Inspiration

The last couple months, I have been following the blog of one of my friends from high school.  I learned about his blog through facebook.  My friend has a 7-year-old son who got a rare tumor called a chordoma tumor.  I have read about their family's struggles and sacrifices during this difficult time.  I have been strengthened by their testimony of Eternal Families and our Heavenly Father's love for each of us.  If any of you are feeling a little down with how things are going in your life I strongly recommend that you read the testimony of the Vance family on Jared's blog.

I was deeply saddened this week to find out that Jared returned to his Heavenly Father on Monday.  It broke my heart as I thought of my own children and the day to day struggles we have.  I hope and pray that I can learn to enjoy every moment I have with my own kids.  I also have learned to appreciate the blessings that come from a temple marriage even more than I already did. 

Soccer

These are pictures from Sammy's last soccer game!!!  I was glad when soccer was over...Sammy didn't love it so it was hard to go every week.  She thought she got to throw her shin guards away after the last game!!!  I thought that was pretty funny...it shows you how much she loved soccer.

Joshua's Birthday

Our Little Man Turned 1!!  I can't believe that Josh is already 1.  It seems like the last year has flown by.  He is a happy little guy.  He LOVES his dad during the day and LOVES his mom at night.  I am still trying to figure out how to get him to like his dad at night!!  Josh loves balls and cars.  He is really good at kicking the soccer ball around, teasing his sisters, and giving his mom and dad hugs.  We love this little guy!!

I can finally post!

Our internet has been HORRIBLE lately so I haven't been able to post anything...here goes a month long catch-up!!   By the way...we got high speed internet today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween Costumes

Here they are...I have a BYU Cougar Cheerleader, Snow White, and Mickey Mouse!!

Josh LOVED his first sucker!!

Pumpkin Carving

Friday night (before Halloween) we did the dreaded Pumpkin Carving.  I hate it because it is messy and slimy.  Thankfully, Jeff has always handled the pumpkin carving with the girls.  Now that we have 3, I had to help out a little.  Josh thought it was great...Andrea loved it too...Sammy didn't want to get yucky (Sammy also refused to touch the pumpkin guts at school when they were trying to count pumpkin seeds)!!

Sammy and Andrea with their finished pumpkins.

Josh thought it was fun to put the pumpkin seeds in his mouth and suck on them...I didn't like it but Jeff didn't see a problem with it!!!  I just think it is all a little disgusting!  Josh must have been the winner because he was wearing a triathlon medal the whole time we were doing pumpkins!!

Here I am helping Sammy clean out her pumpkin.

Josh is LOVING it!!

Josh was very serious while trying to scoop out seeds.

Sammy trying to get a few seeds out.

Andrea is trying to help dad.

Kindergarten Halloween Party

Samantha had her Kindergarten Halloween Party the Thursday before Halloween.  She was VERY excited to have the "celebration."  She was also excited because I was going to be in her class the whole day!  I almost didn't get to go because Josh hasn't been feeling well.  Luckily, Jeff came home and watched Josh and Andrea so I could go help in Sammy's class.

Sammy's Class

They did a costume parade on the playground for the parents.  Here is Sammy walking around on the line!  I remember walking all over the school for our costume parade in Elementary.  The kids today don't get to do anything fun!!

Sammy got LOTS of loot at her party!  She LOVED it!!