Have I Lost Touch?

Lately it feels like everyone in the universe can't get enough of the Twilight series. Most of the people I know will be standing in line to watch the movie just as they did to buy the books. I on the other hand, was petrified to attend in fear I would hurl all over everyone during the love scenes. While reading the books I had to stop myself several times from actually throwing them across the room. I haven't read the last book yet... I might... some day.

I can't figure out what the appeal is. An always icy cold, pale dude who has this instantaneous eternal love for this impossibly unrelatable normal girl. I can understand the books being popular, but this mass hysteria? I really don't get it!

Were my books missing some pages? Did I not receive a memo? Am I drinking the wrong water?

I totally respect so many of the people that love this series and I know they're very intelligent. Why am I the odd one out?

My Favorite Time of Day

I absolutely love being a stay-at-home mom. Sometimes I can't help but giggle at my own craftiness. I get to stay home and play with two adorable kids while Bry is at school. But there are times when I feel claustrophobic and trapped in my role. To release this tension I take little breaks throughout the day.

I used to dread bathtime. I couldn't stop thinking about everything on my to-do list that I couldn't get done because I was stuck in that bathroom. Now it's my favorite time of day because I can't do the dishes or work on the computer. We sing songs and splash in the water and laugh at funny stories. The kids have even started letting me read while they play and laugh. What could be more satisfying than sitting on luxurious vinyl flooring and reading a juicy novel while the kids are entertaining themselves? (Now you know why all of our books have terrible water stains)



I'm reading Brisingr right now. It's been a fun series, but not life changing or anything. I think it's super fun to say though: Brisingr... BRISNGR!

DC

We had a terrific weekend a few weeks ago. Bry took the day off on Friday and we drove up to DC. Our first stop was Arlington National Cementary. It is a beautiful place with an amazing feeling (but not the best place to bring rowdy and even sometimes whiny kids). The weather was amazing (70s) and the fall colors were still brilliant.

After checking in at the Holtel and eating in a very sketchy part of town, we dropped off the kids at Ali and Lincoln's place. They were so sweet to watch the babes so we could attend the temple. Thanks you guys!

On Saturday we went to the very crowded, but beautiful zoo.

It was a great little vacation. We are so lucky to live so close to so many historical sites. I'm so lucky to have such a sweet family to share the memories with!

Halloween

Ivy is such a "solid" girl we had to take pictures of her costume back in September- and I totally forgot about them! (I've learned my lesson not to buy her costumes a year in advance) So here's our cute little flower fairy!

We had a super fun Halloween. I didn't want too much candy in the house (we still have candy from last year) so we decided to go trick-or-treating in our very child deprived neighborhood. My plan ended up backfiring- even though we only went to ten houses, everyone gave Hyrum a huge handful of candy. He ended up getting a huge haul! There's one happy boy!

I've just discovered an amazing trick for a bad day: acquire a bucket full of assorted candy, bring it slowly to your nose and inhale deeply, the smell will immediately take you back to a time of no worries, no responsibility, and no love handles. Try it!

FAMILY PICTURES

I've been wanting family pictures forever. I've just been too cheap and lazy to follow through. We finally got together with our good friends and neighbors Josh and Katie and took each other's family pictures. I think they turned out great- and they are free!

Hyrum the Photographer

Hyrum's new hobby is photography. Whenever I download pictures from the camera I find hundreds of hidden treasures. Most of them are of cars and toys and people's backs. But some of them are true gems.

Daddy and Ivy

Ivy LOVES her daddy.

She tends to cry whenever he leaves the room. She's a lucky girl and so am I.

Ward Halloween Party

We love our ward, but everyone lives so far apart, so whenever we get a chance party with them we take it!

Hyrum is obsessed with everything fish (sharks, whales, and fishing) so we decided he should be a fisherman this year.

Bry was Dwight again (We couldn't resist. He pulls it off hilariously)

I was a Hawaiian girl

Notice the camo wellies- so cute!
It was a fun night. We're so lucky to be surrounded with such wonderful friends!

Pumpkin Carving

Our beautiful Jack-o-Lanterns: (left to right) Bry's, Mine, Hyrum's

Chesterfield Berry Farm

OHHH... isn't fall the best season? I love to open up every screened notch in our house and breath deeply all day.

We spent a fun day with Hyrum's preschool at the Chesterfield Berry Farm. It was a little chilly, but we had to get a pumpkin!

The pig races were the best. And what were they racing for? Animal crackers of course!

Hyrum and his school buddies

We rode in those long trailers to get to the pumpkin patch- it was impossible to get Hyrum out without bribery- yes I am a horrible mom!