Upcoming Events:

I haven't blogged for a while, so I thought I'd let everyone know what is coming up for me in the near future.....
First of all, I am excited to see "Thriller" presented by Odyssey Dance Co. I was introduced to it last Halloween and I'm afraid it might become a yearly event for me and Alyson. She loves it too. (If she didn't I would be one unhappy mom)
Second, I am looking forward to the upcoming season for the University Of Utah Gymnasts. Here's to eventful evenings with my favorite sister and friend!!!
We are hoping to get out of town for Thanksgiving. If anyone out there knows about Orlando or Disneyland over Thanksgiving (is it busy, slow, warm, etc.) please let me know!
Then before I know it, Christmas will be here! I have NO idea what to get the kids this year. They need NOTHING. After going through their toys, I've realized how silly it would be to buy them more toys for Christmas. Maybe Santa will come up with a good idea or two for the kids......

Life is good, I cannot complain. I am enjoying work and my family and my friends. I am very blessed to have a great support system and love my life :)

Brandon (age 4) loves a "faux-hawk". I took him to get his hair trimmed today and he told grandma that he wanted a "faux-hawk" but not bald..... I have to admit he looks quite handsome with those big blue eyes and beautiful red hair. He keeps me on my toes! Love you Brandon!!! (I will post a picture of his hairdo soon.)

school is in!!!

School has officially started. Alyson is now in 5th grade, and Austin started 1st grade! Austin called me after school today to let me know that "today was AWESOME!" I asked why and he told me that today they had a "pretend fire" so they got to go outside. And that today they got to do a lot of math so that was cool! Then he told me that his friend has been sick and came back to school today with new shoes. So of course Austin thinks that he needs new shoes too! This isn't really happening at the sweet age of 6 is it??? Wow. Somehow I think I have overlooked that part of childhood. Goodness me, life sure throws me for a loop sometimes! Alyson is doing great in school too. She never ceases to amaze me with her intelligence and courage. She has already sung in front of her class for a miniature talent show and did a fabulous job! I was so proud of her! Brandon, on the other hand, starts school next week and I think he is looking forward to it! He has really turned into a fun kid and I sure enjoy him so much! I have been lucky to spend a little more one-on-one time with him which has been beneficial. I am truly blessed. I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends. Thank you to all who bless and enrich my life.

If anyone is interested in going to Disneyland, it seems my son is eager to help out with monetary donations! Shannon got a phone call from the principal at school on Tuesday. He told Shannon that a mom had found over $100 in her daughter's backpack and that the daughter said Austin had given her the money so that they could go to Disneyland! So here we are as parents wondering how to handle this situation in the most productive way. First of all, we recognize that he needs to be punished for taking the money and then how do you react to a child who has a big heart and just wants to see his friend get to Disneyland? Thanks to the mother, of course, for being honest and returning the money. We are dealing with the punishment. We are also thankful for good kids. Hopefully we will ALL learn from this!

my boys

Since I posted about Alyson, I figure it is only fair to post about my boys......I will take more pictures soon and post them on my blog. Patience please.........

Alyson

My job as a mother has become stressful. Alyson is currently in dance 4-5 days a week plus softball (which she doesn't want to do) and the school play. If you ever call my house in the evening and I'm not home you can go ahead and assume that I am transporting my daughter to one of her many activities. The hardest part is that she absolutely LOVES it! Dance, that is. She could easily dismiss the softball and play stuff, but knows she has to see it to the end. She is performing as Jane in the school play of "Mary Poppins" in a couple of weeks. I am very excited about this. She has worked hard and has more personality in that little body of hers than most people do at her age. She is not a shy child nor does she lack in confidence. I am trying to figure out if that is a good thing as she draws nearer and nearer to those dreaded teenage years. Nevertheless I love her so much and I am so proud of all her accomplishments!

Need I say any more......
my kids delight and amaze me. All at the same time. I love you ALYSON, AUSTIN, and BRANDON!