Tuesday, November 30

Ryan Bear Award

Ryan finished his bear award early, he doesn't turn 10 until April, so he can earn lots of arrow points.  He was excited to go on his BEAR HUNT into the tent and wrestle the "bear" (Kenny) for his bear claw.  (Kenny pulled off his shoe to throw it out of the tent and out came a TON of sand! Ha ha!) It was also my last pack meeting in my lovely yellow scout shirt at cub committee chair!




 



(Darn blurry pictures! Stupid camera!!)

Thanksgiving AND Black Friday!!

The week of Thanksgiving was a whirl-wind this year!  Starting with my new primary calling on Sunday and then preparing for a busy week and a house full of visitors to come. 

We went to Safford on Wednesday so we could get up early Thursday morning to run the Pima Turkey Trot 5K with Monica, Megan, Danny and Gwen. 







 Later, we ate dinner and visited with all the Crockett's then headed back down to the valley to prepare for Black Friday Shopping! 

Monica and Megan stopped by around 9 or 10pm to make a plan for the next day, but when we realized that Monica wanted a TV at Wal-mart, we decided we needed to leave right away to save a spot in line.  Since we were going so early, I decided to get in line for a lap-top for Kenny and Megan decided to get in line for a different TV.  We were all separated and TIRED (after getting up early to run the 5K that morning) so we grabbed a few camping chairs from the outdoors department and Monica fell asleep.  Black Friday was very successful this year, we got almost everything on our lists!

Since the girls wanted to shop on Friday, and I needed to be here for Sunday, but all wanted to spend more time together, the plan was for everyone to come down to the valley for the weekend.  Megan and Justin had expected to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Safford, so had previously offered their house to some friends for out-of town family guests.  SO, everyone (7 adults, 11 kids and 1 dog) crashed at our house (Mom & Dad got a hotel).

After all our shopping on Friday, Mom & Dad took all the adults to dinner at Rockin-R-Ranch. These were the 2 suggested outfits Mom brought for me to wear.  Unfortunately, neither fit me.  ;)

On Saturday the boys wanted to watch the BYU vs Utah game on TV, so all the girls went out to San Tan Mall for pedicures.  Later we met the guys and kids at Costa Vida for dinner. Then went home to dress warmer to go see the Temple Lights. 

On Sunday, I was supposed to teach my first sharing time, BUT I had NO voice on Sunday!! With all the stress, chaos and crowded house, I picked up a nasty cold.  Poor Keri had to pinch-hit for me and give my planned sharing time. 

It was a fun week, but somewhat stressful and TIRING!!  We were glad to have the chance to spend time with everyone, but by the end was ready to go back to our normal schedule and RECOVER!

Monday, November 22

Mitch's New Calling

On Sunday Nov 7th, Kenny and I were invited to visit with the Bishop before church.  I was released from serving as Cub Committee Chair and asked to serve at Primary President. (What?!?  WHO ME?!?)  Launa Downs was being called at Stake Primary President and I was asked to replace her. (Are you kidding me?  I don't want to replace Launa Downs!  NOBODY can do everything Launa does!)  I was in shock most the day.  Later the nerves really set in and Kenny was taking a nap on the couch so I called Mindy and asked her to go take a walk.  As soon as she answered the door, I started bawling.  (I can't do this!  I don't know anybody in this ward to call for councilors and secretary! I can't replace Launa!) Mindy reassured me and we planned a trip to the temple to pray over names.  I put together the most random list on paper.  Over and over, Jen Gasser's name came to mind.  But I fought it, knowing she had recently gone through a rough divorce and was struggling with the stress of being a single mom and working.  She didn't need this extra stress and added responsiblity.  But, the Lord was insistant and I finally surrenedered.  I took my short list into the temple and thought and prayed.  The list that came out was different than I walked in with, but I felt confident these were the women I needed to call.  I barely knew any of them. 
Keri Carson - first counselor
Jen Gasser - second counselor
Shaila Pew - Secretary
It wasn't until after I turned in the names that I was told Keri and Jen were friends, and Shaila's mom had once been Keri's YW leader and she had held Shaila as a baby.  We were sustained yesterday!

I am so nervous, worried, overwhelmed, etc, but excited to get to serve with and love these women more!  I'm so grateful they are willing to take this journey with me!

Saturday, November 20

Final Alopecia Update

6/19 - We first discovered Tyler had Alopecia.  The Dr. prescribed a steroid creme to be applied daily and told us it would take a few months to grow back.  He often wore a hat to protect the sensitive skin.    














8/10 - After 2 months it's slowly filling in, but still noticeable.  With school starting, he got special permission from his teacher to wear a hat at school to protect it, and feel less self-conscience. 






 9/13 - At 3 months it's less noticeable, but still thin.  He's less worried about it and often goes without his hat now. 










 11/20 - We missed October haircuts, but today after 5 months, you can no longer see a bald spot! YAY!  The Dr said, it may or may not ever show up again.  He could go a few months, or years before a recurrence, or never at all.  But, for now we are just happy it grew back, and he's happy and healthy.

Tyler's a 1st Class Scout

Tyler's been working hard on his scout requirements, recently reciving the rank advancement to 1st Class.  The goal was to be a 1st class before turning 12, which he did.  He also conducted the lastest Court of Honor to complete one of his requirements.  Congrats Ty!



Mitch 32nd Birthday!

A mom's work is never done, even on her birthday!  Apparently, I wasn't supervising Brayden enough and he found my new dark green eye shadow (somebody gave me for my birthday).  It took me a few minutes to figure out what it was.  He looked like he had a beard.  Good thing he's so darn cute! 



Later Kenny surprised me with flowers, Just Dance 2 Wii game and we went out to dinner! 

Tuesday, November 2

HALLOWEEN 2010!

Halloween was on Sunday this year, so our ward held our annual Fall Fest in the park on Saturday night. They also passed out flyers in the neighborhood inviting people to post the flyer on their door or window to participate in Trick-or-treating Saturday night instead of Sunday. On Sunday the kids wore their costumes and passed out candy to the other children who trick-or-treated our house.