It's official...we have now joined the "blog world"! Not that we need ONE MORE thing to do, but because it will be a good way to stay connected to family and my parents while they are on their mission.

Here's a rundown of what's happening at our house this fall...
Kenny was recently made the Young Men's President in our new ward. He is trying to get excited about it but hasn't had much luck. He is still the Director of Event Services for PSAV at the Hilton downtown and enjoys doing videography and editing from home.

Michele is still trying to keep things running around here without having a nervous breakdown. Sleep deprivation is a constant in her life. She serves as Girls Activity Day Leader and Relief Society Chorister and enjoys singing with our ward choir. She is frantically preparing for her upcoming Scrapbook Retreat and Fall Open House for her Creative Memories business.

Parker is doing really well in Junior High this year and enjoying 7th grade. He is getting excellent grades and I'm resisting the urge to use my mother's words..."see what happens when you just apply yourself". He has really good friends in our new neighborhood which we are thankful for. They enjoy hanging out here and we in turn enjoy giving them a bad time about girls, etc. Parker was just made the 1st Counselor in the Deacons Quorm and is working on his 2nd class in Scouts. He spends his free time shooting hoops and fixing computers.

Michaela loves 4th grade, especially her teacher. Mrs. Munk received an award last week and Michaela had her picture taken with her for the newspaper. She reads at least one book every weekend and 3 or 4 books every week and started piano lessons this summer. Her mom is trying to teach her how to cook/bake since she is too tired to make many treats these days. Michaela is looking forward to playing Jr. Jazz basketball this winter.


Bridget is in 1st grade this year. She likes school but I think it's the social part she likes best. (She gets that from her mother.) We are trying to motivate her to learn to read, which means Kenny reads with her most of the time since he has more patience with indifference. Bridget has lots of friends in our ward and is such a great help with her baby sister.

Ainsley is the life of the party around here. Three is way more "fun" than two...oh the drama!She has so much energy...if she's not talking (or telling someone off) then she's singing. She makes up the funniest words to familiar songs! She started preschool last month which she looks forward to on Tuesday & Thursdays. Our little miracle, Taryn, is doing wonderful. She is such a good baby - so pleasant and happy. She loves attention and playing in her exersaucer. We feel so blessed to have had her in our home for the last five months. She has taught us a lot about faith and the power of prayer. We are trying to keep her healthy so that she can begin the Synagsis shot next week. Our insurance hadn't approved her to get this $1,800/month shot that prevents high risk kids from getting RSV but, thankfully we found out about and were just accepted into a study at PCMC so she will be getting the shot for free this winter! She is doing really well and likely won't have her next heart surgery until after the first of the year. We truly enjoy each day we have with her.

Thanks to Taryn we are blessed to be in a CHD support group and have become friends with other families who have children with Congenital Heart Defects. My association with them and reading their stories/blogs has strengthened my testimony (visit our heart friends blogs if you need a good cry). Last week was especially tough as two families babies passed on and "earned their wings". We are so thankful for the gospel and for the knowledge that we have that families are forever and that they will get to be with them again someday.