daddy's work never dissappoints

In so many ways, dad's work has been so good to us. Every now and then they take their employees to the movies. When Corbs and Tay were our only boys, we met daddy for one of those movies (Harry Potter...in case you were wondering). At that moment the boys figured daddy worked at a movie theater. They thought he had the best job ever.

Every year we get to go to his actual building, where he actually has to work, and go trick or treating. This place goes all out for this family activity. It's one of the boy's favorites of the year. They love walking, skipping, and throwing their hands up in the air in downtown Salt Lake. 

Love looking forward to this every year. 

(I wonder if the boys now figure that dad and his co-workers play Halloween-themed games and go from office to office collecting tons of candy all day long?)

we are super and drug-free

It's red ribbon week at school. It's all about super heroes and being super. I think these kids are just that. (but sometimes even super heroes will forget to bring their shoes...)

Today is crazy hair day and it is ca-razy. There are some 
pretty awesome moms that do some pretty amazing things to their kids hair.  This is as crazy as our kids want to get, and I'm totally good with that. Levi had pretty much the same hair style as his brothers when I sent him to school later in the day.

These super heroes have been extra protective and soft with their baby brother. 

A couple of days ago he fell down our whole flight of stairs. It breaks my heart. Justin had taught him how to go down the stairs and our baby has done amazing. Neither of us were right there when he went down. But the moment we heard that terrible noise we were both there in half a second. (I was in the laundry room and Justin was downstairs working). The brothers were there another half second after us. After a good hour of crying, a restless night, and a middle of the night blessing, I took him to the doctor's. The cute lady doing the x-rays was so impressed with our little guy. She said that he was the youngest patient she has ever had to sit so well during an x-ray. He was a trooper. Luckily, no broken bones. The doctor thinks he just got pretty bruised up.

He still whimpers when I pick him up or move him the wrong way, (mainly under his left arm) but he's being super brave.  

Yup, I think these boys are pretty super.

fall break weekend in words

fall break! sanding and painting tv dresser. visiting newest baby cousin. packer cousin halloween party. another cousin animal themed birthday party. daddy makes boys new wooden toys. trying to get home in order. half cheese/half peanut butter sandwich (boys creation). yw lesson on service. daddy wondering why the women at church were in love with our mr rogers baby. levi, mommy, and rudger play in sandbox. some favorite neighbors bring over a plate of marshmallow brownies. halloween bingo,  halloween guessing game, and cuddles on couch reading halloween books to end the long weekend.

"oh how we need general conference!"

Elder Robert D. Hales

"Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened. And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand strong amid the fiery darts of these last days."

Carole M. Stephens

"We all need each other. Sons of God need daughters of God, and daughters of God need sons of God.

We have different gifts and different strengths. First Corinthians chapter 12 emphasizes the need for sons and daughters of God, each one of us, to fulfill our individual roles and responsibilities according to the Lord’s plan, that all may benefit."

President Dieter F. Uchtdort

"Doubt your doubt before you doubt your faith."

President Boyd K. Packer

"Parents today wonder if there is a safe place to raise children. There is a safe place. It is in a gospel-centered home. "

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"A woman’s moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home."

"My plea to women and girls today is to protect and cultivate the moral force that is within you. Preserve that innate virtue and the unique gifts you bring with you into the world."

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen
"I know we each must develop and carry out our own personal game plan to serve with enthusiasm alongside the full-time missionaries—EXCLAMATION POINT!"

And so many more good words from this conference. 

It makes my heart so happy when our children get excited for conference, even if it's because of the crepes, sleeping in tents, m&m's and bingo. I'll take it, because it's the consistency that matters and I'm sure, one day, they'll realize just how much we need general conference!!

Poor guy was trying so hard for so long to get those chocolate chips and anything else his brothers had.

and because I love being a wife and mother so much and because I love this family of mine so intensely, I want to be with them forever! 

Oh how I need general conference!

weekend in words

neighborhood fall party. game night with mandi and jon. really early and last soccer game of the season. thoughts turn to an outstanding man/husband/father who has returned to heaven. home depot run. the beginnings of refinishing our outside table that we inherited from my mom and dad. more prep work on fire pit. daddy goes to stake adult session. mom and boys have movie night. late date night working on other half of the basement (food storage, holiday decorating storage, craft/sewing room, can. not. wait.). one of the best stake conferences ever. afternoon naps. playing games. taking lots of pictures on mom's camera. halloween sweet potato cupcakes. sunday night visit with some family. feeling an excitement for living today and being a small part of hastening the Lord's work.

it's here again

October is here again. Oh, I couldn't be any happier. I'm pretty certain this is one of my favorite months. Mostly because of the kids and how much fun they had last year. We're doing it again, but of course with flexibility. I need that.

Yup, they're pretty excited about it. 

Well, either that OR because it's General Conference this weekend. (Can't wait to hear from our Prophet, apostles, and leaders)

I just wanted to add this picture because this is how Rudger sits these days and I LOVE it. Crazy-haired, adorable little boy.
He woke up this morning to see the fire on for the first time this year. He was mesmerized. It was freezing inside with the snow that was on the ground outside.  

I just love October.