More turkey!

Last week at preschool Ellen and her friends made turkeys. Can I just say that double-sided tape is brilliant? The kids added feathers to their heart's content without any sticky, gluey mess.

Thursday after dinner Ellen helped Nana put up and decorate her Christmas tree. The past two mornings have been very calm since Ellen and Jack are perfectly content to sit on the couch, look at the lights, and listen to Christmas music.

Today we're going to the Starks Family Reunion, a.k.a. Second Thanksgiving with lots of family, food, and fun.

What I'm thankful for

Turkey.
Cranberry sauce.
Dressing.
Green bean casserole.
Sweet potatoes.
Mashed potatoes.
Gravy.
Homemade rolls.
Pumpkin pie.
Eating for two.
:)

Actually, I'm really, really thankful for these people:


And these cuties:


And this cutie:


And I'm most thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his suffering for me so that I can try again every day to be a better wife, mom, sister, and daughter.

Thank you!

"We're bouncing like Tigger!"

Actually, the quote was, "Mommy, botamos como Tigger!"

We made it to Nana and Papa Starks' house late this afternoon, just before dark. Thanks to Daddy's skillful driving and hilly country roads, we may actually have caught a little air. Or maybe we were just checking the shocks on our car. To our three-year-old, that's as close to bouncing like Tigger as you can get.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Hello from out here

Ellen, Jack, and I made it to Grandma and Grandpa J's house in record time. The kids were exceptionally good in the car, and we've been partying here ever since with the grandparents, two aunts, three uncles, and three cousins. We expect more family to arrive soon.

And we miss our Daddy, so be safe and come to us soon!

Happy birthday, Ellen!

Ellen is THREE!!

Feliz cumpleaños (That's how they say it in Spain)

I love Jack because he is a hands-on Daddy.
I love Jack because he knows how to clean up.
I love Jack because he is intelligent, and he knows how to fly under the radar.
I love Jack because he appreciates efficiency.
I love Jack because he notices the details.
I love Jack because he understands the big picture.
I love Jack because he looks to the future in making decisions.
I love Jack because he brings me flowers and sends me interesting links.
I love Jack because he cares what I think.
I love Jack because he has a beautiful voice.
I love Jack because he wants the best for his family.
I love Jack because he wants to be with us forever.



Happy Birthday, Jack!

Will this hurt your car?

Will this hurt your car?

We voted.

Candy

Your family can do incredible things, too.

Note that I'm the only one wearing my mask to protect my identity.

Whatcha eatin', Ellen?


Chocolate, of course.

Dress rehearsal

This is the only time you'll see my kids in these costumes. A friend generously offered us our pick of her windfall of Halloween costumes. Ellen picked out the alligator, and Jack Jack just looked too cute in the bear costume. My friend made that costume herself. I am in awe, as I will never be the Halloween costume sewing type. That's too much effort for one event.

We tried the costumes on and got really excited about our venture into the wild animal kingdom.

However, after the Ha-BOO-tat party, the JRCLS lunch, the ward trunk-or-treat and Fall Festival, and Heritage Halloween at the Ranching Heritage Center, the kids had never worn the costumes. It has been 80 degrees here in the past week, and that's just a little much.