Birthday Wishes

You've had a birthday; shout "Hooray!"
We want to sing to you today.
One year older and wiser, too,
Happy Birthday to YOU!



Jauncee had a 2 day birthday celebration!

The night before her birthday we celebrated as a family with cake, ice cream & presents.

Of course Clay had to blow out a candle too!

The fun part is always opening up presents! I gave her the option of waiting until her actually birthday, which was the next day, or she could open them up that night! What kid could wait?

The next day, which was December 15th, I brought her favorite sugar cookies to school to share with her class. Once school was out we loaded up all the girls and headed to Pokey for some Outerlimits Fun!

The party consisted of: pizza, a big jungle gym, video games, cake and more presents.

I think all of the girls enjoyed themselves. It was a fun place to have a party!

Jauncee is such a sweet little girl! I can't believe how much she is growing up. She has such a tender heart and is so willing to help out wherever she is needed. She loves her big sister and adores her little brother! Jauncee is a good friend and my peace maker! Jauncee really likes school and is doing very well, she is quite the smarty-pants! I love this little girls so much and am so thankful that I get to be her mother!
Hope you had a Happy Birthday Jauncee!

Christmas Concert

The annual Elementary Christmas Concert, an event we all look forward to each year!

Jeslyn playing the violin.

Jauncee on the recorder!

It really helps with getting in the Christmas spirit!

A Holden Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day, a joyous family festival!

I love this holiday! What better way to celebrate our gratitude and appreciation, as well as our sincere thanksgiving to the Lord for all our blessings as well as to family, loved ones & friends for all their support than with a bountiful feast all together? I can't think of any other way that would be better! And the pie...it is just icing on the cake! (Especially the pecan)

This year our family spent the weekend in Holden (minus the girls, they had to spend it with their dads). It was a much needed break and it is always a plus to see the family.

My mom always out does herself each year...dinner was delicious and the appetizers were to die for! I should have gotten some pictures of the actual meal but my moms living room isn't a great spot for taking photos...too much light from all the windows. I did however get a few after the actual meal while everyone was so full they could barely move! Clay was the only kid in attendance that day, so of course he got all the attention!

The weather was so beautiful and fall like. It was so nice to not have to wear a coat and to actually be outside!

Clay really liked jumping on the trampoline.

And pretty much anything and everything as long as it consisted of being outside!

A trip to Holden isn't complete without a quick stop at the park!

We even vaccinated the heifers while we were there, and enjoyed a fresh hamburger grilled chute-side. These are always the best!

This wasn't new to Clay Boy...he had to get in on all the action!

It was fun to see the corrals and all the changes that have taken place since I was down there this past July. It doesn't even look like the same place. You guys have really been busy!

And of course, we had to get in a little tractor time!

The weekend seemed to slip by quickly. It was sad to leave, especially not knowing when I would get to see them again. But it sure is nice to be HOME!

Clay Boy loved his Papa!

He was definitely a daddy's/papa's/any guy's boy that weekend!

A 4th Grade Thanksgiving

Lucky me, I am the room-mother for the 4th grade. I had the opportunity to go and help them make Thanksgiving dinner.

The menu consisted of:
turkey

stuffing

riced potatoes

California vegetable medley

rolls

homemade butter

pies

whipping cream

homemade ice cream

The 4th graders (all 15 of them) are a good group of fun smart kids. I am glad that our girls have the education they do. Even though it seems tough at times, we truly are blessed. As a parent it is fun to be involved.