OtterPops: Odds & Ends

We have had a good month. Of course we had our round of sickness (cold/sore throat combo) that we're hopefully recovered from now, but we'll talk about more exciting things.

Last field trip with my preschool boys to the library

I finished off teaching preschool and am now trying to catch up on things around the house that had been neglected (i.e. store returns, cleaning, organizing) as well as finalize Christmas gifts/plans so that we can enjoy the holiday season without that added stress.

For General Conference weekend we went to my parent's house for a couple days. It was so great to have my mom's help canning applesauce, enjoying some Indian food that my Dad ordered and being able to spend some time at their house. The kids always enjoy spending time with Luke, the dress-ups, etc. Maggie kindly picked up my girls and took them to the pumpkin patch with her so I could finish up the sewing and canning projects I had going while my babies napped. And of course, listening to General Conference is always a good re-focus opportunity. I apparently didn't take any pictures that weekend. Oh well!

We also participated in a Family Fun Run one Saturday morning while Jared was on a scout campout. Sponsored by our local rec center it was a mile long and I had fun, but not all of my children can say the same. Lillian whined the entire time despite our efforts to support, ignore, encourage and bribe. I'm not sure why because she's usually good to try new things, but it just got off on the wrong foot and escalated. Jonas finally decided half way through that it was indeed, fun, and Emma was a good sport in the stroller. Afterward they had jamba juice, medals, pedometers and bagels for all participants as well as face painting and balloon animals. Lillian told me later that day "Mom, if you take me on a run again I won't whine the whole time." I guess that's a step in the right direction. Sheesh! If at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Emma thought she was in heaven with the jamba juice

We also had the chance to meet up with my friend Sarita for her son's birthday since they are in the country for a little while. It's always so good to see them, let the kids play together and catch up. The weather was beautiful that day, the party was at a very cool park and they spoiled us as they always do with gifts for the kids and all the party leftovers.

Sarita Cait and babies

Max and Jonas "roaring"

Kids enjoying the beautiful weather (and new toys)

In the middle of October I was also in charge of a Relief Society women's activity for both congregations in town. Luckily, I have a fabulous activity leader who I work well with so that made it loads easier. Plus, I had several people generously offer help and I couldn't have done it without them! We had about 60 or so people there and several crafts, cooking demos and door prizes. Hosted at a beautiful home (seriously, a $2 million home that a lady in our ward offered for our use) it went surprisingly well. I'm just glad to be done with it for now! And, even better, is the fact that the other congregation is in charge for next year. Didn't get any pictures of this as I was running around making sure everything was going smooth that night...

Lillian has received not only one but THREE lice exposure notices from school within a one week period so we've been on the lookout. I am telling you what...Just READING those notices makes me start to itch on my scalp. I went to my neighbor who is a former nurse and whose daughter has had lice and she gave me a tutorial on what to search for and how to search for lice so I'm ready and on the watch. We are also trying to do hairstyles that keep me girl's hair back and out of the way and sprayed with hair spray. Crossing our fingers that we don't get it...But, as Jared tells me, it's an inevitable part of childhood and we'll deal with it when it comes!

This past weekend the girls had their MAD Friday performance. They've been participating in the Music, Art Drama program at the Presbyterian church where our neighbors go and have had a blast being a part of it. They both did a great job in the performance and enjoyed trying something new. This weekend they have their primary program for our church and have their speaking parts and songs memorized for that so I am excited to see them in that as well.