I'm going private....

Hello friends, family, and strangers alike.... I have decided to make my blog private... again... I am planning on making a blog specifically for Rebecca Phoebe so if others would still like to refer their friends and loved ones who could draw strength from it, they can. I know there are a lot of people who read my blog who like to "silently" read, meaning, I don't know you come on! I would still like you to have access to my blog even if you don't publish a comment.

So, here is what ya gotta do. Reply to this post, or send me an email at rebecca.michel@gmail.com and give me your email address. I will add you to the "invite" email when I make my blog private on Thursday Oct. 23, 2008. If you don't, you will no longer have access to my blog.

Hurry, hurry and send me your email request so you don't miss out on the best blog on the block... ;)

Track-Off Fun

We had a blast at the zoo. We have been trying to stay busy on our track off and so far we have been successful. We even kidnapped dad from work to come with us.

(If you click on the collage it will make the images bigger)

Hyrum was at that perfect age where the world is opened up to him. He would constantly point his finger and "ooo" at everything.

Emily would not have anyone else pull the wagon except herself. She got many a look when people would see this little thing pulling her older brothers!

Aaron and mom had fun hanging out looking for critters in the bushes while the others enjoyed Lorikeet Adventure (you can feed lorikeets in an enclosure).

Ammon and Tyler enjoy the zoo on a different level now that they can read. They like to read the signs and learn more about the exoctic animals.

Dad enjoyed feeding his little ducklings (top right) with his yummy gummy bears.

I enjoyed taking my camera for the first time in a long time. Due to the fact that we come so often to the zoo, I would end up with page after page of the zoo. I eventually made myself leave the camera at home. Not this time. I had fun!

Below are my most favorite pictures that I took.

This last one is of a peahen and her chicks. I love how they are all gathered safely under her wings. You can't help but first think of your own children and how you want to keep them all close to you. Safely tucked away under your wings, protected from the evils of the world. And then it reminds you of the scripture that Christ says so pleadingly, "How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you."

Ammon's an official WOLF with a KNOT!

Ammon had a big night at our last Pack Meeting. He worked really hard to get two big things accomplished. He advanced to the rank of Wolf AND got his religious square knot. I am always amazed at the amount of Ammon's dedication to anything he puts his mind to. He is very intelligent and is dedicated to things that he is passionate about. He teaches me daily at what it means to get right back up and try all over again. CONGRATULATIONS AMMON!! We love you and are so proud of you!




The above picture is of Ammon receiving his Religious Square Knot award from our bishopric counselor. Ammon had accomplished all the requirements a few months ago and was just now receiving it. He was asked what he had to do to get this. I thought, "Oh no! It's been so long, I don't really remember". Well this is where my son, who never forgets anything, went on for a couple minutes what he did to earn it. Whew! Glad it wasn't me! If you look closely at this picture, you will see why we really enjoy going to pack meeting. My children are always so calm, always stay in their seats, and never, ever try to draw attention to themselves.... Just ask Emily... :)

My pretty pretty ballerina!

Have I ever told you what an amazing, talented sister I have? Seriously, if I had as much talent in my little pinky that she has I would be wonder woman! She MADE this most adorable outfit for the Miss Em for her birthday. Let's just say, SHE LIVES IN THIS!!! I love seeing her twirl, cock her head to one side, and to see her feel like she is the prettiest thing alive (which she is of course... :) I hope you enjoy these pics as much as I do! Thanks Aunt Val!

I love fall....

I love fall. I love the way the trees change from green to red and then fall gracefully from the trees. I love the way the days are still warm, but the nights are just crisp enough to make you want to snuggle in a blanket. I love the way the kids get that excited look as they see all the Halloween decorations in the store and tell you what they "want to be". We have been trying to decide. As we were getting ready for church a few weeks ago, Ammon was styling his own hair. Let's just say, he is trying his hardest to master his wayward hair! He came to me for approval and I couldn't help but show a big grin. Here right before me was Alfalfa! This brought us to an interesting idea. What if we had our own Little Rascals for Halloween! We could have Spanky, Porky, Alflafa, and even Petey the dog (Hyrum). And of course we have our own Darla. Well, this is where my adorable daughter keeps making me giggle. She keeps telling me. "Mom, I want to be Oh My Darla for Halloween, kay? " :) Gotta love it! We will see if this actually comes to fruition.

Because life has taken an unexpected turn lately, I haven't had a chance to even catch my breath, let alone blog, or catch up on anyone else's blog. I realized that I haven't blogged Emily's 4th and many, many, many other things! Bear with me as I give you a quick recap...

Emily had her "Princess Party" that she had been asking for since her 3rd birthday, and had lots of love and attention. We went to a park that had a duck pond and even got to have Grammie come with us. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner... PBJ. Okay! Easy enough! She had a great princess day!




Emily's first day of Preschool:.
She surprisingly had a hard morning. She was very somber. In fact, she really wanted to take the bear Phoebe (the bear that the kids snuggle when they miss their sister) with her to school. I couldn't even get a smile. :( After she came home, she was back to her perky self. All in all, she loves school and is a great student!





MOVE OVER PHELPS! AMMON'S COMING!

In Ammon's class they have an "Olympiad" in different subjects. Ammon has won all the possible golds so far! He is so proud. He wears them everywhere he goes, hoping someone will ask about them. Way to go Ammon!







My sweet, sweet turkey boy Hyrum. Let's just say, there wasn't much grape jelly left after he got to it. I took quite a few pictures of him, partly because he looked so cute covered in purple goo and because he was just so proud of himself. No remorse... at all... What to do, what to do? :)








I debated whether to post this picture, or the picture of Martin in his new rollerblades and Nerf gun. Did he just turn 32 or 13?!? :) He had a great pampering day with lots of "Happy Birthday" songs, cards, and loves. Matt, Kristy & fam, and Linda came over to celebrate. We had good food, company, and fun playing Matt's new present "Apples to Apples." I do believe Kristy-Lou won... we want a rematch! :)




Emily went on a field trip with her preschool to this GORGEOUS farm. I was so excited to take lots and lots of pictures. Well wouldn't you know... BOTH of my batteries were dead! I was able to catch a few pictures right before the fun started. Sometimes, I just think I am cursed!
Emily had a great first field trip and was even able to ride a horse! Hyrum took to the farm like an old pro. Sometimes I think boys were just made to be on a farm!