News of the Day....

1. We now own a building lot, and 23,000 "cimaron" brick. So that's good news.

2. We have a 4.0 student who danced with two eighth graders today. Sounds like two eighth graders will soon have their legs broken. Bad news for them, good news for Tay.

3. Gutting pumpkins "is not easy for someone with little pea shooters like me." That was Jake that said that, not me, though I tend to agree.

4. The urologist still wears goofy shoes, and is still extremely confident in his skills. Also good news, but not about the shoes.

5. The house is still not for sale, but we do have someone coming to look at it on Monday. Call it good or bad, whichever you choose.

6. My sister is due any minute from Missouri. Good news. The 50 something hour drive due to snow - bad news.

7. I hear good news about my cousin Dusty - is it true? A baby?!?! Congratulations.

8. I saved 75% at the grocery store yesterday - Great News!

9. Halloween tomorrow - good news. Eating my weight in candy - bad.

10. Did I tell you we own brick and dirt - call it what you will.

Happy Halloween Week...

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We Love Conference....

General Conference this year was great. There is nothing better than church in your pajamas, listening to the Prophet, and gaining new insight about life in general. It seems that they were all inspired to talk about loving Heavenly Father with all of your heart, loving your neighbor and family, and listening and being in tune with the Spirit. At least that's what we got. Is that what you got? It can be so different for everybody, depending on what you need to hear I guess. Reed and I found it very interesting that these are the very things that our bishop has been talking about for some time. It strengthened our testimony of how inspired our church leaders are. We also loved Elder Holland's talk. He spoke boldly and without apology about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He's our kind of guy - no mincing of words. To read it click here.

Feeling a lot of Love....

It is very hard to think about moving when the people around you are the very best people in the world. I have known this for quite some time. I have the best neighbors, many of whom have taken a part in raising me in one aspect or another, or at least in easing me into adulthood, probably without even realizing it. They have taught me a lot of "skills," they have talked me through a lot of issues, offered a lot of advice (mostly solicited), and sometimes they have put me in my place (but only when I have needed it). They watch out for the kids, and take care of our house when we travel. And they make you feel like a million bucks. I felt so much love on my birthday from all of the amazing women who surround me, and I will be forever grateful to them. But it is not just on my birthday that I feel their love, it is everyday. They are the best this world has to offer, and I am not sure that they can be replaced. The example they have shown me of love, friendship, and service is something that I will always treasure. Thank you ladies, for just being you. I love all of you, and I will miss you when we go. .......So, will you still come play with me when we move away? It is not that far. You can still see Timp - at least the tip of it. What do you think, are you up for the drive?

Happy Birthday to...

Me.

Happenings...

Today Reed and I were treated to a wonderful patriotic program at the local elementary school. The kids sang great songs, and the school provided us with amazing speakers - one of whom has been recently widowed - her husband was killed in Iraq. It was a touching program, and one that made us realize how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms that we do.

In other news, some days our floor is so clean you could eat off it. Literally. Other days, not so much. No big news on the house hunting front, we are still waiting to hear on a building lot. Also, we just found out our bank is not offering construction loans, so that's good news. Hating the moving things right now - the packing, the cleaning, the denial, the lack of interest - all of it. Needing to kick it into gear.

Taylor is rocking the softball field this fall. You heard it here first. We finally talked her into giving softball a go. We knew the day we showed up to a game and the coach walked out and started putting bows in her hair that we were in a whole new dimension, but we are enjoying it. She says not as much as baseball, but it is something to do!
And let me introduce you to this years winner of the Miss Beautiful Smile pageant. She is a fiery fifth grader who loves candy, suckers, and anything sweet. She is motherly and compassionate, and is the recent recipient of a new retainer. Her braces are off, the head gear is now useless, and the tongue can't stop gliding over those pearly whites. Let's hear it for Miss Torey!!!!

Birthday Quiz....

Question #1: Who would be 245 years old today if they were a dog?

Question #2: Who is the equivalent of 7 x 5 today?

Question #3: Who is 70 years old divided by 2 - today?

Question #4: Who is in denial about the question to all three of the above questions?

Question #5: Who spit in my mouth when we were kids?

Question #6: Who is the "fun aunt" in our family?

If you answered my older sister, Niki, to any of the above questions, then congratulations you are correct!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Niiiiiii - Kiiiiii, Happy Birthday to YOU!

(See, even she is really excited about today!)