Progress

When progress occurs slowly over time, often it is very hard to detect.  Today there were some marked forward steps:

Rex said, "cheese" when Sariah pointed the camera at him.

Hyrum buttoned one of his shirt buttons by himself.

Sariah tied her dress tie by herself.

Bryant was in the van by departure time.

Talmage tied his tie by himself.  (James had to retie it for length, but he did it.)

Yeah! Yeah! and Yeah!  We're that much closer to smoother Sunday mornings.

September has been an absolutely gorgeous month.  If it hadn't been for the smoke from the fires, it would have been unbelievable.  We have so enjoyed these pleasant, pleasant days.

The evenings are cool so when we came inside this weekend we took to the super heros.

On Friday night we watched Thor while James was at his seminary opening social.

Last night, we watched The Avengers.  The kids have loved it.

So, Lizza says, "If it's weird, it happens to the Hales."  Here's proof:

 Sariah threw up Wednesday night.  James helped her into the tub while I changed her bedding.  He saw this rash appear before his eyes while she was in the tub.  It was out of control and itched like crazy.  Thanks to some Benadryl she was able to go back to sleep and it was gone by morning.  Yes, weird.  Has anyone ever heard of being allergic to throwing up?!

3 Ounces

When Rex and Lyle were born they were three ounces apart in weight, Rex being the larger.  Within a day, Lyle became the heavier and has been so ever since although always within a few ounces.  Yesterday was their 15 month check-up (even though they are 16 months).  There was still only a three ounce difference between them!  23 pounds 2 ounces and 23 pounds 5 ounces---Lyle being the heavier.

Happy Birthday James

James turned 35 yesterday, and selfishly, my gift to him was an evening out.  It's been way too long since we've had some alone time.  We hopped in his truck, picked some pears on our way into town, settled a bet as to how long our dining room table was with both leaves (I won), went to dinner, ate in peace, visited some friends, then caught up on the one TV show we watch together (thanks to DVR).  The whole time we just kept saying to each other, "This is so nice."  "This is so fun."  "Isn't this great?!"  We really should get out more.  We both agreed it was his best birthday present ever.  Thanks Taneil for watching all 10 kids on a Saturday night!

When I found a few tufts of hair in the sink I couldn't help but wonder the source.  He denied my questioning but eventually confessed to James.  Of course he had picutres this week.

Sariah had her first soccer game this week.  I forgot my camera but I probably wouldn't have gotten a shot anyway trying to chase Rex and Lyle around the playground.  She did a good job being involved and not just spectating.

The inevitable

Being the mother of five sons, I knew it was only a matter of time
before it was my turn to really be involved in scouting. 

The time has come.  I am officially the primary counselor over scouting.

Indian Summer

In Ukraine, we called it "bobyileta"---or Indian Summer, the days of Fall that hang onto the summer sunshine and warmth.

I don't know what the deal is, but...

Talmage lost a fingernail this summer, 

Sariah is losing her thumbnail,

Hyrum is losing three fingernails on one hand and a toenail on one foot,

Lyle is losing a thumbnail or one hand and a forefingernail on the other.

(He's probably going to lose a toenail too after dropping a big flashlight on his foot last night.)

Bizarre.

Part of the daily routine is spending the late morning outside (after naps/before lunch) to soak up the fresh air and sunshine before we're trapped inside for the winter.  Usually we take a walk then meander around the yard for awhile.  It's been beautiful and so nice.

Mine, all mine.  Wow!

Creamsicles

"In a perfect world every child would return home from school to be greeted with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, a tall glass of cold milk, and a mother ready to take the time to talk and listen about her child’s day. We do not live in a perfect world, so you can skip the cookies and the milk, if you like, but don’t skip the “take the time to talk and listen.” " Rosemary Wixom, Primary General President

One of my favorite times of the day is when I can see the school bus coming about 2 miles off.  I have just enough time to drop what I'm doing, grab orange creamsicles out of the freezer and step out onto the front porch to sit on a bench and great my kiddos.  I love it! 

 In a few weeks, it will be hot cocoa instead, but for right now we are enjoying orange creamsicles as we talk about their day. 

Yesterday, the pears were ready.  When the pears are ready, the pears are ready, regardless of what else might be going on in life.  I'm grateful to James who willing took on the family so I could take on the pears.  47 pints, 2 quarts---two of which didn't seal and one of which broke.  Not too bad.  I ran out of pint jars and when I did the two quarts at the very end, I decided I probably should have been doing those all along.  Oh well.

Labor Day Weekend

What a weekend!  We ventured on our first road trip with the twins to Blaire's wedding in Portland.  It actually went better than I'd hoped.  We planned our traveling during naptimes and Rex and Lyle did great (thanks to a few too many fish crackers).

 Continuing the tradition of "Spirit Finger" (established on our Spring Break trip 2010). 

Rex and Lyle even started to catch on.

 Really, have you ever seen something so cute?  Once in awhile, "two is better than one."

 I think my eyes are closed.  Wouldn't you know it.  The best family pic to date and it's me that flubbed.

 A special moment when the boys asked if they could stay behind for a quiet moment in the temple atrium.

 Then we took the zoo to the Zoo. 

I think it was well enjoyed by all, but Talmage especially was in heaven.

After the Zoo, we drove the 2+ hours to the beach.  Rex and Lyle slept the whole way!

 Bryant and Talmage beach combing.

 Sariah and Laryn building a sand castle.

 Hyrum and Grandma guarding the fort.

 Rex and Lyle loving the endless sand.

 So, so glad Brielle and Kase made it.

 The crew---wind blown but happy.

 The plan was to go for a warm swim when we got back to the hotel. 

No one made it.

On the way home watching/listening to President Uchtdorf's conference talk. 

We also finished Call of the Wild finally. 

Monday, everyone gathered here for a BBQ.  It was a picture perfect day. 

Rex and Lyle even slept so I could enjoy a sit down meal.