Halloween

I dont know about you but I can not believe it is Halloween tomorrow?!? Supposedly it is not supposed to rain but we will see. If it does rain, I am thinking of taking the three kiddos to the mall. Happy Halloween everyone.

TAG your "IT"

I was tagged by my friend heather.

RULES: You have to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder in your pictures folder. Then give a brief description before you tag a few others.

Last November (I am pretty sure) My fabulous friend Shannon, who lived in my complex and I put on a tea party for the girls in our neighborhood and then went out to the movie Enchanted. My favorite part was making all of those bite size treats and of course the movie, great for all ages of princesses.

I tag: Emily, Jen and Jenny

My daughter

Our daughter, Diana is a wonderful blessing in our lives. She is an excellent example to her brother and sister and is warm and kind to everyone. A week ago she came up to me and said "Mom I finished the Book of Mormon!" (she has been reading the kids version from the church distribution) I was like "WOW that is wonderful sweetheart. I am so proud of you." This version of the children's book of Mormon reader is 137 pages and used for primary, FHE, etc. Then she says "Mom can I read the real Book of Mormon now? I liked it and want to finish it before my baptism." "Of course you can!" I said.

Diana has such a gift for listening to the spirit. When she was in sunbeams she would tell the other children in her class to please be quiet so she could listen to the teacher. Still today she does the same. I was not as diligent and willing to listen as she is at this age. I am amazed at this little girl who entered my life almost 8 years ago and has enriched every part of it. The kids that us mothers today have the privilege of raising are amazing and were meant for the latter-days. Hold your kids close and let them know you love them everyday because everyday with them is a gift from our heavenly father.

Macho Macho woman....I want to be a macho woman!

So my new Neighbor, Rachel (yes we thought that was funny too) is looking to loose a few pounds like I am and told me about the exercise class, Muscle Tech through A. Parks and Rec. At first I was like, uhh I have not worked out all summer (although ripping up my whole front yard and part of my back should include beautifying my body!) but the thought intrigued me so I went and OH my gosh the instructor worked muscles that have not been moved since before Taylor. YIKES! Today was my third class and I am already seeing the results and LOVING it. I am hoping to start the early step class at 5:30 and increase my cardio now and really loose those inches that wont leave my hips.

A new and Improved Rachel coming to you soon...... :)

For you Rebulicans! Enjoy :-) - Keith

Fall 2007

I was looking through old photos and found this picture taken last fall 2007. Absolutely CUTE! Although I am bias being their mother and all :)

Time for Girl Scouts

So at the end of September I went to my parental duty "Back to School" Night to see my daughters classroom, meet her teacher, see her artwork, and her new friends. As we went into the gym to get her a Popsicle there was a Info booth for Girl Scouting. She has the whole sh-bang out with posters, badges, and handouts. Now if you did not already know last year I was a Brownie Troop Leader to 20 Scouts. As a troop leader my scouts earned numerous badges, went on fieldtrips, participated in the Christams parade and sold cookies and nuts. It was a busy position and I wanted a year off from it due to the fact it was a draining but very enjoyable and rewarding position. Ok...skip back to back to school night and I ask the lady "So are there any Brownie Troops for my daughter?" "No there are none at this time. We are looking for a leader for this school."

**Attention: This whole time Diana is begging me to do it again **

I ask her how many girls there are registered.....9. I think to myself ok that is reasonable considering I had 20 the previous year. So to make it a long story SHORT : I am a GS Troop leader again :).

Yes you may say I am a sucker but I really did enjoy last year until it went past 15 girls and then that was just COMPLETE chaos and chatter :). Now I DID have a co-leader like last year but SHE DITCHED ME (that is a long story...one that really galls me as she did have the guts to tell me that she did not want to really do it!!)

All is saved as last night one of the parents stepped up at my parent meeting to help with being my co-leader. She is a nurse so I am very excited to have someone who can teach the girls first aid and heath topics. If you have a little girl, I would encourage you to sign her up for Girl Scouts. It is a growing and learning experience that teaches girls leadership, values and gives them wonderful social experiences that create great friendsips.

I hate mondays!

Yuck! It is raining, cold and I am wondering where my weekend ran off too? Tis time to stand up for another glorious monday morning :)

Getting Ready for Church

My baby boy has grown up! Where did time go?!?

Taylor got out of the bathtub this morning after his bath, dressing himself and best of all putting on his TIE!! He said "Mommylook. I look like a missionary!"

My heart melted :) Such a great mommy moment.

Chloe wanted a picture of her as well :)

She is all decked out in halloween colors for fall.

Keating Scandal

Before you decide your vote please check out http://www.obama.com/ and watch the video on McCain's Keating Scandal he was involved in the 1980's. It is 13 minutes long and is related to this financial meltdown. So even if you do not agree with my political view please take a moment to watch the Video on the Keating Scandal and just think! :)

Would John McCain just quit the yacking!!!

