November and Thanksgiving

I was thinking through our menu for Thanksgiving and realized that my kids would like almost NOTHING we were making.  I wanted to have a meal that they actually liked so we threw a 'Fakes'giving party at the park.  All our friends brought their favorite foods and it was a perfect time to eat and play.  It was a bit chilly, but most of the kids didn't mind. 

We made some party favors in anticipation of our family coming to town. 

 

I even made my first pie crust.  I was put to shame, when Jackson mentioned he had made two with daddy after I said it was my first time making a crust. 

Lori and Jim's family came from Houston bearing gifts (coloring umbrellas) that the girls just loved.   It is so nice to have cousins and family around.  Especially at our house.  I love hosting and just wish more people would come visit us. 

Dave cooking pies and relish with mom.

Grandpa reading and showing videos to the kids.  He knows the way to their heart. 

Playing four square in gorgeous outside weather. 

The dishes... green beans, mashed potatoes, turkey, cranberry relish, stuffing, sweet potato crunch, rolls, soup and vegi dish.

2 tables for 6 adults and 7 kids.  So happy that mom and Dad Harper and the Cole family could join us.

Utah in August

We had yet another trip to Utah (YAY!) This time the Harper family was all getting together.  Our family, along with Dave's brother's family from the east coast, were flying stand-by so I was nervous about actually making it to Utah together.  But it worked out like it usually does (after stress and hours finding plan B,C and Z).  Dave even made a flight because he was traveling alone (the kids and I came 2 days early) and there was only one seat so the parties of 2,3,4 and 2 in front of him couldn't take the seat.    Jackson went to grandmas house a few days before us traveling as an unaccompanied minor.  He loved the independence.  

Dave and his brothers went golfing on Friday morning (where Dave lost his wedding ring :( ) Later, our families had breakfast (at lunch time) up the beautiful canyon.  

After a short break at home, we headed to the park for an extended family get-together and a photo shoot.  Despite a bit of sweat getting people ready in the park bathroom, everything went perfectly.  The photos turned out great and for such a large group that is difficult.  

The weird ones

 My heart will burst!! I love these kids!

 Siblings

 Girls and Gramps

 My boys

The party and food!

It is so fun to be with cousins and lifelong friends. 

 Saturday we headed to Provo for breakfast at Callie's with Joe and Rich's family.

 We then went to the BYU scrimmage and burned up in the heat.

 We went to the bookstore at BYU and enjoyed the memories of college life there.

Finally, we headed up to snowbird to take advantage of my parents condo.  We swam in the pool, walked through Oktoberfest, played at the park and barbecued.  Dave's family (missing Michelle) all came up for dinner and a short hike to see the sunset.

  Times like these with our family is my absolute favorite.  I love being around family and cousins and having fun talking, playing and relaxing.

Our family got to stay in the Snowbird condo on Sunday night with my parents, Marcie and Grant and Melinda and enjoy the activities and pool and hiking the next day, too.  It has been a great tradition for our family that we love.  My mom left on Monday to drive to an interview and GOT A JOB teaching 4th grade starting the NEXT DAY!!  She was stressed and frantic to get things together.  She walked into her trailer and it was dirty with NOTHING in it.  Her whole ward and school came together to get her classroom together.  I was able to help out for a few hours before heading to the airport.  It brought back so many great memories of teaching school and stress of getting ready for that first week.  But it was so stressful to do it all in a day!  In all honesty, I think it was the best way for my mom to take the plunge into teaching after 32 years as a stay-at-home mom.  I already miss her (I can't call her at any time now!) but I'm so proud of her for doing what it takes to provide for her family and I think those kids will love her.  I think Heavenly Father has a higher purpose in her teaching after so long being there for her family. 

The flight I wanted to go home with Dave filled up so I had to come home alone with all 3 and it was one of the worst ever.  We got to the airport only 30 minutes before the flight left and getting through security was so stressful.  We had to have a layover in PHX because of full direct flights.  We got food there, but my kids don't eat restaurant food well, and I had no snacks due to helping my mom all day.  By the time we made the flight to DFW (last 4 seats on) My kids were tired (we landed at 11 pm) and our seating arrangement wasn't ideal 2 in front and 2 in back sitting with a stranger on each row.  People were kind and tried to be helpful, but really what can they do.  Jackson's tablet died after 15 minutes and Hallie was throwing emotional tantrums and Mariah was climbing all over.  Nightmare and a half.  Dave was waiting at the gate for us and got at least 3 comments that I was sure glad to see him and I deserve a break (a glass of wine) and 'don't I have my hands full'.  Although well-meaning, it still makes me feel inadequate and judged for having 'so many kids' that I can't 'handle'.  That threw me back into reality after another amazing week with family in Utah.  

Conference in Virginia Oct 2014

This is becoming such a tradition that I need to label it with the date.  After being on the east coast for 4 days, we flew home, took care of business for 3 days and immediately flew back to DC.  Luckily, on American we can fly to the Dulles Airport which is so much closer to our family there.  We were dreading the flight since our last experience was awful.  It started out about that awful.   After Mariah kicked the seat in front of her many times (and I asked the lady to move to one of the other 50 empty seats on the flight and she spoke back in Mandarin and didn't move) and I was SO stressed trying to get her to sleep, she FINALLY fell asleep.  Jackson freaked out because he didn't pack (and I didn't enable) his favorite blankie.  He swore he would NEVER fall asleep on the whole trip just to show me how much he needed it.  After a huge tantrum and moving to the back of the plane he changed his mind and decided a blue blanket was close enough and fell asleep in my arms.  The last hour of the flight was GREAT!  I even slept.

