Monday, October 31, 2022

It's a good thing it's Halloween. Luke's carved pumpkin has had it.
 

Sunday, October 30, 2022

On our drive home from St. George, we stopped at Burger King for lunch. Luke bet Brad $100 he couldn't eat a whole Ghost Pepper burger, and Brad stepped up. It turns out it wasn't that hot. Luke still paid up.
 

Saturday, October 29, 2022

More tournament play in Hurricane, UT. The opposing catcher inspired Brad and me to sing the Star Wars theme song every time he appeared.

This will be Luke's last game with the Tigers. He never quite connected with his teammates, and the games just weren't fun for him. At the end of this game, Luke greeted us with a grinning "The gospel is TRUE!" Apparently, he was really worried he wouldn't do well at his last at-bat, so he offered a little prayer before stepping up to the plate. He ended up hitting a ground ball to the first baseman, who bobbled it and didn't make the out. Then Luke stole second, which distracted the opposing team from the runner on third who made the winning run. So while I'm sure Heavenly Father isn't one to make some boys fail so others win, it sure was nice for Luke to end this season feeling successful. It's been a rough fall for baseball.
 

Friday, October 28, 2022

Baseball tournament in Mesquite, NV. An absolutely beautiful day.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Brynn in October 2017. Probably my favorite Halloween costume pic ever. Jodi nailed it!
 

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Luke, aka Waffles, playing shortstop at the annual Cedar Valley baseball Halloween game. The team played against the coaches and parents--all in costume--and pulled off a very chilly 3-0 win.
 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

For our ward trunk or treat in 2019, I recreated a spooky seminary class. Yeah, I was pretty proud of myself.
 

Monday, October 24, 2022

We woke up to snow! It's a little magical.
 

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Concluding a week of birthdays with a bang! Brad's party with his parents.
 

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Joey in his Halloween costume in 2019. His excitement is palpable.
 

Friday, October 21, 2022

Jami sent me this pic, which is a view of my house from her kitchen window. I could not be happier about this.
 

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Went to lunch with my mom and seesters, then gave them a tour of my house. I love these gals!
 

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

At the Jazz season opener with Adam's friend Giana, Pepper's friend Zach, and some random, happy, bearded guy.

It was a great surprise to see Dave and Jack just a few feet away!
 

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Since it's a week of birthdays, here's a throwback shot of Pepper's 12th bday, celebrated in Berlin. Look at those cute faces!

This was Pep's priesthood ordination that same month. L-R: YM Pres. Fabian Rakow, Bishop Andreas Fischer, and Brad. Good, good men, and a very good day.
 

Monday, October 17, 2022

Celebrating McKay's birthday in style!
 

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Celebrating Grandpa Larson's birthday. Seventy-seven birthdays, and he's still excited!
 

Saturday, October 15, 2022

BYU ballroom pre-tour show. How much do I love that Adam is catching ballroom fever? There are no words!
 

Friday, October 14, 2022

Tiana and Abby's absolutely beautiful wedding.
 

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Yummy lunch today with my Bitner sisters, Lois, and Aunt Connie.
 

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Jocelyn did a little dance at the CVHS football game tonight. She was obviously the cutest one there, so it didn't matter that she was a beat behind everyone else.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Sunset view. Oh, and the kids are cute, too.
 

Monday, October 10, 2022

It's starting to look like a house!

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Jess sent me this post of Pepper's from January 2013. Buzz-cut Luke and Joe, sharing a sweet moment in our Texas kitchen. I can't stop looking at it.
 

Saturday, October 8, 2022

I saw these at Smiths, and they're giving me all the scratchies. Why would anyone buy these?
 

Friday, October 7, 2022

My heart is breaking a little.

This week, I found out the head baseball coach at Cedar Valley has been spreading rumors about me and an assistant coach having an affair. I am outraged. This is the last straw in a very frustrating year with Coach Miller, and I can no longer keep quiet. This morning, I sent a 6+ page letter to the Alpine School District administration outlining all the abuse we've seen Miller inflict on Luke and asking for his termination.

This is a hard thing for me to do. I love baseball, and I love the Cedar Valley team. In sending my letter, I know there is a good chance Luke will be cut from the team and I will no longer be welcome on the bleachers. But if I'd swallowed this, I would've hated myself. Luckily, Luke is 100% on board. As he said, "Miller has already ruined baseball for me. He can't ruin in more." I hope he's right.

Me? I'm just sad. It sucks to fight something I once desperately loved.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

We went over to Jess and McKay's house to help paint their basement, and their doggie cam caught this moment after we'd put the paint brushes away. After his triumph at the dance lab last night, Adam apparently felt like he could lead any partner in Waltz. I'm not sure Olive agreed.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Adam is taking Dance 184 this semester, which is beginning ballroom dance. Tonight was a dance lab, in which he competed Waltz. He did AMAZING! He's been practicing a ton, and was disappointed in his fourth place finish. FOURTH PLACE!! I was so beyond proud of him!
 

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Jess has got the doggies all ready for Halloween. They are very scary in their costumes.
 

Monday, October 3, 2022

Tonight, our little family got together for a steak kabob and cheesy potato dinner in honor of Pepper's birthday. We are so lucky to have this guy in our family 💕
 

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Pepper is 24! We were stuck driving home from Las Vegas, but the Bitners stepped up and showed Pepper all the love.

Man, I love these people. I scored big-time with my in-laws.
 

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Vegas baseball tournament. Luke's team lost all three games, so not a super fun weekend.