Joy in the Journey

Long Weekend

Ray and Beate took Anne and Alicia with them on a short business trip. They had so much fun and I will have a post about that when I get more details from them. That left Katie, Jared and I with 2 1/2 days of peace and calm at home. I LOVED IT!!!! It was soooo neeeded. I just relaxed and didn't push myself to do anything.

We played some Wii, sat around and were lazy, did some shopping, and just enjoyed the quiet. Katie loved having the one on one time with mommy and daddy. I even got to wake up when my body wanted to and not when my kids demanded that I do.

We did do some work in the yard. Katie and her daddy had a great time playing in the leaves.

That evening Jared got to go to his very first hockey. Ray and Beate had given him tickets for his birthday. I haven't been since the Salt Lake Olympics. Katie, of course, had never been. I was curious about how she would do, but she did soooo good. She loved watching everything and everyone around her. She got to stay up way past her bedtime, sit on daddy's lap and eat. What could be better.

I went to change her diaper during the break and found that the bathroom didn't have anywhere for me to change her. So I had to just do it with her standing. Not ideal but it got the job done. Jared loved the game and we think we will go again, but not with little girls; it was just too loud for their tiny ears.

Again the Same Age

For 2 months each year Jared and I are the same age. I don't have to feel so old. This weekend was Jared's birthday. It kind of got smashed between several other major events, but we tried to make it as special as possible.

I made Jared his Boston Cream Pie. He is not a fan of traditional icing, but loves vanilla pudding, or vanilla-flavored anything. So this is the perfect option for him.

Look at all those candles!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, my Wonderful!!! I sure love you. Thanks for all you do for me.

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.