Been in Idaho for awhile

Yesterday it snowed. It wasn't tons, by any means, but enough to play in . . .or to shovel depending on who you are. Jaxon was looking out the window yesterday morning and sighed forlornly and said, "Mom, I miss my green grass." Truly his mother's boy. He was also all sorts of concerned that the snow would cover up all the neighbors pretty Christmas lights. He was pleased to see that the Christmas lights were not harmed by the white stuff.

Despite the fact that I hate driving on icy roads, I am sorta glad that we have snow. It just kinda adds to the whole ambiance of the Christmas season. Way to go Universe, you win, I am now a true Idahoan.

The snow from our back deck. No need to just dream of a white Christmas 'round here.

Although Jaxon missed our green grass, he still liked playing in the snow.

Jaxon begged and cried to shovel the snow. May he always have that attitude.

Last night we made a gingerbread house for our Family Home Evening activity. Jaxon absolutely had a blast and every time he sees it, he says "I just love my gingerbread man house!"

Sammi was really tired when we were making our gingerbread house, so she just enjoyed a nice healthy beater covered with icing. I'm a really health conscience mom.

I Am Glad For Many Things!

Wow, do I have a bunch to be thankful for! I am surrounded by evidence that my Heavenly Father loves me and our little family - how grateful I am to Him!

We spent Thanksgiving with the Hall fam, plus Emily, and it was a blast! Not only were there tons of good food to eat, but we also had (drum roll please) "The First Annual Mayflower Power Tournament of Champions". Let me explain. As I was lying in bed late one night waiting for Riley to get home from a trip to Utah, I had this stroke of brilliance! As a fun activity we could borrow Kenzie and Cole's kid pool (which I am informed that they keep blown up at all times, "because you never know when there is going to be a heat wave, this is Idaho!") and make little boats and race them across the pool by blowing them. So since Riley's family are good sports and humor a girl who basically talks to toddlers and babies all day, they went along with it. We made boats out of cereal boxes and dixie cups and straws. Rick judged them on their style and picked Jaxon's as the winner, but I think he was being biased! Bailee's ship, La Hispaniola, won by a nose with Barbara as a close contender. It actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Another thing I'm grateful for: a family that doesn't think I'm terribly weird with all my crazy ideas.

We made Indian hats for Thanksgiving...Jaxon has worn his hat every day since.

Riley's vessel: The Proud Walberto

Riley and I giving it a go.

The final show-down, as you see it was pretty darn close.

Here's Bailee, boasting her new crown of first ever champion of the "Mayflower Power Tournament of Champions"

Now on to Christmas!! I am so excited! Our house has been decorated since a week before Thanksgiving, breaking all rules, I know. But here is our rational: we are going to be in California for Christmas and leaving on the 18th or thereabouts and so we had to decorate our home early so we could enjoy it a good amount of time before we have to take it all down. Okay, plus we were really excited because we bought a Christmas tree...

Something that I'm extremely thankful for is my Savior. What a gift our Father gave to us!