Project 'Costume'

Tis the season for ghosts and goblins, vampire princess and super-heroes??

Tis also the season for lame costumes to become SUPER cool!! 

Exhibit A: party #1 - Aitkens

 

 Lea's - not half bad. First time we ventured into Halloween make-up.

 Ammon's recycled and - 'will you please FEED me!!!'

 What?

 I guess, I'll go with him, but seriously the hair??

Jeff's costume ROCKS! The 'angry golfer' - has a broken golf club too. It was promptly hidden when 'Superman' decided it need to be used a weapon.

 Do you 'Robot'?? And lastly: Abbey's....ahem.....'costume'. I did convince her she didn't need to wear the bright green t-shirt too. At least she's dressed - yeah it was that sort of night.

Exhibit B: Abbey's preschool class party - a MAJOR improvement for her.

 We got a 'costume' on her - even it was straight from the dress-up box. We did some crazy hair and added some purple highlights.

 What? Who doesn't love 'em some Fat Free milk container!?

 Exhibit C: Ward Halloween party

 We have arrived! No masks allowed, so I drew Lucas' on his face. To which he replied: "Mom, my body is a temple, we're not supposed to write on ourselves." yes.....yes it is. Thank you primary teachers! :) And my sweet little Abbey suddenly morphed into this vampire princess like Lea.

 Awesome shooting game the young men put together. I did want to know who volunteered to drink the DP cans they were shooting at - I would have gladly drank? drunk?.....guzzled regular DP so they didn't have to have 'diet' cans up there. :)

 sweetness!

 eat the donut.....if your dad doesn't try to tease you.

 there are just some people who don't like to follow the rules of the game. :)

 Make-up has all been rubbed off - it's not 3-year old proof.

 Vampire princess and the Smurfs - sounds like a Blockbuster to me!

And finally Exhibit D: Halloween Night - TOTALLY AWESOME, SUPER COOL!!!!

 I didn't paint Lucas' face this time - he wore his mask....for about 3 houses. Ammon even has a little red cape - 'Super' cute! :)

 The Scary House, right next to the other even WAY scarier house with the Haunted backyard - So fun!!

 And the Dominican Scorpion that had Abbey climbing the back of the couch. Always a blast - thanks for coming Sorensens!

I am so smart. S-M-R-T.....s-m-A-r-t

Very proud - way to go smarty pants! (3.8 or higher)
As an added bonus, kids on principals list got to dress down the next day - they were SO excited!

 Just wanted to show you this picture and the AWESOME quality pics I can take in the gym.....now you'll get to appreciate a 'good' picture......

 Oh happy day!! Way to go L & L!

Sharing the gospel

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we want to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There's a new campaign starting in select cities to inform and improve understanding that we 'Mormons' are normal every day people with normal every day skills and talents. We are just like everyone else. We are Christians, we believe in Christ. Phoenix has started this campaign over the last month called I'm a Mormon (There is a 'button' to the right - bright green circle that says so) :) There are billboards, radio ads, tv commercials, and even billboards in Time Square, New York City!! All in the effort for those who don't know Mormons to get to know us. Check out Mormon.org and see all sorts of AMAZING people.

Last Sunday, the children ages 4-11, performed in the annual Primary program. The theme for Primary this year is 'I know the scriptures are true'. 2Nephi4:15 "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them." I teach the 6 turning 7 year olds (part of the group - there are 2 classes) so I was able to be on stage with them as they shared their testimonies of the scriptures and sang beautiful music that also shared their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each child was able to choose a question (questions asked by those leaders in charge of primary), and come up with their own answers. 

Here is what Lea and Lucas shared:

Lea: What help do you have to keep your baptismal covenants?

When I was baptized I made covenants with Heavenly Father. He gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost to help me remember my covenants and to make good choices. I wear a CTR necklace that reminds me daily of my baptismal covenants.  I can renew my covenants each week as I listen to the sacrament prayers and take the sacrament. Heavenly Father gave us scriptures and as I pray and read my scriptures, I can always remember Jesus and keep my baptismal covenants. I have faithful primary teachers and parents who teach me and help me remember the covenants I have made with Heavenly Father.

 

Lucas: What do the scriptures teach us about the Holy Ghost?

The scriptures teach us the Holy Ghost does not have any bones. He is a spirit. The Holy Ghost teaches me about Jesus. He helps me choose the right and be safe. He helps me to play nicely and not get hurt. He helps me feel better when I am sad or scared. He's my friend.

(side note: the first time Lucas had to speak in front of everyone for practice, he made it through half, then stopped. I looked up to see him wiping his eyes. He mentioned later that giving his answer made him cry. Good tears or sad tears? Both. Well, that's the Holy Ghost telling you that what you said was true. Sweet spirits of children.) 

So after the program on Sunday, during primary, the kids were given a chance to write their testimonies again or their name in the front of a copy of the Book of Mormon. They were given the options of taking it home and giving it to a friend or neighbor or giving it back to the missionaries and they would hand it to someone who was interested. Both of my kids brought one home. Lucas wanted to give it to Jeff.......can't, already has 2 sets of scriptures. :) Lea wanted to give hers to her teacher at school. Lucas then decided that would be a good idea too. So off they went, armed with the truthfulness of the gospel and ready to share it with two amazing teachers that they love dearly. Both teachers said thank you and Lea's teacher said she'd read it as did Lucas' said she'd look at it at home. I hope they do. I know it's true. I'm grateful my kids have no fear of sharing the gospel. I know they set a good example for their teachers. I'm grateful they are recognizing the Holy Ghost and we are able to talk about it with them.

