Thanksgiving

Last night, I laid in bed and realized I hadn't taken one picture of Thanksgiving. Not a picture of my kids, my husband or even my beautiful pie. At first I was a little bummed, but then realized how awesome it was to a have a day full of real face time. And it was such a great day.

We spent the day with family, just the way I like it. Moving to Idaho has been such a blessing. I love getting in the car and driving to see Grandma and Grandpa, and coming home to sleep in our own beds. It was awesome to be with everyone and soak in some good family time.

This year, as I helped clean up dinner at my in laws house, I felt incredibly blessed to be a part of such a great family. Dave and Cheryl love my boys. They love Scott and me. And they want what is best for us. They have done countless kind acts for us over the years and many of our dreams and achievements wouldn't have happened without their love and support. They cheered us on as we drove away to Vegas and welcomed us back with open arms when we left. They have given us sound advice and steered us in the right direction. They have put up with my crazy daughter in law antics, like my fear of sugar, but respected me just the same. They taught Scott to be a good, hard working provider. I am grateful to be an appendage of their family.

We also stopped at my parents, where I felt equally as grateful. I have always looked up to my parents. They have guided me all my life to help me make the best decisions possible. They have listened to me whine, complain, cry and flat out mope and then helped me to my feet when I was done. They have always lent a helping hand. Encouraged us when it was hard. Offered us their seasoned advice, but left us to our own devices to make our decisions. Then trusted our decisions. They have welcomed Scott in as their own and have pride in him. My parents love my children. They look after them, worry about them and make sure there is always a box of rootbeer milk in the fridge for them. I came from the best home and I thank my Heavenly Father for it.

And it wouldn't be Thanksgiving if I didn't share my gratitude for my own family. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd end up with four boys. But true to His word, Gods plan is perfect... my life with my boys is so fulfilling. I love being a boy mom. Its chaotic and a never ending wrestling match. But at the end of the day, when the cuddles are frequent, my heart could burst. Selfishly, I wish I could be the love of their lives forever. They are amazing. Strong, kind, brave boys. I pray to do them justice by teaching them as our parents taught us. And Scott, where would I be without him? He is my polar opposite and there are few things we see eye to eye on. But he is my world. Marriage is hard, but I am lucky to be figuring it out with my best friend. He provides for us by working harder in a day than most do all week. And every night he wraps his arms around me and tells me he loves me, and he means it. Being loved by him is my greatest blessing of all.

I love that Thanksgiving gives us a day to remember all of our blessings. It sets the stage for the Spirit of Christmas. This is the best time of the year.  

Chicken Baulk Baulk

Our friends went out of town for the weekend and asked if we'd like to gather their eggs while they were gone. Of course we happily accepted. We've been battling a cold all week and today it hit Tayden and Cache. They had been stuck inside all day, but we're happy to have the chance to get out for a few minutes and get some fresh air. Well, As fresh as you can expect in a chicken coop. 

Before heading in. 

The goods. 

I love Kys little hand in this picture. Directly after he saw me taking pictures of the eggs, he had to get in on the fun. 

Ky didn't get to go in the chicken coop, but he was happy with the cat. 

It was fun and now my kids want chickens. 

Ky and I

The other night Kyle and I had a few rare minutes to ourselves. We played outside and made shadows on the garage. It was such a pleasure to soak him up. I truly am cherishing my last born and the final moments of babyhood. 

He did not want to come inside. I'll give him credit though, his hair sure blends in with the pumpkins!!

At last mom won, and he was not happy. Hence the famous throw back head move. 

He's so fun...even in the middle of a tantrum. I love this new stage of life, but am sure going to miss having a baby around. 

Red Ribbon Week

A couple of weeks ago the boys participated in Red Ribbon Week at school. They learned about staying drug free and being healthy. Everyday of the week is a fun theme. They had red day, pirate day, Woodland Hills Warriors day, crazy hair and socks day, and sports day. I didn't take pictures of all the days, but did on the two fun ones. 

