Have a Happy Holiday & Peaceful New Year.

Love, The Proctor's

Arrow of Light

Keaton got his cub scout Arrow of Light badge/award last night in a very nice ceremony by his fabulous den leaders. He has been so good at going and keeping up with their activities and has earned nearly every one of his badges and pins for his shoulder. This is just the motivation to jump start him into boy scouts in January.

His leader even made - from scratch- the arrow for Keaton to have and keep. It is pretty awesome. Way to go Keaton!

'Bout time for a photo op.

We finally got the camera disk emptied from years, seriously, years of photos, even back to . . . well, years. So, we decided that while we were working on organizing the pattern for the christmas house lights, we would pause for a photo opportunity. Aren't these guys growing! Really, I stopped aging at 26, they just cannot stop. I love you guys, thanks for keeping me young . . . at least at heart.

Did I mention that Glen won the 'Dick Van Dyke' award at his high school reunion, for not aging a bit! Okay, so he stopped at 35, I gotta stay younger than him right? Love you too!

Basketball Season is Here!

I need to explain that for those you actually watch/follow this blog, (assuming there is anyone), that basketball season at our house officially begins tomorrow in full roar. Alex and Glen's team, TAZERS, of course, have already been in several leagues and tournaments. They recently won a Fall tournament, and last weekend took 2nd place in the Thanksgiving Tournament. Keaton is starting his big time practices with his 5th and 6th grade CRASH teams. This only means that will further my career as "van mom", as I cart around Keaton. Glen will stick with Alex's activities. Poor Sadie just tags along being schooled in basketball, sportsmanship, and how to keep her mother from screaming at the officials and other annoying parents. Honestly, I do get into it a bit much. So, if the blog is not updated often, it is only because of a couple of things keeping me busy such as: work, school, homework, piano lessons, viola lessons, practicing, basketball games and/or practices nearly EVERY night, meal preparation (seriously!), christmas shopping and its' festivities.

Nesting something fierce . . .

All I can say is that either I am nesting, you know when you are ready to deliver that 8 lb baby and getting everything cleaned, cooked, and stored . . . ready for the big day . . . or I am just displaying the manic part of my personality disorder! This weekend I have pretty much broken my record for getting things done. Cleaning was just a technicality . . . do that every weekend. But we cleaned, grocery shopped - as usual, Glen took me to lunch for two days in a row, got the boys to the orthodontist appointment, helped to practice piano, went to a lengthy YW presidency meeting (which really disturbs me to know that our YW are boldly stating they are "addicted to coffee"), and then needing to attach Alex's many merit badges without hot glue, I dove into my new hobbie - Sewing. I know what you might be thinking . . . Annette can sew? Sure I took that class from Mary Jane in 10th grade, and from Mrs. Kirby in 8th, but how hard can it be to sew a straight line. The most difficult part for me is to figure out a pattern and calculate the amount of fabric! Thanks mom for your help and encouragement.

So here is a picture of my first rag blanket . . . Sadie has already latched onto it. Then the boys were jealous and needed their own blankets. So, this morning, after playing volleyball with the women in our ward (we took 1st place in our pool - so we play again next week in a tournament), nursing my floor burns - where were those knee pads - and my aching back, we went to Joanns - my new favorite store with coupons of course. The boys picked out their opposing team patterns (Y and U), I got me some new sizzors that I am going to hide, and we headed home. Sewed the team blankets, raked leaves, Glen took us to lunch for the 3rd day in a row, and then I made Grandma Susan's cinnamin rolls and delivered some warm ones to my good neighbors.

It is 9 p.m. and we are going to start a movie that needs to be returned to Red Box tonight. Whew, I am exhausted. Good thing tomorrow is Sunday, I need a nap!

Messing Around . . .

Not much going on on the home front. Basketball is starting up, so Sadie and I will become the TAZER/CRASH cheerleaders again for a season. Not to mention the carpooling queens! Just messing around with the really cute seasonal backgrounds. Since I am not creative or computer savy at all, I am relying on others' creativity to make my blog fun. What do you think?

Halloween Parade

The school parade was fun this morning. Lots of princesses and star wars to see. Sadie was a dracula queen and Keaton, well was something scary, not sure how to put a name to it. Again, sorry for the blurry photos, the camera doesn't like the florescent lights in this school.

