National Junior Honor Society

This past week Skyler and Kaylee got an exciting letter in the mail. The letter informed them that they had both been invited to be a member of the National Junior Honor Society. All the hard work to get good grades paid off. Congratulations Skyler and Kaylee.

Feeling Puzzled...

Skyler has finished another puzzle. I wonder how many he is going to do this year???

YW in Excellence

My Beautiful "Daughter of a King"

This past sunday was our YW in excellence. Kaylee chose to do a display table with her value bracelet, magnetic board, and her apron that she made completing some of her goals. The theme for the night was "Daughter of a King". They tried to stress that we are all daughters of a king and we should all live accordingly so that we can return to live with him someday.

Medieval Festival

Mariah and a real knight from the Middle Ages
"QUEEN" Mariah

Mariah has been studying the Middle Ages in her History class at school. The teacher decided to have her own medieval festival for the kids. They were to dress in the time of the middle ages, so Mariah dressed as a queen. Dinner was served just like in the middle ages, so the kids did not have silverware. In the middle ages the people would sing songs in the streets to sell their goods. Mariah did a little performance singing a song to sell some "chairs". Afterwards the kids played "Hot Cross Buns" on their recorders. Also, some real knights did some jousting and the kids were able to cheer them on. It was a fun night for the whole family.

Fall Leaves

Kaylee, Mariah, and Spiderman

One sunday afternoon we went up Big Cottonwood canyon to look at the fall leaves. Joe and Skyler had gone off to collect leaves for his biology class. I didn't get many pictures of the leaves but I had some fun taking them of the kids. Cayden had put on his spiderman suit over the top of his church clothes and would not take it off. Hence the Spiderman in the pictures. He is such a funny boy, everyone in the canyon would just smile and laugh.

Nickelcade

Opening his manicure and pedicure set from Alex and Jacob

Blowing out the candles

Kaylee and Mariah doing Dance, Dance Revolution


This year for Skyler's birthday party we went to Nickelcade. They played video games, and had cake and ice cream. Alex and Jacob thought it would be funny if they got Skyler a manicure and pedicure set. They had taped some money to the bottom of the box though. I think he is going to keep it for their birthdays next year. We had fun although Skyler was a bit disappointed that most of his friends did not bring a gift. I was a bit bothered, although I know that is not why you have a birthday party. However, I think it is pretty rude to send your kids to an expensive birthday party like this one and not send anything. I guess maybe he is too old for birthday parties. We probably won't be doing another one. I hope that this post does not upset anyone. I am putting this out there mainly so we can remember this in the years to come. Let me know if you have any thoughts on the matter. Maybe I am wrong for feeling a little frustrated or is it bad etiquette???

New Beehive Class President

Michelle, Alicia, Kaylee, and Courtney

At the end of September Kaylee was set apart as the new Beehive class president. She chose Courtney Hardy as her first counselor. Michelle Holden as her second counselor and Alicia Grimstead as her secretary. We are so proud of her and the fine young woman she is turning into.

Birthday Lunch...Cafe Rio x2

This year for my birthday we were out of town. When we came back my friend Pat had left me a message saying that she wanted to take me out for lunch. We went to Cafe Rio. Pat's daughter Charlotte (who used to be my babysitter, back when we lived in Magna) came along with her new baby, Jackson. Thanks, Pat for such a fun lunch.

Also, Joe's mom took me to Cafe Rio on another day to celebrate my birthday with all of Joe's sisters. Cafe Rio x2...who could ask for a better birthday. Thanks, Mom for the lunch.

Utah State Fair

This year we went to the state fair...

While we were there we saw this neat

"Pumpkin Spider"...

Saw the swine but didn't get the swine flu...

It even started to rain.

Afterwards, out came this beautiful rainbow...

We saw some honey bees
and
even found the "Queen Bee".

Saw some huge pumpkins that

we "WISH" came out of our garden...

Saw some of Grandpa Anderson's honey

that he harvested...

And even saw some cows

getting a much needed bath.

What a fun day!!!

Ward Halloween Party

Kaylee in the donut eating contest


Skyler- 2nd place winner

IronMan aka Cayden
Minnie Mouse aka Mariah

Last weekend we had our ward Halloween Party. We had a good time eating soup and chili. The best part was the caramel apples that a lady in our ward made (boy were they yummy). We had a donut eating contest, where Skyler came in 2nd place. Then we went trunk or treating. Skyler did not dress up this year because he is too old. Kaylee was a pirate, Mariah was Minnie Mouse, and Cayden was IronMan. Hope you all have a safe and Happy Halloween. BOO!!!

Baby Addison

"ADDISON"

Tonight I went to the hospital to see my friend and her new baby girl. They named her Addison, she weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. Mom and baby are doing good. Congratulations Tiffanie and Christian, she is beautiful.

9-11 Healing Field

Skyler, Cayden, and Kaylee
Joe and Mariah

Mariah, Skyler, Kaylee, and Cayden

This year we went to the Sandy City Healing Field in honor of the victims that were killed on

9-11. It was very neat to see all the flags. We were able to gain a greater appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy. Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones due to this tragic and senseless act. We also are greatful to those who are still fighting for us and our country.

