It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

November 30th we put away the Thanksgiving decorations and started decorating our house for Christmas. Usually, I like to wait until at least December and start decorating that first week. The reason we did it earlier is because Jon's company Christmas party is on Friday December 5 at our house. We got all the decorations up and the tree up that Sunday. For family home evening activity we decorated the tree. The kids love looking at and putting up their ornaments.

Talmage by our tall tree

This is my favorite part of our Christmas decorations. All the stocking hung on the fireplace. I love looking at and having a fireplace full of stockings.

Thanksgiving #2

On Saturday, 2 days after Thanksgiving, we had another Thanksgiving feast at our house with Jon's family. This time I had to make a few more things since there are only 3 families. I made green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pudding, and a chocolate silk pie (family favorite can't ya tell). I didn't take any pictures probably since I had to get the house in order and was way tired from staying up till after 1 am. My brain was mush. Everything was delicious but I was getting a little sick of Thanksgiving food by the 3rd day of eating it and knowing there would be more leftovers after this meal (not complaining about fixing dinners though just heat and eat). Jon's parents didn't stay too long. After the mom and dad in-law left we played a few games and just hung out and talked. If we get together with both sides of the family for Thanksgiving, I vote for delivered pizza or Chinese rather than another Turkey meal.

Black Friday

This is the first time I have ever shopped on Black Friday (I am not including the one time I went to Toys R Us later in the day on Black Friday to buy one thing). Usually, I just stay home and avoid all the crowds and craziness. This year Jon and I went together in the wee hours of the morning. We left the kids all sleeping and told Brenton of our plans the day before. We woke up at 4:45 am threw on some clothes and headed out the door. We got to Super Walmart by 5:00 am when they opened and waited in line to get into the store. All of the super duper deals were in the main wide aisles so all you had to do was walk down the aisles and put your things in your cart. I can't list all the things we got at super prices since most of the things we got are Christmas presents. I can tell you I got some rubber maid storage containers for cheap and a super light weight vacuum so the kids can now vacuum their own rooms and any messes they may make around the house. I am slapping myself for not buying one sooner. They love vacuuming and Talmage even vacuumed almost all of the house one day. I want to say it weighs only 3 lbs but definitely weighs under 5 lbs. and only cost $9.00. Our main vacuum weighs a ton and they can push the vacuum but not pull it back very easily. We also bought Kung Fu Panda DVD for $9.00. and as we were on our last round headed toward the front of the store to buy our purchases we spotted a Kitchen Aid mixer for $130.00 (it only had the mixer mix not the whip or dough hook but will by them separate for not very much money). I have always wanted one. I have been using a cheapy hand mixer actually the one we bought with some of our wedding money over 14 years ago and it is still going strong. I have used it at least 6 times since buying it and am loving it so much. I also bought a couple sweat shirts for the kids ($4 each) and the girls a sweat outfit for only ($4 for the pants and top). The other things I bought are a secret. Then Jon and I headed off to Super Target. They opened at 6 am. We got there a couple minutes before they opened so we waited in line. The great thing is that it was real warm especially for this time of year and being before sun up. It was 58 outside. We bought 3 secret Christmas presents and at portable DVD player for Christa there. Christa went to a couple store that we weren't going to and bought us something at Toys R Us and 4 small size poinsettias at Lowe's. We were at home and unloaded the car by 6:30 am. The kids were still sound asleep so I headed back to bed. When I woke up, Jon went back to bed.

Later that day we went back to my parents house for left over dinner and games. We played a new game and it took us until 1:00 am (Yes that is not a typo). The kids were wasted most of them fell asleep watching a movie.

Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my side of the family over at my parents house. We usually do an every other year with my family and Jon's family. Last year we were at Disney World and the year before with Jon's side. We had all of my family around. BYU Idaho gives the kids the whole week off so even Morgan was there. So in all there was 23 of us. I only had to make 2 chocolate silk pies and a squash casserole. I am thankful for many things and I try to be thankful all year round. I am thankful that both Jon and my extended families are so close by. Cheri and her family is the farthest away at about 45 minutes away (if you don't count when Morgan is in Idaho). I am truly thankful that Jon's business is still going strong even though the economy is getting scary. But what I am most thankful for is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the peace it brings me and my family at these times of uncertainty. Here are a few pictures of Thanksgiving. I wish I would have taken more pictures. I'm still not used to capturing every blog moment on camera, but am getting better.

The kids table

Brenton with one of the Turkeys

Pre K Feast

Jon, Hayden, and I went to Talmage's family feast at his school the Friday before Thanksgiving. They first started off by doing a little play. We were there early enough to get a front row seat.

Talmage the Puritan Minister

Talmage was the Puritan Minister. Since when did they start calling Pilgrims Puritans or is it just a southern thing. He did such a great job. All the other kids were in groups of 3 so when their part came they all said their part together. Talmage was the only one with a solo part. I knew he could do it thanks to Primary talks/scripture and prayers/programs. When they were done with their little play, they sang 3 songs.

Then we headed off to their little cafeteria and ate our Thanksgiving feast. Each parent signed up to bring some of the food. I made 12 lbs of mashed potatoes. It was a yummy feast.

I haven't yet figured out how to add video to my blog. I thought I knew but it took forever to download and then it said I had an error. I will have Jon figure it out and will hopefully post Talmages play on another post since it is too cute. I don't want to wait right now since I have 4 other posts written waiting for this one to be published.

Stake Confrence

We had Stake Conference on November 15-16, 2008. Our stake president was getting released after 9 years of service. So ya know what that means a visit from one of the quorum of the twelve. Of course, Jon and I wanted to attend the Saturday evening session. Sadly, I think this is the first one we have attended since having kids. We had Brenton babysit the kids so that tells you right there how long it has been. We arrived 30 minutes early and were able to get a comfy seat in the chapel. I think there was a record turn out of adults that evening. The chapel and cultural hall were packed with adults. Elder L. Tom Perry was the apostle. It was awesome to hear him speak on Saturday night and Sunday.

Here is an article that was in the paper the next day.

Elder L.Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve, standing next to the newly called Roswell Ga Stake Presidency. (left to right) 1st counselor President Ernst, President Russ Jensen, 2nd counselor President Winters.

Elder L. Tom Perry, Of The Quorum Of The Twelve, Visits The Roswell Ga Stake Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints -->
-->Published Nov 17, 2008 --> -->

WHO: Elder L. Tom Perry is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is one sent forth to serve as a special witness of Jesus Christ. There are 15 Apostles living on the earth today. They make up the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church. The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help all people come unto Him (see Moroni 10:32). To fulfill this mission, the Church is organized according to the pattern revealed by the Lord "for the perfecting of the saints, . . . till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (Ephesians 4:12–13; see also Ephesians 4:11).
The following is a quote from –The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles http://www.lds.org/ .. which Elder Perry signed in Jan. 2000.
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son

