Fright Night!

We are all in the Halloween spirit! Yesterday, the kids had their class parties and school parades, because they have no school today. They are both anxiously awaiting a night of trick or treating with their friends tomorrow night. I guess they've outgrown the "cutesy" costumes and are on to anything scary and spooky. It is kind of sad that they are past that stage, but there is still plenty of fun to be had.

This week has gone by quickly. I had a colonoscopy on Wednesday. It seems like a funny thing to blog about, but since my dad had colon cancer, I am spreading the word. The prep and procedure are truly easy to go through. And, isn't it worth it if it saves a life? The doctor didn't see anything concerning, but did some biopsies of tissue just to be safe. I will have the results back next week.

We've had some snowfall - about 4 inches on Tuesday. There are some light flurries today. It is a good day to have a fire, relax, and read some books with the kids.

Happy Halloween!

Maggie's Progress at Boot Camp

(L to R) Maggie, Bert, & Abby

Maggie playing Farkle with the family

We are happy to announce that after about 6 weeks at the Stenseth Home for Wayward Beagles, Maggie has lost over 5 pounds! She loves her walks once or twice a day and feels so much better. She is more playful and happy than when we got her in September.

Bert has adjusted to having another "lady" friend around the house. I'm not sure Abby is ever going to adjust. She is extremely jealous of Maggie. Typical girls! Slowly, but surely, we are all adjusting to having 3 dogs to take care of, more poop to pick up, and more warm cuddles from our furry friends!

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands.
When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands;
then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat.
For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes,
but never a friend like that."

~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

One for Rich

Rich and I started dating in October 16 years ago. We had no idea where we were going when we started this journey... luckily we've taken a path that has let us grow together.

It seems like when our lives get so busy and our "to do" lists long; the person that gets the short end of the stick is our spouse. We strive to make each day great for our children, our co-workers, and, in my case, our patients. In doing so, we often neglect the person that is nearest to our heart. Maybe it is because we know they will love us no matter what. Maybe it is because we take for granted all they do for us. Maybe it is because we get so busy being everything to everyone, that we forget to stop and make time for them. I am aware that I need to make special time for Rich, the person that will be by my side no matter what.

16 years later, I am so grateful that I have Rich in my life. Thank you for being my friend and my husband.

Cole gets glasses!

Cole told me last week that he was having trouble seeing the board at school. We headed off to the optometrist early this week and ta-da--- he can see! We found out that he is near-sighted, so the glasses should help out in school, at concerts, at Jazz games, etc. He thinks he looks pretty handsome with the glasses... I would have to agree!

What else have we been up to?

October is well under way and we've been busy for sure. Last weekend, we made an attempt at Christmas card photos up in the canyon. We got rained and snowed on, so we came back and tried to get pictures inside with the dogs...not as easy as one would think!!!

Cole has been busy with school, guitar lessons, and flag football. His team has been pretty successful thus far. I need to remember to take some pictures instead of just cheering and jumping around the whole game. Cole mentioned to me that he was having trouble seeing the board at school. After a trip to the optometrist, we found out that he is near-sighted. He will get glasses this week, but only has to wear them to see the board and anything requiring "distance" vision (concerts, etc.). He is actually pretty excited to get his glasses. I will post pictures when he gets them.

Morgan just finished her first round of ice skating lessons. She did so well, she gets to skip the next level and move to level #3. She was pretty excited to hear this news. We all went skating the other evening, and she literally skated circles around the rest of us. What a fun sport! Morgan is still LOVING school and her teacher. I enjoy listening to her stories about her day when she gets home each afternoon. She's counting the days until Halloween and, you guessed it, Christmas.

I guess it won't be too long now... we did have our first little snow fall on September 3o. Rich has winterized the pond by putting the plants at the bottom and has stopped feeding the fish. I guess they just "hibernate" until Spring. He has had so much fun with his pond and it truly brings him joy to be out there.

As for me, I have been working a ton, doing flu shot clinics during the week when kids are in school and working a the U on weekends. Looks like I'll have work well into January with the H1N1 flu vaccine coming out. In addition, I have been trying to get all the doggies to behave themselves and keeping Maggie on her "boot camp" routine. She has lost 3.8 pounds since we got her. You can tell that she feels so much better and the walks are good for the rest of us, too!

Happy Fall!

Grandma Donna Visits!

We had the pleasure of a visit from Grandma Donna in September! She got here on her (ahem) 39th birthday, and we helped her celebrate! It was a busy week with all of the kids activities, Rich working in the yard, and doing a little sight-seeing. We all visited the Xango Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point and got to see the new baby elephant, Zuri, at the Hogle Zoo. Donna tried to teach Morgan and I to knit, but I'm not sure I have that much patience. Rich, however, picked right up on the knitting thing. Seriously. Grandma Donna loved the new pond, and our koi. She even purchased 2 more koi for us when she was here: Casper and Little "D". We did everything on Donna's list, except going roller skating. We will save that for her next visit! We all had such a great time, laughed a lot, and made many memories!

West Yellowstone Laughter...

Dean & Morgie in their fancy pink cowboy hats

Cole looking rugged

R.T. and Jean-- she was way cuter than the gal who tried to pick him up at the bar!

Who wouldn't want to stay at the DUDE Motel?

Dean, me, R.T., Jordy, & Dana waiting for Old Faithful to do its thing

Catching up: West Yellowstone in September

Dean, Greg, & I before the game

Jordy and the water boy

Jordy & the cheerleader

Auntie Mike and I

Greg & the kids at the Old Faithful Lodge

Did September go by as quickly as I think it did? I was pretty lame with my blogging last month... my list of excuses is long.

One of the highlights of September was our trip to West Yellowstone to see our nephew, Jordy, play football. We headed to West Yellowstone on Friday after school, spent the evening laughing our heads off with Dean, Dana, & R.T., and woke up to a beautiful Saturday in Montana. After a little shopping (and laughing) in the local shops, we headed to the game. It was 90 degrees, so the coats we had packed were not necessary.

The North Star Knights won their game easily and Jordy played very well as the starting quarterback! Morgan loved cheering on her cousin (and hanging out with his girlfriend), and Cole was asked to be the team's water boy for the day! He did a great job! Lucky for me, my cousin, Chuck and his family came for the game and brought my favorite auntie along. We also got to see some of the Hi-Line folks we hadn't seen in a LONG time. After the game, we all headed out for pizza, then drove into Yellowstone Park to the Old Faithful Lodge. After witnessing Old Faithful do its thing, we all went into the lodge for more laughter and memories. Sunday morning, we enjoyed brunch with Greg, and then headed off for a quick tour of a very small portion of the park before coming back to Utah.

I was in need of a little "home" and this quick weekend trip was exactly what I needed! Thank you everyone for an awesome time. Jordy, we are proud of you!