Catching Up

I can't believe it's the middle of November already! Here are a few things I've been meaning to post:
Oct 24- I ran a 5k! Ok, I jogged/walked it, but I finished! I'm grateful to my two friends, Katie and Helen, who encouraged me and kept me going. I'm not going to tell you my time or what place I took. You just need to know that I finished and they didn't even have to escort me off the route. This was part of the BYU Homecoming celebrations, and the 5k was right before the parade. Here's a picture of my bib and time card- notice that the time is covered up : > My friend took pictures of us at the race. I'll have to see if I can get copies.

Halloween! Ginny was tinkerbell this year. Very beautiful, as you can see. This was the first year she got to go trick or treating. She really got the hang of it, especially the candy. When she came home, she took out all the candy she didn't like and gave it to the trick or treaters who came to our house.

Ginny started preschool!

Ginny started preschool on Monday. I don't know why, she just seems so grown up. We always do lots of classes together, but this is the first time I've dropped her off somewhere and just had to say goodbye. I was more sad than she was. She took one look at the toys and kids to play with, and didn't even look back. She did say she doesn't like school. Surprised, I asked her why. She said because she doesn't like having to go home! I can't believe she'll be 5 in February and next year she'll be in Kindergarten!
Meanwhile, I just discovered the joy of having a few hours 3 days a week to myself! I think I'm going to like this. : >

Canning time

I am so proud of this.











14 jars (plus seven a few weeks ago ) of homemade spaghetti sauce. I have never canned on my own before. After spending the whole day doing this, I realized why, but I'm proud I did it. I know I'll be especially grateful for it in January. These were all with tomatoes from our garden this year.

More Mischief

Ginny decided to copy her Mommy who painted her basement and add a little color to her room. One night she got into some acrylic paints I foolishly left out and painted her bedroom. This is what I found in the morning:



You can't really tell that she has paint all over her nightgown, and her sheets, and her comforter. All paint that doesn't come off, of course.






We asked one of Matt's students, Lizzy, to come and help us try to make something pretty or at least recognizable out of it. Ginny insisted that she liked her "Rainbow" and didn't want anything to happen to it. But she did agree to let Lizzy help paint since Lizzy is her favorite person (we keep offering to adopt Lizzy. Ginny said she can sleep in her room and play dolly and dress ups with her. I don't know why she hasn't jumped at the chance). Here's what the talented and patient Lizzy (she had Ginny help her) came up with. It's a cute little cat with butterflies and flowers. I like that she kept all of Ginny's original strokes. I love the handprint flowers. I'm not sure the next owners will find it as endearing as we do, but we like it.


Another lesson in turning something disastrous into something good. Thanks, Lizzy.

I am happy when...

My sweet little 4 year old looked at me with her big blue eyes (and mischevious grin) and said " I am happy when I do mischief". I had to laugh. It has been quite the week of mischief. Starting with ripped pages from several of her books, body wash all over the wall that she "painted" on there, cutting her own hair and lipstick all over her and her doll (those were last week). How can one little child be so mischievous one moment, and the next be snuggled on your lap, hugging you and saying " I love you, Mommy". I am taking deep breaths, putting in her time out a lot, and trying to give her love and attention when she is being good. I certainly deserve my title of "Young Mother of the Year". : >

4th of July

We had a fun 4th of July. We went up to my parent's cabin in Big Cottonwood Canyon for our annual breakfast. Yummy scones, bacon, sausage, eggs and fruit. Delicious! Then Matt and Ginny went fishing. Matt showed G how to put a worm on the hook, then let her watch as he cast in the creek. He caught a few small ones and put them back. G was more interested in throwing rocks in the creek and scaring all the fish away. We did a few fireworks at Matt's Mom's house. We liked the "flower" fireworks the best that spin on the ground and have pretty colors. And the "monster snaps" are always a hit.

ZOO trip

We went to the Hogle Zoo on July 3 with my mom and nephew. We had fun admiring the elephants and seeing all the animals. I love this lion drinking fountain. I remember that from when I was a child.