The Day After Christmas

Since, I have not been so good about blogging, I figured I would just post twice tonight to make sure I got my blogging in. So, Sunday morning, came and Lindsey had called the night before stating that Dad and Kel were going up to Papa Lynn's (my grandpa) house and wanted us to join if possible. Bri cleaned as I made soup for another family gathering in the afternoon. When it looked like we were going to make it, we told them to count on us. We arrived in Pleasant View about 11, where we were able to sit, talk, and see my grandfather. It was a fun time, my dad and Kel surprised us girls with a few of my grandmother's belongings. We each got some dish clothes and hot pads she had knitted. Lindsey got a sunglasses case she had made, Jocelyn got a necklace that has a bell, and I got a basket and a pair of her knitting needles. It was a very special gift to me, now I just need to learn to knit. We had a fun pizza lunch (cheese less for Coly) and then took a 4 generations photo. Since it had begun to snow, we had to take off to get to our next party in time.
At 3, we arrived at GG's house (clubhouse) to get set up for the Adamson and Kienke (sounds like Kinky) family Christmas party. We got all set up and enjoyed some good soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts. It was a lot of fun to see people we have not seen in a long time. Lindsey decided that she wanted a 4 generations photo here too, however, it was a much larger undertaking. Now this picture is just Grandma DeLone's (GG) kids, grand kids, and great grand kids, no spouses, plus we are missing a few. Insane I know.

After the picture, we had the gift exchange, white elephant and the kids got more presents. We gave loves and left before the craziness of cleaning, since we had set up we were exempt from cleaning (YES!). After, 3 fun filled, crazy busy days, I was exhausted. I think Bri and the kids were too. Bri and I both had to work on Monday, so we were in bed early and tried to get some much needed rest.

Christmas Day

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was for Christmas. I know, you would think that after 29 years I would not act like a little kid, but I do. I started waking up at 2 AM to see if it was time for Christmas, then I would wake up at least every hour after that if not more often. Seriously, you would think that Santa was coming for me. Any way, the eyes flew open at 6:15 AM, good enough for me. I got up and started getting ready for everyone to be here at 7 AM. Colin woke up at 6:30, and we had to wake up Audra at 6:45. Unfortunately, all the grandparents were late so the kids had to wait until 7:10ish. They were so excited. Colin received a Buzz Lightyear bike and Audra a pink Radio Flyer Scooter. They booth got a Bug House (inside tent), which I have to say has been more popular then the bike and scooter. Each child had several more gifts from Santa and then the gifts from Mom and Dad, which are not as fun as they were clothes and other necessities. After both sets of my parents and Jocelyn and Chris left (they were going to Lindsey's), I gave Bri his Christmas present...IPad, which was from both me and his parents. That was all he would tell me he really wanted. He was surprised I think and so very happy, in the days that have followed he has not really left the IPad from his side, excluding work. Bri's folks left and Bri and I finished our Christmas, Bri also received a Blu-Ray player, a movie, and some clothes. I got some clothes, a pair of shoes I have really wanted, Eclipse, and surprise the Flip camera, which I already love. It was a very nice Christmas and I feel very blessed to have my family and health this year.

Later, we went over to Bri's folks house for Christmas Dinner, Andy, Jamie and Kash joined us here. The kids got to ride there new toys and it was fun to watch. We then had a lovely dinner of Prime Rib, Lentil soup, rolls, fancy broccoli, and cheesecake. We then opened Christmas there, I was given a beautiful new bed set in guess what color...purple and a new sweat suit. Bri had already received his big gift, but then got a massage too. The kids were just spoiled rotten again, and it has left their parents feeling like our house is now where big enough for everything. By the time we left the kids crashed hard. By 6: 30 they were out not to be heard from again until 6:40 the next morning. Bri and I relaxed and were in bed earlier as well, ready for a nice peaceful night.

