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Tribute to Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I just have such great memories of all the fun & candy. I decided to take a look back of Halloween photos.

Halloween 2003

From left to right...Chelsey, Allison, Maddie,

Spencer (The cutest Harry Potter!), Adam,

Kate ( A adorable little lion) and Jarrod at the church Halloween party

Kate and her best friend, Skylar

I had to share this one...Ken with the mullet.

What do you think Sarah?

Another great photo I have to share...Josh as Spider Man scaling the walls

Halloween 2004

We made a trip to Disney World that fall and attended

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Halloween 2005

We couldn't resist making a Mystery Machine too!

Scooby Doo, where are you?

Our neighbor's house all tricked out for Halloween.
He gives out a 10 pack of candy bars to every kid that comes through the house.



Halloween 2006
Kate as the traditional witch & Spencer has a NBA basketball player
We realized he was a total sports junkie this year!



Halloween 2007
Allison, Kate & Maddie
Spencer stayed home to pass out candy, but later threw on a basketball jersey
and made a run around the neighborhood. He couldn't resist!



Halloween 2008

My burglar, mullet man (hot, huh?), and my crazed HSM girl as Sharpay

Halloween candy 2008

We hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Fall Break

The kids were out of school Thursday & Friday for Fall break. After school on Wednesday, we left for the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. We were able to go with John's sister, Joyce & her family. We had 2 nights there & the place was pretty vacant.

I have to admit the water rides were fun & the kids had a great time. I don't think I could go when the place is over flowing with people. The capacity is 3700 people...that's crazy! The temperature is a balmy 85* which is great if your swimming, but not so good when you want to relax & read a book.

We had PF Changs for dinner Wednesday night & again on Friday for lunch. Kate & I love the lettuce wraps. John & Spencer can't get enough of the Kung Pao chicken. We went to the bookstore and managed to leave without buying any books or magazines. That's a first!

Overall, it was a nice get away & not too far from home.

High School Musical 3 Premiere

Last Thursday, John & Kate were able to attend the High School Musical 3 Premiere in Hollywood, CA at the USC campus. This picture is was taken before leaving for the premiere at the hotel. From left to right... Shauna, Kate, Gabby, Chloe, and Don Schain (co-producer for HSM3).
In the theater, they were able to get a photo with Paula Abdul. If you look over Kate's shoulder, you will see Blair Underwood. Can you believe that Kate is almost as tall as Paula Abdul?

This shot was taken on the Red Carpet prior to the premiere. From left to right...Dana & Gabby, John & Kate, Tamera & Chloe, and Shauna. Everyone had to wear the HSM3 movie credential to attend & walk the Red Carpet. Kate brought home HSM3 pom poms, popcorn buckets & an autographed picture of the HSM3 stars.

On the Red Carpet, the girls also met Roshon Fegan (Sander) from Camp Rock. They not only were able to get a photo, but they got to chat with him too!
The girls stopped for one final pose on the Red Carpet before taking their seats in the USC Galen Center. The center had the East High Wildcat logo painted on the floor. The pre show entertainment included, the Wildcat mascot, USC cheerleaders & the Laker Girls. The movie was shown on a giant movie screen covering one side of the center.

John and Kate did have time to go to Universal Studios & Santa Monica beach. Kate loved having time with dad, visiting with Chloe & Tamera, and making new friends.

On the video below watch for Tamera, Dana, Shauna, John & Kate (only the back of her head) in the background. Look over the right shoulder of the interview with Zeke Baylor.

Special thank you to Tamera Miller & Don & Shauna Schain for making a lifetime memory for Kate. She had a GREAT time & it would not have been possible without you. Thank you so much!

Another interception for Spencer

Spencer played his last regular season game Thursday night. They beat the Jaguars 19-6. They lost to them 2 weeks ago in the final seconds of the game.

This win qualified them to play in the championship game this Saturday. They will play the Bears team. The Bears only loss this year was to Spencer's team, the Packers.

We are looking forward to a great game.













John took this shot of Spencer right after he intercepted the ball. This was his 2nd pick of the season. Unfortunately, he was forced out of bounds and the time ran out.

Despite his knee injury early in the week, Spencer played well. He can't wait to play Saturday.













Is that another $5 Uncle Ken?

A Good Read

This is the second year I have read this book. At the end of each day, I read the daily thought and find it relates perfectly to me in some way. I have given this book as a gift & am always amazed at the response it receives once it is read. I read this thought a few days ago & thought I would share.

