Happy New Year

Ok so here is my first attempt at a video. I have been working for too long so I hope the sound comes through and sorry it's sideways...much like my life. If you can't hear it they are saying happy new year! Even Brynna's new and much awaited baby alive got to participate in the party.

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

'Twas the NighT BeforE ChristMaS

We just got back from Grandma and Grandpa's. The christmas pagaent was great this year. Grandma went all out on the costumes and every grandchild no matter how old was included. Aubrey and Sarah sang the story. Grandpa read the bible and beautifully read about christ's birth. Brynna Loved Loved Loved playing the "angel star" . Matthew wished he was a donkey...but alas he had to play Joseph for the second year in a row (Joseph in skull pajama pants...I'm not sure that was such good planning on my part). When we went outside to drive home....SNOW! It is beautifully snowing, big juicy flakes of snow. When we got in the car the radio was playing "Let it Snow". We recited the night before christmas in unison (per grandma Nuttall's tradition). The kids are now putting out cookies for Santa, they are letting Brynna write the letter, Brynna especially is soooo excited. They are decked out in pajamas. We hope Melissa and Evelyn are matching us girls in pink pj's (we would love to see pictures of you guys and evelyn). I am always left missing people on Christmas eve, first my family and now Melissa and Lance and Evelyn. We look forward to next year with them though and hope they are having so much fun and good times. To anyone who happens to come across this blog we wish you a very merry christmas. We wish all our family and friends a christmas filled with love, peace and happiness.

A Charles Dickens Moment

Since I have been known to frequent that Mormontimes website of late, (it was here I found out BYU lost). Anyway, while at this website, I was lucky enough to come across a great article. I like the writings of Charles Dickens. I had no idea he had written a book about the saviors life called the "The Life of Our Lord". He had written it for his own children to be able to know his own feelings about Christ. He wrote it in 1849. Kristine Fredrickson quoted a few parts of the book. So I hope it is ok that I quote her qoutes and quote her. I just thought I would share for others who, like me, did not know the book even existed. He begins his story by stating,
"My dear Children, I am very anxious that you should know something about the History of Jesus Christ. For everybody ought to know about Him. No one ever lived, who was so good, so kind, so gentle, and so sorry for all people who did wrong, or were in anyway ill or miserable….And as he is now in Heaven, where we hope to go, and all to meet each other after we are dead, and there be happy always together, you never can think what a good place Heaven is, without knowing who he was and what he did."
"He begins with Jesus' birth in a stable, "There was no cradle or anything of that kind there, so Mary laid her pretty little boy in what is called the Manger, which is the place the horses eat out of. And there he fell asleep." When Christ is baptized by John, "the voice of God, speaking up in Heaven, was heard to say, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' Jesus Christ then went into a wild and lonely country called the Wilderness, and stayed there forty days and forty nights, praying that he might be of use to men and women, and teach them to be better, so that after their deaths, they might be happy in Heaven.""…When he came out of the Wilderness, he began to cure sick people by only laying his hands upon them; for God had given him power to heal the sick, and to give sight to the blind, and to do many wonderful and solemn things…called 'The Miracles' of Christ….and he did them, that people might know he was not a common man, and might believe what he taught them, and also believe that God had sent him."Dickens, always an advocate for the destitute, teaches, "Jesus Christ chose Twelve poor men to be his companions…[or] apostles….in order that the Poor might know -- …in all years to come -- that Heaven was made for them as well as for the rich, and that God makes no difference between those who wear good clothes and those who go barefoot and in rags. The most miserable, the most ugly, deformed, wretched creatures that live, will be bright Angels in Heaven if they are good here on earth. Never forget this, when you are grown up. Never be proud or unkind, my dears, to any poor man, woman, or child….and always try to teach them and relieve them if you can. And when people speak ill of the Poor and Miserable, think how Jesus Christ went among them and taught them, and thought them worthy of his care."Discussing Christ's parables and miracles Dickens describes what to him was Christ's greatest miracle. He tells of a man "full of grief and distress…a Ruler…[who] wrung his hands, and cried, and said 'Oh Lord, my daughter -- my beautiful, good, innocent little girl, is dead. Oh come to her…and lay Thy blessed hand upon her, and I know she will revive ... and make her mother happy. Oh Lord we love her so, we love her so!'... Jesus Christ ... going to the dead child, took her by the hand, and she rose up, quite well. ...Oh what a sight it must have been to see her parents clasp her in their arms, and kiss her, and thank God, and Jesus Christ his son, for such great Mercy! But he was always merciful and tender ... Our Saviour."After detailing Christ being nailed to the cross, the martyrdom of the apostles and of other Christians, he ends, "REMEMBER! It is Christianity TO DO GOOD always -- even to those who do evil to us. It is Christianity to love our neighbor as ourself, and to do to all men as we would have them Do to us. It is Christianity to be gentle, merciful, and forgiving, and to keep those qualities quiet in our own hearts and never make a boast of them, or of our prayers or of our love of God, but always to shew that we love Him by humbly trying to do right in everything. If we do this, and remember the life and lessons of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and try to act up to them, we may confidently hope that God will forgive us our sins and mistakes, and enable us to live and die in Peace."A beautiful story, a true story, told with conviction by a master storyteller, that deepens appreciation for the Savior and inspires a heartfelt, "Merry Christmas!" "(Kristine Fredrickson). A friend of mine gave me a song on cd called the maker of the moon that is just beautiful. It starts out by stating "It was not a silent night", as it was a "labour of love" as mary brought into the world the "maker of the moon". It is a beautiful song. This song combined with the above article made me pause as Christmas fast approaches. I am grateful for those who have talents that help me to stop and reflect at this time of year.

