Thanksgiving

My mom came out here for the week of Thanksgiving. That was a treat. Aaron and Jacklyn were coming out for a family reunion and invited my mom to ride with them. It was really nice to spend a few days visiting with them and then the week with my mom. While Jacklyn and Aaron were here we helped Nancy moved, had two family dinners and played lots of games. Caleb taught us Secret Hitler and that was the game we played the most.

 Aaron and Jacklyn left Tuesday for St. George. Wednesday after a three hour basketball practice, my mom and I shopped for Thanksgiving and then went up to my Aunt Loralie's to play games. When we got back to Provo we met up with my brothers. Dan made an awesome Shepherds pie for dinner.

Thursday my mom and I participated in a 5k turkey trot. It benefited a family in my ward. It was fun to get out and run in the morning. Two of my former students were there running and one of my current basketball players as well. So fun to be out running with kids I know.

After the run my mom and I went up to Loralie's to start preparing for the dinner. This was the most I have ever helped prep for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a pretty quiet morning. My brothers joined us in the afternoon before the feast. All of Loralie's kids were at their in-laws so she was nice enough to let us use her home for Thanksgiving. Nancy joined us as well. It was a pretty easy day. In the evening my mom and I stopped by her brother Jerrolds house so she could visit with him. That was fun as well.

Then we did something I am actually totally against. Black Froday shopping. I really wanted a taller Christmas tree so we went to Target and Walmart. We were able to do all my om's shopping for the grandkids. We found a tree for me the following day at a different Walm-mart. It was just what I wanted and I am super happy with it.

Friday we played games with Loralie and then came home and set up Christmas and cleaned my downstairs. I love decorating for Christmas.

 Saturday Nancy picked up my mom to drive her down to St. George. After my mom left I spent the day cleaning the upstairs bedroom. I threw away a ton of stuff and organized everything. I also re-arranged all the rooms and washed all the baseboards and walls. It took me ALL. DAY. LONG. It was worth the effort because my house looks so nice.

small bedroom

my bedroom

 the tv room

I still need to move my futon back in the tv room. It is currently in Dan's basement. Overall I had a great break. I am tired thinking about working all day tomorrow!

Olivia got baptized

I was lucky enough to be able to fly to California for a weekend trip to attend Olivia's baptism. I can't believe this girl is eight. I love her so much. She is SUPER sassy but also super smart. She is missing both her front teeth and is just as adorable as ever. I was asked to speak on the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was fun to participate in her baptism program and spend a few hours with their family.

 It was a very quick trip. My mom and I attended Oroville third ward sacrament meeting before she took me to the airport. I grabbed a quick picture with Krissann Lowry to send to Katie. It is always fun to see her family when I get the chance.

Birthdays and Halloween

We celebrated Andrews birthday at the end of October. I can't believe that he is five years old. Time goes way too fast. I love that guy something fierce. We did one of his favorite activities to celebrate: roasted marshmallows and ate s'mores.

 Halloween is my least favorite holiday, I am pretty sure I say that every year. This year the Dodgers were in the world series the week of Halloween. My co-worker Tanner is a huge Dodger fan. It's the first time the Dodgers have been in the world series in his lifetime. he was really excited. Luckily Hannah is also a Dodger fan. She loaned me her Dodger gear and I was able to surprise Tanner and show us as a Dodger fan. I was pretty sure he would be one as well. It made Halloween really fun.

 I love the teachers I work with. they are just some of the best people. I definitely count them as blessings in my life.

Halloween evening I went and hung out with Jana. We passed candy out while Ben took their seven kids trick or treating. I really enjoy that tradition with Jana. I am not sure it will last much linger since she doesn't have an infant anymore, but it has been a fun one!