So, I finally decided to do something with my kids that was a little school-esque. We made a Thankful tree this November. I told them they had to put one leaf on everyday of something they were thankful for, they did a little bit more than that! It was nice to have this daily visual reminder that we are surrounded by blessings and all we have to do is look for them. Maddie mostly just drew circles or mo-mucks on hers. I plan to save the leaves and we can look back at each year's blessings. It was a fun November activity. (I have a computer file full of December ideas - haven't done any of them yet!)

Thanksgiving

As many of you know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Thanksgiving. Mostly because we all cram into one room and sit and enjoy each other. This is what is usually happening the majority of the time, just hanging out being together.

I think grampa prefers it when there is snow on the ground by Thanksgiving - that way he can get out the snowmobile and take the kids on rides. They love going on the bump and over the canal.

The talent show is always a highlight. Jacee and Jasmin doing an original dance to Justin Beiber's Baby. This year it seemed to be the Jacee/Jasmine/Nia/Tayler show. The best was when they put on a skit about how grama and grama met. According to them grama was quite forward and making quite the moves on grampa!

Nia on clarinet while Jacee and Jasmine sang.

Jack also did an original performance to Justin Beiber's Baby. He had some sweet moves!

I think he was channeling his father's days as a break dancer.

Just more general silliness.

We always keep some ramen noodles handy for when my picky children won't eat anything.

Maddie and Kiera. She finally warmed up to some of the older cousins.

SiSi and Jada.

Jacee and Jasmin sporting some ill-gotten loot from Grama's jewelry box. I hope she can find all her jewelry that was sported by her granddaughters during the weekend.

More of the aforementioned jewelry.

Some of the more hearty stock of the family.

Love just being together and strengthening family bonds. I will mention that things were a bit off. Two families couldn't make it and it just seemed weird all weekend. Everyone got a room at the house, there was leftover turkey on Friday (something unheard of in these parts) and the treats seemed to never run out. We sure missed the Steadmans and Ackermans!

We did get snowed in and didn't leave Idaho until Monday afternoon. After trying to figure out what to do, we all just sat back, played some games and enjoyed each other for one more night.

Sure do love our family!

Let the Family Time Begin!

It's funny. We live close to three of my brothers and four of John's sisters - but sometimes, weeks and weeks go by without us seeing them. Last weekend, we finally got to spend some quality time with John's side.

My niece, Cassie, was Marian the Librarian in her school's production of The Music Man. Everyone who lived in Utah, plus Grama and Grampa, plus Camille and Linsee from Elko went to see the play. John had to work and I had Maddie and Jack so we didn't go - but luckily Jacee did. She loved every second of it! (Except the kissing her cousin was doing on stage!) Lori hosted everyone before the show and then kept all the little girls for a sleep over. The next day we all met up for some lunch and eventful shopping. We are lucky Lori was with us because she chaperoned all the little kids for free ice cream at Coney's while the rest of the adults sat at Paradise Cafe - thank Lori!

This little get together just made me excited to get on with the holidays! It seems once Thanksgiving hits we get together with family a ton. I can't wait!

To all those heading to Burley - watch out because we are leaving bright and early Wed morning...the race is on!

Thanksgivings Past

Just wanted to put up a quick post of Thanksgivings Past. When I look back at pictures, I am amazed that my children were every that little - and how big they are now. We have always loved Thanksgiving with all it's wonderful traditions. Thanks Grama Binki and Grampa Brent for providing such a wonderful time for all of us! We can't wait for this Thanksgiving!

A Whole Lotta Love

We have been having the best time! Thanksgiving might just be my secret favorite Holiday. John's family comes every year - no trading with in-laws here! We all crowd in Grama's house and just enjoy each other. Yes, the cousins occasionally fight - as do the sisters. Someone always seems to get hurt. Grama is always baffled by the lack of left overs and life is just good. I was introduced to the art of looking over the ads when I entered this family nine years ago. They are constantly passed around on Thursday - by Thursday night they are crumpled and worn - but still being perused. The lists are made, the schedule is set and the alarm goes of at 3:45am. John made it to JC Penny, Walmart, and Target in Twin all befor 6am! Then comes the haul. The adults all gather in a room and go over all the bargains, and wonder if there are any left if we could just hurry and go to Walmart one more time. Coats for $8? WHAT? Sexy Momma Boots were a big item this year - most of the fun was modeling them and seeing the teen-age neices roll their eyes. Talents have been shared, wild trees have been tamed and right now, while I am typing this, the aroma of my husband's world famous fudge is wafting through the house. Thanksgiving weekend is now complete! We love family and we love this week especially - we must count our blessing - even though we may not have riches, we are rich in family - we love you guys!