September Happenings

 It's that time of year again.... school is in session, fall is in full bloom, my birthday is celebrated for weeks on end (ha!), and the Halloween decorations are on display at our house.  I love it all so much.  We've been busy as usual.... maybe even more busy than ever;  or maybe it's just that I'm getting old and it's hard to keep up at this pace in my old age. This month we enjoyed a visit from the Mike Stevens family and spent many a days at the beach soaking in the last days of 90 degree weather for the season.  Blake and I hiked the Narrows in Zion's with our friends for my birthday and had just about the best time you could imagine.  Kids attended Poway football games, soccer tournaments, rodeos and temple trips! My friends and I enjoyed a weekend in Utah for the Faith Matters conference and had such an incredible time.  Lots of wonderful moments and fun experiences to look back on.

Faith Matters conference in Sandy, Utah below. We stayed at Chanel's house and had the best time learning about the crux of the cross by Jared Halverson,  Family relationships by Joseph Grenny, Talking to kids about sexuality by Jennifer Finlynson Fife and so many more amazing addresses.  I hope to go again every year! 

My birthday was over the top fun this year! Lots of sweet little birthday lunches and then of course our trip to the Narrows! We stayed in our St. George house with four of our closest couple friends.  We hiked Kanara Falls, boated in Sand Hollow, ate at all sorts of yummy restaurants, golfed at Big Shots, played pickle ball, floated down the lazy river, walked through a very scary haunted house and corn maze, had foot massages and last but not least- hiked the narrows all day!  Such a memorable trip in every way and felt so lucky and blessed to have these amazing friends in my life and a hubby who works so hard but was willing to take a couple days off to celebrate.

Nothing beats Disneyland at Halloween time! Grandma gifted us a day at the happiest place on earth and it was SO amazing with no crowds, very short lines and perfect weather! It was such a joy to spend the day as a family.... best way to close out the month. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Anna is plugging along in 7th grade.  She works hard with her tutor twice a week, enjoys tennis lessons, always puts homework first and spends every other free second talking or texting with friends either in person or on the phone.  There is rarely a second of her day that is not filled with people or pets.  She is the best care taker of Coco, Tammy and Louie.  I'm so proud of Anna for trying new things, pushing through hard things and seeing the positive in every situation.  It's no small thing to struggle with a learning disability- especially when it comes to Spanish, but Anna perseveres and thankfully she has a dad who is a pro at 3 languages and can help out each night.  In our skills group this week- Anna took an assessment to discover her top character strengths.  She found curiosity, zest, love and faith to be her top strengths.  She is truly such a joy in our lives and I'm so grateful for all that she teaches me each day.

working on her lesson for young women!

pumpkin movie night with Scarlett

no water? no problem! Anna just showered in the pool! haha

Grant is loving high school but he is busy busy busy and it's starting to catch up with him! Because his practices are down in Chula Vista, he spends a LONG time commuting back and forth and doesn't get to bed until 10:45 each night... .not a good combo for early morning seminary.  Despite. this, Grant is keeping up a positive attitude and his teachers adore him and have even written me emails about what a great kid he is.  Grant befriends everyone he can- including the Jorgenson's foreign exchange student Adrian from Spain.  Grant surfs a few days a week on top of all of his soccer training and never misses a day of seminary.  He loves to watch Padres games, hang at the beach and eat hamburgers.  He is responsible, kind, funny... he even tries to rally the troops for come follow me!  He never misses his prayers and scripture study each evening.  I'm so proud of all his hard work.

Dane applied to a few colleges and was accepted at Utah State University and Weber State! He still has more to do, but proud of him for getting apps off so quickly.  He is working almost full time for Extended School Services and it's hard work! He goes from school to job to soccer practice or YW almost every night.  Love that still has time to hang out with Kenzie and do all sorts of things.... make crepes, pretzels treats, pasta, chicken farm, paint, watch the rodeo and prepare for Homecoming! Dane just barely asked Kenzie to go- with a poster from "Love Island". a shower they watch together.  So proud f what a wonderfu kid is! He is the best.

making dinner for Anna while I was out of town!

It continues to be so nice to have Ev at home.  She helps me with EVERYTHING and I'm getting very used to it ! Late night driving to pick up kids, watching the animals, babysitting while I'm out of town, sports pick ups, you name it!  Proud of Ev for working so hard in school. Ev had her wisdom teeth out this month- finally!  She dyed her hair darker for the first time ever-- Amaya needed a student model for class and Evelyn volunteered.  Ev is the best big sis ever to Anna and we are lucky to have her around for a little while longer.

halloween baking!

Ev found this picture of Grandma and Grandpa and loved it!  I love it too:)

the painting inspired by Evelyn is coming along!

Keeping me busy this month:  working with Tony on a few new clients!  Subbing in singing time and introducing Peter the Primary song eater, complete with a burping function.  Morning skills meetings are a highlight of my week and especially since Anna has joined.  I just love this Wednesday morning tradition! Young women each week-- painting, sack lunches for the community shelter, missionary night and Bishop's chats! It's practically a full time job, but Blake and I both love working with the youth.  Last but not least.... I finally got my new tooth and I've never been more grateful for a fully functioning set of teeth in my life!!!!  All good things this month;  Life is so good.