Halloween Sneak Peak

The kids are so excited about what they are for Halloween! Kynlee and Karley loved getting their costumes on this morning to wear to school. They had a parade in the gym for all the parents. It was so fun and the kids looked like they had a blast! Kenzie got to wear her costume at school today too. She's darling! I headed back to the Elementary in the afternoon for Kynlee's class party. I found the cutest idea online for "Pumpkin Bowling" and thought the 5th graders would love it! A pumpkin is used as the ball and I made 2-liter bottles look like ghosts for the pins. The kids soon found out that it was not as easy as it looked, since the pumpkins aren't perfectly round. It was so fun to watch!

Kynlee makes a perfect Hermione from Harry Potter!
Karley couldn't wear her mask to school, so I painted her face and colored her hair...she loved how it turned out!

Kenzie is pink from head to toe! She makes the cutest cheerleader!

Kynlee, along with many other kids, had no luck in knocking any ghosts down...bummer! Her teacher gave it a try, and as seen in the picture on the right, he knows a little about bowling. His pumpkin flew down the hall knocking all the ghosts down!

Monster Creation

Karley had to create a Monster for a class project. The pieces she used to build it were items she collected from the recycle bin. She did such a good job and had a blast making it come to life! It is so cool with its 14 eyes, vampire teeth, and colorful, fuzz ball hair. Of course it had to be BLUE! Because of its color, along with a gold hat and scales, she named it "Thunder", after our High School. Karley also made a map of Thunder's neighborhood and a shopping list of the yucky things it eats. When the time came to transport it to school, Karley decided to take Thunder on the bus with her. Sure enough, I got a phone call soon after that it didn't survive the trip and Karley was pretty upset about it. I hurried down to her class to comfort her and saved the day by gluing it back together. Karley worked super hard...way to go!

Karley proudly displaying "Thunder".

I was able to go with Karley on her class Field Trip last week. We went to the Living Planet Aquarium. Karley had been a couple of years ago, but it was new for me. There were some pretty impressive fish, frogs, and ocean life. The kids', including Karley's, favorite part was touching the stingrays! Karley had a constant smile on her face and I enjoyed watching how excited she got each time she touched one. I had fun and love going on Field Trips with my kids!

Heart Update

Just a quick update for those who were wondering. I got my blood test results back and everything was normal. A few days later, the nurse from my doctor's office called with my heart monitor results. She said it showed I had "Premature Atrial Contractions". DUH...I already new that! She told me to make an appointment with a Cardiologist to be examined. I can't be seen until November 12th, because I'm a new patient, but I hope to find out more details and answers then. So I'll wait! I have been doing better, meaning that the palpitations are not as frequent, so I feel more normal compared to the first week and a half. I still do what I got to do!

Restraunt Style

Well, I had a fun surprise when I woke up from my little nap this afternoon. As I walked up the stairs, I was greeted by 6 little chefs wearing aprons! It was so cute! They had each helped prepare dinner. The table was set with a fall theme displaying leaves that were gathered from the yard. There was even soft music playing in the background. Best of all, I sat down and Matthew took my order. The rest of the chefs each prepared an item on my plate and I was served my YUMMY dinner. Matthew continued to take orders and every plate got made in the same manner. The kids had a blast! It was such a great surprise!Thanks to the best little chefs...I would definitely recommend The Slider Restaurant!:)

Temple Square Trip

We have been reading as a family in the Doctrine & Covenants. A couple of nights ago we read about the death of Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum. It's really hard to not get choked up about the horrible way they died. The older kids reminded me of the movie about Joseph Smith they saw a few years ago, and showed interest in seeing it again. Well, it worked out perfect that they had Fall Break the next couple of days. Everyone was so excited to make a trip to Temple Square! We jumped on Trax and headed downtown, which meant I didn't have to worry about parking. Once at Temple Square we went to the Visitors' Center, the Tabernacle to watch an organ performance, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to watch the IMAX movie, Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, and we squeezed in a tour of The Beehive House. The movie was every one's favorite by far, but I have to say that the organ show was definitely next! We had a great time and I am so thankful for kids that show an interest in "churchy" stuff from time to time!

