Henry the Hamster goes to Greenwood

Henry had his first field trip!  He went to Greenwood Elementary and my students loved him!  For 3rd grade, my students are learning about living vs. non-living, and what better way to teach living than an adorable black fancy bear hamster!  Even though he sleeps during the day, everyday, he was a good sport and took being man-handled like a champ!  Being shown off to 66 kids throughout the day was hard work, but he was adorable for all of them.  My students can't wait until I bring him back.  

They wanted the lights out thinking this would bring out his nocturnal nature and he'd start running on his wheel!  Sorry kids, no such luck.

4 Blissful Years

On Thursday, we celebrated 4 years since we met!  In so many ways it feels like it just happened, but more realistically I can't believe it's only been 4 years since my boys have been in my life.  I can't even imagine a day without them.  They bring so much joy and happiness into my life.  I'm so grateful for eternal families and that I get to spend forever with these two.  

Our stats for the last 4 years:

1 awesome kid

2 states

3 homes

2.5 years dealing with infertility

5 pregnancy losses

5 job changes

3 wards

5 callings

And so many amazing memories!!!

Here's to forever!

Flag Football

Man crush Monday-My Twinners 

My cuties right before they left for their flag football game.  There's nothing I love more than my boys in gray hoodies looking so snugly.  

UVU Family Fair

UVU, which is just around the corner from our house, puts on amazing fairs at the beginning of the school year.  They are completely free, and never disappoint.

Bertola Sandwich 

Cuties 

Go Zander, Go!  

We invited Ashlynn to join in the festivities with us.  She's a sweet friend to Zander.  

Zander lookin' good up on that wall!  I fell for his dad while we were rock climbing.  I wonder if that's where Zander's future wife will fall for him.  :)  

Sewing

Lately I've had the creation bug.  I love creating something and the feeling that comes with it.  I've decided to hand make the majority of the Christmas gifts this year.  So far, I've had a blast at seeing what I can come up with.  Thank you pinterest!  

I wanted to make Zander something special for his baptism, so I decided to make him a CTR towel.  He loved it!  He used it to dry off after he came out of the water at his baptism, and now when he uses it he is reminded of his baptismal covenants he made on that day.  

These are aprons I'm still in the process of making for Eden and Sarah.  I have fabric to make some for Ricky and Seth.  I can't wait to give them to them for Christmas!  

My Christmas stocking.  I attempted to make one for Lance and Zander, but they didn't turn out.  I plan on making them each one before the holidays.  

I just love this new maxi skirt!  It was a dress that I hadn't worn in ages, and was planning on getting rid of it.  I decided to take a chance and see if I could turn it into a maxi skirt...and bam...what a success!  :)  

In case you needed more pictures!  :)  

Awkward selfie, but you can see my latest skirt!  I saw this fabric at Hobby Lobby and couldn't pass it up.  Pinterest had a tutorial claiming a 20 minute skirt--um, yeah it took me three hours.  Lol...I'll get there eventually.  

I need a daughter...

While Jessi and her family were here I came to a conclusion-I need a daughter.  I had so much fun doing girly things with Eden.  She loves crafts, sewing and creating.  She was so much fun to spend time with.  Together, we made this skirt and hair pretty.  I love you, Miss Eden!

Conference Weekend and Our Favorite Redheads

This past conference weekend was the best!  We finally got the Fredericks out here.  Jessi really wanted to attend conference and was able to get tickets for the Sunday afternoon session.  Richard, Jessi and Ricky all went while Eden and Andrew stayed with us.  Everyone definitely had fun!  Jessi was in awe to see the prophet in person, and attend conference with Ricky and Richard.  We loved having a full house and seeing Zander interact with his cousins.  What an awesome weekend!  I really need to find Richard a job out here, so they can be our neighbors.  :)

Cute little Miss Eden 

Zander looking adorable!  

Ricky showing off his cool Halloween necklace that he made!  

This family loved Mr. Henry!  He appreciated all the extra attention.  

In between sessions on Saturday, we went to Bridal Veil Falls with the Fredericks, Mari, Sasha and Hudson.  The weather was so beautiful!  The kiddos loved feeding the fish.  Fall is so wonderful in Utah!  

Hudson...such a fun kid!  

The kids loved walking on the rocks to get closer to the fish. 

Ricky is so handsome!  

Andrew running from mommy. 

Hudson and Lance.  Best buds.  

My gorgeous family.  

Andrew wanted me to take his picture.  I love his pose!  

So many redheads :)  

The Fredericks are the best!  We're counting down the days until they come back to visit us.

Cousins make the best friends

This picture speaks for itself...

I love Greenwood Elementary!

Red Ribbon Week was the best at Greenwood Elementary!  Our PTA kicked off red ribbon week at the beginning of the Halloween week, which was genius because the fun lasted all week long!  Halloween has always been my favorite holiday, and being an elementary school teacher makes it the absolute best.  I love seeing all the costumes and getting caught up in the thrill of the holiday.

 Some of the festivities included wearing your favorite jersey to join the team against drugs, hats off for never doing drugs and Halloween day was say boo to drugs by wearing your costume to school.  It was so much fun!  Of course my favorite day was jersey day because it allowed me to dust off my favorite shirt in the whole wide world!  I love Ecuador and this awesome Ecuador soccer jersey!

Circus Time

Back in September, we went to the circus up in SLC.  It was really cool and both my boys loved seeing all the crazy daredevils.  Before the show began, we were able to get up close and personal with the different performers. 

Camping Time

Before the cold weather set in, we decided to take a camping trip!  We went fall break and had a blast!  

Cutest traveler!  

This boy loves his audio books!

We loved mountain biking.

What a strong 9 year old!

Zander loves taking pictures.  

Zander earned another jr. ranger badge!  

Enjoying the camp food!

Dead horse lookout.