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

Snow is falling all around!!

Brynna is squinting because snow is falling in her eyes.
So much snow! Was there supposed to be this much?? Late this morning when I went into work none of the roads were cleared at all. So I decided to walk to pick Brynna up from school. I used to love to walk in the snow. I remembered why I liked it...there is a silence with snow that nothing else is quite like. Even though cars were driving and my boots were crunching, its as if the world is sort of muffled and quiet. Brynna loved walking home. She wanted to walk in the highest parts of the snow so it was clear up to the top of her arms in some spots. I asked her why it was taking her so long to walk and she said...."I am trying to just walk in your footprints". Sort of a frightening proposition if you imagine the implications of that. Anyway I am quite content to stay inside for the rest of the day...I am sure when the kids get home it will be a snowman kind of day. Snowman days really are sort-of rare so I tend to look forward to them...despite the huge laundry they generate. California relatives...Is this why you don't move closer to us?

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

How the Dreams of One Small Girl causes her mother to beg and/or plead on her blog

I have been reading the book Outliers (which I love and highly recommend). It talks about successful people and how they really achieved success. It seems Malcolm Gladwell's research asserts that not many people are "self-made men", most have supportive parents, supportive communities and other advantages (such as birthdays at the right time of year, etc. really interesting to read)...so here is where I pull anyone who reads this into this I (as the supportive community part).....

OK it is time once more to begin my begging and pleading on behalf of aubrey. Seems like a constant thing (such as Aubrey please please pick up your coat and backpack...aubrey aubrey please wear your retainer...aubrey, aubrey please don't take my make-up to school before I have used it in the morning...aubrey, aubrey...homework, remember please homework...well you get the picture). The following, I guess, is a different form of pleading in aubrey's behalf. So here is the deal, I guess if the contestants didn't get in the top four placements last month in the singing contest they get to try again for this month (and the month after...but that is all I promise). So here is my unattractive begging mode....if you would like to continue to vote for her once a day...it is still so totally an option. The window is still open. If you don't want to I completely understand! If you haven't ever voted this is how you do it.
Go to:http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1-Click on the link that says "Need An Account? Sign Up Here" at the top right of the page-Create an account in seconds.-Once you've created the account, log-in-Click on "Showcase" in the menu bar-Find Aubrey, click on her profile, and then click on the big green button that says "VOTE FOR THIS SONG." It really is easy and we have gotten absolutely no spam or even any notifications of any kind.

If you have already voted and want to again (I know the unyielding pleading continues) here is that link. http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1 But seriously, thanks to everyone who has supported her and helped her. The song really is pretty. I love listening to it...hmmm it could be that I am her mom though. But I really do feel so very grateful for any and all her support her efforts.

Happy Birthday Em

It's Emily's birthday today and we wanted her to know that we love her and think she is very special. 11 special things about Emily are:
*She has gorgeous naturally curly thick hair
*She has a funny infectious laugh
*She loves to craft and sew
*She works hard at everything she does
*She does her school work without having to be told (most of the time) and likes math
*She is very sweet and sensitive
*She does very well at dealing with the "Marcia, marcia Marcia" syndrome (as a middle girl)
*She loves baby's,animls, and small children and is very patient with them (can't wait to babysit)
*She is quiet and shy out in the world but fun and loud at home
*Loves to practice disney songs on her violin (not so much her assigned songs)
*She is beautiful inside and out
HAPPY ELEVENTH 11TH BIRTHDAY EMILY. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Check out melissa's (Keyes) blog for very cute pictures of Emily.