I swear John McCain is so desperate right now in this election that he is grabbing into the deep abyss at nothing. Him and (supposedly great running mate....yeah :p) Sarah Palin are accusing him of "palling around with terrorists" specifically meaning Bill Ayers, a political radical who was involved in 1960's Vietnam-era protests and bombings of the capital and other buildings. Here is an article on CNN.com that sums up my thoughts:

"New York Times/CBS News poll released Tuesday night suggests that the McCain campaign's negative attack strategy may be backfiring on the Republican presidential candidate.
In the poll, 60 percent of the voters surveyed believed that McCain had spent more time attacking his rival than explaining what he would do as president. In contrast, nearly two-thirds of the voters surveyed, 63 percent, felt that Obama has spent more time explaining his policies than attacking McCain. CNN's Ed Henry previews the last debate »
Ayers has been working for educational reform in Chicago. Obama's senior Obama adviser Anita Dunn says: "What they are arguing is that somehow the fact that these two people, who both served as educational reformers in Chicago, both who did have their paths cross professionally as well as neighbors occasionally, that somehow this association is a problem because of Bill Ayers' past and things that happened in the 1960s when Barack Obama was 7 years old."
A CNN review of project records found nothing to suggest anything inappropriate in the volunteer projects in which the two men were involved.
Ayers has strong defenders in Chicago -- including Mayor Richard Daley, and the city gave Ayers its Citizen of the Year award in 1997."

Good Luck McCain because America is TIRED of a President who does not hear the American Families needs. We are tired of a President who does not see that his nations schools are going down the toilet. We are tired of a President who does not believe in federal regulations and leaves the market to the freedom of greedy investors and CEOS, leaving retirees loosing all their life savings. I AM TIRED and I want change and I am sorry if you do not side with my view, I respect that. We live in America and have freedom of speech and thought. Three Weeks from now I will be voting with my kids future in mind. I am voting for Obama! God Bless America.

To the Pumpkin Patch we go....

After Diana finished her Soccer Game up at TL Park on Saturday we had a fabulous day going to the pumpkin Patch at Heavenly Harvest. It was georgous fall day with the sun shining and a light crisp wind that smells of leaves and damp grass. We got all three kids bundled up in sweatshirts and rubber boots and were off. When we arrived there was duck races that are made out of water pumps, huge water barrels and PVC water pipes. These were taylors fav because he would put his duck on the pipe and say ready set go and then go before he said go. He just thought that was hilarious!

The thing I love about this pumpkin patch is that they are family friendly and it is great exposure to fun traditional pumpkin patch activties! When you walk in, there are these great cut outs for you to take pictures with. This was my favorite picture up above with the three little piggies themselves :). Along with the ducks there is dried corn boxes (corn version of the sand box), corn shooter (** Attention: AWESOME for all ages **), corn maze with cute signs and displays, and apple sling shot. Along with that there is a great farm store with fresh produce and of course the trailer ride and pumpkin patch experience, the main reason we came.....although I think my kids enjoyed shooting the corn more :). Here are some pictures of the trip.

Kids on the tractor after picking out pumpkins

Diana Buried in the Corn

Daddy and Taylor Racing their Ducks

The only thing missing at this pumpkin patch was the freshly made doughnuts and apple cider. In years past we went to another place which makes fresh doughnuts....Yummmm! I guess I will just have to make some at home! Now in a week or two...it will be time for carving! :) Dont you just LOVE FALL!

New Callings!

In the last month Keith and I have recieved new callings in our small ward here in Albany. Keith is the Second Counselor in YM and I am the enrichment leader and RS Teacher. Keith loves his calling working with the YM and being able to help these YM realize their growth and potential. I think it is funny that Keith Davis, the YM president was guy I went to high school with and his wife was a girl in my ward I grew up with (hope that makes sense?). Small world we live in :).
I look forward to being Enrichment leader because I think there is a real need to reach out to the inactive and less active sisters in this ward. I will be able to with the help of the lord to create activties and functions that will bring the sisters together as well sometimes teach on sundays! I have some fun ideas already such as a playgroup, talent night, progressive get to know you and etc. A different path than being in primary but one that I think was well needed.

Sisters Sisters!

Diana at 9 months and Chloe at 6 1/2 months. Wow they look alike and have grown up so much!

Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet

My kids were playing dress up with some old costumes and I snapped up some pictures! I think they look darn cuuuute!

Swimming Lessons

Ever since moving here I have loved discovering all the fun and exciting little tidbits about Albany. Our Neighbors told us that the high school community pool here in S. Albany does swimming lessons for an very inexpensive fee so I went and I signed up All three kids up for lessons. This was Chloe's first time doing a water baby class and SHE LOVED IT. She loved kicking and splashing me. By the end she even went down the swimming slide (she did not like it though!)

