My Family

We had family photos taken a few weeks ago and it is

always a process to get ready,

especially with a bunch of girls,

the majority of whom are teenagers.

Here's a preview that I lifted off our awesome photographer's blog.

My Girls

I'm not sure where the time goes but it seems to slip ever so quickly these days.

This post is purely for my benefit, seeing that my journal entries have become extinct.

Having stated that, in no way will this blurb suffice for a true and thorough journal entry.

Perhaps placing my journal next to my bed will remind me to not neglect it.

Until then, here's a brief look at life lately for my girls:

Emily is experiencing a fit of senioritis all while trying to stay afloat in some demanding classes and extra curricular responsibilities. Have I mentioned how incredibly helpful it is to have a personal chauffeur?

Hilary survived the wisdom teeth extractions and looked like a caricature for a few days but the bruising is diminishing and the weird questions from fellow students about her facial changes are dwindling. She completed a huge bug project for biology with her dad's help and came away with an A+.

Hannah put together an extensive power point project for biology and understands fully what she will get to experience this summer when she heads to the oral surgeon. She and Hilary continue to train for xcountry and the upcoming track season. The JV T-birds placed third in the region a few weeks ago and their season is officially over.

Julia seems to keep the busiest schedule of all with weekly piano lessons, play practice and early morning concert choir practice. She is a social animal and always wants to be doing something or playing with someone. The front of our house continues to be nightly meeting place for kickball and night games. I wonder what they will all do when it starts to really get cold?

In the meantime, Dan anxiously awaits the FTC's (Federal Trade Commission) approval for the Schering/Merck merger and the impending layoffs. He is seriously swamped all the time with his ecclesiastical duties but never complains. He really is my Superman.

I am now stressing over a Halloween costume I was hoping I wouldn't have to worry about to wear to school for the annual parade. Any ideas? Because I'll take them!

Who Knew?

Who knew that filling out scholarship and college applications

would become a full-time job for the applicant and mother?

I don't remember it all taking so much time when I was a senior in high school.

We've spent a few late nights this week going over the loads of requirements needed for just one scholarship! The picture above was recently taken for one of those scholarship applications. (Thanks Heather!)

In the meantime, we are all going to enjoy fall break at home. All of us perhaps, except Hilary, who is slated to have her wisdom teeth out tomorrow!

Dumb.

I did a dumb thing this weekend.

Dan and I went to St. George to attend Dixie State College's homecoming celebration.

Why?

Dan's great grandfather founded Dixie College and the family was presenting a large portrait of Edward H. Snow to the college.

Dan's dad was also speaking in the historic tabernacle.

Family came from various areas of the country to be there.

And, I forgot to put a memory stick in my camera...duh.

I sadly discovered my error as I was trying to take a picture of Dan with his mom and some of his siblings--it would have been a perfect picture.

Oh well,

we had a great time anyway.

We hooked up with friends from our Southern California days who now live in St. George.

My how time flies!

And now a note to my dear children:

Thank you for supporting each other in your various activities this weekend.

(regional xcountry meet and a piano recital)

Your loving parents promise that this is the last get away for a little while!

Hot Off the Press

She has worked enthusiastically and tirelessly,

along with a few other amazing journalism groupies

on getting the first edition of the Thunderbolt to press.

The lay out has been revamped, customized and updated.

Every detail was gone over multiple times.

It wouldn't surprise me if Emily's dreams have been consumed with the printing of this school year's first newspaper installment.

Congrats, Editor-in-Chief for a job well-done!

Chores

Could there be a more boring topic than chores?

I guess I'm desperate for something to blog about,

yet it is everyday life

and I especially like the happy moments associated with chores.

What is it about the innocence of youth that makes even the mundane things in life fun?

I caught Julia making the most of her chores.

I figured I had to document it considering it was a happy face and who knows how long the enthusiasm for dusting will last.

In full disclosure, the three teenagers in the house are also great workers.

They just stopped making happy faces with Pledge a long time ago!

Stating the Obvious

Photos by Emily

Several things are obvious to me today:

1. Fall weather (that should arrive again on Saturday) and its accompanying foliage is unsurpassed.

Check out this

(it's my proof)

2. General Conference Weekends are the very best...need I say more?

3. Bottomless boxes of Utah grown peaches and apples, priceless.

4. Fridays: Wearing jeans to work and a bonus this week, a BYU football game.

5. And last, but certainly not least, my middle kiddos pictured above, well, I miss them!

(They're running in southern Utah this weekend...go timpview xcountry!)