A Day of Thanks

Thanksgiving was not as hilarious as Halloween. But it was restful, for which I am now even more thankful for. Before I worked I didn't really value a holiday the way I do now. Just knowing that the week only had 2.5 teaching days was something to be grateful for. The week before had been quite trying--kids acting crazy, things to be worked out with the staff, parents acting crazy and threatening lawsuits, etc. I even got bit by one of my students and a lovely mouth shaped bruise for a week to remind me of the day's events. (No, I didn't bite him back. He must have been excited about New Moon coming out that day). Thankfully the next week was not only shorter, but better. Kids,staff and parents had calmed down and we were able to do some fun crafts and enjoy the week. This year we are thankful for jobs, our home, each other, our health and our Savior.

Our kids at home were especially excited for Thanksgiving because a). Mom would be home early on Wednesday, and b). Dad makes the best Turkey. Kevin starts the day before soaking the turkey in a brine. Then gets up early the next day to make an herbal seasoning/aromatic stuffing, and then slow cooks it all day. It must have paid off because sadly, there were no left overs this year. Good thing Christmas is around the corner and we can do it all again!

Howl-a-ween!

Halloween was pretty scary this year. At least that is what everyone thought about our costumes. Usually Kevin and I don't dress up. But we got invited to a costume party and had to rummage around the house for something suitable. The party rules were that we could not spend any money on a costume. Luckily we had some items that we had bought last year at the clearance sale after Halloween for me. I was a lovely gypsy/pirate with dreadlocks. Kevin, however, was the hit of the party. He pulled out his "Tennessee-teeth" as we now call them, pulled on a flannel shirt, and slung my banjo over his shoulder. (Also note: squirrel-snack in pocket) No one recognized him at first. Then to realize that this country hick was their respected Bishop, was even more hilarious. Thanks to him, we did walk away with 2nd place and a lot of laughs. The kids and the dog were a little leary of us when we got home since none of the kids had seen us dress up and leave. They were a little hesitant to open the door to whomever was playing "Deliverance" on the front porch. . . .

A Needed Break

During Fall Break we decided to head to the hills and get out of town. Kevin has been itching for a vacation since we didn't get to go anywhere this summer. He had quite a week at church and work and was not thrilled with my idea to just hang out at home and relax (so I could get things done). We decided to rent a cabin in Flagstaff and spend time up north. Renting a cabin was a great idea because it was cheaper than 2 hotel rooms, we could cook our own food and the kids had plenty of room to run around. There was a nature preserve nearby that we enjoyed walking around. The kids loved the pine trees and the cool weather.
Sedona's red rocks were breathtaking. We loved hiking in Oak Creek Canyon. The kids also loved riding the Grand Canyon Railway that took us to the Grand Canyon. One of my favorite parts of the trip was horseback riding. Even J got to ride his own horse. He looked so cute and proud in the saddle.
When we got back to town we were greeted by 95 degree weather!! Yikes! The week before we had had a cold spell and now it was heating back up. Oh well. It was a wonderful and definitely needed trip. Now it's back to work!

We're Back!

Okay, so it has been awhile since we have posted anything. I figured today I should at least attempt to catch up --no, there is too much--at least mention some of the things we have been so busy doing lately. With teaching school, kids going to school, church stuff, kid stuff, and everything else we do, some days I wonder why I couldn't wait to be a grown up. But then I look at my kids and take inventory of my life and realize that its because of all the craziness of having a family that makes my life full.