I been outside shoveling snow FOUR times today!! It just never stopped. David and Luke shoveled this morning at 7 before school, and when I went out at 8 I couldn't even tell they had shoveled. . . . 
after preschool, Mia came out to help on my 4th round of shoveling. . . .isn't she cute??
I was able to attend my Aunt Diane's "graduation" from this life last Friday afternoon. Her "sweatheart" husband, my Uncle Mack didn't want to call it a funeral, but a graduation. . .. she is moving on to something better. She is an amazing woman and a great example of enduring to the end. I have great memories of visits at her home, learning my family history from her. . . . She helped me know who I am and the heritage I have. It was a great service, celebrating her life. It made me want to be a better person. . .
My Mom and Dad were not able to attend, due to being on their mission in Germany, so I was the only one there to represent my Mom for her sister. My Uncle Bob was there with my Aunt Corene. He gave a really nice talk about Diane's early years. His daughter, my cousin, Janet was also there with Corene's sweet little mom, Barbara. My Aunt Sherry and her husband, Uncle Jeff, are also out on a mission, so my cousing Stephenie was there for her mom, with her husband, Andy.
My Uncle Mack, spoke words of Graditude at the dedication of the grave. Very hearfelt and sweet. He also talked about when they picked out the casket a few years ag0, and how he felt it was just perfect for her.
I actually really enjoyed being at the funeral, reuniting with some family, visiting, and hearing a little about Diane's life. I couldn't help but think that if she was there in life,he would be walking around, introducing me to all her wonderful grandkids, children, and in-laws. I didn't know her kids very well, but I remember her talking about them, showing me pictures of them, and how much she loved them all and how proud she was of all of them. I could tell from each of them how much they love and will miss her. She is a great example to me.
I am amazed at the things that Mia comes home from preschool knowing. I must be a lazy mom that I haven't worked on these things with her much at home. I do work on certain things with her, but recently she is taking it all in and remembering.
Today she came home reciting our home phone number! I know this is a good thing for the kids to know, but I actually never would have thought to teach my four year old. I guess they are capable of learning a lot more than I realized.
Some other things she is learning:
Aa= "angry A"
Bb= "bubbly B"
Cc= "copycat C"
Dd= "dancing D"
Ee= "egghead E"
Ff= "funny f"
Gg= "giggly G"
Today she said they started to learn H. It is quite cute when I ask her a letter, she doesn't just say the letter, but says the little name with it as well. So "A" can't just be called A. .. it is "Angry A"!
I am so proud of her. She is doing so much better at preschool. She still doesn't talk really, but the crying stopped weeks ago, and her teacher said she is interacting with the girls durning play time (still not really talking, but she will make horse sounds etc. while they play horses), and she will mouth certain words to songs and sound of letters.
I just wanted to praise her for all of her progression! She has come a long way from almost getting kicked out of the class just a few weeks ago. ..I love you MIA!
After taking the girls to supercuts, I called up the lady that cuts my hair for a little trim up for me as well. This horrible picture of me is a self portrait. .. .you wouldn't believe how many shots I took before I got one that was even half decent. Who knew that taking a picture of yourself is so hard?? On another note. . . .Luke's first report card for Jr High came in the mail today. Straight A's! I know it isn't that hard to get a 4.0 at this stage, but I am still proud of him for getting it done! 
Kennedy and David went to a Daddy/Daughter Halloween party this afternoon. Here they are all ready to go!
I am the room mom for Kennedy's 4th grade class. (And I am asking myself why I volunteered !) This Thursday is their class Halloween party, and I am supposed to come up with ideas for games to entertain the kids in her class. I am getting 4 parents to come in and run different stations that we will rotate through, each one a different game or activity. One of the parents I called said she would come up with her own idea. . . .all the rest were willing to come help, but didn't want to come up with the activity. So I am wondering if anyone of you have any great ideas for a Halloween party game at school??
