It's a...

Christine threw the most amazing gender revealing party I have ever seen. Even though I have never been to one before I was so amazed by all the details. There were candies, snacks and signs beautifully displayed. There were mustaches or lips on sticks people could hold after giving their guess. There were Hersheys bars colored with blue and pink so you could see He r She. Was it a Miss or Mister? I couldn't wait!

We dropped off the kids with Rachel and Grandma while the adults left for dinner. When we returned we all got ready for the big reveal.

Jared and Christine cut the cake together. The color of the frosting would reveal the gender. The Doctor had sent the ultrasound results to the bakery earlier that day.

And
it is
a.....

GIRL!

I think Jared was hoping for another boy. His reaction was pretty hilarious. It's times like these when you know that God has a reason for everything and maybe he doesn't reveal His will to us right away, but I have faith that what he knows is best and that a little girl needs to be next in this sweet family.

I remember feeling a little this way when we found out the gender of our first. I was hoping for a big brother, something I thought every sibling should have. But seeing things now I would not have changed our order for the world. 

There is one fact that doesn't need to be revealed however...this girl is going to be very loved.

And that's a fact!

Fantastic Ramtastic Mary

There is an award given at MRE which honors students who are consistently good citizens, kind to others around them, and who are responsible and respectful. Three times a year the teachers select two students who they feel earn this award. I am sure this must be difficult for teachers to select as so many students fit the qualifications. Mary, though, has received this award first in every class she has been in so far. This is her fourth time receiving this special award. Each time the teachers express to me how Mary's maturity and well-rounded character set her apart. We are grateful for a daughter who works hard and who is kind and respectful. We are grateful that, as our eldest, she is marking a path for her siblings to follow.

Seminary

I felt rested this morning as I walked out the door to teach seminary. I had the day off yesterday and with the school's late start I left the house in beautiful daylight. The air was crisp and cool. It was clear that Fall is beginning to pass by and Winter is moments away. I parked the car and took a moment to look at the beautiful temple just steps away from our classroom. This calling, while very challenging, is really what my soul has been needing for sometime. These youth have such kind and good hearts. They are easy to love because they are so pliable and forgiving of weaknesses. I am learning so much from them and I feel after I teach that my heart is swelling with love. The best part about this sacrifice is that that love spills out into our home, blessing each family member.

Veteran's Dinner

Who knew that Applebees would be so busy on Veteran's Day? Pretty much everyone was there! They not only had their special veteran deals, but they also had their regular Tuesday kids eat free deal. The best part even more than time together and a super cheap bill was having the night off from cooking.

Funny Things About Cameron

Cameron says the funniest things. Last night when going to bed Cameron told Aaron that he was worried he'd have bad dreams. Aaron said, "Why don't we say a prayer?" Cameron said, "Because He (Heavenly Father) doesn't have a phone, and He lives on the moon."

This inspired Aaron to prepare a little family home evening lesson about the Godhead. He told them a few things and had them draw some pictures.

Nicole decided to write BYU next to Jesus cuz, "That's His favorite team." It's hard to argue with that.

Cameron started drawing a "Randy" Jesus, cuz he is so strong like Randy.

Randy is the name for anyone who is strong, capable and manly. I believe he is referring, in his mind, to the man named Rocky who did our backsplash. Rocky was tall and strong and had lots of tools. Cameron kept mistaking his name for Randy who was helping do built-ins in our bedroom at the same time as our tiling. That's when this Randy talk all started

Cameron has figured out how to make deals to get what he wants. "I will brush my teeth, if I can watch one more show" "I will go to bed, if you scratch my back or sing twinkle twinkle". "I will if go to pick up the kids, if you give me a snack". He knows what he wants and is happy to share his terms with you. He's a hilarious little negotiator. Now, you need not worry that I actually let him get away with it..all the time. But it's so funny that he tries.

Recently, I bought some new lipstick and he refuses to come near me if I am wearing it, He is so nervous that I will kiss him and get it all over him. He can't stand anything girlie touching him. He told me the other day that he would only come inside the house if I would wash it off with water.

Oh BOY, I just love this boy!

Just One More Celebration

After stake conference we had the family over over for Nicole's birthday. We had her favorite dinner Hawaiian haystacks with brownies for dessert. The kids were in heaven playing since we got out so much earlier than usual allowing for more play time. The younger kids put on a darling showcase of talents outside. It was a really nice day relaxing with the family. not to mention the beautiful messages of stake conference.

My Sweet Cupcake

Nicole's fifth birthday party was a big success. We decorated aprons and cupcakes, played cupcake games. hit the cupcake pinata, and even painted cupcakes on our fingernails. It was a lot of fun and and I think Nicole enjoyed it all. I love how much Mary helped me before the party. There was a lot of cleaning and preparing and she did so much to help, along with the rest of the family. We then went to Mucho Gusto for dinner because we needed something salty after all that sweet. The cherry on the top of the cupcake for me was that Aaron put the kids to bed so I could go to stake conference this evening.