Saturday Snow Day

We woke up to LOTS of snow!

Like 12" of snow-

 SLC got the same

 

and Brian did his first Triathlon today.

Minus the biking... because of the snow.

and guess what...

I listened to Christmas music on my way home from work today.

I know?

a list for November

1. Like most of you... I can't believe it's November 2012.
2. I am over the top-- excited about Thanksgiving & it just may be turning into my favorite holiday?
3. We are hosting dinner here for 25 people.
4. I'm not doing it all! We will all work together.
5. I was physically sick after the election this week-
6. Knowing how our country is divided is making me feel uneasy.
7. I want to gather my babes & just hibernate.
8. But- that won't do- heavens no.
9. Lots of prayers for our wonderful country - our people- our leaders. How do you feel?
10. I am thrilled about a new adventure I am starting soon--
11. I am starting a cooking class for kids right here in my home!
12. AND GUESS WHAT?
I am already filled up for the first two classes starting November 30- amazing!
13. I will have two classes every Friday for two weeks until December 21. Then in January I will be adding-
14. One for kids 5-8. One for kids 9-12. One for teens 13-18. Hopefully at least one more for whichever age group needs it.
15. I've got so many ideas & it's going to be GREAT!
16. We will be learning about setting the table, proper etiquette, measuring ingredients, cooking techniques & basic equipment, nutrition, whole/processed foods, making snacks, breakfast, lunch & dinner etc.
17. But more importantly-- how to clean up so your parents will let you in the kitchen again!
18. I am thrilled about the prospects- I love cooking & kids- it's a natural combination for me.
19. Christmas-- it's coming.
20. Are you feeling the pressure?
21. I've been so excited-- for weeks-- but all of the sudden-- I'm starting to feel it.
22. It = The pressure of Christmas as a parent- trying to make it spiritual etc.
23. Trying to find that balance and still make magic.
23. I bring it on myself, but that is why Christmas is not my favorite holiday.
24. I am making a lot of gifts this year & I am excited about that!
25. There is something so extra special about a handmade gift.
26. I did it.
27. I bought a new Christmas tree even though we certainly cannot afford it.
28. I've been looking for one since we moved into this house. wow long time.It had to be just. right.
29. It wasn't expensive (miracle) and is flocked (I've always wanted a flocked tree! yeah!)
30. I hope you have a GREAT weekend-- here it is snowing! It's beautiful. Photos to come

just what's up at our house?

Laverne & Shirley are laying so many eggs!

~We love them~

Sunday, Brittany invited us all to dinner at her new house!!!
YES she is all moved in & it is lovely. 

we walked over... so fun...

But, took Nya for a walk first just because.

The views this time of year are absolutely breath taking.

Tuesday night was so exciting!!!

until Mitt lost... and I love Mitt.

~sigh~

We had a little election party with the Johnsons.

YUM-- the food!!

But boo--- didn't end our way.

Oh Well- we will join Mitt & Anne & pray for our president & support him, because that's what we do.

(Kind of looks like we are having an IPhone reading party?)

Yesterday the very Lovely Laura invited me to go with her to see the babies at one of her many, many ultra sounds that she will be having for the twins.

I WAS BEYOND THRILLED & SO HAPPY THAT LAURA IS SO GENEROUS & KIND TO ME!!

Laura is almost 23 weeks along & this is baby A.

Isn't he cute! Oh the joy!

It was amazing & confusing... seeing two TWO babies in there!

CRAZY exciting- I've never seen anything like it.

It has been unseasonably warm here with temps in the high 60's & low 70's.

NO I'm not complaining. We have loved it. Especially Trent who goes outside & watches the stars all wrapped up in a blanket at night. Here is a shot of our Facetime.

He is such a sweet kid.

Today as I drove home from work I couldn't help but feel mixed emotions.

Tomorrow a BIG snow storm & weather change.

We are so blessed to have such a lovely fall.

It's time though-- time for winter to get a start. 

Please, not too heavy? Jack- hasn't seen winter in 2 years- amazing huh?

After work I met Hailey at the fabric store where I picked up some good solid white fabric to finish up a second baby quilt for my sister in law Lyn. 

