Decorating

Since the kids got to finish their tree I had to finish mine. I sadly wasn't looking forward to it, but on the other hand I really wanted it to be done. I wanted to twitch my nose and have it instantly done. I'm not sure why I wasn't in the mood. Maybe because Grandma wasn't here to celebrate with us.

After sitting there staring at the tree for the longest time I finally put in my traditional movie and pulled out the decorations.

It took longer then I thought it would and longer than it normally does, but it was finally done. The only up side to decorating; I finally have a nativity scene. Grandma Shupe loved collecting nativity scenes. She had an entire closet full. After mom and her siblings took the ones they wanted there were a few left over and I was able to take 2. They were both children oriented, which I liked because the kids can mess with them and I don't have to worry about them breaking. One was a stuffed Precious Moments which I put at the base of my tree and the other was a Little People's that I put at the base of the kids tree. That was the one the kids were more excited for. Either way the decorating was finally done.

Christmas Decorating with Grandma

Every other Sunday we take turns making dinner for my family. On our off Sunday's Ben thought it would be nice to invite Annie over for dinner. We don't see Annie very often except for major Holidays. We both thought it would be nice for the kids to be able to have that one on one time with her. So we gave the invite and she was game. It has been a lot of fun and the kids have really enjoyed it. They really look forward to seeing her every other week. 

On this particular Sunday before Grandma left we asked her if she'd like to help us decorate the kids Christmas tree. She was all for it and the kids were really excited that she wanted to help them. They each took turns with Grandma hanging up their ornaments. When they were all finished the tree looked beautiful. Sadly it was pretty crowded, it was time for a bigger tree. Either way, it looked great and the kids were proud of their finished product, even more so that they got to decorate it with Grandma. 

It was a good start to the upcoming Holiday season.

Thanksgiving with Annie

The weekend was very busy. Saturday morning we dropped the kids off at our friends house while Ben and I went to Orem to finish up that last of the items at Grandma's house. We weren't originally going to, but mom decided it was better to go and get things finished. When we got there we got to work. 

We at first were waiting for the final word on all the remaining belongings, but then were given the go ahead to start clearing it all out. So we got busy and started bagging everything. We packed the remaining things in our cars and then were done. It went by a lot faster then I thought it would, but we were also longer then we said we would. We called Brian and Karen to see if they would pick up our kids and we'd meet them there at the party.

When we finally got there everyone was there and waiting. Well they weren't waiting for us, they were waiting for the last items of food that had been forgotten. But it showed up shortly after we did. When all food was accounted for, we sat down and enjoyed our Thanksgiving.

When we were done eating and cleaning up we were all gathered to draw our names for Christmas. Amanda was in charge of names and she had a really cute idea. Everyone took a balloon and then to find out who they drew, they had to pop the balloon. Each of the kids had so much fun trying to pop their balloons. Most of them were really upset that when they popped the balloon they would no longer have a balloon to play with.

They even tried to steal some of the adults balloons.

When we had finally picked up all the balloon shreds we visited a little bit longer and then decided it was time to clean up. Everyone pitched in to clean up the cabin and as we waited for everything to get done the kids took advantage of a giant open room. They played tag, hide and seek, and duck duck goose. It was a lot of fun watching them play. They don't see each other very often, but they have no problem picking up where they left off the last time they were together.

The best part was watching Jayse and William. They chased each other back and forth around the room. They even tackled each other and ironically enough they were both laughing hysterically. It made my day to watch those two.

When all was said and done we loaded up in our cars and headed home. Normally we would head to the parade and Christmas Village, but no one wanted or could go. Beth was recovering from surgery, Annie and Megan were sick, Karen, Brian, and Amanda had other plans, and it had been a very long day and we didn't want to drag our kids out in the cold. It was going to be the coldest year in the last 5. Everyone was okay with it so we all went our separate ways.

We hit Walmart on the way home so the kids could pick out gifts for the names they just drew. I was just glad to be done Christmas shopping. On our way home all the kids fell asleep in the van. I was surprised it wasn't a very long ride home. They had had a long day and this just proved it. Needless to say they all had an early bedtime by default, which made a quiet house for us.

