Fun times in October

 Remember a few years ago when I had that goal to take a picture everyday and to document it on my blog.... I wish I still did that. I do still take a picture almost everyday, but not always with my DSLR, to get more practice, nor do I update my blog with those weekly updates. I love to look back in our blog book to that time when I can almost remember day to day what we did. And I wish I could come up with some more clever titles for my posts.

The past weekend I attended Time Out For Women. I look forward to this event every year and buy my tickets for the next year as soon as they become available. I had anticipated this weekend being a time to get to know some of the fun ladies in my ward (church congregation) a little better.  But it turned out completely different, and I'm so glad it did! I spent the entire time with my mom, Grandma Teerlink and some of my aunts and cousins. It was just the family bonding time that I needed. And the best part was shopping and eating at The Cheesecake Factory afterwards with my mom. She has been very sick for the past month and was finally feeling able enough to be able to attend this event and it was great to spend some one on one time with her!

One of the speakers was Linda Eyre, the creator of Joy School and her daughter Shawnie Pothier, whose blog I love! Find it at 71 Toes. I loved everything they said, as well as the other speakers. Before leaving Aliza asked me, "What do mom's do at TOFW? Do you sit on couches and read magazines the whole time?". Although that wasn't what we did there,  I came home feeling uplifted and ready to be a MOM again.

Several weeks ago my dad, Poppy, had the girls come over and build bird houses with him. They were so excited and loved every minute of it! The only problem is, none of them are actually hanging outside for the birds to enjoy. They are all sitting on my living room floor as new "doll houses".  Maybe by spring the birds will be able to enjoy them.

Driveway painting with some of the neighbor kids. They painted quite the intricate ocean scene. 

Glam girl, Aliza after a friends birthday party. Now Aliza wants to duplicate this party exactly for her own party in a few weeks. She must have really had a fun time.

 Aliza is also really enjoying her preschool. I'm impressed at all the letters she has already learned. And she lets me know everyday that she LOVES school. 

Charlotte's version of a car lot - she made her daddy proud. It looks more like a traffic jam to me!

I can tell Charlotte has been going through a growth spurt recently because not only are all her clothes suddenly not fitting, but she has been found like this more than once on the floor.

And my dear sweet Carmen, she continues to NOT love school, hate homework and feel as if she hasn't a single friend in the entire world. (Except for Sariah, from whom we had the audacity of moving her miles and miles away from) Aside from all her negativity lately, she does find joy in some things still, such as making french toast. And she's really good at it, she makes the toast and I make the bacon and dinner is ready in no time. I love that she is finally old enough to be helpful in the kitchen. I look forward to doing more cooking with my girls someday.