Only three more days to vote for this round. Thanks to everyone who does. We will probably let her stay in the next two rounds just to see what happens. But really...thankyou!
http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

A Christmas Carol

We finally got to go and see Aubrey's play. We had free tickets for our whole family thanks to HCTO. I must say that it really helped me feel the spirit of christmas. The whole play centered around reminding the audience of christ and mercy and the true meaning of Christmas. It was quite powerful in reminding me that it is our relationships with others that is really important and not material gain...and that material gain can and should be used as a blessing to others. There is also a great message of hope and ability to change as Scrooge realizes, "Spirit I am not the man I was, I am not the man I must have been...your spirit intercedes for me and pities me. Assures me that I may yet change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. Brynna was quite concerned regarding whether tiny tim would really die (she has had too many worries lately). So we did constant reassurance there, and thankfully no nightmares around ghosts. Aubrey has a small part but she played it well and has a great time. She lives to be in a play. The scrooge in the play is truly amazing. The carolers sing beautifully. In the end scrooge realized, "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year. I will live in the Past, Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons they teach." He then became "giddy as a school boy and light as a feather." The atonement? A change of heart and a change of behavior. It was said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well. All in all it was a great reminder for me and a great night...despite the fact that I am so behind with all the christmas decor and wrapping.
PS Here is the link to vote if anyone feels so inclined:
http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

Is BrYnna On tHe NaUgHty LiSt?

Brynna was up all night last night with nightmares. She screamed and cried in her sleep. She woke up numerous times.l She ultimately slept with me the majority of the night. When she got up this morning she informed me (by whispering in my ear) that her nightmare was "I was on Santa's naughty list!". She was seriously upset by it. So we decided today to go and see the man who was causing her all this aignst. I am not sure how he knew to do this...hmmmm....but he informed her to keep up the good work because she was definately on the "nice" list. She also took the opportunity of seeing santa to tell him she wanted a webkins fish. I had already told her she wasn't going to get...so now I have an additional delimna. She is a smart cookie. Overall (minus the fish) I think seeing santa was helpful. She has her "polar express" day at school today so I think it was useful to have her fears cleared up prior to her trip to the North Pole. PS: If you feel so inclined, feel free to continue voting for aubrey. This round ends on December 15th (only 10 more days). Check out some of the other talent as well. There are three other contestants from american fork (Andy Shelton, Debra Fotheringham, and Nathan Osmond). My kids love the elephant song.

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

Happy DECEMBER

We are back home in Utah, but thought we would share some picures of my brother's beautiful area. The kids loved the beach. Hey I loved the beach. The breeze and the palm trees smelled of my childhood. We want to thank him so much for hosting a great Thanksgiving. (Remember Christmas 2009 in Utah). We werer so grateful to see everyone. So great for cousins to see cousins. I miss my family so much. I do think heaven is probably heaven because it is with people we love.
I thought that by the year 2000 we would have rocket cars or would be able to instantly transport...much easier travel methods. Now I can't believe it is already December. I must say that I am not all-together prepared. I tried to be, I planned to be, but alas I am not. I'm trying for a more simplified and more spirit-filled christmas this year...but I am sure that by writing it down I am doomed to failure. Anyway a happy December 1st to one and all. God Bless us Everyone (as per aubs play).

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

We are grateful to have arrived to our destination in safety after a few close calls. On our way out of town on tuesday night we were in weiner schnietzel (sp?) and almost got smashed by somoeone backing up (into the drivethrough). We then traveled through hours of packed two way traffic and almost got leveled by a huge truck. The drive was fun, minus those incidents. Now we are planning the same drive back. It has been great spending time with my family who we do not see often enough. It makes me homesick for my siblings, parents, nieces and nephews, the beach, etc. It is so weird, but when we entered California and I saw "Bob's Big Boy" a rush of childhood memories of "special" dinners there came flooding back. It was our family spot for birthdays, graduations, etc. I remembered my dad always telling us "we are not ordering drinks...just water" and "just the burger meal". The rest of us were too scare, but my younger brother, when the waitress would arrive, would invaribly order a large soft-drink and ranch dressing "on the side" for his fries. What guts! I took a picture of the big bob statue just for the memories. We are going to Seal Beach today. Aubrey starts her play tonight in Utah. Break a leg Aubs. We want to thank so much all those who continue to vote for her once a day. http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

