t-day part 2

Last year the competition was a pie competition...this year it was a Make your own turkey competition. This was my creation. A turkey veggie tray!

 Grandma and Grandpa had lots of fun activities set up for the grandkiddies. They loved the coloring tablecloth.

 After our yummy meal we had a turkey shoot! G&G's creation.

 Everyone got to throw darts to pop a balloon. Every balloon had some money in it and there was one with a $5 bill.

 G&G sandwich!

 To calm them down after that we sang some songs. I love that they love to sing Gethsemane every time they get together.

 A little beer water pong was played after the littles were in bed.

 Adam's creation we ate for breakfast! Turkey cinnamon rolls with bacon feathers! YUM!

 Later in the day we headed to the church for some more fun! Turkey bowling!

 And Jordan's creation was a turkey pinata!

 All the kids got turns...Carter cracked it open and we let Greyson finish it off.

 Justin's creation was some cake-pie-in! (Last year he made pie cake-in!)

 And it wouldn't be a trip to grandmas without some wig pictures!

 We had a lovely time at my moms. I really love how everyone is doing so much better at pitching in and helping out to make our get togethers so much better. Love spending time with the fam!!

Turkey Day part 1

We kicked off our Thanksgiving festivities with a pint sized preschool feast. It was so fun seeing Brielle have a little dinner with her friends. WE LOVE PRESCHOOL!

 When Chad got off work we headed out to Moore to be with the Hymas' for thanksgiving day. Grandma let the kids dig into the craft supplies and were thoroughly entertained while we prepared the feast.

 Of course there were lots of 4 wheeler rides in the freezing cold.

And even a stop to the Moore park. Evelyn prepared a lovely dinner as usual and Chad was alot of help....

 We sat down to a lovely dinner with Brett and Mason and all shared things we were grateful for.

 A little football was played.

 And naps were taken.

 And so were silly selfies.

 And it wouldn't be a trip to Moore without alot of pinochle played! We had a good time playing with Brett and Mason. Me and Mase cleaned house!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Uncle Lynn

We got the news on Nov 13th that Uncle had passed away. He'd been pretty miserable for a while and I remember the last time I saw him. It was at Grandpa's funeral in Sept. I went to give him a hug and thank him for coming. I asked how he was doing. He said not great and he thought he'd be really lucky if he survived the winter. Right then and there I knew it might be my last time seeing him, knowing that winter was just a month away. 

In May, he had a retirement party with the fam and got to see alot of relatives for that. 

This is the famous family picture that the siblings have been doing since my dads wedding. I love that they recreate it every chance they get. Now they are down to only 4 siblings. 

 Originally he didn't want any sort of viewing or funeral but after he passed, Mary decided to do a full military rights funeral and a viewing. So we rearranged our plans so we could be there. As always its always hard to say goodbye to those you love. My dads face in this picture really gets to me. They were really close and I'm glad they had each other.

 Most the fam was able to make it. Everyone but Tony.

 Alot of his art was on display

And a fitting tribute of pictures, fishing poles and kites. 

He was buried in what we always saw him wearing. American colors and a ball cap. 

 My handsome dad conducted the funeral and did a tremendous job. Although I know he was grieving, he was very gracious and kind and accommodating to his family.

The service was nice and ended with a gun salute. We had no warning it was coming and it scared Mol really bad and she screamed! Whoops! 

 As I thought back of my memories of him I remembered spending lots of summer days at his house. Chasing his cat around, exploring his junk yard, flying kites on fishing poles and swinging in a tire swing. I had forgotten that he was the one who taught me the few piano skills I knew. When we visited his house I spent a lot of time looking at all his treasures. His paintings, painted rocks, and Buddhas that were scattered throughout the house. He was gruff in nature but had a big heart. He was funny and loved to fish. Many recalled the story of sitting on a quite lake or river bank waiting for the fish to bite. He'd let out a loud holler of HEEERRRE FISHHH! And let it echo off the surrounding mountains. I hope that he finds peace in his life and is free of pain and his broken body. He sure was a good guy.

Shocking news

A few days after Chad's birthday we got a phone call to come into meet with the Stake President. I was sure it was for Chad and I was sure it was for Elders Quorum Pres. The meeting came and sure enough... I was right. He accepted and I was on board. As we met with the Stake Pres I asked him how he balanced everything. Life, Family, church callings, etc. He looked right at me and said, "I don't." Not the answer I was expecting. He said " I focus on whatever is struggling in my life and put all my energy into that. If its my calling, I focus there, if its my family, I focus there."

I left his office feeling confident that we could carry these 2 big callings ( him EQP and me primary president) and we would be ok.

I was absolutely shocked when one sunday the first counselor came down to primary and told me I was going to be released. I told him no I would be fine. And he said he would pass the word along. I didnt think too much more about it. We live in a ward where a few families hold the majority of the callings. And I was willing to do it. I then met with the bishopric counselors later that week and presented a few concerns. But they stopped me before I could get too far along and told me I, indeed, was going to be released. I was so shocked! My mouth hung open and I didn't know whether to jump for joy or cry. I'd been praying for some stress relief...PP isn't the easiest calling I've ever had and it had been taking a toll on me. So I had to believe that this was an answer to my prayers. I left their office filling lighter. 

But with that came a ton of responsibility of getting things ready for a new president coming in for a new year! We got some sad news that my Uncle Lynn had passed away that week too and so while we rode in the car to Idaho to his funeral, I stayed very busy finishing the christmas gifts for the primary kids. 

I only served for about 7 months. I can't keep a calling longer in this ward for very long. But it is one I grew the most in. I felt more compassion for people than I had in a while. Learned to be less judgmental and lots of love grew in my heart for those 8th ward kiddos. I was quite sad some days and really relieved some days. It was a little emotional roller coaster for a few weeks. But my 1st counselor, Gail Kaletta, ended up being the new president and I was so glad it was her! She will be incredible!

Chad is 35!

This year Chad turned 35! We had fun spoiling him on his special day. 

 Every day I'm grateful for his patience and selflessness. Qualities that are hard to come by in dads these days. He's a pretty great guy and we all love him!

 The man wanted a cream pie so thats what he got! Sure grateful for this awesome man in my life.

Book of Mormon Party

A year or so ago Chad's parents challenged us to read the book of mormon. They gave us a chart to follow with fun things to do at the end of every chapter and promised a party when we completed it. I was thinking something simple...bowling, movie, etc. .... But when we called to tell them we had finished the BofM they threw together a party at the last minute. 

First we retold the story of the brother of Jared and then we made some glowing stones. 

 Grandma was the master mind behind it all.

 Here's Chad telling the story.

 We all were supposed to dress up as a BofM character so here's my best outfit.

 We then learned of the story of Nephi breaking his bow from Grandpa who was dressed as Nephi. We constructed little bow and arrows and went outside for a hunting trip!

 After hunting, we came in to make some "secret combination" pizzas! They were tasty and the kids had fun constructing their own.

 And we finished off the night with some golden plate cookies! YUM!

We were so grateful for the thoughtful party that they organized for us. It's fun to watch the kids learn and comprehend the scripture stories. I'm glad we could have a big party and make a big deal out of finishing the book of mormon so that the kids would know of its importance. I'm grateful for the scripture habit we have been able to create as a family. I know it helps us every day and brings the spirit to our lives. Most of all, I hope it is helping my little people make it a habit every day!They are true and I'm so glad we have them!