Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving we spent with my family.  Dallin and his family came down from Spokane and Crismon and Danielle flew up from Colorado.  There were lots of yummy food, fun times with cousins, and program put together by Sydney.  After we spent a good part of the day with my family we went to the Caudle's house for pies and games.  We have been pretty spoiled having both set of families near enough to see them all in one day.

Pre-Thanksgiving Party-Dallin making his famous yummy pizza crust. He has become quiet the chef, making artisan bread almost every day!

Thanksgiving Day!

Gwendolyn (Dallin and Janelle's fourth)

 

 

 

 

Raise your hand if you like pie!

Surprise Birthday Party for Diane

A few weeks ago, I was thinking of what I could do for Diane's birthday.  She is always taking care of other people and putting herself last.  I wanted to do something special for her. I contacted the sisters in laws and proposed the idea of having the boys surprise their mom at a restaurant for a birthday dinner.  They thought it was a good idea.  I made arrangements with Dave so he was in on the surprise.  The boys arrived at the restaurant and then shortly later Dave and Diane arrived.  Diane immediately started crying when she saw her boys especially seeing Don since she hasn't seen him in a very long time.  While they were at the restaurant, the grandkids and sister in laws were at their house getting ready to surprise Diane there. When we saw Dave and Diane drive up to the house, we quickly hid behind doors and couches. When Diane came in the door, the kids jumped out and said, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!!" Diane was surprised and was very happy!  She said, she hasn't had a birthday party since she was a little girl.  The boys gathered around the piano and sang songs and did theirs famous annoying game of "Copying Game".  I am so glad it all worked out and Diane was recognize since sometimes her birthday gets forgotten because it's so close to Christmas.

Gift from the Boss

Brett's boss, Jack Stanley from Tech Academy sent me a fruit basket and a really nice card.  He thanked me for being a good support for Brett as he has spent a lot of extra time building the business.  I thought it was very thoughtful of him. 

Brett in the Bishopric

Brett has been serving as the Elder's Quorum President for the last two years. President Powell from the Stake Presidency called Brett and asked to meet with him.  He extended the calling as the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.  On November 1st he was ordained a High Priest by his dad and set apart as the 2nd counselor by President Powell.  Brett's parents, his grandma and my parents were there for the special event. 

Halloween

All Halloween day, it poured and poured.  I wasn't looking forward trick-r-treating in the rain.  I even tried to persuade my kids to stay home, watch a movie and eat candy that I had bought earlier but no.... they were determined to walk in the pouring rain and work for their candy. We went with our Caudle cousins.  It's always nice to spend time with family even in the pouring rain!

Clark as Darth Vader

Kaeley as Elsa

Daisy as Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony)

Malcolm (Kyle and Emily's third child)

Kelsey (Trent and Jen's oldest)

Disney Frozen On Ice

Carrie Zabaldo, the president I am a counselor to in the Stake Primary gave me four tickets to see Disney Frozen on Ice.  She had originally bought them for her family but after buying them learned of a band concert her daughter was in and thought of me and my girls.  We were so gratefully for them.  I was looking into buying tickets earlier to take the girls but after seeing the prices, there wasn't a way we could afford to.  So when she gave us the tickets we were thrilled! I have to note, that same week we were given the tickets, a friend of mine gave me a huge bag of clothes and a nice winter coat for Daisy! I feel so blessed! Since I had four tickets and it was only me and the girls going, I gave the extra ticket to my friend Fawn's daughter.  Fawn was able to buy another ticket near our seats.  The girls loved it!  I almost started crying to see how happy they were watching and enjoying it.  I couldn't ever get a clear picture of Kaeley because she was standing up dancing the whole time. What a special fun night and we got to spend it with our best friends too!

Halloween Party

My good friend Fawn put together a fun Halloween party for a few mom friends and their kids.  They played lots of fun games and had yummy treats.  I had order Halloween costumes for the kids but they didn't come in until AFTER the party.  The kids were okay being the only ones not dressed up at the party.