Our Astronomers

Caitlin & Courtney have been tracking the phases of the Moon this week. Here are some pics of them enjoying the night sky. They actually took these photos of the moon themselves through their telescope.

Let the Basketball Season Begin!

Victoria had her first scrimmage last night. It was a little comical watching the girls play. They were all fumbling down the court and hardly making any baskets. There were a few times I caught the coaches smirking and shaking their heads as in,"what have we gotten ourselves into, these girls all stink at b-ball." Even the refs a few times were telling the girls,"ah...you can't do that in this game." LOL! And then there were a few gals that were really good! Some were so good they schooled others by snatching the ball, tripping and shoving...ya know...dirty play. Tori found herself on the floor once from such play.

Overall, she seemed to have a good time and is learning so much in this new sport! Way to go Tori! Woo-who!!

Perks of Motherhood

Brianne gave me this sweet note this morning.

Thanksgiving Just Around the Corner!

This morning when Caitlin came downstairs she asked me how many days until Thanksgiving. I told her I wasn't sure and that I'd check. Low and behold...it's two weeks away. I knew it was coming up fast but it didn't really hit home until I checked the calendar! I began going through my mind the entire list of things I needed to purchase for our huge feast. My mouth did begin to water for Ron's stuffing (Gary's Mom's recipe). I began to wonder...what will be in Ron's surprise stuffing and pumpkin pie this year?! It is such a fun game that I and the girls look forward to each year! Ron will make one batch of traditional stuffing and a pumpkin pie, then he will concoct some "other" stuffing and pumpkin pie and we get to taste test it and guess what the secret ingredients are! When we moved away from our families 12 years ago, and we were all by our lonesome in far away Texas, we desired to begin our own family traditions for the holidays to make memories for the girls. It was the best thing we ever did. I am happy to say our little family has many fun traditions that make our holidays special. So, honey get that stuffing and pie recipe ready.

I have to admit that there is a little tiny part of me that wishes we could just bypass Thanksgiving and start decorating for Christmas. Possibly, I feel this way because two weeks ago Wal-mart set up for Christmas with 12 ft trees in their foyers and cinnamon pine cones wafting delightful scents through the aisles. This really got me in the holiday mood. I love the feeling in my home that exists when the home is decked out in twinkling lights, pine and red ribbon. From a child's perspective, it is magical! Then a humbling thought came to my mind...it was a quote from President Monson. "Each one of you is living a life filled with much to do. I plead with you not to let the important things in life pass you by, planning instead for that illusive and non-existent future day when you'll have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey --NOW!" (Women's Conference, May 2008) Find joy in the journey now...okay, so my focus has now been shifted back to Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for...

Here's my list:
Family, good health, Ron's job, a home, reliable vehicles, good schools for my children, brave strong daughters who are willing to try anything--from roller coasters, to sports tryouts, to student council elections, they are always willing to try something new...even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone. Freedom in the USA, religion, friends, my two year old is almost completely potty trained, and last but not least...celebrating 15 years of marriage next month...my oh my, I have a lot to be grateful for. I am sure if I sat her long enough, more things would come to my mind, this list is just the tip of the iceberg.

So for those of you who have fallen into the skip Thanksgiving trap and are already decorating for the Holidays, stop and smell the roses...find joy in your journey NOW.

Side note: (by the way, as soon as I put the thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge...I am heading to the attic to pull out the 2o Christmas boxes and I will have my tree up and decorated by midnight!) :O)

Brianne's Celebration!

Early yesterday morning the girls and I got up early to decorate the kitchen before Brianne woke up. What a fun way to make someone feel special on their birthday. She was very surprised and I could sense she did feel special.

She took goodie bags to her class at school filled with Rice Krispie treats, a fun pad, pencil with grip, and gum and candy. Since it was her birthday, I was invited to eat lunch with her at school. It was fun hanging out with Bri and eating a birthday lunch.

As soon as she arrived home from school, she asked us over and over,"What time is my party? Is it time for my party yet? " You could say, this little gal was so excited, at one point in time we though she may explode! Finally...7pm arrived and so did Grandma and Grandpa Carpenter! She enjoyed opening her presents and eating her cake and ice cream!

As you can see, one of her gifts was a Baptism Dress. Grandma Turner made it just for her. We look forward to Bri's baptism in December.

Today, I spent the day making her bedroom "her". I am excited for her to come home and see it. I hope she likes her new room. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE B!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY BRIANNE!

Seeing that today is Brianne's 8th birthday, I thought I'd celebrate by changing my blog background for the day!

Things I love about Brianne!

She is...

All smiles and giggles.

Helpful.

Kind to others.

Very creative.

