my early birthday at Frightmares

Jake and I felt like teenagers again, running around Lagoon's Frightmares for my birthday on Saturday.  We hit all the big rides, some more than once, and even the small rides for nostalgia sake.  Our favorite was Wicked.  AND you would be so proud of me, I WENT THROUGH A HAUNTED HOUSE!  I don't think I've done anything scary since I was 11.  Chalk that one up for a birthday to be proud of.  It might have helped to have my husband with me, the one who understands the most how much of a scaredee cat I really am, to get me through a kid friendly haunt.  But one was enough. 

We stayed until the park closed, but not until we got our park treats--a churro and an icee.  Our feet hurt and our necks sore but it was the funnest night.  I love being able to play with Jake because he's basically a teenager at heart.  He makes everything fun.  Thanks for another fun birthday!

vineyard pumpkin patch

 

We were sick the past two weeks, and Myer even missed his Preschool's Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch, so we took advantage of the weekend (and healthy babies) and got us some pumpkins.  We walked through the corn maze, played with the farm animals, rode down slides, and then bought our family pumpkins.  It was so good to get out of the house and into the fall air.  I feel like I missed so much of October being cooped up inside for 14 days (yes I counted).  Now I feel ready for Halloween. Thanks little pumpkin patch for getting us back into the Halloween spirit!

a letter {to lennon}

Lennon-

You're officially 13 months (do we still count months?  Or can I just call you my 1 year old?)  In all seriousness, I'm glad I have these month to month letters.  I've been reading Myer's when he was a baby to remind me of milestones, so I look forward to reading yours.  Let's break out the list!

-You are still attached to my hip.  I can't be anywhere without you right there, hanging on my pant leg.  You've also figured out that I leave a few nights a week for work and mutual, so when Dad gets home you don't let go of me.  When I get ready in the morning, you're right there, in the bathroom pulling out everything out of cupboards and drawers.  Then back to my leg.  So I don't take longer than 10 minutes to get ready.  Forget showers!

-You love to play around on beds.  I can't really call it wrestling because you're too precious for that.  You just like to roll around and lay there.  And sigh.  You love Myer's bed the best, espcially when Myer piles on all the stuffed animals.

-Speaking of stuffed animals, those are your favorite toys.  You like to cuddle and hold them.  You also like to put small things in containers like Kleenex boxes, bottles, and buckets.  I can keep you entertained for a constant 10 minutes with an empty bucket and toys. That's when I get ready for the day.

-Your babble is high-pitched and always in the form of a question.  It's got a lot of "da-gulp, gulps" in it as well.  I think you only speak words you know if they are perfect.  So the words you say are "Hi", "Dadda", "Bye bye", "Momma", "Puppy?", and "Baby?".  And they are very clear.  We are still only signing a few words.  Need to work on that more.

-Still not walking which is just fine.  You can sit down and stand up all by yourself, but when it comes to taking a step by yourself, you just get back down to crawling.  I don't mind.  Let's not push that independent/mobility factor just yet.

It makes me smile every day just how YOU are.  You are completely your own personality, look, and manner.  I never thought I'd have a red head and a brunette as my own children, and as just as diverse as your hair colors are, so are your personalities.  You are cuddly, sweet, and happy but also determined, active, and social.  My sweet girl, I love you so much.  We have a special bond that I hope lasts us through it all.  I savor our cuddles and it secretly makes me so so so happy you want me over everyone else.  Don't stop.  Ever.

Love, Mom

Reception at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts

 

Over the weekend we attended a wedding and reception at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.  In between the events we were able to roam the Museum at no charge.  There was so much to see.  The plaques on the wall describing each work was interpreted for us by Myer.  They went a little like this, "Heavenly Father, please bless Cooper on a mission to the Philippines.  Please bless us to have fun at the reception.  And that we can be nice.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."  I liked his version, much more spiritual.  So it was an all around enriching night.

Lennon's 1 year pictures

photography by Stolen Moments Photography

it's that time of year again-- LDS Conference

We ate, we sat, we watched, and we came away feeling so uplifted.  Granted we couldn't listen as well as we liked with two little kids overrunning the family room, but we could definitely feel the spirit in our home.  That's what I look forward to the most--the feeling in our home when we hear prophets speak from God.  Their messages are always so relate-able, current, sincere, and full of truth.  Today I feel much more able in conquering motherhood, my spiritual well-being, the hectic world around me, finances, missionary work in our neighborhood, and being a daughter of God.  Conference is my spiritual reboot every 6 months.  I'm so grateful.

Elder Thacker Update-- Out of the MTC!

Elder Thacker left the MTC and is now in his mission field.  Here is an expert from his letter:

"Things just got real.  We fit 11 into a 7 person car and drove to the AP's apartments.  Which I was told was nice, but wowzers, we opened the gates and saw concrete, bugs, lizards, and a messy apartment.  So I spent my first night without AC and became best friends with the fan!  All of my batch mates had the upstairs and I had my first bucket shower.  Refreshing.  It's a bit tricky."

"Then we set out to our zone on a Jeepnee and arrived in Cambling, then took a trike to the middle of nowhere and arrived in Pangdangan!  I looked around and saw our home.  I was in shock.  It was just a concrete house with 2 rooms and a bathroom.  Walking in with a smile on my face and set my bags down, planned, and went to work!'

"The last couple of days have been quite the adventure.  In describing where we live I'll just mention a few things for the sake of time.  Just imagine chickens, goats, cows, and dogs everywhere in extremely humble circumstances.  Everyone is happy and friendly though!  My tagalog is starting to improve but the process is painfully slow.  We had a lot of lessons to all sorts of people.  But...wait for it...we had a baptism this week! Brother Jerico (pictured above)  I was able to baptize him! And that was an incredible experience!"

I just love these weekly letters.  I can't imagine learning a language and moving to a country all within two months.  My brother is my new hero.  It's special to see him dressed in white next to a convert.  I hope for many more!  Love you Elder!!