Christmas Eve

Since, this holiday has been spread out over the entire weekend, I thought I would break it into days so I am not over whelmed to blog and hopefully I remember everything I want to get down. Friday, we were suppose to be going to my sister Lindsey's house in the morning to see Jocelyn and Chris, who were coming straight from the airport. However, at 7 AM we received a call that they had missed their plane and would not be in until 2:55 PM. So, this gave me time to relax a little, get in a run and help Lindsey finish her last minute Christmas shopping. We arrived at my Mom and Gar's at 3 PM and waited until the others arrived. Once they got there, it was game on for Christmas. The kids were spoiled beyond belief they each got toys, clothes, snacks and I could go on and on. Us older kids were spoiled too, Mom and Gar gave Bri and I a nice tent that we will be using in the warmer months. Plus, some running clothes and stocking stuffers. Colin also gave us a hand made picture cube that I love so much, you can actually see part of it in the bottom of this picture.

After that, we had a very nice Prime Rib dinner and shared some laughs at the dinner table. By this time, we were getting tired and the kids were so excited for Santa. Before we left, however, my family has a little game we play that is quite fun. Every year us older kids hide a tiny green pickle ornament (a German tradition). The person that finds this pickle gets an extra gift, the person that supplies the extra gift is the person who won the previous year. Also, the person who previously won, is the person to hide the pickle. So, Chris won last year, so he hide the pickle. Since last year the men did the pickle hunting, us women were up this year, well we were not successful at all. The men kept telling us "get in there", "look around." We could not find the dang pickle. So after some time, we switched to the men, who did not find it very easily either, which was quite refreshing. Normally, this ornamant is found within 1-2 minutes. I think it seriously took 7-9 minutes this year, just as we were about to give up and have Chris re hide the pickle, Bri very calmly says "I actually just found it." So, Bri got a very cool heated blanket for the car. Something, that I know will come into use. When we got home the kids got to open their Christmas Eve PJ's and I got matching ones this year. They looked so cute. They were so excited for Santa to come, I think it took them an hour to fall asleep. Santa came to the house after that, but he mumbled a few swear words and threw the bike pedal because it was not going together as planned, DARN elves didn't do their job well. But once the bike was put together he was able to get everything up in a jiffy, it amazes me how quick he can be.

Castle Dale - Family Christmas Party

For the past 3 years, my dad and Kel's side of the family have been getting together the weekend before Christmas down at my sister Shannon's house. She and her husband have a nice home with 7 bedrooms, so we all can actually fit in one house. It is also very nice, to get away from the city and just spend some time together.

We left on Friday afternoon and were the first to arrive. We got set up and Shan made dinner, Kel arrived shortly after that. We then found out the Lindsey's Family would not be down that night, neither would Shane's family, Dad also would be down on Saturday and we were unsure about Kate and Art, (we missed our 2 out of town families Jocelyn and Chris and Chad's family). So, after getting the little ones down for the night, Kel, Shan and I went to town wrapping gifts and trying to get everything ready for the next day. We had just finished and Kate and Art showed up. We chatted into the night and had a great time.

Saturday, was a fun day. We started with Apple French toast followed by chatting, getting ready for the day and old family videos. The kids played, enjoying one another's company. Around noon the others started to make it, as the weather had not been as nice as we had hoped for traveling. Art and Kate made an awesome taco lunch (Art is Hispanic), which was followed by mounds of dishes as both breakfast and lunch had not been done. After that, Bri took Colin and Merrial took Addison, the four of them went out on four wheelers in the back yard/pasture and rode around in the snow. I think the kids had a great time. Not too long after that, all the men except Art, as he was sick, went out in the middle of no where and shot some guns and had male bonding. Then came the fun part, the Christmas presents. We had a great time opening presents and joking with one another. The kids were spoiled rotten, as were we. We enjoyed a family Christmas dinner with everyone making an item or two for the meal. After the kids went down, some of us enjoyed a good game of Hand and Foot, while others enjoyed the movie Grown Ups. Again we were up late into the night.

