Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

It was a very peaceful Thanksgiving. We had wonderful company and plenty of food.

The weather was so nice that we even had the windows open for awhile!!!

The children were wonderful in helping me prepare everything. Maria and I were peeling partners, she was my little assistant chef.

I had a good time going shopping with Papa for all the food. Surprisingly the crowds weren't too bad. He is the best shopping partner ever!!

Everyone was in good spirits. We missed Tobi, she wasn't feeling too well so we took her a plate after.

Papa after his 15 min nap in this uncomfortable chair.

It was wonderful to have Ramya, Ryan, and TaReon over. They are fabulous in every way possible. Love them!!!

Ramya = Ella's BFF.... I guess I don't mind sharing.

The one picture of me and I look fat. Hooray for spending so much time working out and I look like I'm 500 pounds.

Eli's free art turkey. One of the greatest Thanksgiving creations EVER!!

We are so blessed. So grateful for a lovely time with family and friends (who are family).

Cupcake Wars

It was a pretty not fierce competition.

The girls got their supplies and went to work.

Cupcakes were judged on 

Presentation

Taste

Texture

Basically, we couldn't peel Nina's out of her wrapper.... sooooo.....

Maria's lemon cupcakes with Greek Yogurt/Powder Sugar Frosting won.

It was a good breakfast.

Rock Climbing

I had to mention that last Tuesday I took Christina rock wall climbing. She did great. When we got in the car she immediately started telling me about life. I love listening to her and her great stories. She currently has a sketch book where she draws cartoons. She bases things on real life, but twists it. She has quite the sense of humor. She was tenacious with the walls. She would always get higher the next time around. So grateful for her and her sweet smile.

A Date with Eli

Our insurance agent gives us free tickets to movies and it is awesome!!! Jody wasn't able to make it, so I went with Eli and boy.... did we have a good time!!! Eli is great company!!!

A preview came on with guns and bombs and I whispered, that looks a bit much. He replied, "That looks awesome." Such a boy. We enjoyed the movie, it was hilarious and then headed downtown for something to eat. He wanted hot dogs, so I took him for a hot dog at Chicago Dogs. We had a strawberry milkshake and played $2 worth of pack man on the arcade machine.

We talked about school, and friends, mine craft, and Christmas. He held my hand and I was so grateful because he's little. He'll only be little for so long and as I stared at him as he enjoyed his whip cream from the shake, his sweet curls and bright eyes.... I was profoundly grateful for who he is. 

He drives me nuts at times, but he is the best little helper. He is quick to volunteer. He's my favorite to go hiking with. He loves to cook and will always gather the upstairs garbage for me without complaint. 

On the way home, I told him about George Michael (we were listening to the radio Christmas music) and how one time someone had said they didn't like his song, "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart...." I told him how when the person said that, a small village of gay Christmas elves died because that person had no love for Christmas magic. Poof. Gone. Like they had never existed. Eli responded that it was the most horrible thing he ever heard and then asked me if that really happened. To which I replied probably. 

Eli is lego man. Mine craft man. Artist. Math man.

He's a sweetheart and I'm grateful for the one on one time with him. The girls were in 7th heaven at Papa's binge watching Netflix. Even at church Ella was explaining to someone that they go to Papa's because he has a really big TV and nice computer. And lots of snacks.

Veruca

It's amazing to see my sweet babies develop!! Maria was very excited to try out for the play and had her fingers crossed that she would get Veruca.

And she did!!!

Our friend Stephanie is absolutely amazing to do this for the children. Maria LOVED LOVED LOVED going to practice everyday.

She did an excellent job!!! I was so very proud of her. She was totally committed to her part. She was clear, spot on pitch, and CONFIDENT!!!!!!!

She's a star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way to go sweet Maria!!!! The sky isn't even close to the limit with you girl!!!!!!!!

2nd Saturday- Paiute Traditions

I'm so glad for my dad. I really can't even express it. I'm so hurt by what is happening in my life, but my dad is there for me. I'm not alone, because I have him.

All I want is to enjoy my children. To have a happy family.

Truly.

That is my #1 goal in life.

I watched them as they were all silent and concentrating on their work. I'm so glad they are willing to dedicate themselves fully to their art. That they think about it. That their hands are able. That their minds visualize and their bodies execute.

Very thought provoking art exhibits. Unsettled was an undertaking of about 80 different artists and their current cultural temperatures. 

Maria in the chocolate room. Very appropriate for her upcoming starring role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The epidemic of mistreatment of women. 

Beautiful colors of the different spices!!!

The performance was really neat. So much to learn!!! What I really appreciated was how important this man's son was to him. How he built bows with him, taught him how to dance, how he asked for prayers for his son... the pride in his voice saying he was a football player.

It was everything a father-son relationship should be. And I was honored to be a witness to that today.

Another Saturday!!! And of course, Papa treated us to a delicious lunch and treat at Yogurt Beach.

Veteran's Day Parade

The Veteran's Day Parade was just like previous years except the weather was gorgeous.
I always feel so sentimental at these things and tear up constantly.

Reagan came over to say hello!!! We had no clue she was in ROTC.

The parade started late and the littles were a bit wired.

It's such an admirable thing, to be a soldier. To fight for your country. To be a part of brave souls who sacrifice so much for our safety.

And yet, I hate that we have to have wars. That there has to be so much turmoil. I'm sickened by mankind and the fact that we can't seem to just love.

Eli got a soldier costume for Halloween and I wonder, is this violence what he is destined for?

I hope not, as a mother.

I'm so grateful to Veterans, to men and women who serve. My life would not be what it is if it weren't for the souls they are.

Model Time

I was able to catch this moment of the girls playing dress up/model time with Ella. They had the fan going and everything. Ella was definitely in her element.