A Boy and His Viola

Keaton has wanted to play the violin for a couple of years. We told him that if he was able to read music by playing the piano, then we would help him to play the violin. This year, the school has a beginning orchestra class that he enrolled in. He decided to play the viola because it was more 'masculine' than the violin was. He as faithfully gotten up at 7:00 twice a week for his viola class, without complaint.

He had his first orchestra concert this week at the school. Keaton was only one of three boys on the strings, and had a grin from ear to ear. He did a fabulous job! Even when the violins seemed to be racing each other to the end of the piece, Keaton hung in there and kept up with his part. I am so proud of him, he has really got a musical knack. Way to go Keat!

Sorry for the slightly blurry photos.

Pumpkin Search

Off to search the vast pumpkin field for the perfect one. Keaton and Alex took off to the far reaches of the field while Sadie, Glen, and I knew there was a good one nearby. Here are a few of our pictures.

Trampoline vs Movie Night

We invited cousin Tyler and Michelle over for movie night. Keaton and Sadie found themselves a kosy place to snuggle while eating popcorn and watching National Treasure. All this after Michelle fell through the trampoline (it's really okay Michelle).

You've Been Tagged!

A) The rules are posted at the beginning. B) Each person answers questions about their sweethearts. C) At the end of the post, the person then tags people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged. 1.What is your husbands name? Glen Proctor 2.How long have you guys been married? 16+ years, can you believe it? 3.How long did you date? Glen is better at remembering and especially remembering dates - I am guessing that we dated 5 months, engaged for 3 months. Is that right Glen? 4.How old is he? 47 I think, I always have to literally do the math. But I insist that he doesn't look a day over 33. He hasn't changed much - he says that he is only grayer. ME TOO! 5.Who is taller? Him - we don't have superior genes for 'tall' in this family. 6.Who can sing best? Honestly, I would say it is a toss up - but he does very well - has even passed it onto Alex. 7.Who is smarter? Of course I think it is me, but he can hold his own. 8.Who does laundry? Both - he can outclean me in no time! 9.Who pays the bills? Both 10.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Depends on which way you are looking at the bed. Mostly, I sleep all over the bed. He tends to stay clear on the left side, or completely clear. 11.Who mows the lawn? Glen and the boys. 12.Who cooks dinner? Dinner? What's that? When real dinner is planned, it is usually me, however, Glen has been known to cook a mean roast and is a huge contributer to parties/gatherings! 13.Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Not sure, he probably is the one, I tend to hold grudges for a couple of days. 14.Who kissed who first? Glen kissed me while sitting in his car outside of my BYU apartment, it was the first kiss of the rest of his life! 15.Who wears the pants? Again, my stubborness would say it was both, but when the pavement hits the road, it is Glen I tag Heather, Amy, & Jacque.

Saturday is the day we get ready for . . .

Our Saturday's are jam packed. Here are some highlights from today. Keaton's flag football game was looking like it would be a pretty close one during the first half when the other team took the lead. Keaton caught a beautiful pass and ran in for the first TD. Then, fortunately, we pulled ahead with another Keaton TD (he scored 6 last week - the poor opponents had to be encouraged by out team to keep running). They finished with another solid win, muddy muddy cleats, and a big smile. Still UNDEFEATED!

Sadie's soccer team was a little less fortunate, but nonetheless had fun and smiles when it was all over. They are a new team that focuses on playing 2 quarters, rotating positions, and gaining experience. I keep asking her if she is liking soccer over the other activities that she has participated in, and she keeps saying yes, so I'll keep going to the soccer (not my favorite sport yet) games. She does look cute in her uniform.

Alex helped me do some cleaning in the kitchen - imagine Alex vacuuming behind the refridgerator? Me either. Don't think that this is my usual cleaning, it is just that I had a great helper, and boy what lurks behind a fridge is something to behold. He played video & computer games, played with Keaton, and even practiced the piano. He is really bored - he will probably suit up - for tonight's basketball game, but we will be careful. The team will miss Alex's 100% on the court tonight. Glen got a hair cut, and then began working around the house, grooming the trees for fall, and harvesting the final fruit off of the apple tree. We didn't spray that tree to well and so there were only about a 1/2 bucket of good fruit. The peach tree was fabulous, about 10 (5 gallon) buckets were picked, eaten, and given away. I love fresh peaches. He and Keaton mowed the lawn - Keaton is getting into that - of course if there is a monitary incentive, that helps.

