Sterling's 34th!

As always, pineapple upside down cake.  It's his favorite.  It's fun to celebrate him because he's so great.  By his side is the best place to be.  He is my whole world and around here he's loved an awful lot!  Happy birthday babe!

Cousin Aaron was in town from Hawaii with his band and we got to stop by and say hi before our show.  It was a short visit, but it was still good to see him.

Awaiting Wicked and being super excited about out seats.

Below, Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked.  I took Sterling for his birthday because I love it so much, and now he's a fan too.  After the show we waited outside for a few minutes and got to meet some of the cast.  Here's Glinda, who is AMAZING, with Elphaba, or at least that's what one lady called me.  Hahaha.  She asked me to sign her poster and my face must have said it all because then she asked "Aren't you Elphaba?"  I'm flattered, I guess??  No, but thank you for thinking I look like a green wicked witch!  I should have played it cool and signed Jenny.  It was all very hilarious and it was a great night!  Oh, and paying for fourth row seating, totally worth it!!!!

Football Banquet Speech

My video won't post so I've typed out the speech.  It was a great season and we're so proud of Hayden for doing so well!!  Before handing out trophies they said a little about each player.  Here's what was said about our boy...

Coach Jon  

“Hayden….You looking sharp, you gotta  date later?  So Hayden, most of you guys probably know, Hayden didn’t get much rest on the field.  You were out there most of the time on offense and defense.  He went out there, he’s one of those kids who just did his job, did it well, didn’t say anything about it, didn’t complain.  You played hard man”

Coach Tory

“You didn’t even know he was hurt unless you saw him crying”

Coach Jon

“Yeah, that’s the one thing, if you get hurt, you need to tell a coach!  Cause I know we had a game when you weren’t feeling so red hot.  You gotta let us know.  I can’t ask for any more though.  That’s a heart man.  You want to get out there and compete.  You can’t train people to do that.  You either got it or you don’t.  Way to play hard, all year long. Thank you.”

Coach Tory

“Hayden.  Hayden was one of those kids that slipped under the radar but I really want to make sure that when we send him back we give him another big heads up because he was the biggest part of our team on both sides of the ball, but he wasn’t the star.  You know what I mean?  He was that kid who….

Coach Jon  

“He was that piece of the puzzle that’s gotta be there or it’s not gonna work.”

Coach Jeremiah

“We couldn’t have done it without you”

Coach Tory

“When we did that commercial he was on the bottom of the pyramid getting crushed and crying and nobody knew it!  Until he finally couldn’t take it anymore and he collapsed. (something something something about big heart that I couldn't make out)  You’re awesome.”

Hayden, A Rising Star!

Each month one student from every class is voted as a rising  star, either by fellow classmates or their teacher.  The school sends home a letter, prior to the award being given, inviting parents to come to a surprise assembly where he/she will be recognized for being outstanding.  It was yet another proud moment for me.  I'm grateful for all of my boys and the examples they set for others, including me!

Here is what was said about him (since I can't get my video to upload)..."This is someone who others can count on to do the right thing.  He works hard, participates, and is helpful and friendly along the way.  Way to go, Hayden Place!"

FHE, Burying our Weapons

We had a lesson on the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and each chose our "weapon" of war to bury.  It was a great object lesson for the boys.  I quote, "I will remember this day FOREVER!"  It's always nice when something sinks in!

I can't take the credit for this idea though, because I snatched it off a friends blog.  I get lots of good ideas from her blog!

Anyway, it ended up being a great lesson and we've noticed a difference in our home because of it.

Happy Halloween 2012

HUNTER FARMS

It's becoming tradition to go here and it's something the kids and I look forward to each year.  The first two pictures I love because I enjoy watching my boys experience and see things brand new.  I love their expressions, usually confusion, excitement and wonder.  They grow up too fast.

 Noah's face in the next picture cracks me up.  He looks terrified, as if to say, I have to do what?!  He wasn't scared at all but this picture suggests otherwise.

 TRUNK OR TREAT

This picture is hilarious because Luigi's mustache was upside down the whole night!  Hahahaha

Franklin Reunion in August

We had a Franklin side reunion back in August and it was so great to see my aunts and uncles.  I don't have pictures of all of them sadly, but here are some of Aunt Linda and Uncle Jeff, my dad's siblings.  I sure miss them and wish they lived  closer!  

These next scenic pictures are seriously breathtaking.  They were taken by my Uncle Bob while hiking Hurricane Ridge.  What a beautiful world we live in!!!

 Marcus got to go on a special date with Grandpa, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob, to the zoo one day.  He had a blast!

And what's a date without a little ice cream?

The reunion was really fun.  I got to host my first luau, we played a lot of games, particularly the bean bag toss game, and we all thoroughly enjoyed their company!!  I hope to see them again soon!