298

Nursery    I got to sub for the nursery today.  It was so fun to see so many little ones and eat snacks and snuggle.  I loved it!!!

297

Cool Weather    Seriously, our weather hit down into the 50's.  LOVIN' it.

296

An exciting end to Matthew's baseball season    Matthew's team has won their last several games and it's been amazing to see them come so far.  Saturday's win moved them up three places for the tournament.  I LOVE watching my son play baseball!

295

Land O'Lakes Mint Chocolate Hot Chocolate    One ward:  AMAZING.  The end.

294

A Grape Soda Adventure Pin    I'm kicking myself for not getting pics of us dressed as Ellie and Carl from Disney Pixar's Up last night at our adult ward party.  Ryan looked AMAZING!!!  He had the glasses, the cain walker with the tennis balls, balloons, white hair, and to top off the details, a grape soda adventure pin.  Oh, man!  That pin makes me so happy!  Such a fun night!

293

In-Tune Home Teachers    We are so blessed to have home teachers who care about us enough to call, text, invite, and come.  Oh, how we love them!

292

Popcorn Popping    Watching popcorn kernals pop into little bites of popcorn through the round glass lid of my non-stick, teflon-coated pan brings me such happiness!

291

Growth    Our stake created a new ward today, and it's an exciting time to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I'm sad that the Skye's and Bleazzards, as well as the Kelley's, and many of our other friends will be in the new ward; however, I know that Heavenly Father has a plan and these guys are going to offer such tremendous leadership for the new ward.  It just means more group dates, lunches, and outings.  ;)  We will miss you all, but . . . . we know we'll still see you.  And before long, more new wards will be announced.

290

Matthew's Baptism and Family Support    Words cannot begin to express the feelings in my heart for this sacred event in our lives.  Our oldest son, Matthew, was baptized on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Katy, Texas.  It was a bit of an emotional day for me.  We all felt excited for him, but my heart felt a bit sad too, because I can't believe that he's already eight years old.  Plus, I felt a bit overwhelmed.  Because of our crazy busy week, our pile of laundry (aka Mount Doom) sat unfolded in heaps on our bedroom floor, our sticky kitchen floor remained unmopped, and the list could go on.  Also, Ryan's grandmother passed away the night before.  The bottom line is that I felt exhausted, sad for my father-in-law, and unprepared for my company.  I don't like that feeling.  But . . . you know what?  Saturday still came and people still came over--regardless of the shape or condition of my house, and my father-in-law had the opportunity to arrive in time to give his mother a blessing of release.  She left this world, surrounded by the sons who loved her and is now reunited with her eternal husband, who passed away more than 23 years ago.

Ryan came into our room, while I was getting ready, and I told him how I was feeling.  He just looked at me and said, "Ker, remember our wedding day and all the things that went wrong?  Is it the end of the world?  Take a deep breath."  And so I decided that I was going to have a great day.

We arrived at the church 30 minutes early to get the relief society room ready, as well as make sure the font was filled, and that the jumpsuit fit Matthew.  We also took a few family pictures, and then, we watched as friend after friend filed in.  I, seriously, cannot describe the gratitude I feel for so many loved ones' support.  In attendance:  Grandma Allred from Plano, Wayne & D'Lonna Nelson with their four boys (Tyler, David, Carter, & James) from Coppell, Grandma and Grandpa McLeish from Washington, The Carr family (Mardy, Melanie, & Larissa), President Allen (stake president), Mike Turner (counselor in bishopric), Amie Gillett, Kathleen Christiansen, Josh and Rachel Schulmire & their four children (Jesse, Cole, Rylee, and Sawyer) from Magnolia, Fred Niece (high councilman), Brett & Stephanie Ravenburg and their daughter (Evelyn) from Tomball, Shane Jasperson, Danny Walling and two of his girls (Shyanne & Kinley), Jody and Jenny Bustos and their son (Christian), Doug and Kelley Kelley, Mike and Titia Morgan, Spencer and Crystal Pederson and their four children, Randall and Lynn Raschke and their daughter (Emily), Mike and Cyndi Skye, and then, our family.  I seriously expected much less and feel entirely appreciative to everyone who supported our little family.  We received many calls and texts, as well as emails for Matthew.

Amie Gillett, our primary president, gave the talk on baptism, and she said some of the nicest things about our son.  Some of the stories about him, we'd never heard.  It really made him feel special.  One of our home teachers and his old primary teacher gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  He, too, said some really kind words about Matthew.  D'Lonna, Matthew's aunt, sang "I Know That My Savior Loves Me."  That is Matthew's favorite primary song, so it was really special for him to hear her sing it.

