Happy Halloween!

I know that I might get in major trouble for this one, but I am doing this for my girls, because I know that they will love it. We had a ward Halloween party last night - and look who road into town!Happy Halloween!

FHE with the Saints!

WARNING - VIEWER BEWARE: You are about to enter PICTURE OVERLOAD!

Most of you know that our family, as well as, the Fairchild family have been long time Saints fans. When we heard that the Saints were coming out our way, and that it was going to be a Monday night football game, we could not resist and bought tickets. Scott was so excited, and had been planning every single detail, this blog will hopefully highlight some of those details.
The first detail came in our shirts, he made everyone custom shirts and sweatshirts for the game. Even soon to be born baby Fairchild got in on the action!
The weather couldn't have been better, and we were ready for the fun to begin! (Scott can take no credit on the good weather!)
No game would be complete without the "tailgate" party to begin. Our menu was awesome, Brats (all varieties), Smoked Sausage, Et Toufee (a French Louisiana Stew), Potato Salad, Cajun Dip & Chips, Sausage Balls, Mini Crawfish Pies and Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies! The good looking guy above did an excellent job on the bbq!
The boys were all pumped, the day had finally arrived - and they were ready to show their Saints pride!
After dinner was over, Scott began the work on Chase. He wanted to go all out and become a true Saints fan (which in his mind meant body paint!)
The Gold paint came out, and Chase patiently let his dad cover his entire face.
At this point there was no turning back, he was committed!
Now, the free hand artwork began. Chase didn't just want to be Gold, but he wanted to flash a Fleur-De-Lis as well.
I loved watching it all come together.
Chase finished the job by completely covering his arms and hands. He was so pleased with the final product, I could tell he couldn't wait to go and "be seen" by the crowd!

Scott brought out his Saints mask that he worked on. This was a serious project, we basically had to paper mache his face so that it would fit him perfectly!

If that isn't a couple of intimidating characters, I don't know what is! These two made such a stir as we were walking to the stadium that we were getting all sorts of reactions and comments. The funniest part was that we were actually stopped a few times by people who wanted to have their picture taken with Chase! (Trust me on this one, he loved every bit of the attention!)
Notice the wall behind us - yep, we were just a few rows shy of being at the very top of the stadium! We actually loved the seats, and we had a really good angle on the game. By the time the game started all the seats were taken, it was a sold out game.
We watched at the team huddled together and had their pump up session! I used to love this part of the game when I watched my kids play sports! (If my memory serves me, it started something like, "Pump, Pump, Pump it up")
The National Anthem was sung by the group Boys to Men, and the National Guard unrolled this beautiful flag. Fireworks were shot in the air, and 3 Air Force Jets flew in formation over our head at the very end! Such a cool and awesome way to start the game, God Bless America!
Ok, from here on out is how the game went down. I started a little late on this, so let me fill you in. In the first 3 minutes of the game, we forced the 49ers into a safety and got our first 2 points. Then a few minutes later, we scored a touchdown and made the extra point. So at the end of the 1st qtr it was 9 - 0. In the 2nd qtr 49ers came back which made it 9 - 7.
Oh no, in the 3rd qtr, the 49ers scored again and now were ahead.
The Saints however, answered back and also got a touch down and extra point in the 3rd qtr, and now again we were ahead by 2.
Then, we made a field goal and we were giving ourselves some more room.
Once again we made another field goal, and we were all thinking - ok, 2 minutes left in the game, up by 8 - this is how the game will finish.
The 49ers answered back, "not so fast!"
And then, instead of going for an extra point they ran the ball into the end zone and got 2 points which tied the game! Do you see this - only 1 minute left - and the game is tied! Ugh! All I could think of was OVERTIME!
The crowd was going wild, and we were hoping that the Saints would pull it off. With 2 seconds left on the clock, the Saints kicked a field goal and won the game by 3 points!

What an awesome ending, what an incredible game! We had a great time, and thanks to Scott every detail was thought of to make it that much more special!

What is this strange feeling?

For 25 years I've had the privilege of being a parent. Some of the days have been absolute joy, and then some of those days, well...let's just say were interesting. When you are in the thick of parenting, making lunches and dinners, driving to school and sports, overseeing homework and projects, helping with church talks and signing school forms, you don't really ever believe that there will come a day when you don't do those things anymore.

As this school year began, I could feel the "change" in the air. I knew that this year represented a completion. My baby (pictured above with my cute little grandson) was turning 18, and he was going to be a senior in high school.

Every single year for 20 years I have filled out 2 emergency cards for each child at home. It didn't matter that they didn't change schools from the last year, or that their siblings were in the same school, each year 2 emergency cards are required. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at the beginning of school when my kids would come home with eight emergency cards total. I'd space it out, to prevent writers cramp!

And now, a week before school was to begin this year, I found myself somewhat melancholy over the emergency cards that were before me. These were my last. Never again was it going to be required of me. The memories of all the emergency cards that I have signed flooded back into my mind. I actually gave the cards a little kiss, and had to smile. What is this strange feeling?

