Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving dinner was at our house this year.

I have to admit I was a little off that day. The Sunday before, was my first official day of being the new primary president. My brain was buzzing and my world spinning. (I know a calling shouldn't do that to you, but it did me....and is still doing it somewhat.) It probably didn't help that I was also doing a push to the end of a Biggest Loser-type challenge, so was eating no/little carbs and no sugar. My "dinner" consisted of raw veggies, some fruit, a deviled egg and turkey. Oh how I missed eating Karen's yummy rolls and Candice's corn souffle.

I am THANKFUL for a wonderful family who are forgiving, laid-back and helpful. Everyone volunteered to bring food and wares, so we could have a great dinner.

We cooked the turkey (donated by Mom-- Thanks!), baked pumpkin pies and mashed the potatoes. Rylee, Jason and Taylee doing some pre-dinner shopping.

Mom came early and made the yummy gravy.

Abree says, "Happy Thanksgiving everyone!"

...showing off her toothless grin.

Tyrel and Mom join the add shopping.

When everyone was gathered....

...it was time to eat!

Look at all the yummy food everyone brought (and I got to look at). :) j/k

After dinner, the adults talked about playing a game...but never did.

Instead, a friendly game of dog-pile-on-Treyson broke out... and we watched...to make sure it stayed friendly.

Happy Thanksgiving from our little turkeys to yours!

FIRE Season!

Oh. my. good. ness!

I am sooo far behind in blogging.

I've had small computer/photo downloading issues, but the main reason is a busy season and a new calling.

I've been consumed (to say the least) with my new calling as Primary President. I've been going from one fire to the next, only putting out the fire that is hottest and closest.

My plate over-floweth!

The "fire season" is finally slowing down.

Honestly I believe it will always be "fire season" in this calling, but the "fires" are not quite as hot or are getting further in between. Whew!

I will be doing some major catch up over the next few weeks.

Ready? Get set. Go!

Posted on 1/18/12 in real time. :)

Happy 1st Birthday Sterling!

One year ago, Sterling made his surprise arrival, 6 weeks early.

Did I get that right Amber?

He was tiny, but healthy.

Today he is a typical, healthy, one year old that melts my heart whenever he giggles or bursts into a huge smile.

Amber did such a good job with all his party details. Everything turned out so cute!
She made these photo canvas' by using a blank canvas, a photo printed on tissue paper and Mod Podge. They turned out nice. So fun to see his growth from infant to big one year old boy.

The S was cut and shaped out of cereal boxes. Then she paper mache and painted it white. Looks like something you could purchase at Hobby Lobby doesn't it?

She made the message board from a Dollar Store silver tray and chalkboard paint. So clever.

The party theme was circus monkey... heavy on the monkey, light on the circus. :)

Sterling's monkey cake turned out soo cute!

The cupcakes were adorable too.

Can you tell I helped with the 1 shirt... looks kinda familiar doesn't it??? :)

Amber made his monkey hat out of old wool sweaters. I LOVE how it turned out. Nice job.

When it was present time, Sterling didn't know what all the fuss was about.

Daisylyn however LOVED present time and couldn't wait to SHARE Sterling's gifts.

Sterling was super patient and happy. What a sweet boy.

Cake time!

Yummmm, chocolate.

When the GO was given, the kids descended upon the candy and dessert table like vultures... and so did some of the adults. :)

I also helped with the pennant banner hanging above the table. We made it out of red/white striped fabric and ribbon. Turned out great.

Sterling, we're so glad that you are a part of our family.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Love you.

PS- It was actually Jackson's birthday (Sterling's was the next day),but he had celebrated with friends earlier and graciously let Sterling have the spotlight. Happy 7th Birthday Jackson!

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Two weeks ago, it was announced that there would be some changes happening to our ward.... a ward split!

Our ward was super big..like 730+ of mostly active members.

From 2 wards, a third ward was created. We knew it was coming, but was still so sad to see some of our ward family go.

On that next Wednesday, we got together one last time, for IHOP -Individual Hour Of Personal Progress.

Girls wore their jammies/sweats, we ate pizza and some worked a little on Personal Progress... but mostly it was just a big going away party...or should I say, see ya around party. :)

Maddi-Savannah-Lessa-Megan-Jennifer
Brittany
Melissa-Madi-Emma-Karly

Taylee-Brittany-Maddison

Emma

Kaylee-Emily-Perry

Emma-Taylee

Our NEW YW president, Jessica.

She and her counselors had just been put in about 6 weeks prior. We bonded quickly and were having so much FUN together. We are SO SAD to have it end so soon.

I was looking forward to girl's camp together....... really. :)

Laurie-Danielle-Karly

Abbey-Bella-Hannah-Laura-Lauren

Lexi-MacKenzie

Maddison-Sister Eldredge...actually working on Personal Progress.

Katie Givens-Kiley Thompson-Danielle-Jessica Whiting

Brittany-Hailey-Kamryn

Stephanie Young-Savannah

Shelby-Livvy

Savannah-Erin-Lessa-Megan-Rylee-Melissa

The MiaMaid Huddle

Rylee was so bummed. Her good friends (including Melissa!)are now in the other ward. There are only 3 MiaMaids in our ward now. Such an adjustment!

Friends Forever..... right?

Some of the Laurels

Some of MY Beehives.

More of MY Beehives.

We went from 22, down to 10! Class was quiet on Sunday. :)

Sister Young had promised some of the girls an arm wrestle match. She had to make good on her promise. Sister Young, we will also miss your "speed walking".

Me-Katie-Jess-Kiley-Shel-Steph

Missing Sister Merrilee Ellsworth who was sick that night.

What's that saying? "All good things must come to an end"... I guess it's true.

More changes ahead.

With all the "holes" to fill in ward leadership and callings, we're not done adjusting.... oh, but I wish we were. I don't like change.... I'm not "used to it"!!!!!

On to the next chapter .