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Halloween Fun

Happy Halloween!

The girls love the tradition of the Halloween Parade at school! It means they get another chance to wear their costumes: Kynlee was a beautiful princess, Karley was a brave knight, and Kenzie was a cute 50's girl!

Mom and Dad went to a Halloween Party the night before. I thought of the most simplest costume idea...Mr. and Mrs. "Smartie" Pants! We taped smarties all over our pants!

These girls are ready to load their baskets with yummy treats! Matthew didn't start off in a costume, but when he realized he was missing out on candy, he hurried and put on stuff from last year and trick-or-treated the rest of the night!:)

Kenzie was so darling as a 50's girl!

Cute princesses!

Only the girls carved pumpkins this year...they turned out great!

They always like to sort and count their stash...it was a ton!

Fall Canning

I don't know what possessed me, but I was super excited to attempt canning apples! People do it all the time and love it, so why not me? We have three apple trees that were bursting full of apples that I did not want to go to waste...they are a bit tart for the eating. After talking with "canning" experts from the Ward, borrowing the proper machines needed, and gathering the yummiest recipes, I was good to go on making apple pie filling and applesauce. Luckily, the two days that I started these projects were days that Matt was home to help...it was definitely not a "do it yourself" project and so I'm grateful for the help I had. It was a lot of work and very time consuming! The most exciting part was hearing the jars "pop" as they were cooling off, letting me know that they had sealed...music to my ears!:) I absolutely love the taste of both, but of course the kids don't! Maybe sometime in the future when that's all they have to eat, they'll be grateful and love it!:)

We had our work cut out for us just trying to make a dent in all these apples!

My beautiful apple pie filling! It has made the best crisp, dump cake and cobbler!

Holy applesauce!:)

My beautiful applesauce! It totally beats store bought!

A Visit We've Been Waiting For

After much convincing, I was able to talk Grandmama into a visit to Utah! I know that she needed a break and we always love the company...especially when it's my own amazing Mom! It worked out to be the perfect time, because of Fall Break for her. My kids didn't have time off school until the end of the week, so I got her all to myself a whole bunch...shopping, laughing, eating out, talking, and watching a movie! It was so wonderful to have her here...we all enjoyed her!

I surprised my Mom with a G.N.O. to Witchapalooza - Dinner Theater! We bought hats to dress the part and were ready for a night of fun! We enjoyed the yummiest dinner and the most entertaining program...amazing singing and acting! My Mom even participated when the microphone was placed in front of her and she sung a line on the spot...it was hilarious! We had the best time and were singing the catchy songs the rest of the week!

Gardner Village was decorated so festive...there were lots of witch displays that my Mom loved! The weather was just too nice to not enjoy a Sunday walk to the park!

Kenzie having fun on the rope swing!

Love you Mom!

Bowling was fun for Family Night!

We had to head to our favorite place in AF Canyon! The girls had fun exploring and kept posing for pictures...it was so funny!:)

The Slider Crew

This rock was perfect for a picture with Grandmama! We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows...when the sun went down it got pretty cold, but we had a blast!

On Grandmama's last day we headed back to the AF Canyon to hang out for the afternoon before taking her to the airport! The weather was gorgeous!

Having fun by the river!

The kids had a blast climbing trees...little monkeys!:) Matthew was brave and climbed super high one time...it was funny to watch him try to get down!:)

Kenzie blends right in...cutie!

The fun never ended in the canyon!

We love Grandmama and will miss her so much! Thank you Mom for taking a break from your busy schedule to spend time with us...it means so much! We hope you had as much fun as we did! XOXO!

Birthday Boy

I just can't believe Matthew is 14! Actually, the growth spurt he has had is proof that he is getting older...he's 5' 7", which is only an inch shorter than me! One Sunday recently we were measuring our hands and sure enough Matthew's are bigger than mine...so crazy! Matthew's morning started off with a delicious breakfast made to order and a few gifts! His sweet sisters even woke up early to wish him a Happy Birthday!

I picked Matthew up from school and took him to lunch at Beto's...yummy Super Nachos!
No cake this year...he had me make a delicious Mint Oreo pie instead!

We had a fun family celebration for Matthew that night. Grandmama came into town, Grandpa and Grandma Slider, Ryann and Corbin, Uncle Steve and crew, and our neighbor friend, Justin, joined in the celebration. Thanks so much for helping us celebrate Matthew's Birthday!

One year older and more handsome too!:)Matthew was set apart and ordained to the office of a Teacher on Sunday...he had a great support group there! You are growing up too fast Matthew! Thanks for being so wonderful! Keep making good choices...you are a great example to your younger sisters! Mom and Dad love you so much and are so very proud of the righteous young man you are becoming!

