Jake is 16!!!

Jake had a great day turning 16 yesterday. I can't even believe my boy is that old already. He started off the day sleeping in while I did his paper route. I got up early enough to get these signs up in the front yard for him to see when he left for school- after eating a delicious breakfast of german pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and hash browns (I got up real early. . .)

During his lunch break, I picked him up with Panda Express, then we went to the DMV for his drivers license. He was worried that he wouldn't be able to get it because of his broken arm, but happily, nothing was said about it. After school, he went to Charlies for a shake with his friend Corey, then they relaxed and watched TV (on our new flat screen) for several hours at our house.
Grandma and Grandpa Weyerts took us all out for dinner at Logans new Texas Roadhouse. Yum! We all ate too much and most had to bring food home. Jake actually consented to ride on the saddle while some employees sang happy birthday, then we all gave him a hearty "Yee Haw". All that for only a small bowl of ice-cream. Way to be a good sport Jake!
We came home for presents, a fun dice game, and chocolate silk pie from Village Inn.


Even though he's the mature age of 16, he continues to act a bit goofy. But that's a big reason why he's so fun to be around. He can always make me smile.

He got to drive Mike's truck alone to the restaurant and thought it was pretty cool. He and Cam drove home together, and thought it would be funny (not) to take an extra 10 minutes and make us think they'd gotten stopped for speeding or something. He has a lot to learn.

Happy Birthday sweet Jake-e-boy. You bring a lot of light and laughter into our home, and I love you so much.

Fall/broken arm/new car

I LOVE fall. It is my favorite season. I love the cooler weather, the changing leaves, football season, going on hikes and walks, and fall decorations. I took these pictures while walking around our neighborhood with Cam on Sunday. I love the flaming red bush that's green all summer, then suddenly turns this beautiful color. I love seeing the changing leaves on the mountain, and walking through crunchy leaves on the sidewalk. Those of you who don't get to enjoy the changing of seasons, I'm so sad for you! For those of you who have in the past, and don't now, you know what you're missing, and that may even be sadder!









Jake broke his right arm last Tuesday during football practice. He was in a splinter cast for a week, then this Tuesday he got a permanent cast on that he'll wear for 4 weeks, then get a different one on for a few more weeks. His doctor said can't participate in any sports until the spring, so there goes swim team (and after he worked so hard on a recent fundraiser!). He'll be really bored w/o something to do everyday after school. There were only two more football games left, so he didn't miss out on much there, which was good. He's doing good with using his left hand more, and can still write with his right hand well enough. He can't ride his bike while delivering the newspapers on his paper route, but can walk and deliver if someone folds them beforehand for him.

If you will recall, a few months ago I did a post about our van and how much trouble we've had with it over the past few years. When we realized the transmission was going out, we absolutely refused to put another penny into repairs, so last Saturday, we spent a good part of the day searching for a new automobile. I'm excited to announce after 16 years of being a van driver, I'm graduating to being a mid-size SUV driver! I'm so excited! We bought a '08 Honda Pilot, and I'm just loving it. We're still searching for a car to replace the one Jessica totalled a month ago, but at least we have three cars now for the three (soon to be four) drivers in the family. Anyone wanna buy a '01 Chrysler town and country w/ a bad transmission?

Although I just did a new post yesterday (and I like to wait at least a week inbetween to milk all the comments possible) I had to do this one now so any of you mom's with kids to dress for Halloween who already haven't got costumes all figured out, can get some ideas from me! Most of these costumes were lovingly made by me (with many ideas coming from Family Fun Magazine) but a few were borrowed. All awesome and gory makeup is compliments of Stacie. Doesn't she do great work? I loved coming up with fun and original costumes for many, many years, but sure am glad I don't have to anymore!

I think this was my favorite year. I really outdid myself---


Although this baby/old lady costume sure got a lot of comments. Many of the more time consuming costumes got used on more than one child, so that made it worth the time to make them.

What I loved best about the nerds is that they acted in character while going trick-or-treating. It was hilarious. Several people in my neighborhood commented how funny the boys were (esp Jake).



Another personal favorite. His football pads sure came in handy!

I have a picture like this in our guest room, and many people ask me what happened to Cam!

I love that these costumes (skunk and skeleton) were worn by both boys. So clever and fun to make!





Whew! It makes me tired just thinking of all the time I've put into creating and making costumes over the years. Which was your favorite? Stacie asked me tonight if I'm going to dress up for Halloween, and I quickly replied that my creative days are over- I don't really want to think about another costume for quite awhile!

Let me know if any of you use any of my ideas on your kids, and how they turned out! Happy Halloween!

Bundy girls visit

Lindsey, Emma and Lydia came to visit us for two days while Ryan was out of town training for his new job. We had such a great, productive time. We were on the go the entire time. Lindsey was especially productive and enjoyed being able to get some projects done with mine and Jessica's help with the girls. We managed to even fit in a chilly hike to enjoy the beauty of fall- although we missed the brilliant colors by a week :( I still loved it.












I loved learning how to make these "peachy" cupcakes, and my neighbors who I delievered some to loved it too!


Jake and Emma had a fun time playing hide-and-go seek. Emma had jake stumped with this hiding spot (she had a little help from her Mom getting her in there)



















We had to take a picture of Jess and Lydia in their matching red poka-dot outfits!











Jessica and I helped Lindsey take some Halloween pictures of the girls. It wasn't easy! Lydia wasn't in the mood to smile, so Jessica was holding and bouncing her under the black material. You'd never know just by looking at the finished product what a difficult task it was! Thanks for coming Bundy girls- we can't wait to do it again (sorry the pictures don't match up with the words. . . I tried to be creative and do it differently than I usually do- but I guess I'll just stick to the same boring way I usually do it since I know what I'm doing that way. . .)

Photo Shoot

A couple weekend ago, we had an extended family get-together at Mom and Davids. After a nice picnic outside, Mom gave us a neat Fuhriman family history FHE. I enjoyed re-learning some interesting stuff about my ancestors who helped settle Providence. We then all went to Merlin Olsen Park for a rousing competitive game of kickball. While there, I took these darling pictures of Lydia (if I don't say so myself!)



The next weekend, I was at it again, capturing some great shots of Jessica. Mike had taken the boys to the Priesthood and Panda Express afterwards, so Jess and I had a girls night out. First we took these darling pictures, then we ate out at Cafe Sabor and then went shopping. We had a great evening.