WHAT: Elder Perry was assigned by the First Presidency of the Church to restructure the leadership of the Roswell Ga Stake.
President Fred Woolf had service faithfully for the last nine years as Stake President of the Roswell Ga Stake. He presided over all members, activities and decisions regarding the administration and welfare of the Church in this area during that time . President Woolf expressed thanks to all who served with him and whom he had had the opportunity to serve at the Stake Conference held last Sunday.
Elder Perry, was called in 1974 as an Apostle. “We live at a time of restoration,, when Apostles are on this earth,, when the Key of the Priesthood establish order and direction I have seen the Power of the Lord change the countenance of the President of the Church when he gives inspired direction”
Elder Perry explained the procedure of what occurs in the calling of a Stake President. “First, interviews are held to learn more about the strengths of the Stake leadership. I then fall on my knees and I ask the Lord for inspiration and stay there until given an answer…a powerful witness comes..”. He continued “ and the Lord has never failed me”.
WHY: There is a Plan of Order, a structure….the genius of the Lord’s plan… to be called by inspiration by those in authority.
Most geographic areas where the Church is organized are divided into stakes. The term stake comes from the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied that the latter-day Church would be like a tent, held secure by stakes (see Isaiah 33:20; 54:2). There are usually 5 to 12 wards and branches in a stake. Each stake is presided over by a stake president, assisted by two counselors. Stake presidents report to and receive direction from the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency who in turn receive direction from the First Presidency.
The Roswell Ga Stake, at this time, comprises areas in North Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and Forsyth counties. There are currently 7 wards and one Spanish branch in the Stake. Over 3000 members live and serve in this Stake.
HOW: The mantle of authority, the ‘keys’ of authority and responsibility were passed to Russ Jensen by the laying on of hands by Elder Perry last Sunday after the Stake membership voted to sustain his calling.
President Russ Jensen is the man selected through inspiration to take on the responsibility for the members in this Roswell Ga Stake. President Jensen and his family live in Alpharetta. He is an associate council with ATT. President Jensen has served in the Church in many capacities and is humbled to have this opportunity to serve. He asked the Stake members to always remember the importance of prayer, faith in Christ, and service.
He is joined in the Stake Presidency by President Verne Ernst of Duluth and President David Winters of Norcross. President Ernst is a VP of Operations with Land America Financial Group; President Winters is a Project Director of The Coca-Cola Co.
The church is led by lay ministry. All serve freely and without payment…except through,.. blessings. -->

Freezer Jam

Last month, Cheri, Christa, my mom and I got together and made some freezer jam. Our stake (as well as many others around us) every year does a Bithell Farms Oregon frozen berry order. Each one of us bought a different kind of berry so we could get together and make freezer jam and come home with 4 different kinds. We ordered frozen raspberries, blackberries, logan berries, and boysenberries. I wish I had taken some pictures. The jam turned out great and I have lots of it in my freezer. They make perfect school teacher/visiting teacher gifts along with some rolls. We had a great system down and it didn't take us as long as we thought. We all rotated positions so we could all get a chance to do everything. I just wish I took my camera along to capture some of the fun.

Super Saturday

November 8th was our annual Relief Society Super Saturday. I did 3 of the 8 things they were offering. Here are the things I made.

cute light up present decoration. Looks better in person.

Hair clips for my girlies

Decorated buckets to put teachers gift in I made 8 of these

Note to self: next time donate money to the teachers gift card fund. I tell myself this every year but I really mean it this time. Connor alone has 3 teachers 2 therapist and a bus driver. Then Payton, Kennedy, and Talmage have 5 teachers and a bus driver. Then there is Brenton who is in middle school. He has 6 teachers and 2 of his teachers have assistance's. I don't think I am going to do anything for his teachers. Plus I still have a little Christmas shopping left to do. No wonder my bathrooms didn't get cleaned last week or I never got to blogging. I shouldn't even be blogging now to much to do.

Election Day!!

This is the sticker you get every time you vote

Well, on November 4th I went out and voted. I voted for McCain and Palin. Jon and I voted together. We went just after 10:00 am and from the time we stood in line to the time we got to the car was 34 minutes. So not too bad. We didn't have anything too exciting on the ballot besides the president. I really wish it was Mitt Romney and not McCain but looking back on the California Proposition 8 passing (no same sex marriages in California) and all the things they were saying about mormons I can't imagine what would have happened if Prop 8 passed and Romney being Mormon beating Obama. Yikes that wouldn't be happy day or days. I just hope Obama does a good job and keeps our country safe. Well at least McCain won in Georgia.

