Happy Halloween!

We hope you all have enjoyed a bit of this funny holiday over the last week or so! We've been to the pumpkin patch, carved the pumpkins, went to a school party, and on Saturday, we went to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat and carnival activity. It's the first year that Jayson and I have gotten dressed up! Now that he's sporting a beard he went as the rugged Paul Bunyan. So naturally I was a Babe...the blue ox. Not many people got it, but we had a lot of fun. Jett was Count Dracula, Tucker was a dirt bike rider (Ryan Dungy) and Dallas was a builder. The boys loved going around to all the cars. This was the first year that Jett pretty much did it by himself - going ahead of me and the other two. He didn't like having to wait for us. Dallas LOVED it and was running around everywhere saying trick-or-treat! and thank you! and running over to Daddy's truck and then back to me -- he was everywhere and I could barely keep up. Tucker was doing great until part of his costume came apart and we had to take it off. He still looked great, but he proceeded to cry the rest of the time and did not enjoy it so much - poor kid. They still got a lot of candy and we all had fun!

Today we look forward to more trick-or-treating at the shopping center, lots of candy, and a super cool fun party at Nana and Papa's house!!!
Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Yes, it's blurry...but it's our family shot.


He even made his axe!

Paul and Babe

Happy Halloween!

Tonight was our Ward/Community Trunk-or-Treat! The kids and I dressed up and headed out for chili and cornbread, and a Halloween carnival. It was so much fun. I was Cleopatra, Ava was Barbie, and Brycen... was superman...then a lion... then he finally settled for his Buzz Lightyear pajamas!

Of course I got the kids ready first, and then I came out later after DeAnna had arrived to see the kids. She thought I looked great, just like Cleopatra, when Ava suddenly appeared with the Gosple Art kit. She turned to the picture of Joseph and Potifer's wife and exclaimed, "Mom, you look just like her!" This ended up being the joke of the night - Drew told all his friends in the ward that his wife had dressed up as "Potifer's Wife" - ya, great! So funny!

Catching up!

So it's been awhile since I last posted - and a lot has happened...

First: We have been busy updating our home. We asked a guy that Drew does a lot of work with to come and paint all of the doors and trim throughout the whole house! What a difference! It instantly took years off the age of our house. Then we decided to repaint ALL but ONE wall in the house. We decided upon this warm tan color that brightens everything up and also made the rooms look larger - double-bonus!

Then - in the process of all of this going on - I took all the hinges and doorknobs and screws, and painted them all an oiled bronze color. Then re-installed them with the freshly painted doors.

Then - we liked the look of the bare windows, (since we had to remove the ugly blinds for paint) so we found some really great curtains on clearance + coupon and hung those. So what we have now is a lighter, fresher front room that matches the rest of the house. Goodbye most of the red, green and blue walls!
Second:

Shortly after we washed all the paint off of ourselves, Matt, Kimbre and Riley came to Boise to visit! It was so much fun to have them here. Baby Riley is ADORABLE! She was all smiles all weekend. What a good baby. Kimbre was so generous to many members of the family - as she offered to cut everyone's hair. She loves it - but I am still SO grateful that she is willing to cut mine. I only let her cut my hair now! Love you Kimbre! It was also a nice surprise to have Mom and Dad come to town. We had them and Grandma Louise over for dinner Saturday night with all of us and the Zirkers. It was really nice to catch up with everyone!
Third:

Halloween is quickly approaching and that means, PUMPKINS! Drew and I had the great idea of cutting the bottom off so that it was easier to clean, carve, light and display outside. Always fun!

Fourth:

Ava is doing great in Kindergarten, and Brycen is doing better waiting for her. But he still gets so excited when it's time for her to come home. He waits on the couch and watches out the window. Then when he sees her, he runs to the door, swings it open and shouts, "Ava!" I'm so glad they are such good friends!

Waiting patiently!

Fifth:

Surprise - we are O-FISH-ially fish people. I promised Ava years ago that when I get to stay home from work, we can have a pet. Since I have been working from home (6+ weeks!) we decided to get a fish tank. It was going to be Mommy's responsibility, but Drew has become totally obsessed with it - thank goodness - and has purchased all the fish, decorated the tank, and feeds them daily. Oh, and we also have two frogs in the tank too. I admit, I really like the fish too. Drew and I frequently find ourselves staring at the tank for a good 30 minutes before bed. I am surprised at how captivating these fish can be. :)
Well, I told you this was a long post - Thanks for reading and catching up with us! Next week I will spotlight the Barbie Princess, Superman, and Cleopatra!

Ward Halloween Party

Tonight was our annual Ward Halloween Party! In the past Matt and I didn't really get into this holiday because we're lame and didn't have any kids to make it fun. Well, no longer! I got Riley a super cute ducky costume and I was super excited to show her off at the party.
After a long night of Halloween fun, she was tuckered out and fell asleep on the way home.

Just Some Pics!

This was taken by Drew when we were visiting in Boise last week. (Thanks for letting us come guys! We had tons of fun and can't wait to visit again!!)

My little cuddle-bug.She's getting so big!!

The other day we tried rice cereal! Might as well have dumped it right on her bib but oh well!

HAPPY ANNIVERSAY #10 TO MANDY AND DREW!

WOW! It's been 10 years already! Way to go!

And CONGRATULATIONS!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY #5 TO LISA AND JASON!

CELEBRATE! You deserve it!

xoxo

Happy Birthday, Jason!

A HaPpY BiRtHdAy to JaSoN mAcKaY!

Our far-out falconer, pro rock climber, big cheese executive, handy husband, doting daddy, sporty soccer fan, super son-in-law, "jealous" brother-in-law (re: Mirror Lake), master gardener, etc. etc. etc.