Sunday morning came early, as my kids woke up and were ready to go at 6:45 AM. No one else was awake so, we hung out in the basement by the fire for an hour and then it was time to get up and get breakfast going. We had muffins, orange rolls, and sausage and enjoyed the last meal that we would be having together this trip. Then it was time to clean up and get home. It was a great get away. I want to thank everyone for all they did to make it a success and a HUGE thanks to The Johansen Family to opening their home to us once again.

SO Tired!

Friday, the kids awakened a little earlier then usual. This was no big deal, but we had decided the day before not to put the kids down for a nap before we left for Castle Dale, so they would sleep in the car. By noon, Lynnie was fussy, but I was a mean mom and just kept trying to keep her awake. I left for a minute and came back to find one tired little girl. YEP, this picture is 100% real.

Harry Potter

Some of you may or may not know, I LOVE Harry Potter. I started reading the series back in 2004, and have had to wait for books and movies to come out. I own all of the books and all the movies that have been released. I know it is sort of crazy for an adult to love it so much, but I can't help it. I have taught Coly some of the spells and sometimes when we are playing, he will yell out "Stupify!", it makes me so happy. Coly and I even look forward to visiting Harry Potter's World one day.

With the release of the newest movie, I decided I was going to reread the series again, and started rereading months ago. I want to remember what exactly happens in Harry's life, as it has been so long since I finished the series. I am pleased to say I finished the last book last night, so tonight I am head to go see the movie and I can't wait. I am such a silly girl! Oh well, we have to stay young some how right?!?!?

Learning the Alphabet

The week of Thanksgiving, I went to my first Parent Teacher Conference as a parent. Colin has been doing very well in school and is were he needs to be by the end of the year, except in 2 areas. Not too bad. One area I am not concerned about as he is close to being were he should in 5 months, the other he is behind. That area is his alphabet knowledge, he needs to be able to pick out the letters in his name, recognize a C, and read his name. WoW! I can't believe he is suppose to know how to spell his name at 3. Ever since, Bri and I have made a point to practice the alphabet with Colin at night. Last night, Colin was struggling with the difference between L and N. Bri was patient but getting frustrated, so I took over and we started working on writing L's so he can tell the difference. He was so excited to start writing, he did such a great job making little l's that we started working on big L's. Audra Lynn was a cheerleader and would clap when brother got it right. So fun to have the kids helping each other.

Maw & Paw Jackson's Christmas Party

Last night was Bri's family Christmas party. It was a themed party this year, Redneck Christmas. We were asked to dress up as Rednecks. The kids had gone with Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve in the morning, so we met them back at their house. Bri had been working on his outfit for a couple days, I knew what I was going to wear, but Debby and Steve just weren't quite sure. However, Steve figured it out quickly and then after a couple recommendations we had a outfit for Debby. We went to the party, and to our disappointment Diane and Rupe (Maw & Paw Jackson) were the only other ones dressed up. It was their loss, it was fun. For dinner we had chicken wings, hot dogs, beans, pork rinds, slim jim's, moon pies, and cheese ball. For dessert we had pumpkin roll. It was a true redneck meal, with good times and good company.

Maw & Paw Thomas

Maw & Paw Jackson

Bubba Bri

Festival of Trees

Bri works with a couple of gals that have been volunteering with the Festival of Trees for years. These ladies sell tickets at Allstate to their coworkers and get them at a discount. Well, Bri surprised me a week ago with tickets to the festival. Bri had Friday off, due to working the past Saturday, so we decided it would be a great time to take the kids down to the event. I have to say there are some very cool trees, and some people are WAY creative. Others, the trees were only okay. But the kids had a great time, Coly says his favorite tree was Toy Story, Carter's favorite was Elmo, and Lou's I think was a very pink tree. Brian wanted to bring home the surfing Santa. It was a fun way to start the holidays.