All the while, Sadie decides that she wants to take up baking today. So that is exactly what we did. I sat down and she did the baking. She made Oreo pie, and zucchini bread ALL BY HERSELF with exception of the oven, and grating the zucchini, she honestly did it all. She was talking and smiling and having a great time. We will call her Betty from now on ;) I love teaching her to do these things and she loves doing them. Forgot to mention, she even offered and completed cleaning ALL of the toilets! Where did she come from?

We still have another basketball event tonight. That really seems like a calm Saturday to me, or maybe I am just used to the running around. It is nice to know that we have such awesome kids that are healthy and strong, and enjoy the many events and activities that we have together. I couldn't imagine being any busier than we are now, but I would'nt have it any other way.

Alex expecting BIG returns from the Tooth Fairy

I suppose you could say that this week has been a little stressful for us at home as we were preparing, debating, scheduling for another big oral surgery for Alex. Because he has already had his wisdom teeth (4) taken out at age 12, he knew what he was getting into. The poor guy. He told me that he was going to run away that day, and I frankly, didn't blame him for wanting to do just that. Finally, the day was here, and fortunately, the Dr. offered to provide Alex with a little "mood stabilizer" for the day before we arrived at the office. Alex said that he couldn't tell any effect from the medicine, however, I really could, he was so mellow, still some anxiety coming out, but very mellow. He even told the Dr. that he wanted a tattoo across his chest saying "mother". THAT was funny! Even funnier, at home after the surgery, trying to wake up, he was checking out his face, his nose, and even looked at his chest. I told him that he was ripped off, and should get his money back.

Glen carried him from the office to the car and into the house. Who knew that the old man had those muscles? WOW! Alex did great during the surgery, only some nausea following from the anesthesia, but slept for a good long time and all night without ANY pain meds. This boy has one strong constitution. The next day he woke up feeling a little sore on the bottom jaw where they drilled to put in bone graphing, but ready to move on. It is hard trying to keep a 13+ year old "down and quiet with soft foods only" for at least 72 hours. He is up and around and even so bored that he helped me do some deep cleaning. I wonder what else I can get him doing?

This is Sadie's sweet note to Alex.

He is an amazing kid, I am so proud of him and his courage and strength through this all. He has only taken minimal medication and has not even complained - except that we hope that his bottom lip returns to life soon.

Maybe he will have something else in common with Grandma Susan.

Baptism Day

Sadie had an early morning photo opportunity with our neighbor taking her pre-baptism photos. She got up early to have our other friend braid her hair (cuz I can't, and I didn't want pony tails afloat) and then some photos by our neighborhood professional photographer. You can see more of her photos at http://www.pmphotoart.com/ under "public galleries", then "family portraits" then scrolling down you will find Sadie. She is so beautiful and it was so fun. After the 30 minute photo shoot, she said to Pete the photographer "this is so much better then school pictures", to which Pete responded with a gracious thank you. I couldn't wait to share my favorites. Her baptism day went without any hitches, except that the stake person thought her name was Sarah and presented her as such. The music, the poem, the speakers, and the DVD presentation, were all perfect. Aunt Jana started us off on a spiritual note and we didn't stop crying. It was a very spiritual feeling to see someone you love enter the waters of baptism. She said after "the Holy Ghost is heavy mom". Keaton and Alex read an awesome poem written by Aunt Marti that really brought the feeling into the day. Keaton is so tender and sensitive, he couldn't compose himself much throughout the poem, so our strong, shakey-voiced Alex, had to carry it alone. They are very good to Sadie. We had a nice lunch at home, and then took a little bit of a nap! I was tired! Then we loaded up the left overs and took them to the Proctor reunion. How's that for re-gifting a salad! Congratulations Sadie! We love you very much.

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY SADIE!

Today is Sadie's 8th birthday. Boy did that fly by! So does that mean that I have to start working on getting rid of the baby fat? We started the morning with the traditional breakfast in bed. She is so excited to be baptized tomorrow. I will fill you in on the details later. But here are 8 reasons that I love Sadie.

