Our Cute Little Shepherds

Time to Start Reflecting

I was looking through my blog with Parker last night and noticed that last year I posted 202 blog posts, this year... so far 95 (including this one). Needless to say, I've had a little less time on my hands this year, but I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in place of my free time. I have been serving as head of the Women's organization at church (The Relief Society) since March. I have learned so many things this year from others and about myself.

This year, I have got to know some really wonderful women who just amaze me with their faith and devotion to those they love. I have seen women who have difficult circumstances dwell on the positive and do their best to uplift others. I have watched women donate meals, clean apartments, help others pack for a move, watch another woman's children, decorate and redecorate someone's home, give rides to doctors appointments, invite others into their home for dinner or family home evening, grocery shop for a family, been a devoted friend, deliver beautiful flowers from their garden to others to brighten their day, fast for others, comfort someone who has been ill or had a difficult situation happen, bake treats for new families at church, dedicate 2-3 days a week caring for someone's medical needs, turn their life around and have the full spirit of the Lord in their heart, even watch one woman teach another woman how to ride a scooter since she lost her driver's license, and the list goes on and on. I have seen the power of reaching out to others and the blessing that comes to those that give that service. It has just been inspiring to me to watch others do these acts of service, sometimes for people they don't even know.

While there have been many times that my heart has ached for others, I have found comfort in my faith and in a loving Heavenly Father who cares about each of us. I am grateful to know so many wonderful people who have made my life better. I hope that as this Christmas season begins we can reflect on the examples in our lives that make us want to be better and serve others.

If you're going to make apple pie, you need one of these

Parker is quite the apple peeler.
He peeled 5 of our 6 apples for our pie.
Thanks Parkie!

A card and envelop I made

My Cricut arrived

Here are my first products after practicing with
the machine last night.

This is my event calendar I have been working on.
It is reusable so you don't have to rewrite
every birthday or special event on your calendar each year.

We have Cowboy's in these parts...

Hip to be Square

We've been to some awesome parties this year, but I'd have say
the 80's dance was pretty awesome.
First things first, you have to get the proper 80's attire.

Oh and don't forget his and hers the 80's hair

Then you chill in front of In & Out looking 80's-tastic
waiting to grab a last minute hamburger

Oh man did I get looks at the "In & Out"

What this picture fails to show is Devon's walkman headphones, classic.

If you wanted to see break dancing skills, Joe is your man. While our Bishop and former Bishop rocked it with their moves (really impressive especially with the pose at the end),
Joe still took them with his back flip.

The Ashley's getting ready to hit the dance floor

Tiffany and Ben brought their Atari. There were couches and areas set up to play.
We had a pong battle.

A serious game of Battleship and yes, Devon sunk Dave's battleship. Bummer.

Here's the bro's before we got down on the dance floor.
Brandon displayed a classic BYU sweater that was his dad's when he was BYU Student Body President. (Pretty impressive I thought).

Honestly, one of the best ward activities I've ever been too. It was from 8 to 11pm, there were great costumes, prizes, slideshows, and 80's movies. We danced, Dave and I even showed off some of our lifting skills. It was so fun! What a party.
(Thanks to Debbie Wickham for the party dress from her collection
and the Goodwill for most Dave's apparel!)

Frangel-oween

Peter and Janell hosted a fantastic Halloween party. The food was delicious, the costumes were amazing, and all together it was a great time.

We went as Fred and Daphne.

Janell was a marshmallow on fire and Peter was, of course,
a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

So good we didn't know who he was when he walked in, but it was
Rabbi Nathan!

The King and a Princess.
Jeff and Kairsee always bring the party.

The groovy Ruth and Bracken showing off their 70's threads.

Some studs.

Elvis performed the shotgun wedding
Oh and then the Rabbi performed one also.

A group shot later in the evening.

The themed food, like Dead man's dip.

The fun decor. For more photos check out the slide show below. It was an awesome evening!
Thanks Peter and Janell.

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

We were able to go as a family on Josh's field trip to Bishop's Pumpkin Patch. We went on a hay ride, train ride, had apple cider, picked pumpkins, saw a chicken show and pig races.
We loved it!

Although the best part of the day was Parker riding a goat, by accident. He was straddling the goat when is got up and took off. We laughed so hard. I wish I had it on tape.

Then there's Joshie. Just sweet, kind to the animals, and not trying to ride them.

If you haven't been I recommend it.
(Probably on a week day though, I know they charge for parking on the weekends.)

