Halloween 2010

More October Fun!

This October has been pretty fun and eventful. Besides the Undead race and U games, there has been the usual fall frivolity, complete with visits to the Pumpkin Patch, an exciting Neighborhood adult activity called the Grand Witches Council Challenge, and of course decorating for Halloween and carving pumpkins.

It's become our tradition over UEA break to go pick out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch

Grand Witches Council Challenge; the amazing race for Halloween. Our Group-The Obnoxious Ogres-ran around all over Farmington acting like a bunch of teenagers.

I think I own just as many decorations for Halloween as I do for Christmas. This year, I did potion jars on my mantle (with inspiration from Love Manor) it was spooky fun!

Spending FHE carving pumpkins is a MUST for October!

All in all this October has been pretty SPOOKTACULAR!

It's crazy how fast a year can fly by.

October 15, 2010

A year ago today was when I took Sam up to Primary Children's and he was diagnosed with Kawasaki's Disease. Thinking back, it felt like life seemed to stop at that moment, and how I was sure it would be hard to start back up again. But it did.

I learned so much in that time, so much in the months that followed. I had to humble myself, let others do things for me, be there for me. I had to ASK for help and be gracious when it was given. I had to rely on my Heavenly Father more than I ever have, and trust that he would take care of us. And He did.

All the thoughts and prayers from family, friends and neighbors lifted me. They kept me going, especially when my mind went to places that it shouldn't have gone. From the smallest meals to the heartfelt prayers and fasting, I will never forget that time in our lives, because it has taught me so much about love, and kindness, and humility and gratitude.

Thank you all so much for being there for us. In your own ways (no matter how small you may think it was) it helped us get through that very difficult time.

I have to update and tell you all that Sam is doing great. He has had 7 echocardiograms, including the 3 at the hospital, and with each one he's gotten a little better. At our last visit in July there was still a slight inflammation in one of his Coronary Arteries, but nothing the Doctor was too concerned with. She doesn't want to see him again until next summer, so we are just focusing on keeping him healthy (as good as we can do with a toddler in Nursery) and continuing to let him have fun a be a kid! And for us, we are really trying to not take for granted the little moments of everyday...it's not always easy, but we are trying.

Two good causes in one day...

And a lotta fun!

Last Saturday (October 9) I was able to participate in two great activities to benefit cancer.

The first was "The Night of the Running Dead" 5K Race at This Is The Place Heritage Park.

The race was actually in the afternoon, not the night, but it was so much fun. I ran it with my friends Stu and Sarah Reeder.

Each runner signed up as either "Infected" or "Survivor". The "Survivors" started the race one minute early and it was as if the "Infected" were chasing them down. Everyone who was "Infected" was encouraged to dress up as Zombies and the like. As you probably guessed, when encouraged to dress, that is ALWAYS the way I go.

It was so fun to see the costumes people came up with and the "volunteers" along the route who help with the Zombie-rific atmosphere were hilarious.

The hills at This Is The Place kicked my butt, and I literally felt like the living dead as I attempted to run, but Sarah kept motivating me...because that's what Zombie friends do!

Thanks Sar and Stu for sharing such a fun race with me!

After the race I washed off all my Zombie and headed up to Sugarhouse Park with Brandon and the kids for the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma, and celebrated the 10 year Anniversary that my beautiful friend Erin Farrer has been Cancer-free.

As a Senior in High School she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and, at what should've been the time of her life, she was fighting for her life. But she is one of the strongest people I know and she beat the cancer, and ten years later we are all celebrating with her. She is my hero.

It was definitely a day filled with fun and for good causes. Not many of my Saturdays are spent that way, so it makes me feel good!