Happy Halloween!

Trick or treating this year consisted of our ward's annual "Trunk or Treat" event.

We made our costumes with a food theme... it was a blast!

We spent an afternoon together, listening to fun music and creating these yummy wearable food items:

Brendan went as s'mores...

Audrey was a bunch of grapes...

Madeline went as a bag of Jelly Belly beans...

And Caleb was a slice of pizza...






Enjoy your Halloween!

Baby Five

Here is the blurry ultrasound photo of our newest little Lewis... it's a BOY! We are overwhelmed with joy at the opportunity to welcome another baby brother into our family. What fun for Caleb to have a little buddy to grow up with!

Peace and Focus

My recent connections with the blogging world have been few, at best. My time and energy have been stretched thin as I learn to adapt to ever changing circumstances. I take comfort in knowing that focusing on my family will bring the greatest sense of joy to a very full life and that sometimes good things need to be left out so we can accomplish better things. A recent General Conference talk from Elder Uchtdorf helped described this so perfectly. He said...

"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most."

How this talk has helped me to focus my efforts on my growing family! This talk and many others from Conference have been so uplifting to me. I feel fortunate to have this perspective and to be able to follow counsel from inspired leaders regarding the path to finding peace and happiness in this life.

My husband has been such a strength to me. How grateful I am to have married someone so close to the Spirit. He has taught me countless lessons in the past few months through his example in handling new situations with perspective and wisdom.

I also feel such gratitude for wonderful friends who have brought us unexpected meals, called to see how we are doing, and stopped by for much needed visits. Recent tender mercies are apparent in our lives!

A special note to Grandma Fletcher who checks our blog daily: We love you Grandma! More posts will come as time and circumstances allow. We think of you daily amid our busy days and pray for your health. Thank you for the love and support you give to our family. :)

Preschool Time

Madeline is beyond thrilled to finally be in preschool. She loves having her very own classroom and teachers. Her favorite subjects are music and cooking. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy or so very grown up!

First day!

A day of mixed emotions for me... and pure excitement for Audrey, Brendan, and Kooper. We packed bags and left for school without a hitch, all went smoothly for these seasoned schoolers! Madeline was sad to lose her playmates, but is looking forward to some time with mom all to herself. She absolutely cannot wait until her preschool starts soon and counts down toward her first day each morning.

Some shots as we left the house this morning (Kooper left much earlier for seminary but we'll get a picture of him soon)...

School approaches

No pictures to post, just deep in reflective thought over the enjoyable days spent this summer together. How special to have so many days in a row all to ourselves... no due dates or schedules, just real quality time. I will miss the simple pleasures of summer, although there is certainly a buzz in the air over school starting soon.

Oh how fast they grow!!

Oh to put time on pause just a little longer!!

10 years ago...

What a wonderful journey it has been!