Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween from us to you!

More pictures and a purchase

Chris and I snapped pictures of each other before we left our room Saturday night. Though they aren't great, I thought I'd post them.

He looked so handsome in the tux!

I wish that I had gotten the back of the dress, it had a pretty train. I felt almost 'princess like'.

There was a silent auction before dinner and Chris bought me the necklace and earrings that I have on in the picture below. I know I look goofy, but the jewelry is beautiful and the donation went to a good cause.

Believe it or not, I'm looking forward to doing that again!

Elder Andersen

Chris and I attended the Olympia this morning. We enjoyed talking and each other's company for the rest of the day until it was time for Chris to drop me off at the meetinghouse across from the temple for a special meeting that I was invited to attend with Mom (Nancy). Elder Andersen presided and it was a pleasure to sit at his feet again.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to spend one on one time with Chris and the opportunity to attend that meeting with Mom.

It was a great day!

Kids Beating Cancer

The firm sponsored a table for the Kids Beating Cancer Even tonight. It was at the Reunion Resort in Orlando. A room for the evening was included in our sponsorship, so I got a sitter for the kids and Chris and I took off for a little weekend get away.

It was so nice to get all dressed up and feel fancy fo an evening.

We had a great evening for a great cause!

A new look

When I was walking out of Nordstrom last night, Chris and I stopped at the home section and I made over our bed.

Sometimes, it is just nice to get a new 'look'.

Some firsts

Chris and I had to go get him measured and then order a tux for him for this Kids Beating Cancer Charity event that we are going to this Saturday night. We went to Men's Warehouse and got that done and then headed back down to Nordstrom to pick up my dress that I had purchased earlier in the day, but it had to be altered. (Because I am vertically impaired...)

I never thought it would happen, but I got Chris in a Nordstrom AND I got him to eat at the Bistro! Yes, I wrote that and it is certainly blog worthy!

After we finished eating, I got distracted in the Home section and ended up purchasing some very pretty new sheets, duvet cover, shams, pillows, the whole works. But, our bliss ended abruptly when I received a call from Brennan telling me that he "broke" the boy's bedroom door.

This is what we found when we got home.

I guess we are officially parents of boys.

Greyson's Baptism Day!

It was a wonderful day for the entire family!

It sure would have been nice to have all 7 of us looking in the same direction, but I guess I was asking too much. Oh well, there we are. Nana even got to come, which was wonderful! I think it is great that a great grandmother can be there for her great grandson.

We had a great show of family and I was even surprised that my dad got to come. He usually works all weekend, but he took off and came over. I cried and cried.

Congratulations Greyson! We are so proud of you.

Following the baptism, we went to Chili's as a family. It was a wonderful day.

Wolfgang Puck

Chris and I went to Downtown Disney tonight and dodged the rain. It was storming like crazy, but we had a delicious meal with absolutely awful service. But, we didn't care, we had a great time together.

Ever feel?

Do you ever feel like you've been punched in the gut?

I have had that feeling several times in my life, some for my stupid actions, some because of other's stupid actions, some because of uncertainties related to those I love and their health and happiness.

I guess I just need to have more faith. I'm going to work on that.

A meeting

We had a Relief Society meeting tonight on food storage. I went, though not with the 'best' of attitudes. I'm a firm believer in attending my church meetings, so off I went. I do have a testimony of food storage and its importance. But, I don't do the 'traditional' food storage. I have the two shelving systems in my formal dining room that are full of canned foods that we use. I have a pantry full of food and another closet in the house that is busting open with food. However, we probably only have a few months stored up, if we eat cautiously. I'm working on it...

But, tonight I went to that meeting and I did learn things. I learned things about food storage and I also was reminded that some times, we go to meetings to be there for others. Some times, we need to be there to listen to a friend. Some times, we need to be reminded that we aren't the only one who struggles with life. Some times, we just need a hug, even if we aren't 'huggers'.

Conference - Part 2

General Conference has been wonderful, as it always is. But, this time, we all watched each session while it was happening and we could feel the power. I am so thankful that we conference to receive direction. Where would I be without it?

Though some of those pictures are, lets just say, "less than flattering", I am thankful for the opportunity that I have had this weekend to listen to conference with my family.

General Conference Tastes

This General Conference, I have turned over a 'new leaf' so to say. I've decided that we'll have tasty things fed to us physically...

while we listen to our leaders feed us spiritually!

I think that is a pretty 'sweet' deal!

Greyson is 8!

Greyson Isaac Shipley born September 30, 2003 at noon weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces and being 21 3/4 inches long.

