OH---IO vs MI

This is what my house will be battling this weekend. Did you know when the rival began???
It was all over the possession of the city of Toledo in 1803.
Here is the link to the story. http://columbusoh.about.com/cs/historygenealogy/a/ohiomichigan.htm

Since Toledo is in OH---IO we know who won the original war of Toledo. Good luck all, but we know OH---IO is the ultimate winner. Go Buckeyes!!!

Family Walk

We took a walk in the fall leaves on a nice warm day. It was nice to be together. A momma deer and her 2 fawns ran right beside us. At this park we found a playground and Alta practiced her monkey bars. She got across 4 bars. She is growing up. We use to have to hold her up as she crossed. Chloe loves sliding and climbing on anything.

Things that make me smile

Alta came home yesterday just sharing a bunch of trivia about the pilgrims and the first thanksgiving. This along with many other thought provoking readings, like the Ensign conference issue, has made me think of somethings I am grateful for and make me smile. I thought I would give a list and encourage those who read to do the same on their blogs.

10) A warm bed especially waking up to a 3 yo smiling at you while snuggling to your side 1/2 the night. Knowing they came into bed because we can protect them from nighttime shadows that scare her. How did I become the protector when I am the one often looking for comfort that a strong arm can provide?

9.) My husband going to work with a smile on his face. Yea Yea!!

8.) Daylight savings time allowing me to get my children on an earlier bed time routine. Not only allows me more evening time, but happier children in the morning.

7.) Hot chocolate. I have a very special way to make my hot chocolate, but I especially like it with a non dairy hazelnut cream, just a touch not too much.

6.) I am enjoying being a Visiting Teacher lately. I feel I am doing a better job and trying to not only visit the sisters, but also looking to help meet their needs as much as I am able.

5.) My children. My little Chloe taking care of her sweet dolls. She has a little wash cloth washing their face and hands making them all clean. Putting them to sleep with a special blanket and pillow. Alta asking me to get her a space ship so she can go to the moon. Thinking I am able to get her what ever she can think of.

4.) Music!!!! I love an inspiring piece of music that lifts my spirits.

3.) A clean house. When everything is in its right place I feel a fulfillment that I am doing something right. This doesn't happen as often as I would like.

2.) My family being together and loving each other. Not only for eternity, but through the daily routine as well. We love playing games together.

1.) I know the truth. I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I understand His plan and it helps me get a perspective on life especially when it is being disrupted. I can still have a peace inside. I love the Scripture. "Be still and know that I am God."

The Victorian Vampiress and The Maiden Princess

H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N ! !

APPLES APPLES APPLES

We had a great time picking apples. There was a nice wagon ride and some fun things to do. The apple trees were a great height and the kids could reach the branches. We got 2 1/2 bushels of a nice mixture of apples golden delicious, fuji, suncrisp, and another nice big round red apple. I took the apples to Z-ville and with the help of Christine and Moms supplies we made 28 qts and 12 pnts of apples sauce with 10 rolls of apple leather. All my jars sealed!!! yeah! It was lots of fun and much easier than I thought it would be. I now have a year supply of applesauce. One thing my children love. Thanks Christine and Mom.

Love having a dog.

I just want to say I am grateful for Michelle giving us Lexi a Shih Tzu dog. This little dog has given my children so much love and attention. These girls of mine treat her as if she is just a baby doll by giving rides in strollers, dressing in doll clothes, playing fetch, hide-n--go-seek, or just love time. At first I thought Lexi just tolerated them playing with her, but I have learned she absolutely loves the girls. I have realized that if I come home with out children she wines and wines at me because she wants to be with the girls. Lexi gets all excited as I get ready to leave she runs to the door barking happily because she thinks it is time for a ride to get the girls. She usually will ride with Chloe and I as we go pick up Alta on the days I don't work. Right this very minutes Chloes is reading a book to Lexi and telling her all about it, while Lexi sits next to her appearing to look at the book. I have to describe it because I have no camera. I guess I did not realize that having a pet dog in the house is like having another family member. I grew up with no animals in the house, "they belong outside." I have to say I felt this way for many years and I can appreciate not having animals smells in the house. Which is why I love the Shih Tzu's because they don't shed. At this point I see the friendship that is made between my girls and their dog and I wouldn't trade it, smell or no smell. These girls love their Lexi.

Ohio State University Marching Band

Ohio State University Marching Band


This brought back many fun memories of being in a marching band. Those of you who did not know that, I play the trombone for my high school. This video makes it look easy, but there is tons of hard work in putting a show like this together. Wow I was very impressed. I hope you all enjoy.

Pavarotti Died today

I am saddened today as I learn of the death of my most favorite voice. Pavarotti's perfectly pitched tenor voice was my favorite sound. Every time I listen to his voice, but especially in this song Nessun Dorma my eyes would tear, especially on the dramatic last note... as he sings V-I-N-C-E-R-O!!!
It was a dream/ goal of mine to hear Pavarotti in person. Now I will have to settle to hear him singing in the choir of heaven. As I would drive in my car, I would put this CD in and blare the music through the speakers conducting to myself. Enjoying every note.... especially the last, bringing tears to my eyes. I love the words and meaning to the song of love conquering all. Nessun Dorma means "no one sleeps" in Italian. Puccinis opera Turandot. I can't wait to see this opera someday. No one sleeps till love is found and conquers all. Did you know I was such a romantic at heart. This link takes you to the interpretation of the opera and translates this song. I hope you enjoy it as it is my favorite song. It seems to pierce an area of my heart that rarely is touched.

http://home.earthlink.net/~markdlew/comm/turandot.htm

Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma

Dads Birthday

Hope your day is a convivial. We wish you an extremely thoughtful birthday. We love you and miss you. Keep up the good work serving those people in Cambodia. We will have a party just for you on your birthday, we even have the day off of work to celebrate your day. Oh wait it is Labor Day, a lot of people have it off. HEHE... You are loved.