Catching Up

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

I'm not sure what happened, but I fell out of the blog habit and it's been hard to jump back in. It's not like life hasn't been happening for us, I've just not taken the time to record anything. Therefore, I've decided to start with the present and work backward in hopes of catching up and keeping these memories.

Saturday, November 28 was the extended family Thanksgiving at David's brother's home. Some of David's cousins and an Aunt came as well as six of his siblings with their spouses and kids. Of course Grandpa & Uncle Rudy were there as well. We ate, we talked, we laughed, then ate some more. It was just how Thanksgiving is supposed to be when you're part of a big family and I loved it. My kids loved it. And my husband loved it. Can't wait until Christmas!

And probably one of the reasons I like the big family Thanksgiving is because we also get to have our own little Thanksgiving which I love just as much. I know I'm unusual in this way, but I really like just hanging out with David and my kids. I love having a quiet, casual day. David, Jacob and Charlotte attended our ward's annual turkey bowl (football) in the morning while Laurel, Mary and I prepared the meal. We had what my kids call a "fancy dinner" - i.e., we used the china, goblets, silver, and clothe napkins. We enjoyed all of the traditional stuff: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, french bread, and jello. I must say I don't usually make jello - in fact I NEVER make it and just decided to do it this time on a whim. My kids squealed with delight and it was about as ordinary as you can get: orange without any fruit or whipped cream. It's so nice that it is so easy to make them happy. I am also very pleased to say I finally made stuffing to rival my mother. It's only taken me a decade + to achieve this feat, but I finally did it. Even David liked it and he's a Stove-Top-Loving man. The meal was perfect and relaxing. We ate and had it all cleaned up by 1:00 p.m. So what better to do on Thanksgiving afternoon than go to the movies. Of course we've reached the stage where finding a movie everyone will enjoy is difficult. We finally settled on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Jacob won't admit it, but he enjoyed it along with the rest of us :).

Friday, November 27, found us at the Holidazzle. This is the third year David has participated in the parade and easily the best for us. I finally snagged a spot in a skyway instead of trying to keep kids happy and warm on the street. Jacob and Charlotte got to ride on Santa's float so I bought some cheap pens and notebooks for Laurel and Mary and let them draw while we waited for the parade to begin. My kids were so lit up and dressed up, I didn't recognize them, but it was fun just knowing they were down there waving to the crowds. Laurel and Mary were content. A great evening: everyone was happy, everyone was warm, and easy for Mom.

This is the only picture I took the entire weekend.

WEBELO BADGE

Jacob completed all of the requirements and received his Webelo Badge in November. We are proud of him! The boys won't admit it, but they secretly like getting their faces painted as part of the badge ceremony.

FIRST GRADE BASKETBALL

Laurel and the lady Bluebirds finished their basketball season a couple of weeks ago. Each girl receives a medal for participating, but the person who really deserves it is the coach. He was very patient which is the key when coaching first-grade girls. Here are some pictures of Laurel's last game:

Short shots

Dribbling relay

The solemn occasion of receiving a medal

Gretta, Meredith, Laurel, Coach, Sarah, & Ashley

SHOE BE DO PROGRAM

Finally, we also attended Charlotte's third grade program this month - her first since only two grades perform per year at her school. Shoe Be Do combined music and movement, utilizing the combined talents of the PE and Music departments. Everyone did a nice job, but of course we felt like the parachute program which was presented by Charlotte's class was the best - colorful and interesting with an especially striking young lady in the center of it all.