It's tradition!

Rather than fight the crowds on Black Friday we decided to have our annual lunch with the girls. This year it was my mom, Jenna, Holly and me! We went to Wild Zucchini and chatted about the upcoming wedding. So fun to spend time with my mom and sisters but we missed Tara, Steph, and Charity. Next year maybe!

Day of Thanks!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! This year it was the Childs year and we could not be more excited to have Grandma and Grandpa home to celebrate. Before the blessing on the food we each went were asked to share what we were thankful for. This was Joey's favorite part! When we went to eat we realized that Grandpa forgot to bring the turkey. Thankfully Ryan was running a little late and brought it with him! We enjoyed so much yummy food and great company. After dinner we played the Newlywed game! Joey and I did really good! Guess it is meant to be! Truth be told though, we were beat out by KC and Brenna! Such a fun night. I am truly thankful for all of my many many blessings. I am so grateful for my family. They teach me, stretch me, and truly make me a better person. I am so grateful for our home, our health, and Joey's job. I am truly grateful for the Gospel and the perspective it gives me.

Segregated Wednesday!!

Twas the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Joey had the day off! The boys were dying to see "Dumb and Dumber 2" and I think I would rather die than see it! So he decided to take the three older boys and Harlee and I went out to lunch. We went to Pizza Pie Cafe- of course, Harlee's choice! Then when we got home, the boys left for their movie. Harlee and I passed the time crafting and making cookies! Such a fun day! So grateful for my little family and for days off!!

Excited and so sad at the same time...

Last night I had the opportunity to go to dinner with one of my best friends Marisa. It is so rare to find a friend that completely gets you! She has been such a blessing in my life. She is moving this weekend to Texas. I am going to miss her so much but know that this will be such a great change for her family. She is such an example of strength and courage to me. I know that the distance will not change our friendship and I look forward to our visits where we will pick up where we left off! Love you Marisa!!

His first Best Friend

Gray and Cole have been BFF's for a long time. It helps that his mom is one of my BFF's! Cole is moving with his family in a week to Texas. To say I am sad is an understatement! Gray has been so concerned about Cole. The other day he asked me if there were stores in Texas. Then when I told him yes he said, "Good, then Cole can go to the store!". I am so grateful that Gray has had such a wonderful friend. Hopefully we will be able to make it to Texas for a family vacation! Such cute boys, such great friends!

Primary Program 2014

Today we had our primary program based on the theme "Families Can Be Together Forever". It was neat to be part of the program writing process since I am serving in the primary presidency. We came up with questions for each class and the answers that the children gave became their part for the program. Gray's class was asked: "What are some things you can do with your physical body?" Gray answered "I can swim and play soccer." Nash's class was asked: "How do you know Heavenly Father loves you?" Nash said, "Because He made me." Harlee's class was asked: " What are some principles that the prophets have taught you?" Harlee answered, "To say my prayers and be kind to others." Luke was a narrator and his part was "His plan includes coming to earth to receive a body." They all memorized their parts and did such a great job. I loved the program. It is amazing the spirit that I feel as I am around all of these special spirits. I get so choked up every time they sing. So blessed to be a part of the primary and so grateful to be a mom to my wonderful kids!! *Love Gray's pose in this picture. He is such a funny kid.

Love the new look!!

We have been saving for a while to redo the floor in the great room. As much as we love the stained carpet, it is time for a change. We found a guy who did the tile so quickly! It took him less than a week. We love Kent who did our basement but with his not so speedy tile installation, we have very low expectations! This guy did an amazing job and we could not be happier with the results.

Starting already...

When Nash got home from school on Friday he could not wait to show me what he had received! He got out a cute piece of hello kitty paper with a phone number on it! Mazi, a girl in his class, had written out a special note for him. Luke told me that Nash had told him that he thought Mazi was cute! What a bold little girl! I would have never done something like that when I was young. I have a feeling that this will be one of many phone numbers our lady's man will receive!

I can't really be 38??

Thirty-eight?? When did that happen? It is so crazy because I still feel 25 inside! My birthday this year was spent studying for another math test and taking it until 8:45pm. So this year my birthday began at 9pm when I arrived home! My cute kids and Joey had each gotten me a present. I was spoiled with lots of clothes, candy, and perfume. After I opened my presents I enjoyed my favorite cheesecake that my friends Janet and Serene had brought over earlier. Throughout the day I enjoyed calls, treats and a drink from Jenna, and many nice texts. It was a great day. Joey took Friday off and I was able to take the older three to the dentist alone! That was such a gift! While I was gone, Joey put Tag down for a nap and I was able to go shop a little at the outlets. While I was shopping Joey spent some time deep cleaning the house! Such a nice surprise! We picked up the sitter at 4pm and Joey took me on a special birthday date. We went to a nice Italian restaurant called Toscana's. The food was good but the company was the best. I love spending time with just Joey. It does not seem to happen often enough so I really enjoy when it does. After dinner Joey took me to Ruth's Italian Ice for a treat. We finished our date by going back to the outlets for a little more shopping. What a wonderful birthday. I am so grateful for all of the thought that goes into making my day special. I feel so loved! *The one thing I did not get for my birthday was a picture of Joey and I together (I think he felt that he had already given enough!) He did take a few pics of me and my kiddos. This was the best. Everyone is looking at the camera. That is all I can ask for!!

Friend day

The Saturday after Halloween, my friend Nickell invited Harlee and I to go out with her and her daughter. We celebrated Vanessa's birthday by going to Claire's to get her ears pierced and then to Brick Oven for lunch. Vanessa's grandma Kris came with us too! The girls had so much fun together! Harlee and Vanessa have been great friends for a long time. They both have busy schedules with their dance on opposite days. So they usually play together on the weekends. So grateful to live so close to amazing friends.

Breakfast of Champions

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Someone is learning from their Dad that the best way to start the day is with a mountain dew! He is such the fifth child! We have no control!