QOUTES OF THE DAY***Thanks

One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. ~Malayan Proverb

Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. ~David Thomas I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. ~William Shakespeare

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. ~John E. Southard

I just personally feel filled with gratitude for the friends, family, and neighbors we have around us. I feel blessed to live amongst such people(who are either proximally close or not). So many have been so kind to Aubrey to look her up and vote for her. To put her plea on your blog, to help her get a facebook group (when I am so lame at things like that), to help her so she isn't in the bottom of the pack. The other people in the contest are so good. There are others in the competition from American Fork...our city just has so much talent. We love you that so warmly have thought of her. It is a most precious thing for me to experience the giving and loving natures of so many and I think it is especially poignant to see such giving towards my child (who I feel so much love and protection for). So thankyou.

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=757&nocache=1

Brynna was also so grateful and excited for today. Today she got to have a Thanksgiving feast at school in the lunchroom. Usually she is slow to get up but she jumped up early today and got ready quickly. When I picked her up after the feast, she looked like a pilgrim, and while physically jumping up and down told me she had "mashed potatos, chocolate milk, a roll, celery, turkey and even pumpkin pie." I don't know that the real holiday comingup can possibly compete. What a great school we have.

Also we have some excited people in our home about twilight tonight. Should be fun. Can't wait to hear what everyone thought.

DREAM BIG...KEEP VOTING ONE TIME A DAY...Thank you.

One thing my daughter Aubrey has taught me is to dream big and that a consistant focus on one's dreams can actually make them come true--at least in part. Since she has been very small (2-3 years old) she has been singing at the top of her lungs at all times and places. She gladly sang at my sisters wedding when she was three. I still remember her trying to climb into the TV so she could "be on TV".
Aubrey is now in the showcase contest at mormontimes.com (per my last blog). She and her teacher worked so hard on it...I never even imagined it would be the work it was. The rules say that people can vote one time a day. So if you feel so inclined log on and vote. Aubs is so excited about it. As biased parents we think her song is beautiful. We are grateful to her teacher that it turned out so well. Her teacher is going to enter next month. (Aubrey also likes the song by pots and pans with the guy riding the bicycle...he sings a song about dying in line at airline security). I guess some people have voting campaigns going on facebook and voting "groups". Here is the link http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?nocache=1 . Aubrey's picture will be down below with the contestents. If you don't know how to log on...there is a "need an account" tab at the top of the page. You click on that and enter your name, a password, and e-mail. Then you go to the top and log in by putting in your e-mail and password. It is really not as complicated as I just made it sound. The website is affiliated with deseret news (we haven't received any spam).
We (and especially aubrey) are grateful for all the support from family and friends and neighbors. As a mentioned before, this is a huge dream of hers. She has such a passion for singing. Parenting her as been an experience..trying to support her but barely being able to keep up with her. This is my attempt. So have a great day, and if you get a moment vote for your favorite...and by that I mean Aubrey (just kidding).

VOTE FOR AUBREY...PASS IT ON

I know this is a strange request but Aubrey and her voice teacher have been working really hard to enter a vocal competition at mormon times.com. It's sort of like a mormon american idol. http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php. This address should take you to the entry page. Her name is listed below. You can listen to all the contestants and see who you like and vote for them. The winner is based on the number of votes each contestant gets. (I think you have to make an account to vote. It is quick and we registered over a month ago and have not recieved any e-mails.) We don't care if she wins, but I think she would like a good showing. Anyone with an e-mail address can vote once per day. Aubrey did her own version of Amazing Grace. The pianist is named Stephan Nelson and he was really "amazing". His accompaniment is his original composition. The song is really pretty...but then I am probably biased. So if you get a chance, log-on to mormontimes and vote and if you like Aubs you can vote for her (someone else if you like someone else). People can vote one time a day for 30 days. Please pass the word along to others as well. Tell anyone and everyone to vote (only if they want to). The voting goes everyday from Saturday November 15 through December 16. Also for family who check the blog, we found out this week she is in the mon, wed, friday cast with saturday matinees on saturday December 6th and 20th for HCTO. She has a small part so don't feel that you have to come. I know the holidays are busy. This girl keeps us sooooo busy.