Skyler's Birthday Presents

The front side of his "Long Board"

(he was not happy to be having his picture taken in case you couldn't tell)

The back side of his "Long Board"

Skyler on his new cell phone "texting"

For Skyler's Birthday this year he got a new cell phone and a long board. A long board is like a skateboard but much longer... hence the name long board. Long boards are easier to maneuver making them easier to ride than a skateboard. We had his long board custom made for him by one of Kaylee's friends dad's. On the top side it is camoflage and on the bottom side is an american flag that used to be on fighter planes a long time ago. We started the planning of this back in May and boy was it hard to keep it a secret for so long. He actually came home from his friends house a few times and said he was going to make his own. We had to try and hold him off, so we would tell him all the reason's he shouldn't have one. In the end he had no idea about the cell phone or the long board and he was very surprised. Now we can't keep him home for very long because he wants to go riding.

Concert Choir

Last night Skyler and Kaylee had their first Concert Choir performance. I sure think they looked nice in their outfits (looked like they were ready for their first prom). They did a good job singing. I am so proud of them.

New Haircuts for School

Skyler

Skyler and Cayden

Mariah

So many of you know that Skyler has had the shaggy mop look for quite some time. Well our friend offered to pay Skyler if he cut his hair short. He started thinking about it and was all willing to cut it and our friend backed out. So I decided it was worth it for me to pay him myself (especially if it got rid of the mop). We got his hair cut right before school started and I think he looks much better. Now if it even gets slightly long he nags me to go get it cut. If you ask me it was well worth it. At the same time we also got Mariah and Cayden's hair cut to start school.

Diamond in the Rough

So many of you who know Joe, know that he has a 1965 Ford Mustang. Hires Big H has a car show every month and faithfully Joe and his car attend (I think secretly hoping to win a prize). Well last night, Joe's name was drawn out for a Hires Big H T-shirt, and some micro-fiber shop towels. That's not all though... his car was also chosen as "The Diamond in the Rough". He got a plaque and is entered into a drawing to win a big prize at the end of next year. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Much more has happened with our family over the last few months, I apologize for not being better about posting. I figured I better start back up somewhere or I never would. I will try and update you on the last few months soon....More to come.

Where is Hannah Montana???

Yesterday while Skyler and Kaylee were at Youth Conference we took Mariah, Cayden, and Kailey Hardy (a family friend) to see Hannah Montana the Movie. I thought it was a good wholesome family show. I really liked the message it had. The message was about being true to who you are and not trying to change that. The only place that was playing it was in Kaysville. So we input the address into our GPS and it took us to the wrong Main St. However, after a little navigating we were able to find the theater. I would recommend seeing it especially if you have daughters.

And this piece goes where???

"HIGH ABOVE"


Skyler has been very into puzzles lately. He has been working on this one for quite some time now and has finally finished. I think he does so well at them because he is so smart. My brain

just doesn't work that way.

Footballs, Skateboards, and Popsicles

Cayden Riding Skyler's Skateboard
Cooling Off

Skyler, and Joe playing football

On Sunday we went outside to play football with Cayden. He said that he was in charge because it was his football. He told us that if we dropped the ball we were out but, that if he dropped the ball he was not out because he was in CHARGE. Joe tried to teach Skyler how to hike the ball two handed but Skyler was too embarrased to put his hands that close to Joe's back end. Then, Cayden decided that he wanted to try and ride Skyler's skateboard. I thought he sure looked cute on it. He says that he wants a small one for Christmas. Afterwards, we had popsicles to cool us off. It was sure nice to spend some quality time together.

Folding Laundry

The other day there was a basket of laundry laying on the floor in the family room. Cayden sat down and started folding laundry. I thought it was so cute that he would do that all by himself. I don't remember any of my other kids folding laundry at the age of 5. He is getting so big.

I lost another Tooth...

After a long day at Webelos scout camp, I decided to lay down on the couch for a few minutes. I was awaken by Mariah telling me she lost another tooth. I didn't think she had anymore to loose this year since she has lost so many. Our poor tooth fairy is going to be broke. When her tooth came out it busted off and left part of the tooth in her gums. I have tried to get it out but can't. We will try and get ahold of the dentist to see what we need to do.

Webelos Day Camp...Camp Tracy

"The Boys"

Doing the skit, "The Invisible Bench"

Quinten, Taylor, Dallin, Andrew, Chris, and Seth

Last week I spent 2 days at Camp Tracy with my Webelos Scouts. We did the Showman, Artist, Readyman, Sportsman, Naturalist, Forester, and Communicator pins. Each day I could hardly wait to get home and have a shower. My kids said the van stunk and I told them to imagine what the boys smelled like. Anyways it was fun (if you like that kind of stuff) and the boys learned alot. Hopefully this calling will not be mine for long. I know I shouldn't say that but this is not my favorite thing.