Halloween Cabin

I know, I will chill on the posts. Last one until Halloween pics of course ;) This week end we had so much fun driving up to Oklahoma for the day to spend it at the Benson's cabin. The kids spent all day Saturday playing with friends, riding horses, painting pumpkins, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, fishing, getting dirty & riding around for a haunted hay ride. It was such a great day and I know the kids remember special days like that where we spend time together as a family. I just LOVE this time of year!!!!

This slide show is some pics one of our friends who is a professional photographer took there. It shows the outside of the cabin and some of the activities up close!

Gossip Girl

Okay time for a little confession session... I am totally addicted and have fallen in love with the CW's "Gossip Girl". Any of you watch this little slice of drama? Ya, this mom of 3 boys who graduated almost 10 years ago loves this teen high school drama that I absolutely relate nothing with (other than the drama itself). Need another guilty pleasure in your life? I would totally suggest then to dive into this addictive show.... really.

XOXO Steph

BTW any one know what a second life is? I guess you can add gossip girl to yours.

Grateful Sunday

Well, today I am grateful for the primary program. Although it was super stressful putting the program together, nothing is as sweet, tender, and pure than the primary program. The kids were super reverent and sang out so loud. You couldn't help but fill the spirit. I am also so grateful that my Mom and Dad were able to be here for the program. It made it extra special for Austin. I always love having them here!!!
I posted a couple of pictures of Austin amidst the primary kids that I used today for the primary video I put together for our sharing time today. We passed out licorice and string cheese and showed the kids a video that encompassed the past year with day camps, primary activities, ward parties, etc. We made sure each child had at least one picture in the video and they loved it! It was so fun to watch with them and hear them say "did you see me?" Altogether it was a wonderful day and I am so grateful I get to serve these incredible children that will be the future leaders of this church. I seriously learn SO much from them.

Grateful Sunday

I feel bad for slacking off on my grateful Sunday posts. Because honestly there are so many things I have to be grateful for in my life. With a review of this last week I thought I would share some of the things I am grateful for that are fresh on my mind.

Visiting Teaching:

On Thursday I was in a play for the Visiting Teaching Conference. It was really an amazing night. I felt the spirit strong and was reminded how important visiting teaching is and the difference it can make in the lives of the women of the church. I am grateful for visiting teaching. The opportunity it gives me to meet incredible women I might not otherwise get to know and I just think how much I might have missed out on by not knowing these amazing women. It is inspired and one more reason to seriously know the church is so stinkin' true...

Next I am so grateful for Dave (and good friends). Dave had a birthday on Friday and two of his buddies flew in from AZ Dave McArthur & Nate Flake. He has had so much fun with them. Dave is has a way about him that those who are close to him stay that way forever regardless of how much time passes. He has so many wonderful friends and I know that so many people love him because he really is a true and good friend. I know this first hand because he truly is my best friend. Love you babe...

Here are some pics of us at the air show this week end with Dave's buddies Nate & Dave M.

Vegas baby...

Feels like Fall.....

Well, I LOVE Fall. The weather begins to change along with the color of leaves on the trees. The pumpkins come out and Halloween decorations fill our house. Below are some fun Fall things we have done so far...

The Pumpkin Patch

Every year we hit the pumpkin patches in Flower Mound a million times. There are so many to choose from with rides and trains, bounce houses and pony rides. My kids get excited every year to go. Here are some pics from our first trip there this Fall.

Decorating

Every holiday the decorations come out and so do the homemade pillow cases. What you say? pillow cases? Well, part of decorating for each holiday includes pillow cases that my kids get to sleep on. My kids have LOVED this and are reminded of the exciting holiday that is coming up every night while they go to sleep. I know this may sound silly, but honestly they totally look forward to it. Each pillow case takes about 5 minutes to sew and costs about $1. You can't beat it! We have pillow cases for every holiday including back to school & a happy birthday one. Just an idea....

Blakey Singing Star Wars Theme

So we were recording Blake singing (which he seriously LOVES to do) while we were driving in the car. I kind of laugh because I think of the movies where the fake background is moving when they are driving but this one is real. Anyway, he totally started singing the Star Wars theme along with Dave and Chase. Since then he has totally perfected it and sings it unsolicited all of the time. Although every time we pull out the camera out to try to catch it he stops. No surprise there... So here is Blakey singing his little one-year-old heart out :)

P.S. I can't help but mention...wasn't Conference awesome??!!

Everybody's doing it....

Well, I know this about myself... I am one who is heavily influenced by the people that surround me. That being said I have noticed a trend of people going "private" and have made the choice to follow. I have teetered back and forth on this one for awhile and have decided to take the plunge. So lurkers, frequents, & faithfuls I urge you to leave your email addresses so I can add you to my list :) I would hate for you to miss out on the never ending fun that happens in my family circus.

Lots of love,
SF (AKA friend, mom, aunt, phenelb, Hey you, and sometimes...Steph)