Sunday, November 28, 2010

brayden's baptism
















Brayden got baptized on November 20th. It was a very special day. This past month has been so rewarding to watch him prepare for the big day. He was even more kind, even more obedient, stopped complaining about church, read his scriptures every morning, and we spent a lot of time going over packets and discussing baptism. He was really excited for it to come. It was so special seeing him in white, singing a sweet primary song with the other kids getting baptized. He had some great speakers that really spoke from the heart and had everyone tearing up. I couldn't stop smiling and my eyes wouldn't stop filling up with tears. Afterwards, he was really excited that the whole family came over to eat and celebrate. It was a perfect day. I asked him to record his feelings about it on his blog (and in his baptism book) and he did. Click here to read it.

halloween bunco


I forgot to post this earlier, but we had our costume bunco and I loved it, I never dress up unless I'm forced and it always makes me laugh to see what everyone comes as. I died when jenna (cowgirl) came up to my car with her lasso and all. Awesome.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

family pics 2010
















I was so happy that my older sister was able to do our family pictures this year. Of course we felt completely comfortable with her, so that was really nice. It didn't at all feel unnatural or too posed. My boys kids had a blast throughout the whole session, they loved being in the "wild things jungle" they called it, and they had so much fun. Brittney was so great at just capturing them having fun and it just wasn't a stressful shoot at all. We all loved it. Thanks Britt. Her website is on my sidebar. I highly recommend her, of course!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

trunk or/trick or treat

presenting....skeleton boy & little mexican guy! Brayden has picked the most random costumes the last couple years (last year--ice climber). This year he wanted to be a skeleton right up until he tried on this sombrero and declared that it "rocked his world". He got a couple "where's your papers" comments, and even though some thought it might offend, the latino's seemed to love it! Ole!



This was an old guy on stilts at the trunk or treat--he scared Zoe big time.

Monday, November 1, 2010

brayden turns 8.


His birthday breakfast request was a bowl of Oh's. I offered pancakes, crepes, eggs & bacon, french toast, oatmeal, and waffles. Oh's is what he wanted. He was so shocked that we got him a Club Penguin Wii game, but when I saw it circled and starred a million times on his list, and it also had arrows pointing to it that said, "the thing I want the very most!" how could I not?! He kept telling people that he couldn't believe we got it for him and that it was $50 and he thought his mom would never buy it in a million years ;) We also surprised him with the mask hoodie that he begged relelntlessy for when we were in Newport this summer. I must say its much more fun when gifts are really a surprise. I brought him Subway for lunch at school and then after school we had a family party at the park. He was very animated and gracious with each gift he opened (I told kosty to take notes). My sister was so nice to take some pics with her good camera, and I'm so glad because the three I took were all crap. At the end of the day, he told me it was the best birthday ever. (it was also the most simple. yay.)





Dear Brayden,

This is a special year! Eight years old, and your baptism is right around the corner. What to say to you this year? I feel so blessed to have you as my first born. You are such a sweet, loving boy and Kosty is lucky that you are too :) You are witty, smart, and charming. You are also so responsible. Every morning you get ready and do everything there is to do before coming in my room and gently waking me up. (I will forever love you for this because momma likes to sleep till 8 on the dot). But you love your alone time in the morning, you love feeling independent and responsible. You also love to have enough time to watch a little t.v. before you get dressed and eat breakfast. I love when I drop you off in the morning and I see a handful of kids run up to you and sometimes I see arms thrown around you. I am so happy you are well liked. Just a couple weeks ago, I had a parent teacher conference with Mrs. Jones. She was absoultely gushing about your school work, especially your reading and handwriting. She paused and put her hand over her heart as she showed me your neat penmanship. After she was done praising your school work, she continued to tell me about your personality in class. She said that you are smart, but more importantly, you are so kind, very considerate of her and your classmates, so thoughtful, so polite, and such a great example. I was a little embarrassed, but the more she described you, the more my eyes filled up with tears. It is everything a momma wants to hear about her boy. You are just the sweetest boy. I often tell people that you were born an angel and have stayed that way. I really do feel like you came to us this way. So, I don't consider it bragging because I don't credit our parenting, you have always had a tender heart and strived to do the right thing. I love you for that, and for everything else you are. You are one amazing little boy! We are so lucky to have you in our family.

Love,
Momma



pumpkin patch








We went to Vertuccio Farms this year. For less than half the price of Schneph's (however the heck you spell it), we loved it. I think it will be our regular spot. They had pedal cars, a barrel train, games, corn maze, hay maze, and of course lotsa pumpkins and the most delicious kettle corn
.

(BTW, I am getting seriously peeved at my camera with these weird spots whenever I take pictures at night, does anyone know what or why or how I can prevent them?)