I love having windows up high with no blinds–when I wake up in the morning, I can see what the weather is without even getting out of bed (advantageous if it’s nice and sunny–makes me want to roll over and go back to sleep if it’s bad).  We also really enjoy seeing a bright, full moon peering into our family room windows at night.  This morning, M.E.  exclaimed “Look at that cloud!”  Just before sunrise, a jet flew over the mountain and left this in its wake:

Of course, I ran out to the deck in my robe and snapped a picture.  Fun to take a moment and enjoy the little things…

I just finished this book:

It’s called Hang a Thousand Trees With Ribbons by Ann Rinaldi.  Loved it!  It is about Phillis Wheatley, a slave in Boston in the Revolutionary War period.  She is known as America’s First Black Poetess.  This is written for ages 8-14, but I, as a middle-aged romantic, enjoyed every word.  For me, it brought to mind one burning question:  Is it better to be a slave and be pampered, spoiled, and treated as one of the family, or to be free but destitute?  Read it and let’s discuss!

We had an E-male (email–Barry with an “e” on his chest) with attachements (me with paper clips on my shirt).  Obviously these were not pictured.  Also a cowboy, a stick figure, a candy corn witch, and a candy corn go-go.  Wow–we all actually dressed up!

And who is this swamp ogre who paid a visit to the family Halloween party?  Way to go Grandpa!

Just messing around with the camera I got for my Bday.  Here are a few of my favorites:

We attended the Junior High Orchestra Concert Friday night.  I’m always impressed by their performances.  They are always fun to listen to.  I tried to get some video to post for those who are interested, but the videos didn’t work out too well.  You’ll have to settle for pictures instead.  We’ll try again with the video at the Christmas Concert.

I had a great time last weekend visiting Houston.  I was there less than 48 hours, and most of my time was spent thinking about and looking at things like this:

However, I had a few precious hours to spend with folks like these:

I had a lovely time!  I wish we could see you more often Jeff and Amie.  We went to the Aquarium for dinner–had fun looking at the gigantic fish in the gigantic aquarium–Jeff even talked me into trying calamari (that’s SQUID, people!)  It actually didn’t taste like anything–wasn’t rubbery like I expected it to be either.  When breaded and drenched with marinara sauce it was quite edible!

I snapped this photo of the Houston skyline after dinner:

As usual, fun to be there, ever so nice to come home!

Have I ever mentioned that I love fall??  In the Spring, I think Spring is definitely my favorite, but when this time of year rolls around, Fall really brings on some fantastic competition!  I love looking at the mountains and seeing textured clusters of red, orange, yellow, and green.  I love the crisp cool feeling in the air.  I love being cold in the morning and hot by midafternoon.  I love seeing carpets of leaves under red or gold giant trees.  For some reason, the blue sky seems bluer and the sun seems brighter in the fall.   This season gives me energy and renewed ambition….let it continue!!!

Do you love Conference Weekend?  I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend than waking up late, wearing pj’s all day, and listening to words of wisdom from well-loved men and women.  Some of my favorites so far:

“Sorrow comes from selfishness” Henry B. Eyring

“I’m trying to be like Jesus…Do as he did, love as he loves.”  Henry B. Eyring

“Good parental example encourages emulation.  Poor examples give our children license to not only follow the poor examples, but to magnify them.”  H. David Burton

“No hardware, software, or monthly service fees are necessary to receive communication from Heaven.”  Russell M. Nelson

“Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, our life has little purpose and meaning.”  President Monson

I know President Monson and the general authorities are called of the Lord and inspired by Him.  Can’t wait to listen to the last session!

Dear Dad:

On your 41st birthday, we came up with 41 reasons we love you.  Are you ready???

1.  You’re funny.
2.  You’re the smartest person we know.
3.  You tell good stories.
4.  You are handsome.
5.  You love us.
6.  You tell funny jokes.
7.  You give good advice.
8.  You help us solve all our problems.
9.  You work really hard for our family.
10.  You are a good coach for our sports.
11.You are fun to hang out with.
12.  You always know how to make us smile.
13.  You have a great smile.
14.  You give great hugs and kisses.
15.You drive us the WHOLE WAY on really long trips.
16.  You are fun to snuggle with.
17.  You put up with us.
18.  You give good presents.
19.  You take us out for ice cream.
20.  You are nice.
21.  We trust you.
22.  You make us feel safe.
23.  You help us.
24.  You understand us.
25.  You motivate us to do better.
26.  You do Mr. Smarty Pants impressions.
27.  You cheer us on.
28.  You make us try new things.
29.  You help us be more confident.
30.  You remind us of things.
31.  You pay for all our activities.
32.  You write good love notes.
33.  You honor your priesthood.
34.  You stick to your beliefs and values.
35.  You are loyal.
36.  You are good at tucking us in.
37.  You sacrifice for us.
38.  You like to be silly with us.
39.  You have the funniest laugh in the whole world.
40.  You are honest.
41.  You are the best Daddy in the whole wide world!

We love you and everything about you!  Have a Happy Happy Birthday!

Do you ever have moments of complete clarity, where you see everything in a new light and the world before you looks much brighter?  Well, I have attained it–with my camera, at least.    

I don’t know if you could help but notice how blurry my last pictures were–but I’ve been distressed that my somewhat new camera has not been working.  I even left out the pictures of my zucchini cupcakes and quiche that I had wanted to post because they were so terrible.  I complained of this to Barry, who simply stated that there must be a setting that got changed or something.  “Who would have done such a thing,” I wondered, but as I looked the silly thing over, sure enough–it was set to 3 megapixels rather than the 10 that it is capable of.  What would I do without him??  I wonder this over and over in many different types of situations.  Love you Barry.  Thanks for helping me regain my focus!  

(Still not 100% happy with the picture quality of this camera, but don’t know if I’m ready to bite the bullet and move on to bigger and better things…)