September snapshots

And September is gone--just like that! Here's a snapshot of our lives.
 And speaking of snapshots, I pulled out our old (waterdamaged) camera to look at replacing it for my birthday, only to find it has dried out enough now to work again!! Here was one test shot! Hooray!!--a sweet tender mercy when we're feeling so conscientious about finances! (but also really wanting more than iphone shots of our coming baby!)

 Though I continue to grow and feel the weight of each step, I've been feeling a little more alive this month.  That amazing team of sisters in our ward stepped in as my "Substitute Mom" and nonchalantly brought me dinner every Tuesday, and it filled my soul--and SO did arriving to a place where I felt capable of handling things again, as I sincerely told them I could take over again.  I added a little to my exercise routine, actually got the house (mostly) clean at once in preparation for a little luncheon, and begin to think as hard as life will be with a newborn, it will STILL be some relief from pregnancy! :) I'm enjoying aspects of cooking again, finally reading books without falling asleep, and doing little extras (!!) like organizing the hair bows, getting out fall clothes, and (okay, just giving instructions while Brian did it all) replacing the torn out (mistaken for ballet bars?) towel racks in the basement bathroom:

September has been SOCCER time--for Emily (#4) this year--she's really enjoyed it, and practiced at home and during recess with any willing souls she could find.  We had 2 coaches from our ward, and about half of the team as well, so it was fun having an excuse to be outside and enjoy the cooling weather (and rainbow in the last picture!)

We also had Brent turn 14, and enter Teacher's Quorum.  We celebrated his birthday w/ a Court of Honor celebrating all of the achievements from Scout Camp :).  He wanted an electric keyboard he could use in his room (our practice time is getting a bit crowded!), and was also outfitted with a new pair of basketball shoes for those quickly growing feet! The younger girls and I decorated his locker and left some surprise treats inside for him while he was in class (He told me later "Thanks!" but that he also admitted that he promptly tore everything off so as not to attract attention!!????!!!--oh the joys of being a teenager!).  He's already gotten to go Hometeaching with Brian, and Brian was able to give him a lovely blessing with his ordination.

The children are all doing well in school--Emily made Student Council!!--Anne is LOVING READING!!! and enjoyed a fun Princess Concert with her Violin studio, Lucy is blissfully calm and self-entertained (or sleeping) for her alone time with Mom, Maddie's earning $ for an Orchestra trip to Disneyland, and joined a swingdance club(!), Spencer loves everything--even awkward square dancing at school (which he pretend to protest, but then practiced with Emily for an hour at home), and Brent loves his scout troop, and not being the youngest grade in Jr High.

Brian is still hanging in there with work.  We were truly disappointed a Layton City Attorney position didn't work out--one interview, but no 2nd, and it seemed like SUCH an ideal fit for us and them--but he's done amazingly well staying positive about things, and pressing on.  The firm he's with DOES still have a lot of potential, it's just tricky when there are such different views of a good business plan.  The campaign also keeps him busy--with his first debate 2 weeks ago, going door to door talking to people, and trying to replace all of the signs that get stolen :).  We are starved for the inspiration that can come from General Conference, just having peace about which step to take next :).  Here we were (still fresh) enjoying the first session with "Conference Bingo" :), and circling pictures of who speaks from the Ensign insert.