Catching up on the fun!

So much has happened in the last 2 weeks and there's been no time to post it all. So here's my Top Ten Tuesday "events" to post in no particular order:).

10) Dinner with (what's left of) our family at Cheesecake Factory for Dad's B-day, October 13th. We, (just Steve and I) actually went back later in the week with Nile and Candi to celebrate both our b-days, but sadly, no pictures were taken.

9)Austin and Carly's piano recital "Marathon Day" at Superstition Springs Mall (October 25th). These are the type of events I dread...just "filler" for piano students, but at least it was at the mall. We managed to get in some much needed Sunday shoe shopping for the boys...Dillards 75% off!  they both looked and sounded great!

8)Pedicures with Carly, my sister Linda, and Sharon for my birthday, October 22nd. You just can't beat "Quality Nails" in Chandler for the artwork! I chose pink Burberry:).

7) Getting to go to lunch with 2 of my 5 siblings is a rare treat, especially with no spouses. My brother Mark who lives in Chandler and my sister Linda who came down from Flagstaff took me to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Firebirds. (October 23rd) It was so nice to visit uninterrupted and spend some time together. Thanks, guys:)

6) Most of the gang took me out to dinner on my actual b-day, October 22nd to Texas Road House. I hadn't been there in forever, and it was so yummy! Thanks to so many who made it even more fun....Steve and my AZ kids, Sharon, Mark and Pam, Linda, Teresa, Glenn and Dale. too bad everyone couldn't make it:)! Yes, I have a large family even without my Utah kids!
5)There is just something special about a friends lunch!  I love these girls...we've been hangin' out for some 15 plus years (at least some of us:) and boy do we know how to laugh! I think Macaroni Grill saves our table for us just for when we manage to assemble. Thanks for all the fun girls! I like to think of it as my group therapy sessions...and boy do we need it! (Oct. 21st)

             (Debbie, Jill, Elaine, Me, Lori S. & Lori C.)
4)My precious great-nephew: Preston Glenn Halterman, born October 14th to my niece Kristin and her husband Glenn. My sister Ruth is the grammie and came down from Cedar City for the occasion. I got to be there to meet him on day one! So sweet....
Here's Grammie Ruth and Grandpa Dale with his big brother and sister! We were able to go to dinner with Ruth  Dale before she went home but no pics :(.  (Way too much eating out!!!, but what a way to go!...Houston's..yummmo:)

3)Austin went on his last 11 year old scout campout with his dad (Oct 24th) and of course, had a blast! I can't believe he's almost 12!

2) Ok, I know I'm spoiled!  This time it was a GNO (girls night out)  and I love these girls just as much!. You just can't have too many friends lunches/dinners...right?  These girls, AKA "the BBB's" (minus Millie) have been my comrades for at least as long as my other buddies.  I hope we all grow old together....we just don't want to look it:). Here we are at another great eatery....PF Changs on the last day of my birthday celebrations, October 26th.  I swear I've put on 10 pounds in the last 2 weeks, all in the name of celebration, but I didn't fight it too hard, anytime I don't have to cook:).  I guess it's back to salads, water and my elliptical machine until Thanksgiving:) . We also went to see the "Secret Life of Bees", a good movie but a tear-jerker! (wasn't expecting that). (Becky, Me, Sharon & Reylene)

You can probably tell why Fall is my favorite time of year. Not only are Steve and I nine days apart with birthdays in the month of October but I have two children, my first and last both born in November as well as our wedding anniversary in November.  It's also a time of reflection since my father and grandmother passed away in November.  In spite of that, it is still a time that is special to me and I truly feel gratitude for all of my many blessings.  Family and friends are something to treasure and I dearly love all that I have.  I not only feel love for those closest to me but I have such an amazing extended family and ward family.  I know I could call on any of them and they would find the time for me.  I'm especially grateful for living these 47 years with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  I am most of all grateful to my Savior for His Atonement and the blessings that it brings to all of us.  

1)Even though I'm feeling sappy right now, I have to end this post with the number one  "event" that happened recently, (on my actual b-day).  My friend Sharon has 5 adorable boys (inculding my son-in-law) several of whom are rather uninhibited, (to say the LEAST!).  For my birthday, Sharon asked Andrew and his friend Nathan to "dance" for me. This video is Andrew dancing, (Nathan is the pole) and us laughing hysterically in the car (me and my sister) out in their driveway! Sharon said this was the "tame" version... It was just too funny......hope you enjoy it....we will never forget it!