10.11.2014 - neighborhood fall party with too many pictures

^^ we planted a maple just like this one. I'm excited. ^^

We had a new family move into the neighborhood within the year. They hadn't realized they had moved into the neighborhood party planning house. The first day we met them, Justin let them know that they were now in charge of all parties. Not sure if she knew Justin was teasing, but she listened, and then she outdid herself. It was a fun party. 

Hands down, the winner of the night. (at least for our kids) Bobbing for Apples. It was hilarious.

^^ I love that Taylor finally just bit the stem to get it out. ^^

Rudger was like, 'dude, what ARE you guys doing? Why don't you just grab the apple with your hands?' Then he tried to grab one, I pulled him back and he cried.

 Then we gave it to him and he was happy.

Seriously, they loved it. They kept coming back to it throughout the evening. My favorite was watching them watch each other.

Yes, good times were had.

We ended the evening having a little fun at the photo booth.

^^ seriously, those faces ^^

 ^^ and those ^^

 

I just love this man, and I love that he put the new family in charge, because secretly, I know he loves coming to these parties.

10.12.2014 - sunday evening favorites

^^ I just love how excited Rudger is about The Friend. ^^

Sunday evenings are one of my favorites. (especially now that we get out of church at noon)  Favorite things about the night:

+ eating chocolate chip cookies
+ playing card games
+ afternoon nap
+ homemade rolls
+ laughing at daddy telling Halloween jokes
+ and the highlight: boys cuddled around while we read Halloween stories

  

signs of autumn around the yard

The past few weeks when we walk around the yard we have seen lots of fall. It makes me happy. 

We loved watching our pumpkins grow this year. We grew a big pumpkin, regular sized pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and white pumpkins. 

Happy Fall! And now that the weather is just a little chillier, we broke out the supply of hot chocolate.

oct.2014 general conference

This weekend was just what I needed. When 4:00 on Sunday afternoon rolled around, I felt a bit of sadness. I guess that is a good thing - I didn't want to be done listening to the prophet and apostles.

The boys spent Friday night sleeping in their tents. Saturday -  going between listening and playing. Sunday -  playing Conference bingo, building Conference scenes with legos, and listening to some of the stories given in talks. We also enjoyed plenty of food. Saturday - cinnamon rolls, picnic lunch, pizza and ice cream. Sunday - breakfast casserole and leftovers.

This year, to prepare myself for Conference, I enjoyed listening to several of the apostles and their wives on Conversations via the Mormon Channel. I loved learning more about them and how their lives were with young children at home. 

I also listened to this episode. On there, it was mentioned that  instead of having a New Year's Resolution, have a Conference Resolution. Set a goal and work on it for the next six months.  There were several talks that spoke to me, there were things I wanted and needed to hear, but as a family we noticed Richard G. Scott's talk - fundamental habits. 

We have done well at several of these, but sometimes I think we could have more diligence, more preparation, and more respect towards these things that matter most. How grateful I am for the simplicity of the gospel and for the focus on having more joy in families and in this life.

* I just loved the focus on loving and supporting our Prophet!

now that's love

When we moved into our home three years ago, there were a few things I did not love about the house. But there wasn't anything I disliked more than the color on the walls. Blah. Justin, on the other hand really didn't mind the color at all. Three years later, I somehow convinced him that it needed to change. And not just the paint, but to add some character as well. He has spent hours these past few weeks making that change happen. He spent that time making our home how I would like it because he knew it would make me happy. Seriously, that's love.

We were going to go for a warm gray throughout the home, but thanks to my wise sister (who is always my go to when it comes to home projects) and her talented friend, they convinced me to go bold. Go for color. I am still a little shocked that Justin loves it. 

When Levi saw me painting the wainscoting white, he told me, 
"Mom, stop painting everything in our home white. Why can't you paint it black!"
But when he saw the blue go on. We had his full approval. 

 ^^ Justin built this awesome ladder extension. This way the ladder wasn't leaning against the wall while painting. No worries, I was completely safe. I only look super awkward because I was 8 feet off the ground. ^^ 

Still so weird walking into the family room and seeing this, but I am not missing that orange beige wall one bit.

 Now Justin is building a new desk with drawers and a cabinet for our computer area. Seriously, it's love I tell ya. 

8.23.2014 - havenwood days

Every summer (at least for that past three summers) right before school starts, we plan on our neighborhood Havenwood Days. Some pretty awesome party planners know how to do this right. There was cotton candy, games, a train ride, a dunking booth, a water slide, face painting, salsa contest, marshmallows, and a movie outside. Yes, some serious party planners.  
Last year's weather was a whole lot different than this years. Which made all of us very happy! 

^^ Justin totally got pressured into doing the pie eating contest. I love that! The guy in the red transformer shirt, that's our bishop. The guy next to him, 2nd counselor. Also pictured - the elder's quorum president, young mens president, executive secretary. Pretty cool leaders we've got ^^

^^ I also love that Justin went down the slide, in his regular clothes. That is a serious splash ^^   

^^ Perfect ending to a full evening ^^

8.16.2014 - face painting, lunch, jump houses, and spiderman at daddy's work party plus crafts with grandpa

 I'll just let the title and pictures tell you about one of the last Saturdays before summer ended. It was fun. My favorite was when we visited Grandma and Grandpa Morris. Grandpa made bracelets with the boys. I love moments like that.

 ^^ I seriously love this picture ^^

^^ and this one ^^

^^ this one too ^^