These guys think it is so cool to ride on Trax downtown!
The Salt Lake temple is absolutely gorgeous! I found the coolest spot to take a perfect picture! What do you think, Dad?

The kids didn't think the size of Angel Moroni, in the previous picture, looked as big as how they saw him, so I had to take a close-up...now he's big!

The girls standing with the statue of Christ at the Visitors' Center. Matthew was to embarrassed to be in the picture because of other people in the room. Kenzie was very quiet as she saw the nail prints in his hands and feet. It was a very tender moment!

The organ performance was awesome! The organist was Clay Christiansen, who I recognized as the older guy that accompanies the Tabernacle Choir during General Conference. He started off by demonstrating how well the acoustics are in the Tabernacle by tearing a sheet of paper and dropping pins. The sounds produced were crystal clear...amazing! As he played the lighting changed colors. The songs were powerful and we all watched with mouths wide opened! It is a must see!

I can't help but to think of walking the halls in this historic temple with my beautiful kids someday.

Two beautiful girls amidst a beautiful garden!

When we came out of the amazing, powerful, and tear-jerking movie (Kynlee and I had red, swollen eyes), this was a statue we saw - Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I love these men! My kids have a new-found love and appreciation for the life of Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith tested his faith and saw the Father and His Son. Because of these exemplary men, who restored the true church, I am able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I am forever grateful for their devotion and sacrifice.

This is a view of the temple from the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building...what a site! It was such a great trip! I'm so glad my kids wanted to go!

My Own Little Get Away

I am so grateful to my husband for encouraging me to take a trip, on my own, to see my family this last weekend! He must have known I needed a little break, since it is rare when I get one. I flew out on Friday, which is a treat in itself, and my sister, Kristy, picked me up from the airport. The laughter started instantly! We picked up Karissa and baby Harlow, who I was so excited to see, and headed up to Show Low. My cousin was getting married the next day. My baby sister, Natalie, joined us a little later. It was so wonderful to hang out and have a slumber party with my sisters...the laughing never ended! We had a great time at the wedding and it was nice to see my extended family too. I spent the last couple of days at my Mom's. I loved this time, but it went by too fast! I flew back late Monday night. I'm forever grateful for the time spent and the laughter shared with my family! It was just what I needed. Thanks again Matt!

My Dad surrounded by his beautiful daughters!:) We might not look anything alike, but the bond I have with my sisters is unbreakable! You are my best friends...I love you girls!

Kristy is so unbelievably talented...I am jealous in a big way! She made the gorgeous wedding cake! It was perfect!

Beautiful Karissa and precious Harlow. She was such a good baby the entire trip. I loved holding her, changing her diapers, and feeding her every chance I got. I am such a proud Aunt!

My wonderful Dad! I feel like the time I spent with you was short, but I loved every minute of it! You mean the world to me!Grandma Nikolaus with my cousin, Lanny, the groom. What a great wedding and reception!

Picture with Grandma Nikolaus. Thanks for letting us crazy girls stay with you! And a big thanks for the work you did on my heart! I love my sweet, tiny Grandma!

On our drive home from Show Low, we were amazed at this beautiful sunset! We called it "Fire In The Sky"! Arizona has the best sunsets!

Pictures with my brother and Deacon. I was so glad I got to spend some time with their family on Sunday! Baron went down for his nap before I got the camera out...sorry. Nathan is already pumped to go snowboarding this season! You guys better make a trip up here! I love you guys!

