an 8. It worked!

The cake was a chocolate 100 grand caramel cake. Need I say more???

I honestly can't remember the last time I had like a real adult birthday party...no kids, games, gifts, and food. I forget how fun they are! We might just have to do it again!

I'm happy I was borned and feel gratitude for my beautiful life. I have so much to be grateful for. My Mom reminded me of that. In her birthday love note to me, she reminded me to count my blessings. What great birthday counsel. Talk about becoming older and wiser! She is amongst my greatest blessings. This last week I was reminded that the Lord often shows us love through other people, and that I can do better in this regard. So hooray for birthdays....for the fun and love they bring! Only 363 days 'til my next one.