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving was going to be a sad one. It was the first big Holiday without Grandma. She always comes down for Thanksgiving, but not this time : (

We weren't even sure if we would have anything to do this year. We trade off every other year and this was an off year. A week before my sister texted and said that she was planning on doing a Thanksgiving lunch at her house and we could join if we wanted. After talking to Ben we decided to take her up on her offer.

When we got there we were surprised to hear that Grandma and Grandpa Hall were also joining us. They tried to get Aunt Lavoe to come, but she wouldn't get out of bed. It's sad how quickly she is deteriorating. It was nice to have the other two though.

We had a nice lunch and once we were done we visited while we played some games. We taught Grandma and Grandpa how to play Cover your Assets. It a new game that my sister taught us and we fell in love with it we went and bought it. They caught on quick enough that we were able to play two games before we had to leave. We had so much fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa, They are so funny to watch as they figure different things out with the game. The best part is when they get mad when something happened to them. They are great sports.

After we left we went to "Grandma and Grandpa" Bodily's house. They had invited us a while back, but we weren't sure what we were doing with mom and dad. We were glad to let them know that we could come for a couple of hours. The only bad part, eating again. I tried to eat a small plate at Jenny's but I was still stuffed either way. Luckily we weren't eating right away when we got there.

Ben went and joined the men while I helped in the kitchen. It didn't take a lot to finish and once it was ready we called the kids up and we sat down for another dinner. After we were done eating we cleared off the table and played some games. We brought our Cover your Assets and taught them how to play. They were instantly hooked to the game. It really is a lot of fun to play.

Sadly we weren't able to stay for too long before heading up to Garland to go visit Nelson and Deann. We did a quick visit to Grandma and Grandpa Sagez and then went back to Nelson's and got things ready for our gathering there. The plan was munchies and games. Ironically enough munchies was the only thing we did. We just sat and visited instead of playing games. It was nice.

After we were done there we headed home. I dropped Ben off at home because he had to work in the morning and I headed back to "Grandma and Grandpa" Bodily's house. Christy and I planned on going Black Friday shopping. When I got there, we sat down and looked at the adds and made up a game plan. Once we were done, we hit the road. It was insanely cold and windy at those hours, but we braved it anyway.

We went to three different stores and were able to get everything we set out for. We both wanted to do something special this year so we decided that we wanted  to do a sub for Santa and decided that Black Friday shopping would give us our best deals so we could get more for our buck and for them.

We set out just before 11 and got home right before 3. 4 hours of shopping and we got everything we wanted and even a little bit more. It was crazy, busy, and fun all at the same time. I don't think I'll do it again because of how late it was to be out shopping, but I'm glad I did this time.

Ariel cake

I love doing cakes. I couldn't wait for our next one. Luckily there was a birthday right around the corner. Day of the party we started to decorate. The birthday girl wanted an Ariel cake and that's exactly what we did. It turned out absolutely awesome. It was a lot of fun and we were able to try a few new things. It was so much fun.

Gabbi's dance recital

After 6 months of practice it was finally time to show off all that hard work. It took a lot longer then I wanted and without Ben to help, it felt even longer. Gabbi had to be there 2 hours before it started to ensure that they had some practice before the performance. We went a little bit before the practice to apply her make-up. When she was done and ready she joined our class, sadly I didn't think it was worth it to leave and come back, would have been a waste of time and gas.

While we were waiting it was hard to keep the kids entertained and out of the gym. They started running around the hall which I didn't see as a problem. Sadly someone else did and told them to sit down and be quiet. How are you going to keep little kids quiet when there is nothing else to entertain them with. I didn't tell them to stop, I just told them to be quiet. They did fine and were really happy when they finally opened the door and let people into the gym.

When it was time to start the show, Gabbi's teacher first started the show by thanking those that helped with the classes. This year they had more helpers and they seemed to be a great assets to the kids. Gabbi has really advanced this year and has loved every minute of it.

Then they got the show started. The first started with Gabbi's class. She was so excited and nervous all at the same time. You could see it in her face. When the music started you could tell that she was ready to go and show off all her hard work.

When they were done the rest of the groups performed. Everyone of them did a great job. At the end each class came out and gave the final bow. They all got standing ovations. Each of the dancers had grins from cheek to cheek.

