Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween

On Halloween, Hayden wanted to go and scare Grandma Julie... poor little Millie dog, I think he scared her the most.

Halloween Party

Happy Halloween! Hayden went with Jodi, Brooklyn, Talmage and Suzi to Jodi's ward Halloween party on Saturday night. We were supposed to be there, but I ended up in urgent care instead...not fun. But, I am so thankful to a wonderful sister that will step in and just take Hayden like one of her own. Couldn't ask for a better sister....she is simply the best!

When Thomas and I arrived, the kids had done the cake walks, fishing ponds, games, trick or treated around the circle twice and each had a bag full of candy, messy faces and huge smiles! They had so much fun.

I sure love this picture of my little dragon slayer. He was so excited to see me and show me his loot. He loves Halloween and all the parties and fun times it brings!

Braden's Baptism

Braden turned 8 years old on October 29th and had the blessing of being baptized on his actual birthday. He was so excited to get baptized and make that covenant with our Heavenly Father.
Hayden and Braden are cute little buddies, especially being less than a year apart. Hayden was so excited for Braden.
I love any chance I get to see this little one.
Jodi gave a talk on baptism and Lisa Sawyer gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Hayden was intent and glued to both of them while they spoke and they both did amazing jobs. Jodi used cheese whiz to represent sin and how we can repent and always be like the day we were baptized. Lisa used things that represented the ways the Holy Ghost can help us. Flashlight-guide us; sunscreen-protect us; seashell-we need to listen; blanket-comforts us.

On the way from the baptism to Braden's house, Hayden rode with a ton cousins in Suzi's car. The kids were all chanting "Party, party, party" and other things. Hayden speaks up and says, "I can't hear the Holy Ghost, you are all being too loud. But, I know that he is whispering to me that we are not making good choices."

Later that night, Thomas and I sat down and talked to Hayden about what he was feeling and why he was feeling that way. He listed different elements that were taking place that he wasn't comfortable with. I asked what he felt like he did vs. what he should have done. He said, "Mom, I made so many bad choices that I wasn't sure which one that the Holy Ghost was telling me was wrong, so I was just trying to make them all right. I sat in the front seat, which I am not allowed to do, we were yelling and that distracts the driver, and I was supposed to ride with you and dad."

So sweet as Hayden made the choice to listen to what he knew was right. And, listen to him decide the route to correct the problem and in the same situation again, decide in advance what he would do. I am so thankful for the wonderful talks given at Braden's baptism so that Hayden could have the opportunity to realize for himself the ways in which the Holy Ghost speaks to him. I am hoping that by Hayden listening to the Holy Ghost in the small things that he will learn how to listen when it comes to the big things. What a beautiful baptism and a great reminder to really listen when the Holy Ghost speaks to our hearts.

Simonton Halloween Party

Grandpa and Grandma Simonton put on a wonderful Halloween party, like always. There was tons of food, games galore, outside Wii, bounce house, slides and tons of fun! Only requirement: wear a costume and make a spooky dessert.

Hayden loved it and loved that he took best kid costume for his werewolf getup!
Here he is with his trophy for best costume and new toy! Can we say huge sugar high? Look at that face!
Alyssa, Ashlee and Suzi put on the games and they were amazing. Alyssa did a great job on "Guess the Gross". Of course, that was Hayden's favorite!

Hayden and Chase LOVED LOVED LOVED being werewolves together!
Casey brought new little baby Banks. He is such a cutie and I love my new little nephew. Love the new baby smell and love cuddling with him.
Josh & Steph's kids took home best family costume. They all looked so great dressed up as "Kiss"!
Brinley had to be Tinkerbell and not go with the Simonton theme. I love that she gets so excited to see me. She definitely has stolen my heart!
Rosie and Jake always crack me up and took best adult costumes.
Me, I think these two were the best. I sure love my guys! I love that even my scary little werewolf leans in for a hug from his Gorilla dad.
I feel bad for Talmage and Brigham who were both terrorized by Hayden's costume. Hayden has loved the werewolf costume! Too fun!
We sure had a fun night. I love the memories and traditions that Hayden has in his life. Happy Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins

Hayden and Thomas both love carving pumpkins. They always do something creative. This year, Hayden wanted a bat. I love that it is a father and son activity. Hayden and Thomas had the best time and laughed and talked while carving the pumpkins. I love how excited he gets. Bring on the fun week of Halloween parties, traditions and events!

Spoiling Talmage


I may or may not have let little Talmage man have his own cupcake when he was at my house. Is it any wonder why Aunt Jer is the favorite? He loved it but boy did he make a mess!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Road Lesson

I absolutely love this picture. Hayden wanted so badly to ride the road rally racers by himself. Thomas could tell that Hayden was going to struggle doing it. At first he tried pushing Hayden then quickly grabbed a bike and helped Hayden to do it. I could hear/see Thomas around the course. As the course went on, tears filled my eyes. Thomas was pushing Hayden from behind, verbally cheering him on, he reassured him that he could do it and in the end when Hayden was just out of strength, Thomas came along side and held on to him while he helped him to finish the race. Along side, TJ, Brody, Brigham, Grandma and I were all cheering him on. He did it and he finished the race. He was EXHAUSTED afterwards but so very proud of himself. The rest of that day and into the night, that moment has stuck with me. I think this race is so similar to our lives. We set out unsure of our abilities to be able to conquer the race. I think our Heavenly Father has to be much like Thomas was with Hayden....letting go when he knew Hayden could do it, encouraging us to keep trying, pushing us when we don't have the strength to keep going and in the end, right there with us, holding onto us so that we can make it and can finish the race. Not only that, the Lord has placed people in our lives and path to encourage us, support us and cheer us on when we feel like giving up. I not only saw the similarities, I felt the Lord was trying to teach me that it is the same with us on earth... he is here with us, teaching us, pushing us and carrying us when we can no longer do it ourselves. I am so thankful for his gospel and the understanding I have of the purpose of this earth life. And, especially the knowledge that he does walk with me, even when I am so tired I can't see him.