Home Depot Builder's Clinic with Santa!!

 

We go almost monthly to Home Depot for their woodworking builder's clinics. They really are one of the most favorite things we do. I've said it before, but I'll say it again... I love to have my children create!

 

This go around they made wooden picture frames.

Bonus!! We also got to see Santa!!! He was really nice and Ella was so excited with Eli!!! Such a difference a year makes!! 

 

Jody was able to come and that was really nice.

 

Nina thought she was too old, but Santa told her she had to come over (good spirited of course!) and so she went!!

 

 

 

Santa also offered me a ride in his sleigh. I can't remember the last time I took a picture with Santa!! Ha!

A Peaceful Thanksgiving

 

It's hard to see, but Yaya is wearing a gold chain for her Life Alert.

She didn't like the rope cord, so gold it is.

 

The kids and I really deep cleaned the house for Thanksgiving, and it was so nice to have their help. They also assisted with all the desserts. So grateful for my children and the kind souls they are.

 

Nina got gourds for free this year (from the Andelin Farm) and they really added a festive touch. Loved all the fall colors.

 

Of course the kids played piano and sang. They are so talented.

 

Papa cooked the turkey to perfection!!! I had such a fun time shopping with him for groceries. He really is wonderful and I'm so grateful for him. I knew once mom died, that I lost my best friend. But in certain respects, my dad has really stepped up to the plate. I definitely consider him a best friend and would be lost without all his help and support.

 

Jody did a beautiful job carving the turkey. He seemed to be in bright spirits and happy. The kids were sure glad to have him around and everyone was grateful to see him. He read scriptures for Family Scripture study and helped out with bedtime so I could read The Hunger Games to the older girls.... which we finished and they are IN LOVE with!!!

 

Little Katnisses.

 

The kids did a Grateful Photo Scavenger Hunt. I thought Christina's picture of someone you are grateful for turned out great!!! (Pictured below)

 

No. No. No. We have so many leftovers and they are way too good!!!!

I told Maria, we have 5 desserts and she looked at me with doe eyes and said, "Just one more mommy!!"

 

Hooray for making the gym that much harder.

(Which was packed in the morning as a side note!! Seriously, I couldn't even find a parking spot!!!)

Love my uncle, he was really calm and mellow. Glad to have him around to talk to and just enjoy. We missed Valerie this year, but grateful she was healthy and well! Also, I kind of look like an amputee in the picture above... fun times.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We did a cream puff toast to Mom. Mom always loved my cooking.

Oh mommers. Love you and miss you.

Basketball!!

 

Jody and Maria were going to have a date together, but then we managed to all get into the building so we all just stayed for the 2nd half of the game.

 

It was really fun, we sat with our Uncle Angelo and cousin Jack!!

 

UNR Won! Woooooooo!!!

 

It was just really nice being together!!

Night Out - Burning Man Art

 

It was my good friend's birthday weekend and I was hoping to invite myself to whatever she was doing. So I messaged her and she was kind enough to let us join in with her and the Witters downtown to look at the Burning Man art. We met up at Kristen's house, who I swear, will one day have her own decorating show on TV. 

 

The Art Park from the street it looked really lame, but once we were inside... it was basically a neon lit playground for the kids. They had a blast running around together!!

 

It was nice to catch up with Rachael and Kristen. They are the most down to earth, witty, fun people. I'm so grateful for their friendship!!

 

We headed to the Circus Circus to ride the "tram" and use the bathroom... because the wall outside wasn't enough... and the kids enjoyed the "tram" ride back and forth. It is definitely more enjoyable with awesome company!!!

 

I gave Rachael some Raisin Bran and we called it a night.

It was a good one!!!

Veteran's Day - Grateful, but Sad

 

The election results have really thrown me for a loop, and as we sat waiting for the parade to start, my heart wasn't in it.

Yes, I'm absolutely grateful for soldiers and veterans.... that's why we were there.

I'm still just amazed that half country they fought for voted in Trump.

 

Am I proud to be an American?

Yes. And no.

 

Basically I feel like how my dad's eye is peering out.

 

Some lady got into it with me because we were cramping her space.

I was rude. I shouldn't have been.

We moved and found these wonderful people below who got candy for the kids from every single person who walked by.

It was pretty nice!!!

 

The mayor!!

 

Glad to get some fresh air with Papa.

Grateful for the men and women who serve our country, who keep us safe. Grateful for their sacrifice and service.