After the recital we went up to thank her two dance teachers and assistants. They truly have done an amazing job with Gabbi and I can't wait to see what else she can do.

Gabbi had a great night and was even more excited when she saw who came to see her dance. I was also happy to see so many come and support her. It makes all the difference.

Boys dancing

With Gabbi dancing the boys have showed interest in dancing as well. They have no idea what they're doing, but they have fun doing it.

We were at Gabbi's dance recital and they had music playing while we waited for it to start. The boys decided to take advantage of an empty gym floor and fun music.

I got to admit, it looked like fun, but I surely wasn't going to embarrass myself in front of a lot of people. I'm not as free living as the kids.

Anniversary

Time flies when your busy with life. 9 years have come and gone and the next thing I know, we were celebrating our 9 year wedding anniversary. Our 9 years have been an up and down hill roller coaster. We have had good times and bad just like everyone else. Sadly this year has seemed to be more busy (for Ben mostly) and a little bit more hectic. School for the kids and Ben, calling in the ward, and life in general have really taken its toll; but we're still trudging on.

Sadly for our anniversary we didn't do anything. I wanted to take him to a double movie marathon of The Hunger Games but he couldn't go. He had class (seminar) that night and couldn't skip. So I, sadly left him home and went with Christy. I probably shouldn't have but Ben convinced me that I should. Better one of us have fun instead of neither of us. He's always good to me.

When I got home we exchanged gifts. I was very impressed at the gift he surprised me with. He bought me a Christus statue that I have wanted for a long time.I could never bring myself to spend that much money. Now I didn't have to, he did it for me.

It made me feel bad that I didn't give him something more. I have always had a hard time getting him gifts because of how busy he is. Things that I think he will enjoy he can't really do because he doesn't have the time. I sadly couldn't think of anything else (he never says her wants anything or that he doesn't know what he wants) but games for the PlayStation that our friends gave him. He was excited about the games, I just hope he gets some down time so he can enjoy them.

New Shoes

Despite his small growth measurements, his feet are still growing and it was time to get him a pair of shoes. We let him pick them out and he couldn't wait to put them on. He wouldn't stop screaming until I put them on his feet.

When we got home it was time for a nap. He was so upset that I made him take his shoes off. He wouldn't lay down until I gave him back his shoes. He ended up taking a nap with his shoes and when he woke up, they were still right there with him. 

He's so funny. I couldn't believe that he wanted to take a nap with his new shoes.

FHE Moviegrille

Every once in a while we like to do something fun for Family Home Evening. A couple years ago they put in what's called the Moviegrille. It's a theater where you eat dinner or lunch while watching a movie. It was a lot of fun when Ben and I have gone on dates nights, so we thought the kids would have fun too. 

This time around we also asked the Bodily's if they wanted to join us. The movie was Minions and we hoped that the kids would be entertained enough that we wouldn't have a problem.

We ordered our dinner and waited as the movie started. The only good part about going to the movie with the kids was that ours and the bodily's were the only ones there, so I had no problem letting the kids walk around as the movie played.

William was the worst with it. He bounced back between myself and Christy. She snuck a picture of him enjoying the movies on her chair. Not her lap, but chair. He sat there for a long time before moving on to a different chair.

I couldn't get enough of this picture. It just cracks me up. If you look close enough you'll notice the food in his hand. He helped himself to her dinner as well. A typical William action.

The night was a lot of fun, sadly the food wasn't as good as the cost and the two together doesn't make it worth it to take the kids. At least they had fun.

Cleaning out Grandma's house

With the passing of Grandma meant we needed to clean and clear out her class. We have been going down there almost every weekend. It has been a step by step process. Mom's siblings have also taken off time at work and home to help as well. 

While Ben and I have taken turns going down to help, our friends have been awesome to help us out. Every time I needed to go down they were there to help while Ben was at work. They also were able to help while we both went down. Whenever I was down and the kids and Ben stayed behind, they always seemed to have some fun.

The first time they had dinner and played over there. After dinner, Ben caught the girls all cozy watching a movie.

The second time William entertained himself playing with a small folding chair. He had the best time playing in that chair. getting in and out and climbing all over it.

