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!!!