Hope you had a grrrreat day!

Love to you and yours,

Sue and Steve
xoxo

Favorite Quotes from General Conference

Here are my favorite quotes from General Conference. Can you add any others?
- when overwhelmed or burdened with life, and your head is down:
"It's better to look up!" - President Monson

- when prompted by the Holy Ghost:
"Do the right thing at the right time, without delay." - Elder Jose L. Alonso, of the 70

- of the scriptures:
"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds.... A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend." - Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the 12

"I plead with you to drink deeply and often from the [pages of the Book of Mormon.] - President Eyring

"The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is: infinite. Suppose that the single point represents the Bible, and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible, and that each of those interpretations represent a different church.
"What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points - the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ's doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses. Again and again the Book of Mormon acts as a confirming, clarifying, unifying witness of the doctrines taught in the Bible." -Elder Ted R. Callister, of the Presidency of the 70

- when announcing new temples to be built:
"... and Star Valley, Wyoming. (I want to dedicate that temple; there's good fishing there!)"
"We have available the General Temple Patron Assistance Fund, which provides a one-time visit to the temple for those who otherwise would not be able to go to the temple, and yet who long desperately for that opportunity." - President Monson

- to the youth:
"Despite the opposition, trials, and temptations, you need not fail nor fear. Repentance can heal what hurts, no matter what it is." - Elder Boyd K. Packer, of the Quorum of the 12

- of our supposed smallness in the universe:
"Compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.... You are not invisible to God. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness."
- President Uchtdorf

- of motherhood and fatherhood:
"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." - from a Christian mother's blog

" 'How do I raise a girl?' Love her mother. Lead your family to the temple; be guardians of virtue; and magnify your priesthood. Watch over them, strengthen them, model virtuous behavior, and teach them to follow in the Savior's every footstep." - Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President

- on prioritizing our choices:
"We must devote our time to the things that matter most." - Elder Ian S. Ardern, of the 70

"Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance, but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!" - Elder Randall K. Bennett, of the 70

- of repentance:
"Repentance is a divine gift.... Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for celebration." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the 12

- on sharing the gospel:
"Our lives should be examples of goodness and virtue as we try to emulate His example to the world." - Elder L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the 12

- on patience in trials:
"The purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? We 'wait upon the Lord.' In the scriptures, the word WAIT means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust in the Lord, which requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end. Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary. He knows your sacrifices and your sorrows. He hears your prayers. His peace and rest will be yours as you continue to wait upon Him in faith. In my Gethsemane and yours, we are not alone. He that watches over us 'shall neither slumber nor sleep.' His angels here and beyond the veil are 'round about [us], to bear [us] up.'" - Elder Robert D. Hales, of the Quorum of the 12

"There are many kinds of challenges. Some give us necessary experiences. While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and the confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. When we look through the wide and clear lens of the gospel instead of the limited lens of mere mortal existence, we know of the great eternal reward promised by a loving Father in His plan. As the Apostle Paul taught, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' The Savior said: 'Therefore, let your hearts be comforted. … Be still and know that I am God.'” - Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the 12

- of covenants:
"The greatest compliment that can be earned here in this life is to be known as a covenant keeper. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity." -Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the 12

"We are followers of Jesus Christ. The way is desire and obedience. There is no middle ground." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the 12

- of prayer:
"We must not only say our prayers; we must also live them. Prayer is a sweet privilege. It takes faith to remember that the Lord answers in His time and in His way so as to best bless us. Miracles are wrought through prayer." - Elder J. Devn Cornish, of the 70


General Conference is so awesome. There is always something there to learn, and it seems certain words/phrases are meant just for me at this very moment in my life. I hope you enjoyed Conference as much as I did!

Forget-Me-Not

I thoroughly enjoyed the General Relief Society meeting as well as General Conference!

I loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk at the General Relief Society meeting on Sept. 24th. I wanted to remind you of what he said. I think it's worth remembering.

"There is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower, which has 5 petals.... I would ask Latter-day Saint women to not forget five things:

"First, forget not to be patient with yourself.... People often spend time and energy comparing themselves to others - usually comparing their weaknesses to others' strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts, because they seem to be less than what someone else does.... Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.

"Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.... There are so many good things to do.... Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater, in an eternal perspective.

"Third, forget not to be happy NOW. So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket - the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home; or perhaps, freedom from stress and worry. There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings. The problem comes when a person puts their happiness on hold as they wait for some future event - or golden ticket - to appear.... The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in the pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.

"Fourth, forget not the "why" of the gospel. Sometimes, Church members focus on what the Lord wants them to do and how to do it, but forget the why. My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come.... While understanding the 'what' and the 'how' of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the 'why.' When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet.

"Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you! You are not forgotten, sisters, wherever you are and whatever the circumstances. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love.... If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.

"My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord's help."

"I hope [the little forget-me-not flower] will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet."

This talk reminded me of our many blessings, and of the love that we all share. I'm so proud of each of you and of the way you are raising your families and choosing to be righteous wives and mothers. You inspire me to be better and more faithful.

So, remember:

• be patient with yourself as you are patient with others;
  
• when choosing between something good, better, or best, remember it's best to give up something good for something of far greater worth;
• be happy NOW - pursue worthy goals; discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of everyday moments;
• remember your covenants and commitments to the gospel;
• Heavenly Father LOVES you - on good days and on not-so-good days - no matter what!

And I would add, remember to honor and respect the Priesthood bearers in your homes. They are a vital part of happiness now and in eternity!

Love you all,

xoxo
mom