1. She has always had the most beautiful big eyes.
2. She is strong and determined, and can keep up with the boys.
3. She is sensitive to others feelings - even her brothers'.
4. She is excited about being with me and doing things together even if it is working in the kitchen. She is a master chopper!
5. She makes friends easily and her friends love her.
6. She has great ideas and is very creative.
7. She is girly.
8. She wakes up in the morning and needs a little cuddling before she begins her day.

Today is a big day and I have a lot going on to prepare for tomorrow. Some call it control - freak, anal, or OCD, but I call it "this is my only little girl who is turing 8 once who needs a great day and a wonderful baptism day tomorrow - and I wouldn't have it any other way for her, she deserves it". That's my rationale and I'm sticking to it.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

With the end of summer comes the anticipation for a new year at school. We have waited and worried about our teachers, who is in our classes, what my schedule is, where my locker is, how to get out of French, and making sure I don't have the one algebra teacher this year. Finally, the day has come and the kids did all of the exciting things that mean school is starting. They laid out their clothes for the next day, they went to bed early with smiles, they got up early and without complaint, and with time to spare, counted the minutes until they could walk down the street.

We have typically had a tradition of going out to breakfast - usually at Burger King - on the first day of school. However, since Alex had to be at school at the crack of dawn - okay 7:15 - we decided to forgo breakfast in the morning, and have a celebration breakfast out in the evening. So after the days big events, calling mom and dad after school, and jumping into any possible homework on the first day, we headed off to Villiage Inn, AND to get additional last minute school supplies that were requested by teachers. T

he kids all had great days, Alex had a little problem with his locker, but figured that out. Alex loves his Spanish teacher and dreads his Science. Keaton loves his teacher and they can sit "anywhere" they want "any" day! Sadie loves her teacher, is making new friends, and is eager to do art. I am so glad that our kids like school, are social and friendly, and overall enjoy what they are learning. I think they really enjoy recess and lunch too! I enjoy the routines and structure that comes with school. It seems that while we have a lot to do, we can get it all in. It is getting into the schedule that is a little trying. I have become another drill sargeant at night but I'll settle in. I just want to make a public announcement thought . . . this year I didn't even cry!

P.S. Alex left for school before I got the camera out. This little guy is Joe - our awesome neighborhood friend.

More Sun Anyone?

Before school started we wanted to have an "end of the summer" day with the kids so we decided to head off to Raging Waters. We all took the day off, packed a cooler full of munchies and we were off. We got there shortly after it opened and hit the slides and wave pool. About an 85 degree day, and already tanned, who wanted sunscreen? We climbed and swam and slid and rode the waves until closing time. While Alex was thinking about the girls around us, Keaton was actually picking up some girls. They invited him on the slide with them! What can I say . . . the boys are hot! I think by the end of the day we were all watered out and didn't think we were really sunburned . . . until evening when we all discovered that we were glowing in the dark. Even dark Keaton and Alex were burnt to a crisp. Glen had not had much sun this summer and he was hurtin'. A week later and we are all shedding a layer or two of skin. I am so proud of Sadie, she is so brave. She keeps right up with the boys in all of their activities, and kept up at the water park too. She fell asleep in a tube at the wave pool she was so tired. I think we all had a great day! Now, onto school! Glen and Alex enjoying the waves. Sadie takes on the rope and crosses with ease. Keaton and Alex working together to make it across. Keaton, Sadie, Alex crossing the floating snake?

Camping?

Our ward had an activity night at Albion Basin campground last weekend. We went up for hiking, smores, campfire activities, and friendship. I can't tell you how good Sadie is at making just the perfect golden roasted marshmellows. I think I ate more than enough. We hiked through the many trails with some of the ward children and shared campfire stores with neighbors. It was really cool up there, a nice break away from the heat of Salt Lake. You can tell by the zipped up hoodies and jackets we have on. This photo is the first family photo that we have had in a very long time. It is not super, but it is what we have. Can you believe how tall Alex is getting?

Back from CAMP!

