Fall is Here and it is 82 Degree's!

We love fall. It is our absolute favorite time of the year. The first few years that we lived here we tried to take trips to see the leaves change in other places. We were able to go back to Colorado to see the Aspen's change and visit my parents on the Lake (in Missouri). For anyone familiar with "The Meadows" there isn't a whole lot of foliage. Fall only seems to last about 3 weeks here. I am not kidding. One minute it is 82 degree's (like today) and the next minute it is in the 50's. I am sad we won't be able to take any sort of trip this year. I miss the smell of burning leaves and the feeling that comes from change in the weather. But don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the fact that I am still wearing flip-flops while others are having to bundle up. Even though there doesn't seem to be an official "fall" we still like to pretend there is...





We carved pumpkins and did other various Halloween projects...



and celebrated Nevada Day (yes, it is a real holiday) by going to the M and M factory...














Caity and Devin came down to visit from Provo and saw some of the Vegas sights...







and of course there is Halloween (yes, that is my 21 year old living out his fantasy as Harry Potter)













Devin got her eye makeup done at Sephora. She sat in a chair and didn't make a sound for nearly an hour and a half. She watched Theresa and I get our eyes done first and then it was her turn...

What we've been Doing!

Exploring Zion's National Park





We went to the New Harmony Apple Festival




We attended the fall festival at school!

Next time I throw a Pity Party, You are UNinvited!

I have had one of those weeks where I have decided to feel sorry for myself. Poor Jenny! I spent a good part of Tuesday walking around Wal-Mart crying. I cried driving in the car, talking on the phone, scrubbing bathrooms and floors,sitting with my husband and lying in bed. I know what you are thinking... "She is so pathetic". Guess what? You are right. It is pathetic for me to feel sorry for myself. What right do I have to feel so hopeless? None. (Emphasis on the PERIOD) It is funny how clarity comes after allowing yourself to wallow in selfishness. I have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings in my life. So I would like to officially apologize to all of you who were invited to my pity party. You should not have shown up and you are officially uninvited next time.

Subbing Has Consumed My Life

I recently returned to the classroom. I have been subbing at the kids school for the last month. I have to tell you that getting back into the classroom is like riding a bike, I picked up right where I left off 9 years ago. I have had the opportunity to sub in both Brody and Devin's room. I have also subbed in art, music, and the autistic classroom. Teaching is such a natural part of who I am and it feels good to stretch those teaching "muscles" again. We are all having to make adjustments and I want to thank my family for being patient with me while I transition back into the working world. We have also had lots of adventures over the last month as well. Here are a few of them...



Brody had his first swim meet







We went for a drive to Mt. Charleston to see the leaves change!


The boys picked out their Halloween costumes and we saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (skipping school).









We had some visitors...Chris Hickman (Mike's mission comp) and Nanny and Poppy.







Mike and I enjoyed a date night at the drive in (in our jammies).

We are so thankful for each family member and our loving friends.

Catching Fire

I just finished it! It was awesome and leaves me wanting more. I have been googling the web trying to learn when book 3 comes out. I need to know how it ends...oh so much I want to share but I really don't want to spoil it for anyone. This book is a MUST READ. I will be happy to loan it out after Mike and Bren finish it. Bren is a fast reader but Mike takes his time. Sorry!

We saw Donny and Marie

On Saturday we got a visit from our friend Melisa. Melisa is married to Jeremy Osmond (Donny's second son). She got us tickets to Donny and Marie's show. Thank you Jeremy and Melisa. The show was amazing and the music was great but we really loved your company. Can't wait for you guys to come visit again!

Brody Swims!

We've put Brody in several different sports over the last 6 years. He is such a tender,sweet guy that the group sports didn't really seem to be for him. He finished basketball last fall and Mike and I have been debating on what to do for him. He is high energy and needs a sport to blow off some of that steam. I have been looking into swimming for him and finally got him a tryout for a local team here. Well, anyone who knows him knows he is part killer whale so the tryout was a breeze. He loved it. His first practice is tonight (he practices 4 nights a week). We think this is a great opportunity for him. Congrats! Mr. Brody The video is one of 4 strokes he had to do...tell us what you think!