Talented. She has quickly figured out how to play the piano and enjoys learning new songs each week.

Smart. She has straight A's.

Has a good sense of humor and can make us laugh with silly jokes or stories.

Always out for a good time. Finds neighbor kids and invents new games.

Has an awesome club house that she built on the side of the garage!

Has made the choice to baptized! Way to go sweetie!

These are just a few of things I love about you. I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

xoxo, Mom

Mother Update

Some of you have asked how my Mother is doing. She is now home from the hospital and doing quite well. Her memory seems normal at times. Other times she is a little confused. We are so happy she is doing so well and is home!

The following pictures was taken at my parent's home on Halloween...Grandpa dressed up as a clown and was giving candy out to the neighborhood kids as they came to the door! The kids loved it!!

Fall Bananas?

Last week when I was in the backyard, I noticed a huge purple bud on the banana trees. This morning it bloomed...two bunches of bananas! It seems strange to me to see them blooming so late in the season. The weather has been so odd this fall. The plants are so mixed up. The other day, I saw some pear trees with white blossoms all over them. It looked like it was spring.

Congratulations Victoria!

Victoria found out today that she made the Junior High Basketball team! Woo-whoo! Way to go Tori! We look forward to watching you grow in this new sport. Just think someday you can be like Aunt Bobbi and show your boyfriends how to really play basketball!

Bitter Sweet Victory

Caitlin & Courtney just came home from school. Caitlin won her election and Courtney didn't. Courtney was very disappointed and Caitlin felt bad because she won and her twin didn't. It was pretty sad watching the two. It must be so hard to be a twin. Congrats to Caitlin. And Courtney you tried and I think that is pretty cool! I think it's neat that you are planning ahead to try again next year!! xoxo, Mom

November 3rd?

It is hard to believe it is November 3rd already. Where has this year gone? On Saturday morning I took down all of the Halloween decorations and put up the Thanksgiving decorations. I did giggle a little bit as I decorated...as I put my Harvest wreath on the front door, I looked over my shoulder at my beautiful flower gardens. I thought, this is crazy, these flowers are blooming as if it were Spring time. They all have bounced back from the hot summer heat and have had a rebirth since Hurricane Ike tore them to shreds. See the pics below...hopefully if we have a mild winter, they will keep on bloomin' through the holidays. I always enjoy Christmas lights and spring flowers. ;-)

Oh and one more thing...you know it Thanksgiving when the turkey is hanging from the ceiling fan...right Gary?

Halloween!

Last weekend our ward held the annual Trunk or Treat and Chili, soup, & stew cook-off! I am proud to say, that my chili won FIRST PLACE!! Woo-whoo! It was tasty and spicy! If you want the recipe, email me. I won't post it...to keep ward friends eyes from seeing the secret recipe! haha! (Love ya Lakewood Ward friends!) The kids had fun and no, I didn't take pictures. I forgot my camera...remember, I am Mother of the Year.

However, I did remember my camera on Halloween! Here are some pics of the fun night. Tiffany really got into the trick or treating. She figured out if she said the magic words she'd get candy. Those of course are Trick-or-treat and Thank you!

Student Election Slogan & Ideas

Some of you have asked what the twins slogan is for their student council elections. They went for a surfer theme. You can see their posters on a previous post. "Ride the waves to success with (name)"

They then gave a way leis one day with the slogan attached to it. They also have given away a few cheap toys. On the ball toy it said, "Swing into success with (name), She’s on the ball! On the hand clappers we attached a note that said, (name) can handle anything! Vote for (name)! and on the bubbles it said,"Don't blow your vote! Vote for (name).

Today is the election. They were quiet nervous. The school won't say who won until tomorrow. They were a little upset because the school administration changed the rules this year and told the students they can vote for as many people running as they want..."Because everyone's a winner." WHATEVER! This little statement takes me back to a previous post of mine titled,"The Me, Me, Generation!" So, the twins were quick to figure out that their friends told them,"oh we are going to vote for you and ________(boy)". They figured that since there are more boys in the class than girls and if the boys vote for the boys and the girls vote for the girl and boy, then obviously, the boy will win. They were a little perturbed. Oh well, as they said, "You can't win 'em all! It was fun trying!" So, who knows possibly they will come home winners tomorrow...we'll let ya know.

Get Well Soon Mom!

Last night my mother had 4 seizures at home. My father ended up calling for an ambulance. She is in the hospital recovering in the ICU. She is still confused and will be for sometime. Get well soon mom!

Student Council Class Reps?

The twins are following in their big sister's foot steps and are hoping to become their Class Reps for the school student Council. They are campaigning all of this week and give their speeches on Monday! Crossin' our fingers! Wish us luck!