Fall Leaves

Can I just say... I hate raking up leaves! Although through my hate of leaves, I do find joy in watching the kids play in them. Jayden, Mckelsie and some friends played and played in them until after dark. They piled them up and jumped to their hearts content and then did it all over again. I've been finding leaves all over in the house since then!

Halloween Cookies

Halloween Sugar Cookies....

Cooler Weather = Football

Sam and Rebecca

Where's the "Y"?

I scored... and have been able to go to two BYU football games this fall. While not a huge football fan and further not a huge any college fan, there's nothing like going to the actual game. So many people, cheering, music, excitement, popcorn...who could ask for anything more!?! I feel pretty lucky!

Just a Mom....

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations (aka Mom).

I have a continuing program of research,(what mother doesn't)In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)and already have four credits (all daughters).Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.

Does this make grandmothers"Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"And great grandmothers"Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."".

~ author unknown

All Worth It Comments

Mckelsie said to me tonight as we're driving home from an Autism class...

"Mom, if Jayden and I were born in the same year then I wouldn't be alone in the 10's column".

Crazy? She has to be!

Mckelsie's teacher, Lorrie, sent her an email today to let her know she had a great day in school today! In Lorrie's words, "Yipee!"

Getting by with a little help from a friend....

"Just stand for a moment in your yard, when the birdsong quiets, and the smell of the earth breathing reminds you that you are there. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, take in the strength of the all the great men and women that ever shared this breath of life, that stood before you, lessons shared and learned. Slowly turn around, let out that breath nice and slow, and open your eyes and let the sight of life embrace your vision. Think back to the place that you are seeing, and remind yourself that you were once there, way over there on the horizon, and maybe more than once you thought of how hard it would be to get to where you are, but you did, didn't you? You did, let me make this a little clearer, YOU did. Ok maybe with some help on the way, and we all need a little of that, even the almighty had to have a break on the 7th. Think back to the person you were, and all the layers of life you have sculpted over yourself, think of all the laughs and love and smiles and tears that you have shared with Jayden and McKelsie cause no one can ever take those away. The journey maybe not the one that you wanted, but you have to be proud of the way you are travelling it, Beck, pull the sails, feel the wind, and enjoy the thrill of it, cause it is so easy to blink and miss the whole point of it. One thing though, do you want to spend another 6 years in the shade, when you feel best in the warmth of the Sun? Don't let anybody push you back, he may have stalled you in life and timeless of the "then", but you are of the "now", YOUR now and that's a different time altogether."

I received this advice from a really good friend. Good friendships can be hard to find.... Love to all that have helped me through the years of my life. Most often we don't even realize the strength that we offer to others in the little things we say and do.

Thought:

"Turn around and look back to take stock of the distance you have come."

~ author unknown

Favorite Pics from Colorado

Some of my favorites.......

Colorado - Dan and Melanie Fun

Colorado

We were able to go to Grand Junction Colorado and spend a quick overnighter with my friend Melanie and her husband Dan. It was so nice to get away and Melanie and Dan were so gracious with their time. The kids were able to ride Dan's "Three-Wheeled Motocycle" which they didn't stop talking about for days. It is so cool looking, reminds me of a snowmobile. We went to an outdoor carnival/concert where the kids rode a few rides, we all enjoyed good food and listened to Josh Gracin (country music singer) perform. Sunday we were shown some amazing views of Grand Junction....wow...they were simply breathtaking. It had rained that morning and so the red rock was deep in color, beautiful. Some really great pictures!

I took this picture just for the name...

Jayden didn't know his own strength!

Mckelsie, Rebecca, Melanie and Dan.... drinking the hard stuff.

This was the cutest moment ever. Jayden needed a shirt ironed and next thing I know, Dan was teaching Jayden how to do it. Jayden was so excited about learning how to iron that we've ironed 5 shirts since we got back home!

Mckelsie was striking a pose and dancing to the music.

Josh Gracin

Jayden, Melanie and Rebecca

Big Yellow Slide

Dan and Melanie

The Motorcycle

Dan & Mckelsie

How lucky are my kids!

Dan & Jayden

Shark Reef Aquarium in Vegas

I recently went to Las Vegas for a business trip. I know a Shark Reef Aquarium is the last place you'd probably think of going in Vegas, but it was on the way to the conference rooms and I just had to step out for a few minutes and see something new. The Aquarium wasn't all that great but I did get some good pictures. It's always odd to go somewhere like this without my kids but admitably nice to go my own pace and read all the plaques with info on it about each tank.