Happy Halloween

Hope you had as much fun as we did!

Grateful Sunday

I've seen other people make these grateful posts a regular part of their blogs, and I think that's a fabulous idea, so here are a few things I am grateful for today.

1. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This seems to actually encompass several of my thoughts right now. I am grateful that we have a church led by men of God. We had Stake Conference today, and it was such a blessing to hear these messages today. The thing that really sticks with me is the desire to learn more about my Savior Jesus Christ. Along with the spiritual nourishment that comes with membership, it's the friendships that I also value. I love that no matter where we move, and we have certainly done that a few times, we have always so quickly felt a part of our new ward. No matter how big the church gets, it still stays small, which is just divine planning. Just today we were visiting with someone in our ward, and she told us about her niece's experience with adoption, and it just is so nice to have that kind of support.

2. My husband.
I know, I sometimes complain that he worries too much, or that he doesn't help me around the house enough, but he is actually an amazing man who loves the Lord, loves me, and loves Tyler. He works so hard and does his best to be the best. And I love him for that.

My Heater

I got to turn on my heater this morning for the first time!! We have been waiting and waiting for it to cool down just a little here, and it finally did. Monday morning when I took Tyler to school at 8:30, it was a muggy 80 degrees. By the time I picked him up at noon, it was in the 60's and rainy. It hasn't gotten above 72 since! This afternoon Tyler and I went outside and treated ourselves to a little game in the beautiful fall weather. I knew it would eventually come, we'll just see how long it stays.

Now, that would be totally lame if I only talked about the weather, so let me also add a small note to say that the best Sunday of the year is inevitably the day of the Primary Program. And yes, even though we had only been called one week when it was time to do the program, it turned out great. The kids are sweet, the leaders and teachers are awesome, and the spirit was strong. I am looking forward to the upcoming year of primary.

New Hair

I had put off getting my hair done for so long trying to get it closer to our trip next month. I finally went yesterday, and here it is:
This was also my first attempt at taking my own picture in the bathroom mirror. My hair is the darkest it has ever been, and I think I am liking it.

A Busy Weekend

Not much seemed to happen at all this week, other than the same old carpooling, running errands, and cleaning my house. So when Saturday came around, we decided to make the most of it. Dan had been invited to go jet skiing with some friends, so Tyler and I decided to have our own fun. His choice, Old MacDonald's Farm. Just down the street from us, off F.M. 1960 for any locals, is a small farm with petting areas, play structures, a small train, pony rides, a pool, a GIANT sand pile, and so on. This was the first time since we were there last March that I would even consider it with our warm weather. I am just not used to this pretend fall in Houston. We have been cheering because last week the highs were only around 85, and the overnight lows were actually below 70! But, I digress. As I said, this is the first time I thought we wouldn't die of heat exhaustion if we went. And know what? When we left at 1:00, I was still pretty hot, just not drenched in sweat. Anywho, here are our fun pictures of the day:


Tyler is funny because it's a farm, but he really doesn't like the animals all that much. He didn't want to pet any of them, and he made me feed them. I don't particularly like feeding them myself. So we spent most of our time playing on the fort and slides, and riding the train. Also, during the month of October, kids get to pick a pumpkin to take home. Don't you love the pumpkin that he choose? There weren't really any big ones, but he choose the littlest one he could find. He's funny.

Then, as if the farm wasn't enough, we came home and changed and went to a birthday party! One of the boys in Tyler's preschool had a party, and we were invited. It was at this cool place called Kids in Action. They had tons of games and stuff to play on, and music, and it just kept the kids so busy. Here's Tyler:

We had a lot of fun yesterday, and Tyler went to bed early, and slept hard. Oh, and we even found his precious blankies. They had been lost for almost 2 months, and we found them yesterday in the garage. Yeah for mom, the super blankie finder!!

We have also turned in our adoption application, along with our nonrefundable fee (eek!) and hope to hear from LDS Family Services soon.

And finally, the weekend was also quite busy today, as I received a new church calling today. I am the 2nd counselor in the primary presidency. Our ward split two Sundays ago, and the entire PP was in the other ward. Today we practiced for the primary program, which is next week. Needless to say, we are not quite organized with everything, but this program is looming over our heads!! Today went well, the children are well prepared, and I'm assuming that even if it isn't perfect, it will be wonderful, and everyone's favorite Sunday of the year. We'll see next week.

Musings on Conference

I love General Conference. Granted, I don't get out of it all that I should, especially since half the time I am playing conference bingo with Tyler, but I certainly get enough out of it to feel inspired and encouraged. (By the way, Tyler actually sat through most of one session on Saturday and half of one session on Sunday because of that game, so I guess I should be happy!)

Elder Condie's talk on Saturday morning was especially touching. I have been trying so hard to trust Heavenly Father lately as we long for a baby. I have tried to just trust him not only for the if, but also for the when. It's his time table, not mine. So as Elder Condie spoke about how the Lord will remember us, using the story of Rachel from the Old Testament, it just totally reaffirmed to me that yes, God is aware of me, and will answer my prayers in his way and in his time.

I also appreciated President Packer's talk. With our ward splitting last Sunday, there are suddenly new opportunities for everyone to serve. I just kept thinking during his talk, it's not where, but how. How can I magnify my calling, no matter what is asked of me? A couple Sunday's ago, Dan had left the TV on to the BYU channel, and I walked into our bedroom to an Education Week talk. I don't know who he was, but he was speaking how at his grandmother's funeral, he found out she had worked in the nursery of her ward for 30 years! All faithfully and without complaint. I think of that often and yes, it is how you serve that will matter.

Finally, Elder Oaks gave a great talk--good, better, best. How do I spend my time? I am blessed that right now in my life I am not that busy, not that scheduled. That leaves me a lot of time to accomplish the things I need to. Do I use my time wisely? Do I do the things that are the most important and essential? Not always. What a good reminder for me.

Now I am just looking forward to the Ensign coming out I can't wait to reread so many of these messages.

Visiting the Children's Museum

When we first moved to Houston, we bought a membership to the Children's Museum, but it had been awhile since we went there. Tyler had been asking about for the last couple of weeks, so we went this afternoon. He loves it there. They had a new exhibit all about Marc Chagall and these interactive art activities geared towards kids. They had some really cool stuff there that I liked, but Tyler was drawn to more of his usual. I think he really likes repetition and routine. We of course went grocery shopping, milked the cow, checked on the baby chicks, and so on. It's a fun place, and most importantly, Tyler really likes it there.

Back to Normal

I think we are all finally back to good health. In my ever so kind manner, I was sure to share my stomach bug with everyone in my house. Dan and Tyler both seemed to get over everything yesterday late in the day. Today seemed to be the day to try to get back on track, but it didn't quite happen. I made myself a big long list of everything I need to do this week, and so tomorrow will be the day I get back on schedule: carpool to preschool, work out, clean toilets, mail a package, and so on and so forth. Life will be back to normal. I hope.