Regularity...

...is just not something I can promise for this neglected blog. 

One thing I can do, however, is update the world on our SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Weekend. 

I began at the ward trunk or treat, where Jack Sparrow docked The Black Pearl.

(I am being eaten by a spider, if you couldn't tell.)

The thrill continued to American Fork, where we spent Sat. Night with Jess and Dave's family.  

Jack joined us there, in all his glory.

The Lund Girls looked as cute as ever. The crayon, clown and Minnie Mouse costumes were top of the line creations. 

J 

We spent the evening trick-or-treating with these cute faces. 

I quickly remembered the reasons why trick-or-treating is obnoxious. But was soon reminded that the candy is totally worth it. I do love candy. 

As if that was not enough, we couldn't celebrate without dinner-in-a-pumpkin. Made by my sweet mother. Bonnie shared a Mexican tradition with us. 

Decorating sugar skulls to honor the dead. 

We changed it a little, we decorated them to look like ourselves. 

I hope it's not bad luck.

 

 We indulged ourselves in caramel apple goodness.

And we ended the weekend saying goodbye to those we love. 

It is always so hard to be away (even if it is only 150 miles). Sometimes it feels like forever!

These pictures of the children just say it all.

I have a minute...

...to just relax! And it is wonderful.

I am sitting at a table under a tree in beautiful Midway, UT while Ty is busy at a writer's conference.

It is just me and the ladybug sitting on my computer screen.

I haven't spent this much time alone in quite a while.

And I recommend spending just a few once in a while in silence.

It is good for the soul.

On another note...

This summer was full of so many great things. I was in 10 states in one summer.

Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and of course Utah.

Here are just a few photographic memories of a wonderful summer.

Truck rides at the cabin with the entire Whitesides family. It is so great when we are all together.

Our journey to Minnesota! Lots of happy people in one van.

It was so fun to make the trip with Molls and Mike and we appreciate their willingness to stow us away.

We even stopped at Mount Rushmore on the way.

A much needed time to stretch our legs and enjoy a piece of American History.

We had such a great time in Minnesota. The weather was wonderful, not too humid. The children were quite enjoyable and hilarious. We still are laughing about the things they said.

The food was delicious. Mike and Molly really know how to treat their guests.

And we even got an after hours tour of the Mayo clinic, where Mike is finishing up his last year of residency.

Mike took us to the pediatric wing where everything was designed with the children in mind.

Even the drinking fountains.

And these three animals.

Love them, even though they call me "Uncle Connie."

Historic Nauvoo

It was amazing. It was not even what I could have imagined. I loved hearing the stories and the history behind the Early Saints of the Church. And being able to experience it all where it happened was unlike anything else I have ever done.

Laura and Marty joined us for a while and we loved spending time with them. They went back to Kansas City and we quickly followed but we stopped  a few places on the way...

The Historic City of Hannibal, Missouri.

The birth place of Mark Twain.

Adam-ondi-Ahman

This picture doesn't even begin to show the vastness of the land here.

Thousands of windmills and corn fields along the way.

Man and nature working together. I love it.

Becoming a real adult (22 years of age) with a real career. That has been quite an adjustment. But it is one that I love.

And to end the summer recap. I can't believe how big these children are getting. I am a proud aunt. And it is good to know that there are genes this great floating around in the McDonald gene pool. It give me hope for one day.

We had a wonderful summer.

We look forward to next June when the fun begins again.

Texas anyone?

Don't give up yet...

We are alive.

We are doing great. 

We have been so busy in our summer of unemployedness. 

And somehow we got busier, but we have found ourselves back in a routine. Which has allowed me to realize all the things I have neglected. Like a blog....

Here is a quick update of this last month (August).

I became a teacher. 

A teacher with my own students. 

Classroom. And Class Plants (somehow they are still alive!)

I am exhausted, but loving it all. Even the stuff I don't like, I find a way to love it, amazing how it works but it does. I really can't complain and feel blessed to see this room full of children Monday to Friday.

Candace and I celebrated our 22nd Day of Birth. Complete with Raspberry Sorbet Cake. Delish. 

It is crazy to be this old (okay, we really are just children.) But I really have loved 22 years with this girl. She is great. So cute. So stylish. So creative. My best twin. I love her. 

Ty and I have now been married ONE YEAR! 

We have had one great year and look forward to a few eternity more. 

Ty has been working on mastering the art of the Banjo. 

And after about One week of practice he sounded professional. 

His natural abilities are sometimes astonishing. 

If you need a "Banjo Man" at your next party or get together, I am starting to rent him. 

Just call me. 

The rest of the summer is coming... Nauvoo, Quakie Days, Spam Museum....

You are excited now aren't ya?

Unemployed never felt so good.

Ty and I are now currently jobless. 

And I have the feeling that this might be the best summer of my life. 

(I guess I am not technically unemployed, seeing as I am under contract to teach 3rd grade next year. But it is fun to feel unemployed for the first time in a long time.)

What will the two of us do with all this free time?

Well a list has been made. 

There are many plans in the works.

But after many months of working hard we are taking the time to play hard.

Just a few things we have checked off the summer to do list...

Play with baby Ella

(I left this cute face nameless for too long. They did decide on the name and it fits her perfectly.)

Make Delicious Baked Goods with Candace

(Not really on the list, but it is fun to add just to cross it off. )

Play some friendly family games of Softball and Croquet

Not much skill. But a lot of heart. 

(A summer must-do, whether employed or not.)

Visit Willow Park Zoo

(Small, not very animals, but full of fun and ducks.)

We look forward to many more thrilling adventures throughout our summer of unemployedness. We welcome any suggestions on summer must-do's. 

We might have a lot of time on our hands...

A month ago...

 I GRADUATED!

{This post is late. But just think, now I can celebrate graduating in May and in June}

To celebrate we traveled to Ty's Natal City...Pullman, WA with Ralph, LeAnn and Laura.

We had such a great time. We spent many hours in the car. Always a thrill. 

We visited WSU campus and ate at the creamery. 

I met an old friend to the Whitesides, and was lucky enough to bring home some original artwork of hers. 

We swam. We ate. We laughed. We played. We Talked. 

But the part I didn't expect to like so much was the landscape.

The palouse region is absolutely stunning. I never thought crops could be so beautiful, but they most definitely are. 

Thanks to R&L for allowing "Deadwingers" on their trips. Thanks for showing me the great state of Washington. We enjoyed every minute.

A new little one...

Presenting...

"No Name" Hagen

Daughter of Bonnie and Jon Hagen

May 19, 2009

7 lbs 1 oz

22 inches

She is darling. Mother and babe are doing great. We couldn't be happier.

More updates and pictures to come.

And hopefully a name.

Visit here to place your vote. 

Growing a Garden

Ty and I are attempting to grow a garden. This is what I would consider a trial and error year. We planted 12 tomato plants (excessive...yes, but we are guaranteed to at least get one tomato.) First we bought some plants.....

Then we dug some holes....Ty filled the holes with a sweet smelling fertilizer....
Then we put the plants in the ground....

And we ended our garden day appreciating mother natures garden in Disney Earth...
Overall a very successful garden day. I will keep you updated on the yield of our labors. If you live close by you may be getting a few dozen tomatoes, at least I hope.

Save your Drama for the Llama

Today a llama came to school. I love being a teacher.

When I should be doing other things....

...all I can think about is this woman.

Today my mother went in for brain surgery to correct an aneurysm. To hear all about it in words better than I could imagine go here.
I know she is doing what is right, but when all the scary thoughts come into my head I just remember how tough she is and know that all will be fine.

I love my mom.