Decorating

Isn't there a movie about the "Nightmare Before Christmas?"

What's that song about the 12 Days of Christmas - - and the &*@*@*!! lights?

I LOVE the lights and smells and sounds of Christmas. I'm particularly excited this year - - something about bringing a new baby home that makes everything seem that much more magical. (Remind me I said that in 3 weeks when I've just given birth, am not sleeping, and am cussing out the "natural" feeding method of nursing!) Just kidding, of course! We are SO excited for this baby to make her appearance.

The kids and I have been counting down for weeks as to when we can put up our decorations and start listening to Christmas music. (Of course the unwritten rule is that we have to wait until after Thanksgiving). Thankfully, good man that he is, Greg just goes along with our requests.

Remember how exciting it was as a kid? I've concluded that although still exciting...decorating with so much "help" is pretty much a huge chore.

Alas, after many hours inside and out (and only a few children being sent to time out)...it's as done as it is going to get....

Thankful Jar

A few weeks ago, our high council speaker talked about making a "thankful jar" as a way to focus on all of our blessings. Apparently, Addysen was paying close attention (thanks Gavin!) and decided to make one for family home evening. She did -- and here are some of the results:

* Jesus, Church, the Whole World

* Food (specifically turkey and ravioli)

* Water

* Warm house, sheets, blankets

* Education

* Recess

* Friends, Family, Good Health

* Employment

* When kids listen and obey (this was listed on several days - -by both mom and dad)

And here are a few other "things" for which I am grateful:

* My treadmill (what a great Christmas gift -- 8 years ago. It will be a sad day when it quits working - -and I can't replace)

* That we're about being done with the pregnant stage (oh -- how I wish I could find some pants that would stay up!)

* Raid - allows me to kill my "enemies" from a distance

* Body pillow - (I can't wait to be able to sleep in a position other than my left side (anything else causes charlie horses or breathing difficulties...)

* The ability to reconnect with friends and family through blogging, Facebook and Christmas Cards...so fun to catch up!

* PURE SLEEP - we took the plunge and made the investment in a mouth guard for Greg - -to try and help with his snoring. It's only been a week or two...but so far...it WORKS! Now, if my bladder...and soon...this baby...would cooperate...I might really be able to get some sleep!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread

1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup water

1 cup pumpkin

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 2/3 cup flour

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour

** we added some chocolate chips to one of our loaves - -in honor of the pumpkin spice muffins that we used to serve at Adriana's...the restaurant where I worked years ago when we lived in Cedar City. YUM~ too bad the restaurant is no longer there.

Let the Holidays Begin

Baking the pumpkin bread that Cannon's class made. He loved it and requested the recipe from his teacher. We liked it also...and thought we'd share in case you are interested. (See recipe on next post.)

Brynnley's Thanksgiving Feast complete with cornbread, applesauce (that the kids made with their own apples), dessert, crafts and a short program.

Cub Scout Camporee

Although it was pouring rain the entire day - Cannon had a blast at the Cub Scout Camporee. I'm just glad Greg was the parent volunteer that day -- rather than me.

Address Updates

I'm trying to update my address book so I can send out Christmas cards. If there is a chance that I don't have your current address...please send it to me.

In Honor of the First Snow

In honor of the first snow today, we had to go over "THE RULES."

Brynnley and Kenzie immediately started licking snow off the car this morning when we left to take Brynnley to preschool. So...we had to reiterate the finer arts of snow eating.

In Kenzie's words:

"We only eat white snow. Not yellow snow. Yellow snow is NOT allowed."

Words to live by.

Father Knows Best (at least sometimes!)

Given my very pregnant physique, we've had a lot of baby talk around here. 

Today, Brynnley said, "Mom, how does a baby get into your tummy -- even before you know it's there?"

Not quite sure how to respond to her 5-year-old inquiry, I said an oh-so-intelligent, "What?"

She repeated her question. "How does a baby start growing in your tummy even before you know it's there?"

I replied with, "Dad's in the office...go ask him."

So, she did. 

I listened from around the corner as she repeated her question again.

Without even looking up from the computer, Greg said, "Heavenly Father puts it there."

"Oh," came Brynnley's simple reply. Then, seeing me standing in the doorway, she said, "Heavenly Father puts the baby there. Didn't you know that?"

Hmmm...good answer. Why didn't I think of that?

A Few Minutes With Family

For Time & All Eternity

I spent a fabulous (and busy!) weekend in Las Vegas -- returning home very early Tuesday morning. My youngest sister, Season, got married in the Las Vegas temple -- and how lucky I was to be able to attend. 

Yes, I was sad that the rest of my family couldn't attend (6 plane tickets and a rental car just isn't in the cards these days)...but it was so fun to actually be able to visit with my friends and family - -and not just chasing kids.

Making the Most of an Indian Summer

We've had perfect weather these past couple of days -- and decided that we better take advantage.

We (Cannon and me) cleaned out the car... we (Greg) cleaned out the garage (I'm SO hoping we'll be able to park the van INSIDE from here on out), in addition to raking and PLAYING in the leaves. The tree that provides the leaves isn't even ours...but we certainly get the work that comes from having a giant tree on the property line. Unfortunately, as you may/may not notice...my raking didn't even tackle 1/3 of the front yard...and now my back is killing me. 

I guess folding laundry will have to wait another day.