Thanksgiving in Colorado

It was our turn to drive to Colorado for Thanksgiving. The drive was a bit sketchy, and took us an 

extra hour or so, but we arrived. That evening Ashley took Sarah to see Lindsey Stirling with her girls. The highlight being when Lindsey sang, "Santa Baby", Mike's "favorite Christmas song. ;)

Despite his recent birthday and old age, Mike continues to be a fun dad and joined the boys for an jaunt in the hot tub. The kids/cousins spent quite a bit of time in the hot tub during the trip but it was COLD outside. 

We "only" had five pies to choose from Sarah had some of each. 

On Thanksgiving morning I went with the men to the rec center. I ran around a track where 11 laps=1 mile and still managed to run four miles or so.

It looks like I didn't get a picture of all the cousins together, but I did get this one of Emma snuggling with me and letting Audrey pet her. Emma has mellowed out a lot in her old age and was quite sweet during this trip. Sadly enough, she passed away quickly a few weeks after Thanksgiving. We will all miss Emma.

Lately, in my prayers, I've been trying to express my gratitude, but it always seems inadequate. I feel like I get to live a very charmed life. I'm married to a man I'm crazy about, I have five wonderful children. Mike's job provides well for us. I have no physical needs and get many of my wants. I have a testimony of my Savior, His life and what it means for my family in the eternities. I'm thankful for a mindful Heavenly Father that knows me personally and loves me. I'm grateful I get to be me and live this mortal experience. My blog is only read by people I care about, so thank you. I love you and am grateful for your role in my life.

Happy 14th Birthday Sarah!

For the second time in her life, Sarah's birthday fell on Thanksgiving. This meant she got an unlimited smorgasbord of food, with all she could eat pie all day long. She said she wanted a birthday pie instead of cake, so we bought her the "Eddy" from Rewhipped. It was delicioso!  Here are a couple pictures from her big day. 

It might look like she has only the number 9 on her cake, but there are also five single candles. We had to improvise. 

Sarah is a remarkable young woman. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but I feel so blessed to be her mom. I challenge her to do her best, knowing that her best is WAY more than my best ever was. ;) She is still a voracious reader. She is a good student, although I'd be lying if I said she loved school. She'd probably home school if I'd let her. She has many friends but usually wants to hang out with family after school because she thinks she socializes enough at school. Sarah has heard her dad tell her she can't date until she's, well, never, so she thinks boys are dumb. (At least that's what she tells us) Sarah is an amazing big sister. She jumps at the chance to help out with Audrey. I have to be careful not to take advantage of her kindness. She is a super star baby sitter and usually has multiple people try and hire her. She has a great sense of humor and I love watching shows with her and hearing her laugh at things I didn't think she'd understand. She is witty, wacky and wonderful. Not to mention, um, graceful. ;) We love you princess!

Steven ends his streak

Mike and I have enjoyed making the statement that out of all of our kids Steven is the only one to not break anything, swallow money, or get stitches. Quite the feat all things considered. That all came to an end one fateful Friday afternoon. His school called to let me know his head was bleeding and I needed to come to the school and get him right away. When I got there the nurse let me know it wasn't very serious but might need stitches. We took him to the Dr and he got three staples in the head. He was supposed to get them taken out after a week, but we were in Colorado. I offered to take them out for him, but he wanted me to pay a co-pay for a Dr to do it. ;) 

Swimming at the rec center.

The first time we took Audrey to the rec center she got splashed early on and wasn't a big fan. This time around she loved it. I had to take her out every half an hour or so because she'd get really cold, even though it was warm in the pool area.

Veteran's Day

I love that Mike has a government job and gets national holidays off. This Veteran's Day we took advantage of the many businesses that generously give to military members. We went to Olive Garden since Mike's lunch would be free. A generous patron paid for our entire bill and tip.

When the kids got home we went to the aquarium since it was free for veterans and their families. Audrey enjoyed looking at all the cool things and the boys spent a ton of time at the sea ray exhibit. 

Audrey's Birthday photo shoot

For Audrey's one year pictures I took her to the illustrious JC Penney's. I wanted cute pictures but couldn't bring myself to pay the current price tag for fancy pictures. I think they turned out perfect!

Audrey can walk and has been able to stand alone for a while. She just doesn't WANT to walk. She'll get there eventually. 

Liz Starley, young mom, wouldn't have bought these next two pictures. I have a cute picture of Sarah at six months sticking her toe in her nose. I had declined buying it, but the Target photographer loved it and put it in his display book and then gave it to me when they switched out pictures. It's now one of our favorites. I used to only want the "perfect" pictures. The other day I pointed out a darling picture I have of Sarah and Steven. Sarah is lightly biting her lip. Why? Because I was trying to get her to fix a "goofy" smile. Ugh! I'm glad I've been able to teach my kids how to avoid the pitfalls of young, uptight parenting, and more enjoy the sweet randomness of childhood. 

Mike's Fall piano recital

Mike participated in yet another recital and showed up all the kids. ;) Seriously though, I'm so proud of him and all the time he puts into playing. He chose to play, "I know that my Redeemer lives", which is one of my favorite hymns.

We celebrated at JCW's after. Great job babe!