What would we do without Parker...

He keeps us on our toes and he keeps pantyhose on his.

He's also a "zipper" (super) hero.

We just find him, irresistible.

Halloween Count Down Calendar

I saw an idea for a Halloween calendar a few years back and have wanted to make one ever since. So, finally I just did it with my friend Tiffany. My kids have loved picking a little treat or prize each day. I have also added in activities like, carve pumpkins, Mills' family Halloween party, and Trunk or Treat.

Also, FYI Wishing Well in Roseville is closing. Their Sacramento location is still open. They're always great for little inexpensive and "disposable" prizes for this kind of thing.

Look'n good

Parker had his second eye surgery yesterday morning, October 8th. We had to be at the surgery center in Sacramento by 6 am, so we were out of the door early! Grandma Mills (Dorene) met us there and stayed with us while Parker under went his procedure. They got a little playing time in before things got under way.

This is what happens when they want to make sure they

correct the right eye.
It says "YES."

Post Op. pretty good. This was after he finally woke up when we got home. Right when mom tried to lay down for a nap!

This was a later in the day. A little bit of swelling, even some today.
The doctor said his eye looked pretty good though.

Thank you to Kim Bills for the delicious dinner, Carole MacMaster for the toys for my boys and flowers, Dorene for coming to the surgery, and my parents for taking good care of Joshie.
We appreciated everyone's prayers and well wishes!

Halloween Wreath

I found this idea to make a wreath out of paper online. I was very happy with how it turned out. Some friends thought I bought it.
(Which is the best compliment when you make something!)

It was fun and easy to make. I am going to use this idea to make small wreaths with the Christmas cards I receive.

If you're interested in making this wreath, the instructions are from Heartland Paper Company.
Click here for the website. Select their blog and scroll down until you find the wreath.

Enjoy!

I'm still not used to it, I'll admit it.

So, I had this dream last night. I remembered it clearly this morning because I had hoped it was true. What was it you asked? Well if you don't know, we canceled our cable a month or so ago. David felt like he was wasting time watching TV and pleaded with me to cancel (seriously, it's how it happened). So even though I was perfectly happy with my TV consumption and DVR situation, I was happy to support him in this decision. (I can't be more grateful to have a husband who wants to improve in his life and be more productive.)

It really hasn't been bad. We have some shows on DVD for the kids and were even able to get a cable that connects our computer to the internet. Now we can watch networks shows at our leisure. So why do I seem to be complaining, well I can't watch random TV when it's convenient. I am starting to know what websites to go to that have a variety of entertainment on them, but I miss watching the news, late night talks show (like Jimmy Fallon), and Ellen on occasion. So, I am still adjusting a bit. It's worth it though. Dave reads a lot of great books (most of them on finances, investments, and leadership, so good for him) plus we get more family time. I have plenty of things to keep me busy, so I just do one of those things instead.

So, what was the dream that had me so excited? I dreamt that we received channels 3, 10, and 13 clearly on our TV. (In real life I'd squeeze 6 in because we do love PBS.) Otherwise it was a perfect world, no more cable bill still, less channels for my husband to watch, but all the channels I enjoy. Ah, a girl can dream right?


(PS we know about the converter boxes, but we are too far from the closest tower. So no luck.)

Here we go again...

So we had a eye appointment for Parker today. Turns out he needs to have another eye surgery. This time, it will be for only one eye. Same type of surgery. We have a fantastic ophthalmologist, so he's in good hands. She doesn't like to wait around, she gets the job done. So, October 7th he'll go in. Plus, I'll get another sweet picture of him in an over sized hospital gown and cap!

A Message about Hope

I know so many people are looking for hope in an ever changing economy and society. I am grateful for the comfort and peace I feel from having faith in God. I know our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. While I listened to this man's story, I saw the appreciation he had for his Bishop who reached out to him. As we think of those that were in this unfortunate disaster, may we remember them by reaching out to others to show we care.

Starting out of Labor Day weekend right

Josh decided to kick off the long weekend in a post-preschool nap
(Spiderman backpack and snake as pillows)

Parker thought he'd work on some ice cream and practice wearing his glasses.

The whole family decided to support Wildcat Football and our cousin Brian.
Brian attends Whitney HS and was part of the Color Guard for the returning Division Champs. It was a great evening. We had fun walking over and watching the game. Parker especially enjoyed the mascot wildcat, who he called Tigger.