Keepers

Did you know that Sommer gets herself up each morning at 6:45, has breakfast, gets ready and off she goes without any help from her parents? I want you to know though, I am totally there if she needs me. I am totally awake, lying in my bed (not asleep...though it may appear as if), ready to spring out of my warm sheets, if she needs anything...anything. Most of the time I do make her a lunch, but luckily that isn't needed until about 7:40. That is my preferred, get out of bed time...


Did you know that Sommer does her homework all on her own? She has straight A's in all advanced classes. I have never had to check her grades, they are always perfect. She has even been known to worry a bit at night and unable to sleep, comes quietly into our room telling us about a project due that is due...the following week!


Did you know that Sommer is crazy about her four younger brothers? Although they drive her a bit insane at times and she does enjoy (ditto) when they are all at Grandma's for the day, she is the best big sister. I have found Calvin curled up in bed with her just talking about everything from school to boys/girls. They share their successes and their failures...she is someone they can trust.


Did you know that Sommer is the best friend? I am grateful she is mine. But man, are the girls that will have the opportunity to have her as a friend, lucky. She is kind, she is trustworthy, she is there...


Did you know that Calvin asks for us to wake him up at 7 am every morning (I usually ask Sommer to do it...come on, she is already up...I am up too, its just...the bed is so warm) so he can get his day going a bit early. He scrambles his own eggs (and usually scrambles up a few for Ashton and Tate), makes his own lunch, does all of his jobs without me asking him to do them, practices both the bass and piano.

Did you know that Calvin can fix anything? He is the one we call when the VCR, DVD, DVR, computer, or anything else isn't working.

Did you know that Calvin loves to make money? He loves to count it, organize it and save it. He plans on playing professional football or golf one day.

Did you know that Ethan gives the best hugs in Haymarket? If you ask him, he will always comply and give you one. Sometimes he squeezes so hard, it hurts. But I like to think he is squeezing out anything that might be getting me down and he replaces it with his love.

Did you know that Ethan loves his family and friends. He always includes everyone (okay, sometimes he doesn't want Tate tagging along...but for the most part) and doesn't want anyone to feel left out.

Did you know he plays the banjo and does it well? He can't wait until he gets old enough to attend one of his Grandpa Gair's banjo camps.

Did you know that Tate is the life of the family? He is always happy and the most laid back little kid you will ever meet.

Did you know that he would ride his scooter 24-7 if we let him? He rides it before school, after school and into the evening with his scooter-riding buddies!

Did you know that he will sit at the piano for 20 minutes and just play music (he doesn't know what he is playing, but it sounds pretty good)?

Did you know that Tate is very obedient? He listens well (even for a wild 5 year old boy) and does his best to choose the right. He takes care of his little brother Ashton (when he isn't teasing him) and doesn't mind if he tags along (I am sure that won't last).

Did you know that Ashton loves letters and numbers. He figures he can read the words that Tate can read, add the numbers that Ethan can add and he just does it. He is one smart boy.

Did you know that Ashton is a Daddy's boy? He will always pick, hanging out with dad, over any other activity.

Did you know that Ashton sits quietly in primary (he is a Sunbeam) each week. Yes, it is true!

Did you know that I am so grateful for my kids? Even though there are days that seem endless, full of chaos and madness, there are more that are filled with five beautiful kids that are KEEPERS...and all mine.

I VOTED

Yeah, that's right, I voted. I got up early today and started plotting and planning when the best time might be to hit the polls. I started getting nervous when I saw on the news various poll locations with people wrapped around and around the parking lot. The local news were reporting record turnouts and telling voters to plan for lengthy stays. Garth and I knew we had to just do what needed to be done, so we prepared for the worst and headed for the polls.

This is how it went down:

We drove up. Parked. Walked in. Walked pass everyone with the last names starting with A-N or S-Z (that had been in line for hours...love you JEAN). Received our voting card. Checked our boxes. Got our, "I VOTED" sticker. Walked out. Done...in 3 minutes tops.

Are you a M-R? Get to Mountain View Elementary STAT!

It was definitely a Happy HALLOWEEN

It all started with Garth carving the pumpkins solo. Actually it started with Ashton and Tate looking on for a few short minutes but like the older kids, they were too excited to get to our block party (we should totally carve before the big day next year).
We have an annual Ashby Oak Street Block party each Halloween. We love that the kids actually eat something besides candy before they head out and eat...CANDY. Here are most of the kids looking festive and anxiously awaiting the sun to set. You will see Ashton on the left eating (skeleton) and Tate on the right (skeleton in front of Kelly the grape). Ethan is goofing off on the left, right behind Ashton. Sommer is in the back with the black cape on. And to see Calvin...keep scrolling!

Sommer and her pet...

Garth and I showing our spirit. I scared way too many kids so luckily the mask wasn't on too long. But Garth did stay in his costume all night and received glowing reviews..."udderly" fantastic, among others (he said his hat was too scratchy and his udders a bit too revealing).

The best costume of the night was Calvin as Senator McCain and his friend (JAKE! yes a boy) as Sarah Palin. People thought there was a new girl on the street. They campaigned all night long (I think as I write this, Garth is out looking for them somewhere in our neighborhood...its 9:30). The Republican Party owe these boys BIG TIME!

We had perfect weather, lots of my favorite candy (Reese's, Swedish Fish and Hershey's), and plenty of super friend interaction!

A Sneak Peak...

I know, I know, Halloween won't be here until tomorrow. But I wanted to give you a teaser of what you just might be able to see come Friday night on our street....Garth dressed up like a cow. He looks pleased doesn't he?! The only thing missing is his sign that will read, "Eat more Chicken!"

Stay tuned for more costume thrills such as, the Wicked Red Riding Hood, John McCain or Hillary Clinton (he keeps changing his mind), a super scary motorcycling zombie, and keeping with tradition, two young skeletons. The mother isn't sure yet what she wants to be...maybe in hiding.

Fabulous at FORTY

When I grow up to be forty (which will happen in a few short years), I want to look this fabulous! Dear Dana brought it in with a bang (and some bling) as we all celebrated with her on her big day. I have known this lovely lady for 14 years. And she is just that, lovely, inside and out. Thank you for being a great friend!

Here are some of Dana's friends that love, love, LOVE her too(there are many more but some were unable to come). HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DANA!

Serving

Today we took the children to the "older folks" home in our neighborhood. We did this last year during the Halloween week and enjoyed visiting with them so much. This year we headed out again, with the Johnson's and Turner's, with kids all decked out in their Halloween costumes.

It was touching to see my older boys hearts aching for these dear individuals who at this time are in need of constant care. Ethan whispered to me after visiting with an older gentleman who was bedridden and legs swollen, "I feel weak Mom. But happy."

The simple October Song that we sang, had some residents tapping their feet or even singing along. As we made our way down each hallway, weakened individuals raised their heads and asked us to please come in and sing. Others who were in the hallway in wheelchairs followed us along our way. We even recognized a few from last year.

I love the scripture from the Book of Mormon, from the righteous King Benjamin, as he spoke to his people, that reads, "And Behold, I tell you these things, that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."

What a perfect day.

Mr. Skeleton Dinner

Thanks Mandi for the greatest idea...Mr. Skeleton! My kids went crazy for the bone bread sticks and spaghetti intestines! A total hit and perfect for this week's Halloween fun.