Today, at our stake meeting, I ran into one of our friends who attended the baptism, and I had the chance to thank him for coming.  His response, "Matthew has told me on more than one occasion that he prays for me because I have cancer.  Ummm . . . if that boy has my back, I definitely have his back.  I will be at everything I can to support him and show him that I have his back."  And that's the kind of son that he is--compassionate, thoughtful, and sweet.

Oh, I'm so grateful I could be here for this, that I have a husband who is worthy of the Priesthood to have been able to perform the ordinance, for Matthew's righteous desires, and for these stepping stones.  This decision will effect Matthew's eternal life.  I'm grateful for the saving ordinance of baptism.  It allows for us to become clean and return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  And as we make mistakes, we can repent, and then, partake of the sacrament each Sunday to renew our baptismal covenants.

Last night, Ryan and I lay in bed for 30 minutes talking and reflecting on the day's events.  We both sort of just sighed and exhaled, as our joy felt full.  Oh, I have so many wonderful blessings in my life.

(Imagine the excitement with this many boys running around our house afterwards.  There were actually 9 boys, but Tyler somehow skipped out on the pic and we also had one little girl who was pretending to be a dinosaur.  ;))

Hmmmmm . . . GREAT day.  So thankful.

289

Allergy Meds    I went visit teaching on Wednesday with my companion and Ethan to the home of a dear friend.  We had a great time and it was wonderful to see her; however, it never dawned on me that she has cats.  I know she has dogs, but she always keeps them in the garage when we visit, and the cats were just recently given to her from a family member.

Well, as we were about to leave, my eyes began watering a little bit and then a lot, and then, they started itching really bad.  Not thinking, I rubbed them, and within minutes, everything go exponentially worse.  I looked down at my dress to see it covered in cat hair.

We left, I dropped off my companion, and seriously, not 10 minutes more from the time we left and just as I walked into my house, my eyes shut, my face turned red and began swelling, I could not stop sneezing, and my eyes wouldn't stop running.

I quickly dialed Ryan and told him he needed to come home ASAP.  Then, I took Benedryll and slept until 8:30, when I took a second dose.  Oh, I HATE and LOATHE allergies, but I'm so grateful we have medicine to counter it.  Sadly, the episode caused me to miss our bowling field trip with the scouts, but Matthew still had a fabulous time.

288

Lunch With A Certain Birthday Boy    Ethan and I surprised Ryan on Wednesday with cupcakes and balloons at his work for his big 3-3.  It was fun to meet some of his new co-workers and see his new office.  After dropping everything by, we had the chance to go to lunch.  Ethan was so tickled.

BTW, a funny story about Ethan happened that morning.  I was super swamped, trying to get ready for our incoming company, as well as cub scouts, baseball, grocery shopping, and the field trip.  I thought about skipping out on the birthday lunch, because I seriously had way too much going on.  Well, I baked the cupcakes, and started getting ready in our bathroom.  All of a sudden, it dawned on me, that Ethan was completely silent.

 This is that fabulous outfit mentioned a few posts ago.  Matthew chose this shirt with orangey red and orange plaid shorts and navy corduroy shoes.

I walked into the kitchen, to find him eating off the tops to all of the cupcakes.  Seriously??!  So I had to bake some more.  It made for that much of a busier day!  He told me with smiling eyes, "I eat all the cupcakes, Mama!"

287

Chaperoning Field Trips    I had the opportunity to accompany David and his class to Dewberry Farm in Brookshire this past week.  Oh, how we LOVE this place!  David had such a great time on all of the rides, picking out a pumpkin, having a picnic, playing on the various equipment, and looking at the sites.  So glad that I can be a stay-at-home mom and spend time with my boys.  We had a wonderful time!  Grateful I can make these memories with each of my boys.

286

Tostitos    Is there a better chip out there?  I think not.

285

Social Media    It's so nice to be able to connect with other moms during the day.  I am grateful for social media.

