Thanksgiving trip

We went all the way to visit my Aunt B, Uncle B, their kids S & K and Grandma B for Thanksgiving this year. Seriously, it was a little over 2 hours away. What a nice short drive!! Anyway, my other Aunt B and her 3 girls (R, S, and E) were also there. We had a wonderful visit with LOTS of treats, laughs, games, food and conversations. It didn't snow in the valley, but the foothills and mountains were dusted a bit. I am thankful for extended family who fills in when our immediate family is not close. I am thankful my small family and how they love me so deeply. I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that enriches my life on this earth and gives me direction to know what I need to do to make it back to live with my Heavenly Father someday. I am thankful for the perspective of life taught to me by my children. I am thankful for my husband who is unbelievably amazing with our children. I am thankful for the abundance of food we always seem to have at these get-togethers. I am thankful for my grandma who gets on the floor to play with her great-granchildren while we pack the car to come home. I am thankful for time shared with my family. Thank you B & B and Grandma B for hosting those great few days! We'll see you again soon!

We took the opportunity to go to a local craft fair on Friday (the older girls 9 yrs +). There were lots of fun ideas, but mostly it was great to hang out together while looking at crafty things. Then we went to see TWILIGHT! I am still kicking myself for not seeing it sooner, because it was a nice distraction from life. I just have a couple of complaints...no offense, but I thought Rosalie should have been prettier AND the story was a bit rushed. I am soooo glad that I have read the books, because I know I would have been confused about the intensity of the relationship between Bella and Edward (this was a much discussed topic among the older movie-goers...out of teenage years). I agree with others that the book is better, but as a whole, the movie is adequate and definitely entertaining.

Sleepover...

After our trip we had a sleepover with cousins. Here are all the girls (minus SC, she was in bed) getting ready for the movie to start. I think the choice was Ella Enchanted.

Our girls picked out ring pops for a special treat for the sleepover. I am still not sure if it was a wise idea, but they enjoyed sticking their tongues out at each other.

The other yummy treat we had (no, we do not normally have all of this sugar, but hey, when you have a sleepover, what more do you need) was strawberry shortcake. It was enjoyed by all the girls, and John and I.

We hope that the cousins had a great time...and think we should do it again sometime soon. We are too close now not to get together more often, right A?

Happy Birthday J!!

My hubby is half-way through his 30s today...and looks GREAT if you ask me. I wanted to share some wonderful things about him on his special day. He is a wonderful companion. He constantly tries to find ways to make me happy when I am down, offers a listening ear and helps out whenever he can. He is a spectacular father...or playmate...and loves to join in the fun with the girls. He takes them outside to play or ride bikes, he encourages them to "help" when he is fixing things (cars, lawnmowers, toys, etc.), and he is consistent about family prayer and Family Home Evening. He changes diapers, cleans up after bed-wetting incidents and vomiting episodes (don't worry, I help too with all of the preceding things). He doesn't seem like he is THAT old (LOL!!!) because he truly is young at heart. He isn't picky about my cooking. He LOVES the outdoors, motorcycles, his children and me (not necessarily in that order). I am truly grateful for the man he is and the father he has become. I love you J! I hope we made your birthday a great one for you!

Love,

S, SD, SV and SC

Special Shout-Out to Shannon...Happy Birthday to you too!!

Hanging out with P/K on our trip

So, my friend P/K (yes, she has 2 names, you have to ask her about that) were able to coordinate weird schedules when we were on our trip and have lunch. Then we went to the mall and walked around with the family. We didn't get very good pictures, but hey, with 3 kids, can you ever really?

Anyway, we really enjoyed the opportunity to catch up for a bit and for the girls to meet her again. Thank you P/K for making time for us and driving far enough to meet us!

Bowling with M and K on our trip in October

The girls LOVE bowling. It must run in their blood...definitely from my side...from my dad. Anyway, when we were on our trip, M and K treated us to a wonderful night with dinner, bowling and a new pair of socks.

