Soccer

Elliot started soccer a couple of weeks ago. He really likes it. At first he wasn't very aggresive, but he's quickly getting the hang of it. He bought a soccer ball with his allowance so that he can play in the front yard with his siblings. His team is called the Great Grey Sharks and so far they are 3-0.

The Next Phase

I'm really enjoying a new phase in life. Older children. I was just telling Hailee the other day that I love having older children and that it's something she can look forward to. Reason 1: Samantha and Gillian help with the cooking and after-dinner dishes - takes half the time. The girls also now have more chores. On Saturday, they empty the dishwasher, vacuum all the carpets and each clean a bathroom - things that I now don't have to do. (While this may sound really nice, I still have to endure all of the whining that accompanies the execution of these new chores.) Reason 2: They can stay home alone. I actually save my errands until after the kids come home from school so that I can leave them home. I get to go the bank, post office and grocery store alone - all places that I used to dread taking children. Also, Nathan and I now go on what we call "mini-dates", usually on Friday nights. I make the kids nachos or mac 'n cheese, rent them a movie, and then Nathan and I take off to be by ourselves. We never go far. We grab a bite to eat, browse the clearance section at Ross, get an ice cream cone, whatever. When we get back, we put the kids to bed and then watch a movie together. We still go on some longer dates that include a movie or the temple, but then we get a babysitter, which the kids still enjoy. I do get a little sad watching my kids grow up, but for now I like this new phase of life!

Smart Colors!

I just clicked on an article I saw on MSN.com. It talks about how your color preferences can tell you what career choices are for you. I love color and I'm also considering going to work next year when Henry starts school, so I decided to take the test. Basically, I selected my favorite colors and my least favorite colors. The results are below. I've highlighted the things that jumped out at me.




You're a CREATOR
Key Words: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.
CREATOR OCCUPATIONS: Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES: Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.




How did it know? I've always known that I care too much about how things look. (Yes, I'm the kind of mom that let's the kids decorate the Christmas tree, and then after they go to bed, I rearrange the ornaments the way I want them and put the ugly ones on the wall side of the tree.) I play the piano and am learning to play the guitar. I'm always decorating and re-decorating my house. I always try to "improve" - not the word Nathan would use - everything in my life. And look, it says I would enjoy being a photographer. Pretty cool! If anyone would like to take the test, click on the link below. First, read the article and then click on The Color Career Counselor. Have fun!



http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1614&SiteId=cbmsnhp41614&sc_extcmp=JS_1614_home1&GT1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=5a791ceb4db744eda66706dfa2f41b83-274894946-J4-5

Gillian Turns 10!

Monday was Gillian's 10th Birthday. She received some cute new clothes and some money from Nana.

Breakfast



After she posed for some quick pics in her cute outfit, we all went with Nana to buy a new Webkinz with her money. While we were out, we saw that it had snowed in the mountains. In September? Crazy!



Since it was so cold and rainy, Gillian decided to go out to dinner and see a movie. We went to The Cirus Grill and then to see Ironman. When we got home, we had chocolate cupcakes and ice cream. Gillian was happy to have Nana and Papa here on her birthday. She'll also be having a party on Friday night, which she is excited for.

Happy Birthday Gilly Bear!




A special thanks to Grandpa for sending Gillian a birthday e-mail!

Nana and Papa Visit (Part 2)

When Nana and Papa returned, we started off with a trip to the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. We saw lots of interesting birds!

The giant Condor was Papa's favorite. What a wing span!

The flamingos were my favorite. They were so photogenic!

We got to watch the pelicans get fed. They looked like a bunch of excited little kids at a parade waiting for candy to be thrown!

We saw a bird show too. Samantha was picked as a volunteer - a bird ate out of her hand! (For the life of us, we can't remember the name or species of the bird!)

That's the bottom half of a mouse in it's beak. Eewww!

We took a short break in the shade and enjoyed some flowers and dandelions.

Of all the birds in the aviary, the kids were most fascinated with some baby birds in a nest. The nest was on the wall of the bathroom and the mother bird kept bringing them food. They looked so cute with their mouths open!

Right outside the aviary, there were a few old, rusty amusement rides. We told the kids they could choose ONE. Henry actually kept his ticket in his pocket and ended up going on two little rides.

The rest of the kids chose the big swings. I said absolutely not, but Nathan bought me a ticket, so I had to go. About 5 seconds after the ride started, Gillian started screaming and bawling hysterically. I had to yell really loud to get the teenage ride operator to shut down the ride (he was listening to his IPod). I decided to get off with Gillian. I'm glad I did, because the ride continued for a ridiculously long time and Samantha, Nathan and Elliot ended up getting sick! In fact, it did Nathan in for the rest of the day. When we got home, he went straight to bed and stayed there for hours! Poor Nate!

A huge storm rolled in on Sunday afternoon, so we stayed indoors and played games. It was a crazy storm! The temperature dropped from 100 degrees to 50 degrees and we got tons of rain, some hail and lots of wind!