October 14

The Ultimate Result of All Ambition

To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.

---Samuel Johnson

The wisdom contained in this sentence is worth meditating on for the rest of our lives; it's probably the reason Dr. Johnson earned his final resting place with the "Immortals" in Westminster Abbey.

Why are you working so hard? To be happy at home. But you're never at home--in mind, body, spirit--because you're always working. So why are you working so hard? To be happy at home.

This is not a Zen koan. Life is a paradox, but we don't have to make it any harder than it is already. We've been on this path for ten months, but if you're on the cusp of grasping this insight, you're miles ahead of most of us.

Hold this thought: the ultimate result of all ambition is to be happy at home. Engrave this truth on your consciousness. Lay the track deeply, so that even when you're on your own version of automatic pilot, you'll be homeward bound. Write it on the palm of your hand; sneak a peek at it three times a day. Mutter it under your breath before attending a budget review that starts a half hour before the children need to be picked up; before agreeing to entertain out-of-town clients on your anniversary; before answering faxes on Sunday or leaving voice mail messages at midnight.

What is the ultimate result of all ambition?

You know.

Inscribe it on your heart. Needlepoint it on a pillow. Say it out loud when you get up and just before retiring. Make it your mantra--that personal phrase that brings all things into focus. Doing so will help remind you that the greatest adventure of our lives is finding our way back home.

Spencer loves Football!

About two years ago, I lost my little boy. He left behind his Toy Story toys & Legos, and morphed into this sports addict. He not only loves to play Madden '08 on his PSP, but he loves to play the sport like crazy. He couldn't wait to be old enough to play tackle football. He remembers every sports fact & statistic, ESPN is his favorite channel, and he truly loves the sport. I could not be more proud. John & I are football fans & enjoy talking with him & sharing in the excitement & frustrations of his games.

He is playing for the Packers team this year. They are 1-1 so far. We have two games this week. Spencer has been playing as a receiver, punt return & corner back. He isn't always as aggressive, but he plays with a lot of passion. I think he is still scared he will get squashed to the ground or the wind knocked out of him. Who knows? It is so fun after the games to hear him talk with such intensity and analyze the plays. He tries really hard and wants to play in college some day.

High School Musical Scream

On Wednesday, we informed Kate that she would be attending the High School Musical 3 Movie Premiere in Hollywood, CA. Her cousin Tamera was kind enough to get an extra ticket for her. She will be joining one of the producers (who is related to Tamera's husband), Tamera & Chloe.

She is so excited to go to the premiere, but equally excited to spend time with Chloe.

John will be flying out with her. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend with the girls. They will have time to sight see the Hollywood area, relax, and enjoy the movie hoopla. I was so excited for her I thought I would cry. This will be a memorable experience for Kate.

You can check out her reaction on the video below. John gave her an envelope that told her she would be attending and it unfolded from there.

I am always struggling to write in my journal. I know my own handwriting would make it more personal, but it seems I rarely take the time. I have found my solution...www.ldsjournal.com.

Check it out. It allows you to make daily entries, answer "all about me" questions, and then you can print it out in a hard bound copy or put on DVD for your family. It really is an amazing thing.

First Day of School

Well, it has finally arrived...the first day of school. Yesterday, the kids had back to school night. Spencer's teacher, Mrs. Phillips, was a no show and the principal seemed quite disappointed. I can't wait to hear about his day. He is in the 6th grade this year. It is his last year at elementary school. He will be signing up for football this week and can't wait to get on the field.

Kate is in the 4th grade. Her teacher, Miss Shelford, could not be more perfect for her. Kate already thinks she is fun and will have no problem getting her to do her work & reading. She is excited that her good friend, Micaella, is in her class this year. She will be starting dance after Labor Day & hopes to get started with piano lessons too!

John had his first day of early morning seminary. He has 5 students that arrive around 6:15am and they catch the bus at the corner. He has a good bunch of kids. Wednesday mornings will be rough since he works at the bowling center in Anderson & doesn't get home till midnight or later. Yes, bowling season is underway.

No school for me. I am able to enjoy some free time and tackle some projects that I have put on hold. I have lots of scrapbooking to catch up on, Christmas gifts to make, and books to read. With the kids at school, I don't feel as guilty when I scrapbook or read for hours.

That's our back to school update!

Park City, Utah

Spencer & Kate in Park City

We took some time to ride the alpine slide & the alpine coaster. We had a really SLOW, afraid and wimpy boy in front of us on the coaster and he caused all of us to check up several times. Unfortunately, Kate was the one who drilled into the back of John. It was much faster than I thought and was so much fun!

