The Chamberlains

 11 years old...and handsome, and smart, and silly. We went to the Classic Fun Center for his birthday. And Tim Tams for a birthday treat? Absolutely! That much easier for me! Oh, and did we mention that this kid landed the role of Michael Banks in the Mary Poppins school musical? He was so nervous to try out, but he practiced like crazy (with a British accent I might add) and went in and nailed it! So proud! Can't wait to see him perform in March. Park has a calming and even personality. He is grounded and is just a good kid. How did we get so lucky?

 I think this is Surgery number 4 for Scott since we've been married. This time it's for a bunion and hammer toe. Doesn't he look so hot waiting for his turn? :D

 We are officially into the teenage years with this girl! 13 years old! We went to a trampoline park for this one. And she wanted an apple pie for her birthday treat. This girl is so kind and thoughtful. She is an incredible example of goodness to her friends at school. She often talks about how so many of her friends from elementary now swear and say mean things at school, but they know not to around her. She has such a desire to be a good person and to help others. She is an amazing artist and has a beautiful voice. We are so proud of her and love her to pieces!

I got this note from Indie the other day. It makes my heart happy when my kids tell me they like me, maybe even more than when they tell me they love me. At their ages I think liking me means more than loving me.

 Indie, after eating some cotton candy said, "This tastes BRILLIANT!"

How much we love this 6-year-old! This kid has the best laugh around! He loves to hug and one of my favorite things he says to me is, "I like you, Mom!" He's the best playmate Indie ever had and he just lights up our home.

At the end of August our ward became part of a new stake, the Nolen Park Stake. As soon as our new Stake Presidency had been called, more particularly, one of the counselors, Justin Pitcher, I knew a new calling was in store for me. You see, Justin was one of the Bishops that I served with as a Relief Society President. It took nearly a month before I got a phone call to come in for an interview with the Stake President. In the interim, I doubted the feelings I was having, and even on occasion argued with Heavenly Father about doing this calling. It was more of me taking the time to align my will with His, not so much an argument. When the call came, Stake Relief Society President, I wasn't surprised. I did however, feel young and extremely inadequate. I still do. But, I accepted, was sustained, and set apart on October 10th. This will definitely be a learning and growing experience for me. At 34 I'm younger than most of the ward Relief Society Presidents I will work with. But, I trust my Father, and know that through the atonement of His Son, I can become more than I am on my own. He will magnify me. So, here's to a new calling!

 Sushi Burrito. It was yum!

Games in the park.

 Scott's magic shows have really been taking off lately. He's been doing at least one a week and frequently 2 or 3. He really loves it! This particular one was at a Polynesian Jet Blue party. I went with him to this one. And honestly, I felt like I was at home! I grew up in a neighborhood and ward in Salt Lake that had a lot of Poly's and man how I love these people! They are always so welcoming and inviting. And of course the food was delicious!

 I also went with Scott to his mission reunion. It's been 22 years since he got home. Crazy! We had a great time hanging out with all of his old companions. These 40+ men just reverted back to being dumb 19-year-old boys again when they got together and started reminiscing. It was hilarious!

 This kid can be really silly sometime!
 Strawberries made with Cousins.
Dinner with Frederick (he really goes by Emmanuel, but the Chamberlain's only know him as Frederick). He lived with them while they were kids for a time, and as with others, he became part of the family. He lives in Costa Rica and was in town for his son.

 What a beautiful lightning storm we had. It was better than fireworks!