New Orleans !

I didn't bring my camera to New Orleans. It felt "impowering" or "empowering" or however it is that you spell it. But it seems like I live my life from the back end of a camera. Our family is in New Orleans for a couple of days while Scott does business. I started to pack my camera and then decided.....naw...I think I will just enjoy the trip and forget about retaining the memories. We literally did NOTHING today. It felt wonderful. We ate breakfast in the hotel lobby (and fought 50 other people to get the last batch of waffle mix). Then the kids sat in the HOT jacuzzi and tried to swim in the COLD swimming pool. Then we just sat around the hotel room and slept and read. It was kind of fun to do nothing. Of course by about 5:00 we were going stir crazy and had to take a walk. New Orleans is a fun place to walk around. We happened across a fun little outdoor area that was decorated with Christmas Trees, lights and fake snow blowing while festive music played. It had to be fake snow...it is 70 degrees here! I am so thankful that we get to tag a long on Scott's business trips from time to time. It is more fun to sit around in a hotel room than do laundry at home :)
As soon as I get a minute, I will post pictures from Scott's and I's trip to NYC. It was a fun time.

Count Down Until Christmas

This is the same pose from year after year....
The kids just know where to stand
without even thinking too much

I don't know HOW Sarah manages to find
the most perfect Dresses..but she does!
$17.00


Lindsey looking all "Hip"

Mitchell as sweet as Ever!

Each year many of us have traditions that we must follow as a family or it simply doesn't feel like Christmas. One if mine is lots of pictures each Sunday morning in front of the Christmas Tree. This Sunday we were really rushing out the door (gotta get a soft seat). I managed to snap a few but I wish I had slowed down and taken a few more. (was the soft seat ReAlly that important?)

My Dream Last Night

It is very rare that I chose to write a post that is more than a recap of what is going on in my family. However last night I had a dream that I have to post. Mainly because I am still pondering the meaning and also thankful for the "glimpse" my Heavenly Father allowed me.

I dreamed that Scott had agreed to watch a baby. I didn't know that he had agreed to watch the baby and I don't know who the baby belongs to. It wasn't revealed in the dream. But I woke up in the dream to Scott asking me "How the baby did last night" Confused, I asked him "What baby?" He replied, the baby I agreed to watch" Horror went through my mind, how could I have forgotten to watch of all things a precious baby??? I panicked and ran through my house. Though my house was not the house I actually live in. There were things that were altered and different. Finally I concluded that the baby must be in the garage (makes total sense in a dream). So I ran to the garage only to find an empty spot where the baby was suppose to be. I noticed a door open in my garage to the outside. (in real life we don't have an exterior door in our garage). As I ran out the door, I was in shear panic that the baby I was suppose to be caring for had gotten out the door and was gone!!!! When I went out the door...I saw my mother-in-law Schell. (My mother-in-law passed away from cancer in April).

Schell was laying in a "canoe like" boat on the ground. She was wearing miss-matched pajamas (like she always did in real life). She was wrapped up all nice in warm in blankets....and.... She was BEAUTIFUL !!!! Her skin was so clean and fresh and young. Her hair was bouncy and shiny. She was grinning from ear to ear and so happy. I was so excited to see her! I cried out to her and in that instant she opened the blanket I saw the baby that I was suppose to be watching that I had lost and forgotten. I was so excited. I said "Schell, you have the baby?!? You protected the baby! How could you do that?" She answered very softly. "They let me come and protect him because you didn't know you were suppose to protect him". I turned my head to call for Scott to let him know I had found the baby and that his mom was protecting him. When I turned back, my mother-in-law was gone!

I woke up very startled at that moment and crying. I cried and cried. It felt so real! It felt like I had a moment to see my mother-in-law in a perfected state, young and happy, not sick, tired and dying from cancer like I had seen her last.

I have pondered all day what the dream could mean? Why would she be protecting a baby for me? Why would it be baby? Most everyone knows, I can't have anymore children. So choosing to have a late in life baby isn't even an option. So I have come to conclude that she is protecting something else that I don't know I am in charge of, until I figure it out?!?