You're already 8!

After going to the doctor yesterday because his throat was sore and his stomach was hurting, Greyson went to school today, on his 8th birthday and shared cookies with his classmates.
Greyson, you are a blessing to this family. You are such a gentle spirit and I can't wait to see what your path is.

Dinner with Family

Carolyn, JC and Bay were in town for a few days and we were lucky enough to be able to have dinner together tonight. Although we had the worst Outback food ever, the company was great!

Hurry back.

Lauklan's Conference

My first conference with Lauklan's teacher was this afternoon. Her nickname for Lauklan is TALKlan. Hmm...

It is hard to believe that he is already in fourth grade! Now, I just need to get him to focus.

Teeth cleaning

I got up this morning and left the house earlier than usual with all the kids but Brennan. It was teeth cleaning day. I initially had all 5 kids in the same appointment, but Brennan did not want to miss school, so I changed his to this afternoon.

The four younger kids had pretty good reports. Aislinn has to go back for some small decay on one of her 6 year old molars and to get some sealants, but other than that, all of the kids got good teeth reports.

Dr. Ingalls gave all of the children t-shirts for Greyson's upcoming birthday. He asked Greyson if something special was going to happen. Greyson told him about his baptism. Greyson knew the exact day and it surprised me. We can't wait.

After going to Lake Mary twice, I got back just in time to have a conference with Aislinn's teacher. Aislinn is giving her a run for her money, but the teacher assures me all is under control. However, she told me that she is concerned that Aislinn has a learning disability because she acts like she doesn't know things, but then another time she does. I'm willing to bet that she's just plain 'ole stubborn, but we'll see.

Chicken and Rice

We are blessed to have a family dinner every Sunday evening at 6. This week, we were missing Chris due to church responsibilities, but we ate good food and enjoyed each other's company.

I am glad that we have Grandma and Uncle Ricky close enough that we can spend time together.

Did you hear?

I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast last night and watched and listened with my question in the back of my mind.

Did you know that I don't have to be perfect? I don't have to do it all. It doesn't always have to be just so.

I just need to try my best. So, when will I realize that?

Not so very...

Chris and I went down to The Magic Kingdom tonight, without children and went to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

We enjoyed every second of our date. We ate and talked and watched and enjoyed each other's company.

One word

Yuck!

They're everywhere, including getting into the house. I'm not happy. Go away.

Preparation

Greyson is turning 8 on September 30. You know that 8 is a big year. The age that you may be baptized and all the kids look forward to that. Well, Greyson is his daddy's son and he told us about a month ago that he wasn't getting baptized. I panicked and Chris replied when I told him, "Melody, he's just like me. He's going to get baptized, he just wants to do it on his own. I'll talk to him and it will happen. Don't worry." You know me, I am GREAT at worrying, so I tried to not do so well at it, but I did worry. What have I done wrong? Why doesn't my son want to get baptized? What could I have done differently to teach him better? You know the drill.

Well, this morning, Chris called Greyson into the bathroom while we were getting ready and asked him about getting baptized. He was ready and excited to do it and he gave his requests for talks and prayers and music. This boy is so sweet! He filled his program with talks given by the two oldest siblings, prayers by the other 2, music by his mommy and his daddy baptizing him. It brought tears to my eyes.

We can't wait for your big day Greyson!

Mary's Bridal Shower

I put an event on Facebook a few days ago to have a Bridal Shower for sweet Mary. We had a great turn out and were happy to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Everyone knows how I love to have an excuese to have a girls get together...

Congratulations Mary!

Interesting Sunday

I was up this morning, doing my normal routine. I was getting the kids ready and then went out to put the pool vacuum in the pool. It had leaves in it, and that annoys me, so I dropped the vacuum in and when I looked out a few minutes later, the leaf bag had detached. So, here was my vacuum, scooting all around just blowing the leaves around. UGH!

But, while I was bent over the pool, Chris calls and tells me that he has forgotten his suit jacket. I already knew that though, because Greyson had pointed it out to me and I took it and hung it up. It was laying over a kitchen table chair, and I just figured he brought it in the house from his car, but it didn't make it to the closet. It happens all the time...

Anyway, back to the phone call. He says, "Will you bring me my jacket?" He is already in Belleview, one hour away, and wants me, at 8:50 to leave and bring him his jacket by 10 so that he can give his talk in sacrament meeting. I said, "No, honey, I can't bring you your jacket, you're going to have to go without it. I am not ready, all the kids aren't ready..." He replies, with, I have to have it, please hurry. He tells me to call Mom to take the kids to church so they don't miss and for me to hurry. "Hurry, please", he says.