An Unexpected Visit

Some of you may or may not know, that my baby sister (yes that is her above) is currently living in Del Rio, Texas, as her husband Chris is going through pilot school for the United States Air Force. They moved there about 6 months ago, and she called crying stating it was not a place she thought she could live. As we have talked about visiting, she has discouraged it, because she wants us to come out to other locations when they move.

So, Sunday afternoon, mom called and stated that Jocelyn was coming home on Monday night and would be here through the week. It was such a happy surprise. Monday, for FHE (family home evening) we met J at the airport and then went for Mexican food. It was so very good to see her.

Last night, Gar called and invited us over for dinner at the house with J. We went over and had a nice meal, I think Lynnie Lou enjoyed it the most, don't you think? But the boys had a good time too. It has been nice to have her home and the good news, she will be back in 2 weeks for the holidays, YAY!!!

Our Thanksgiving and Weekend

Thanksgiving has come and gone so very quickly, I cannot believe it. We were suppose to be having Thanksgiving with my Dad and Kel this year, however, that did not work out as he had just returned home from the hospital. Luckily, Bri's folks were having the family at their house and had invited us to join them. So, we went there on T-Day, Bri's grandparents, Aunt Denise, Aunt Dorrie, Mom and Steve, and Pat and Kay were there. It was a nice feast. Everyone did a grand job making their dishes. Steve and I ran dinner over to Andy and Jaime, so I got to hold and see cute little Kash. Unfortunately, I did not remember that I had my camera and did not get any pictures of T-Day. :(

After dinner, we cleaned up and got ready to come home. I had looked through the ads and found that since most of my shopping was done, I only really needed to hit the Wal-Mart before bed. So, I left the house at 11:15, met up with Mom, Lindsey and her sister-in-law Kristie. I was able to score the Disney PJ's and a couple other deals, which put me in a great place for Christmas. After checking out, I hugged the others and went on my way, they were hitting other stores. The next morning after dropping Bri off at work and catching a few more zzz's, the kids and I went to Macy's so they could do their Christmas shopping for Bri. A stop at a couple more stores and then my shopping for the kids and Bri was all done. YES!! Actually, I only have a handful of gifts to get. Later, Neeners and grandpa Garry had the kids sleepover, so Bri and I got another date in. We had dinner at Skybox which was fun and then did some shopping at Kohl's.

Saturday, both Bri and I had to work, so we didn't get much done until the evening. I cooked the turkey I had purchased and we had dinner. We got my nativities set up, the tree up, and the lights up. Sunday, we decorated the tree and the kids had a ball. Especially when they came out and there was a bunch of presents wrapped already. Now Colin keeps checking that Santa is still coming and that we are going to leave the tree up. I reassure him that the tree is up for a month.

Grateful!

This past weekend, my dad called and stated that he was going into the hospital on Monday for pancreatitis and would not be out for the holiday. He said that he was going to be receiving antibiotics and no food, so the hospital staff were going to be keeping an eye on him.
Well, yesterday came and dad went thru the ER to be admitted. It was soon discovered that his pancreas was fine, but that his heart was not. They weren't sure what was going on and scheduled an angiogram for today. Having a great family, Dustin called into work and told them what was going on, then came over to my house with Carter and watched all 3 kiddos, so I could go up to the hospital to be with my dad.
While, we waited for dad to go back, he was joking and having a good time even though, you could tell he was nervous. They took him back and about an hour later, we found out dad had 2 blocked arteries. One being blocked 90% and the other 95%, and they were blocked so bad, the doctors had to put stents into both arteries. However, the good news is, there was no dead tissue in his heart, he had not yet had a heart attack and his heart is strong.
Dad came out of the procedure laughing, with the weight of the world off his shoulders. I am so grateful tonight as we approach the holiday season for all of my blessing, but especially that Heavenly Father was looking over my dad and that he has not had a heart attack. I am so grateful he will return home tomorrow and have a small recovery instead of a large one. I am grateful he is my dad.

