Halloween 2018

Halloween this year was a lot more fun having Manny with us.  Danni planned and worked with girls to get cute costumes this year.  I think they look great.  Danni and Manny joined us at the Trunk or Treat this year.  It was held the Sat. night before Halloween.  Brigham was unable to join us because of work, but after the Trunk or Treat, we went to Apache Junction and participated in the trunk or treat there and were able to see Brigham. 

Danni and Manny - football and his #1 fan

Ice Cream Cone, Scarecrow, and Waldo

Pace Family 

Fun with Friends

On Halloween, Brigham and Danni joined Junior and Brittany at the Lazona Ward's Trunk or Treat.  Danni and Brittany got their boys matching costumes and had matching costumes too.  It reminded me of the time when Danni and Britt were little and we were taking pics of them on Halloween night.  

Brigham, Danni, and Manny

Britt and Danni with their boys

On Halloween, we carved a very simple pumpkin.  Josh and Emily dressed up to pass out candy, while Angela participated in the Halloween activities that Animal Crossing provided.  We played Halloween very low-key.  I tried to watch a movie with my family, but that was a bust.

Halloween Fun

Memorable Monday8th Halloween

Here is a picture of the costumes of my kids wore on their 8th Halloween.  

Josh - Pirate
Danni- Diva
Angela - Cinderella
Emily - Red Riding Hood

I love Halloween, not really the costumes but the opportunity to take pics.  I'm not the best at picking out costumes, so I have my sister or kids help out.  Lisa totally helped me out with Josh's costume, the girls costumes I had on hand, and Emily totally picked her own costume out.  They had a great time and I enjoyed taking their pictures.

Evening of Excellence

Emily went to the Evening of Excellence tonight.  It was a beautiful evening with beautiful ladies.  Emmy's project was helping Danni talk care of Manny.  It was such a beautiful evening.  I really miss seeing Angela in YW.  It's time to Emily to shine.

Emmy's project

KBP YW

Memorable MondayMother Nature's Farm

Taking Manny and the girls to Mother's Nature Farm reminded me of the time that I took Josh and Danni on one trip,  Danni and Angela on a trip, and again with Ang and Em.

*The first time was when Josh was in a little group where Mom's traded off taking care of them, similar to a Joy School concept.  This was the first time that I went and had a blast with Josh and Danni. We painted the pumpkins after we picked out the ones we wanted.  There was a hay ride and a place just to play in the hay.  Josh loved playing in the hay.  He was a busy kid.

*The second time was when Danni was in pre-school.  Angela joined us on the field trip.  It was so fun to take my girls.  Danni was often hanging out with her friends.  

*The third time Jim and I took Ang and Em.  This was the first time that I brought Jim with me.  This was just a family event, just the 4 of us.  It's always fun to see the animals, pick a pumpkin, and go on the hay ride.  My favorite part was getting pics of the girls.  They had a great time and were very patient as I took pictures.

Pumpkin Patch

Mother Nature's Farm

We took Manny to the pumpkin patch.  It was a lot of fun.  We stopped by and saw the animals.  We really loved the llama.  We spent quite a while there trying to get good photos.   We went on the hay ride after visiting the animals.  The hay ride wasn't very long, but it was nice to sit down and take a break.  After our hayride, we picked out our pumpkins.  I think Danni found the smallest cutest pumpkin for Manny.    Since we only paid for 2 pumpkins, Emmy gave hers to Manny.  It was a sweet gesture that was very much appreciated.  It was fun just being with my girls and snapping photos.  I know that Manny will not remember much of this trip, but my girls and I will.  It was a great trip.

Enjoying the animals and tractor

Bonding Time

Manny's First Pumpkin

Manny1 month

"Manny is ONE MONTH old today! This month with our sweet boy has shown us a love we could have never imagined. Our hearts are so full and we feel so blessed to be parents of such an amazing cuddly little boy."  Danielle Gaytan

My grandson is 1 month old today. The photo shoot wore him out.  Mindy bought these cute bow ties and I thought it would be so cute to use them.  Danni is going to take her monthly pics and I'll take some using the cute bow ties.  I'm so excited.

