Garrett's Birthday Party

 Garrett's Birthday!  We did Margaret's party  in the morning and then Garrett's in the afternoon.  He got to invite one friend...Ezra.  We went to the zoo...it was Boo at the Zoo!  Candy for all!

 Here is Ezra.  Garrett and he ran all over the Zoo and had a great time getting candy and taking pictures.  (that is Garrett's favorite thing to do.  Garrett and Ezra were hams!

 Mom taking pictures of Garrett taking pictures...good times picking up the Candy!

 Guess which animal Ezra just saw?  You guess??  Nope not a chicken, it was a Monkey!

 Me in all my party Glory. Hair in a pony, sweats, and at least lipstick.  No Glam here...just a mom. My heart is always with the children.  Having kids is such a blessing and a joy.  I've learned the true meaning of love and hard work.  I've learned that ups and downs happen on an hourly basis and to let go of control.  You don't have control anyway so why worry about it?  Stick to routine, be as organized as you can be and let Love guide you.  IT is the secret to having almost 8!

 This Rhino gave us quite a show...he did his business and Garrett was laughing and laughing and laughing!!  If you eat and drink you have to get rid of the waist....it's that simple!

 Marianne discovered the joy of chasing the chickens... oh excuse me..."wild Jungle fowl!" (Thanks Garrett).  Anyway she chased them all over the place...it was too cute!

 We took Grandpa-Billy-goat.  He had a great time with the kids and with all the improvements at the zoo.  He was very impressed.  Look at that Smile!  He just loves this little girl!

Mom trying to take a picture of all the kids on the Merry-go-round...and I got caught!   Thanks Garrett.  I hope that number 13 was a great one!  It was for all of us!

Margaret's Birthday Party

 Well, when you have a daughter born on Halloween, you usually hold a birthday party a few days before...it you can.  This year we did a hair and makeup party.  Here are all the guest and all their style!

 Margaret, in her crimp style, blue eye shadow, and blue styling shirt.  She had a great time....so did all of her guest: Brinlee, Breanna, Chloe, Anna, Sophia, and Presley.

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 Here's Chloe!

 Big eyed Presley!

 Anna Banana Mana... she did the curly hair and the purple eye shadow.

 Breanna...she had all the Monster high outfit...the total shaaaabang!

 Sophia...she did not want to have anything done to her hair, but BLUE eye shadow was a BIG TIME YES!!

 Virginia trying to smile through all the make up...looks like a got a "demon" eye...sorry babe!

 The bride of Monster High!  She just loved this look so...we kept it!

 Turning 9...you only do it once so go big!

The Farm

 The Farm!  We head to a magical place one a month for time to be with an amazing person, Miss Monica Mower!  She is a long time friend and she has a way that helps me to better understand my Margaret...and how to help with the emotional ups and downs we have with her.  Anyway, the Farm is now a second home or home away from home...just look at all the fun and you can see why!

 Margaret and her friend Kami.  Oh yes...and all the cats.  They are just as much fun.  They help the kids to relax, not feel so tense, and they teach us that we are here to help and take care of others...important lessons!

 Cute, Cute Cute!

 TJ, Kellis, and Kami waiting for their turn to hop back on the 4 wheeler.  Good times!

 Mr. Kevin Mower...the 4 wheeler expert!  Lights on!  It's time to milk the cows!

 TJ, I promise that I'm not posting this picture to be used as blackmail, but ahhhh so cute.  He has a soft spot for the cats.

 Lots of time to sit and talk.  It is good for everyone to just take time...time to relate, listen, stop, and not be bombarded by noise.  Good Friends having a nice time.

 The COWS!!  These are 2 year olds (I think).  Cute...Garrett is my photographer...he captured over 654 pictures...you are only getting a few.

 Look at who showed up on the farm??  Frodo Baggins!  He loved toddling around the cats, playing with the buckets, and sitting on the porch.  He loves the Farm!

 This is my friend Miss Monica!  She has a wonderful sense of love and service for all.  She has a beautiful testimony of the Lord...and she uses that to help us out to have more patience, more time, and more love for one another.  I'm grateful for her dedication to help.  She is an angel in my life!

Garrett and the Calves...so cute!

 Naming and numbering...eating and feeding...birthing, and milking, milking, milking...it's 24/7.  It is a hard working life!

 AHHH a Stow-away!  Marianne tried to take this cat home with us three different times.  She just loved this cat.  She is all smiles and giggles!

Autism Carnival

The 2012 Autism Carnival!  It is a group of volunteers that help kids on the Autism spectrum just relax, and have a safe time just being themselves!

The Snakes and reptiles were the biggest hit!

Just Clowning around

Just a little paint...

The Carnival

 Marianne and her first Cotton Candy...she hated it!  YES!!  I hate it too!  For me, it is the texture.  I feel like I'm chewing on hair.  YUCK!

Virginia and the gecko.  She loved it!

 What a picture perfect Smile!  She is so happy!  This is a place where she can relax...she is not stressed out at all...and she can just enjoy life!

 These Daughters of God came into my life at just the right moment.  They teach me how to be patient, loving, caring, and silly!  It is great to have girls!

 Scary Scary!!!  Marianne was not too sure about this...

 Oh yeah!  Oh yeah!!  I'm the coolest  14 year old ever!!  ok wait...

 She is either trying to shake hands or teach him ASL...not sure if it is working....

 My little Rhetten...he loved the train!  This was a highlight of his day.  Soooo cute!  Love the love with big Brother.

 Jump, Maggie, Jump!  She was nervous, but I'll give her credit for trying something she had never tried before.  Way to Go!

 Look Mom!  What am I??  YEP the Human Rocket!!

Fun with carnival.  Thank you Sahara Cares for all that you do for so many.  You are an inspiration and it is a gift of service that you give to so many.  Thank you!