Kayla with best friends Rachel and Chandler (sleep over)

Alayna's preschool picture

Marisa's 6th grade picture

Alayna's preschool picture

Kayla's 4th grade picture

October 9, 2005

October 9, 2005
Ok, this Iowa weather has got to go. I ran the AC on Monday because it was 86 degrees. The next day I had to run the heater because it was 53 degrees!!! It has even hit freezing several nights. What happened to those beautiful days where you could open your windows and get a lovely breeze? Sheesh!

On Friday, Corey and Hal came up again. We are so blessed to have them close. We went to play tennis at the high school where they had several courts as well as a huge castle playground for the kids to play on. We had a great time even though we were freezing to death! Then we went to some Halloween stores so I could get the kids costumes (I am so slow this year) Tyler is going to be a Ninja, Kayla is going to be a snow angel (to match her friend) and Alayna will be sleeping beauty. Marisa says she will just be a doctor. I will send pics at Halloween. Then we got Chinese take out for dinner.

On Saturday, Corey and I had the unique opportunity to attend a Quad Stake RS symposium in Iowa City. First there was a training meeting at 8am with Sister Pingree from the Relief Society General Board. What a privilege it was to have her come all the way to Iowa just to speak to us. Then we had a meeting where she and Sister Tanner (The YW General Board President) spoke to us which was wonderful. Then we also had several other speakers. It was a very enjoyable conference! Then we came home and all went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. (Except Marisa who chose to fold 7 loads of laundry instead!!) Then they all watched "Ella Enchanted" while I worked on the talk I am giving in church next week.

Nothing really new is going on. Hal and Corey are helping to paint the kids rooms tomorrow and I have several other projects going on. I have finished 5 lessons already in my next class and can hopefully take the final for the other one very soon. I have had such a tough time getting a proctor for it! Hopefully I can get some pictures today to post. I haven’t been very good at that lately!

Oct 5, 2005

October 5, 2005
I had WONDERFUL weekend!! Bob took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa Harts house for the weekend. The kids had a great time. They made an adorable movie about a giant rubber band Bob had brought home for work. They love going there! I, on the other hand, needed a break. I have been so overwhelmed with everything. So, I was able to watch ALL 4 sessions of conference while I caught up on ALL my scrap-booking through September 2005! Then I actually did Alayna’s baby book (which sadly had never even been opened!) I got my desk rearranged, and even finished my first college course!! (Cheer for me!) I still have to take the final, but that will hopefully be ok and done in 2 weeks. I have started the second course and just finished Lesson #3 today. I guess I feel the "need for speed" since they may be building the new school THIS year instead of next. We are trying to decide if that happens, what would be the best thing for me to do? We are weighing our options and only time will tell. (Now that I look back at that paragraph it dosen’t look like much of a break huh?) Anyway, when Bob came back with the kids on Sunday, he took one look at me and said " You look...relaxed." And that I did. I think all moms deserve a break like that once in a while, just to refuel you know? Thanks a million to Bob and the Harts!!

Also kudos to Bob on the great pick for a date lunch this week. He took me to the COOLEST Japanese grill called Osaka. They grilled the dinner right in front of us flames and all. Alayna was with us, and she was so mesmerized by the cooking and then excited to eat what he cooked. I have never seen her eat so well. It was like lunch and a show! The food was fabulous!

Tyler made a cute comment I wanted to share. He used his little baby voice one day to tell Alayna "You are as smart as a Bee". Bob said " A bee is smart?" To which Tyler replied, "Yeah, dad, bees are the only ones on the earth that know how to make honey...duh!" Enough said! I just died laughing.

Marisa had her first dance team performance at the JV football game Tuesday night. She did a great job. She has another one next Tuesday.

Well, we had our regular week full of activities: Tae kwon do, swimming, weight lifting, volleyball, drama club, dance team, pre school, football, etc. (Can you guess who does what?) We are all running around here like crazy, but are all happy and healthy. We have a full weekend ahead of us with the huge Quad stake women’s symposium coming up. So, we should have lots to share this weekend. Well, Bob is off to basketball, the kids are asleep, and I am back to studying. Oh, the joys of being in school again. I want to get it done quick- like ripping off a bandaid! Hugs and Kisses!