Thanksgiving weekend started at my moms. Here is Joe playing the piano and he was killing me cause he kept closing his eyes. I guess he was really feeling it.
My mom out did herself again. She claims it comes from majoring in Home Economics but she prepared and made EVERYTHING BY HERSELF. And we start on time.
Here is everything she had there for us...
Pepper jelly with cream cheese and crackers, Turkey and ham, veggie tray, and deviled eggs.
Stuffing, turkey gravey, mashed potatoes, and mashed sweet potatoes and apricot glaze.
Cranberry sauce, homemade rolls, corn and green beans, and roasted asparagus (I did that, but that is all I did).
And then the pies! Pecan, butterscotch pudding, cherry cheesecake, pumpkin, and chocolate pudding.
I even got to take a nap and my hair ended up looking like this. It was fun to see family and get to eat and relax. We also got to skype with Mark, Ashley, and Sam.
Friday is the day we have Thanksgiving with Russ family. I was able to go for part of it, but then had to leave early to go to the Temple to do baptisms for the dead with the Young Women and it was so nice. I didn't take any pictures that day, but it was a really good day just the same:) William and Gracie got to spend the night at Connie's house and Gracie had fun playing with her Jane Austen doll.
The next morning I headed to the park with my Huston family (Russ had to work). We went to McCormick Park and the kids had a really fun time.
We had a good time eating and visiting.
And riding the train. How cute is this little caboose.
He is just like Gracie, loves to throw sand on his head.
The kids love the stage coach.
And the carousel was fun except Gracie started crying as soon as it started going because there wasn't a strap and she felt like she was going to fall.
Waiting to ride the train.
Waving to grandma
Joseph knows how to use a wand. Point and cast.
He was so tired by the time we went home and I tried to move his head to the side, but he would just move it right back. After we got back I headed over to a friends house to help get ready for her baby wedding. They were able to be sealed in the temple to their adopted daughter and she had been waiting for a long time to do that. I was so happy for them.
This is a little hot air balloon wire sculpture that I made for her. I was inspired by her daughters dress. I am going to have to steal pictures from someone else though cause I took NO pictures of the party. Luckily Miss Mimi did a video of the whole thing and I can't wait to see it!
The only picture I took was of me pumping gas on my way home.
Then on Sunday my cousin Jacie and her family came over and it was so nice to see them and talk with them. The weekend was full of seeing people I love and nothing makes me more grateful than that.
The thanksgiving decorations are down and hopefully Christmas ones will be up soon! I am excited for Christmas but this year I am feeling a little bugged by the materialism of the whole thing. Maybe it is because my kids are getting older and it turns into "I want, I want, I want" kind of thing. I have no problem saying "no", but the whole Santa aspect makes it kind of tricky. I have already made the rule that Santa only brings one thing, but still...
I love every picture of Joseph (throwing sand on his head, sleeping with his head all awkward, playing the piano with his eyes closed, etc.). That kid is too cute and funny. Your mom is amazing. Not only did she make everything (and all homemade, of course!), but she had to make a LOT for your massive family. I rarely even cook for my tiny family. Ha, ha! Also, I feel you about the kids-getting-older/"I want, I want, I want" thing with Christmas. I am so thankful Gavin is not even 10 months old and has no idea about such things. I will probably only get him literally a COUPLE things because he doesn't know or care and will have much more fun with the wrapping paper anyway. SO NOT looking forward to the "I want" days. Let me know if you come up with a good way to deal with that that works and good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the greed thing. Before my son was born, we decided on a few "rules" for Christmas. First off - He gets three presents from mom and dad. The baby Jesus got three gifts, and if it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for him! He also gets ONE gift from Santa, because it's not fair to over work him. He gets a pair of jammies on Christmas eve (delivered to the door by an elf at bedtime, as warning that Santa is getting close so it's bedtime) and then little stuff in his stocking. Of course, whatever grandparents give is up to them, but for us, those are our guidelines. I hope we're able to teach him that it's more about giving and Jesus, but of course he keeps telling me that we need to go buy presents, so we'll see. :)
ReplyDeleteit was a great party! You helped so much and that little balloon you made is so cute! Looks like you had a great weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great weekend! I am, like you, not a fan of Santa. I actually haven't told Edward about Santa. We only talk about giving presents to others and remembering Jesus. Maybe that is wrong of me as a Mom, but I just don't like the selfish side of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMiss M!: I love your Christmas rules! I'm going to discuss with my hubby and see if he's good with that because I think that's a great way to keep the greed out of our household (at the very least) at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMiss M!!! We have the exact same "rules" about Christmas except we have never said that an elf brings the pj's, but everything else is the same!
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