284

Answered Prayers    We received some really scary news last night that took us to our knees.  I am so grateful that things ended up looking better than previously thought; however, there are going to be some difficult roads ahead.  I trust in Heavenly Father's plan for my family and me.  I trust that He knows what is best for us.  I trust that He will help our family when the time comes to face our trials with courage.  I'm grateful for His listening to our prayers, for allowing us to wait a season before we have to experience this, and for a husband who has been such a big listener and supporter of me.  Last week, one particular night, I started crying and I just couldn't stop.  I felt so worried and upset and sad and my heart was broken in pieces.  He didn't say anything.  He just held me.  It was just what I needed.

283

Temple Sealing Ordinances    Ryan and I had the opportunity to attend the temple sealing of some dear friends in our ward.  They're an older couple--Vance is in his 70's and Hazel her 60's.  They've waited for so long to find each other.  We were so happy to share it with them and also, be surrounded by our other friends there.  Oh, it was wonderful!

And you know what?  All of a sudden, nothing else mattered--the dishes in our sink, the un-dusted shelves, the mountain of laundry, the last 10-15 pounds I want to lose, or everything else.  All that mattered was that we have an eternal family.  We are trying our best to keep the covenants we made in the temple and doing everything we can to stay worthy to live with the Savior again.

I am so blessed to get to go to the temple and have a worthy companion.  Love him.

282

My Husband's Thoughtfulness    Ryan and I had a home date on Friday night, just hanging out and watching a movie in our pj's.  Ryan chose a chick flick for me, without any prodding or suggesting from me.  So thoughtful.  I love this man.  He's a good one.

281

Family Prayer    Our family is pretty good about praying together at night, and then, we try our best to pray together each morning.  Sometimes it ends up happening in the car, because we forget or sometimes we miss, because we're going too fast in the morning.  Lately, we've been getting better at our morning prayers together, though.

This morning "Dadey" (Davey) gave our morning prayer.  It was so sweet and kind and he was trying his best to be thoughtful.  He even started to close his prayer and then, he remembered one more thing:  he wanted to pray for me.  He added something like, "Please bless us to be thoughtful to Mom."

I'm grateful for personal and family prayer.  It really does fortify us and as we pray specifically, He answers prayers.  We can develop a closer relationship with each other.  I'm ever grateful for prayer.

280

A Good Night's Sleep    My restless leg is back, as well as my fabulous back pains, and sleep is hard to come by these days.  Many nights I am either awake most of the night or I have to take something to aid my zzzzz's.  Last night, I went to sleep shortly after closing my eyes and retiring to my bed, and I didn't wake up once in the middle of the night.  Oh my, I am grateful for a good night's rest and sleep.

279

A Phone Call From a Dear Friend    I chatted with a dear college friend for many minutes today via phone and it lifted my spirits.  All of a sudden, I found myself smiling and motivated enough to wipe down some dirty counters, scrub dishes, fold laundry, and get going.  I love those friends that see the best in you and they help you to be your best.  I am one BLESSED girl!

278

Little Traditions    I LOVE the simple things of our life.  For example, our family tradition of going to the zoo has evolved into a stop at our favorite little ice cream vendor outside the gates with a stroll in Hermann Park to follow.  Typically, we feed the ducks or gaze at the fish and I pray really hard that one of the boys doesn't fall in, because of how close they come to the water.

The little ice cream stand is so small and really something so insignificant, and yet, I can see that we are making memories and enjoying those long sits in the park with laughter and sighing over how delicious our choices of "pock-si-bles" really are.  LOVELOVELOVE making memories with these boys!

 For whatever reason I did not get David eating his ice cream.

277

Serving the Missionaries    We had the missionaries for dinner just one week ago tomorrow, and it was a fabulous time!  I LOVE that we get to spend time with these wonderful sisters and have them in our homes.  They teach us and influence our children.  They're wonderful.

276

Cub Scouts    The boys swam the other night and raced and splashed and squealed with delight!  LOVE my little cub scouts--such a fun calling!

275

My New Polka Dot Dress    LOVE is all I have to say!!

274

Anticipation    Matthew is going to be baptized in less than 2 weeks.  We are so excited and anticipate the wonderful day!

Please join us for Matthew’s baptism on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Drexel Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

1928 Drexel Drive

Katy, Texas 77493

832.428.1880

273

Practicing Baseball with Matthew    Each day after school, we break out the backstop and work on baseball.  It's so fun to play catch (something my dad used to do with me) and pitch the ball, as well as throw pop flies and such.  I love seeing the happiness on Matthew's face and the look of excitement when he accomplishes something.  What a blessing!

