Forgotten Treasure!

I have been going through stuff, ya know, decluttering.
Well, I came across this wonderful gem!  I love it!
It completely made my day!

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My Prize

Went to the doctor today, and this is what I got, in lieu of a sucker or sticker.  A new faucet is SO much better than a  sucker. Pin It

Preview Halloween 2014

 Costumes in the making.  The girls wanted to try their costumes on to see how they fit.  I'm excited about how they turned out.  And that the weather was warm enough for the Elsa dress.
Delta decided shew anted to be Anna, and Emma wanted to be Elsa.

Made the snowflake hair pieces for Emma's costume.  I wanted it to be something that would be fun, but not "out there".  So I found some clear snowflakes and glued them on bobby pins with jewelry glue.  They turned out really cute! Pin It

FHE {Handling Anger}

Julia came home today and had a MARVELOUS! activity for Family Home Evening tonight.

Great way to help everyone learn how to handle upsetting situations.

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Night Swimming

Last night we went swimming. The kids had a blast! I didn't swim, but watched them and read my book (The Shadow Throne, the final book in The Ascendance Trilogy).
My favorite time was when they went outside and swam in the dark.  It looks so amazing with the lights under the water.
Tony is a great dad. He loves to swim with them,  and teach them techniques and strokes. He also plays with them. It's fun to watch.

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Ogden Temple Open House

We went to the Ogden Temple open house.  It was great, and busy. Mimi and Papa were working there as ushers, so that is why we picked this day.

 We spent a lot of time standing.  It was slow going.

        The girls asked why the temple has so many flowers. 

They asked if it was to make the temple more beautiful, or to make is smell better.

We decided we would have our picture by the fountain.

Of course the girls were the only ones who would stand in front of the Christus.

After we were at the temple for 2 and a half hours, we decided to go eat dinner at Lucky Slice Pizza.

They didn't hand out cookies like at the Brigham Temple open house, so we went and bought some sugar cookies and muffins for Sunday breakfast.

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Canoeing {Unplugged}

Thursday we went canoeing at Hyrum Dam. It was quite fun.  Also hard work.  My arms are quite tired. Jayden and I did most of the paddling.  But the girls took turns and did quite well. 
We went to the other side to see what birds were there on the bank.

Katia,  Delta,  and Emma played and swam in the lake.  

It was definitely a great day!

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Teaching Our Children to Work Pt 4 (aka Patience)

So, I have been lucky enough to learn patience from the Master!
Sir Spoil Her-Highness is so patient that he yells maybe twice a year.
Yes, he is an amazing father and husband. Last night everyone kept wanting help with making their hamburger just like his.  Had that been me, I would have said, "Wait until I eat, then I'll make you one."  But he just helps and smiles with a sigh.
Anyway, some of what I have learned/changed in the past 12 years include:
Letting it go.  Not the song, but the, It's okay if the front room isn't perfect, or the bathroom still isn't clean even though they have been in there for over 3 hours. 
Some things I have noticed and learned from this amazing man:
It is okay to bring in the rear.  It's fine to be last in the line of cars, or when hiking, or whatever.
Sometimes this is hard for me.  Especially when I hear, "We beat you." "We are the fastest." or "We did it first."  But after seeing how Tony is always making sure everyone has what they need, or knows we are right behind them, so everything is okay. That is the roll he likes to play. 
When he went on the 50 miler with the scouts, he was the one who was with the slowest boy.  He motivated them.  He kept them going. 
This is the role I have started playing.  Asking, "Is everything okay?"  "What can I do for you?"  When I think of it as service, then it is easier when I hear those statements.
I use this when housecleaning with the kids.  I don't worry about perfection.  I don't worry about who does the most work.  Sooner or later it all becomes even.  And soon they will be old enough that they won't want me to help them.  It will be worth it.  Pin It

Ward Shin Dig at the Splash Pad

After a long day of getting the house cleaned and ready for the surprise company, it was great to go to the ward activity with the kids.  I loved being able to visit with adults and just sit and relax. Thanks to the Relief Society Presidency for putting this on.

 

Delta

The girls were using their towels as wings and playing faeries.

Kathryn C and Katia eating watermelon.

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Unplugged Pt 3 Car Wash

One of the things the kids can do to ear a brag tag is wash the car.
We decided to wash the car and suburban and invite over the cousins to help.  It was sure fun.  They did a great job.

Jayden, Tennielle, Katia, Samantha, Emma, Delta, Autumn, Kaylee

Had to wash the little car, too

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Pioneer Day

Pioneer day is always a great day. I love that I can spend time with the family, while honoring our ancestors.  This year I finally made the girls their dresses.  THE DAY BEFORE!  Yes, I'm a crazy person.  Jayden was a bit upset about being away from the internet all day, but he ended up having fun.
Each year (starting 4 years ago) we are in the parade.  Grandma Anna and Bompa were always in the parade, so we decided to keep the tradition going.
Last year I made the aprons and bonnets. The dresses I was trying to make, the bodice was so intense. So I decided to make it into a peasant top.  That seemed to do the trick.
I let them wear the dresses to church on Sunday, as well.

John Hardin is an ancestor of Tony's.

Jayden

Delta

The fire dept always has their hose on.  A great way to cool off after walking in the parade.

Emma

Delta

 After the parade, there is always a carnival at the park.

Delta dancing with Daddy

Delta was in the sketch club this year.  I only signed up one of the kids when I heard how full the classes were.  This made Emma quite sad,  but I told her she would get to do it next year.

Delta and her art work

Relaxing a bit before heading to the play

We went to see the "Widow's Lazy Daughter" put on by Steve and Mary Sharp, along with members of the community. Pin It