Here is the really surreal part for me...I woke up and turned to Scott crying. I told him in my sleepy state that I had just had a dream and seen his mom, and that it was so real. He turned very shocked and said...I dreamed about her too! He didn't remember the details very clearly of his dream (and I think a bit sad that mine seemed more vivid) But we both received the opportunity to see her in our dreams on the same night! We haven't been sad, or mourned for a while, just thought of her from time to time. Today she is close in my thoughts. I miss her today. I am so thankful I had the blessing of seeing her young and healthy and happy.

Thanksgiving Time

Here's a game of tag

That should be great fun,

Count ten of your blessings

Begin with number one.

Count to number ten

Then tag four others,

You can tag your friends,

Sisters, children or mothers.

My ten blessings:

1. My Savior Jesus Christ
2. My Husband who is so faithful! I can't imagine life without him. He is my very best friend. I love that he can always make me laugh, even when I don't want to.
3. Meagan: She is such a wonderful part of our family and I really love the laughter that she brings to our family.
4. Sarah: I love her friendship and her goodness. She is truly a perfect soul that Heavenly Father let me keep.
5. Lindsey:My "mini-me" She is so much fun to watch grow and progress. I love her strong will and determination.
6. Mitchell: I am so thankful that I have a wonderful son. He is all I ever imagined when I wanted a son. He is such an incredible spirit.
7. Our family's good health. Everyday I look around and see illness and suffering. I am so thankful that our family has not had to endure this trial.
8. Scott's career. I can't even express the thankfulness I feel for the income that we have in such a shaky economy.
9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I can't even begin to express my thanks for the church and all it has done to help me in my life while growing up as well as raising my children.
10. The knowledge of Eternal Families.

I don't know if I have 4 friends that blog that haven't already been tagged. But I tag my sister-in-law Amy.

Halloween at the Kreitlein's

Halloween at our house is a week long affair!
We had the Fall Festival on Tuesday and
Sarah had 4 different costume parties to attend.

We barely fit in Pumpkin Carving in between activities

As you can see from the photo's we had to do it on an afternoon
All our nights were filled with baseball, cheerleading and
events.

For the fall Festival, there were no masks allowed
So Sarah did a great job making Mitchell look like a
WareWolf.
Scott and I went as Day and Night. Our only photo together
was blurry...oooh darn.

Scott even decorated the outside of the house to look spooky and scarey
He did a great job

Of course my kids still love to get costumes after all these years
It helps to have a mom born on Halloween that loves
the holiday!!!

It was a fun week....but I am tired...
Turning 40 will do that to you

Mitchell's Ball season has come to a close.... :)

2 outs, bases loaded, behind 3 to 8
Full count (3 balls 2 strikes)
OOOOH The Pressure

Mom is so nervous she can't even look....
Can he do it?


Centerfield ! Yeah Baby!!!
Way to go Mitchell!!

(I can't believe I hit that!!!...Mom did you have to scream so loud?)

Mitchell's 9th baseball season has come to an end.
He learned alot, and really enjoyed this season more than any before.
He had great coaches and they did really well.
Their team finished in 3rd place for the regular season.
Before the end of the season, Mitchell's hitting REALLY took a turn for the better.
He was in a bit of a slump at the beginning
but suddenly started to hit and hit REALLY well.
...and so ends another season in the life of Baseball.

Lindsey is a JMS Cheerleader

Lindsey has been cheering on a recreational cheerleading squad for 3 years. Rec means...everyone cheers, there are no try-outs, just sign up and you will be placed on a squad.
This week she had the opportunity to try-out for themiddle school Basketball Cheerleading squad. She was so excited and worked really hard all week after school to learn the routine, cheers, and dance.There were 31 girls trying out for 16 spots. Many of the girls were on her rec squad.Many were on an "elite" squad. We were anxious to find out how well Lindsey would do.
Yesterday...the day of the try-outs....she woke up with a fever of 101 !!!If she missed school, she couldn't try out.
So she had to go to school sick, and then attend the try-outs in front of the judges after school. By the time I picked her up, her eyes were bloodshot and she was almost dizzy.She didn't care if she made it, all she wanted to do was sleep!
(But she had to attend a chorus concert an hour later back at the school)

Much to her excitement...She made the squad!!!!!

