Decking the Halls

Last year was so crazy with my mom being so sick and me having to work, there was very little decking of the halls, so this year we decided to deck early.

My dear husband is such a good sport!

I love Christmas!!

(but I think decorating every other year isn't a bad idea.)

I am thankful for......

~I am thankful for my wonderful husband who surprised me and put the lights on the Christmas tree this year. (and everywhere else)
~I am thankful for my fabulous children who- woke up early this morning, did their practicing, emptied the dishwasher, packed their own lunches, cleaned the kitchen after, didn't fight over anything, helped each other with their hair, and made it to family prayer all before heading off to school 10 mins early. (pinch me -am I dreaming?)
~I am thankful to live in a neighborhood full of the most amazing people, where I am a block away from 2 schools and church, 2 minutes from the gym and 5 minutes from shopping.
~I am thankful for my health, sure I'll deal with the issues of being old with a body that's given birth to five kids, I know it could be a lot worse.
~I am thankful to still have two wonderful parents alive and well.(esp after last year)
~I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for Joseph Smith and all those who helped restore it to the earth today. My life would be so different without all the blessings this Gospel brings!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER

5 is the age when we have our first "friend" party-- I have to admit I had know idea how to do a boy party. The 5 year old girl parties seemed easy- maybe because I am a girl, but this was uncharted territory, I had no idea what to expect.

We did a "Police theme" because he is really into the Police/Bad guy thing. And we had to get a little creative because (silly me) there is not a lot of "Police themed" ready made party supplies.

(note to self -check out party supplies before picking the theme)

We had a great group of boys, they were very well mannered, this could have gotten ugly with air guns and chocolate cup cakes. (note to self-choc cupcakes outside only)



The "Cars" cake that we turned into a sheriff cake.

I can't believe how fast the last five years have flown.

Happy Birthday Carter!

We sure love you little man!

The best of the week

These are the best moments of the week.

Dave teaching the kids the moonwalk ( for FHE)
The dinner that nobody complained about (rare)

spinach and kale smoothies & homemade pizzas

Cousins coming to play


Halloween



I knew I saved my old cheerleading outfit for a reason.

Abby came up with this all by herself

Officer Carter

Kate's baby blessing....

that she cried all the way through

With the bracelet her sisters lovingly made for her

and the antique booties made by Great-Grandma Griffeth