Puyallup Fair ~ Sept 25

Disclaimer: So I didn't take my nice camera to the fair because it is just to bulky for a day at the fair. And I didn't want to hurt it anymore since the flash still is working. So I grabbed my Dad's camera but found out when we got there the memory card was missing. So here are some pictures from my iphone, they aren't bad just not up to my normal quality that I like. What can I say I am a picture snop!!!! We had a lot of fun and the boys enjoy the rides. Since we got in free because of the boys tickets from school and Grandpa got some from work, I spent more money on rides then normal. The boys thought it was great!!!! I don't think I will go on a Saturday again though it was really busy!!!!

Finally bought a sprite after we finished all the water I brought!!!

Tired and still thirsty! He wouldn't let it go!!!

2nd Counsler in the Relief Society

Ok new calling thoughts: I was called to be 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society over a month ago. My initial thoughts when asked to meet with the Bishop was that they were going to call me to Primary, and I wasn't sure if I could do that. I really feel the need to be in Sunday School and Relief Society right now. I feel the strength I receive from it each week. And as the Bishop mentioned releasing me from the Relief Society Board I almost begged him to let me do both callings so I could still be involved in Relief Society. He promised me I would but that they need to release me still. I was surprised and overwhelmed when he told me they were calling me to the Relief Society Presidency as the 2nd counselor. But overwhelmed in a good way, I felt that this was a way for me to give back to the ward for all the support that I have received over the last 2 years.
I was amazed by the peace that I felt the next week as I was able to look at my schedule of classes and as a mother that I would be able to find the balance I needed to balance it. I wish I could stay that feeling has stayed with me through this last month. But the Sunday they sustained us, was an eye opener as the former presidency was doing announcements and announced super Saturday in a Month. As a former member of the board I knew that we had not planned anything yet for this yearly event and almost immediately panic set in. But somehow the Lord knows what we need as was able to give me the support and energy to accomplish all that needed to be done. Things seem to just fall in to place. I had a week to put together the classes and get demos ready before fall quarter started and was overwhelmed by the support given to me by sisters, since I don't have a board to help me as yet.
Yesterday was Super Saturday and though I look back and feel that I was ever where and my brain wasn't functioning (another time I will share my story of the night before and the 3 different beds I slept in) every one shared with me their enjoyment of the day and I know I felt a sisterly bond with every sister in attendance. Most importantly I have to give credit to each Sister that was there to help. Joanna Haws who helped me set up the night before and stayed after cleaning up. What an example of strength you are to me. Sister Bell and Jackie, for all the clean up and energy you provided. Lynette Risk and Traci Colwell for supporting me through all the decisions and anxiety I had.
But mostly to my Mom, Becky Burton. You put together an amazing food preparedness class that the sister's haven't stopped talking about. For stepping in and teaching the Sisters to make their own headbands. For watching Colby numerous times so I could run errands or catch up on Homework. For getting up early and making bread. For putting together two quilt tops that we didn't even get around to setting up. For supporting me in all my craziness and mood swings. Without your example and help things would be so much harder.
I am excited to work with Lynette Risk the new Relief Society President who I have looked up to as an example as she has 4 boys the oldest just started BYU Idaho and the youngest turning 12. And Traci Colwell who's experiences in previous Relief Society callings have been so helpful in answering questions and concerns.

Sad News~ For me any ways

So back in August when we went to Utah during the week my pop-up flash on my Nikon D90 died on me. Needless to same I am pretty sad about it. I have called Nikon, and it cost over $200 to send it and have them fix it. I have called camera repairs around town and it cost pretty much the same. I finally found someone up in Tacoma that will at least look at it and diagnose it for $20 and then tell me how much it will cost to fix. So why am I telling you all this....well because with the boys starting school and then my school starting. oh and my new calling!!! Another post on that soon!!! I haven't really taken many photos and the ones I have taken have been with my iPhone. The next couple of posts I have planned are from those. We did end up taking my parents camera to the Puyallup Fair but it ended not having the memory card in it. So until I figure out how to get the few photos on its external memory off I have the few on my phone. So needless to say I am feeling a little lost with out my flash, yes my camera works but in Washington with the cloud cover you need a flash. I am looking into buying an external one but I really haven't had a lot of time to figure out what is the best one for my price range.....So until then expect more wordy post and less pictures. My heart is hurting just thinking about not having as many photos as normal!!

Sept. 8 & 9~ First Day of School ~ Colin and Conner

I have 2 boys in school. I almost can't believe it, except more days now are filled with questions. Questions of Where boys?, and Why? all day long. Colby doesn't like that his brothers are not around. The only time that I get a break from those comments is Nap time. As much I am loving the time with just Colby, he really misses his brothers. Colin started on Sept 8 and he was ok with that but when Conner started on the 9th he was so concerned when Conner was not in the car with us when we left.
Colin is in 1st grade but in a mixed class of 1st and 2nd graders. I am really excited for him, this summer he has really taken to reading and actually prefers to read the Book of Mormon then anything else. And since it has been a couple weeks since school starts he is doing really well.
Conner was tested into the full day Kindergarten class. Yes he is full day and my Mom side really misses him being gone all day. The other student side thinks of the extra time I can study without to many interruptions and then focus on the big boys when they get home. He is doing so well and his teacher loves him. She is actually Colin's teacher from last year, which I think is part reason he got into full day.

The first day they both attended.
Colby was sure he was going too.

Colin ~ 1st grade

Conner ~ Kindergarten

Colin and Mrs. Munneke
Colin's actually first Day.

Colin at his desk, front of the room.
Perfect for him!

Boys going to school on Conner's first day!
I can't believe how big they are!

Mrs. Hunter and Conner
I am so glad he knew his teacher through Colin last year.

Wow lots of Pink!
I think he stands out!!
There are plenty of boys in there though!

Sierra and The boys

We had seven weeks with Sierra home and the boys and I loved every minute. I miss my baby sister so much even though she is grown. Sierra we miss you!!!!