The Minnesota State Fair

This was our last hurrah of summer. Oh, the food we consumed. All fried and on a stick. We enjoyed everything so much we forgot to take pictures of it. We enjoyed fried cheese curds (my fav), grilled chocolate sandwiches, brat burgers, garlic fries, fresh rootbeer, chocolate milk, ice cream and cotton candy. What's not to love about the fair?

Riding the bus from the park-n-ride to the fair

Strangest freebie at the fair--yes, it is Maple Bacon flavored chapstick.

How did THAT get past the focus groups? Yuk!

Horses

Cows

Grant LOVED this ride. His laugh was infectious and I love re-living this moment.

Garrett doing push-ups for the Army

Ty doing push-ups for the army guy (for a free t-shirt)Grant just enjoyed watching the girls do push-ups :)

Milking the fake cow

Cotton Candy

Grant wouldn't even try it--I think he thought it really was cotton.

This is how we all felt by the end of the day.

Amazing bike/skateboarding show

Screaming, laughing, no-hands good time

1st day of school 2009

This actually happened Sept. 1st, so I'm a bit behind. But the kids are doing great at their new old school and I'm proud of the way they've adjusted and made new friends.

Shayla 1st grade
Ty 3rd grade

The whole gang

Shayla's backpack hook

Shayla with her substitute teacher--her regular teacher had a baby

and won't come back until December.

Shayla feels extra special to have not one, but two teachers.

Ty in his class--ready to learn!

Garrett and Grant on the 1st day of Joy School

It was at our house so Grant got to attend.

I don't know who was more excited--G1 or G2.

Snack time--a favorite of all

September 11th

Eight years ago today I was getting ready to go for a morning walk with my friend, oblivious to what was happening in New York City. Ty was just 6 months old. My friend called and told me to turn on the TV. I sat in shock and disbelief as I watched the Twin Towers go up in smoke. I will never forget the emotions I felt, the sorrow for the evil in the world, for the people who died, for those who so bravely sacrificed to save others, and for the families who lost loved ones.

I think it such a testimony to the power of the human spirit that out of tragedy comes greatness. That out of the dust and rubble of destruction and hate can come such hope and love and power for change. The human spirit is an amazing thing, and I am continually amazed by people all around me who confront trials and suffering with faith in the Lord and a perfect brightness of hope.

I will never forget those who have sacrificed for our great nation, and hope to show that remembrance each day of my life, living to appreciate and defend the freedom that I enjoy each day.

Click on the following link to see the inspiring story of a 9/11 survivor. Have a wonderful day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

Book Review

I just read "I Am A Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson and LOVED it! It's a quick read--easy to pick up and read during 5 minute (okay, 15 minute) bathroom breaks. Jane was a successful host on the Early Show and news anchor, traveling around the world interviewing political leaders, successful people, famous people, etc. She walked away from all of that when she became a mother, and decided to be a stay-at-home mom. I loved the honesty and candor of her book about the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom, but the fact that she never loses sight of the importance of what she is doing and how she is shaping her children.

She tells of one interview she did with Phyllis Diller (a famous comedian) who shows her her huge shoe collection and tells the story of each pair of shoes, who she performed with, what lessons she learned while wearing those shoes, why she loved each pair of shoes. Jane had gone to the interview with preconceived notions about Phyllis and her over-the-top comedy and personality, and had judged her. During the interview she found a real soul mate and made a friend for life, realizing her prior judgement was way off. Her point was that all of us moms, stay-at-home, working, single, in school, whatever our various roles may be, need to stick together. We are all doing the best we individually can and need to give others the benefit of the doubt, not judge, but love and support all of the other mothers around us. Until we have walked in another's shoes, we really don't know enough to judge.

I have been guilty of saying, "I'm just a mom," when asked what I do. I've never meant it in a derrogatory way, but it has popped out of my mouth that way before I could stop it. I boldly declare to the world that I AM A MOTHER--BEST JOB IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! And I wouldn't trade it for a thing.

Last Thursday I was listening to Glen Beck on talk radio, when I heard a caller invite him to something (a political thing, I'm sure--I started listening halfway through the conversation and didn't hear what) for a particular weekend. Glenn said he would love to be there, but he already had plans that weekend. Let me paraphrase what he said: "I was reading my scriptures and it hit me that I had never spent a weekend on my knees, in prayer. I have planned a weekend with my family and a few friends to join in fasting and prayer, and to really seek to hear His voice. So many times I hear Glenn's voice, what I want to do, what I think, etc., but I really want to get better at hearing His voice and knowing what He would have me do."

There I was, driving to the zoo, listening to a national radio station and I felt like I was sitting in a fast and testimony meeting. I was so uplifted to hear Glenn share a piece of his testimony and I wanted to share mine, too. I was so proud of him and so grateful to have people in the media who stand for truth and will fight to seek and uphold all truth.

I know that in spite of all of the political and economic turmoil in the world, everything will work out in the end. I know that we have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, who leads the Lord's church just as He would if he were here upon the earth. I know that the future is as bright as my faith. I don't need to fear or worry because I know who will win in the end. I am grateful that my home can be a safe haven from the worries of the world, and that I can teach my children right from wrong and pray for them that they will make good choices and be the strong, valiant children I know them to be. I love my life. I love my family. I love my country and pray for its leaders. I'm not too happy with the direction they are taking our country right now, but there is always hope. And I'm going to keep praying.

Then and Now

My sis, Kris, pointed out that I had conveniently only posted pics of me hiding my preggo belly behind my kids, tables, etc. All part of the plan, my dear sis. Here's why.

This was me 5 months pregnant with Ty, baby #1

(I was Princess Leia for Halloween):

I just had to include this one--me with my hunky Indiana Jones husband. Lucky girl I am!

This is me 6 months pregnant with baby #5:

Notice a slight difference?

Dairy Days

The kids always love the petting zoo
Garrett really wanted to feed the cows

Grant and Garrett driving the tractor

Ahh, Grant takes after his mom

in regards to ice-cream-loving

Ty and Shayla with some friends

Makes me think of the song "Oklahoma!"

Grant having a chat with the cows

So living in Wisconsin has its perks. Like visiting this dairy farm that opened its doors to the city folk for a day. Wisconsin cheese curds, battered and deep fried, are the best! And the ice cream isn't bad either. I think I'm becoming a Wisconsin-gal. I really love it here--especially in the summertime.