Sierra's Birthday Bike

Happy Birthday, 11th Sierra! She was one busy girl on her big day. Here are some pics:

Dogs for the Deaf

We are studying hearing this week. We went with friends on a field trip to the Dogs for the Deaf facility. We got to see the dogs in action. They listen for sounds (door knocking, timer going off, smoke alarms etc.) and the alert their owners. We also saw the apartments where they train the dogs.

They even have cats inside the apartments for the dogs to get used to. We were so impressed with this organization.

I LOVE PANDORA!

My sister-in-law, Angela, showed me a site on the internet for free radio listening. You get to make up your own stations. You give songs ratings, and Pandora compiles songs tailored to your music taste. You never have to get sick of your music again!

I especially love it on Sundays. I made a station just for Sundays. The music is beautiful and I play it all day on the Sabbath. I started with:

Mormon Tabernacle

John Schmidt

Josh Groban

Paul Crandall

Jim Brickman

Secret Garden

Kevin Kern

Try this out! You will love it too!

Homeschool Hint

My friend Danette wants me to add a few of the "routine" things we do in homeschool. We (I have one too) like to take breaks between subjects and bounce on these balls. When we get frustrated, these are good sources of stress relief.

I took a bunch of pictures, and sorry folks, this is as good as it got. Are we photogenic or what?

Murder Mystery Dinner

Jeff and I had a blast trying to uncover a murder mystery with a bunch of friends. Jeff really likes to dress up for these things!

Birthdays are the BEST!

I had such a great Birthday. I slept in. My family members called and sent cards. My friends did tons of thoughtful things and had lunch with me. Kristen gave me an awesome candy tower from Harry and David. I didn't have to cook dinner or clean it up! I have a wonderful existence!

I really wanted to hike on my special day. I love the fall colors. Sierra and Tessa hiked FOREVER with me. They were such good sports (as were the pooches).

Our Halloween party was early this year. I think the preparation and anticipation are as fun as the party for the kids. They love to decorate. Ordering from a gross menu is a favorite. They also scrambled for candy, made masks and guessed candy corn quantities... it was all a SMASHING SUCCESS!

NYC

I have a about a zillion pictures of sites in NYC that I could share, but the ones I want to remember the most are those with my friends. We made so many CRAZY and FUN memories together that I won't ever forget! My favorites were the 3 Broadway shows, yummy food, Martha Stewart show and meeting new friends.

I guess I will add a few adventures as well. Barfing on the flight (thanks for all the fanning Christie)! Separated from friends on the subway and lost until the wee hours of the morning with Tracey- woohoo! Scuffling with the lady we rented our place from (wasn't quite what she'd advertised-wish I'd brought my sumo wrestling outfit- I would have taken her down).

It was an experience! We fit so much fun in. I don't know if I've ever been as tired returning from a trip. These woman know how to play!!!

Grandpa and Grandma Shields came to stay with the kids while I was in NYC. Grandma Bob made an amazing replica of a ziggurat temple with the girls. They had such fun creating it! It is such an authentic looking project. I think we need them to live closer for all our activities!

s!

Thanks so much for all your hard work this last week Grandpa and Grandma!