Happenings...

Spooky spider web...almost done. :)

These are the pots that my trees have always been in, by the front door. I decided to spray paint them black, to give them a cleaner look. I then added the pumpkins, etc. I saw this idea on my cousin Ashley's blog. She is so super talented! She is on my side bar.



I think I am just about done with my Halloween decorations. I do have to finish my spiderweb in the front of the house tonight. I am excited to see how that turns out.

We have been moving right along at our house. The boys, and Sarah are busy with school. Fall break is around the corner! We are all looking forward to that. I LOVE no schedules, and everyone together. There is nothing better!

This weekend is General Conference. I really am looking forward to watching it. I always try to grasp on to, the words spoken at conference. The world sure isn't in a good place right now. This has been on my mind quite a bit. My heart goes out to so many that are suffering. I have such a hard time believing that the U.S.A. is in this big of a mess. Then I realize what greed, and dis honesty can do. Amazing, really. I will grasp the words that are spoken this weekend. I LOVE conference, and always gain so much from it. Well, I am off to pick up a little before the afternoon rush hits! Happy Tuesday! :)

Brooke White...

Sarah, and I

Wow, Steve is looking serious! :)



We had a fun night, tonight. We were able to see Brooke White, from American Idol. She is from here, and was home visiting. I saw her on the morning news this morning. I had heard that she was in town, and going to perform. I just couldn't find out where. I was SO happy to see her on the news this morning. She announced then, where, and what time. I was thrilled! She performed at the Mesa amphitheater. She did a wonderful job. She did complain that, she was loosing her voice, and called things quit, after about 30 minutes. I would have loved to have heard more. We had a good time, and actually ended up in the front row! We where only about 1 1/2 hours early. The concert was free, so it was open seating. We were so surprised that we got such great seats!

Conversation with my Mother in law-Utah beauty

Family this summer in Midway Utah

Yesterday I was on the phone with my mother in law. We were talking about this, and that. Then the subject of weather came up. She let me know how beautiful it was in Utah right now. I let her know that she wasn't really missing anything here in Arizona, since the temperatures were still around 105! We try go to Utah in October. It is a perfect time to enjoy the leaves changing, spend time with family, before the busy holidays approach, etc. Life has been so busy with our business, etc. that I had it in my mind, that this year we would skip October, and take a trip up there in the next few months. I hung the phone up, and thought, can I miss my October trip? The visiting, the leaves, the beauty, the calm before the holidays. Hmm, I might just have to change my mind, about our October trip. Today I am grateful for family, love, and the beauty our world has. There is nothing like seeing red, yellow, and orange leaves changing their color. Love it!

Some S-p-O-o-K-y decorations...

I painted this mirror black a few weeks ago. It was in my Grandparents home. When I received it, it was gold. I have had it for quite a few years. I am so glad that I finally have it on my mantel. It sat on my grandparents mantel, for as long as I can remember.

chandelier

Today has been a good day. I feel like I am making a dent in what I need to do, on my To Do list. Tomorrow my laundry will be calling my name. I spent the afternoon putting a few more decorations up around the house. I really am enjoying the way the house is feeling. So Fallish! :) I have been wanting to decorate the chandelier, that is in the entry, of the front of the house. I just need Steve, to get up on the ladder, for me. :)The ceiling is w-a-y to high for me, to even begin to think about getting on the ladder. When I get done with the chandelier I'll post a picture of, my creation. I hope everyone is enjoying this time of the year. For some reason, here in Arizona, it is getting hotter. I just heard on the news, that tomorrow it will be around 103! That's OK though...I finally can see the end of the tunnel.

Happy 1st day of fall!

Happy 1st day of fall! I LOVE this time of year, and everything that comes with it. I have always felt, like life slows down a little in the fall. The days get dark earlier. The sun starts to come out later. There seems to be more family evenings, at home. The running around of summer, is closing, etc. I finally have my decorations out of the attic! This means the decorating is going to begin! I love all of the fall colors, and Halloween decor. The house always feels so cozy with the decor up. Well, I am off to start the first day of fall decorating!

I also want to share some fun, and good news, I came across. Disneyland, and Disney world, are offering FREE admission, on birthdays of 2009. Just go to the official Disney website, and you'll find all of the details there. I think this is wonderful! Have a happy Monday! :)

peaches...

I ordered some peaches from Utah. The peaches are sitting on my kitchen counter. Reason being, I can't decide what to do with them. They are to small to can. For some reason, this batch aren't the biggest peaches, we have ever gotten. I am considering making jam. I also am thinking about making the kids a cobbler. Steve, and I are dieting, so it would be a no no for us. I am wondering if any of you, have any peachy ideas or recipes, that you can share with me. I will be thrilled with any ideas that you want to share. Thanks! :)

preparing for Sunday...

