David Fans Rejoice!

New Christmas album out from David Archuleta! And it is beautiful! From the liner notes he says, "The main purpose of this album was to share my testimony with all of you my love for this special time of year -- one that we spend with family and loved ones, and what it means to each one of us. I hope you can feel that in the music. Through this album, I share with you something that is very special to me, and I hope it helps you understand more where I come from with my music and as a person. I also hope the music in this album will go beyond anyone's personal religious beliefs as I don't want anyone to feel I am only addressing this to people who believe in a certain way. I want the experience that you feel through the music to communicate to you in your own personal language, and in light of your spiritual or religious beliefs. Music has a universal message that can speak to people of different ages, beliefs, and languages, and can reach beyond the supposed obvious meaning of the lyrics and can allow everyone to feel something special. It is my hope that through this music you can feel something meaningful to you."

A Frightfully Busy Week

Last week was full of activities to end the month of October. Sunday, the 25th was our primary program for church. The kids did a great job, but I am glad it is over! The wonderful primary presidency gave me a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Then it was my birthday on Tuesday, the 27th. We went out to dinner as a family and had yummy Coldstone Ice Cream cupcakes for dessert. Gabrielle made a list of "People and Things that are older than Mom" -- she came up with 25, including the Statue of Liberty and the Gateway Arch. On Wednesday I prepared truffles and other goodies for the weekend festivities. Thursday the girls got their hair cut, Madison especially got more than a few inches cut off. About 10 of us ladies from the ward got together for dinner out that night, celebrating October birthdays. We have several friends with October birthdays, so on Friday night we had everyone over for dutch oven apple cobbler and other yummy treats. It was fun getting together. Got up early Saturday and drove to St. Louis to the temple. Jared had been called and was set apart as a temple worker. Later that afternoon we loaded up the candy and headed to the ward social, "Halloween on Book of Mormon Boo-levard" which ended with Trunk-or-Treat. I loved seeing all the kids (some of them big kids) in their crazy costumes. My favorite was Billy Mays. It is a good thing we got that extra hour of sleep Saturday night thanks to Daylight Savings time. Rest In Peace, October. Now I am ready for November!

Born on the 27th of October

I am proud to say that I share my birthday with Theodore Roosevelt (26th President and winner of a Nobel Peace Prize), American inventor Isaac Singer, poet Sylvia Plath (that one kind of creeps me out), and yes, no other than etiquette maven Emily Post. Pretty cool, huh? Oh yeah, and I have to mention, because I was a teenager in the eighties, Simon LeBon. Happy Birthday to us!

Homecoming Parade

Well, the sun finally came out and the MU Homecoming Parade went on as scheduled. The band finally got to march as they have been practicing! We were on the "sunny side of the street" which was great for warmth, but not great for my photos. Gabrielle had fun watching and seeing all the floats, bands, and organizations in the parade. I think the theme for the floats was fairy tales-- there was tortoise and the hare, hansel and gretel, little engine that could, etc. Very cute. Gabrielle's favorite was catching the candy, necklaces, and footballs being thrown from the floats (she came prepared with her bag!) The band sounded great and they had fun, too.

Leaves

I love Fall! (How many times am I going to say that?) Fall is all about color and textures-- beautiful, gorgeous color and interesting, diverse textures! Here are some my favorite leaves and trees so far! Click on the pictures for the full effect!

Pumpkins

I could have stayed all day taking pictures of pumpkins around Peach Tree Farms! Here are just a few that I loved.

A Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

My mom and dad came up for the weekend last Thursday. It was fun to have them here! We crafted, cooked, and watched football. Saturday we took a trip down I-70 with several stops including a picnic in the picturesque Rocheport on the Katy Trail, pumpkins and critters at the Peach Tree Farms, and finally homemade ice cream in the village of Arrow Rock. Even though it was chilly, the sun finally came out and the turning leaves glistened! More leaf and pumpkin pictures to come. Thanks Mom and Dad for visiting!

Mom seeing familiar items in this cute antique shop


Gabrielle holding this adorable bunny at Peach Tree Farms--- Grandpa being silly.


Pausing for a photo in Rocheport