Cleaning and clearing out the house finally came to an end after 3 months of my Mom and her siblings going down practically every weekend. When we went down we helped clean out closets, drawers, anything and everything. We pulled things out for a yard sale and things to be taken to the D.I. We even came down to help with the yard sale; which did great.

Two full weekends of selling we made over a 1000 dollars. I was surprised. The best part of the yard sale was the people that came to the yard sale. I have never been to one before or helped sale at one. It was pretty entertaining to watch as people haggled prices and deals. It was hilarious. You could totally tell those who love the yard sale scene.

It was sad to leave when we were finally done. I didn't want to leave, I didn't want to have to say good-bye for good. This really meant that she was gone and all that was left of her was the memories. The house would soon belong to someone else, it was very bittersweet.

Outside Mullingar

Our next show in our season ticket lineup was a play called Outside Mullingar.

In preparing for this trip to Salt Lake Ben asked around for places to eat. He heard about a pizza place. It's in the basement below a little drug store. It took us a little bit to find it, then on top of that we couldn't find a parking space. By the time we finally found a place it was too late to go to a sit down restaurant. We drove to the parking lot, parked our car and then walked down to a subway just across the street from the theater. Sadly their service sucked and didn't add to our night.

I'm not really into play, but hopefully this will change my mind. Outside Mulligar was a play with only 4 actors in it; a father and son from one family and a mother and daughter form another. The son and daughter have lived there all their lives. They have been there helping their parents as they have grown older.

It's set in a little Irish town where generally family land is left to children. The son was afraid that his dad wouldn't leave him the land even though he has worked on it all his life. The daughter and and mother were visiting the father. The daughter was standing up for the son and convinced him to finally agree to give the land to his son.

The second scene was just the son and daughter. The parents have gone and passed. They have a few fun banter scenes and then they (he) finally admits that he likes her. He refused it for years. After he finally admits it he proposes and it ends.

I was surprised how entertaining it was, especially with only 4 characters. It was funny, there was romance, and entertaining banter. We both really liked it.

Birthday Activity

We were invited to celebrate Braxton's birthday. He wanted to eat and play at Fatcats. They got there a while before we did and were playing for a bit. Ben wasn't able to come with us, he had too much homework to get done, but when we finally got there we met them in the restaurant for dinner. It was at Tailgaters. I have never been there before, but it was a typical American cuisine restaurant. The kids had pizza and I had a hamburger.

When we were done eating we gave him his birthday present and then we headed into the arcade. The waitress had given each of the kids 4 tokens to spend in the arcade. But before they did that, we all walked over to the bumper cars. They had bought a packaged deal that allowed them to play two things. He choose laser tag (which they did before we got there) and the bumper cars. They had paid for all of them to participate, but Christy and Jana sat out, so they let Owen and Gabbi take their spot. 

The kids have never done anything like that before and it took them a minute to get the hang of it, but once they did that had so much fun. They were begging to ride it again when they were done.

But it was getting late and they still had arcade token to spend. So they each picked a few games to play and earned enough tickets for each of them to get a couple small treats. When they finished their treats we said our goodbyes, wished him a happy birthday and headed home.

Last trip to the Drive in

I know this is definitely out of place, but when I was going through my pictures I discovered one that I missed. It was our last trip to the drive-in on October 9th. We didn't go as much this year, it was kind of a bummer, but for how hard it is with the kids, I'm not really surprised.

We had planned to see Martian and Scorch Trials and were in a go enough position that the kids could see the screen for Hotel Transylvania 2 and Pixel. They had seen both of them before so if they fell asleep it wouldn't be a big deal. We set them each up with a goodies bag of popcorn and treats, turned the radio to the right station and let them have at it.

Ben and I set up our chairs outside the van, brought out our blankets, the radio, and our goodies. I brought a sleeping bag and Ben thought I was crazy for doing so, but it got chilly enough that I pulled it out and used it. He even had to tease me by taking my picture.

Both the movies were really good, despite it being cold. I was grateful for my sleeping bag, Ben wished he had thought of it, he did his best wrapped up in a blanket.

When the movies were over we packed up our gear and were surprised that all three of the kids were asleep. I would have figured that at least one would have tried to stick it out.