Thanksgiving Week

We all had a another great week in Oklahoma.  It was relaxing and packed full all at the same time.  This cabin was one of our favorites.  The cabin was roomy, the bed comfy, and the drive to ATV trails was only minutes away.

 We didn't get to the cabin on Tuesday until after dark so we stayed in and didn't hit the trails until Wednesday morning.  The scenery was beautiful.  Lots of colorful leaves still on many of the trees, which I loved.  It was warm enough we only needed a hoodie, except Brian of course. 

Bailee was a little nervous getting back on an ATV.  Karlee drove for the first 30 minutes then Bailee gave it a turn.  We mostly stayed on wide dirt roads on Wednesday, then on Friday Bailee was comfortable for the most part and we rode on regular trails up the mountain and through the trees. 

 When we went back to the cabin for lunch, we found him on our lock box. I've never seen a stick bug this big before.  Plus, his tail looks like he has pincher's on it.  Nobody wanted to touch him.

 Thanksgiving Day, was great.  It rained most of the day, which required us to stay in and relax.  Not always a bad thing.  :o)

 My MIL has always made these amazing rolls, Swedish Butter Horns, for Thanksgiving. I've now been making them for years and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without them.  Well, Bailee said she wanted to help.  So I asked her if she wanted to help, or make them herself?  She smiled and said she wanted to make them.  So she did, as I coached her through.  She did a great job!!

 Then Mason wanted to try peeling potatoes.  Such wonderful helpers I had this year. 

 While we were in the kitchen making Thanksgiving Dinner, these two went outside to play.  The purpose was to get cold so they could have hot chocolate.  I don't know if they got cold but they definitely got wet.

 We finally had a break waiting for the turkey to cook and the rolls to rise.  I'm relaxing on the couch when Carson comes running in, "Come quick! Karlee is stuck in the mattress!"  Sure enough.  She thinks she's tiny enough to fit anywhere.  I hope she thinks twice next time.  

 Friday morning we went riding and it was cold.  All the kids wore two pair of pants and wool socks.  Brian actually wore a coat. 

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!

We made it!!

This afternoon, we were able to attend the temple for the first time with all three girls.  It was Karlee's first time, she was a little nervous.  And it was McKinzie's first time back since she was 15, tears of joy were shed. 

It was a great experience for all of us.  There were lots of hugs and a great feeling of the Spirit all around.  I can't wait until we can go back again.  I'm excited for when our boys are old enough to join us.

Friday Night Lights

OK, so it was Thursday night.  I'm sure you get the idea. 
It was great.  The Cowboys Stadium is amazing!!  I had butterflies in my stomach when I was pulling into the parking lot.  Silly, I know.

 We were on the second level, not the best seats.  But the the super sized jumbo tron was amazing.  And every play was replayed twice.  We didn't miss a thing.

 Per Texas football tradition, both teams preformed at half time.  But of course I only took pictures of Boswell. :0)

In the first quarter it was evident that it was luck that Bos was in the playoffs.  Shortly after I took this picture we started walking out and we heard a touch down was made.  The final score was 50 to 17.  Disappointing that we didn't play better, but exciting to be in the Cowboys Stadium. 

Thanksgiving feast

At Carson's school today all the 4 and 5 year olds had a feast, families were invited.  It was actually very yummy.  We had ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, a variety of veggies, rolls and lots and lots of desserts.  Now I'm really looking forward to our Thanksgiving dinner.  YUM!!

Such cute Indians!

When we left school, Carson noticed that his feathers looked like a crown on his shadow. 

38 days till Christmas

Yesterday I was talking with a friend and we were talking about Christmas and if we had started shopping.  No, was the answer for both of us.  Neither one of us felt like we knew where to start for our kids.  There was no great gift out there waiting to be bought. I had already decided to go out and walk through the toy section (clothing section for the girls) and just see what jumps out at me.  Well...the day was a huge success.  I found a few things at Target, then Toys R Us was having some great sales and I hit the jackpot.  I'm now in the mood for Christmas.  I love it!! 

When Bailee got home from school she changed the radio station to one that had started playing Christmas music.  That made me feel like making Christmas candy...so I did.  (Is it normal to always have the ingredients on hand to make fudge, especially when one of the ingredients is marshmallow creme?) 

I'm excited.  I'm eager to go out and do more shopping, what woman isn't?!? ;)  I even have some ideas for Brian.  It's all good!

busy days

My family often gives me a hard time about the amount of blogging I do.  But when I'm busy and don't have time to blog the same two, Brian and McKinzie, ask me when I'm going to post something.  They need something to read. 