This is how SV spent most of the time at the bowling alley. Of course, I couldn't blame her, I remember doing it too as a young child.

Speaking of when I was younger, we didn't have these awesome track cart things that help the kiddos get enough momentum to get the ball down the lane somewhat fast. We used to have to granny roll the bowling ball and our parents had to patiently wait for it to finally arrive at the pins, only knocking down one or two. Another thing that I never had growing up...bumpers. Now at the bowling alleys, the bumpers are on an automated system where they disappear for the adults and pop out for the children. How cool is that???

Another thing I used to do at bowling alleys... I didn't even have to teach them about the fans.




More waiting for those balls to magically appear. What awesome colors there were to choose from? The entire rainbow.

M, K and the girls. They were all happy!!

Poor SC didn't get to bowl, but K seemed to enjoy keeping her occupied.

I mention that M helped too? SC has an affinity for mouths. Maybe it's just the whole teeth concept, since she only has 2.

Veterans Day

The school that I teach at had a special Veterans Day assembly and it was very poignant to me. We stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. We sang the national anthem. We listened to the 3rd grade class sing the "Armed Forces Medley." I was very overwhelmed as I was reminded of the sacrifice and service that has been offered in my behalf. There was soldier who came to speak to us, younger than I, who had served in Afganistan and will go back next summer for another tour of duty. He showed pictures of his tour and shared stories, then asked the students to tell us about people in their families that served in the military. There were lots of great-grandpas, grandpas, dads, uncles, and cousins who have served/are serving.

I am grateful for my family who has served and is serving...my grandpa, my father, my uncles, and now my cousins. You all are remarkable for your willingness to serve. I thank you for standing up to protect my freedoms and I pray that the Lord will protect you in your endeavors.

I got tagged again...8 things...

I was tagged by a friend who lives far away (2 days in the car far away) and because we were so busy while we were visiting J's parents, I didn't contact her. For this I am truly sorry, so I actually did a tag from her in effort to earn her forgiveness. Thanks Lindsey!

RULES
1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the six "8" items
3) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment



8 Favorite TV Shows
hmmm...I barely have regular TV (no satellite)
1. Gilmore Girls (even though the series is over)
2. Jon and Kate plus 8 (when we did have satellite)
3. HDTV (again, when we did have satellite)
4. Muppet Show
5. Disney Family night movies
6. Cosby Show (thanks for the idea Lindsey!)
7. do movies count? (Pride and Prejudice...any version)
8. how about video games? (Rock Band is a new favorite, although we don't have it, but our friends do)



8 Things I did yesterday
1. organized pictures on the new external hard-drive
2. posted on the blog
3. took a shower
4. went to Costco
5. picked up pizza for dinner (as with EVERY Saturday night)
6. did some laundry
7. gave kids a bath
8. played online games with my brother K



8 Things I look forward to
1. no more diapers with kids (I still have a way to go, SC isn't 1 yet)
2. being closer to family again
3. losing the baby weight
4. Halloween candy gone (it will help with #3)
5. SNOW!!!
6. making it through church, actually listening/participating (the past few weeks have been rough with SC...she crawls and we have LATE church).
7. making blog posts more often
8. the holiday season



8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Lonestar Steakhouse (best steakhouse outside of TX)
2. PF Changs
3. Springcreek BBQ
4. M & M's house...I haven't had a thing that isn't fantastic of theirs. Her latest is a red-pepper jelly that is undescribable, it's SOOOOOO good. (M, can I have more please?)
5. Carrabbas
6. parents house (my dad makes fantastic ribs, waffles and pancakes...mom makes the best dressing, apple butter and applesauce).
7. Foundry Grill at Sundance
8. in-laws (mom-in-law does a mean ham, turkey and sandwiches of the leftovers



8 Things on my wishlist
1. Take my kids to Disneyland while they will appreciate it
2. Go on an Alaskan Cruise with my hubby
3. Live close to family, have beautiful surroundings (mountains, snow, etc.) and a tolerable climate
4. Even hormones (another answer I stole from Lindsey) and temper
5. PATIENCE
6. For my children to know that I will always love them
7. That my hubby knows how grateful I am for all he does
8. For my children to know their family well (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins)



8 People to tag
(so sorry...not a part I enjoy, but after you post, I will enjoy reading your responses...)
1. Amanda O.
2. Shannon B.
3. Michelle C.
4. Jolene C.
5. Rose M.
6. Heather C.
7. Angela A.
8. Lisa F.

