TO DO LIST

Quite frequently I get teased by my family for all my lists. I could possibly have five to ten lists going at any one time. I have grocery lists, project lists, work lists, church lists, christmas lists, errand lists, etc...I even have a lists right now of appointments that need to be scheduled. Anyhow, last night Mollie and I were talking about our busy day today and where she needed to be when, what she would wear to her field trip, and what time I would pick her up. This morning about 7 am I was helping Sam get ready for crazy hair day at school. I could hear Mollie upstairs and wondered why she was up so early and what she was doing up there. About ten minutes later she came down with her to do list and my to do list in sequential order. I don't think I had made a list before of my morning routine but Mollie did. Complete with showering, hair, make up, breakfast, brush teeth, pack lunch, etc. It also included me going to work and the afternoon/evening activities. She missed a few things but did a pretty good job. I have enjoyed crossing things off the list as I do them. Yes, it is true, I love my lists!

FHE at the Corn Maze

Yesterday things fell into place and a small miracle may have occurred. It was only 5 pm and everyone was home, the sun was shining, the homework was light and we had no other committments. So, we grabbed a quick dinner of leftovers, our canned food donation, and headed to the corn maze. On the way there both Mike and I commented that neither one of us had ever been to a corn maze before. The weather made for a beautiful evening and the crowds were extremely light. We had a great time exploring together and splitting up to play hide and go seek. After dusk Mike and I bowed out and let the kids spend a little more time roaming the maze in the dark. It was a fun evening and great to spend a little bit of time all together. Next step, a haunted house (maybe next year).

Carving Pumpkins

On Sunday afternoon we spent a little family time carving pumpkins. Time definitely goes by too fast. Mike and I were saying how different it was to sit back and let them do it all by themselves. They didn't need us at all. It is great that they are older and more independent but also a little sad. Luckily I had dinner to make and Pat and Colleen to visit with so it wasn't too bad staying out of it. I guess if I want to carve my ideas I will have to buy my own pumpkin next year. Grandma Lucy and Papa stopped by and the kids lit their pumpkins and showed off their hard work. They look great!

Medal Count

At the end of summer Megan decided last minute that she was going to go out for the high school swim team. She has never swam competitively before so this was a big undertaking. The first several weeks she was exhausted and sore but stuck with it and is now really enjoying it. I have learned a lot about swimming. Until last month I don't think I had ever been to a swim meet. When the season started she was in the early heats but she has worked hard and done an awesome job moving up the ladder. She is primarily swimming the 100 backstroke and in a medley relay. Last week it was exciting because for the first time she swam the 50 free. She was placed in heat 3 of 4 and finished third which was a great accomplishment. I loved it because for the first time I saw her start off of the block instead of in the water. Her time was good and I think the coaches are looking ahead to the future because yesterday they pushed her to keep pace with the varsity work out. I have really enjoyed watching her and Mollie and Sam have been a great support. Sam has been keeping a "medal count." Every night after a meet when he gets home from football (they always overlap) he asks about all the heats she raced in and what events and then does a medal tally. I'm not sure but I believe Sam's #'s are 4 gold, 1 silver and 9 bronze. Next week she will be swimming in the JV Divisional Championships. Way to go Megan!

Miss Smartie Pants

Megan needed a costume for the stake dance, I guess she found this idea on the internet and it worked great for me. Her and Sam walked to the drug store while Mike and I were gone, bought the smarties, and did all the work. I loved that it was inexpensive and did not require colored hair spray. The kids at the dance loved it too, by the end of the night most of the smarties were gone.

TWO UPDATES!

Saturday night I was laying on the couch reading an Ensign article when Mollie came and sat down next to me on the couch and said, "Mom, my phase is over." I asked her what she was talking about and she replied, "we can fold up the blankets." I could hardly contain my excitement but tried not to smile as I asked her if she was sure. It could almost be considered a joy to help her clean her room this week without having to walk all over them. The blankets/comforters are now off of the rough carpet but unfortunately I now have to wash them all because they have been walked on and played on for over two weeks.



Today I picked up Sam from football and was once again reminded of how gross football clothing is. The combination of the smells in the car caused me to roll the window down during a rain storm but I did chuckle a little at the same time when he asked if I was mad about his shirt. Believe it or not when he packed his bag the night before his pants and shirt were white.

I've Learned to Love Soccer

Over the years we have supported and watched as our kids have played in hundreds (perhaps thousands) of sporting events. Megan and Sam dabbled in soccer but it never really caught on, partly because Mike and I had never really played or gotten into soccer. In the early years of Mollie playing soccer Mike and I fully admitted that it was our least favorite event to watch. A pack of kids running around together while parents stood on the sidelines in the lovely fall (rainy) weather in Seattle. However, over the years Mollie has developed a passion for soccer. I love her enthusiasm and I have taken the time to try to learn the game. I love watching her excitement build on game day. Watching the games has gone from drudgery to fun and I can honestly say that I truly enjoy watching her "take" the ball and dribbling down field. The rainy days still bother me some but she doesn't care. Bring on the wind, rain, snow, and mud. The more elements the better. She loves to play goalie and does well but her coach really needs her at forward. It amazes me that she can go from the dead serious player with clenched fists to the best friend mode during timeouts. Check out the pictures and you'll see what I mean. Way to go Mollie! Play Hard!

Mollie Loves Soccer!