New Sprinklers

Some time ago I mentioned that Tyler was /is putting in a sprinkler system in our front and back yards. It is a huge project and has been a great learning experience for Tyler. He's not finished yet, but here is proof of the progress...

As always, Trevor is a great helper (I love it when dirt is tracked all though my house {sigh}).
If you haven't seen our house, this is a partial view of the front.
Notice there are no shoes on his feet, even after multiple reminders. He is such a boy! Between finding spiders and worms and being covered from hair to toes with dirt, this was one of the best weeks of Trevor's life.

Time Out for Mom

Last Mother's Day Tyler and all of his siblings bought the mom's of the family tickets to attend Time Out for Women (an LDS grown-up EFY), which we attended on Friday and Saturday of last week. It was refreshing to not be "mom" for a few days and to listen to some great speakers and fun music. Friday night was mostly a concert done by the band who did the CD "Joseph, a Nashville Tribute". They were really upbeat and shared some wonderful insights they received while doing the album. Then Saturday we heard five speakers plus Kenneth Cope and Cherie Call. My favorite speaker was Emily Watts and her topic was motherhood guilt (I really identified). She was hilarious and her basic message was that we are not going to be perfect parents but if we include the Lord in our decisions regarding our children that we need to cut ourselves some slack and enjoy the ride. She said one thing I want to put on my wall to read everyday, "I give the gift of an unperfect mother so that when you get married you won't have unrealistic expectaions" (Speaking to her children). The event was great but then to top it off I get home and Tyler has the kids fed, house pretty clean, and our bathroom spotless and shining (I hate cleaning the bathroom and it really needed it). I have a wonderful husband indeed!

Pumpkin Time

Last Friday night our ward had a talent show that included a pumpkin dessert contest. Of course, I had to play the piano (as much as I hate to perform I did it anyway) and Tyler played 'Give Said the Little Stream' on his nose whistle (don't ask). Both performances went well but the highlight of the show was Cambria deciding that she needed to dance to every kind of music played. She, of course, stole the show. After the performances, the missionaries (all four of them) were invited to sample all of the pumpkin desserts to decide which one they liked the most. I was very surprised when they announced my pumpkin bars the winner. (The recipe actually came from my mom who got it from Elizabeth Shaver). So, if you find yourself in need of a great pumpkin recipe I would like to share...
Pumpkin Bars
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup oil
1 cups flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; blend until smooth. Pour into a greased jellyroll pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese
1 stick butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Cream all ingredients together until smooth. Spread frosting on cake when completely cool. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

His First Day

Today was the day. He was so excited but nervous at the same time. He wanted to make new friends to play with and to paint. He met the teacher yesterday and saw where he would hang his coat and go to the bathroom. Last night he slept well, but was up early this morning asking if it was time to go yet. Then the time came; we got our shoes and jackets on and drove to the designated place. We got out, he was a bit timid but anxious holding my hand as we walked to the door. I knelt to give him a hug and to reassure him that I would be back to pick him up, and then he grinned big and said "Bye, Mom!". I was totally unprepared and surprised as the tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to go. I was not going to let him see me cry, but I bravely turned for one last good-bye wave and then he went inside. The tears started to roll down my cheeks as I got in the car and continued all the way home. Preschool is a big deal...something I didn't understand (even though I taught preschool and kindergarten) until today. A big deal because suddenly I can't control everything that comes into his life, I can't be there to make sure he's happy and feeling loved, and I can't be there to influence good choices. It's a very different picture coming from the side of a parent. He's my precious baby who is quickly growing up. While Trevor was gone, Cambria asked me four different times "Can I go to school, please?". I think she really missed him, just like I did. He had a great time and even though I surprised myself with tears, I realized that this is something he's ready for and something that will help him grow. Way to go, Trevor!

New Adventures

It's been awhile since I've updated our family news...and we've been busy. Starting the first of September I got my nose stuck in the 'Twilight' series books (enough said) and was quite obsessed with finishing all four in a couple of weeks. (Its a good thing they are a quick read) Of course I couldn't just be...I had to teach Relief Society one Sunday and then do a fireside for the youth in our ward the next Sunday. Between keeping up on the Twilight saga and planning my lessons, I threw food at the kids and let them destroy the house. (Not really that bad, but it was bad enough that Tyler asked when I was going to be finished with THOSE books.) Then Tyler decided to take last week off from work so he could install a new sprinkler system in our yard before we put down new sod. Now my house has little mud trails all over from Trevor going out to "help" dad and then deciding he wants to come in to play with Cambria (and we live in Oregon so of course, it rained). That brings us to today and despite the crazy-ness and kids crawling all over me I totally enjoyed conference. The kids are growing up so fast! Ethan sits up now and throws tantrums when anything is taken away from him, Cambria said the prayer at dinner all by herself (she's not even two yet!!!) and Trevor starts Pre-school on Tuesday. Yep, things are a changin' fast...