I think today is the day that I have finally caught up on my sleep deprivation from camp. We had such a great time after the rain stopped on the first day! That was admitedly my biggest nightmare, but after several hours of rain, and mud, we got the camp set up and then the rain stopped. I was nervous at first when I arrived thinking, "I don't really know these girls", and when they began singing the fun camp songs, yes, songs with actions, I thought to myself "am I supposed to be silly too?" Being there made me feel young again and fun. So, I decided that I would throw caution to the wind and be young and silly again. That made all of the difference in the world. The girls were fabulous and amazing. Everything that was planned went off without a hitch. The only thing that wasn't planned was that it is a tradition, unbeknownst to me, to decorate the camp director. Having some serious fashion designers in our camp was helpful. They decorated me in left over plastic table cloths, and ribbon and tulle. I was a hottie - seriously, one hour wrapped in a long plastic dress - talk about sweaty. The designer girl reminded me that as a model I had no opinion, and when I opened my mouth, she would quickly say "who's the model?" It was such a great time and we have a lot of memories and new relationships. I hope to post photos soon. On the way home all I could think about was planning for next year. I am so lucky to have been placed in this position, it has been so fulfilling and awesome to feel the spirit that is always present at Girls Camp. Glen and the kids were fending for themselves all week - actually - for many days prior - they were so patient and kind with their encouraging words and help. They managed throughout the week well, or so I am told. It was even more thoughtful when I came home, Glen had planned the afternoon for them to be out of the house so that I could get a much needed nap! Isn't he awesome! Oh, I can't forget to mention, the camp pranks. We were told that no pranks would be allowed at all. So, being that the girls were so good in their obedience, I decided to pull just one prank on the final night with some of the leaders. Allowing the girls to execute the prank, I supplied the items. We did the - put teething gel on the cup rims - which made the mouth numb! It was absouletly successful, and hilarious, except the part when we got in trouble by the stake. I took immediate responsibility, because it was absouletly my doing. It was absouletly perfect! Can't wait for next year!

Lazy Days of Summer

Okay, so it has been a very very long time since the last post, not that we have done anything amazing or gone to any far off places to report about. What have we done with our summer? We took the Tazers Basketball team to Cedar City for the Summer Games in June. That was a blast with the friends and families of the Tazers. Check out Glen's Tazer blog: Tazerball.blogspot.com is his address. He keeps it up better than me . . . I think I have created one good looking blogger! Alex's team took the Gold Medal and while the competition wasn't huge, it was at least competitive for the first 2 quarters of the games they played. Alex did awesome. I can really see how his basketball skills have improved this year, his handling and shooting are more refined. I am sure that he takes after me . . . and has a good coach too! Alex finally finished 7th grade, and is SO ready to be an 8th grader. He finished the year with a 3.8 GPA - I couldn't be more proud. We'll see what next year brings with 2 honor classes, he may have to begin studying. Keaton finished up with 4th grade, and had a great year. He isn't playing ball this summer, but has had fun with the dogs, the neighborhood friends, and the trampoline. Yes, they are still jumping off of the deck onto the trampoline. Can't wait for the first set of stitches . . . it is bound to happen. I have found that Keaton is a "saver", he knows that if he works around the house he will earn money, and before you know it, Keaton has saved $20. He loves to go to garage sales with me on Saturday mornings, and is usually the one making the good deals! Sadie, well what can I say about my little sweety. She plays with the neighbor, Joe. They go to school, church, art class, and play daily together. It reminds me of my best childhood friend Joe. They act more like brother and sister than neighbors/friends. It is funny to listen to them. I hope they stay friends for a long time. She is taking some time away from cheer because we will be out of town for several of the meeting times. She will begin again in August. I have given each child a piano assignment each week. They are still working on the first one of the summer. I have not been very consistent with them. But I still find that they tinker around on the piano when they have some free time. As far as the deck, Glen and Alex completed the east stairs, cement landing, and new sod. I hope the sod grows, I am SO tired of sand in the house, in the cars, on the floor, in the laundry, in the shoes . . . just EVERYWHERE! We were told that before our house was built, it WAS the sand pile for the neighboorhood boys. GREAT! Glen is working hard, taking some well deserved time away from basketball, and getting the "to do" list "done"! He is a good sport though, never complaining about what I ask him to do, and never complains about my back seat driving . . . or snoring !!!! He has been so supportive with my goings on about camp, camp, and camp! He tutored me on starting a fire and maintaining it. I have a fire wand - who needs flint and steel? He is cutting out my craft wood for camp, and doing a great job! Thanks to him for handling the kids and household jobs when I am running around with my head cut off as I get camp going next week. I love them all so much, they are awesome, and beautiful!