Nathan is busting some sweet moves in some of his snowboarding gear! He is such a crazy guy and so funny! My kids love the puppy, Sophie, so I had to get a few pictures of her. Awww! Pictures with the Hopkins kiddos! Thanks for going to Matta's with me...yummy! Love you guys tons and will be missing you until Christmas! Natalie and I went with Karissa, for support, to get Harlow's ears pierced. I was the lucky one who got to hold her. She was sleeping peacefully and then... ...she was rudely awakened! Karissa had to turn away. It was so sad to hear her howl.:( After the piercing, Karissa cleaned Harlow's ears. What a mad little face!All better! They look so pretty! I love this picture! Her sweet face is saying, "Oh wait! That really made me sad Mom!"My beautiful Mom! I enjoyed our walk and the time I got to spend with you without kids interfering. You are the greatest...I love you so much!

Official Teenager

Holy moly, I have a TEENAGER! I still can't believe Matthew turned 13 years old today. Where has the time gone? It really doesn't seem that long ago when I was bringing my blond peach fuzz, blue eyed, absolutely precious newborn home. Wow has he grown-up...literally! When I stand behind him, all I can see on me are my eyes and up. As big of a birthday #13 is, we had a pretty regular, but special, day. I made him breakfast: waffles, fried eggs, bacon, and juice. Kenzie and I picked him up from school later and made a quick run to Wendy's for lunch. He had his favorite, Chapalutas, for dinner and by request a Triple Chocolate Fudge cake with chocolate shavings on top.

The girls made Matthew some cute cards and he loved the cell phone, walkie talkie, camera, and laptop Karley made for him out of paper...she's so creative. Matt and I felt bad that it was the next morning before he got our gift, but that was just how it went. He loves his new Mountain Bike! It was just what he wanted.

Matthew, I can't believe you are a TEENAGER! You mean the world to me and I am so proud of the amazing young man you are becoming. You are smart, loving, spiritual, a good friend, and a great big brother. Oh ya, you are stinkin' handsome too! Make good choice in these TEEN years and you will be HAPPY. Always remember how much I love you. I am always here for you. Happy Birthday Son!

Heart Palpitations

After doing my exercise routine this last Monday morning, I started having heart palpitations (irregular heart beats). I didn't think to much of it until it continued lasting throughout the entire day. I took myself to Urgent Care and the doctor there could hear them and told me it's Premature Atrial Beats. Basically, the sensor node that produces the message to contract is sending rapid signals which aren't being caught. This is causing me to feel like my heart is skipping a beat. I really feel fine other than it is very noticeable and annoying. By the end of the day I feel exhausted. The Urgent Care doctor told me to follow up with my Primary Care doctor to be further evaluated. Since I was continuing to feel them on Tuesday, I made an appointment for this morning, which is the 3rd consecutive day. This doctor confirmed again what I am feeling and started the steps to figuring out what's wrong. I had blood work done to test my Thyroid, Electrolytes, and Platelets and he scheduled an appointment for me at the Hospital this afternoon to get a Holter (heart monitor). I feel like a walking Hospital patient. I have 7 sensors stuck around my chest, which are connected to the Holter, which is strapped around my waist. This is monitoring my heart for 24 hours. When I feel something I push a button that will highlight that beat. Let me tell you, I am not pushing it every time it happens, there is so many, but at least the Holter is picking it up. I also keep a detailed diary of my activities throughout this period, including going to the bathroom. So fun! After answering all the doctors questions, I feel pretty good about being in good health. We'll see what problems, if any, these tests show. I just hope there is an end to these crazy heartbeats!

Fall Colors

The temperature has dropped quite a bit around here. We are getting a small taste of the bitter cold that is not too far off. The kids had the day off school, and there were no complaints when we headed up to American Fork Canyon for a picnic and to see the changing leaves. It was cold and stormy in the mountains...we could see the snow blowing around! We got our fire going first! A lot of trees haven't started changing, but there were enough to make it absolutely gorgeous. The red trees were striking and our favorite. We love hiking, exploring, and enjoying how beautiful and peaceful the forest is. We are so blessed to have this beauty all around us!

So BEAUTIFUL!