What we've been doing!

Update on the last few weeks!
First of all we have a new tradition for Halloween. Have the kids stock up on candy from previous Halloween parties and trunk-or-treats and then on Halloween stay home and let the kids hand out their own candy to get rid of it. That's what we did and the kids loved it. They were supposed to be babysat so I could go to the adult session of stake conference but Lantz was sick so we were home, but I didn't have any Halloween candy. Now I am glad I know about this new way to celebrate Halloween.

Lantz was sick last week. He had a fever of 104 one day but we were able to get it down and keep it down most of the time during the next few days. For being sick he still is a great baby, he doesn't cry much, but he does want me to hold him or let him go to bed.

Stake Conference was awesome. I felt bad missing the adult session because it is always the best, but Sunday session was still good. The kids were amazing, they make me so proud. I went to conference about twenty minutes early with Zak and Makelle. John stayed home with Lantz. We usually go about an hour early to get a good seat, but I didn't want to go to early with the kids. Well we got there and the chapel was mostly empty. I went around talking to the few friends there telling them how we usually have to go to conference an hour early to get a good spot, but that I didn't want to bring my kids early this time. I also said I was so glad that I didn't come any earlier because I could have any seat in the house. Well, I started getting anxious for things to start as it approached ten. The chapel was still mostly empty and the stake presidency wasn't even there. I was talking to someone when it was mentioned that it was only nine. Imagine my stupidity as I realized the time had changed and I had no clue at all. I was completely oblivious, and to add to my embarrassment I had talked to several people telling them how I didn't want to bring my kids too early and here I had brought them an hour and twenty minutes early. Thankfully my kids did great and it was a wonderful meeting,I just felt like an idiot. Goes to show how much I get out and have contact with the outside world.

Last week was full of appointments. Makelle's tooth was turning brown, she must have bumped it so I took her to a pediodontist. It was a great experience, all of the kids were good for me and Makelle wasn't even scared. They told her she had princess teeth and they were great. Makelle and Lantz had check ups this week. Makelle is 29 pounds and Lantz is 20. When it was Makelle's turn to get weighted they said they wanted to see how big she was so she stretched her hands high. We all started to laugh. She was showing them how big she is! Then we had to take Lantz for a testicular ultrasound, and once again my kids were all great. They make me so proud. I am always so worried to have to take them all with me to appointments, but they do so good. We have one more appointment on the 19th for Zak with a cardiologist. He has had a heart murmur since he was born, and they are just going to check it out and make sure it is innocent. We weren't going to get the kids much for Christmas, but now they all got to have Doctors appointments and tests for their gifts!

Last week the weather was beautiful and we took advantage. We went to a different park to play at everyday last week and we loved it. There is nothing better than playing with the three best kids at the park in the sunshine on a nice fall day. We found a new park back in the forest and it was sooo pretty with the sun shining thru the leaves and the trees. One of the favor ties for the kids was playing in all of the leaves at the park. We also went to the zoo. It was my first time by myself with all of the kids and we did great. One afternoon we were at the river swinging together on a big swing and Zak said, "Mom, this is one of the bestest days ever. I could just sit here and swing with you and play with you all day. This is one of the greatest days, thanks mom." Now that is what life is all about right there. So we had a great week (exhausting, but great)! I have really been trying to learn from the last conference talks and have the spirit with me and not get angry. Also at our stake conference our Stake President said to find out our purpose in life and make it a priority. Well my family and raising these kids is my purpose so I am trying to make it my priority. It is amazing how just trying and praying to be better at not getting angry and use a quiet voice has helped us all. It helps to get out of the house away from distractions of things I need to do and just play with my kids. I haven't been as good as i should, and it feels good to get back to where I want to be. I was feeling a little bit depressed this past week. But as I have tried to be a better mom and looked for ways to maybe brighten someone else's day it has made a difference.

Zak had his first primary program Sunday. He has been so excited and he had his whole part memorized. I was so excited to see him. He looked super handsome and he sang loud and good. He looked extra smart when he gave his part because he had it all memorized. Makelle is excited to do it next year, is that crazy?! John needed a partner to go teach someone the new member discussions and he couldn't get anyone so he took Zak. Zak was so excited and had his scriptures all ready. He shared his lesson about Jesus teaching in the temple that he gave to us last week for Family Home Evening. At the end he had his finger on a scripture and he read it to everyone. What a big kid already being a missionary.

A few months ago John went home teaching and he went to a lady's house and who hadn't had home teachers or been to church in years. She said she wasn't interested in having home teachers so the next month he sent her a letter with the first presidency message and numbers of people to call if she needed help. Imagine our shock when she called this morning to find out what time church is so that she could come. She sat by us and stayed for all three meetings with her four year old boy, so hopefully she will come again. It was so exciting, way to go Johnny!!

Here is one more thing to add to John's long list of incredible talents. He cut my hair!! Crazy I know but he did an awesome job and he is feeling a little proud about it himself. I got my hair cut at just a cheap hair place instead of the salon. Well, it was a bit of a disaster. After complaining about it for a few days John once again offered to cut my hair for me. He has offered lots of times but I have never been brave enough to take him up on the offer. I figured my hair couldn't get much worse so I let him. I was scared as I could feel the clippers going half way up my head I may have even started to cry once as I realized he has never been with me when I have gotten my hair cut so what would he know about this. Once again I was amazed by his talents as he shaved about an inch off and cut some more with scissors. The back looks awesome I am going to go to him for now on! Hopefully he won't decided to quite dental school and go into cosmetology!

And now for the pictures, sorry not to many of us actually playing it is way to hard to capture all of the fun cute moments when my hands are full and we are having fun at the park.
Zak spotted a bear on our way to feed the ducks!
Just Enjoying the park!





Makelle found a little umbrella and she was keeping the rain away for her and her daddy.
Zak playing after a long day of church and home teaching.
Lantz checking out the fridge.
Lantz is so fun these days, besides the getting into everything. He loves to play games and have you chase him or hide from him. He has quite the fun personality and he gets bigger by the day.
Lantz is always wanting to play whatever Zak is doing. Zak gets so bothered and wants him to stay away from his toys, hopefully they will be buds one day.
Cutest kid ever!
Nightly scripture reading and Zak's medicine.
Crazy #1 My little princess with her special tooth.
Crazy #2 Makelle took this picture, didn't she do a good job?
Reading to themselves! They both memorize their books and love to read them to themselves and each other. They are too big!

There you have it life is great!