October 2019

October has been a fun month.  We have stayed busy with good things!

We started out with a youth temple trip to Oakland on the 1st.  Many of the youth are great friends and they have a fun time together.

Here is the view of the bay from the temple grounds.  I love this view especially with the moon!

Here we got to see a beautiful autumn moon outside our window.  It's perfect since we live on Autumn Moon Way.

Eve got the exciting news that she is ready for pointe shoes.  This has been a long time goal of hers that has been slowed by joint issues, cautious instructors, and moving to California.  She has been dreaming of this day for a while and I am so happy that she has reached her goal.  Here she is at her fitting.

This is her first class.

As always, we enjoyed General Conference and were quite amazed at all the changes that have been announced.  It is remarkable that the youth will really be trained as leaders now, and that they are being given the reigns in setting their own goals through personal reflection and revelation.  The changes will definitely impact youth leadership, classes, and activities.   We are excited to be led by living prophets and apostles! 

This was a fun moment where the kids had fun enacting "shoulder angel" as seen on Studio C.  Matt was very patient.  It was quite funny!

Christian continues to enjoy his new school friendships.  

Here he is having a play date with Cole.

They got to make fun t-shirts that reflect positive messages for school.

Here they are with Mrs. Ellerson, the principal. (I have had the opportunity to join the school site council for the Elementary and High School.  In both cases I have been pleased to see how much the educators care about the kids.  We are blessed to have great staff at our schools!)

This month Christian was recognized as a Star Student.  This makes me happy when I hear that things are going well for him in the classroom!

The elementary school hosted a fall carnival early in October.  The kids had a great time!

 Sterling and Sheri took off to be with their friends and so I didn't get to see much of them during the carnival. :)

Soccer continues to be a great experience. However, there was one Saturday where Sterling slipped on the pavement and hit his head pretty hard.  He lost consciousness briefly but had very few symptoms besides that.  We had him checked out and gratefully he has been okay.  

The kids have had great coaches this year, very caring.   

 Watching games is quite fun as a parent, though they often had games at the same time.  Matt and I had to divide and conquer.  Sometimes the kids also got to watch each other and hang out on the sidelines with me. 

This is Christian's end of season team party.

Sheri has had very enthusiastic and talented coaches.  We LOVE how positive they are!  Sheri's team has really had a stellar season!  It has been so fun to watch her talent grow!  They have been undefeated this season.  The older 2 kids have tournaments the first weekend in November.

Along with soccer, marching band has continued. They have games on some Friday evenings and reviews on some Saturdays.  Eve has grown close to many friends, especially Allison, Diego, and Rocco.  Mr Modesto, the band director is fun and encourages the kids to be responsible and respectful.  I'm grateful for all he does!

We enjoyed a date night at the football game.  I sure love this guy of mine!

Here is Eve with her band friends.

Matt has been planting some cool weather crops like peas and lettuce.

Lemons are starting to ripen in our back yard.

One of my first activities with the Laurels was pumpkin carving.  I love these girls and am very excited to be working with them as well as all the women in the presidency!

Christian tagged along.  Good thing because I didn't find time to carve as a family.  

Sterling has a great friend group at school and at church. Here is his church group of friends at one of their many weekend get togethers.  

October held the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program.  This was Sheri's last one. 😥  She is growing up!  Unfortunately I couldn't covertly get a good photo of her. 

Near the end of the month we had our ward Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat.  This was a fun shirt I love because of the quote from the Princess Bride.

All the youth classes were in charge of booths.  My Laurels did a creepy touchy feeling room.  All of the mystery items were food that felt like body parts (brains, eye balls, intestines etc.)  The room was dark with glow sticks and fun music.

Christian's favorite was the balloon room.

 Sterling's class did a nose picking booth.  One side felt like slime, the other was candy. 🤣

They also did fishing. Here is Ster's closest friend, Landon in dreadlocks.

Sheri brought her school friends.  They all dressed up at angels.

On Halloween the school had their parade and class parties.

Here is Sheri with her little buddy.

Before Trick or Treating I was able to get pictures of everyone before they went off with friends.

Crazy characters!

Trick or Treating with friends.

Organizing candy the next morning.  It's more fun to organize than eat, I think.

 As you can see, it has been a sweet and abundant month!