ThanksGiving.

It wouldn't be a major family function with out some dysfunctional family drama.  Thanksgiving was no exception.  Originally it was set to be at Mom and Dad's in Arco.   5 Days before turkey day Mom sent a text saying Thanksgiving was cancelled and she'd need an hour to compose herself.  We gave her a full 60 Sec.  Once it was confirmed no one had died...yet.  We could relax a little.  Grandma Afton was in the Hospital and Everyone had Covid...apparently.   The next few days was a text war with siblings figuring out where to get together.  Evan and JoAnn were gracious enough to invite us all to there house in Idaho Falls.  It worked out splendidly. Mace or Axel said "how come you have such cool Uncles?"  Evan had a little CRF50, took them on razor rides, pop machine, firepit, hot tub, movie theater ("you don't have to pay it's just their regular TV.-Mace"), food, games, and all important cousins.   The next evening Brinley went through the Temple in preparation for her mission. Copenhagen Denmark.  Uncle Scotty was the Temple worker so got to be in our session (mini-miracle)

*Zara is wearing my 3rd attempt at an Upcycled Daddy Shirt to Baby Dress...I hate you pintrest. Design.  It's ok and when you know what it was it becomes  AHHH that's so Cute. 

*Aunt JoAnn got us each a pair of cowboy boot earrings.  She so thoughtful and giving.   And BreAnn put fake eyelashes on us. Put them under your natural lashes to stay and blend better.   

*Notice the giant black and white of Jesus in one picture. Brinley went to a youth conference and the guy painted it upside down in like 5 min. While talking about how each stroke in our lives adds up and sometimes we can't see God cuz we are too close to the situation at the time but he is always there.  He knows what the final picture will be even if we don't.  You get the picture.  Well after she books it up on stage to ask if she can buy the picture. He is surprised and a little embarrassed just gives it to her. Looking close you can see the four taped papers, pencil outlines and how hurriedly done it is; which makes it all the more stunning and powerful. 

Saturday we drove up to Hagerman to see if we could catch Dan and Malena.  They spent Thanksgiving camping out and motorbiking.   They were just coming back for a day ride. The kids got to play around on the little hills for a while. Dan hit Hero status in Maces opinion when he took him on a big ride. "My legs are numb but can we go again.?"  Both Malena and I are giving Talks in church tomorrow about "Finding Joy"

Nothing but Nonsense November.

Got an early Christmas present off marketplace. A Bissell Crosswave Vac Mop.  Replaces Sweeping and Mopping in the form of a vacuum. It's amazing. I had to take a picture of my first water dump. Yes it works. Gross.  Cool. Dad is home from Alaska.  We stopped to say Hi.    Kids loved listening to his stories and seeing his treasures. A sea glass: possibly a 100 year old hand made Japanese fishing float.  We also picked up our postcards. I cried reading them. Not sure why but handwritten notes get to me.  Even stupid- hurriedly scribbled memos.   Friday Preston helped JD with some wiring and his furnace.  Kids were all too happy for cousin time. New puppies are always a hit and they had made an orbiter. Makes me sick just watching and I'm scared the seatbelts wont hold. PLEASE HOLD.  Then Clara Kelly was baptized by her Father Dan Kelly 11-6-21.  It was a ward baptism but only had one other kid so not bad.  Preston was kind of interested to see the other party. Backstory: Dennis Moss had kids around the same age as Preston.  He was not a very nice guy.   Sometime during their high school years the wife left him.  He since straighten up, repented heavily, got active and it was his oldest daughter from his new marriage that HE was baptizing.  Wow.  Malena had a Pre-thanksgiving dinner afterwards. Best fluffy Jell-o salad.  

3 cups boiling water
3 oz package instant vanilla pudding
3 oz package instant, or cook and serve tapioca pudding
3 oz package raspberry Jell-O

Mix and cook 1 more min. and cool completely (the night before)
8 - 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (cool whip)
1 pint fresh raspberries mixed in or as a decorative topping.   ( Can use any fruit /Jell-O combo this is my favorite. )

Kids did Great in their Primary program. " I know heavenly father loves me" was the theme. Katana knows he loves us because he gave us the Holy Ghost. She told of a time she lost her teddy and prayed to find it and the holy ghost whispered to get candy and teddy was right there. ( He tells us the simplest way to accomplish his / our goals.  Get some candy is easier than  "your teddy is wedged between your belt hanger and the edge of the closet kind of hidden behind your pants you tossed in the the other day.  if you move your candy bag you'll see him...)  Axel had a long part about how God as given us Temples and wants us to have eternal families.  Mace knows he is loved because "he gave me my body and all other creations"  I was so stink'n proud of my kiddos who memorized their parts.  I was tired of consoling Zara when her latest "kitty" got ran over. She looked for stripes for 2 days. It was heartbreaking. So when Hillary Rogers had some barn kittens we jumped. This time they will be inside cats and maybe just maybe stay alive. Pumpkin and Spice. Any scratches are well deserved. Band-Aids are our friends. Even so Zara is in heaven. Discovered I'm more of a cat person.  Brendon might not be able to visit anymore. But we'll take his kids anytime. Got to babysit a few days this month. Anytime cousin time is a good time. 

Preston cleaned out his shop so he can work on his car.  I can't wait till he restores it so we can take some  Then and Now pics.  Preston also got the opportunity to build me shelves in my laundry room. I love being able to see, find and organize my stuff.  It sparks joy to see it done.  Kids are doing well in school.  Mace is absolutely loving all the fun crafty activities they do.   Katana got a ticket to a musical concert at CSI.  It was mutually beneficial  them as it was their rehearsal.  All 4th graders and parents got in free. Mace came on our date for $5.  They had glow sticks, bazookas, sing along and guess the movie sections.  It was interactive and entertaining. Their was a guest pianist.  Katana took forever finding the right seat so we could see his fingers. "he just moves them like crazy and fast but it sounds good."   He took time to explain his piece so the kids could listen for the different parts and be more involved.  "The composer is at a museum looking at pictures and sees a beautiful jungle scene.  Can you hear the animals?   Next listen for a haunted house and a witch is trying to eat the children so we have to run.  Are you scared?   The last one is a giant parade. Balloons, band, dancers, confetti.  What do you see coming?"  After the kids could file past and see all the different instruments.  Axel had earned a Pizza ticket at school for reading so Dad took Zara and him to town for date night. They got dinner, treats and walked the mall.