Home Improvement - Part Deux

So, yesterday was day 3 of our supposed 3 hour task. The water was turned off at 11 AM and it took about 1 hour for the pipes to drain. We started the task of changing out the valves under the sink. Even though this was tough to get them to start turning, once they did it was a quick fix. I think it probably took 35 minutes to replace both. I felt, like finally something is going our way. That all changed within a matter of minutes.

We moved the new dishwasher over to the cabinet to start putting it in and guess what?? It didn't fit, can you even imagine that. So, feeling very frustrated we had 2 options, tear out the counter tops, something that I really don't want to do OR rip up some of our slate, something else I did not want to do, but seemed like the lesser of 2 evils. At this point I was in tears, as I was so frustrated this was suppose to be an easy fix and it was turning out to be a nightmare. So, Bri went to work ripping out the tile.

We finally got 2 pieces out and it still would not fit, we had to rip off the molding around the cabinet. Finally, we could see the dishwasher actually fitting into the space. Bri and I tried, it didn't go well, to put the dishwasher in the space. Finally, Bri called Gar and asked him if he would help out. He stated it would have to wait a little while, but he would be over after work and an errand. So, about 6 PM Gar showed up and Bri, he and I were able to get in the space and then they were able to hook up the water, electricity, and waste. At about 8:40 PM the dishwasher was FINALLY installed. HALLELUJAH!!! The first and last dishwasher that I will take part in installing.

Before:

After:

Home Improvement

When you are the mother of 2 small children and watch another small child, you rely heavily on the dishwasher to get your dishes clean, leaving you with more time to take care of other matters. Now, our dishwasher that came with our home has never been a fabulous dishwasher, but it go the job done, that is until recently. We would pull the dishes out and question whether or not they had been washed. So, we decided it was time to buy a new dishwasher.

Last night, we dropped the kiddos off at Neeners and Grandpa's, headed for Lowe's to see if we could find something in the budget and that would get the dishes clean. Well, it didn't take long for us to find one that would suit out needs and budget. Brian and I decided we did not want to wait until Saturday for the home delivery option and so we brought it home last night in the Pilot.

We decided to get the dishwasher replaced while the kids sleep, so after putting them to bed we attacked the old dishwasher. Now, this should the easy part to disconnect the old one that is going into the trash right? WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! First of all, the people that owned this before us laid slate in the kitchen, which caused major issues to just be able to pull the washer out. But after many swear words on Bri's part, we did prevail and got that blasted washer out of the wall. Secondly, it should be easy to turn off the water to the sink and washer, since the valves are right under the sink, BUT when the valve is not working correctly any more, it too is not an easy fix. OK, we decide no big deal, we can wait til morning when we call the maintenance crew and ask them to turn off the water in our building while we make the small repairs. HA! HA! No, no you see when you live in a 50+ year old former apartment complex turned condos, the water shut off is not in each building, but for the entire complex. Needless to say we have to wait until tomorrow so everyone has enough warning that the water is being shut off. SO, with me having the biggest kitchen in the world, the dishwasher pulled out and the contents from under the sink out, my kitchen is officially out of order. So, it looks like take out for dinner tonight.

Maybe...Maybe Not

Yesterday, Bri asked me how long we should wait til we put Audra in the toddler bed. I told him I wasn't sure, but I felt she was not ready. He stated that he felt she was and that it would help her feel more independent. So, after church Brian says "I have been waiting for you guys, so Coly can help me change Lou's bed." Coly changed out of his church clothes and was soon helping Bri. Lou seemed very excited about having something going on with her bed, but I am not sure she know what until she could climb in and out on her own. I told Bri again, I am n0t so sure. He states "It's about the same time we did it for Coly." I told him "I understand, we did change Colin's bed, around the same time, but this is Lou. She is not as mellow as Colin." He says "She will do good."
Fast forward to bed time, Audra climbs into her bed and seems happy as can be. Tuck the kids in and start getting things done in the kitchen. When I hear a Lynnie Lou, Bri gets her tucks her back into bed. Few minutes later, same thing. Less then 5 minutes later, I hear her laughing and being happy, I look only to find her with her Luvs (security blanket) sitting in the hall. (It was quite cute.) Bri says "Okay, well this is not going to work." Flips the lights on in the room and turns the toddler bed back into a crib. Needless to say, Lou can no longer escape and I am waiting for the words "you were right, honey..."

