Writing the Everyday

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
― Sylvia Plath

I borrowed this quote from a CJane post the other day. It spoke to me right when I read it and made me feel like my blog may have more merit than I think, even if it is simply a record of my day to day. It also gave me the desire to take a little more time on the things I write--to add that spark of creativity when I post actual writing (and not just an onslaught of photos). One of the reasons I read CJane's blog is because she captures the everyday so well with her unique yet natural writing style. Nothing is trite, overdone or too colloquial and I appreciate how she weaves a brief yet interesting story. I am sure I haven't honed my own style quite yet (or at least one that I am keen on) but it is a goal for sometime in this life of mine.

And with that, images of our everyday around here--not that we make caramel apples everyday...but we should! They are so much tastier that way. I have only ever had one truly divine caramel apple and it was from V Chocolates.

the little lady we lovingly refer to as "Justice Beaver" in pics like this

(random joke from an episode of The Office last season--basically her swooped over hair just makes us laugh. And she really won't let me do anything else. Hopefully one day she'll decide she likes it in clips and ponies and braids, and I will be a very pleased Mommy).

Pumpkins

Some years the pumpkin patch sounds so inviting. And some years it just sounds like a big ordeal (that would be this year). So, last night we popped down the road to a little pumpkin stand to choose out some favorites. Funny thing, my kids hardly noticed the difference, and we were home again within 20 minutes.

 

Our raggity family pic makes me laugh--

poor stand owner could not get a non-blurry pic after 7 tries...

Last Year

A year ago we were enjoying a crisp fall day in Chicago (at the Brookfield Zoo) with some of our favorite people. Family vacations are the best...

And Now We're Home

Our weekend flew by too quickly. It's suddenly Monday morning and I'm back to making Bean's lunch and rushing him out the door. And sadly, my only 2 pics from SG consist of kids on golf cart rides--I was not a very good photographer. But then again, when I had all 6 kids at the pool I was the only adult with them--doesn't make for any picture taking but lots of careful watching!

Our break was such fun. The kids swam every day and played with all the SG toys (and each other) for hours on end, Joseph and my parents fit in some biking, I fit in a mani/pedi all by myself (ahhh), and we all went for a quick Target trip on Saturday evening. Somehow, I managed to never put on a swimsuit the whole weekend even though the weather was amazing. In my pregnant state I am not too sad about it although it would have been nice to sneak in some end of season sun :)

Now it's back to schedules and school events and church callings. And I don't think I'll be heading anywhere besides the cabin until the new babe arrives--that's a crazy thought!

Afternoon in Zion

We are in St George for fall break (with most of Salt Lake valley :) and enjoying lazy mornings and lots of sunshine and outdoor play. We even stole the older Horsley cousins away and brought them with us. Makes for a lot of laughter and busy cousin time which my kids are enjoying immensely.

Yesterday, in the late afternoon, we drove over to Zion for a fun hike and dinner in Springdale. It was still surprisingly busy at the park (for October) but as gorgeous as ever.

Despite being less than prepared on our actual hike (battery was dead in my camera, we ditched the sweatshirts as we dashed to catch the shuttle up the canyon, I stuffed way too much in my pockets--made me look so odd on every picture...) we had a lovely time walking along the river and enjoying the beautiful scenery. While playing along the riverbed we happened upon a huge tarantula. Freakiest thing ever. Joseph asked me later how I didn't fall apart screaming and crying (which I really wanted to do) and I told him I was a mom and couldn't risk being a mess so the kids would feel safe. I am one tough mama, no? :) And we do have pics of the spider but they gross me out and I don't know if I can post them...

 

 My hubby flew down to join us yesterday
 which I am thrilled about. I think the ratio of 4 parents to 6 kids feels just about right :)

 

Bentley thoroughly enjoying his BBQ rib dinner at Oscar's (he split a full-rack with me--yummy). BTW--what are your thoughts on the name Oscar for baby boy? I most likely won't use it since I already have an Olivia, but I am thinking it's a cute little name.

To Be a Disciple

I was cleaning out the Sunday bag and found some notes from Joseph's sunday school lesson a few weeks back. He brought in some great quotes from both Elder Oaks and Elder Bednar about being truly converted and not just going through the motions as a latter-day saint. Just wanted to remember these fine words from Elder Bednar—I think they truly capture what it means to be a disciple of Christ:

"In our customary Church vocabulary we often speak of going to church, going to the temple, and going on a mission. Let me be so bold as to suggest that our rather routine emphasis on going misses the mark.

The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshipping and renewing covenants as we attend church. The issue is not going to the temple; rather, the issue is having in our hearts the spirit , the covenants, and the ordinances of the Lord's house. The issue is not going on a mission; rather, the issue is becoming a missionary and serving throughout our entire life with all our heart, might, mind and strength..."

Spooky Smiths

Costumes, cookie decorating, a pinata and a haywagon ride, mummy hotdogs and spider jell-o, a pumpkin cake, skeleton cupcakes, Cougar football on TV, and happy playing kids all made for a spooktacular party yesterday!

I opted for a Kimono rather a muumuu. But either way, a perfectly comfy costume for this pregnant body of mine

Olivia as Tiana and Connor as Buzz Lightyear

(the little lady was not ready to change into costume until she decided so--meant that her pictures came a little later last night...)

 Bentley the bat (Livs hated Beans in his costume--thought he was too scary :)

 Cares as Hermione

 Maddie the beautiful leopard

 Brigg as a spider and Cec as his web--loved their cute costumes!

All ready for a haywagon (trailer filled with haybales) ride

Ethan came to the party once his basketball game was done...

 Bentley chose out Joseph's costume--no surprise there