On a sad note.... Her best friend of 4 years did not make the squad.
It was so hard for Lindsey to be happy knowing her friend's heart was breaking.
Her friend Danielle was the reason Lindsey even got involved with cheerleading
She had encouraged her to sign up for rec cheer and was with her all three years on the same squad.It was quite a shock when she didn't make the team and Lindsey did.
I guess sometimes Life just isn't fair. I am happy for Lindsey, but sad for Danielle.

Sarah the Artist

Most of you that know Sarah know that she has been artistic since she could pick up a crayon.
She used to cry when I would take the crayons away for bedtime. She designed 2 Hallmark cards by the age of 7. But somewhere along the way, she lost her confidence. She didn't feel she was good enough of an artist. I have encouraged her to continue the art classes at school. She is in an advanced drawing class right now. This is her latest assignment. She had to have a self portrait as well as other mediums and layers. She worked so hard over the weekend on the project and even pulled an "All-nighter" on Sunday night. Her hard work paid off. She got a 96 on the project AND the teacher is displaying it in the art cases at the school in the hallway!
Way to go Sarah!!!

General Conference

I cleaned my TV room really good for the family to watch
General Conference on Sunday. My philosophy is that
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness".
I wanted a nice clean spot to feel the spirit while listening
to the words of our Prophet and leaders.
Much to my surprise...
Mitchell has a very different vision of a special place to watch conference.
He arranged the room for the family to have a giant PJ party while watching conference.

This is what I discovered about an hour before the
Sunday Morning Session of Conference

How could I be mad?
My sweet little boy WANTED to watch conference.
He wanted to have a wonderful experience.
His vision was just different than mine.
Sometimes the little children have the best ideas.
We had Rootbeer floats, popcorn and lots of cuddling
It was WONDERFUL

Maybe too soothing?

I feel so blessed right now my heart feels like it could explode.
I watch so many trials around me.
Job losses, health problems, divorce...the list could go on and on.
I feel like my family is in a bubble of protection right now.
A bubble I am fighting desperately to keep from Bursting.
My Heavenly Father is so good to my family!

WOLF

Mitchell has finally earned his Wolf!!!

Our pack meeting was last Tuesday. He chose to skip a
baseball game to get his wolf. Mitchell is still very excited about
scouting thanks to a very wonderful leader!
Now he has 3 months to work on arrow points until he can advance
to a Bear.
WAY TO GO MITCHELL!!!

Fall Happenings

We have been so busy this fall...sometimes I forget to just enjoy
my kids for the wonderful people that they are

Mitchell got to participate in a Fishing Tournament on Saturday
Compliments of his Grandpa.
The fish he is holding actually helped him win 3rd place
in the tournament...guess the fish weren't biting

Baseball Season is in full swing. Mitchell had to move up to
the 9/10 year old league this fall (he's 8)
The boy beside him is the other catcher on the team
No joke..he is bigger than Lindsey.
But Mitchell has proven himself and earned a place on the team.

At the beginning of the season, his coach had a few reservations
about placing Mitchell in as catcher. He is seriously the smallest
one on the team. His coach worked with Mitchell on making a throw
all the way to second base on this bigger field.
In Minor, the boys can steal bases and the catcher can throw them out
What FUN !!!!
This is the funnest thing!
Mitchell LOVEs to throw out boys at 2nd.
So far he has 5 "Throw Down's"
(way more than the bigger catcher)
And his coaches call him "Golden Arm"
He has also gotten numerous boys out stealing 3rd and home plate.
Our team things Mitchell is our secret weapon.
The other teams think Mitchell is the "Shrimp"
And they think they can get away with stealing.....ha ha!

