Oh Beautiful

 for spacious skies, 

For amber waves of grain, 

For purple mountain majesties 

Above the fruited plain! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

And crown thy good with brotherhood 

From sea to shining sea! 

Wednesdays are always really hard days for me. I even wrote a post the afternoon of November 16th because it had been an especially hard day but decided not to post it because I don't really like complaining on my blog. Then that night as I was rushing around the house getting ready for dinner I glimpsed this view out the front door. I called all the kids to come quick and we took a moment to just stand in awe. In that moment I thought about all the things I'm grateful for; my beautiful children, a wonderful husband, a warm home, food to eat, good health, good friends, a country full of opportunities and freedoms, and a testimony that I am a child of God and that he loves me and knows me. My heart was full.

11-11-11

I didn't realize I took pictures on the day but I'm so happy I did and that they were of Evelyn.  She was due on 1-11-11 (although she came early) and was walking on 11-11-11. Well, almost walking. 

I was busy in the kitchen that morning and when I turned around there she was, pushing her little toy and walking.  I ran and grabbed the camera.

She's learned to smile for the camera.  Have you ever seen anyone so Cheesy?

It didn't last long but it was a start. I'm excited, though. I'm hoping once she starts walking she'll find less things on the floor to put in her mouth.

Doctor Duty

On Thursday November 10 I had the other three kids tested for allergies. I decided it would be better to know and change everyone's diet now than regret it later.

We were in the waiting room for a while.

But the kids kept themselves entertained.

Unfortunately, Austin was still hurting pretty bad.  He laid on the couch in the office looking miserable. The sweet secretary took good care of him while I watched the other kids get their blood drawn.  We had Dallin go first.  He was so mature and brave.  Too bad he almost ended up on the floor.  The nurse caught him in time and held him up until he became coherent enough to move to a chair.  He ended up being green for about an hour after.  Cameron did a little better.  She shed a few tears and felt a little shaky but Eden was the big surprise.  I was expecting drama from my drama queen.  She cried a little but then she was done and ran out to the car while the rest of them hobbled and held on to railings.

At least we know now what to expect if Dallin ever has to give blood again.

No More Tonsils

On Monday morning, November 7, Austin got his tonsils out.  The hospital staff were so sweet to him.  They gave him a little blue teddy bear and took him into the operating room in a little red wagon.

Before

After

He spent the next week on the couch in the living room.  He went from bad to worse before he got better. He slept a lot and cried a lot when the painkiller wore off.  We learned to not let that happen. He finally went back to school on November 15 but only with painkiller.  Hopefully he will feel better soon.

Evelyn missed playing with her brother.

10 Months!

On November 6 Evelyn turned 10 months old.  She stands holding on to furniture and toys.  She loves to look at books on the couch.  She can say "kitty, uh oh, all done" and maybe "hi Dad" or at least something that sounds like that.  She also meows like the cat and does a high pitched bark when she hears the dog Chester next door. She likes turkey, rice, peas, sweet potatoes, and Ritz crackers although she eats lots of other things.  She has two bottom teeth and is getting two top teeth but not her front ones so she's going to look like vampire baby. I guess that will be perfect for the premier of Breaking Dawn part 1 this month. She can clap her hands and play peak a boo and find anything anyone might have accidentally left on the floor.

Evelyn also loves to give hugs and big wet open mouth kisses.  She is still a super happy baby.  Her favorite time of day is when all the kids get home from school.  I think she's starting to miss them when they're gone. I know they definitely miss her. She's irresistible.

Snow?

Yes, it snowed the day after Halloween.  So much for the beautiful fall weather.  The kids begged and begged and begged for me to let them play in the snow. I came down with a really nasty head cold after my half marathon and was feeling really wiped out. The last thing I wanted to do was dig out all the snow clothes. Obviously, I caved. My kids sure do know how to beg.

Happy Halloween!

Eden and her new birthday scooter.  Happy Birthday Eden!

The annual Halloween Parade.  Kindergarteners first.

My sister in law Joy dresses up every year.  She always goes all out.

Cameron, Emily and Emma

All of the kindergarten classes had a carnival in the gym.

I thought this doughnut on a string was a great idea.

Fishing Pond

The rest of the grades had individual class parties.  Eden and Halle.

Cameron, Felicity, Emily and Emma

Ryan was excited to take Evelyn, Eden and Austin trick or treating. Dallin and Cameron were off with friends this year.  It's crazy to see them growing up and heading off on their own.  Ryan brought Evelyn home after a little while and went back out with Eden and Austin.  All the kids got tons of candy.

I'm  not sure how Ryan got this photo.  He was sneaky sneaky.

It was a beautiful night. The best weather we've had on Halloween in years!