My reason for living

SEVEN on SUNDAY!

1. The past few weeks have been busy. One of my highlights was finishing up with the 2008 canning season!!!! WOOHOO another year down and food to last. I ended up doing spaghetti sauce after all and it turned out good. my kids are even eating it and that my friends is the crowning moment for me. for those who know how picky they are will agree.

2. another highlight was taking a few days off and going out of town. The first week in October we went to Blackfoot and visited family for a few days. Thanks guys for good food, good parties, and most of all good company. the kids had tons of fun playing with cousins again. they really miss them more than i though that they would.and of course i miss my sister's in-laws and our fun chats. these few days were also good for the kids because Brendan came up and visited with them for 2 of the 3 days. they hadn't seen him for a few weeks. it was sad for them to leave. so this was a GREAT start for our October. we also got to get pumpkins and one weighed almost 100pounds...good job to my nephew for growing good ones!

3. General conference was a AWESOME weekend. I loved hearing the new temples that were announced. The one most of all was the greater Kansas city , Mo one. Jackson county. what a fulfillment of prophecy. to know that things will go forward no matter how hard Satan fights. The talk I enjoyed the most (i had to work sat and sun night) was Pres Uchdorf's talk about hope. amid the trials it is really easy to lose hope and faith, what a great way to encourage us to HAVE HOPE and then will come FAITH to get us through the rough times. The other one that really hit home was pres. Monson's talk about change. some changes come over a gradual time period and some are sudden, but faith in our Savior will get us through any of these changes. I love conference and the filling of the spirit we receive.

4. laryngitis. well I have had laryngitis now for 8 days. I feel fine just no voice. I received a wonderful priesthood blessing with great counsel. for those who know me well know how hard it is for me not to be able to talk. but i also know I can strain my vocal cords too much. so until my voice returns i will just have to be patient.

5. work, school, and life are all going well. this past week I was able to go to Mackenzie's school with her(n i demanded my lunch hour and breaks so i could go) to see the science experiments the 4Th graders were working on. it was fun to have some alone time with her. boys are doing great and kyle is still enjoying joy school( rough this week since i had laryngitis and was my week to teach.)

6. Mackenzie turned nine yesterday. seems like yesterday she was born. it's hard to believe all the experiences she has had in 9 years. She is such a blessing to our little family. She helps me so MUCH, she's my right hand gal now. We had lots of fun on her birthday yesterday. Brendan came up and we took the kids to the Boise discovery center( they all ENJOYED it) and they didn't want to leave. then we had a little party with family after eating dinner at Golden corral. she got some fun things and her brothers really want to get into them. Thanks to all our family for helping make the past 2 weekends special for her birthday. i am attaching some pics of her birthday so enjoy.\

7. my spiritual thought for this addition. Life comes with many changes. All of our changes can provide learning experiences. it's how we choose to look at the experiences that will help strengthen our testimonies of our Savior. We came to earth to gain a body and have EXPERIENCES. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who if we have Faith will carry our burden through our hard times and help us experience Joy. So let's enjoy the journey of life and help each other as the Savior helps us.