To the Lake!

 finally! Those first 4 hours from Portland to Richland......almost unbearable. I managed to stay awake to stop after 1 hour and have a potty break with all 4 kids in the most crowded little town and what seemed like the only bathroom in town. Lucas couldn't find a sandal and threw a monster fit on the sidewalk. I had no choice, but to make him walk barefoot to the shack eating place, use the closet size bathroom and leave. All while trying not to give up on my trip and sit down and cry. What was I thinking....traveling by myself with 4 kids?!

A couple more stops for gas and my sanity....we were just miles from the Oregon/Washington border. I was at my wits end. Ammon was screaming, kids were fighting and just plain LOUD. I finally pulled over, helped Ammo, used my best 'MOM' voice - holding back the tears that we were almost there, WORK WITH ME!!! There were no more issues for the next 60 miles. Then I was so sleepy I couldn't drive anymore. Luckily my sister, her kids and my mom were following behind me at this point. I pulled over, my mom drove, traded Aubrey for Lea and we made our way to Edna's in Davenport, WA.

 Calla, Abbey, Lea, Aubrey, Lucas

 Mom, Lizzie, Melissa (surrogate niece), Kristin, Ammo

 To the Ferry, ahhhhh, the lovely ferry ride. The part of the trip where I have a death grip on my kids and envision the worst possible outcome as they look over the edge to get a 'better' look at the water.

My niece Ashley waiting to get out of the van and enjoy the ferry ride.

  A group shot with whomever we know on the ferry - family or family friends - memories in the making.

Steve (& Taylee), Mom, Shay, Lucas, Ashley, Abbey, Calla, Aubrey, Lea, Ammo, Lizzie, Tanner, Melissa and Brianna

 Your best CRAZY face - apparently Ammon's is actually looking at the camera instead.
My mom taking a picture of the picture takers - Rozann, Kristin and I.

 AZ cousins

 A beautiful sunset ride across the Columbia River

Proof I was there and made it. :)

Gosh we love Aubrey! And my mom for driving - I was exhausted.

shout out!

I need to give a shout out to my wonderful friend (words don't to her justice, but I try!) Kehaulani Loo Driver!
After arriving VERY late in Portland without a clear plan of where to stay, I texted her to see if she was still up - she works nights at the hospital, so I figured she'd be up. She was a in a movie.

Abbey had to use the bathroom, of course we make it to the exit of the ONLY place that might be open and it's closed - dang Taco Bell! It was too late anyway, she'd already had the accident and was now in a wet car seat.....great. Steam is now pouring out of Jeff's ears and we get off the next exit to go to a hotel and it's the wrong exit. Only way back is through construction.........ugh.

We get to Portland, find our way to the hotel we stayed at before with free points - only room available is $176 for the night - it was already 1 am. My dear sweet friend Kehau guides us with texts to that hotel and pulls up right behind us as Jeff returns with the news about the room and rate......As we debate back and forth, she kindly (quite insanely.....) offers up her guest room. 

Did I mention she's a newlywed?! We've stayed with her before, but before she was married and her sweet husband knew us.

 He agrees and we go to stay with them. One room still full of wedding gifts and the other enough room for us to crash for a few hours. We don't care - we'll take it! :)

They even made us breakfast - seriously WAY better than any hotel I've ever stayed in. :)
As a token of my appreciation, I left a small bag in the bathroom with all our toothbrushes, deodorant and my wedding ring. I'm a good friend! :)

I was already on my way to Washington when I got the text I'd left it behind. Jeff would have to go get it.
Not my finest moment, but you get to see who your true friends are in times of crisis.

Thank you Brandon! And THANK YOU KEHAU!

She knows the same would happen if she showed up at my door - there is always room for her (& Brandon & any future children)

My beautiful friend and her handsome husband - Sept 2010, Portland, OR.

Return to Portland

To Portland! It seems we've made at least 5 trips to Portland over the last 2 years. A lot considering immediate family does not live there.

*friend's wedding (me and Ammon)

*Christmas 2010 (another LONG road trip)

*Grandma Reynolds funeral (Jeff only)

*and now Summer 2011

It really is a beautiful city and we've been there in every season - maybe we'll move there....who knows.

Would definitely be a switch from sunny AZ.

We go to visit Grandpa Reynolds and our favorite aunt Debbie with her family. :)

Jeff stayed in Portland for the night and flew home to Phx while I drove on that same day to Richland and on to Twin Lakes......it was a very LONG drive by myself and screaming baby, but I thankfully caught up to my mom and sister.

 Favorite spot is to ride with Grandpa - love him!

Lost and found

I was cleaning by the side of our house and this is what I found.
So stinkin' cute! There are 3 of them. A sure indication that we need to be in our yard more if a mama cat can give birth and we had no idea! My neighbor, Kelly, said the kittens were at least 2 weeks old. Seriously so cute - she picked each one up and gosh I'd love to keep them if I knew I didn't have to buy food for them and that my husband is severely allergic to cats. Mostly the last part that keeps us from keeping them. :)
Jeff or the kittens.......

Guess we'll keep Jeff. :) Any takers on the kittens??

This is how we roll

How do we survive day after day in the car.......well, we finally finished Irish Beach and were headed North to Portland, OR. This is how we do it: 

We sleep!

 sometimes not so comfortably, but whatever works.

 Jeff drives. I'm the navigator - see the atlas. :)

 I take pictures of stuff - Mt. Shasta in Northern California

 Road signs so I can answer the all important questions of 'How much farther', 'Are we there yet?' and 'Where is Weed, CA??' Btw, it's 5 miles from that sign. :)

 I also read if I can find something to take along. This was actually a very enlightening book. As lame as the title is or what you think of Dr. Laura, I would suggest reading it.

 We listen to books on cd - 21 hours for your listening pleasure. We borrowed LOTS of cd's from the library to keep us going.

 And more pictures of Mt. Shasta - just beautiful.