Lyn has adopted two babies in the past couple of years-- without getting a quilt!?

 What in the world?? Gotta get this done- 

Hailey left me this on my phone & I really love it.

thanks-- love you hailey

NOw--- I'm getting dinner started-- tacos.

What's up with you?

better days

I'm working at least 4 days a week.

It's a joy to work around so many beautiful things.

(a lot to juggle these days... but I really like working there)

Last week I made lots of pumpkin dessert squares, mashed potatoes & gravy & several batches of stuffing!

YES Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away!

I am so excited for Thanksgiving! It is Brett's favorite holiday so I try to make it extra special. This evening I put up the Thanksgiving decorations - I have a few - and we are expecting 25 people for dinner this year.

 I love that.

Today after work & lunch at home with the family

Brett & I went out on the town down to City Creek to the new 

West Elm store.

West Elm is really fun-

 a Gorgeous store & fantastic addition to Salt Lake City. 

It's a sister store to my work place and one of my favorite friends from work moved over there 

(Hi Emily-- miss you!) 

so I've been dying to get over there & visit.

Finally made it today-

Afterwards we headed to Kneaders for treats & to work on our Christmas list.

We've got a good start!

Actually I hate to brag but.... I've already sent off two gifts- impressive, I know!

Mr. Messer, thank you for being my date today.

I like it that you always open doors for me & carry packages.

I like that you like to see me get excited about things like a new store in town & bakeries.

I just like being with you.

this week

Laverne & Shirley

LOVE

their daddy

Sunday afternoon Brett when outside with some sunflower seed 

and they were so happy to see him.

They always are.

It's just so endearing to see him with the ladies-

they are laying at least 9 eggs a week now!

I traded work days with a friend so I could go to our Tuesday edition of Creative Day

which was extra special

Kristal's birthday!

Birthdays are the BEST

with these ladies!

Kristal chose salads for lunch

we had appetizers, three different wonderful salads, mini cheesecakes & this banana cream pie!

YUM

Just in case you think my life is perfect...

Brett came home with flowers after I spent two days extremely perplexed & upset over what to do about a certain 13 year old boy who

- last week broke the $300 notebook computer the school let him use & now we have to pay for

- then Monday the same young man's school called because Chloe's debit card was found??

What?

- Trent eventually confessed he had, "borrowed it & taken it to school."

Then lost it.

three words:

WHAT THE HELL?

When kids saw him use it at the vending machine---

they all wanted him to buy them something too.

(of course they did!)

We had no idea how much had been charged until the next day when we went to the bank.

OH MY GOSH.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS

$90.00

Let me just say- it's tough being a parent of a teenage boy.

 But add some ADHD & Autism and it can be.... a challenge.

1. He knew taking the card was not right.

2. He knew it was the wrong thing to do.

3. He didn't truly understand- that real money was involved.

~sigh~

Just for fun:

take a look at this---

I Love Trent

He is learning & we are learning and

 LOOK HOW STINKING CUTE THESE BABIES ARE!!!

halloween at our house

 Technically Jack wasn't at our house...

BUT~

he did dress up & send me this picture.

Which had me laughing out loud!

Jack as a 

"Liberal College student"

He actually wore this get up to school & got lots of fun looks walking to class. 

He had a sign on his back that said- kick me I'm a liberal.

Oh boy- 

side note--- Jack is a History Major & very conservative so there you go...

Chloe dressed up as Rosie the Riveter for school- so cute & original.

Trent the cowboy - was reluctant to get his picture taken.

Chloe's second costume for the day

an old guy.

Again I was laughing out loud!

Halloween was very different this year at our house.

It was a record 76 degrees- it is usually snowing on Halloween!

(Brett says it's because this is the first year we didn't have a trick or treater. Ha!)

I forgot to take a picture of Hailey who dressed up by putting on a cute little mustache. dang it.

We had loads of kids come by - loved it.

and Brett & I took a little walk over to Brittany's house to pick up Trent who was there handing out candy.

It was a gorgeous night & so much relaxed fun

not the usual crazy, wild, running to & from activities & class parties etc.

it was nice.

I love Halloween