272

Promptings From the Holy Ghost    Again, I can't elaborate much, but I've basically had someone on my radar for the past several weeks.  I worried that these feelings were just in my head, but I finally had the courage to break my silence.  Sure enough, they were right on.  What's more is that two other individuals spoke to me about the same worry.  We have promptings from the Holy Ghost, so that we can help others and answer prayers.  I'm grateful for those promptings.

271

Training    I'm still training for my marathon.  It's hard and it's definitely testing me, but I'm determined. I'm going to make the time limit and I'm going to be successful.  It may not look pretty, but I'm going to do it.

270

Hot Bath    Is there anything better than taking a hot bath with a book in hand--bubbles and candles I guess, but then, I wouldn't be able to see the words on the page.  I LOVE a hot bath!

269

Matthew's Heli-cot-er    (As Ethan says it)  Matthew and Ryan take turns flying Matthew's birthday present all over the family room--inspired by Grandpa Allred.  It's fun to watch them and the other boys think it's so great!

268

Car Pool    We started car pooling with our neighbor and it's fabulous!  She loves to pick up for the afternoon and I take in the morning.  It's the perfect system and we don't have to deal with the yelling bus driver anymore.  I am grateful for good neighbors and car pooling.

266

A Date with the Hubs    Ethan and I met up with Ryan this past week for a lunch date.  Ethan was so tickled when he saw Ryan and wouldn't let go of him.  It was fun to meet up and start this tradition!

267

Hubby's Talents    Ryan changed the breaks and the oil on the van yesterday.  It may seem small or simple, but it saves our family money.  I am grateful for his talents!!

265

A Hard-Working Husband    Ryan has been putting in lots of hard work at his new job to learn and develop the necessary skills to be successful.  He's always worked hard at whatever he's done, and I'm grateful he supports our family.  We're so lucky.

264

Watching My Children Develop Talents    Playing sports instills such a confidence in my children.  In particular, Matthew feels much better about himself when he accomplishes a hit or catches a ball.  David thinks he's on top of the world when he completes a cartwheel.  Grateful I get to stay home and watch the boys develop these talents.

263

Reading with my Little People    Ethan brings me books throughout the day and we cuddle on the couch with a book.  LOVE that.  David comes over when we read, and Matthew grabs a book to read by himself.  LOVE reading with my children.  Tom Williams was a big influence in this department.  Not sure if he'll ever know just how much he filled that bucket.

262

Caramel Corn and Other Fall Recipes    We took some homemade caramel corn to the game the other night, as well as made some other tasty treats.  In particular, we've made spicy tuscan soup with Italian sausage, spinach, onions, garlic, cream, and potatoes, as well as pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, cornbread, and homemade chicken sausage gumbo stew.  Life is good!

261

Open Windows    I've been able to open our windows 2 days now over the past month to feel the cool air.  LOVE me some open windows.

260

New Writing Opportunity    I've spent this past month on a writing project.  It has blessed our family's life, and it came at a time of uncertainty when we transitioned from one job to another.  Heavenly Father continues to answer our prayers through other people.

259

Answered Prayers    We've tried to be very specific with our prayers, and it's amazing to see the fruits of that labor.  Yes, prayer is a form of work, and Heavenly Father continues to bless our family with answers.  He takes care of us and meets our needs.

258

Fall Plants    My salvia are in full bloom, as is our newest Hibiscus.  LOVING the fall!  I will go to Home Depot this week to pick up our broccoli and cauliflower plants.

257

Baking Bread    I'm baking our own bread again, and I'm loving it!  Kneading is therapeutic, as I always say, and helps slow down time.

256

Friday Night Football    Our family LOVELOVELOVES going to Friday night football games.  This past Friday evening we attended Westside's game at Delmar and the boys had such a great time.  Even better, though, was that Ryan attended with us.

255

Halloween Month    I took the boys to see Hotel Transylvania.  They loved the treats and the drinks, the popcorn, and the magic of the movie.  The rain fell outside and the theatre inside was packed.  We had a great time!

254

Technology    I am amazed by this information age.  Cell phones, computers, Internet, texting, smart phones, instant messaging, digital photography, and much more.  We are so blessed.

253

Service    I've had the opportunity to serve as a baseball team mom.  It's been really rewarding to work with the parents of the team and have a leadership opportunity.

252

Missionary Work    I've had so many missionary opportunities as of late.  I won't elaborate on all of them, but I've discovered something about myself.  I'm happiest when I am doing the Lord's work and acting as an instrument in His hands.  I'm ever grateful for missionary work.