Santa Claus Came to Town

We went to the local tree lighting ceremony and chili contest and waited for Santa's arrival. For the first time in Brother's life, he wanted to sit on Santa's lap. The line was long and didn't move very fast, but he happily endured the hour wait in the cold in order to take his turn with the Jolly Old Man.

When we left our home, we hadn't intended on going, so we were all under dressed. I pulled blankets out of the trunk to wrap my children in. I was afraid someone was going to bring us "Coats for Kids" But we managed to keep warm during the wait.

Brother only changed his mind once during the wait. When he finally got to Santa he told him that he wanted a firetruck. When Santa asked if there was anything else, he told him a dinosaur like he originally wanted.

This morning Brother came up bright and early wondering if Santa had brought the firetruck. I think Christmas is going to be fun with the kids getting older.

Giving Thanks

(My Dad's Turkeys that he's been raising for the big day.)

With Thanksgiving falling on my MIL's birthday, we decided to host the family dinner at our home. The day before, Brent and I spent the entire day working on projects that have been a bit neglected. I finally have all of my windows trimmed out, baseboard up, and molding around most of my doors. Not to mention, the prints that Brent got me last year for Christmas finally have found homes in some frames, and are hanging on the walls. There's nothing like company to give you a little motivation.

At noon on Thanksgiving the company arrived, loaded with all sorts of food. We started with appetizers and had a special tribute to Grandma Hillman, with everyone sharing memories of her. Then it was time for dinner and eating and more eating and eating. There was an abundance of food and conversation. I made up some Bakerella Turkey pops and they were a huge hit. (CAL Stores has a great selection of raspberry and tangerine candy corns. It truly is a "Ranch and home store and so much more.") I had to keep them hidden from Sissy, she's a huge fan.It was a wonderful day to reflect on all of my blessings and give thanks.

Catch Up

While Brent went Steelhead fishing last weekend, the kids and I picked up and went to Burley. We crammed a bunch of projects and activities into a few, short days. Some of the highlights included:
-haircuts for the girls
-meeting Grandpa's new puppy
-kids photo shoot with Uncle Troy
-ice cream stop at Gossners
-visit to Grandma Wilkins so Hudson could go and play with Mason while Mom and I went to the Quilt Barn (I designed the logo for this cute little shop)
-lunch at Main Street Burger
-constructing nest boxes, wreath stand, tin snowmen, ladder to hang in my laundry room
-brought 12 chickens home with us
Then we had to move cows from a corn field they had been grazing, back home. Since there was no good way of getting them loaded at the field, we decided to drive them. It was a good old fashioned cattle drive (okay maybe not so old fashioned as there were more 4-wheelers than horses.) I should have packed the kids a lunch since it took us quite a bit longer than I had thought. As time rolled on, they forgot about lunch and both fell asleep.

Whoopie Tye Yai Yo

Yesterday was a perfect day for rounding up. The weather was gorgeous and the fresh air does a body good. The kids and I accompanied Brent. We had gather up the remaining cows and sort off the calves to be weaned. While Dalanie and I primarily rode the Rhino, Hudson took turns with Grandpa and riding Louie with Dad. Cattle are not always fun to be stewards of, but on days like this I'm grateful to be involved.

My Little Texas Tornado

Just the other day I was looking at the kid's bottle of body wash thinking, "this is the first time in awhile that it's lasted this long without being poured into the tub by little helpers." Sissy must have read my mind because when I went to check on her, she had emptied the entire thing into the tub.
This little girl can empty drawers, cupboards, and containers faster than anything I've ever allowed in my house. One morning, by 7:15, she had successfully emptied the couscous onto the floor and spread spaghetti all over the kitchen. I know, I know- child locks. But I refuse to put them on, so I guess I'm stuck cleaning up messes for awhile.

And since we're talking about the Little Lady, I've got to share. She is on pacifier detox. She no longer gets it unless she's in the crib for naptime or bedtime. I've been surprised with her progress and it's fun to see her cut little face instead of the pacifier.
This last picture is very typical of our children. A lot of time the kids and I will eat before Brent makes it home for mealtime. But it doesn't matter if they just finish eating, as soon and Dad gets some food they climb up by him and help by drinking his milk, eating chips, etc. He's come to learn that if he's going to have a snack, he's going to have to share.

Wash Day

How about spicing things up around here by airing some of my dirty laundry. Actually, I would love SHARING my dirty laundry. But since the kids and I just finished folding all of the newly washed clothes, you'll have to wait an hour or two. While I was making piles of clothes, I began to notice a trend. It is a most revealing one since my pile was mostly pajamas and work out clothes.

Aahh. That time of year. Things slow down, the weather forces you inside, and you rarely need to put on real clothes.

Hooked

Since having children, my reading has consisted of lots of rhyming, sing-song stories full of vibrant pictures. I haven't picked up a "grown up" book in so long, I was almost scared that I wouldn't be able to follow the story line without accompanying pictures. My sister suggested These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner since I'd always been into Little House On The Prairie. I had our library hold it for me.

As soon as I began reading, I didn't want to put it down. I finished the first book and learned there were two more in the series. Oh happy day! I ordered them off of Amazon so I could continue my heart wrenching journey with Sarah Agnes Prine. Yesterday I finished the second book and am a bit concerned to start the third. I think my family is feeling neglected.

It feels good to immerse myself in reading again. I'll soon be looking for another good book to read. Any recommendations?

Awesome Resource

When I first learned of the new Nursery Manual, I was so excited. I was in a hurry to obtain a copy for our family. A lot of other people must have shared in my excitement since my first attempt resulted in an empty shelf. But I finally got one and we have put it to use in our Family Home Evenings or "Ham Ev'nings" as Brother affectionately calls them. He would be so happy if every night ended with "Ham Ev'ning.

But my real testimony of this resource has come as Brother leaves Nursery with a good knowledge and understanding of the very doctrine of the Gospel. Just last week he learned the Joseph Smith story and has taught our family and his Grandparents using his little finger puppets. He's also looked through the Friend and found coloring pages of Joseph Smith and the first vision to add to his lesson.

I know this resource, Behold Your Little Ones, will bless families and consequently--the world.

Day To Celebrate

We had a wonderful Halloween. In addition to the fun of the usual festivities, we enjoyed very mild temperatures (I can't remember a Halloween where we didn't have to bundle up,) and the completion of corn harvest! Hooray!!Shiver me timbers, Brother made the best little pirate. And what kind of seafaring matey would be complete with out his woodpecker? Sissy was Halloween's mascot, all dressed in black and orange.