Happy Halloween and humbling experiences

If you're like me and you have a running/ walking buddy and you get to vent daily to your sounding board then we are blessed. But be warned things you say are heard, and not just by your buddy. I was walking last week and I starting asking Cristy who she thought would be replacing all the recently opened callings at church. So one by one they've been filling up except one, Primary 1st counselor, who got called as Stake Primary President. I told her that I've had my calling for about 2 years now and am finally getting the hang of it. I immediately followed that with maybe I shouldn't say anything because it'll be me getting the phone call. Sure enough last night a call from Brother Zambrana asking if he could come over and talk with us sent a chill through my body. He came and extended the call and I accepted of course. While I will really miss the youth that I teach in Sunday school, I am really excited to be with the children of the ward. They are truly angels and we are supposed to learn from them and be like them so hopefully I pick up some of their angelic traits.

Halloween is always a fun day for us, busy but fun. We go to my mom's house every year and eat some delicious soup and go trick or treating to some close neighbors, Grandma Fanara's house and aunt Sheila's. Who I must say spoiled the kids rotten with candy and cookies. I will be sending you guys the Dentist bill for cavities. Just kidding. They loved it and felt so special. Recently my little niece Ava has formed a strong attachment to Trevor and for the life of us can't figure out why. It might be all the the sweet treats he's slipped to her now and then but it is adorable. She wanted nothing to do with her parents and needed to be either holding hands or being held by him the entire night. It was adorable. We had a fun going around with the cousins and aunts and uncles while Nana and Papa passed out candy. Tyler was Darth Vader, Grace Bell, and Andrew was Woody and Bullseye. They love playing dress up and this was a pure night of Joy. It takes so little to make kids happy. Hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween.

So far this month...

So far this month has been an exciting ride. Grace has had a UTI that wasn't responding to antibiotics so after a run to the ER monday night she is on a new antibiotic and hopefully wiping her system clean. We went to our annual Nielsens Family reunion on a quick trip to Black Dragon. Pumpkin patch for fun and a field trip and celebrated a ton of birthdays. I know I am being super detailed but I really don't want to relive all the details so if you have questions I'll answer but it's kind've exhausting to think about. For the most part we're doing good and having fun. The kids are happy and trying to soak up as much of this beautiful weather as possible. Happy Harvesting!

Presley and Kaylee Knapton

Our kids at Bishops Pumpkin Patch

Grace on her picture day

Grace, Chloe, and Gabi at Pumpkin patch for field trip

Grace and Gabi with the pumpkins they picked out.

Our neice's Taylor and Kate repelling.

Nephew Porter enjoying a snack waiting for his lunch.

Super mom, Shelane with Hazel on her back repelling. She's a cool chick.

Tagged

So here's the rules. Go to your pictures, the 4th file and then the 4th picture and you have to post that picture. My sister tagged me so I'm tagging any of you that need something to post. This was Tyler when we were outside in the spring probably about 3 years ago. Cute little kid.

Family

I have the best family. From my kids and husband, to siblings, nieces and nephews, in laws, MOM AND DAD, cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandpa, and especially this week Grandma Fanara. The lady of the hour or at least the 21st of September. It was her 80Th birthday and you would never guess it. She is my hero(in)! She's a lovely lady and I am so glad that she's around to play with my kids and for them to know her. On Saturday there was a surprise birthday party for her with everyone. Kyle was the only one missing but we still managed to get his life size picture of him in the family picture. There were 48 people in this picture who are either son, daughter, in-lawed, grandchild, or great grandchild. It was an amazing sight and hasn't happened in a long time. It was quite emotional for Grandma to see everyone together in one house. I imagine that must be what it's like when we get to see our loved ones who have passed on. I love you Grandma and thank you for all that you are and all that you do and have done!

When is it ever going to stop!

I don't think I have stopped since school started. With Tyler and Grace's birthday's, all three kids with colds, t-ball, Kumon, carpool, and Grace's special visits to the doctor this week, late night fevers, HOMEWORK, company... I just marvel at those of you who have all your kids in extra curricular. I don't know how you do it. I am worn out at the end of the day. And that is laundry time around here. The funny thing is that I love it! I just don't know if you all take a minute to tell yourself you're doing good and that it's actually fun. I got to go to the temple last night with my mom, grandma, sister and brother in law ( it was supposed to be a whole family thing but things came up for everyone). Trev went abalone diving with a friend so I flew solo this time. I went with the intention of getting some answers to some questions and what I came out with was peace. PEACE. What a perfect lesson for me. The calming, joyous feeling of simple peace. Why is it so hard to have/get this wonderful state of mind, body and spirit? I am so grateful for that moment I had in The Lord's temple. It's amazing what comes into your head when you clear out the junk! Hope you all get a moment of peace soon, you deserve it.

I couldn't help myself when I saw this quiz on my sister in law's blog. 20

That was almost Tyler's entire Kindergarten class. I bet his teacher could double that.

Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!

I can't believe my little girl is 4. She truly lights up our life everyday. She also brings plenty of drama into it. She is caring, helpful, loving, thoughtful, beautiful, and hilarious. She has a beautiful smile and is super friendly. In fact we all usually embarrass Trev whenever we go anywhere because we'll talk to anyone and he wants to run. I love the song "In my Daughters Eyes", by Martina McBride. I've added it to my playlist at the bottom so scroll down and click on that and Gracie Girl if you haven't already listened to it. Those lyrics represent her perfectly. I am so grateful to have a daughter like her. I know some might think that I jinxed her by naming her Grace but to me she is the epitome of the word. I am so excited to see what she is going to do with her life because I know she's going to be amazing, I just don't want her to grow up all at the same time. I love you babe, Happy Birthday!