Lindsey's 8th grade cheerleading season is in Full Swing
She is so busy. Her squad cheers for 3 different teams.
All together there are 58 cheerleaders and they rotate some of the games.
It is not as much fun as last year but she is a trooper and keeps a
smile on her face. Next week she tries out for 8th Grade Basketball cheerleader.
I am not sure if I want you all to cross her fingers to make it or not
(price tag is $500)

Finally...I am entering into a new time in my life this month
On Halloween I will turn .....yes... 40
I have accepted my aging life.
Scott decided to get my birthday present early so I could enjoy it
He got me a new digital camera! My old one had hit 4 years old
and in this world today..that means a dinosaur!
The above pictures was the first official picture taken with my
new camera.
I got a new Kodak with 10 mega-pixels and 15 optical zoom
I am having so much fun playing with my new toy
Thanks so much my wonderful Husband!
I love you lots and lots!!!

HOMECOMING 2008

New Dress: $30 dollars

Spray Tan $25

HairCut $21

French Manicure $15

New shoes $25

Boutonniere $10
16 Friends

Memories of Junior Homecoming
Priceless

There is a whole tale to tell with this...but I will spare the details.
I am so thankful Heavenly Father heard the prayers of his daughter.
He answered them in his way, not the way she wanted,
But she had a wonderful wonderful time!

O Remember, Remember

I was studying my lesson yesterday for Sunday School. I came across a quote from our late Prophet Spencer W. Kimball. He issued us the challenge of remembering. This was in the context of remembering the human pride cycle and trying our best to break free of it.

As I tucked my children in bed last night. I excitedly told them that their father would be flying to Hawaii overnight and that he would be home soon for a day. My daughter got a horrified look on her face and said to me "Mom! He is flying on September 11th!! I had not even thought about it. It is strange how for many years we superstitiously would not fly on the anniversary of this great tragedy. Now, 7 years after searing fear into our hearts, I did not even make the connection that my husband would be traveling on such a tragic anniversary!

I do not fear his travel on this day any more than any other day. Each day I am grateful to hear his voice and thankful when he safely returns to us. I laid in bed last night and pondered how quickly the nation "forgot" and also how quickly I forgot. I haven't forgotten what our country needed to learn but get bogged down in daily life.

I do need to take a moment and thank my Heavenly Father for our country. Thank him for leaders that have worked tirelessly to keep our country safe...even in the face of extreme scrutiny and criticism from fellow Americans. I have an eight year old son. My son was a toddler of only 18 months when this awful day occurred. His lifetime has only known a
"Changed America"

I am saddened that there were a few TV networks that only skimmed over the fact that it was such an important day. HOW SAD!?! Do they really want us to forget? Is it easier for their political agenda if we as a nation forget what we are fighting for? Our liberty, our freedom, our families, our wifes, and our children? Sort of sounds like the "Title of Liberty"?

WE CAN NOT FORGET !!!

Scary Schedule !

I am overwhelmed!
My schedule takes nothing short
of a miracle to make it all work!!!

Can't I just sit on the beach in Hawaii instead?

Sarah Palin is my Pick!

I really felt a desire today to express my opinions about our new Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin. I was a "Romney" supporter from the beginning. It was a sad day when he did not receive the nomination for President but I held out a hope that he would be chosen as the Vice Presidential Nominee. My first reaction when I heard that Mitt Romney was not going to be chosen was one of disappointment and thoughts of "forget this election". However, I have become a huge fan this week of Sarah Palin. From the moment that I first heard her speak, I was hooked!

Sarah Palin is a MOM! She appeals first and foremost to me as a mom that I can relate with. I was never excited about Hillary Clinton running based solely on her qualifications as she a mom and female. She never appealed to me. Hillary has spent her life as a career politician that forms her opinions based on public polls. She set her desires to become the first women president and has worked for 8 years to achieve that goal. This dream was not realized because there are so many women in America that can not relate to her. Sarah Palin has spent her life as a mother to her children and dabbling in politics along the way. She was quietly serving her country and has received this historic honor of being the first female Republican VP Nominee as a reward for her hard work and service to her state.