John & I decided to do the zip line. After a 30 minute wait, we took off! Kate & Spencer watched from below and captured a few photos of us.

We had a really great time in Utah. The weather was beautiful and the kids had so much fun hanging out with the Walker gang. Thanks Melanie for taking in my kids! Kathleen always takes care of us, and I figured out how to make Grandma Downing's butterscotch pie. I'll get John to post more pictures this week.

Olympic Opening Ceremonies 2008

Clutter Control 101

I decided to start my own blog of tips & tricks to get organized. I am an organizational freak bordering on the line of being obsessive-compulsive. It drives John & the kids crazy, but guess who they come looking for when they can't find something?

I think everything has a place & everything should be put in that place. I have limited my sleeping & television watching because I am always cleaning something up or re-organizing something.

I am always up for a challenge & am willing to help any of you tackle that BIG CLUTTER MESS you keep avoiding. Thanks to those of you that let me feed my desire for neatness. I have organized play rooms, cleaned out garages, and set up new bedrooms this past year and loved every minute of it.

Crazy, right? Maybe it is a gift, but I really enjoy helping people find solutions that work.

Check it out.....http://cluttercontol101.blogspot.com/

The Grand Tetons

A beautiful landscape shot of the Grand Tetons. This mountain range is south of Yellowstone National Park.
John is learning more about our new Nikon SLR camera & he has enjoyed taking photos of our many excursions.

John & the kids stayed in this cabin while in the Grand Tetons. It was rustic, but did provide them with indoor plumbing.
They survived a night without WI-FI & television. Amazing, huh? They were also able to take a hike to Leigh Lake. However, they forgot to spray themselves with bug spray & ended up with multiple (Spencer says a jillion) mosquito bites.

As they were leaving the park, they noticed several cars along the road. Someone had spotted a grizzly bear.
After talking to many people, they were surprised that we saw bears on our trip. Amazingly enough, we were able to see a black bear & a grizzly bear. Kate thought it was cool to see the bears.

This is a picture of John & the kids in front of the Grand Tetons.
Overall, the trip was a great experience with beautiful scenery.

Our Trip West

This year, John & the kids left for Utah almost a week before me. I didn't have to tolerate the 1600 mile drive & got to fly out.
They were able to make a stop at Devil's Tower in northeastern Wyoming before reaching Yellowstone. Spencer loved climbing the rocks
up to the base of the tower. Although you can't see it, there are actually people climbing on the face of the tower.


While driving through Yellowstone, they saw this black bear about 10 feet from the road.
They were excited to see this at such close range and got some great pictures.

One afternoon, on the way back to the hotel (Grants Village) Spencer spotted a double rainbow in the sky. I beautiful result from a brief storm. It is somewhat rare, but an amazing site.

John says sarcastically it was "visually stunning".

This is the kids in front of the Yellowstone sign. It's funny how much they enjoy going here. We spent a day here last year, but the kids wanted more. They had a really fun time & weather was pleasant.

It's almost here!

I love the Olympics! I am counting down the days until opening ceremonies.

Just in case you haven't been paying attention, it's 08-08-08.

I am amazed at the stories of dedication & the commitment given by the athletes. I find myself watching them day & night. I read all the info & the stats of each event. Thank goodness for the DVR too! This way I don't miss a thing.

I really enjoy watching beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming & diving, triathlon, and everything else. Who am I kidding...even table tennis makes me happy! Who would have thought that would be an Olympic event?

This is a part of my inner nerd coming out. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will remind you to watch this spectacular sports event. Go Team!

Dinner Thanks!

Last night, Spencer had a friend stay over. They wanted something to eat at 9 o'clock and they wanted cheeseburgers & fries. Being the good mom, I made them and they devoured them.

Spencer came upstairs later while I was on the computer. He stood on the couch & said, "This is to you, Mom! When me & Eric said we were hungry you didn't come in with a bag of chips, you busted out the cheeseburgers & fries. Thanks for takin' care of us! I love you Mom!"


I laughed so hard. I really am enjoying his sense of humor and development of sarcasm. I can hardly wait to see what is next!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Kate loves pancakes, but she loves chocolate chip pancakes even more. She decided today that she would make her own breakfast. She prepared the mix, heated the griddle, made the pancakes, and shared with her brother. It was so cute to see her doing all this on her own. We have helped her in the past, but today she went solo. Way to go Kate!