Emmeline's First Talk

Yesterday, Emmeline gave her first talk in Primary. She did such a good job! We've been working all week to memorize her talk about following the Prophet. She told about how she read the entire Book of Mormon last year and talked about how our family was blessed for following President Hinckley's counsel. She has really blossomed since moving here and I am loving it!

Last night I finally downloaded pictures onto a portable hard drive, so tonight, when I have a few minutes, I'll post Halloween pictures, first day of school, etc, etc! Hooray! Finally!

And if I can figure it out, I have some video clips of Benjamin army crawling for goodies (he plays fetch), and the kids tormenting him.

Oh gross...Luke just came in the door caked in mud. He's been outside honing his Turkey Bowl skills with the neighborhood kids. Looks like they got him...lovely...I need to go do laundry I guess!

Primary Program

I have only a minute to post, but I wanted to report that Emmeline did FANTASTIC in the Primary Program last Sunday. They have practiced three times. The first time she cried, the second time she refused to talk, but with no tears. The third time she said her part with some cajoling. When it came time to go up to the front for the program she got teary eyed and had me walk her to her seat. As soon as she got there, though, she stood up with the whole primary and said the first part (that they say all together). She sang the first song, then marched up to that microphone, grabbed it, and yelled her part! It was awesome. Luke and I were laughing and crying because we were so happy for her, and it was so cute how she yelled. She sang every song--most while picking her nose, flirting with he kid next to her, or examining the scab on her elbow--and said the last part loud and clear (with the whole primary). She was fabulous! I am so proud of her (to the tune of a huge bag of bribery candy)!

On Sunday I got called as the Primary pianist. It's one of my dream church callings. I'm thrilled!

I've got to go...nap time has officially ended.

Thus we see...

In the Book of Mormon, there are many vital points following the phrase, "Thus we see..." So, without going into gory detail, here's the vital point I learned today. "Thus we see" that a boy named Willie should never be left alone with an art box full of GLITTER and his little brother.

Today I felt like the dentist on Finding Nemo, "All the animals have gone mad!"

But, for good news, for about two hours today every stitch of laundry in this house was clean, folded, and put away. I think that's the first time since having Benjamin that has happened. Then Willie spilled his milkshake and the dirty laundry began again...

We had an enjoyable time at the Pumpkin Farm yesterday. The kids were adorable holding baby chickens, ducklings, rabbits, and goats. Joshua loved the tractor ride, and Emmeline took a million years selecting just the perfect pumpkin. Turtle Grandma came with us and was a huge help as usual with the kids!

Benjamin is keeping us in stitches lately with his antics. He has figured out the fine art of getting Willie in trouble, which just makes me laugh. He can crawl now, but prefers the army crawl and has calluses on his big toes to prove it. He and Luke have growling matches at the dinner table, and he can find the ON button to the most annoying, loud toy we have...ughh. My favorite, though, is "So big!" When I ask him how big he is, he gets all excited like, "I know I'm supposed to do something now, but what?" He claps, waves, flaps, and finally puts one fist in the air. It's the progression of all his "tricks" until he finds the right one. It's hilarious. Oh, he also doesn't like green beans. A killer because that's the ONLY vegetable the others will consistently eat (the others being EmJ, Willie, AND Luke!). Benjamin will eat anything else that you offer him though, including GLITTER!

And that's it.

Next Year?!

A frequent bedtime story around here is "Casey At the Bat." Lately, Luke's been changing the words to, "...the mighty A-Rod had struck out!" Bummer. Maybe next year. Hmmm...

I don't really have much to talk about today, but it's been a while since I've posted, so I wanted to let you all know that we're still alive and well. The house is very quiet for a change, which is very strange, but very nice. Joshua is at playgroup (he screamed bloody murder when I dropped him off, so I'm waiting by the phone for the "come and get this child" call!), Benjamin is asleep, and Emmeline went to the gym with Luke. Silence. Beautiful.

Last night we delivered Halloween treats to some friends and neighbors for Family Home Evening. We're trying to woo people into being our friends with my excellent baking abilities. Now that I'm thinking about it, that's probably why we have no friends yet...

Tomorrow, Emmeline's preschool is taking a trip to the pumpkin farm. I think I'm as excited as she is. She keeps asking if she can wear her Halloween costume to school. NO! I'm going to burn that Cinderella dress on November 1st!

Well, that's about it from us. I'm going to go clean this house and listen to the ball game while I have two free hands and some peace and quiet!

Playoffs start tomorrow!!!!

Well, Benjamin just had his 6 month check-up and shots (2 months late!) He recieved a clean bill of health. We really like our new doctor so far (and he even speaks English, what a treat!). Benjamin weighed in at 19 lbs and 29 inches. He's in only the 22% for weight (I'm actually suprised he's as light as he is), but he's in the 93% for height. I haven't yet looked in the baby books to compare the boys, but I think that Willie was about 19 lbs at a year, maybe a little less.

One more fun thing to note. This weekend it has finally turned to fall here in Sacramento!!! I actually crawled UNDER the covers to go to bed last night! We still have our windows open 24/7, but it's pleasant, not hot anymore. Thank goodness!