General Conference Weekend

I really look forward to General Conference more and more each year! One of the perks of living near Salt Lake City, is conveniently being able to attend a session of Conference. I have taken both Matthew and Kynlee in years past. Karley has waited patiently for her turn to watch it in the Conference Center. I was thrilled to get 2 tickets to the Sunday afternoon session...it sure brought a smile to Karley's face! The spirit was so strong when President Monson walked in...it's an amazing feeling to see him in person, even if it is from far away! It was such a joy to spend one on one time with Karley as we listened to the wonderful messages that were shared. I am thankful for a living prophet and leaders who guide us and teach us the things that Heavenly Father would have us do. I hope Karley will always remember this experience!

Our seats were directly in the middle on the 1st tier...Karley loved the view!

I sure love this silly girl!:)

Someday Karley will enter this beautiful temple!

Prepare No More

A couple of weeks ago, I received a message from the Stake Executive Secretary who was calling on behalf of the Stake President. Yikes! When I called him back I said, "I'm not sure I want to be calling you back!" He set up an appointment for me to meet with Pres. Wilkinson that Sunday. The first thing that came to my mind was that Stake Conference was in 2 weeks...please don't ask me to speak!:) I knew before I went in that that was going to be the case and I knew what he wanted me to speak about...our fire experience that happened the month before. I willingly accepted the assignment, grateful that all I had to do was share my story at the adult session. Ha! I stressed big time, but I prepared and prayed like crazy. A couple days before the big night, I was getting real nervous, so I called my sweet Dad for advice and comfort. He said so many wonderful things to uplift me and told me to "Prepare No More", that I was ready, to not write another thing. Even though he is 700 miles away, when I got off the phone with him, I felt like I had just received the most powerful father's blessing and my nerves were calmed! Thank you so much Dad! I followed his council! I was able to enjoy the weekend with Karissa, Jesse and Harlow, who visited us. I felt comfortable as I spoke and know that the spirit was felt. Stake President even said that I hit it out of the park! I'm truly grateful for the experience, but hope it doesn't come around again too soon!:) We had so much fun playing with Harlow...cute girls!

Taking Harlow on a walk.
Uncle Jesse and Aunt Karissa spoiled my kids with gifts! The girls got "Twinkle Toe" shoes!
So cute! Thanks for your visit...it was so wonderful!

I love my gorgeous sister!

BSA Life Rank

Matthew has been working hard in Scouts since May. Between Pow Wow's, summer Scout Camp, and YM activities, he has been able to earn a ton of Merit Badges. It was a proud moment for me when the Scoutmaster awarded Matthew with his many achievements at Court of Honor. I am so very proud of you son!

Matthew earned his Life Rank and 10 Merit Badges: Personal Management, Art, Camping, First Aid, Environmental Science, Lifesaving, Wood Carving, Fire Safety, Canoeing, and Backpacking.

Matthew only needs to earn 4 Merit Badges, and complete an Eagle Project to qualify for the Eagle Rank...he's so close! Keep up the hard work Matthew!

Backyard Camp Out

Over Labor Day weekend, Matt made the kids very happy by putting up the tent in our backyard for them to sleep in! By popular demand, we set it up a little different this time. We actually used the room dividers (curtains) so that each of them had their own space. They had fun making their beds as comfy as they wanted them. I originally did not intend on participating in this outdoor adventure, since camping gets lower and lower each year on my "Favorite Things To Do" list, but I figured I'm safe in my own backyard. It was fun!

The kids were nice and snugly in their very own sections of the tent! Gotta love camping close to home!:)

The Big Day

Another school year has begun! All of the kids were really looking forward to it, and deep down I was too! They loved meeting their teachers and Matthew was excited about being at a new Jr. High. I am really looking forward to watching each of them learn and grow this year!

The girls had fun designing a paper to make their plain binders look cute! Kynlee stenciled the flower pot on hers and Karley wrote, "4th Grade is a Ball!"

Matthew - 8th grader, handsome as can be!Kynlee - 6th grader, Queen of the school! Karley - 4th grader, sweet and super cute!Beautiful sisters! Kenzie ate her lunch fast...she could hardly wait for her turn to go to school!I couldn't take enough pictures of Kenzie's first day of Kindergarten! I think as Mom's, we look forward to the day when all of our kids are in school, but it is actually quite sad...I didn't want to let my baby go, but I know it will be so great for her! Kenzie loved her 1st bus ride! She was nervous while we waited for it, but when it got there she got right on, with no tears! Matt and I beat the bus to the school and watched as she ran off the bus just filled with excitement! One of Kenzie's best buds, Jaylee, is in her class...cute girls!Everyone had the best day, so all of my worries faded away! I love my cute school kids and pray for a great year!I had to throw in this darling picture of the girls just off the bus on the 2nd day...love the shirts!