A little one on one time...

So Kelly and I decided that maybe we could help our kids adjust to the changes in our family by spending some "one on one" time with each one. It was my turn with Carter--and it was such a blast! When I asked him if he wanted to go on a "date" with me--he asked why--and I'm not sure he got it until we were out and it was just the two of us.
You have to understand that of all my kids, Carter is BY FAR the most easy going--and will happily entertain himself with the T.V., computer, or toys if I ask him to. So needless to say--he gets the shaft ALOT!
For our date he wanted to play catch with the football at the park that's just around the corner from our home. It was so fun--he talked to me about school and friends and coached me on how to throw and catch--he was pretty happy to just let me watch him, too! We headed to the bookstore after that and he picked out some fun books to help him practice reading--and then of course, we were off to Coldstone! It was such a fun night--and I really enjoyed being with him. He is such a good boy and is such a great helper. I hope he knows how much I love him. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face.
Kelly took Kenna out last Saturday--she was thrilled!! And then it was Christopher's turn with Dad tonight. He seemed happy to bring home a shake from In-N-Out and his books. Good times!
Kelly walked in tonight and found me and the boys around the table watching a lizard that had found it's way inside our house. I did not want to touch it and I didn't want the boys chasing it--I had visions of it getting lost in our house and crawling on us while we slept--but of course, it was Kelly to the rescue! I didn't want to hurt it--it was so cute--but only from a distance--I can't bring myself to touch one...yuck! Kelly got it outside unharmed so I can sleep peacefully tonight--well, unless Christopher wakes up at 3 a.m. AGAIN!
Off to bed now I think--it's hard to be a pleasant mother on just a little sleep--but I think if we can keep trying to spend alone time with each kid, things will get better and better...at least that's the purpose-letting each one know they are loved and that Mom and Dad think they are pretty awesome--because (and I know I'm biased) they are!

November Already???

Well--Happy Halloween!!! I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday I was wearing maternity clothes...oh wait, it was. Oh well--I started on the treadmill today and am anxious to get back in shape. I played tag with the kids on the way home from the park Saturday--and could tell I was more than a little rusty.

As you can see, we are all about the Power Rangers at our house--and Mackenna wanted to be "Gabriella" from High School Musical--Tessa went along in the stroller dressed as our"Bundle of Joy". I think the kids had fun--even though it was hot and the boys only stayed out for about an hour. Kenna is definitely understanding the whole candy deal--she wanted to stay out as long as she could. I probably had the most fun of anyone...the minute they were out the door I did the dishes all by myself and just listened to how quiet my house was...except for the occasional trick or treaters. It's amazing how good a quiet house can make me feel!

November should be a fun month--even though I can't believe it's here! I'm a little nervous for Election Day tomorrow...I don't think it's going the way we had hoped... and that scares me a little. However, at our Stake Conference on Sunday, Boyd K. Packer (via satellite from Utah) reminded us that no matter what--we follow the Brethren. I find so much comfort in that. I guess we'll see how it all goes. My sister Laurie is getting married on my birthday (the 28th)--and we are going to be in Utah for a whole week...I can't wait!! I am so excited for the family to meet Tessa--and I'm hoping my kids will get to see some snow--even though they are already complaining of the cold--and we're just starting to enjoy 70 degree weather.

Like I said, time flies....and I'm sure before I can blink, Tessa will be asking for the car keys on her way out the door. I guess the important thing right now is to do what Thomas S. Monson encouraged us to do this past conference--learn what is important and what is not--and then spend time on that which is important. So--before this night is over, I'm going to enjoy listening to Tessa "coo" at me before she goes to bed--and will hit tomorrow at full speed...trying to enjoy it before it is gone...