New Bike

Eddie got me a new bike from a race he was in earlier this year.  It finally came!!!  I have been waiting all week to try it out, because I was afraid I would strip the gears or something.  Eddie took me out today and taught me how to use the gears.  We went for a nice 6 mile bike ride around the preserve.  It was a nice day out, but you can tell from the picture that it was a little windy.  Going up the hills was not fun, especially when we were going into the wind. I was pretty winded at times but I survived.  It was a lot of fun even though I definitely need to get into better shape.

Halloween

Here are some pictures from our Halloween activities.  Eddie helped the kids get creative with their pumpkins this year.

Ashley decided she was too old for going to doors this year so she walked Josh and Amanda around the block.  Ashley then went to a friends party and Josh and Amanda went to their friends to put on a Haunted House.  They had fun working during the month getting their parts down for the neighborhood Haunted House.  They did a great job and had a lot of fun.  Amanda’s job was to walk around scaring people and Josh was a dead student stuck with a mean teacher forever.  Every kids worst nightmare.

Sign Language

Today I practiced my sign language part for the primary program.  it is a lot harder than you think when someone is up there talking and you are signing what they say.  I need to practice on my speed.  It was fun today to watch the Bird’s interpret for the Jensen’s.  It is good practice for me to watch them.  i am slowly starting to learn a lot of words now it is just a matter of getting my old brain to think faster.  I now know why people go to school when they are young.  It is fun to learn a new skill.

I’m also working on a quilt.  I am learning how to sew straight lines at least.  If I keep up at this pace I will be able to do sooo many things I will be amazing!!!  HAHA

Bedroom Change

Today Amanda and I worked hard to change every one's bedrooms around. Josh and Eddie were at scout camp and Ashley was at a band competition so I figured it would be a perfect day for the move. Ashley is now in Shaylin's bedroom leaving the 3 amigos with rooms of their own. it has been a very quiet day. We moved a desk into Amanda's room and all she has done all day is sit at it and pretend to work. I hope this works out and they do not destroy everything. Hopefully it will bring a little peace to our house giving each of them their own space to play in. Shaylin will have the room on the main level when she gets home. She is excited because there is a TV in there. Now we have to get to work on painting.

Also good news...Wrigley is finally starting to be trained. I am no longer taking him out every 30 minutes in hopes that he will do something. Small victories!!!

And Now Another Loony Life Moment

What makes a 12 year old take a stick of deodorant and write all over his bedroom carpet????

My favorite National Parks

Death Valley has to be my all time favorite...not!!!! My favorite is Yellowstone. We always have good luck there and see a lot of animals. One time when we went we went down a back rode and watched two bear cubs (maybe 2 years old) play for a long time. We were the only ones there. We kept looking around for momma bear to attack us. That was our best animal adventure.
We have spent many great weekends in Dinosaurland. Once when the kids were really little Julie and I took the kids for part of her homeschooling. I took Nichelle and Shaylin to the Evergaldes where they got to put a baby alligator on their head. Gettysburg was fun to drive around. We bought the tape to listen to as you drive around. It was nice to hear about all of the battles. eddie and I rode bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge. Next summer we are going through Mammoth caves. I remember going there as a little kid. I even remember my souvenir it was a wooden box with a diary in it and a key. Niagra falls is beautiful. Our favorite restuarant is on the Canadian side overlooking the horseshoe falls. It is all glass and has a great view. You really need to look for it though because it is upstairs and not well advertised. Olympic Park was cool because it had the mountains, the beach and the rainforest. Some day I will have to go back to Petrified Forest. I remember driving through it and thinking it was cool but I really do not remember why so I'll have to go back and rediscover it. Sleeping Bear sand dunes is awsome. If you camp there bring a tent and do the walk in sites. They are pretty isolated and only a short walk to your car and bathrooms. You can then take the trail from there that leads to Lake Michigan and have your own private beach. My kids will never forget the Star Spangled Banner Museum. They got to change the flag there thanks to Jim. They change it every hour and you can ask to take part in the ceremony. Timponogas Cave is a hike. I remember going up it as a kid when one of the little kids had on non walking type sandles. Ouch!!! Of course all the southern Utah parks are great too. I guess I also need to count almost the whole city of DC since all the monuments are National Parks. So many to see and such little time!!!!

So far behind

Ok so I am using the same excuse I always use...there is no excuse I am just lazy and behind in my blog. I still need to finish up Disney but I will do that later. This week I painted my bathroom. It looks much better, however, the pink toilet still has to go. I do not know what the people were thinking of when they did the guest bathroom all in pink.
I cut the grass yesterday. It was a beautiful day!!! Perfect fall weather. Fall is my favorite season.
My parents closed on their condo in Daybreak, so they will be moving in soon. I am excited for them to be in a place where they can help serve in the ward.
I am still trying to train my little Wrigley. I guess that is the loony part of my life right now. Cleaning up dog messes. He is a cutie though!!!
So basically my life has been pretty boring.
My friend is starting a FAS group in her community in Mi. I admire her she is doing a great thing. I wish I had enough energy at the end of the day to do something like that. But most of my days seem to be spent in trying to make 11 and 12 year old acting like 11 and 12 year olds and not 1 and 2 year olds. Whenever I have some spare time it is spent in watching eyes role because I have to be the dumbest, meanest parent in the world.
The rest of my time is spent praying for the family and hoping they find as much happiness in life as I have. I have the most wonderful husband!! If everyone could find someone like him my life would be fulfilled!!!