I am a little behind...  Karlee made the basketball team at school.  YAY!!  It's very exciting.  I think her first game will be after we get back from Thanksgiving break. 

On Monday, the boys had their last gymnastics class.  It runs for 6 weeks which it perfect. 

 While Mason is waiting for his class to start he is either playing on my iPhone or playing a game with Kenna on her iPod.

We have some exciting events coming up... 

Thursday night Boswell football it playing at the Cowboys Stadium against Waco.  GO BOS!!!

Saturday Brian and I are taking the girls to the Temple.  McKinzie hasn't been since she was 15 and this will be Karlee's first visit.  We are very excited!!

Then Tuesday we leave for Oklahoma for Thanksgiving!!  Beautiful scenery, ATV trails, and limited cell phone usage.  I'm not sure which one we will enjoy more.  ;0)

last check up

Bailee had her last check up with her plastic surgeon today.  He said she looked "perfect".  We really didn't need to go to a Dr. to tell us that.  ;o)

When Bailee had her accident last March she was upset that I took pictures.  I kept telling her that when it's all done she would be grateful.  She is and is now ready to share the pictures.  (I really did ask her permission.)

 On the drive from Oklahoma to McKinney, to the ER.

 In the ER.

 Next day after the accident waiting to be discharged.

 5 days after the accident.  We thought her eyeball looked pretty cool.  If only it was Halloween.

 I think this was her first day back to school.  She wore her glasses a lot hoping to hide.  It didn't really work.

 After surgery...she hurt soo much.  The meds made her sick to her stomach.  No more prescription meds after the first ones were out of her system.  Only Tylenol. 

 First day after the surgery.  She didn't bruise very much, but everyday she became more and more swollen. 

Four days after the surgery the stitches and nasal stints were removed.  They were supposed to stay in a week, but we were leaving for Idaho that afternoon. 

She was soo tired of the pain and swelling.  She fell down and said she died.  So Brian started making an outline of her body.  Soo dramatic.

You can barely see the scar on her eyelid.  It has healed beautifully.  A couple days ago, a friend asked her how she got that scar.  Bailee was shocked she didn't know.  She thought everyone knew.  I think it made her day to tell the story again.  She thinks it's pretty cool...now.

We are so grateful for the advances in medicine to put her back to her beautiful self.  We are grateful for medical insurance, which we have had more years without than with.  We are grateful for Priesthood Blessings to comfort us and give us the assurance that all would be well.

what to do

I'm not sure what to do with Carson. 

I was last to pick him up from preschool today.  It doesn't happen often, but it happens.  As I'm walking into the classroom he is choosing a toy from the treasure box.  He chooses an enormous diamond ring and immediately puts it on his finger.  This leads to getting married and "you may kiss the bride", he says.  Just as we exit the building, a Baptist Church mind you, he asks, "Do you have sex before you're married?"  I didn't flinch or pull a face, but inside I'm thinking...I guess this is what happens when a 5 year old has much older siblings.  I tell him no and he asks why.  So I tell him because it's so special that you need to be married first.  So then he asks, " Do you set a date after you're married?". (cute)  I tell him no, you go home together after you're married.  OK, he says.  Whew!!

I have many talks just like this with him regularly.  He is much more educated about topics like this than any of our other children when they were 5.  I really don't mind trying to answer all his questions.  I fear what he might say to his friends or at school to cause parents to wonder...what might be going on in our home.  He's a talker.  It's bound to happen.

fire fighter day

Wednesday was all about fire fighters at our house.  Storytime, at the library, had the local fire department come and show how not scary fire fighters were.  There were still a few kids that didn't want to get near him when he had all his gear on. 

Carson thought it was the coolest thing ever.

After we checked out the truck we went back inside to check out our books.  One of the ladies asked Carson what he thought of the fire truck.  He said, "Super cool!!"  He is right everything about a fire truck is super cool.

 Adam would not turn around for the picture.  I guess the truck was too shiny.

Then Wednesday night for Cub Scouts we went to the fire station.  Super cool again.  We were able to see where the calls came into and where the fire fighters lived while on duty.  Not a bad second home for these people.

Carson has now informed me that he wants to be a fire fighter.  The thought makes me a little nervous.  Mason has for years told me he wants to be a (cowboy police) mounted police officer.  Why not a Doctor or Dentist?  How about a pilot?  Only time will tell.

say...cheese

all good

 Bailee came home with these balloons from her friend Rebbecca.  They are allowed to take their balloons with them to class, so everyone will know it's their birthday.

Then shortly before bed, this guy showed up.  Bailee's bestest friend Jessica gave it to her.  They have been friends since we moved here.  Way back in 2nd grade.

I think it was a great day for the birthday girl.