Pirate day. They loved the makeup beards and Beckett was convinced he was part of the crew. He posed like this in every single picture. 

Crazy hair day happened to be on the same day as Caches preschool Halloween party, so of course he needed to be in the picture too. 

It was a fun week and they are already looking forward to next year. 

BSU Getaway

This weekend, Scott and I enjoyed our first "just us" getaway since Tayden was born. For the past almost eight years, we have always had our kids with us. We've gone on a little trip here and there, but have always had at least one child with us. This weekend was our first chance to be completely alone for more than a couple of hours. And my first night without a child. It was wonderful. 

Before we left, Melissa-one of my closest friends, gave me the most sound advice I've ever been given. She told me that as mothers we want nothing more than our children to grow up and be responsible, law abiding, helpful and contributing citizens. We spend so much of our time and effort ensuring that to happen. And sometimes, not on purpose, more often than not-our marriages suffer because of it. Our marriages get put on the back burner. And then one day, your dreams come true and your kids leave the nest to become the people you so desperately wanted them to become. And while you were focusing so much on making sure those children could cope without you, you forgot to learn to cope without them. And you feel lost when they leave because you forgot to strengthen the foundation that would remain true and steady when everyone left...your marriage. But, if we take the time to routinely spent one on one time together with our spouse, when our children leave we will still feel whole. Because our other half will be right there, just as they always have been. 

This weekend could not have been more wonderful. I planned a trip to Boise to watch the BSU game as an early birthday present for Scott. We quite literally talked the whole way down, all during dinner, at the game, on our way back to the hotel and then into the night. It was calm, and peaceful and reminded me why I love this man so much. 

As we watched the game, I noticed someone familiar. It was Taydens second grade teacher, Mrs. Cousin. I ran down to her seat and asked if we could take a picture to send to Tayden. She was thrilled to do it and he sure got a kick out of it. 

We had a great trip. Now that we got a taste of what a kid-less trip is like, we'll be doing it again. I missed them fiercely, but knowing they were in good hands (thanks to our moms and sister) helped a lot. And putting Scott first and making our marriage a priority is beyond important. Plus, it was just so fun. Loving Scott is such a blessing. 

Halloween 2016

Halloween was great this year. To be honest, I'm not a real big fan of the holiday, but this year was pretty fun. Our friends hosted a fantastic party with yummy food and games. And even though Scott was up on the mountain elk hunting, we still had a great time. I didn't take any pictures trick or treating, but rest assured it was a good time. Ky hung out in the stroller until somebody opened their door and then he booked it with his bucket in tow. He attempted a couple "trick or treats" and even pounded on the doors a couple times. I would have liked to know what he was thinking, but I'm sure it was along the lines of 'how awesome is this night!!'. 

This was the first year I've "dressed up". But, since we had a costume party to attend, I went along with it. After a quick trip to the dollar store for a headband and some old fuzzy socks from my drawer, I turned into a black cat. The kids liked it, and honestly, so did I. It was pretty fun dressing up. 

The crew of kids. 

My and his little red headed buddy, Luke. 

Donuts on a string. 

And the cutest little vampire. 

We sure missed Dad, but are so grateful for the meat he put in our freezer. 

It was a fun holiday, but I'm not sad to see it go. Now, bring on November and the real holidays. 

Carving

Today, we made dreams come true. Today, we carved pumpkins. Cache has been talking about it non stop since we picked the pumpkins weeks ago. He was thrilled today was finally the carving day. His smile is what dreams are made of. 

The little boys loved watching the jackolatern glow. They watched as the big kids finished theirs up. And even though I don't have pictures to prove it. They were there and loved it too. 

The big kids were there though the other night for the school carnival. And I have one picture to prove it. These crazy clowns would have joined the circus if I let them. 

Carving pumpkins. Good time all around.