Happy Halloween

I know we just celebrated Thanksgiving and I am still blogging about the last holiday Halloween. Well here goes. I was happy to find that Halloween fell on a Friday this year. No rushing to get out the door to get back, to quick go through the candy, to quickly get in bed to wake up at 6:25 am for school the next morning. Ever since Christa and her family moved into there house over 5 years ago we have been trick-or-treating over there. They have lots of kids in there subdivision and the houses are close together and the streets are basically flat (the driveways are another story a lot of them are hills). I live for the day about 2 more Halloweens from now when I can be the parent who waits at the end of the driveway. Although it is a great workout. Another reason I liked it on Friday is with the whole new daylight savings times we have to head out a hour later than previous years. It was just way to light. Anyway here are some pictures of the kiddos. Of course they had a great time and got lots of candy (by the way we still have a big bucket full of candy from the parade, trunk or treat, and trick or treating). My mom and dad hung out at the house and passed out candy. As you look at the pictures you can see it is still way light out side and that was between 6-6:30 pm.

Talmage the black spider man with a bat pumpkin

Payton as Ariel her pumpkin was carved with cookie cutters

Kennedy as Cinderella she also used cookie cutters for her pumpkin

Connor as a fire fighter I forgot to put his hat on for the picture

Brenton as a midevil knight his pumpkin is a scary ghost

Hayden as Lightning McQueen or as he calls him I am speed

The group shot of all the kids

Trunk or Treat

Every year our ward does a trunk or treat activity usually the weekend before Halloween. We always have it at the Hunter's Christmas Tree Farm. The Hunter's are a member of our stake they are right on the border of our ward. They have a huge bon fire going with hot dogs to cook and a chili cook off to eat for dinner. They also do hay rides, a cup cake walk, and the older kids can be found running around the farm and then when it gets dark we trunk or treat to the cars. This is one of the best and most fun activity we do as a ward. Of course things didn't go as planned this year. It decided to rain. So they moved everything to the church. We still had hot dogs (only boiled) and chili for dinner and the cake walk. Then the kids trick or treated to classrooms throughout the church. Yes, I brought my camera and no I didn't take any pictures (Looser). My chili did win 3rd prize though in the chili cook off. Thanks Betty Crocker. There were at least 20 different chili's there so not bad. My sister Christa's took 2nd. I was hopping my mom would take 1st so the Bugee's could sweep. We all had fun even though we weren't at the Hunter's.

Primary Program

The last Sunday in October was our Primary Program. This year they decided to give everyone a speaking part. We have a huge ward. We fill up the whole chapel and we have to open the overflow curtains and we fill over 1/4 of the gym. So with having a big ward we of course have a big primary. In the past programs most of the kids would have a speaking part and the other kids (usually 2-3 kids per class) would hold up pictures. They also wanted everyone to have there part memorized. Even the older kids who could read. Talmage and Kennedy had long parts (4 sentences) and Payton and Brenton had one sentence. They all did a great job and didn't need any help. Kennedy talked the loudest out of the whole primary but was talking way to close to the microphone so you couldn't really tell what she was saying. I was very impressed at how many kids had their parts memorized. I think only a couple needed help they knew their parts but were scared. I think everyone but maybe 2 read there parts.
Kennedy was also spotted doing the Hula to one of the songs. I love the Primary program.

