Christmas Eve 2008

Soup & Bread Bowls with My Sisters, Brothers-in-Law

And Nieces & Nephews

This Was a Special First for This Year!

A Visit From Santa!!

What a Special Treat - Thanks Santa!!

Little Nephews & Nieces

Lot's of Smiles

Special Talents

Re-enacting the Nativity

Such Special Memories to Cherish!!

And. . . .Opening One Present Before Bed!!

New PJ's!!

And. . .that's what my Christmas Eve was like this year!!

New Hats

We gave the kids new winter hats and they were thrilled!!! It never ceases to amaze me how such a simple thing can bring such happiness.

They played with them for about 40 minutes - they made up games and silly hat styles. Then they wanted me to take pictures. So, I snuck in a video and had to share it. They are pretty still because they thought I was taking a picture. Just had to share cause it made me laugh (hope it makes you laugh too!)

Honorable Mention!!

If you know Zac you know you can almost always find him drawing or writing stories to go along with his art work. He has become quite the little artist. This year the theme for Reflections was "WOW!!" how easy is that. I told him to turn in one of his pictures because whenever he shows them to anyone (including me) I always hear the same response, "Wow! That is so good Zac!!" So. . .needless to say, he turned in one of his most recent and favorite drawings.

He did a great job, he got an award for honorable mention and I thought it was definately worth mentioning too!!

Great job Zac - keep it up!!

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving was different then any I've had in the past. It ended up being a lot of fun and we had some great times, but it was really different. Sometimes, it's hard to know when to change traditions and start new ones. This year seems like it was just the beginning of changing traditions for me.

First off we had Thanksgiving early. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mandy & Steve were able to come in to town the Saturday before Thanksgiving (which we really were so excited for!!) so, that's when we had Thanksgiving Day - it was so nice to be all together as a family for the holiday - it was quickly apparent that it didn't matter that it was before the actual holiday. The point was everyone was together to celebrate it (well, except for Kendal that is (we missed him) - it always seems like someone gets sick).

So. . . on Thanksgiving Day we had finger foods and smoked turkey sandwiches and just hung out with each other. This time Kendal was there but Gpa Quick ended up having to work and of course Mandy and Steve had to go back home. It was still great to get together and hang out, just different once again.

It didn't stop there, then on Saturday my sisters and I decided to get together and Rose's house and play games and have left over turkey sandwiches and veggies. It ended up that we were able to stretch the holiday to include everyone. It was fun.

I learned that traditions can change and still be really fun - you just have to get your mind around it. I am definately a creature of habit, but it can be taught!! :)

The other thing that made it extra different was missing my parents around, that is really tricky. In one way I tried hard not to think about it, because it made it feel sad, but in another way it was good just to remember those fun times together, cause that's some of the best memories I have.

Overall - Thanksgiving is such a great start to the holiday season, it helps you to stop and remember all the things you should be thankful for each day!!

Family, Cousin's, Good Food, a Home, Laughter, Children, and the Gospel pulling it all together !!

Tagged Again!

This tag (from Jen) was to post the 6th picture in my 6th folder. It's one of the boys at grandpa's house in the corn rows it says it was saved November 27, 2006 - how about that!! That's just two years ago. Wow how time flies ! ! !

Then I'm suppose to tag 6 people too. If you wanna play look and see what your 6th picture in your 6th folder is too and play along.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

Shark Teeth - ooh ha ha!!

For about two months now we've been telling Hayden that he's got SHARK TEETH! I don't remember this happening to any of my other kids - so I had to post it for memory sake! In case you can't see it very well he has two rows of front teeth. Permanent teeth in the back of course and baby teeth up front.

Just after I took this picture on Saturday - November 1st we pulled his front left one out he was so brave (I dont' even know how it was staying in - or how he was eating for that matter). But he finally gave in and all it took was a twist of the dental floss and a tiny pull - he didn't even flinch!! We love you Hayden! You are getting bigger every day. But you'll always be our little boy!

Halloween 2008

Halloween was a little bit different this year, but we made some fun changes. First of all Zachary got to go trick-or-treating with his friends this year. Wow that was such a big deal and I think he really had a blast!! Look how scary he is! Jeff told him it's his last year to go trick-or-treating. I'm not sure if I agree with him. How old were you when you stopped going trick-or-treating? I think I was probably in High School before I stopped. I can't ever remember my parents taking me around to go trick-or-treating either - I guess my sisters did that.

Josh and Hayden got to go trick-or-treating with their friends down the street which was fun. They had a blast walking around with friends. Jeffrey came with us too. It was a beautiful night. Just great weather - which was so nice - it's been so cold the last few Halloweens that I can remember - so this year having great weather was a treat!

After a couple streets, we all were invited over for Chili and Scones - yum!! Thanks Brad & Brianna, it turned out to be such a fun night!