FHE

We watched the new Christmas movie on lds.org and felt the love we share as a family.  We then decided that we would fill our advent calendar backwards -- putting papers in the calendar when we serve everyday, instead of simply taking.  I hope we can be givers this year.

Thanksgiving 2015

The Guymon and Standifird cousins came for Thanksgiving! Two boys from each family.

We decided to hike Bell Rock.

 They all went up.  We four went around.

Then onto Budha Beach.  (Pictures to come.)

 Home for a pasta buffet.

After dinner pie making.  Tyler made his secret family pumpkin pie recipe.

Meg received extra credit in biology to brine the turkey.

Then Grandpa and Grandma B. came!  We were all so glad!

 Thursday morning foodies.

 Kitchen queens.

These girls were the best friends.

These boys are darling.

The feast.

The feasters.

Sibbies. (Don't mind Austin stretching his back out -- he worked hard today!)

Friday we went bowling.

Saturday we found some holiday cheer.

 This week was certainly easy to be thankful -- family laughter, amazing eats, and togetherness.  Now onto a continued life being grateful in all circumstances.

After Church

It's a wonder how I manage church every Sunday.  I suppose relying on the tender mercies of God is the ONLY way.  These pinkers about killed me today.  Alas, we are all still alive!

TOFW

My friends convinced me to go to "Time Out For Women."  Loved it!  Here are few thoughts I gleaned from the presenters:
1.  Life is an ascent, not a fall.
2.  We are all commissioned to testify of Christ.
3.  The consecration of our will is really the only thing we have to lay on the altar.
4.  It's daddies and kids that make mommies late for church.
5.  Speak life with the words you say.
6.  Not all angels are from the other side of the veil.
7.  Angels don't show off -- they show out.
8.  Busy does not equal important.
9.  Lower the bar and be awesome!
10.  Have the discipline to hope.
11.  Keep small promises to self.  Be patient.  Have a mantra and repeat it.
13.  Impossible to I'm possible.
14.  The quickest way to the Savior is a song.

 Mary Ellen Edmonds -- a brilliant presenter that knows my father.

 Home again to spent the sabbath playing games and worshipping together.

Veteran's Day

Maisie's grade put on a Veteran's Day program.  She landed the lead descant solo.  She rocked it -- the audience audibly gasped when she began.  God bless our soldiers past, present and future. God bless America! 

 Little pinkers that sat still the entire time.

The Sport of Racing on Foot

My darling chica competed in the Arizona State Division III cross country finals yesterday.  Her team took 14th place of 21 teams.  She was in the top half of the ruuners, and she placed second on her team -- her own personal goal of the meet.

 (They wouldn't let her wear a shade under her uniform.)

 I spent Friday night and early Saturday morning running my first trail RAGNAR, 15.2 miles individually and 120 total, with some pretty awesome women.  I don't have the results yet, but we think we won our division.

I was runner 8, the anchor, and with only 13 days notice (they had another chic drop out), I ran the last leg of 6.6 miles in 54 minutes.  I ran up a mountain and down in a sandy wash.  

 This is the pre-run at the 12:40 leg.  I ran the trail with that little head lamp and passed like 20 people.

Really it all happened because this nice boy of mine trained with me from 5-6 for 10 days and took care of all the responsibilities at home.  He is the real champ!

I learned alot about myself.  It was totally amazing to run for a purpose (not just aerobic activity), for my team.  I've decided I need to more purposefully "run for a purpose" in my home.  They are my team and I want us all to exceed.  I'm changed with a new dedication for greater strength and more courage to "get it done" at home.

Maddie's Big Loss, Nick's Big Gain

Maddie lost her first deciduous tooth!  And, the tooth fairy forgot to come; the epic fail produced a morning of tears and holding grudges.

At least I helped her write and produce her own puppet show performed for her first grade class.

Those red boots and those orange jeans -- she had to forgive me.

 Crazy hair/hat day.

 Nick earned his Wolf badge at Pack Meeting.  I think he's so dreamy.

Re-Do

Monday morning came and the little boys and I happily marched back into bed.  This is the best picture of Ryan's three stitches.

 Because I didn't get to make a Halloween feast on Saturday, I made it today.  Pan de muertos, brussel sprout brains, worms guts and dog food pasta, witches' brew and a lovely side salad.

 Feasters.

 Thief!  I caught this zombie gobbling the last of the brains!

Happy to re-do the feast.  Happy that it's 363 more days until it comes again.