We had a long weekend last week because of UEA here in Utah, so we decided to head to St George to check on Mom and Dad's house and have a little get away. We spent two of the days going to Zions National Park and enjoying the beautiful scenery there. The weather was perfect, and the scenerey fantastic. 
We drove up through the tunnel, which is a mile long. And the kids enjoyed taking the shuttle throughout the park. 
After a couple of relaxing days to ourself, David's brother, Jeff and his family came to spend the last couple days with us. . . and what did we do??. . . well we decided to head right back to Zions for a hike. . . . and not just any hike. . . Angels Landing of all hikes. With the kids. Crazy.
It was so beautiful. Just breathtaking. . . in more ways than one. This hike was not easy. .. and all the kids made it!!
For those of you who have done this hike. . you know how terrifying the last part of the hike is. We didn't take the little kids on this part. Windsor fell asleep in Eliza's arms while the older boys finished the last part of the hike. I have to say, that David took Elizabeth to the very top of angels landing. . .. I can't believe it myself. She was a trooper. .. all the kids were. I started the last part, but was too terrified to do this with my kids. . . I will have to go back with out children and complete the hike another time. It was still amazing.
We had a great get away. We came home Sunday afternoon . . .back to reality.
Check this out Just a little something that my brother in law shared on facebook. Pretty funny, I thought.
Well, Mia might be getting kicked out of preschool!
I had talked to teacher before the year started about her little issue with talking to others. . . those of you that know her, are well aware that she won't talk around people, even people she knows and is comfortable with like her grandparents. We didn't think it would be a problem at school. Her teacher said that she has had other children that won't talk and that they gradually open up. I was hoping this would be the case. But Mia has to take it to the next level. . . . not only will she not talk, but she has been crying in class. One day I came to pick her up and she had been crying because she had to go to the bathroom and wouldn't tell her teacher why she was crying. Her teacher finally figured it out after playing chirades (sp?). I picked her up last Friday and she had started crying during lesson time because she didn't want to do the lesson, and then she gets all the other kids upset and worked up as well. If she doesn't stop this behaviour, she won't be able to go any more. It isn't the end of the world, and I can always hold her back a year and start her a year later in Kindergarten since she has a late August birthday anyway. But I am not sure what to do with her. I called and talked to Shareen and she did a little research for me and said that in a lot of cases the behaviour doesn't correct on it's own. David of course thinks she is just fine and that I am worrying about nothing. Should I just give her some more time. . . or is it time to do something about her behavior??***Update: Mia did great at preschool on Monday. No crying, at least. So she hasn't been kicked out! But I did talk to a counselor at the elementary school and have Mia set up to take a couple of tests. She may qualify for some special programs that will help her overcome her "selective mutism"
This month seems to be blowing by so fast and I am trying to think of where the time has been going?!? Here is a little of what has been happening in our lives.
Elizabeth celebrated a birthday on Sept 12. She turned 7. . . .we we celebrated in style! What did we do, you ask??. . .
We headed to the mall for some serious shopping!! Elizabeth mainly got money this year, and we didn't have a party for her so we went and spent it! We found some great deals. My kids are learning the art of shopping on a budget from their Mom!! I have to pass the skills on, you know! Here she is with all her "loot". She got a bit of everything a little girl could want. Clothes, toys, shoes, pjs, a movie. .. . She looks so cute in all her new outfits. And we got them all on sale, plus extra % off at the register. She did good!
Of course we finished the day with a birthday cake just for her. Isn't she cute ready to blow out her candles? 
I have also been busy with the daily grind of life. I get up, get the kids to school, try to exercise, a LOT of errands (our business has been REALLY busy), housework, etc etc. I have been trying to read a bit lately in all my "spare time". . . . 