Kash

Remember my post about Bri's bro Andy??? Well, on Tuesday morning his wife had their baby. Kash Andrew Thomas was born on 11.9.10, after an emergency C-section. He weighed 7 lbs 6 oz, and stretched out to 21 inches. I am happy to report that both Jamie (mom) and Kash are doing well. They were released from the hospital yesterday. Bri and I were able to see the baby on Thursday night at the hospital and we even got to hold him for a minute. Welcome to the family Kash!

US Marshall

As many of you know about Elizabeth Smart and the kidnapping that took place many moons ago. The man accused of the kidnapping is Brian David Mitchell.

Well, many of you don't know about Andy, Bri's step brother. He has been a public servant since I can remember. He started out at the Sherriffs Office in the County Jail. He worked his way up to a police officer for the Sherriff's Department. He then worked very hard to become a member of SWAT. Recently, he accepted a job with the US Marshalls. In fact, he just returned from training in Georgia on October 17. So, how cool is it that he is actually the escort for Brian David Mitchell, such a high priority case. We were so happy for him and little surprised to see him so much on the news and in the paper.

Fall Fun

This past week we spent some time over at NeeNers and Grandpa Garry's playing and raking the leaves.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

A couple weeks ago this incident happened and it continues to make me laugh, so I thought I would share with you. Hopefully, it makes you laugh too and I preserve this memory.
Colin and Audra were out watching a movie. I had just gotten out of the shower, put on my bra and underwear (which was a thong). I had opened the door to the bathroom, so the steam could escape. I was standing in front of the mirror, brushing my hair. Coly comes to the bathroom door. He looks at my bum and then looks at me, again he looks at my bum and with a puzzled look, looks at me. I could tell at this point something was not clicking in his mind. He looks one more time and then says "Why your bum hangin' out?" I laughed so hard. The stated "Sometimes that just happens, but don't worry I will be wearing pants and my bum won't hang out any more." He said "Ok" and was off doing something else. But I still laugh when I think about "Why your bum hangin' out?"

Our Halloween

So, I realize I am a few days behind on posting about our Halloween, but in my defense it was a 3 day celebration and I know that I have much to post. That being said, let's start with Friday. Bri's mom called Thursday night and asked if I would please bring the kids over to her work for their Trick or Treat and program and that it started at noon. Well, as I am at the grocery store on Friday morning at 10:10 she called and stated that the program started at 11. Holy cow, rush, Rush, RUSH! We made it by 11:15 not too bad I think for having to get home, put away the cold/freezer stuff, get the kids into costumes and get out to 900 West and 2100 South. It was fun the kids got a ton of candy and Grandma Debby took 3rd place in the Costume contest. After Grandma Debby's, went went down to NeeNers work for the Halloween party there. Again the kids got some candy and then some salty snacks too. The kids were hungry and tried at this point so we went home for lunch and a quick nap. Back up and out the door by 2:50 so we can be at Bri's work Trick or treat that started at 3:oo. By the end of the time at Allstate, the kids candy buckets were full. I do have to mention in the 9 years that I have been married to my hubby he has not dressed up. This year, I finally convinced him to do so and got his killer outfit on Thursday night. Doesn't he look just like a hippy?

