Joy in the Journey: October 2010

Mission Surprises

My cousin, Jenessa, has been serving a mission just south of our mission. She went home on Thursday, but I wanted to see her while I had the chance. We arranged it with her mission president...we just love him and his wife. We were part of the same mission until July when 5 missions were made into 3.

Anyway, they kept it as a surprise for Jenessa. It was her last evening on her mission and we met up with her at the mission home. She was so surprised and pleased. We had a good time talking, walking and remeniscing.

Here we are with Jenessa, and the Condies. Katie came with us and was such a good girl.

Halloween Costumes

We had a Halloween party for our friends and their kids yesterday. It was a small group, but that made it so much more relaxed. Even the parents had a good, relaxing time. I think we all needed it.

My Fairies!!

Despite the teasing from Jared and his parents, I dressed my girl up as a BYU cheerleader. Being the only BYU fan in a family of U of U fans, means I have to take matters into my own hands sometimes. She was so cute.

We made pizzas together, then ate them. We took the kids for walk around our neighborhood, played games. Then the kids got to watch a movie, while the parents took the chance to chat. Last of all was the pinata. I think they all had so much fun. I know I did, even though I was exhausted after. My hubby was so good to take the lead on everything, even though the whole thing was my idea.

Richy really wanted to do this eating contest with the girls while he was here. They had to eat a chocolate covered marshmellow with their hands behind their backs. I was surprised at how well they did and how persistant they were.

Gma's Birthday Continued

As part of Beate's birthday we organized a surprise party for her with several of her friends. It sure was a fun and entertaining evening.

I had made enough cupcakes and muffins to represent Beate's age. Then we put a candle on each one and spread them out on the table. Here is a picture of Jared arranging them all for me.

We even put a huge candle on the last one, but to make sure Beate wouldn't forget her new age. Then we had her blow them all out. Of course, Jared and Ray had to keep lighting some. Beate was such a good sport and they all tasted great.

Rike had also made this beautiful 3-tiered cake. She worked so hard and was so excited about it. It was a shame to have to cut it up and eat it.

Grandma's Birthday

Gma's birthday was pretty low-key this year. We did have Gma Spitzer over again and Gma's brother, Oli. Rike and I took the girls to a field to pick some flowers for Gma from her granddaughters.

Rike made 2 cakes with the girls. They got the best job.

Here you can see the flowers that the girls gave Gma.

Aren't those cakes pretty. Dinner was fabulous too!!!!

Thanks Grandma

Rike brought some things for Halloween from my mom. We had a great time trying them all out.

A Little Break

We surprised Beate with a special gift for her b-day. Rike came for a 2 week visit. We love having her here and the girls can't get enough of her. Jared and I went for an overnighter, so we could pick Rike up from the airport early in the morning. It was nice to get a way and have a night where we didn't have to be awoken by crying children.

We spent the evening walking around a beautiful city in the area. We found this and thought about Kathi. It really was a charming city.

This is the best hotel we have stayed at ever. For us, it might as well have been the Ritz. It was nice. I would love to go back again and take advantage of all their wellness offers.

Conference Weekend

I love General Conference! It is one of my favorite times of the year. So many of my childhood memories center around Conference Weekend with my family, grandparents and cousins. I love that we can now watch it home, thanks to the internet.

Because I get tired so easily Jared set up a mattress for me. Katie thought it was for her too and planted herself right next to me, leaving practically no space for Jared. Good thing she is so dang cute.

I had printed out little workbooks for Anne and Alicia to do about conference. It was a long 2 days for them, but they did soooo good. I am really proud of them.

I tried making cinnamon rolls to add to the weekend, but they were a complete failure. Good thing my mom wasn't there to see them. She is the master.

On Sunday between sessions we took the girls for a walk. Gma gave the girls a lesson on where corn come from. I am so glad they have these experiences with nature and their grandparents.

How many people can you get on a tiny mattress?

I loved Conference this year...especially Elder Uchtdorf's first talk. I can't wait to read them all in the Ensign. I am so grateful for these wonderful leaders and the special spirit that is in our home during Conference.

Bahnka's Birthday

Conference weekend was a busy one for us. We got to celebrate Bahnka's b-day.

Gift from his granddaughters...

The gift from his wife and kids...

We had a fabulous breakfast. Then in the afternoon we had cake. No-bake cheesecake is the best.

We even had a visit from Great-Gma Spitzer. Katie got to meet her for the first time. She wasn't so sure about this new person in her life, but did ok if she was on one of our laps. Of course, Gma Spitzer brought gifts and treats for the girls. You gotta love Gmas!!!

Donut Crazy

I may have said this before, but our little girl LOVES donuts.

She will do anything to get one...or more if possible. She thinks she has a right to as many as she wants and she throws the biggest fit yet when she doesn't get as many as she wants. She must be my child!!!