Halloween

Halloween this year was different. Many factors were at play. The biggest being that we returned from my Grandpa's funeral just the day before after being gone the entire week. So, our tradition of carving pumpkins did not happen. You can't carve them too soon when it is 95 degrees. The other thing that has happened with our family is that we have children in every phase of life, from high school down to pre school. Yes, times are changing for the Holt's.

Megan really got into Halloween (the candy) this year. No more stroller and she even had little shoes with heels. She loves her Minnie Mouse dress. When we went to Park City this summer and had just arrived at the resort, she burst into tears because she thought we were going to Disneyland.

Anna wanted to be Elpheba so bad. We are all addicted to the musical WICKED. We have seen it three times, and you will often hear the tunes being belted out around our house. However, with my limited time, we were not able to make her green. So, you'll just have to imagine the green glow coming off of her necklace.

Rachael looks so natural in her fifties outfit. She really wanted to be a carhop, but this is what we could find. I will not wait till the last minute again. (say it 100 times a day) She went out with Emma Pitts from our stake and the two of them had a lot of fun.

Katie had no trouble with her football costume. Her Uncle Wayland went to a Green Bay Packers game at Lambo Field last year, and this is a Brett Farve Jersey. It doesn't mean as much now that he came out of retirement, but I digress. Katie went to a party in her friend's barn. She said it was a blast.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Nathan before he headed out the door. He was dressed Hawaiian. He was off with his friends as well. I miss the good old days of taking all the little kids around. We only have the two little ones left. When and how did that happen.

Grandpa's Funeral

Today my Grandpa was laid to rest. He was just one month shy of his 90th birthday. I will do a separate post about my Grandpa when I figure out how to get some other pictures uploaded. For now, I wanted to share the beauty of the day.
My Grandpa Shields had been living in a assisted living facility for the past year. About 2 weeks ago, he had a stroke, and he passed away on Friday, October 24 with his wife and 3 children by his side.
Thanks to my wonderful family and my sister, Ally, I was able to head to California by myself on Sunday to be with my extended family. I was able to spend time with my sister, Jenna, who had flown in from Utah. We never get to spend alone time together. On Monday, we went to the Rose Bowl and ran 4 miles.








Then, we had lunch with our dad at the Star Cafe in Montrose, where he works. That afternoon I was able to sneak in and get my teeth cleaned. BONUS!!!!
Here is my mom working at my Dad's dental office, with Norma, their assistant,in the background.

My Dad's office.

On Tuesday, my sister, Saint Ally, picked all my kids up and drove my suburban to California. She also had her 2 year old. She sent her 8 month old on the plane with her husband, Wayland, and Orson. I wish I had a picture of that "fun" ride. I can't thank her enough for offering to help out.
Anyway, I feel at such peace knowing that my Grandpa has gone on to a better place. He no longer is hobbling around on fake knees and with a fake hip. He must be jumping for joy. Katie, Rachael and I were able to sing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" at the service, and it was so beautiful. I am grateful for the Gospel and the Plan of Salvation. Until we meet again, my sweet Grandpa.... ELDEN BROWN SHIELDS 1918-2008

Has this ever happened to you?

I just watched this on my cousins blog. I thought it was great. It does run in my blood line to want to be right. May God forgive me and bless my soul.I didn't know how to display this correctly, so if you click on the blank box, it should take you to the video.

October Break

We headed to California for the break. Orson and Rachael had some dental work to do, and I can't believe I forgot to take pictures of their misery at Grandpa Webber's office. Then, we managed to have some fun.

It's odd that growing up near Los Angeles, I never once went to the La Brea Tarpits. It's only about 8 miles from the Los Angeles Temple. So, we took the kids, and it was very interesting. They have a great museum and you can walk around the grounds and see all the pits that are oozing tar. Boy does it smell yummy.

Temple time

This is where it all began on June 23, 1989. Orson and I were married in the Los Angeles Temple. On Friday, we were able to go back for the first time and do sealings. It was a wonderful experience.

As they say, "Because two people fell in love..." this is what became of us.

Fall Arrives

I love this time of year. The colors of fall bring me happiness. We moved to Arizona in August of 1999, when Nathan was 7. Before that we had lived in the Bay Area, which was quite beautiful. To say that fall was different looking here was brought to light when we were in Southern California that Thanksgiving. Nathan and I were on a walk, and he scared me when he gasped. Then he said, "Mom, look, it's a red leaf." How sad. So, here in good old AZ, we must bring these beautiful colors into our homes.


I had a few helpers. I should at least make them put on Fall "looking" clothes.

Here is the porch.

I got this soup tureen last year at Linens and Things. The stalks are my newest love from Kirklands. I love that store.


The girls and I went to Girls Night out at Deseret Book during Priesthood session. This was the gift.


I absolutely loved this and had to have it for my wall.

Homecoming

This was a big weekend. It was Nathan's first homecoming. It was a three day event. (Aside from the weeks of fretting and preparing) Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Nathan decided to ask Arianne Leavitt, a girl from his Chamber orchestra to go with him. He made a pan of brownies and had his name in the bottom of the pan. Then on the top he wrote "Homecoming?" He attached a card that said, "Eat your way through to find out who." (We didn't get a picture)

He was able to get involved with a great group of guys to go with. They took the girls to Bounce U on Thursday night, followed by yummy frozen yogurt at Ocean Blue.
Friday was the football game. Nathan was also involved in the making of the junior float and is seen here(kind of)running on the field at the football game with their banner.

Saturday was his usual busy day. Work at the gym at 8:30 a.m. cleaning and coaching until 11:00 then come home and teach piano and violin lessons. Luckily he got to watch the afternoon session of General Conference. Then, it was time to get ready for Priesthood session. While the boys were all there, I was with the mom's preparing dinner for 10 couples. After priesthood, the boys went around and picked up their dates and came to Preston Alder's house for Hawaiian haystacks.
SO....here is my little boy on his very first date! Nathan and Arianne