GRANDMA aGAIN!

Melissa has let everyone know now that she is expecting again. She is about 10 weeks along but has been pretty sick. She is due in June. I was thinking I could play off being a kind-of Grandma....having one grand-child. But having two grandchildren probably means you are 100 percent totally a GRANDMA. I am going to have to start baking, wearing aprons and fixing my hair into a bun. We are excited. The kids in our house can barely contain themselves. Aubrey has been trying to scrape together all the money in the house (pennies and nickles in the couch or dimes or quarters in mom's change container) so that she can fly to San Francisco in the summer.

Who will I be, If I'm not who I think I am

Hey I don't mean this post to be preachy or anything--just loved the message in this person's talk.

I had the opportunity on Thursday to go to a day long conference at BYU on Spirituality in working with children and families. The best part of the day was a talk given by Cathy Chamberlain. She is a CEO and has spent over 25 years researching women's attitudes and values. She discussed women's identities and what they really want. She titled her talk "Who will I be, If I am not who I am? She reported that in a study she did that 75% of the women in the survey seek first to be valued. She discussed these certain trees in Arizona that frequently die...but the ones that don't die live forever. The ones that die have in common that their roots go shallow and outward in seeking their source of water. The ones that live have to send a "tap root" through a very hard layer of soil. Once they are through that layer they have a deep and continual source of nourishment. She then likened this to people who seek to be valued through external sources such as titles, popularity, etc. no matter how much validation they recieve it is never enough. on the other hand individuals who go through struggle and pain and find their tap root in the savior never thirst again. (Sister Chamberlain spoke of pain as a blessing). She suggested that women (and i guess men too) be vigilent in praying and asking god "who am i and how do you see me" rather than be as concerned about how they are seen by others. Though i think it is difficult to remember to be more concerned about how god views us than others in our world i think it is a worthwhile goal. She also discussed that in a huge research study conducted with a random variety of "American Women" that the most important goals in women's life were 1. believeing in god 2. being part of a happy family and 3. having a good marriage. However women's time was primarily spent trying to achieve financial success and trying to become skinnier and more fit. She suggested that we get caught in the thick of thin things. Though i think most people ultimately care about their own validation and how they are viewed to some extent i hope that i will be able to not make that define me and take my time from what I value most. Her survey also concluded that 92 % of women "in America" believed that there was a higher power that knows them personally. In sunday school last sunday brother Ashworths comment that when you come to believe and really believe that there is a god that knows you and watches over you your life cannot help but change. I loved that. The answer found in the tap root will satisfy our desires.

SNOW!

Kindness is like snow- it beautifies everything it touches.

Just thought our california family would be so jealous if they saw that we already have snow--especially lance. It was seriously like a blizzard this morning as I left for work at 6:45. My co-worker came in at 8 because the two cars in front of her were in an accident and she slid to the side. I must say the california in me always comes scrambling to the forfront during snowstorms...I feel rather cold and insecure...especially while driving. But I think I am not alone, it seems the first snow always tends to be a wild and unexpected occurrance for other people as well. I was just glad my boss was blasting the heat, because by the time I made it from my car into the office I was soaking wet. My hair was history for the rest of the day. It is always beautiful though. I love looking at it, the snow not my hair, from the comfort of inside framed like a beautiful picture out my window. Alternately the kids like to be out in it...especially the first snow. Brynna was rolling around in it, digging her face in it, basking in the joy of it. I couldn't make her come in even though her cheeks were red and her lips were quivering.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM/GRANDMA