Memorable MondayHalloween 2006

What a Halloween 2007 was .  Josh dressed up as Luigi,, Angela was an angel, and Emily was Minnie Mouse.  Dani had 3 different costumes - a princess, 50's girl, and a witch.  I love that Danni had 3 different costumes.  That totally fits her personality.

Josh as Luigi

Danni as a princess

Danni as a '50s girl

Danni as a witch

Angela as an angel

Emily as Minnie Mouse

Josye, Emmy, and Kenz

Danni and Britt

Maybree and Danni

The highlight with Halloween was when we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Pace.  We tried on Grandpa's blow up sumo wrestling costume.  It looked great on Grandpa Pace, but it was awesome when Josh and Danni tries it on.  

Grandpa Pace

Josh's turn

Danni's  turn

Angela's YW Medallion

Angela worked really hard and earn her YW medallion.  She worked super hard to earn this medallion.  It was my honor to help her work towards this award.  She taught me a lot while the two of us worked together to earn this special award.

Here is a list of her 10 hour projects

Faith - Pioneer Trek
Divine Nature - Art Book
Individual Worth - Try out for Regionals
Knowledge - Graduate High School
Choice & Accountability - YW Journal
Good Works - Feed My Starving Children / Randolph House
Integrity - Watch Conference & Take Notes
Viture - Read Book of Mormon

Her friend Becca received her medallion the same day.

Sis. Johnson earned hers too.

October Break

Day 1 of October Break - We went for a walk around the Riperian Preserve and then hit Sodalicious.  The weather was really nice so a walk around the park was great.  Later that day, we went to visit Manny.  We want to spend as much time as we can with that little guy.  

Day 2 - We had lunch at Backyard Taco  They have a new location closer to us and we went to check it out.  We also went to see Small Foot at Fat Cats.  The movie was OK, but I'm glad that I was able to spend the day with my peeps.  This is Josh's last day of October Break.

Day 3 - Angela and I started off the day at the MVD.  We got Angela a state ID.  Afterwards, the girl and I went shopping at Walmart and Target to find Halloween costume ideas.  We picked out great costumes and came home to work out the details.  Emmy is going to be a scarecrow and Angela is going to an ice cream cone.  Danni is so talented and helpful.  While Danni worked on costumes, we held Manny.

Day 4 - The girls and I went to Red Mountain Park to visit Grandma and Grandpa Wall and meet some of the ham radio friends.  We played on the equipment and then walk around the pond.  The weather was so nice!!!  Later that day, Danni and I went shopping at Hobby Lobby.  Danni is looking to decorate her home and Hobby Lobby is the place to go. 

Day 5- Today is sprinkled for most of the day - YAY!!!  The girls and I made a Happy Halloween banner and then had lunch at Panda Express.  Spending time with Manny is the icing on the cake.  It was the perfect way to end October Break.

General Conference

General Conference this year was a great one with a lot of changes.  The biggest change was the announcement of 2 hour church instead of 3 hours.  They also introduces the Come Follow Me Program.  We are really excited about having church for 2 hours and anxious to learn more about the program and how to implement it.  Here are some of the things that made an impact for me.

Part of the Invitation to the Sisters.

*President Nelson gave the women of the church a four-part invitation.
1- 10 day fast from social media and from any other negative or impure media - I'm going to give up Netflix, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Netflix.  He want us to notice how this affects our priorities.
2- Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year.  He want us to mark versese that refers to our Savior.
3- Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.
4- Participate fully in Relief Society

*President Nelson also talked about the reason behind the importance of calling our church by it's official name - "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".  He made a statement about this in August and called it a "course correction"

Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be, and even precedes His declaration with, ‘Thus shall my church be called,’ He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used and adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.”

*President Nelson introduces the "Come Follow Me Program and the 2 hour church block beginning in January 2019.  This new program will be home-center and church-supported.  This is to "help balance the unique and essential way  members worship and learn  live the Savior’s gospel both at church and at home."

*Announced 12 temples, one in Utah, and plans are being made to renovate and update the Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer generation temples.  Details to come later.

Here are a few of some great quotes from conference.