I view the difference between Hillary and Sarah as this: Hillary wanted to be a politician and spent years trying to cultivate a talent. Sarah wanted to be a mom, but had a natural talent as a politician. Her success has come easier because she is a natural talent. She is feminine, beautiful, and sweet when she speaks. Yet she is intelligent, tough, and informed on the issues facing American's today. It is a wonderful combination. It speaks to all the "Normal" women in our country that our voice, can be heard. It tells all the young women in America that they can be successful and soft in the same person. They can be strong and feminine. They can be informed and still drive car pool!!

Sarah Palin has so many qualities that so many American's can relate to. I LOVE the fact that she was a "Hockey Mom". I love her desire for a big family. I even love the fact that she is human and has daughters that make human mistakes. I am a mom of three daughters, I try my best to mold and guide them, but I know they have their free agency to choose their destiny in life. It is wonderful that she can relate to the many out there that have children with special needs. It is heroic that she "Chose Life" when faced with the knowledge that her son would be born with special needs. She and Todd understood his worth in this world and the many lessons he would teach their family.

I love her husband. I love that he is a "Man's man" and that he loves the outdoors. It is my prayer that he has the integrity needed to be the shadow to her in the next few months. If they win the Presidency his life will be tough. He will go through unchartered waters as a husband to the second most powerful person on this planet. My husband pointed out that there will be many that try to bring him down. Many that may try to bring down his wife by enticing him to stray from their marriage. It is a sad time in our countries history when so many fall in the public eye because of their inability to control their passions. I hope beyond hope that Todd Palin doesn't fall victim to this.

I am so impressed that their son chose to serve in the armed forces. There are so many career politicians with their children in private schools that would never encourage their children to serve our country. Sarah Palin's son is serving our country and making his parents proud.

Governor Palin is a wonderful "breath of fresh air" that this country needs. I am excited about the presidential race. I am hopeful that America will be better for the courage that Ms. Palin has in her pioneering efforts. I have heard the democrats say "Elect McCain and you get more of the same". I strongly disagree. I believe that by electing "career politicians" that have aspired to high office no matter the political party…you will get "More of the same". Sarah Palin offers something different to this country. She offers class and poise. If elected, she might not be able to change Washington as dramatically as we all hope, but she will work hard and serve our country well. Our government is not set up that any one person can impose a great deal of change. This is by design to keep the power with the people. I believe that Sarah Palin can leave our country better than she found it. I am excited for this election….GAME ON!!!

Sarah's Sweet 16 Bash!

We Did It !!!
We Pulled off the
Biggest Sweet 16 Bash Ever!!!!

We "Surprised" Sarah with a party at her best friend Leah's house. Sarah did not want a party and was afraid that nobody would come. She we took matters into our own hands and planned the party without her. The magical wonders of e-vites on Facebook helped Leah pull off a party that easily was 60 kids from all over Atlanta. There were kids that I had never seen before from as far as Marietta and Lilburn. Most of the kids met through the annual EFY that our church holds each year in Gainsville at Brenau University. It is so great to see such a large group of good LDS kids with good values and just wanting to have good clean fun.

Unfortunately Sarah was NOT Surprised
because basically she is a nosy person
and would look daily on my Facebook to see the RSVP list.
Worried that nobody would come.
But she WAS surprised
at the number that showed up to
welcome her into the world of dating.

The crowd was so loud when we sang that it shook the house.
I wish I had a picture of the group behind me!

Sarah's friend Missy made her a special
"Sweet 16" bouquet with 16 dollars.
I think 16 dollars that may never get spent..too pretty.

Sarah was "ICED".

I had no idea that
Jordan and Matthew were going to go behind her
and smear her face with icing from the cake.
She took it like a lady and even posed for pictures.

And lastly...who wouldn't want that "special guy" to show up
...you know, the one that you REALLY wanted to come.
Alex was late because he couldn't get off of work,
but made sure he came over afterwards.
A Perfect end to a perfect evening.
Now she can date...look out world..here comes
S A R A H.