We love being at Rich and Ashleys house.  They treat us so well and have such amazing food.  Friday night was filled with disappointment and sadness as we watched BYU lose and lose their quaterback.  So sad.  We went to bed really late and got up early for Volleyball for the boys and a long run for the girls.

We made yummy food and listened to talks from our prophet and other leaders.  It is always inspiring.  The kids were pretty good.  Jackson really looks forward to conference now that he earns $ to buy at the conference store and he likes to color and do other projects.  He actually listens too!
We ate lunch and then headed out to apple pick at a nearby orchard.  It was a neat experience.  The kids were afraid to eat the apples right off the tree... because they didn't look like the store apples.  I was glad we taught them how to do it.   We were also glad to have grandma and grandpa around.  They are serving a mission in the DC temple and we are luck enough to be able to visit them.

We had great food and the boys headed to the priesthood session in time for the moms to put the kids in baths and to bed.  I was so tired!  The boys came home with 7 Ben and Jerry's ice cream (so of course I had to try them all!)

 And we think our kids are scared of dogs... Mariah even warmed up a bit!
 

We spent Sunday going for a walk and then watching more and more conference.  The kids had a tougher time today, but still managed to let us listen to most of it.

We left for the airport as soon as the session was over.  luckily, there was no one sitting in front of Mariah and she could kick without me getting stressed about it.  She fell asleep within an hour and the kids all zonked out.


Jackson lost his first tooth waiting for the shuttle at the airport.  He has been so excited talking about and wondering about when and where he would lose it.  He was all smiles and excitement about losing it.  I can't believe we are at that stage already!

The SLOW Dallas process didn't get us home until nearly midnight!!   But it was a fun quick trip to see family

Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend in Utah.  Dave and Jackson had Friday off, so on Thursday evening we headed to my parents house.  It was an easy short flight compared to our last two.  Mariah is getting tough on the plane, so it is much harder to fly long.   We spent Thursday evening talking and catching up with my parent.  The kids love their house and ALL their toys and games and puzzles.  Jackson was so angry he had to go to sleep (Thus he woke up at 4AM!! so he could get back to playing.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go back to sleep so it was a long day for me too). 

Friday Dave, my dad and I played racquetball.  I wish we had somewhere to play in AZ, I really like it!  We cleaned up and headed to BYU to see the Carl Bloch Art exhibit (Sacred Gifts).  I am SO happy we did this.  I felt the spirit and I felt close to the Savior through the art pieces.  It was a perfect beginning to Easter week, to turn our minds to Christ. 

 We then toured BYU campus. We bought books and shirts at the bookstore and then ate at the cougareat.  I have so many memories there and loved sharing them with my family.
We went to a small egg hunt in Lehi (by small I mean that each of our kids got 2 eggs).  Mariah was anxious to walk everywhere.  She is really getting it.  I'm so glad my sister came to hang out all day.  She is a great mommy and it is fun to see her with 2 little kids.
My mom spoiled us with a 7 course dinner and appetizers and dessert to boot.  They really treat us well when we come.

Saturday we woke up early to meet some friends for breakfast.  Dave and Joe were good friends in college and actually were with us on our first blind date.  Emily and I became fast friends and probably know more about each other because of social  media than our husbands do, but they pick up right where they left off (basketball) when they get together.  Our 3 kids are very close in age, so we have a lot in common.  The Morins came to Lehi for Egg dying (and painting and coloring and hiding) and lunch.  Once again, my parents spoiled us with amazing food and company.

We packed up and left for Bountiful and spent a wonderful evening with the Harpers.   There were 9 cousins all together (missing 5 out of state) and they had a blast searching for hundreds of eggs and running wild basically.  It was chaotic and Bethany and Tom were such gracious hosts.  Their home is so warm and inviting, we just love being there.  

Sunday morning the kids enjoyed new Easter clothes.  Shopping with Hallie was the highlight of my week.  She carefully chose her favorite, stuck with her choice and wanted to surprise everyone she knew with her beautiful sparkly dress. It was so fun!  I can see why mothers and daughters like to shop.  Jackson got in his handsome suit and asked if he looked like a sacrament passer.... Yes, yes you do... please don't grow up too fast!

We spent the morning watching Easter videos and eating an amazing breakfast and lunch (Thanks again Tom and Bethany!) 

Church filled my soul with gratitude and thanks to the Savior.  The music and the talks inspired me to live more like him and praise him with my life.  My life is what it is all because of Him.  Every blessing I have is because he lived, loved and taught me how to create a good life.  He helps me to try again and not give up.  He gives me hope for a better me and brighter future and a forever family.  I am so thankful for my Savior and His sacrifice in my behalf.  

So thankful for a wonderful life, good friends, amazing family and all that we have that blesses and enriches us.