Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sunday around here...

today:
Dave conducted sacrament meeting and bore his testimony.
I survived sacrament meeting (you know, 4 kids by myself)
I led music time with the nurseries and I'm in love with the kids and this calling.
I did a little impromptu photo shoot with my little ones. (see below)
I made chocolate chip pancakes.
Zac played the piano and filled our home with Christmas.
Josh collected Fast offerings.
Dave and I spoke at Priesthood Preview.
Zac had Priesthood Preview.
Dave practiced piano with Ashley.
I snuggled Luke until he fell asleep.
I started reading Ashley "Charlotte's Web".
Today was a good day.












Thursday, November 4, 2010

Awesome Zac

I came across this paper the other day...
It made me happy!
So, so happy!!!

As a mother, I think a positive self esteem is one of THE most important things I want to instill in my children.

President James E. Faust, in a talk on the subject, said this:

"It (self esteem) is born of inner peace and strength.

Self-esteem goes to the very heart of our personal growth and accomplishment. It is the glue that holds together our self-reliance, our self-control, our self-approval or disapproval and keeps all self-defense mechanisms secure. It is a protection against excessive self-deception, self-distrust, self-reproach, and plain old-fashioned selfishness.
"

I love this boy.
He really and truly is an awesome kid!
He is kind. Generous. Helpful. Patient. Loving. Hard working. An Excellent student. A math wiz. A talented pianist. A great soccer player. He has a thirst for knowledge. He has a quick wit and a funny sense of humor. He has a soft heart and a strong desire to make good choices.

So in one word....
AWESOME!
Yes, "Awesome Zac" is very fitting.


This reminded me that I never did a post about Zac's 11th birthday!

In keeping with tradition, we celebrated Zac's birthday with an overnight stay at a fun resort.
He chose the Arizona Grand and we did indeed have a GRAND time!

We enjoyed a yummy dinner at Rustler's Rooste.
A fun, cowboy steakhouse with a slide entrance, beautiful views of the valley,
and a live band and dance floor.

They brought a pail of cotton candy to the birthday boy.
self portraits
special birthday hat




This picture makes me laugh...
See Luke's mouth being covered so he doesn't blow out the candles?
Oh and Amber B. -- Zac requested Oreo Brownies for his birthday cake :)





The kids and I stayed all day long and played, and played, and played some more. I didn't get very many pictures though because Dave had to leave early that morning so I was flying solo.
(He was invited to attend a special meeting for bishops and stake presidents with Elder Neal L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was pretty excited and thought it was really neat. Bummer about the timing though, because we missed him.)
I love you
AWESOME Zac!!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Happy Halloween - 2010

We had a great Halloween! Since Halloween was on Sunday, our ward had a super fun Chili Cook-Off/Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday. The youth helped run the games inside, like a cake walk, bean bag toss, bowling, golf... which is where my big boys were most of the evening. The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time.

Ashley Grace: The Butterfly


Luke: Buzz Lightyear



(this costume used to be Zac's)






To Infinity....
And Beyond!!!






The Round-Up Gang

Zac did an awesome job carving his pumpkin all by himself!