thanksgiving 2013

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.

It was the first time I can remember

in a long time....

We had all of our children home.

Now that is something grand to be thankful for!

Biggest bird I've ever roasted- 26lbs.

I got almost no pictures....

OH THE HUMANITY!

I need a designated photographer in the family!! 

My nieces Aimee, Brittany & nephew Marcus & their families were here.

And our lovely friends the Moores.

Frankly- I was ticked off  for a wee bit of the day

because this turkey right here was over cooked & dry.

Hell bells - I teach how to cook turkeys!

I KNOW HOW TO MAKE AN INCREDIBLE MOIST TURKEY

But I got distracted & over cooked it by----- a lot.

oh well- that's what gravy is for, right Wende?

There is always Christmas-

I have another (14 pounder this time)

in the freezer.

(charlie keeping the twins happy- rocking them before they headed to the car)

It was such a joy to have a house full of family & to be so comfortable at home.

I feel so blessed to have learned so much this past year.

(Hey- not that I ever want one of my children to go through something this hard ever again) 

Truly it is a good life & we are a strong family.

My favorite things I don't want to forget this year about Thanksgiving:

*Joey falling asleep on Chloe's lap.

*Having Cole categorize me as a Pig- It's a long story, but Pig is a compliment.

*All the amazing pies!

*Delegating everything out so that I wasn't too busy- smart!

*Brett always helping me with the brining of the turkey - he's got skills

*painting nails afterward with Allie

*It was a warm day & the kids got to walk over & play at the park.

*having 3 babies here in high chairs!

*having Megan home- it's been so long

*watching Home Alone- our yearly tradition with Wende & Allie- the only two who stayed for it.

*Not having to work Black Friday

*the teens playing games in the basement

*Tony helping me make the mashed potatoes! HE's a keeper!!

*happy everyone is mostly healthy- not out of the country- not out of the state- and not in the hospital.

in my world

I always drive home from work the scenic route

 I love to see the Salt Lake Temple. 

Temple Square is one of my favorite places on earth.

This is the view out my kitchen window!

It's so lovely- today I am stressed a little bit- thinking Fall is almost over.

It always goes to fast.

(Krystal's birthday lunch- )2013

I still meet nearly every Wednesday with a group of ladies for lunch & try to get something CREATIVE done. Mostly I just unwind & feel supported by these fabulous friends.

I find things like- baby socks around my house again.

OH THE JOY of a baby sock!

Brian frequently texts me a picture of the twins in their Sunday clothes!

They got matching P-Coats for winter. Oh my gosh- they are so cute in them, but I forgot to get a picture when they came over last night! 

My cooking class is going strong-

we had a field trip at the beginning of the month.

Dairy Queen!

The kids had a blast checking out behind the scenes & making their own ice cream cones.

Making an ice cream cone is harder than it looks. The last class for the semester is this Friday. I am not teaching in December. I'm hoping to get lots of handmade things ready for Christmas, and to spend more time with the kids. I really love teaching these classes- they are super fun & super messy & kids- I maybe should have been an elementary teacher? I just love being around them. They give me energy & hope for the future. I guess that's why I have so many of my own? I start teaching again in January.

I love to send out invites for Thanksgiving- it just feels more special.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, Thanksgiving is Brett's favorite holiday. 

We always have so much fun.

Raking leaves- it's nice that Batman comes to help.

I didn't make it to Charlie's Halloween parade at preschool. 

But this picture shows the joy on his face.

Brian & Laura took their first family vacation with the twins,

Finn helped with the driving... such a great helper.

They had fun in St. George & hiked Zions.

This weekend we spent time with all of our grandsons & didn't get any pictures.

It's such a joy to have them so close.

We baby sat the twins & then Megan's boys & had a blast!

Joey & Charlie are getting so big. I can't wait to meet their new little brother.

It's a good life.

thanksgiving in pictures 2012

I woke up on Thanksgiving day a little early to get the turkey going and--

asleep on the couch was my son Jack.

A flood of emotions came over me.

It was less than a year ago - when he came home from Brasil.

He has been so sick & slowly getting better.

Blessed- I felt & I FEEL blessed.

Blessed that he felt it was important enough to keep working while he was so very sick- he did keep working (I would have quit)- blessed that he is getting better. Happy- happy he is home. Well, in the same state anyway. He is rarely here but he is happy & doing well in school & working & having the time of his life at BYU- frankly I wouldn't have it any other way.

To be honest - I haven't always felt this way.

 (yes I was a little angry that he got sick, like that did any good?)

It's good to be on this side of this whole situation.

anyhow

THANKSGIVING WAS WONDERFUL

 (Johnny aka: world's best kiss thrower)

Probably my favorite part of Thanksgiving this year -- well one of many-- was this mural Ethan drew for me.  How fun & wonderful is this!?

Thanksgiving is becoming one of my favorite days of the whole year!

I hope yours was good too.

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.

thanksgiving in pictures