Finally we can all ride together, YES!

Craig and I have been married for three years now. We had two minivans when we joined our families. When your vehicle only seats seven and your family has 8 people, you end up taking two cars everywhere. This got old very quickly. When our first minivan died, we bought a little car. Still we had to drive two cars. In October, our second minivan died. We borrowed a truck from a friend while we decided what to do. Looking for cars is not fun. So Craig and I decided on what we wanted in a vehicle and what we were willing to spend. After a month of looking and test driving, we found our new vehicle. We bought a 2004 red (as if you can't tell from the pictures) Ford Expedition. The truck seats 8 and has cruise control, those were the two musts. The bonus is that it also has a hitch so we can pull our trailer. The kids are all excited about the truck and I love it. The best part is that we can all ride together, in one vehicle. Finally!!!

December 6, 2008

The first Saturday in December each year, Punta Gorda hosts a Christmas Parade. Usually it is hot, however this year it was pleasant for those that weren't marching. Samantha marched with her band. She did very well and was pleased with her performance. Samantha even traded instruments halfway through (bass drum for the first half, than cymbals.)

Raeleigh and I got to ride on a float. Raeleigh and her fellow girl scouts spent about three meetings making decorations for the float. They did an awesome job. We sang carols and waved the crowd and we rode by. I like this picture of Raeleigh smiling and waving (in the corner of the trailer).

Way to go Stuart!

For the Positive Behavior System (PBS) at Stuart and Raeleigh's school, there is a monthly awards ceremony. The whole school studies a new vocabulary word each week. Each word is to help the students build their character! The award ceremony is to celebrate the children who exemplify the words for the month. This month Stuart received the award for CONFIDENCE. A fitting award for our "little guy".

It is wrestling season!

One evening as I was looking at the pictures on the camera. I came across the above pictures. Not sure who took them or when was my first thought. Second thought was, "Does weightlifting your brother and sister make your legs stronger for wrestling?!" The top picture is Jordan and Patrick, bottom is Raeleigh and Patrick.

As soon as football season is over, Patrick heads over to the wrestling room. He enjoys the sport and comes home exhausted after practice. The two pictures here are the match between Patrick and his rival high school oponet. Patrick is in blue.

Our Clarinet Player and Drummer

Okay, so the drummers are in the back and it is difficult to get their picture. So I had the drummers pose after the Jazz band concert. Of course I didn't make it back stage before all the drums were put away, so no drums are in the picture. Here are Samantha and her fellow drummers.

Jordan's first middle school band concert. He is so handsome. Jordan played very well and was pleased with his performance. His parents were also.

Samantha and Mackenzie

Samantha and her friend Mackenzie did the the science fair together. They put in a lot of thought and hours. I can't explain what all they did. However I do know that several people came in exhaled into a bottle of distilled water, ran two laps then exhaled into another bottle of distilled water. Test strips of some sort were put into each bottle of water and then were compared to see if there was difference. Then of course there was the display board which took more thought and time! Both of the girls dressed for the day of judging and were a little nervous to share their project. I thought they did wonderful.

When I picked Samantha up from school after the judging, she told me she didn't make it. I tried to console her, saying all those motherly things. Later on, she told me that I needed to be at school the next Monday. She did not want to tell me why. Finally she told me that she was getting an award. It took me a few minutes, but she finally admitted the award was for Science Fair. Samanth and Mackenzie took first place in the group division. So they will take their project to Fort Meyers to be judged in the Regional Compitetion. Way to Go!!! The pictures are of the girls at their school awards ceremony.

Decorating for Christmas

I love this willow tree nativity. Craig has been giving me pieces for while. I get excited to add a new piece each year. The picture to the left is a close up of the Holy Family. Below is the whole nativity scene.

Patrick set up the willow tree nativity. He was also the designated photographer for the evening.

Samantha made hot chocolate for everyone. Yummy, thanks!!

Morgan set up the Bethlehem Village. She pays attention to detail so it had to be perfect.

Below Stuart is putting the orgami star on top of the tree. Jordan mad the star.

Jordan put garland and lights on the banister. This is where we put some of Craig's 12 days of Christmas decorations.


Raeleigh is holding up the wall hanging Santa. We had this up for a few days and then noticed it had become subject to the humidity (mold). So our wall hanging had to go to the trash:(

I love to have the Christmas decorations out. I like to do this the day after Thanksgiving, but this doesn't always happen. This year it was three days after Thanksgiving, on Sunday that we decorated. Craig had a long bishopric meeting, so it was just the kids and I that decorated. I gave each of the kids a project to work on.

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. I like to think about all the blessings I have. So things I am thankful for (in no particular order) : the ability to read, hugs from the students at the elementary school, friends, the scriptures, an amazing husband, Morgan's desire to help others smile, Patrick's sense of humor, Samantha's love for adventure, Jordan's ability to draw, Stuart's inventiveness, Raeleigh's wanting me around, a house to live in, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, my family of orgin, both my in-law families, memories of Searls, photographs, need for volunteers, serving in the church, and many more.

Thanksgiving day Craig's family came over. Craig did most of the cooking. The kids all helped with the dishes and watched the parade. Patrick played ball at the church. It was a nice day.

I must also admit that this was a difficult day for me. My Mom started of tradition of "Pie Day" years and years ago. This happens the day before Thanksgiving, all the daughters and kids go to Mom's and bake pies all day. There are usually 20+ pies made. Of course the kids all make their own mini pies. Living out of state means I haven't been to Pie Day in 10 years. I missed my sisters and mom all day on Wednesday - and wondered throughout the day what kinds of pies they were making. By Thanksgiving I was an emotional wreck. I was so homesick for my family. I took two naps that day and lots of deep breaths. I think/hope I put on a happy face while my in-laws were here. Then at bed time Craig held me and let me cry. I am greatful that he will listen to me share memories of my family that is so far away. Thanks Craig for helping me to make it through a hard day.