Lots of soccer and football games for the kids. Kennedy and Elizabeth finish up their games tonight. They have done really well. Kennedy had a sweet penalty kick in a game a couple weeks ago, and Elizabeth has scored two goals this year. Her coach is trying to teach them positions and Elizabeth doesn't like being "reined" in when she gets put on defense! Kennedy does a great job as well. Luke's football team has had a rough year. His games continue into October. They have won one game. . . but that is it. We keep telling him it is a good learning experience for him. He continues to get better. His last game he blocked two PAT's!
I have tried to get out in the morning and exercise. Jogging, or walking, bike riding. Mia especially enjoys the bike ridingl. The picture in the middle was taken my Mia sitting in the trailer on one of our rides. I didn't know she had taken it. 
School started this week. Kennedy is off to 4th grade, Elizabeth is in 1st, and Luke is in 7th grade! Do I really have a 7th grader?? Unbelievable.
All ready for class to start.
I found a great deal on a few plants at home depot, so got a few to start beautifying the yard!
And poor Mia was sick on Friday. She was using the infamous "throw-up bowl". I used this as a kid when I was sick and a few years ago when we were in Seattle our girls were sick so the bowl came home with us. So we now have the bowl for my kids to use. .. isn't that special??
On Thursday night we went to this street fair and realy loved it. The girls found (with David's help of course) these bracelets with cools bugs in them. We also took some family picture this night. Shareen was kind enough to play photographer for us. . .. some of those picture are in the earlier post. I am quite pleased with how they turned out. Not bad for my little camera!
Of course we had plenty of beach time. We love going to the beach. I am so glad the Mike and Shareen are willing to put up with us every year when we come!!
I was able to pick up my niece, Katie, and her good friend, Ashleigh from the airport on Sunday afternoon. They spent the afternoon entertaining the girls. . . watching disney movies, fixing hair, nails, going to the park. I wish I had them around more often! Not only did my girls love them, but they were great to have around. Pleasant, appreciative. . .and did I mention they entertained and played with my girls all day??
Katie and Ashleigh in their cute matching shirts!
Kennedy sporting her braids. . . . she loves them!
Elizabeths' hair do. . . twists and pony tail.
Not sure why this is sideways, but Mia and her french braids.
I got Katie and Ashleigh off to EFY this morning. Those check in lines are rediculous! So long and it is soo hot out! But they made it and here they are ready for a fun week. The dorms seem a bit old, but I am sure they will have a great time.
Kennedy also had a dentist appointment today. She was a trooper. She had to have a tooth pulled and another one had a cavity. . . .I miss being able to see Kurt for these! But she was so calm and such a great patient. Hopefully she won't have any more toothaches now. She has been a little miserable for a while now.
Most of you know that July 24th is Pioneer Day here in Utah. . .and we celebrate when the pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley. It is a state holiday and we celebrate in style.
Earlier in the week, the girls were able to participate in the children's parade here in Spanish Fork. All the different wards in the area have floats that the kids get to ride on or march by. The girls loved being a part of that, and it was a first for us. . .. but it is a huge tradition around here. 
Here are Kennedy and Elizabeth after the parade was done, showing off their red, white, and blue, and also their "support our troops" ribbons. Sitting beside them are a couple of our new neighbors that the kids pal around with.
Luke celebrated like a true pioneer by going on a Pioneer Trek in Wyoming this week. He got up bright and early Monday morning (5 am) to load the buses for his fun adventure. Here he is before he left on Monday. I was lucky that David was kind enough to get up and drive him to Springville that early. Luke went with our old stake and had a great time. I asked him what his favorite part was, and he said the bus ride there and back!! So I am not sure if he caught on to the pioneer spirit! 
Our Children's Parade entry placed third, so we were able to be a part of the "Grand Parade" today. So the girls were very excited to be a part of the big parade. They are intently listening to instructions here in this picture. .. really they were very happy. David actually came out for the parade to see the girls, and any one who knows him knows that this is a big deal. . . . he HATES parades. He would rather go dig a ditch or get a root canal than watch a parade. But is was fun seeing their cute, smiling faces waving at us. 