Happy Birthday mom!
We hope you have the best day ever. Here are some things me and the kids love about Mom/Grandma...
1. Always has salad on hand.
2. Beautiful artist (love the painting in my house and I love looking at the one in my office-for hours everyday...it reminds me of you).
3. Good at helping me remember to pull weeds (Matthew).
4. Always makes me feel good about myself.
5. Teaches us art lessons.
6. Reads me stories.
7. Gives us special treats.
8. Taught me to be a much better mom than I actually am.
9. Always made me what I craved when I didn't feel good.
10. Helped with all art homework.
11. Her fun laugh.
12. Good example of doing service and having good values.
13. Always looks "Jazzy"
14. Taught us to stay away from "Hoodlums".
15. Always made/makes birthdays and holidays special.
16. Always thinks I'm funny even when I'm just being weird (Aubrey).
17. Plays games with us like rook, and yahtzee.
18. Let's sleep over when she is in utah.
19. Loves all birds.
20. Always has cookies,v8, or popsicles on hand
21. Gives us hugs.
22. Sings pretty
23. Thinks I'm great
24. Talks to me about alot of things.
25. Beautiful person inside and out.
We want you to know that you are our best gift. Thankyou for all have done and continue to do for us. We hope you are feeling better and can't wait to see you hopefully at Thanksgiving. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So it's Halloween once again. The kids are excited and got up early to get ready to go to school in their costumes. Brynna is a black cat (which she was last year and wanted to be again...she really doesn't like change all that much), Emily is a bat, Matthew is a mad scientist (with a light up brain and light up heart--very cool), Aubrey is a vampire (in keeping with her love of the book Twilight). She wanted red contacts, but we decided 90 dollars for a pair of red eyes was a little out of our budget. She was extra-ordinarily dissappointed. We told her to just pretend she was "thirsty". I went to the Barratt parade which says it starts at 9:30 but always starts at about 10:30 and then all the kids just run through so you can't get a picture of anything. I still have blurry pictures of Melissa's halloween parades..now I can add blurry pictures of Brynna...full circle of blurry pictures. Oh I added matthew's pumpkin...he saw an internet picture of a pumpkin throwing up and thought it was the most brilliant idea ever...so here is his version. Hope everyone out there had a great halloween. Can't wait to see pictures.

EXCITING TOOTH TIMES

Tonight after doing a lot of pumpkin carving, Brynna was washing her face and her tooth popped out and went down the sink. At first she was terrified and started crying. She was pretty upset as well because she figured the tooth fairy couldn't come because it was "gone". Dad opened the drain and amazingly found her tiny little tooth in the pipe. After the tooth was found she eased into the idea of a missing tooth...especially after we did the happy losing your tooth dance. I tried to take a picture of the little tooth because I have never seen a tooth the color that that tooth turned as it loosened (and it still had a good part of the root, however it was too tiny to get a good shot (they were all really blurry). The tooth was a bright shade of blue/purple and remained that way even as it is out of her mouth (It has been that way for a little over a week). Strange! She is now hopeful the toothfairy will vist...even though that darn old tooth fairy hasn't come to emily or matthew for over 4 months following their last teeth expulsions. We wonder if the tooth fairy is on strike or so very tired at night that a lot of forgetting goes on. We do look forward to posting halloween pictures for the family tomorrow...the kids pumpkins are simply amazing...Matthew took over 4 hours.

HaPPy BiRthDaY KaTiE!!!!!!!!

Hey Katers,

We hope you have a great birthday...these are pictures of Aubrey being so excited that it is your birthday. We love you and Aubrey can't wait to be a vampire with you tomorrow. Love all of us.

PicturE DaY AnD Cornbelly'S

Doesn't Brynna look beautiful for picture day! I thought the relatives would like to see. I almost took a picture of the Bathroom on picture day for this blog. I totally could not believe the disgusting mess that was left in the children's wake. Ultimately it was too embarassing for me to share. I do not know how they managaed it but there was at least a half a container of mouthwash spilled on the counter (with many curlers swimming in the minty liquid) and onto the floor...toothpast smeared in every possible location, dirty clothes including underwear spread all over the floor, well you get the picture...took me over an hour to clean up. I guess I will chalk it up to picture day chaos.

The night before picture day (Thursday...having earlier turned in the rather odd reflections entry's...so much to do!) we went to Cornbelly's...I think this added to the above chaos due to going to bed late. We had to go on Thursday because they had two for one coupons at Hogie Yogi's but only for Tues, Wed, and Thursdays and we figured next week would be "crazy" there...you know it's true... (We missed out on the coupon I found on someone elses blog where you get in to Cornbelly's on this one particular day in September for 97 cents...I am totally going to watch for that next year)...it is a little pricey to take the whole family. The kids had a great time...Brynna was so excited because her pig won the pig race and she won a delightful pig nose she has been wearing constantly. She is pretending she is Penelope (we love that movie!). Her pig was shaquelle O'squeel so if anyone goes..that pig is fast. The kids hummed "Crush" through the david archueletta maze and they were surprised when they came out the kiddie maze. Anyway fun was had by all. Can't wait for the chaos that is called Halloween! I can only imagine what the bathroom will look like then.

I threw in one token picture of evelyn too because we think she is so over the top adorable.