Mommy and Me Night

Last month we started a new tradition in our family. It is called mommy and me night. With having 6 kids and 5 of them in school it is very hard for me to get one on one time with each of my kids. By the time they get home from school they get a snack, do homework, I make dinner, they get some time to play, some days there is scouts/music/activity days, and then it is time to get ready for bed. Jon came up with the idea of me taking one kid a week and going out and doing something just the 2 of us. So every Thursday I get to take one of the kids and go out for about 1 1/2 hours and do whatever they want (mommy approved of course). Brenton and I went first. We decided to go to Target (the dollar baskets in the front of the store. Love those) and the Dollar Store to find some cheap but good items to stock up for our treasure box. We use the treasure box for when the kids do something good at school, get the best listener 5 times at home, or if we loose something we will often use that as a way for the kids to help find something. Anyway, it was great to get to talk to Brenton and find out what was going on in his life without being interrupted by the other kids or video game. Payton and I went the following week and we went to a few places that carry Webkinz because that is what she wanted for getting a good report card a few weeks back. I was happy to finally find the one she wanted four stores later. When it was Kennedy's turn, she wanted to go to the mall. We looked around the Disney Store, Hallmark store, she got a cookie, and then we spent the rest of the time at the American Girl Doll Store. She was not very happy that we didn't buy anything but a cookie. Talmage and I went yesterday. He wanted to go to the Dollar store to buy a gumball machine and then to Walmart to spend his $10.00 he got for his birthday last month. He bought some Indiana Jones guys. The kids are already talking about wear they want to go next time. Hayden has mommy and me time every Mon-Fri while the kids are at school. I don't do it with Connor having autism and can't talk and he doesn't really care to go out to stores (it is too cold to go outside) or care about the one on one time.
I hope this will last every week since the kids are growing up so fast.

Pumpkin picking and carving

After we went to Chuck E Cheese for Tallies birthday dinner, we went to Harry's and picked out our pumpkins. We met my mom and Taylor there (my dad was out of town). Hayden kept throwing the little pumpkins into our cart so when he wasn't looking I would take them out.

Kennedy

Hayden


Connor, Taylor, Talmage, Kennedy, Brenton, Hayden, Payton

Then the following Wednesday October 29th we carved them. We were supposed to carve them with my mom and Taylor (dad still out of town in a whole other country) but Taylor made the basketball team and had practice and homework to do. So we did it at our house by ourselves. The kids were most upset about the caramel apples Grandma always makes and we eat after we carve pumpkins. Grandma and Grandpa (he's home) dropped them off the following day.

Brenton

Kennedy

Talmage

Hayden

Payton

The finished products will be coming on the Halloween night post.

Happy Birthday Talmage

Talmage turned 5 years old on October 21. It is tradition that when it is someones birthday they get to pick a restaurant to go to. Talmage picked Chuck E Cheese. We had to go a day before his real birthday because Jon had Scout pack meeting, Brenton had scouts, and Payton had activity day girls on Tuesday. We did make him wait until the next day to open his presents.

Hayden

Talmage

Hayden

Connor

He opened his presents the next day when all the kids were home from school.

Talmage

On Sunday, we invited the Grandparents, Aunt's, Uncle's, and Cousins over for some cake and ice cream. When I asked Talmage what kind of cake he wanted, he said he wanted sugar cookies. So I made 2 sugar cookie cakes. He wanted Indiana Jones cake so Jon printed out 2 pictures.

My mom took him to build a bear for his birthday and let him pick out an animal and some clothes for it. He picked out the dog.

Candy Parade

Every October our city has a what is called the youth day parade. We call it the candy parade. They start off by having a 3K run. After the runners go by, the parade starts. They have lots of different people from schools, to scouts and girl scouts, to dance and gymnastics, fire trucks, horses etc. your typical city parade. Plus lots and lots of candy. This year was by far the best year for candy. In the past they threw a lot of brachs peppermint candy (the red and white ones) which kids don't really care for and most of the time just leave on the street. This year was the year for skittles and starbursts. All of my extended family was there except for Cheri's husband who was working and Morgan who is out at BYU Idaho. We even had Christa's mom and dad in-law there. They were in town from Kansas City, Kansas. Her dad in law is finishing their basement.

Megan and Lincoln

Megan, Sonoma, Olivia, Payton, Lincoln, Talmage, and Hayden

Hayden, Paige, and Eliza

Oh yeah, Brenton wasn't there either. He had a stake 11 year old scout day camp. He was most upset about not getting any candy. So that is when Jon decided to make the item below.

