Be my Eyes

Okay friends, I need your help. I desperately want to buy a dress form woman's small, child or youth size. I'd love to display my dresses on them. I'm hoping to spend less than $50. Hopefully a lot less, but I'm desperate. If any one finds one, please give me a Jingle!

Conference moments

Some of our favorite Conference Moments:

Emily: Sunday Afternoon, Elder Oswald? "The Jump rope talk" & Elder Keith McMullin's talk. (maybe this is my favorite, but she took lots of notes and in her notes she wrote "Crij" or her version of courage.

Josh: Sunday morning, Elder Hales "I like how he whistles when he talks mom." (plus today was my best BIRTHDAY EVER!!!!)

Adam: Stealing crayons from the big kids & eating them. Tearing papers and waving my hands around like a crazy every time the choir sang."

Dan: Priesthood Session, President Uchtdorf

Jen: Saturday Afternoon, Primary Choir & Elder Wirthlin's "Come what may and love it!"
Saturday AM, Elder Oaks' "How to have the Spirit"
Loving that my kids watched 90% of conference Saturday & Sunday because they wanted to

Overall, there were so many talks about triumphing in challenges and letting faith overcome fear. I think the bottom line is: Stuff happens, but lets Be Happier!

My Favorite Book

As a child, one of my favorite books was "Little Black Sambo." I know. It is completely shrouded in controversy I will never understand. To me it was a story about courage, jealousy, triumph and Tiger Pancakes! Does it really get better than that? I loved the exotic colors and styles. I just had to find a copy of my own, but it couldn't be any old copy. I needed a book exaclty like the one I grew up reading. After years of searching for apparently the most rare edition of this story with illustrations by Bonnie & Bill Rutherford, I finally bought my own copy! It doesn't have a cover (sad, I know), but at least it didn't cost $50+ dollars. This afternoon I read it to my kids, who loved all the same things I loved. Tigers melting into butter, bold colors, exotic places, & tiger pancakes

Career Day

Just as a disclaimer- I was really stinky at spirit days last year even though my kids live for them, so I'm really trying this year. Dollars spent= none, just broken toys and a printer. Em is a Vetranarian or a Doctor, depending on the moment. Josh, a Lego Inventor/Creator of course!

Interview

I know, I should have gotten a picture, but I didn't. Last night Josh got all dressed up in his little suit with his scriptures and baptism book in hand. Dan took him to the church so Josh could meet with the bishop for his baptismal interview. I just about cried he looked so sweet. I can't believe he is this big and so excited to be baptized. This is such a great time for him and the family. I can't wait until next week!
(October 11th at 12pm if you're curious)

Engrained

Last night I went the Women's Broadcast with my mom and sisters. It was so nice to get away from all the crazies of life, feel the spirit, and listen to so many inspirational talks. I felt so inspired and will share more on that later. In between my note taking I heard the noises of all the babies in that chapel. The first sound was a giggle just like Adam's. Funny it sounded just like his laugh. Another baby gurgled, I could have sworn it was my spitty man! Others fussed and coo-ed randomly. Each one reminded me of him. I guess that boy has made his mark on me. He is definitley engrained in my heart.

Music to my Ears?

The Primary Program is just around the corner so primary songs are spilling out of our house lately. I'm singing them, the kids sing them, day and night. It's even inspired me to practice a little piano. Now don't get any crazy ideas, my skills are so basic that I'm thrilled when I master a song from the simplified Hymn book. Anyway, as I reached the song "Called to Serve" I reminded Emi that she knew this song from primary. She mumbled over the first verse (nice), but really chimed in on the chorus. It took me only a moment to realize how NOT good of a job I've been doing as music teacher. This is Emi's version of the chorus:

"Awkward, ever Awkward, as we glory in His name..."

Ugh, I need more Sundays to practice.