My Trenton

We have been doing school at home now for over 60 days (i know, cause we count them). I am amazed as I watch Trenton grow and improve in not only academics but in his social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life. When we started school, he could hardly stand to hold a pencil let alone write his name. He was not as confident in himself and had a hard time communicating. Now, he seems more sure of himself and what he can do--a big accomplishment for him. He is learning to read, too which is equally amazing to watch. He can sound out the letters and blend them. I love to watch the look on his face when he discovers what word it is...kind of like...magic. Today was Saturday and so we don't usually hold school on Saturdays, but he was actually wanting to do his worksheet and do school. It's exciting to see him excited to learn. I feel like I am learning right along side him--because I am. One of my top goals for this school year was to develop a better relationship with Trenton and for sure that is happening. Good thing we still have more time to improve, too! What would I do without our Trenton? He has such a peaceful personality that he literally can calm me. This has been true since the night he was born when he was slept in his little hospital crib next to my bed and made little soft noises like a kitten--the most sweet sound I've ever heard. I love that boy. I'm so glad we have him.

Annual Turkey Shoot

the Hunters (with paintball guns and attitude;)

the Turkeys (lots of padding needed:) Shawna, Marc, Riley, Derik, Dad and Baden

Derik let the boys have a turn and pulling the trigger, too.

Bowling with my boys

The boys have been earning beans to put in a jar and they finally filled it up, so we had promised them a trip to the bowling alley as the reward. Even Wade got a kick out of dropping the ball and watching it roll down...even if it took a long time to reach the pins. Afterwards, we all went out to have icecream. I love my family!

Deck the Halls.....

....the walls, outlets, lamps...these are Preston's sweet interior decorating skills. He specializes in using feathers, colorful rubber bands, rubber bracelets, ribbons and anything else he can get his hands on.

Harvest Happenings

These are a little late in coming (but at least they're here). A few of the fun harvest-y things we did in October...

The men at work choppin' wood. The annual trip to the pumpkin patch was a big hit again. But no matter how many big, wonderful pumpkins there are there, the boys seem to always gravitate to the go-carts and mazes. Who would blame them? Check out these wheels!

For Halloween, I ventured out and went as a cheerleader. My cousin is a cheerleader and let me borrow a few things. The boys were the athletes, Marc was the ref/coach, and Wade was our mascot, a spider. Things were more or less just thrown together, however, and the camera died just as we were taking pictures so there aren't even any of the boys individually:( Be thankful for the ones we did get.

Here's a bonus pic of my bro Baden and his wife Emily posing as a deer and hunter. Go get 'em, Em!

Family Home Evening

Tonight for family home evening, we arranged to spend it with my Aunt Denise and daughter Shawna. Our lesson was on being grateful for the blessings we have from Father in Heaven. The boys were pretty rambunctious as usual but it turned out fine-- it usually does. Marc gave the lesson on The Ten Leppars in a very creative way that captured the boys' attention (he's a gifted teacher). Then we played Pictionary and drew pictures of things we are thankful for. Trenton first piped up and said "Jesus!", which is truly the blessing that should be mentioned first. I love the innocense of children. Then when it was Preston's turn he drew his favorite thing he likes to draw--the temple. No encouragement from us. I am amazed at how the youth of today and the children of today have such bold and strong spirits. They have to be in order to face what they will in these Last Days. Which is even more reason why we as parents need to be right there with them coaching them the whole way. ***On a side note, I have to say that I so admire my Aunt Denise. Tragically, she has lost 3 husbands (the 3rd was my mom's brother) and just lost her 4th husband (they hadn't been married a year yet) to cancer in August. But if you ever met her, you would not know the pain and hurt she has experienced. She is always smiling and has the greatest sense of humor. You always walk away from her presence feeling good. Denise amazes me.