Not a very attractive basketball hoop with the electrical wire, string, duct tape, plumbing pipe, but he found everything in our garage and didn't spend a dime. Anything he collected in the bucket went to Brenton. It was a big hit everyone was trying to make a basket. Eliza who is 2 was right next to the basket and let me tell you she cleaned up because most people missed.

Hayden

When the parade got over, we went to the church to pick up Brenton and then headed over to the park. Every year after the parade they have free lunch for the kids (adults have to pay). They have hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and soda, water, or sports drink at the park. They also have about 6 big inflatable jumpers, slides and obstacle courses along with pony rides, train rides, and a rock climb. This year we just had lunch and headed home. We usually stay and do the inflatable items but not the other things because the lines are way out to China since they are all free. My sister Cheri was staying longer so she took Payton and Kennedy with her. The reason we didn't stay long is because it was our turn along with 3 other families to clean the church. We cleaned the gym and the bathrooms. The church wasn't that dirty since it was General Conference the week before and most people stay home and watch it on satellite. Then we headed over to my parents to watch the BYU football game which we won:). We figured out Payton and Kennedy had only been home for 1 hour all day long. They were wasted.

Waterfall

About 5 miles from our house there is a park that has a trail that leads to a waterfall. We have only done this hike a couple of times. Every time we go for a hike the kids ask if we are going to the waterfall. So we decided with summer basically behind us (even though we are still wearing shorts in October) we decided to take the kids on a hike to the waterfall. I would say it is about a 3 mile round trip hike. My dad came with us and volunteered to carry Hayden on his back in the backpack carrier. He usually hikes with a 50 lb bag of sand in a backpack so Hayden was a piece of cake for him.

The Waterfall

Payton and Kennedy

Hayden and Jon

Connor and Dad
Brenton and Talmage

That is what I love most about the city we live in. There is no shortage of trails, parks, and recreational activities. Our city offers so many programs from sports, dance, gymnastics, arts (painting, drawing, photography, pottery, jewelry etc.), lot of different exercise programs and many more. I love it. My kids are currently not in any of these extra activities at the moment but if they ever do get interested in any of them it is nice to know our city offers them at a reasonable price.

MDA WALK

Saturday October 4th was a stake service project day. They had 3 different services projects going on that the stake put together. All to be done by 11:00 am so we could watch General Conference. Our ward could choose any of those services projects to participate in or participate in the MDA walk at Zoo Atlanta. One of the primary children in our ward just got diagnosed with the worst kind of Muscular Distrophy (you know the one Jerry Lewis raises money for every Labor Day) in January right around his 7th birthday. I guess with this kind of MD he will be wheel chair bound probably between 10-12 years old and wont live past his teenage years because your muscles just stop working one by one and you need your muscles for all your organs to work. How very sad. I guess they have a MDA zoo walk every year. We decided to participate in the MDA walk (they couldn't call this a service project because they were asking for donations which all the money goes to finding a cure for MD). When we got to the zoo they escorted us to the back of the zoo to this big tent. They started off with breakfast provided by Burger King. Then we walked around the zoo (well probably just 1/3 of the zoo) then came back to the tent and the kids could get their face painted, eat cotton candy, eat popcorn, or lunch provided by Blimpies (I was still full from breakfast only 1 hour before). All which was free of coarse. They also had an area where you could make posters for your team (ours was team Trey).

Brenton, Spencer, Kennedy, and Payton

Payton and Kennedy

Brenton

Hayden

They also gave out some awards. Our team won the award for having the most participants there (there was over 80 people from our team). We headed home after they were done with the awards since we have been to the zoo 2 times in the past 3 months. We got home right when conference was starting. I enjoyed conference very much although I was hoping they would expand more on the economy. I guess I wanted them to tell me to get working on my year supply. Which I have been doing a lot lately. I just don't know how much I need to be focusing on it. So I guess I am going half way not spending all of our saving on it but not just buying one can to store. My favorite part of Conference is I can watch it in the comfort of my home.