Shrinking Ray

Taylor, Carter and I participated in a Mother-Son BBQ at Carter's school recently. Carter and I had a blast playing the games together. Taylor, being in middle school now was too cool for the games and instead "hung out" with a few of his friends(that just happened to be there with their moms and younger siblings). While I was playing with Carter I happened to notice Taylor talking to some girls with his friends. To my surprise he handed his cell phone to one of them and smiled as she typed something into his phone. I was too far away to really get the scoop without causing a scene so instead I bided my time and casually asked him about it later. The funny thing is, since Taylor has started middle school I have noticed that he talks about girls much more than he did in elementary school, but he still didn't really seem interested in them, in that way. So my interrogation, er, I mean questions had to be subtle.
Me: So what were you talking to the girls about?
Him: Stuff
Me: What kind of stuff?
Him: School
Me: Do they go to your school?
Him: No
Me: Why did she take your cell phone and type something?!
Him: Were you watching me?!
Me: Uh, no...I uh just was wondering.
Him: She just gave me a ring tone mom, no big deal
Me:(relieved) oh good.
Him: Mom, you know I talk to girls all the time, right?

Needless to say, I know he talks to girls, I think it was that he seemed to enjoy it a little too much...it was like, gulp, flirting or something! Why can't kids stay 6 years old forever? When they love you and no one else is important? I remember my mom saying that about my youngest brother Joe and now I know what she meant! I think I will borrow something that Scott always says, I am going to invent a shrinking ray and shrink them back down to the age and size where they fit into my arms and I can keep them safe and sound in my own little world forever!

We are Family

We visited The Gathering Place and it was all decorated for Halloween! So of course we had to snap a few pics!
Joe and I checking our navigation system.
Amy and I are pretending to be horses and Joe is feeding me. What? You didn't get that from the picture?
Whirlwind weekend! I spent the weekend with Amy (and Tyler!) and the rest of the fam that went up to take Joe.(For those of you who don't know, Joe is my youngest brother and I think the most like me!) We got to see Amy in a play called "Into the Woods" and she was fabulous! Her voice is ethereal and pure. I wish I could sing like her. She is so talented, I wish it ran in the family!! We crammed so much into the weekend I don't know where to start. We went to the Salt Lake Temple, Amy's play, Conference, cousin's dinner, and squished the mall and Red Lobster in for good measure! Back to Joe-I can't believe it is already time for him to leave. It's smacking me right in the face as I write this...I know that Joe is ready, but I feel so torn. Part of me is so happy and proud of him and part of me is (selfishly) screaming, "Don't Go!" Everytime one of my siblings leaves on a mission I get this feeling that part of me is missing. I am sure that my parents feel it more keenly than I, but it is like an essential part of me is just out of reach and no matter how hard I try, I can't get to it. Joe has made an amazing transformation from boy to man this year and I know that he will be a great missionary. I treasure the family I have been given in this life. Nothing on this earth makes me happier than family. I have been blessed.

Be all that you can be, just leave the choices up to me

I am breathing a sigh of relief. Our primary program was yesterday. Lace had her part memorized and I was so touched by all the kids singing and participation. However, I was once again reminded how the children who are sent to us have their own ideas about what they will or won't do. During our practices, Carter sang and did his part just fine. Unfortunately just before the program started he was drawing a picture and messed up and he got mad. He went up onto the stand with me, but during the entire program he sat with a scowl on his face with his fists balled up and needless to say did not sing or do his part. I realized how important it is for me to know that Heavenly Father loves us even when we don't do the things we should. Because I love my children, even when I am frustrated with their choices. I know that it is going to happen more and more as they choose to do things that I have no control over. I have to be okay in the fact that I have taught them and tried to set a good example for them. I think that is why I have been trying so hard to do everything we are told to do. But I know one thing, my children have their free agency to choose not to follow what I teach them. I pray that I will be strong enough to handle that. Because even for something like the primary program, my heart was broken just a little, even if it was probably funny to those watching him. And as of right now, it's not okay with me that they make wrong choices, I don't know how my mom did it! Now that I am a mom, I think free agency stinks! Who's idea was this anyway? Can't we grow without it? No? I guess it all boils down to having faith and hope that they will all turn out to be joyful good people and in the meantime I guess I better find a different mantra, maybe "Be all that you can be, just be careful with free agency? Hmm...

Haunting the Hunsaker Home

It's the first day of fall! I know I am starting Halloween madness too early, but I love Halloween so I thought I'd get a jump start and showcase some of my favorite photos of past years. I love dressing up and being someone else for a day. And I have obviously passed that gene down to my kids!

We are a Happy Family

We've gotten the hang of school, I think. Three schools, three different times, four kids...can you say crazy? My day begins and ends with driving. Now, while Zanna is looking forward with extreme glee to the day when she can drive a car (and it is coming faster than an express train) I am tired of being in the car. it starts with early morning cemetary (oops! I mean seminary) and then moves on to the different schools. Luckily I have a testimony of seminary (thanks DAD!!) so that part is fairly painless. I don't know how Zanna does it, suffice it to say that by the end of the week she is exhausted! Taylor seems to be enjoying junior high school. He isn't very forthcoming with details, but from what I can gather, it is not a horrific nightmare. Carter is adjusting well to being in school all day, and I look forward to the days that I help in his class. I love to be with kids, whether it be my own or at primary on Sunday. I love my calling even though I am tired after church. Of course, that could be because I always stay out too late on Saturday nights. Yes it is date night, but no that's not the reason I am up late. Zanna's social calendar includes dances and sometimes late night toilet papering...but you didn't hear that from me, and you guessed it, often I am the designated driver. She is also running cross country again this year, that girl is sooo busy. Lacey and Carter are both playing soccer and they are so cute! Carter rocks on the soccer field, and Lacey has played forward this year with great success. I love to watch their games. So final wrap up, we are busy, but busy in a good happy family way. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Fun at the beach and Fair ya'll!!

We all went to the beach one last time before school started. We spent most of the day with my friends Jen and Summer and then headed over to visit our friends having a bonfire. I will miss going to the beach! It is my favorite place to be especially with my family!



We also went to the Norco Fair on Monday. It was so fun to hang out the whole family! Even Scott came! We had so much fun, even though it was extremely hot and Zanna ended up losing her lunch after the rides. You can see them in the pic hanging upside down, so you can only imagine that after riding this ride twice in a row she was a bit nauseous. I felt like hurling after Carter made me ride the Rock and Roll ride two times in a row. But hey, he was happy. We had a great time together and now school has started for everyone. Zanna is a sophmore and...she got her braces off!! She is absolutely gorgeous and smart and I can say that even if I am her Mom. Tay started junior high and he is off to a great start. Though being a boy, he is not very forthcoming with details. I am relegated to conversations via texting. Ah yes, we succombed and got him his first cell phone. They grow up so fast. Scott finally came to the dark side and switched his phone to the Envy2 so he can text too. If you can't beat em, join em.

Paul's Wedding Slideshow!