While I'm having this phone conversation, leaning half-way over the pool, trying to attach the leaf bag, the vacuum then proceeds to spray water ALL OVER ME! I was dripping wet and while trying to disrobe in the laundry room, Chris is still pleading and telling me to hurry. I reply with, "Honey, I will do the best I can, but I can't keep talking if you expect me to get there". "Okay, bye, hurry", he responds.

I threw on a dress, barely got any make up on, and while running out the door, literally, I tell the kids that they MUST be ready for Grandma to get them at 9:30. (I hadn't called Grandma yet, so I was really hoping she could help...)

I got in the car and started driving like a crazy woman. I called Grandma, and she said she would be happy to help. WHEW!

I texted Chris to tell him that I needed an address. The time was 8:58. It takes an hour. Church starts at 10. I have NO IDEA WHERE I AM GOING!

He replies to head towards the fairgrounds and he'd get me the address in a few minutes. He did and I entered it into my GPS.

I arrived at the Belleview building at 9:55. He met me in the parking lot. I had quite a bit of time to think while I was driving. It occurred to me that this was a tender mercy.

Chris and I were just talking Friday night on our date about something I was struggling with. He asked me, "Have you read my talk?" I had not. He encouraged me to do so.

Well, today, I received a tender mercy. Chris' talk was amazing and the spirit was SO strong. I felt blessed to be there to hear it. I knew that my Heavenly Father loves me and loved me enough to get me there, at that time, to hear that message.

It was crazy and stressful. But certainly worth it!

Retail Therapy

Chris had 2 client appointments this morning and I cycled. But, this afternoon, he had a client appointment in Jacksonville. So, I got a sitter for the day and we headed on a date. He dropped me off to Michelle at her exit in St. Augustine and he headed to his appointment. Michelle and I had a nice little lunch then headed to the outlet mall to see what we couldn't live without.

I got some nice items, thanks to Michelle's excellent taste!

Chris was done and met us a few hours later at Michelle's house. We then headed to Jacksonville Beach to have dinner with Michelle, Will, and another couple. The company was wonderful! We all had a great time!

I drove home and we didn't arrive back in Mount Dora until after midnight, but it was worth it.

Last day of Labor Day Weekend 2011

We got a very late start this morning, but finally drug ourselves out of the room over to the Jambo House for breakfast at one of their restaurants. It was very tasty! Following filling our tanks, we decided that we would go to Hollywood Studios and do a few things. Aislinn really wanted to get her hair wrapped, Kerstyn had it done yesterday while at Animal Kingdom, so we were trying to find that for Aislinn today. We were successful.
We had a very busy time at Hollywood Studios, then headed over to Magic Kingdom to do the Tiki room and then to the Grand Floridian for dinner. I had never been in the Grand Floridian, and I have been wanting too. It is very fancy.

After dinner, we went back to Hollywood Studios to ride Toy Story Mania. We got fast passes for it this morning, but it wasn't until a 7:10 come back time. We rode that ride and we had 4 meals left on our dining plan, so the girls and I went to Pizza Planet and bought the remaining meals.

We then had to get on the bus to go back to Animal Kingdom Lodge to get my van. I don't think we got to my van until after 8. We didn't arrive home until after 9 and we were all very tired. But, we had a great time!

Day 2, Labor Day weekend

We all drug ourselves out of bed this morning and arrived at 11 at church. We attended Sacrament meeting as a family and then went back to the resort for some more family time.

As you can see, the kids had quite a bit of fun.

Chris, Kerstyn, Grandma and Greyson went off having some fun while I stayed with the others at the resort until we met up for dinner at EPCOT's Garden Grill.

Here are some pictures from our resort. We had a Savannah View which we all really enjoyed.

Below is the view from our room. I went out on the balcony and took a picture. We loved sitting out there checking out the animals.

Animal Kingdom Weekend

We got up this morning, ate breakfast and headed down for a weekend of fun at Disney. This time, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. While we waited for our room to be ready, which was right around 3:30, we hung out by the pool. We all had fun and Chris and Greyson even went off together to have some one on one time.

Tonight for dinner, we ate at Jiko which is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was quite tasty, except for one type of cheese that Grandma got on her plate. We had a great time. I wish the picture wasn't so dark though.

Double Date fun

Mich and I set up a double date tonight. We met at BJ's Brewhouse in Daytona and our wonderful men did very well entertaining our fun.

We need to do this more often.