Scott and I decided that a surprise birthday party was in order. Plans were made and we were so excited to make the day special for Chase. Plenty of decorations, lots of yummy food and about 40 people awaited Chase's arrival. Before we came to the party, Chase and I had been at DMV so he could take his behind the wheel driving test. As I sat there, I reminisced over all the trips that I have made to the DMV with each of the kids, silently praying that they would pass their test! He passed - and I realized all at once, this was my last trip as a mom to wait for an anxious teenager at DMV. What is this strange feeling?

We got to the church, and in the gym we walked and Chase was stunned! He turned around and looked at me with his mouth open, and then dropped his head as his face turned bright red. We got him!
Silly minute to win it games were played.

At the end of the party, Chase came to Scott and I and said, "thank you so much mom and dad, that was so much fun!" My mind raced back at all of the times I could see the happy look on my child's face. My heart was warmed. What is this strange feeling?

I could go on and on at the things that have changed for me so far this year, one of the most recent developments is that now that Chase has his drivers license, I no longer drive any children, anywhere!! Wow, what is this strange feeling?

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it certainly is cause for reflection as I enter this new "change" in my life! I asked my husband what this strange feeling was, and he said, "Maybe it's freedom!" I think it's more like shock! The day really does come, and you are not required to do those things - and funny enough, when you are looking back on them, they bring fond and warm memories.

I'm so grateful for grandbabies!

Are my legs really that white?

Scott and I were married on July 30, 1983, we were both babies. I was freshly 18, and he was 1 week shy of 19. In our 27 year marriage, we could probably count on one hand the times that we have taken a weekend away just the two of us. It's not because the idea of going away for the weekend isn't super exciting, it's mostly because, we've been parents for a long time, and never really wanted to miss anything that the kids were involved in. Scott came to me about a week ago with puppy dog eyes, he really wanted a weekend away. Without cell phones, without distractions, just away with me. How could I refuse?
So off we went to one of our favorite places, Tahoe! We put a lot into the two nights. Friday night we enjoyed the Harrah's Seafood buffet, and no one will be shocked to know that my favorite part was the dessert!
Our hotel, had a double decker jacuzzi tub. There was a jacuzzi that had a waterfall that went into a second jacuzzi! You better believe that we enjoyed every minute of this. One of the best parts was there were really no other people who came out in the beautiful night to enjoy the warm pool, and the heavenly sky. So...we had our own little paradise to ourself!
Because of all the yummy food we ate, we needed to get plenty of exercise. Scott is a much better bike rider than I am. At one point, I got off my bike and walked it because the traffic was too scary and I am such a chicken!
We took every advantage of that beautiful blue lake. I've been to Tahoe many times, and I don't ever get tired of looking at that lake. I have to admit, now that I have gotten older, I think the lake has gotten colder! Wow, talk about taking your breath away!

Now for a funny story that happened before we left on our trip. I decided a couple of days before the trip that I was going to get a pedicure. After work, I went straight over to this little shop that my mom always goes to. I sat down in this wonderful chair that rubs your back, and my feet were soaking away. Heaven! In comes the cutest little 80 year old lady, who promptly sits beside me and we start chatting.

We were having wonderful conversations, and all of a sudden I hear her say, "You have the whitest legs ever, don't you ever get out in the sun?" I looked around to see who she was talking to, and then I looked at her in puzzlement, and she repeated to me, "No really, you have the whitest legs ever, don't you ever get out in the sun?" Wow, who says that! I cracked up laughing, I had never been so insulted by someone so old and so cute in my life! I tried to tell her about my busy schedule which kept me from enjoying the sun! Lame! What made it all the worse, was when I looked over at her legs, they were these amazing bronze beauties!

I was bound and determined to get those pearly legs of mine some sun while we were on this trip. I laid in the sun with a vengeance, for 3 hours straight. I kept looking at them thinking, wow, look at the color, they're not so white!

When we got home from our trip, I was looking through the pictures. This picture was taken moments before we were going home to Sac, after all the sunbathing the day before! Sadly, my legs really are that white!

After I finish this post, I am off to Target to buy some rub on tan - since who knows when I will get another opportunity to lay in the sun again!

Generations of Memories

When Scott and I were little children, we remember going to a place called "Fairy Tale Town" Filled with the nursery rhymes that we grew up on along with wonderful slides and activities to tie it all together.

When our children were young, we continued the tradition of Fairy Tale Town. I remember them racing from thing to thing so excited to discover what was next.

And now we have the newest little generation to pass on the tradition to.

Noni and Grandpa (Scott's Parents) were here for a visit from Washington and so we all had a magical day at the Zoo and Fairy Tale Town.

One of the best memories I had as a little girl while visiting fairy tale town was going on the crooked mile. It's a winding road that dips up and down, as little kids you run on it as you master the twists and turns and you really believe it's a mile! Scott jokes that he was about 6 before he could run the mile without running off the edge!! ha ha! My kids loved it, I can still picture Jordan's grin as he would take on the crooked mile! So many great memories.

