Thurl Bailey fireside

Last night Shawn & I were able to attend a fireside here in town with Thurl Bailey speaking. I've seen him speak on tv, but never in person. He was so awesome to listen to. He started out by singing a song that he had written. He has a beautiful voice, and when he was done singing you could have heard a pin drop. It was so quiet and peaceful. Then he went into his talk. He is a very good speaker. He kept us laughing, but yet the Spirit was also strong. He has quite a story to tell, and I am so glad that he shares his story, especially with the youth. They need as many positive role models as they can find!! I can't believe how tall he is in person. He had to duck under the doorway just to enter the chapel. The stake president had to lift the podium and I have never seen it that high. It's good to know that it goes that high. Afterwards, Thurl signed autographs and shook hands, so we were able to get his autograph and shake hands with him. One of the girls in my mutual class took this picture with her cell phone and sent it to me because I had forgot my phone, so thanks!! It was an awesome night, and I'm glad we were able to go.

Attention anyone with little girls!!!

I just wanted to have everyone check out a website, especially if you have little girls. I sew dance costumes etc. for Gloria Rudd and she has started a new website called http://www.girlsclothes.com/ Here you can find dress-up clothes for your little princesses, and dancewear. She has been doing this business for a really long time. You'll have to read about her on the website. Anyway, she has lots of cute ideas and fun stuff for little girls to dress up in, so check it out and tell your friends about it!!!

Pictures with Santa

We had our Sparks' Christmas party on November 15, 08. It too was a fun day. It was mom's turn to be in charge this year so we had it at her church. We had a really yummy dinner and played a game or two. Santa came to this party too. I guess he's checking his list twice!! We had a fun day and it was good to visit with family and to see them. I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner. This past year has went by fast!

Pinata time!!

We had our annual Christmas party with dad's side of the family, The Hidalgo's on November 8, 08. Yes, it does sound a little early for Christmas, but we've done it this early now for quite a few years and it has worked out good. We usually don't have any bad weather to deal with, and we usually get everyone there. It seems the closer we get to Christmas then everyone gets busier, so it works out nice this way. Mom was in charge this year so we had it at the fire station. We ate a really yummy Thanksgiving type dinner, then we had Santa come. The kids always love that. My kids were prepared and had written a list to give to Santa the night before. We also had the annual pinata for the kids. This is a tradition that we've been doing for a long time. I remember doing this at every Christmas party when I was young. It's still just as fun!! We had a good time and it was good to visit and see family. I am so thankful to still have my grandparents here and that they are so good to come to family events!! Thanks everyone who came!!

Playing catch-up!!

I haven't had much time lately to post, so I'm a little behind. I'll try to catch up the past month or so, but I'm going to do it according to the date so you might have to scroll down to see some of the newer posts!!

Halloween 2008

Another year of Halloween has come and gone! We're all still on our candy highs!! Shawntae dressed up as Cinderella. Keegan dressed up as Optimus Prime, and Brooklyn dressed up like a kitty. (The one picture Brooklyn is dressed up as a pumpkin bear). We weren't sure if she would be able to be a kitty because we didn't think she'd keep on her makeup whiskers. We were right as you'll notice on the bottom two pictures. We put her whiskers on twice and then finally gave up. The kids had a fun night and they got way too much candy. The nice thing about going trick or treating out where we live is they usually get big candybars and such. I guess out in the country the people don't get as many trick or treaters so they are able to buy the bigger treats. The kids love it!!

Keegan gets his cast off

Keegan got his cast off on Oct. 14, 08 after wearing it for 4 weeks. The doctor told him to wear a splint for another week. We then had to go to the hospital to get more x-rays. They called us a few days later and said that the fracture was still visible so his bones were still pretty weak, so he had to wear his splint for 2 weeks after his cast came off. It was nice cause atleast he was able to take it off to shower and let his skin get some air. We actually found out about a week or two after he first broke it (after we got the x-rays back from the technician) that he broke both bones in his arm. Initially we thought he just broke the one. All I can say is that kid must have one strong leg!!! This was my first experience with a cast, and I must say I was a bit nervous as they sawed the cast off at the doctor's office!! Keegan was brave, but I could see he was a bit nervous although he won't admit it. He's sure glad to have it off now.

Decorating pumpkins for the schools pumpkin walk

The kids had their annual school pumpkin walk on Oct. 23,08. Each class has a theme and then they are able to decorate or carve their pumpkin according to that theme. Keegan's theme was the zoo, so we carved a lion in the pumpkin. Shawntae's theme was ghosts, goblins, & ghouls of the night so we carved her pumpkin as a Frankenstein. Carving pumpkins is such a messy thing to do(and not one of my favorite things), but the kids seem to love it! That night we went out and walked around the school to see everyone's pumpkins. The room moms of each class set up a small display for the pumpkins. It's fun to walk around and see all the fun ideas that people come up with.

Fun Little Quiz for Twilight Fans!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!



Okay, so I took the little quiz, and I found out it thinks I am an Esme. After reading what it says below, I'm okay with what they said. Can't wait for the movie!!!


You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

Having fun at the cornmaze!

Brandi & her kids invited us to go to the Carter's corn maze, so we grabbed the wagon and the kids and went. We went the night that it wasn't haunted and it was early enough that it wasn't dark, but we still got lost!! We walked around in circles for probably an hour until we finally found the exit. Shawn & I pulled Brooklyn and Jaxzen behind us in the wagon. Brooklyn kept seeing the fake decorations in the maze and saying "Guy. Scary." It was fun spending some time with family. We also ate doughnuts and pop at Brandi's house. Thanks for the invite Brandi. We had fun!!