What season is it?

So the weather man forecasted a storm on the day we were supposed to go up to see the beautiful fall leaves.....well the storm arrived and, look at what it left!!!!!

I love snow, I love the clean, crisp air and the fresh look of everything.....but....in it's time and place!!

But, I really love the in-between summer and winter season, called FALL!!!! I don't want to miss it, so GO AWAY snow....at least for a few weeks, till after the BEST HOLIDAY OF ALL!!!!!!!!

At least it didn't snow on our pumpkin and corn stalks, because they could get frozen and not be able to be used for Jack-o-lanterns for the BEST HOLIDAY OF ALL!!!!!!!!!!

Did I mention at our house we think Halloween is the BEST HOLIDAY OF ALL?????

Just ask Jaemon, he has wanted to carve this pumpkin since the first week of August, we can't wait!!

Soooo, lets hope that the leaves stay pretty for a few weeks more, and that it is cool and fallish, but no more SNOW!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!

Gracie starts Preschool!

Our baby Gracie started pre-school this week. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but she for sure, is thrilled! She was not really happy that I stayed for her first day, she informed me that she was a "big girl and mommy needs to go home by hersself." So, I guess that tells ya how it really is!

I think this is going to take some getting used to, I still think of her as a tiny baby, and I am going to miss her. I know, it's only a few hours twice a week, but it still means, yet again, that my babies are growing up.

What should I do now? I guess I'll find out!

Have fun baby, preschool is so fun, and you'll love it!!!

9/11

Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania. Time really does make us forget, but yesterday I attended a memorial service that Tyler sang in. It made me remember.

They sang "Proud to be an American."

There were so many servicemen and women who died trying to help those in the buildings, there continue to be so many fighting against terrorism. Unfortunately, there are so many American's who do nothing but complain and whine about so many things. There was a brief message about this at the memorial. In essence, he said that we of all people, should be GRATEFUL, THANKFUL, and step up to the plate and teach our kids about RESPECT and to REMEMBER all those who have fought, continue to fight and those whose lives were taken, in wars, in the terrorism attacks and in the future. Whether we like it or not, whether our political views coincide or not, whether we're black or white, male or female, young or old, big or small, we ALL should step it up, just like we did in the days following the attacks. We have a great, amazing country to live in. Having been raised in another wonderful country, I know for sure that we are very blessed, in both USA and Canada, with freedoms that so many people take for granted. I hope with all my heart that I can teach my children those values that will help them to never forget.

It's people like this sweet veteran couple that have helped us to be free. I hope I don't let them down!!!

Raspberry Jelly!!

Our neighbors have a HUGE raspberry patch.........

Sooooo, we picked a whole bunch!!!!!! And made raspberry jelly!!!! YUMMM!

First we juiced the berries,

Sooo delicious!

Then we added sugar and pectin....

Stir, stir, stir.....

Ladle into cute little bottles...

Process.....

Set them out to set....

Look how pretty they are!!!!!

I actually really hate raspberries! I love the taste, but can't stand the seeds, so when we first got married, Jon's dad made me raspberry jelly, and I loved it! Well, since he's in Samoa (and has been in various South Pacific Islands for many summers now) we've started doing it on our own! The kids are actually somewhat excited about the process, well, maybe not the big ones so much, but they are all very excited about eating that yummy jelly on toast and pancakes!!!!! Delish :)

You would think......

This is how Jaemon feels about his first day of Kindergarten! (this was the "question of the day" that they answered when they first came into class.)
This is how I feel about his first day of Kindergarten...you'd think that after 5 kids starting, I'd be an old pro!!!

He thinks he's such a big boy!!!

REALLY? Cuz they seem like awfully small little acorns today!!!

All set and ready!

"Bye Mommy....I love you!"

You would think I'd be able to handle this day without a lot of emotional turmoil. You'd think I could walk away and smile, knowing that he will be just fine! You'd think I would be excited for this, the beginning of such a new frontier for my littlest boy. You'd think I'd be happy to have a little time to myself! You would think I wouldn't cry my eyes out when I watched him wave goodbye on his very first day of Kindergarten.

You would think.

But I still did.

Love you too buddy....you will LOVE it!!

Back to School '09

Josh, Junior...11th grade!

Jen, Freshman...9th grade!

Brennan, 5th grade!

Tyler, 3rd Grade!

Jaemon, Kindergarten!

It's been a great summer! I will miss them! Do your best guys!!!!

Yellowstone!

Going to the "required" Old Faithful.....
Seeing the "exciting" wildlife....
Watching Clint "surf" on his Suburban....

Watching my dad be a great grandpa....
About being blown away at the lower falls....
Rafting and canoeing down the Bear River.......
Being together with the whole family ('ccept Dave and Allie) and having a GREAT time, reliving fun childhood Yellowstone memories , being silly, staying up late playing games, cousins, LAUGHING, s'mores, rain,.....PRICELESS!!!!