Halloween Party

Last week was our Halloween Party for the youth at church. Nick had us running all over to find the blow up sumo wrestler costume for this party and we finally found one. He told his friends about it so they were out trying to find one as well so they could all go as the these big wrestlers. Only one of his friends found one and it happened to be a "female" costume. They looked hilarious!!

I went as a hippie chick and this wig made me look so different that no one talked to me for the first 10 minutes because no one knew who I was. :)

UEA Weekend

Last Thursday and Friday the kids didn't have school for UEA (I think that's a teacher conference) so we headed down to Vegas for a couple of days. I really don't love Vegas but since Brian is such a frequent traveler and chooses to stay at the Hilton properties on most trips, they gave him a free weekend in Vegas. It was actually a condo-type resort with no casino on the property so very family-friendly. I forgot my camera so I have no pictures of our trip but it was fun to get away. We had the pool to ourselves for a couple hours on Friday morning and they had a big net to play water volleyball so the 4 of us played some very competitive games...hahaha. We're all VERY good at water volleyball. (NOT)...it's so easy to move around in 3-4 ft water to dive for the balls.

My favorite line from the trip was when we were ordering at the Cheesecake Factory and the waitress asked Hailey how she wanted her burger cooked. I realized immediately that my children had never been asked that question before because Hailey's response was "Good". Smart girl...who wants a burger cooked yucky! :)

Exciting Times at Work

The owner/founder of the company I work for has been working on a book that encompasses the principles from the coaching programs we sell. He originally started out as a tennis coach but soon realized that the knowledge he was "bestowing" on his students was creating a lot of interference in how they performed. They were so worried about thinking about everything they'd been taught that it actually interfered with performing at a high level. Over time he created a process of getting rid of the interference and focusing on what's most important in order to perform at the highest level possible. He then transferred these same principles into the business world and we now use them to help managers/leaders help employees perform at their highest level. He has continued to work with athletes in the tennis and golf world but the success of his company has proven that these principles are universal. His book was completed a few months ago and is being launched officially this week. A LOT of work has gone into completing the requirements in order to launch this book on the New York Times Best Seller list and it also launched as #1 on Amazon. We had a launch party on Monday to celebrate this great accomplishment and we look forward to continued success with the book!! I am grateful to be a part of this organization, and I'm grateful that they are flexible with me and my hours so I can be home with my kids when they are home from school...a complete win/win!

The books being proudly displayed on the conference table. It is called "You Already Know How to Be Great (Subtitle: A Simple Way to Remove Interference and Unlock Your Greatest Potential) The King Chess piece is displayed on the table because on the cover it shows a Pawn in the front with the King in the shadow behind.

This is actually a cake make in the likeness of the book. Amazing!!!

Cookies also made in the likeness of the book...yes we all went away on a sugar high!! :)

Most of the team...unfortunately not everyone could be in this picture because we have Regional Sales Directors located in the field.

Key people responsible for the writing and launch success of the book. From left to right...Kim, CEO; Rebecca, writer; Alan, author; Jacques, Director of Marketing

Eagle Project - Check! :)

Today was Nick's Eagle Project and it turned out to be a lot of fun! He did a Safety Fair with a Fire Truck & Ambulance, Seat Belt Convincer (which was the hit of the day), Beer Goggles (which came in a close 2nd), Fingerprinting, Internet Safety information, Face Painting, Bean Bag Toss, and bike safety information with a bike course to ride. Unfortunately only 1 kid brought their bike and 2 kids brought their scooters to ride the course so the bike cops were probably a little bored. :) I am extremely appreciative though of all the people that helped him accomplish this project...both the ones that brought the equipment, etc. and the ones that showed up to participate! I think he learned a lot through this process and I'm grateful for that.

Bryson "walking the line" while wearing the beer goggles. It was pretty funny watching everyone try to do this. Some were better than others...hmmmmmm...haha.

Nick and Briggs giving the Seat Belt Convincer a try. This "ride" simulates a 5 mile per hour crash and shows the importance of seat belts.

Nick getting his face painted by a "good friend". :) As you can see, it wasn't all work and no play for him. :)

The cool eagle Madelyne painted on Nick's cheek.

One of my BFF's, Cara modeling the "gurney" pose. :)

Hailey & Kaelen on the Convincer.

Another BFF, Chris, at the Fingerprinting table fingerprinting all the kids.

Notice all the boys hanging around the face painting table where all the cute girls were the face painters. :)

Nick "walking the line".

Brian walking the line. He decided from this that if he was ever intoxicated he would always veer left. :)

Chris and I on the Convincer. I was actually pretty shocked at how hard of a hit it is at only 5 miles per hour. It makes you understand how people can actually be ejected out of cars when they're not wearing their seat belts.

We're now very relieved that it's over with and Nick is thrilled that he doesn't have to worry about merit badges or anything like that any more! :)