Family Happenings, part 2

I liked my last entry, just random things going on. So here's another one like it.

1. I've been sewing up a storm, getting ready for Halloween. Last year I made Lucy's Cheetah costume early, and was so glad I did. She really enjoys it all month long. Well actually all year long, since she wore the thing for PJ's. This year she's a parrot, and I am really proud of how it turned out. It's super cute and was fun to make. Lizzy is Uniqua from Backyardigans. Not easy, let me tell you. Here's a picture of the real Uniqua for those who don't watch Backyardigans.

2. Choral stuff/Music stuff/Church...I'm having some trouble with my voice, and finally figured this is why I have insurance and paid a visit to the Duke Voice Care Office. It was cool! I had a scope inserted up my nose and down my throat, and got to see my vocal folds on TV. Cool. I determined a few things...one that I really need to get back on my allergy meds, that mucus is nasty stuff! Secondly, my pipes looked fine, so I was relieved about that. I need to go to "voice therapy" a few times. This is a medical way of saying "voice lessons paid by insurance." I'm pretty excited, and hope I can solve some problems that have plagued me in varying degrees for years. I was invited to sing with Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham again this spring, and I'm honored but haven't committed yet, just wondering if I have time for the rehearsals. Matt's super supportive, he reminded me that it's only seven rehearsals...two this fall and five this spring, so it's not that bad. I was released as Stake Choir director and put in the primary presidency in my ward, so that is good and bad. I really miss the choir stuff and feel a bit like a fish out of water, but I love being so involved with my kids on Sundays. I never realized that when you're busy in primary, church goes REALLY fast...it's time to go home before you know it. Not that I don't love Sunday School and RS, but sometimes I felt like it would never end.

3. I got the kids' school pictures back today, well 2 out of 3. Lucy has a little trouble handing stuff in, so I have no idea where her picture money ended up, but I only got proofs and a "last chance to purchase!" notice. I love the kids' teachers this year, all three of them are just fabulous. I feel really lucky to have my kids at this school, they really love it.

4. I'm really loving the Make-a-Mix cooking idea. Every Wednesday I do a "master mix" like cooked chicken, mexican meat, hamburger mix, meatballs, basic cookie mix (the BEST!). It makes my life easier when it comes to dinnertime prep. The meals themselves are not super interesting, but the kids always eat them and that's good news.

5. Both the boys are in scouts now, Samuel just started Wolves, and loves it. I'm just trying to breathe and tell myself we'll get through it! I'm definitely not a great Scouting mom, it's just not on my radar, and I'm realizing that it takes tons of parent support and enthusiasm to really achieve in Scouts, something I need to acquire. Funny, they don't carry that at the scout office.

Well, I'd better get on my work, there's tons to do today!