I have always enjoyed the beginning of a new week. There is something to be said about starting over, planning, cleaning from the weekend, etc. :) This morning I am picking up around here, and working on laundry. I never plan anything on Monday mornings. It is my one morning out of the week, that I know I will be home, and working around the house. In a way, I look forward to it.

Yesterday I spent part of the morningworking on my lesson, for next week. I teach the Beehives, 12-13 year old girls.http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD These girls are special to me. Next weeks lesson is going to be on, dating decisions. This is a topic that, we are facing too. Sarah is 14. She isn't allowed to date until she is 16. Her dating days will come all to soon. Heaven help us,
when that day comes. :) Preparing for my lesson, I had a prayer in my heart. I want to get across to the girls, how special that they are. To make wise choices. To not do anything, that they will later regret. I realized while preparing this, that the bottom line is...I don't want them to go thru the pain,that will be experienced. I can only pray that they will make wise choices. I also pray that they will date some really nice boys, that know right from wrong. I later realized that this lesson was hard for me to prepare. I think it is because, I have a daughter that will date soon. If they can get past my three boys, Steve, and myself!!! :) I also think it was difficult because I do care so much about these sweet girls.

I decided to display a mirror. I hope that when they come home from a date, that they will be able to look into the mirror, and be able to smile back at themselves. I also chose to display a picture of the temple. Going to the temple is a goal they want to achieve someday. Then I decided to display a picture, of three girls in white dresses. This represents purity. Anyhow this is enough out of me this morning. This is what has bee on my mind. I thought it was important that I document it. I hope all of you are having a happy Monday! Michelle

9-11-08

I came in from hanging our flag not long ago. I have had a heavy heart this morning. So many thoughts, seem to be going thru my mind. My heart still breaks for those that where lost, or lost someone on this tragic day. This evening when everyone is together, I am going to ask them their feelings of this day. I am sure that their feelings are similar to mine. 7 years ago, it seemed as a nation, we came together after the attack. There was a closeness, and sincerity. I was thinking about the political slandering, that has taken place lately. It amazes me how time changes things. In 7 short years we have political figures on the T.V.attacking one another verbally. Hmmm, I wonder if it really is possible for our own country to stay united. I pray so...

Fall!

Last years pictures...

I am beginning to get Fall fever! I keep hoping the temperatures will drop, so I can justify getting out my fall/Halloween decorations.I think I'll ask Steve to get them, out of the attic for me. I just can't wait!!! I love decorating the house, for this time of the year. This afternoon I was burning a mulled cider candle! Yum! I will post pictures after I have decorated. It may take a few days to get to it. I can't wait for the temperature to drop anymore! :) Who else has gotten the fall bug? :)

our week...

I love this group!
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This week has flown by! I am so glad that the weekend is here. We have had so few weeks that we didn't have to be somewhere. This weekend is going to be, a do what ever weekend! Swim, relax, maybe a movie, etc. Tonight we are going to take Jake to look for a new fish tank. He loves fish! He has had them for quite a few years. It is so nice to go upstairs, and watch them with him. I love those moments with him. Quiet, peaceful, calm, barely talking, but enjoying the beauty of his fish. I can't believe my baby boy started college a few weeks ago. He is enjoying it, and working really hard.

Sarah will be going to her first High School football game tonight. Geepers I am feeling old! She is enjoying being in High School. Her favorite classes are Seminary, and Photo.

Nate is busy working, and going to college. He amazes me at the way he is SO devoted to his health. He works out 6 days a week, has for years. Wouldn't eat a candy bar, or a pop if he had to! He is amazing! He has continued to inspire Steve, and I to get in shape.

Ben, and Dessie, were over yesterday. Dessie was so sweet to do my hair. It needed it sooo bad! Thank you Dessie. It was fun to sit, and visit with her, and Ben while the foils where doing their magic on my head! :)

Steve, and I are on day 8 of our diet. I think Nate's constant reminder got to us. So far we have had 8 great days. It helps so much to have each other for support.

Well, that is the run down around our household. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Michelle

Thank you Helen

The above photos are just a few that Helen has taken of this series. The two below are the ones that I was lucky enough to take. She was so kind in letting us take our own pictures.

I have shared these before. I just love them!

My friend Helen Robson is amazing!http://rustyhelenrobsonfamily.blogspot.com/ She is my talented ,who took the pictures that mean so much to me,of my son Jake. In the springtime Jake took part in thishttp://capturedmiracles.blogspot.com/ I forever will be grateful that he had this opportunity. Actually I feel so blessed that our family had this opportunity. We took Jake, to the location, that Helen had asked us to meet her at. I in NO way, ever realized, the impact this day would have on me. I will never forget the feeling, of the spirit that took place that late afternoon. The good news is she has compiled these beautiful photos in a book. I can't wait to see all of her wonderful work in one book. I have my fingers crossed that it will be out by December. I posted the links above, so you can check out her site. Amazing.