Check out Talmage's reaction after coming off the crooked mile!

I can't wait to continue to share this tradition with all my little grandchildren - generations of memories have been made in the town of fairy tales!

Baby Want Some Water?

For those of you who don't know, I've been in HEAVEN over the last week! My daughter Heather, her husband James, and that sweet little baby Talmage came home from England. Having family at home is just amazing, and I especially am loving the opportunity to play the role of grandma! The list of reasons of why this role is so great are too long to share, but here are a few of my favorite things:

1. I love that he follows me around the house, sometimes he comes and pulls me by the finger so that I will follow him around - of course, I'll gladly follow!

2. I love that he loves to eat anything that I feed him. I love good eaters!!

3. I love that my job is to just love him, and love him some more - did I mention that this was fun?

4. I love that when he sees me he squeals and runs towards me - melt, melt my heart!

5. I love that he is such a little sponge and learns things so quickly. The following video is proof of that. Within a day of them getting to California the temperatures soared and the poor little thing was hot. Grandma got a great idea to let baby play in the water! Talmage loved the hose, and he would get his hand wet and then lick the water off of his hand to get a drink. I went over and took a drink from the hose, he was watching intently. Here is baby getting his first drink of water from a hose!

I love being a grandma, and Talmage and I are "soaking" up all the time that we can together!

Good Things to Come

I don't know if you have ever had a chance to watch any of the Mormon Messages, put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I have rarely watched one that I could not absolutely relate to. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is the speaker on this video, and he shares a story from his life. I am so grateful to live in this day, with the fullness of the gospel, and with wonderful Prophets and Apostles who continue to encourage and direct me on my path.

Hope you enjoy as much as I did - you might want to grab a tissue!

Click on the following: Good Things to Come

Monkey in the Middle!

After 2 weeks of soaking up the time with Ashleigh, Logan and the new sweet baby Kai, it was time to go home.

We each took our turn holding the baby and giving him lots of extra love.

As it always does, the time finally came to say good-bye. We poured into the cab of our U-haul, and I literally felt like the "Monkey in the Middle!" These were very close driving conditions, but we were all game to make it a fun adventure.

We stopped on the way to have a sit down lunch! Chicken Wings anyone?

This is what the inside of the cab looked like from my angle. Yes, those are my legs, and yes that is the dash board that they are touching! Imagine a 13 hour drive like that!

This is our handsome driver that made the trip seem very easy! I'd drive with this guy anywhere!

Because the U-haul only had a AM/FM radio, I became the "official" book on tape reader! Chase had read this book, and Scott was a little over half way through the book, and so while we drove down the freeway, I read the rest of the book to everyone. It was really fun, we'd stop and discuss different parts as I read. It was great family entertainment.

For those of you who are familiar with trips along I-80, you won't be surprised that we had lots of scenes like the following! Ugh - I had to keep reminding myself that we were still making better time than the pioneers! ha ha

After a long ride home, this was the sweet little furry face that was so excited to welcome us home! I have to honestly say, besides the tight quarters, it was a very pleasant trip - and I am so grateful that we arrived safely to our home.

Big Move needs a Big Jud

For the past few years all of our vacations have included in one way or another moving our children. Some of the moves have been within the same town, and some moves have crossed states. This move in the end will cross many states, in fact, this move will cross the entire United States. This could get confusing...so stick with me...Heather's furniture lived at Ashleigh's for a year, and now it is going home to California, only to be picked up by a POD company and taken to New York to live at Heather's new apartment once she returns from England! Did you catch all that? Anyway, and so it begins.

Logan and Scott posing for the beginning of the work.

Prepping for the move, is hard work.

But not as hard as, moving furniture down a flight of stairs. Look at those strong boys, they gave me heart failure!

Ashleigh's normally clean apartment was turned upside down.

After working so hard, we decided that a big move NEEDED a Big Jud! What is a Big Jud you might be asking? Keep reading, you will find out!

While at the restaurant we ran into our hometown friend Kim Summers. She was there also ready to indulge in some Big Jud goodness!

So here you go, the Big Jud is a 1 lb beef patty on the biggest homemade bun you have ever seen loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and pickles. People come from all over the country to try the Big Jud challenge and have their picture posted on the wall, bragging about their ability to eat that much!

Logan begins the quest.

Scott seems happy to start.

Chase is confident to go for it!

I am stunned at the size of this thing, and know from the beginning that this is a losing battle!

Look at those puppy dog eyes, the burger got the best of Chase!

Logan and Ashleigh believe that the hamburger might be growing before their eyes.

And Scott, is picking his teeth clean! Actually, he didn't eat the whole thing, but this sure does make a good shot doesn't it! We had so much fun, and loved the opportunity to go and take this challenge! We think that the Big Jud has given us the energy to finish the Big Move! I'll let you know if it worked!