So, I had to go to a meeting last night and before I left, Trevor asked me if the kids could watch TV. Week nights are so busy for us that the rule is no TV usually, but I said that they could watch a show if they had their rooms clean and all of their jobs done. Basically, no. I knew they weren't going to be able to get all of that done before bedtime. I guess I was wrong. It looks like they also had time to play a little.
This picture of Lily sleeping in her Daddy's arms was just too darn cute. Wow, I guess sixth time is a charm. I always say, Lily is an angel baby. I just hope she stays that way.
So, the kids made me get out the Halloween box on Sunday. They all had fun trying different things on. It looks like Reid had the most fun though. For some reason he ran around the house in this panda suit that was way too small for him. So, Trevor chased him around and tried to take pictures. Reid try to do everything he could to stop him from getting a good shot. If Reid finds out that I posted these pictures, I will be in so much trouble. Shhhhhhh, it will just be our little secret.
So, Trevor has been telling Maddi and Reid his own version of The Lord of the Rings at bedtime. They have been loving it and so he decided they were ready to read the books. On one of the first nights of reading, they lasted about five minutes. I guess Trevor's version was a little more interesting than the books.
Have you ever heard the expression, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission? Well, I am going to need Mark and Kate's forgiveness after this post. I just couldn't resist taking this picture. We love conference, but 8 hours is bound to induce sleep.
I made Trevor a deal when we do sugar cookies. I make the dough, he rolls it out and cuts them with the kids, I bake them and frost. I think I got the good end of the deal. He is so good to have agreed to it. Anyone who has done sugar cookies with kids knows how hard it is to roll them out and cut them efficiently with little ones helping.
When we got home from dinner, Kate and I realized that we hadn't taken any pictures together, so we asked Trevor to take one. Well, one turned into many. Am I the only one that has the fattest arms ever in pictures? Maybe my arms are that fat. So, I was trying to find a way to make them look slimmer. Kate showed me some tricks that she thought might work and that is when it happened. We started laughing and we couldn't stop. It took quite a few pictures before we got a normal one. I have to admit, it felt so good to laugh, to really laugh. Thanks Kate.
We were able to get a babysitter and have a night out together. We went to Tokyo Gardens, where they cook right in front of you and do lots of fun tricks with the food and utensils. I was thinking how great it would be to have my own personal chef.
Kate, Mark and their kids came for our semi-annual General Conference weekend get together. It just happens to fall close to both of their birthdays. I am always looking for a reason to bake and celebrate.
Yesterday was our ward's Primary Program. Ali was assigned to give a talk on the May theme which is, Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a family. "The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" ("Proclomation," paragraph 1). Trevor and I asked her to start working on her talk by herself and then we would help her elaborate. So, she came to me a week or so ago and handed me a small piece of paper. This is what was written on it:
A couple of months ago my aunt died. I was so sad that I never got to say goodbye. But I know that when I pass away, that I will be able to say "Hello" to her. I am so glad that I know that families are together forever. I couldn't imagine how sad I would be if I didn't know that.
While I was reading those words, the tears began to flow. I think she was surprised by that. I reassured her that my emotions were already on the surface and her words just made them overflow. Needless to say, she didn't end up including this in her talk. She was worried that she would get too emotional to talk. I was so grateful for these words that she wrote down. I had begun to wonder if my children were missing their Aunt Ginger. They seemed so unaffected by her passing. I know that they are each dealing with this loss in their own way. Thank goodness for the answers that the Gospel offers in these trying times. It is wonderful to know that my children know that families can be together forever. We will see Ginger again and what a joyous reunion that will be.
Well, it happened today........Madison not only participated in her first ever Primary Program, but she even sang a song with two other girls in front of the whole congregation. Those of you who know my shy little girl, will know how impressive this is. Next we just have to get her to be baptized. I am open for suggestions on that one.
Some of Ginger's (my sister-in-law) most precious posts were from when she was tagged. These questions make you really think. They reveal a lot about a person. Let's hope you all still love me after you read my answers.
Three joys:
1. My husband of 13 years this December
2. Ali, Heidi, Madison, Reid, Kandrea and Lilia
3. Being part of this huge Zierenberg Forever Family
Three fears:
1. Not being a good mom
2. Not being a good wife
3. Letting anyone down
Three goals:
1. To lose 5-10 more pounds
2. To keep my family healthy
3. To tackle the chaos that is my household
Three of my Current Obsessions:
1. Pictures, pictures and more pictures and blogging. I just got a new camera and I can't seem to take enough pictures
2. No sugar diet (both Trevor and I are off sugar til Halloween) and trying to be healthier all around
3. Essential oils and foot zoning (it's a long story, you will have to ask me.) So far Trevor and I have seen great results
Three Regrets:
1. Worrying away most of my time on this Earth
2. Not taking more pictures
3. Not relishing in every moment that I have had with people I love.
Three Facts about Me:
1. I expect a lot from people
2. I use to love animals more than anything. Don't get me wrong, I still love them, it's just that that love seems to have transfered to my kids.
3. My plan growing up was to never have children (haha). My friends said that I would be living alone with tons of dogs and cats and a huge pool out back full of dolphins.
I am going to tag Summer, Jason and Jen, Heidi and Rod and Monica
Our stake had a temple trip planned shortly after Ali turned 12. I am still nursing Lily, but I didn't want to miss Ali's first time in the temple. So, we brought along Justin Lee and he stayed outside and babysat while we did baptisms for the dead. I can't believe I have been a member for 14 years this December and I have never done baptisms for the dead. It was neat to share this first with my first daughter. I am still in awe at how she is maturing. I love to watch her grow.
Ali's 12th birthday was a bitter sweet thing for me. Turning 12 marks that Ali is really growing up. I don't know when it happened, but Ali has turned into an amazing young woman. Did I blink between her turning 8 and now 12? I feel like the time has flown by.
3 things that Ali loves about being 12
1. Being in Young Women's
2. Getting her ears pierced
3. And, last but not least being able to go to the temple.
3 things that I love
1. Watching her grow up as a member of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2. Being able to be her Mom and witness her growth first hand
3. That Heavenly father decided to bless me with her special Spirit
I let my kids choose what cake they want me to make for their birthday and oddly enough, Ali chose the same birthday cake that she did for her 8th birthday.
Mermaid cake 2008
Mermaid cake 2004
