A Bunch of Stuff

Wow...I've been a ton of places and done a bunch of stuff since I last posted here. I was able to go to Washington for fall break and was so lucky! The kids had a ton of activities while I was there, and in 6 days, I went to 2 of Dayson's basketball games, 1 of Jayden's volleyball games, 1 of Ryenn's basketball games, Dayson's playoff football game, Easton's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch, the Apple Cider Mill with the family, the kids Primary final practice for their Sacrament meeting presentation, and to my favorite little store that sells primitive holiday knick-knacks. We also were invited to some friends home for fresh salmon (grilled and baked). It was a terrific trip and I always am so sorry to have to leave. I truly feel I was born to be a grandma! There are no words to explain the love you have for your children. But when you have grandchildren~ that feeling that you can't explain about your own kids~ it comes into your heart with a vengance! They are the most precious gift and I'm so grateful that I've been 'loaned' all these kids to love me and me love back. Enough of that...I have a lump in my throat. Sunday I went to Abby's and had dinner with 4 of my kids, my sweet daughter in law, and 3 of my grandkids. We had great conversation and just a lot of fun. I was a tad tired from staying out until 3:30am with some old friends, but will never pass up the chance to hang out with the kids. I'm going to post a few photos from Wa., but know I wasn't able to capture the gorgeous fall colors. ILMF!

OH MY GOSH!!!!!

What in this world possessed me to work at a MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!! The kids have been horrible this week in anticipation of Fall Break next week. They seem to have forgotten everything their moms taught them about being kind and respectful. It starts right at 7:45 AM when Pennie and go out front for bus duty and escalates at lunch. Pretty soon it's 12:30 and the little sweethearts are on their way home to their loving parents. And we're going to do it all again tomorrow! Only worse...they have an assembly for 1 hr. of the 4 they'll be at school. Oh wait...that's why I work at a middle school! I only had to work 1/2 days today and tomorrow and then have a whole week off. Not to mention a 4 day weekend for Veteran's Day coming up, 4 days off for Thanksgiving, 2 weeks off for Christmas...yep that's why I work at a middle school ~ for all the time OFF you get! Of course we aren't paid for those days, but somethings just aren't worth the money! Did I forget to mention that just 2 weeks ago school got out at 10:30 am (Thurs. and Fri.) for conferences and the following Mon. we didn't have to work at all because of teacher inservice? Oh yea...that's what I'm talking about! ILMF

My trip to New Mexico

I guess you'd have had to be there, but Paulette and I found this sign so curious. There were NO nut trees close by! We drove past it on our way to walk along the Rio Grande River. I walked/ran 3.2 miles and saw beautiful herons and some beaver dams. Great nature trail. ILMF

We Love To Shop!

Last Mon. Shelly and her 2 little girls and I went to the Promenade Mall in Casa Grande. It really is one of the best places to shop because everything you could want is in one place. Whether it's Best Buy, Target, Dillard's or Kohl's. The sky's the limit! The girls were so good and man, Peyton LOVES to shop! She does her Aunt Kristen proud! Her mom told her she couldn't have a new pair of shoes ( she had received 3 pairs for her birthday the week before!), and her big brown eyes just welled with tears. Thank goodness her dad wasn't there or I know there'd have been a new pair of shoes in the cart. She loves new clothes, while her sister just isn't so into it. Tatum's the entertainment for whoever is standing close. We just shopped and shopped some more. Stopped and had lunch and shopped some more! Then it was obvious the girls had enough. I'm so thankful to have 5 daughters, 2 daughters in law, and 4 granddaughters who all like shopping. I'm also very thankful for 3 sons, 2 sons in law, and 6 grandsons that love sports of all kinds. The best of 2 worlds! ILMF