Saturday, both Bri and I worked. So the kids went to NeeNers and Grandpa's. We stayed there (Gar and I canned a large part of the day) until it was time to get Bri. So, we got the kids ready and I had promised the kids I too would dress up. The kids started their trick or treating at NeeNers and Grandpa Garry's house. Then we grabbed Bri and headed to Grandpa Steve and Grandma Debby's house. Grandpa cooked dinner while Grandma and I took the kids out trick or treating. Bri watched sports, he feels deprived at our home as we have basic TV, no cable, no satellite, no frills. It rained for a good part of the time, but the kids buckets were filled back up to the brim. They were so tired, we had dinner got them in there jammies and headed for home.

Sunday, was our Emergency Preparedness Lesson for RS and Priesthood. We had been preparing for this for months and it finally was here. It was good, but so short. We did not get to cover everything, but we had to start somewhere. After church, we went to NeeNers and Grandpa Garry's house for Halloween dinner. We usually have dinner on Sunday's over there. They are usually roast, casseroles, typical Sunday dinners. Well, since it was Halloween we had a kid dinner for Halloween. We had Mummy's (aka pigs in a blanket), Bat Poop (aka chili), Blood with a face to drink (aka cranberry juice, ice shaped as a face) and Infected brain with puss (aka Jell-o and Coly safe whipped cream). It was so much fun and the kids ate very well. I will have to post pictures of that later as I forgot my camera that day, so I will have to grab some from Mom or Lindsey.

Halloween Parade and Trunk-or-Treat

Today was Colin's very first school Halloween parade. I am so very fortunate to have the ability to go to his school and watch him. The class went around to 6 classes, in their costumes and then the were going to have a little party after, which I could not stay for because of a tired litte girl and work that had to be done. Isn't he the cutest little Rodney Copperbottom??

After, being at Colin's school and seeing his teachers dressed up,one as a witch and one as Mrs. Wesley. I got all inspired to be a witch from Harry Potter. I have always thought Hermione would be fun, but may hair is to short and I am to old to pull that off. So, I narrowed it down to Professor McGonagall and Nymphadora Tonks and headed to Savors. I found the right articles to pull off Prof. McGonagall. I am pretty pleased with my costume as it was less then $20.

Tonight, we headed over to the ward Trunk-or-Treat. It was so fun, they had hot dogs, donuts, cotton candy and games. I think that the kids had a blast. They bowled with pumpkins being the "bowling balls." Tossed ping pong balls into floating bowls (even Lou made it on this). Tossed bags onto the cornhole boards and Coly got both bags into the hole. It was pretty cute the Bishopric dressed up as the 3 little pigs, 2nd counsler had the straw house, 1st counsler had the stick house and the Bishop had the brick house. Very creative. It was so much fun and the kids had a great time trunk-or-treating.

Brian's Blog

Some of you may know that Brian has his own blog. Some of you may not know that he does. It is very different from the family one, which I write 99.9% of. So, I thought I would let you know of his blog in case you want to check it out. He just might stir some thoughts!

Family Home Evening

Bri, and I believe that Family Home Evening is important. We believe that making time for the family and doing something together is key in maintaining a strong healthy family bond. So, we usually do something together on Monday's, even if it is go to the park for the evening. Tonight, we had planned to pick out pumpkins and carve them as a family. We had planned to go to a pumpkin patch, but do to the chilly weather, we settled for Fresh Market. We allowed each child to pick one pumpkin, and then I also picked one. Bri was a bah-hum-bug and did not want his own. Coly Picking his pumpkin
Lou picking hers (which won't rotate)
After, the serious process of pumpkin picking, we went into the store for a couple things to finish up dinner. As we were heading to pick one more thing up, we went across the candy aisle, so we picked a few bags of different Coly safe candy up, which is not a common thing for us to do. So, we headed for home with our Pumpkins and candy treats.
After dinner, we broke open the candy and started to carve pumpkins. Lou lost interest in pumpkin carving quickly, Coly lasted much longer, but was still so done, before the pumpkin was. I hope the kids had a good time, I want them to have happy memories of growing up and time spent as a family.Pumpkins Done