Evening in Excellence

Last week we had Evening in Excellence and it was amazing. We used the part of the theme for the year which is "standard for the nations" and then tacked on the questions, "where will you go?". We talked about the new curriculum for the youth (I am so excited for this!), aiming high and reaching our potential, and being disciples of Christ.

Angela found these perfect globe ornaments and I brought all my maps.

Angela also did all the design work and it was perfect.

I got an old road atlas at the thrift store and tore out the pages to use as place mats.

That is a pen in that little arrow right there. For taking notes.

I also borrowed my neighbors globe collection (like I did this time) and it was perfect.

We had a baked potato/salad bar and had someone make us really yummy cupcakes. 

Here are all my girls (a few are missing) and they are all so wonderful. 

This is with the leaders too. I love the women I get to serve with. I feel really, really lucky.

Mimi made an amazing video with the help of Brooke and Shelby and I love it so much. She did such an amazing job and I made the mistake of putting my speaking part after the video. Needless to say I bawled through my whole talk. They probably all think I am nuts. But I love this gospel! I love these girls! And that makes me cry.

Fairies

In the morning there is a stream of light that comes through the kitchen windows and the kids discovered "fairies" that fly in them. They also discovered that if they shake my old throw pillows in the light it makes more.

 They sure love these fairies 

Thanksgiving Weekend 2012

We had Thanksgiving at my mom and dads on Thursday and as usual I ate all the skin off the turkey. Well, most of it.

Then I took one not so great picture with my phone. I spent the rest of the day eating and visiting with my family. Russ had to work so he joined us a little late.

Gracie made turkey cards for everyone and passed them out (William helped her by writing Happy Thanksgiving on all of them). I love her sweet kindness.

On Friday I woke up and made some pie, mashed potatoes, and a green bean casserole for Russ' families thanksgiving. Russ had to work that day too but he was able to join us before too long. It was at Don and Mindy's and I did not take ONE SINGLE PICTURE. Way to go, Debbie. But you can tell it was fun and that we stayed late by the way Russ fell asleep with his finger on the screen of his phone.

On Saturday we went to McCormick train park to see and visit with my extended Huston family.

Riding in the miniature freight car.

 Stage coach

 Peek-a-boo

It was a really great weekend filled with lots of things to be thankful for.