Thanks China!

So, this morning, Anna says to me..."We should thank China for all the things they make for us." It made me laugh, which is unusual in itself that early in the morning. But I decided to save my talk on how Made in the U.S.A. is better and cheap labor in a foreign country means a lot more to companies for some other time. Now that she is a reader, I might hear more comments like these.

A Star is Born!

This is Anna. Look closely though, this is the new and improved Anna. She may look the same as the Anna that lived here yesterday but after church today she is a whole new person that you might not recognize. Many of you knew my very shy, very sensitive Anna. The one who would cry and protest at any sort of public speaking or performing. In the past, (even up until two months ago) she would be asked to read a scripture or say a prayer in Primary and I would end up reading it or saying it as Anna hid behind the podium with her arms folded, head down, and tears in her eyes. Two weeks ago out of the blue, Anna said to me that she is ready to read a scripture in Primary. I made a bee-line to a member of the Primary presidency to make sure Anna got an assignment for the following week. I didn't want the new Anna to miss her big debut just in case the old Anna decided to come back. The assignment was to choose and read a favorite scripture. She wanted to read something out of the book of Jacob since she has a brother named Jacob. We helped her narrow it down to Jacob 2:18. She practiced it a few times yesterday and felt pretty confident about it. She still wanted me to stand next to her and be there for moral support. Even as I sat in the back of the Primary room, I had my doubts that she would go through with it and back out at the last moment when she saw everyone in the Primary sitting in their chairs. But as I looked at her up in the front, I became a little emotional and tears came to my eyes. She was sitting up so tall and had such a confident smile on her face. Without any hesitation, and I mean no hesitation whatsoever, she went to the microphone when it was her turn. As her proud mama, I stood next to her as she clearly read the scripture by herself and even stated the reference first. Anna is an exceptional reader and didn't stumble a bit on any of the words. I am so proud of her! This is such a big step for her, actually this is such a big leap for her! Great job Anna. I love you.

Pastimes of our cute and mobile 8 month old

Jacob is really good at making big messes. We need to work on the cleaning up part.











Jacob is putting everything and anything in his mouth. I don't remember the girls being this oral. Nothing is safe from this boy, especially paper of any kind. He especially enjoys the Ensign, "feasting" upon the word I guess. :)










Jacob is fun to dress up in clothes that make him look like a little man. He smiles at everyone he sees as long as he is securely and safely in his Mommy's arms. Definitely a mama's boy.

Fall photos

Here is a picture at the church Halloween party with their friend Victoria. The girls had plenty of opportunities to dress-up in their costumes this year. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Jacob in his tiger costume. He tolerated it all of 5 minutes. Gordon and I wore zookeeper vests with hats to keep the "animals" under control!

We have had such a wide range of temperatures in our area. Some Sundays it is really balmy and the girls can still wear their sandals. We finally had some fall-like weather and the girls could wear their corduroy jumpers without being too hot at church.

Have A Little Glitter With Your Birthday

This is a picture of Anna with her friends at her birthday party (some forgot to put on their party faces!). My friends, Marissa and Carrie, helped me paint 60 toenails and 60 fingernails. Then we completed the glamour and glitter look by styling (tried our best anyway) and spraying glitter in their hair. I think it was a success and Anna enjoyed all the special attention.

My Anna turned 6 years old at the end of October. Being my firstborn she is the first to do many things including the first to make me a mother. It is hard to believe she is in kindergarten and reading so well. The teacher gave her rave reviews at the parent and teacher conference. There are even plans to include Anna in an accelerated reading program that will include two kids from each of the four kindergarten classes. I am a very proud mama! I don't appreciate all the extra words she is learning on the playground though. I guess that goes with the school experience! I marvel at the amount of papers she comes home with, I have to be selective what I keep.

You know I love you Anna. I am so glad that Heavenly Father sent you to me and you are a part of our family.

Body by Jake

Almost 8 months old and already starting a fitness routine. He will crawling soon but right now he gets a little frustrated when he can't get where he wants to. Usually it is in search of paper or a piece of string to put in his mouth. He can be very entertaining. He gives his mama's back a workout too.

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