The Incredible Deck

Here are the updated photos of the latest progress on the deck. As you can see, it has become our south wing of the house. We all worked on it this week, and have tired hands, backs, and knees to show for it. Keaton initiated the deck today by falling off, when he wasn't paying attention. I guess we really need that railing Glen! We have only got the stairs, a couple more flooring boards, the railing, the lattice, and some staining, and we've got ourselves a party waiting to happen. Bring on the sun!

Bring On The Curlz

Sadie decided that this summer, instead of cutting her hair off, as in past summers, she want to keep it long, and give it some curls. We finally made the appointment at the local beauty school, and Sadie couldn't wait! She was up at the crack of dawn, as if waiting for Christmas to arrive, for her appointment today. She had a "perm -a grin" (no pun intended) throughout the whole process, which by the way, lasted 3 hours! I have never seen someone so excited for a hair-do. But Sadie was. These rollers were very heavy once they were in place. Finally, out with the rollers. What did I say about the "perm-a-grin"? Isn't she a beauty. Now, she finally looks like me - with curly hair!

Piano Recital 2008

Alex played Indiana Jones

Keaton played Catch a Falling Star

Sadie played Mickey Mouse March - sure wish you could've seen her better, I has hoping the piano was turned the other direction. They all did a fabulous job, not one of them made a mistake, but if truth be told, I was the one who made a mistake. I was honestly nervous, just like all of those years of recitals in my childhood. But Sadie told me that if I goof up "not to smile", and "don't look at the audience" . . . I didn't.

Here's a photo of Sadie (since she isn't seen on the video) with Grandma Ruth - who drove out to see the recital.

Tazers ROCK!

In case you haven't heard by now, Alex's Tazer team coached by dad, Glen, entered the Memorial Day Tournament last weekend. Typically, a holiday weekend would be a great "get away" opportunity. But actually this weekend was very good weekend for basketball due to the downpouring of rain. They won their Friday night game against some team (after 80+ games it is hard to remember names). It was a dramatic game where the opposing team's coach and spectator were thrown out of the game during the first quarter. The coach actually began chasing the referee before one of our "larger" dad's went to defend the ref. Yep, right there at center court! This is when basketball turns bad. So they got kicked off the court and, while I think the game should've been called right then and there (in our favor of course), they continued to play. Alex shot a lot of free throws for all of the technical fouls called. He did a great job! That was a pivotal point in the game because the climate of the game and the attitudes of their players changed and we took over. Then the next morning, Saturday, Alex played at 9 and 11. They won both games. Then being undefeated, they had to play the second place team again, in a back to back game with them at 2:00. All of the players were so tired, but playing on the main court and being undefeated pumped them up. They played Avalanche for the second time that day and while they came within 4 points at one point, Tazers never lost the lead. Leaving, yes, the Tazers, as the Memorial Tournament Champions!! What a great tournament for these boys who have struggled and this weekend put it all together to make it work. They are awesome. Alex did awesome and so did Glen! No technical's during any of the games for Glen. Although he did get excited from time to time, he maintained his cool. This team deserved this win, and finally got a well deserved t-shirt. I don't think Alex has even taken his off for the past 5 days. He is so proud and so deserving. Wait to go TAZERS!

More deck . . .

We worked a lot on the deck this weekend, just in time for the downpour of rain! Here are some photos of the progress. Keaton and Alex worked on securing the decking to the framing while Sadie set in place two screws for each joist for them. That's what I'm talking about . . . child labor! In the meantime, we tried out the deck chairs on the finished portion. They work out nicely. The kids also had fun with a couple of boards, some string, and a peach tree.

Who knows what they were up to. What a great day!

Deck Progresses

Here's the latest about the deck progress. Glen and LeRoy worked incredibly hard on the deck. They got the frame up and the postsholes dug. It is amazing that they have put this together so fast. Of course, I was a supervisor but helped when they needed me to. It looks absolutely incredible, and bigger than I had imagined initially. I know we will enjoy the space! I can't wait to have our "deck warming" party! Enjoy the photos.