I like hockey

I had a WONDERFUL time hanging out with my brother M when went we went to visit J's parents. His wife, K, gave up her ticket to a hockey game, so that I could go with M. Thanks K for letting me have him for the evening too.

The arena where the game was.

The players on the ice. I was disappointed there were no fights during the game.

The scoreboard after the first goal. YEAH!!



My awesome brother M. He treated me to dinner and my first hockey game, which our team WON. Not too mention, I witnessed history in the making...a hat-trick by a rookie (first NHL game), how rad was that? Thanks M!!

Haircuts and colors all around

EVERY time we get together as a family, J's sister L offers to give everyone haircuts. Obviously we (hopefully) graciously take her up on her offer. She does amazing things and I have never had a bad haircut or color from her. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents with the family L!! We appreciate all the time it takes for everyone to have a turn.

SV all ready to go.

My hair straight and colored??? WOW, what more could I want?

Aunt D gets a little trim.

A gets a little color...because he is old enough to make his own decisions (and besides, it was only lighter blonde highlights).

Gramma and me before the flat iron. Why I don't do this every day is beyond me? Oh, wait, it's because it took L (a licensed professional with 15 yrs experience) about 45 minutes to flat iron my hair. Thank you for enduring L!!!!!

An apprentice, R, helping with his mom's hair color.

Cousin H gets a few inches cut off.

A gets a little trim (she is so used to getting her hair cut every couple of months...how awesome to have a mom who does that?).

I hope that all y'all can tell how much SV enjoys getting her hair sprayed down with water in this picture. Although, it's hard enough to get her to slow down for a picture anyway, this one just exaggerated the normal issues. LOL!!

SD LOVES to get her hair trimmed. I keep asking her if she wants shorter hair and she firmly replies, "No!" As long as she lets me brush it a couple of times a day, I guess we'll leave it up to her. Her hair looks really light in this picture, really it is a bit darker.

Visiting Gramma & Grampa...last month

Earlier last month we visited Gramma & Grampa (which also included lots of cousins, aunties and uncles too...a little Thanksgivingish a month early). We participated in lots of fun things while we were there. It took us a couple of days to realize that SC would sleep best in Gramma & Grampa's closet because it was dark and quiet. The pack n play did take up most of the closet but hey, a happy, well-rested SC made it worth the hassle.

Cousins H, K, SD and A peeking over the loft edge. They kept popping up like prairie dogs and their giggles were priceless.


SC decided that she wanted to try a little more mobility that week. She is now a crawling maniac, but at Gramma & Grampa's she just scooted around...obviously enjoying herself.

SD getting ready for a bike ride...she has a surprise to share with everyone later about bicycles.

Did I mention that Grampa acquired a small fleet of ATVs in preparation for our visit? We wanted to keep the girls safe so we hauled all of our helmets there. Yes, an extra suitcase was required. Anyway, SV didn't always remove her helmet after her rides and we found her playing on the swingset like this. I was just hoping that she wouldn't fall over because the helmets are kind of heavy. Oh well, she was enjoying swinging on the horse.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

For those of you who really know me, you will understand how AWESOME this was to wake up to this morning. Sad that it took snow for me to actually dump my camera and post this, but hey, it's all about priorities, right? Dave...these pictures are for you. Please know that we think about you every time I see snow.

We were away visiting Js parentals when it first snowed here, so for us this is the first real snow. Hopefully it will stick. We had to buy SV new snowpants last night before they disappeared from the stores. YEAH!!