Taylor was put into a smaller class of four students, all girls but him. I think that is just how his luck runs :). He really enjoyed the water, especially jumping into the swimming pool at the end of class to have his teacher catch him. He learned how to blow bubbles, kick, float on his back, bob his head under water, and move his arms. We got back his little completion certificate today that said he passed all but 4 of the requirements...not bad for his first time. It said on the bottom ** very energetic ** LOL

I was impressed with the high school students . They did a great job as swim instructors and keeping Taylor's attention at all times (something not always easy to do:)! It was fun for him and something I think that is very important for him to learn. Diana does not start her lessons until Nov, after soccer is over!

Taylor going down the swim slide into the pool.

The girl on the end cried the whole time. Poor thing and poor mom :(

Chloe and Daddy at Water babies Class ( Oct 2008 )

The Girls Room

When I was a little girl I would have been delighted to have the room my girls are in. Here are some pictures of the finished product.

I got thrifty and made a canopy out of sheer panels I got on clearance for a 1.00!! and in between mixed long rows of purple beaded flower garland. I hung it all with silver chain attatched to the hoop. IN the center is a hanging tubular lamp I bought on clearance for 5.00! I wish you could just see the glow! My girls love it at night because it casts a purplish hue through out the room scaring any monsters away ;)

I did the same thing with the curtains as I did with the canopy and intermixed the sheers and the purple garland. The curtain rod has a really cute limegreen glass knob at the end of the valance. The vanity was painted with three colors and in the side of the glass are velum papers with butterflies I put into the frames. Above and all over the room are butterflies hung off of clear wire fishing wire. On the side I did a large striped focal wall with stripes in three colors: Pink, Purple and Limegreen. Afterwards I and the girls put flower and butterfly wall stickers through out the room.

Another view of the focal wall

Oh the other three walls I painted them the three colors of the focal wall: pink, purple and Limegreen. I had fun with decorating and my girls love it, calling their room the fairy room. Now I just need to make them some cute matching quilts for their bunk beds :)

The Front Yard is....

DONE! Here are some pictures of the house. I know I have not posted any as of yet so here they are!

** This is a full view of the front yard. Next year hopefully my hygrangea bushes will be fully grown in front of the porch. **

** Ahh the look of new sod is wonderful and lush **

** We planted a Sweet Gum Maple for the Front yard. They grow up to 40 ft tall and 20 feet wide. We will never see it to be that large but they do turn beautiful fall colors of gold, reds and dark greens. **

** Garden Bed. In the front are Dahlias and in the back are my hygrangea bush starts **

It has been a busy summer as we were VERY busy in the back yard as well. We ripped out a lot and put in a bulb garden with tropical tiger cannas, a rose garden and an apple tree. We tilled up the back corner for the kids to put in a playground and are currently seeding right now. Pictures will come soon. I love this house because it has allowed keith and I to learn so much about working on a home. A home is a lot of work but worth it because when you sit down at the end of the day, the feelings you recieve are priceless. With a little hard work and patience you can start with a blank canvas and come out with a masterpiece of your own.

Blessings

I had to speak in Sacrament on Sunday on faith in the family and it made me realize how blessed I am.

I have the most amazing husband who has held my hand and swept me off my feet in all areas of my life.

He has been my other half, my heart, my life, my love.

He is ALWAYS there to support me, cheering me on, seeing something I can never see.

I love you Keith Matthew Nye!

I was blessed the day you walked into my life.

So I dedicate this post to you; my partner, my best friend, my lover.

May we walk the path of life hand in hand, into the eternities.

I look forward to all the memories we have yet to experience!

** Je t'aime beacoup mon ami' **

TASTY TUESDAYS

Hello to all! Welcome to a be-lated Tasty Tuesday. I have been a little busy with finishing unpacking and tending loose ends around my house. The front yard is finished. The sod is down, garden beds laid, tree planted and yes we finally do not look under construction any more. For awhile there the dug up holes and tilled up dirt was quite a sight to behold for our neighbors :).

A favorite soup of mine is Taco Soup. So for todays tasty tuesday I give you my FAVORITE soup. ** Very delicious with fritos and a dallop sour cream on top **

Taco Soup
1/2 lb. ground beef 1 pkg. taco seasoning
1/2 c. chopped onion 1 can kidney beans
1 c. sliced carrots 1 can chili beans
1 c. chopped celery 1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can cream of potato soup 1 can tomato sauce
1 can beef stock 1 can corn niblets

Brown ground beef and onion. Add all ingredients except for corn. Add up to 3 cups water, depending on how thick you like it. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 hour. Add corn and serve with grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream and Fritos.

Also great for nights when you are busy. Just cook in crock pot for 2-3 hours. ENJOY!!