Halloween 2011

Some of these pictures are a little scary...not that the costumes are scary, but it's a shame these kids still think they need to go trick-or-treating! My kids will always be kids at heart, so that means that they will probably ALWAYS dress up for Halloween. It's kind of like Michaela said tonight..."at least we're not out partying!" Point taken...
Here's Colton, Tibi (really), Landon, and Michaela
In character...

Nana brought her kids over too. I love it when all the "family" kids come over. They asked what I was dressed up as...I told them I was a grandmother tonight. They just kind of looked at me...

Every year after trick-or-treating, Tibi and Michaela insist on unloading their stash of candy and sorting it out for the annual picture. Then Tibi turns into a monster and becomes the "ruthless trader" - oh my goodness, you'd better hold onto your candy or you might notice some of it gone!

Even Amar'e got into the spirit of the night. He made the cutest mummy...(see, there I am dressed up as a grandmother!)

Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes...

It's official...I've been released from my stake calling. As much as I needed this to happen in my life, I will miss it terribly. We have had such wonderful opportunities to not only work with the women of the stake, but to also feed missionaries at Zone Conferences, do humanitarian work, and have a successful Day of Service this last year - among many other things. I have been blessed with two sets of wonderful counselors throughout my nearly four years there. But now I can pass the torch on to an incredible woman who will love the sisters as much as I did - and do, and will help keep the fire burning within our stake. So, thank you, my sisters. You have touched my life. I will miss you. Now it's back to studying for Seminary, and wearing a different pair of shoes. It's not that easy wearing two different pairs at one time...

Homecoming 2011

Okay...yes, I'm still alive, although my life has been a little crazy lately. They called me to teach early morning Seminary this year, and let's just say that I have to schedule all other things in my day around it. I LOVE Seminary, and I have great kids, it just takes a lot of time. With that said, here are some of the pictures that Kevin and Michaela took for Homecoming Week. This, of course, was "Nerd Day" (my kids have to TRY to look nerdy, thank heavens :) They actually look pretty good! I think Landon looks a lot like his cousin, Kurtis, in these pictures. (Not in a nerdy way, of course!)
Classic...

Saturday night was the dance with their dates, after a day of frolicking outside on four-wheelers and dutch-ovening. I was in California visiting my parents and sister for the weekend, after being kidnapped by my two Utah sisters. It was nice to have a getaway, but I ended up missing yet another Homecoming/Prom of one of my kids. They just have them without me...
Here's Dirk Frehner and Rachel Dalley and Landon and Mady Messer, Tibi's best friend!

Colton and Tibi looking good...

Our valley is blessed with talented women that can take a strapless dress and turn it into a fairly modest gown. Thank you Debbie!!

The braces come off in weeks...too bad the dance wasn't scheduled later. At least they will be off for senior pictures.