Thanksgiving 2013

I was more than a little surprised when I didn't get woken up at the crack of dawn to start prepping Thanksgiving dinner. I was able to sleep in a bit and it was about 10 or so before Eric's mom decided it was time to prep the turkey.

I was all set to get down to business and thought it would take a lot longer than it did. I was honestly surprised at how little work actually goes into prepping a turkey. I was always afraid of doing it, but I don't know just what I was afraid of.

We got the turkey in the oven and then set about cleaning up breakfast and the turkey prep. After a little while we decided it was time to peel the potatoes. This was perhaps the most fun I had all day. I had peeled a number of potatoes when Eric's mom decided I was making her too nervous with the way I was cutting the potatoes and she 'kicked' me out of the kitchen. It was okay because dinner was going to start in a couple hours and I hadn't even showered yet.

Eric had taken the girls with him to run back home to check on the dog. He got back to Mom's just before everyone else did, so I didn't get a chance to really do the girls hair. I found the perfect little onesie for Jace and loved the response from Eric's mom. She said it was probably true for Eric, but it wouldn't be true for Grandpa.

Thanksgiving 'dinner' was delicious, but we really missed Eric's dad. It was one of the holidays where he really took charge and always said the most heart-felt prayers. It was odd to not have a football game on during the meal and only afterwards. I didn't use my camera to take any pictures, but Eric's mom had hers readily available and Eric's cousin, Kristen and I borrowed it to take a few pictures.

Shaylyn and Lex tried their best to break the wish bone. We didn't tell them until later that the bone had to dry out for a few hours first. HAHAHA!

While the ladies cleaned up, Eric's uncle's cousin (Yup, I'm really using a phrase like that), who was visiting from Wisconsin - took the kids out to play football. Grandpa would've been so proud to see how quickly Ailey took to football. She said she had lots of fun playing it and then wouldn't let go of the ball.

I didn't really want to leave, but I needed to go spend some time with my family. Eric felt strongly that he should stay with his family. I agreed and because Jace was asleep, I left him with Eric. I then took the other kids over to my parents. 

We had lots of fun playing games and visiting and eating way too much junk. I don't get to my parents very often, so I don't get to spend a lot of time with my little brother. It was a good time to spend with him and get to know his girlfriend a little better.

I left my parents around 11 and headed back to Eric's moms. We were all ready for bed by that time and the kids went to sleep without fighting.

We had decided to spend the next few days with Eric's mom for a couple reasons. The number one reason was that during food prep, a drawer broke. Eric's mom was just going to hire someone to fix it, but I knew it was something Eric could do for her and they could work on it the next day. The other reason was that Eric had planned to have a day-long game day with his friends, at his mom's (in her basement) on his birthday, the 30th. We figured it'd be cheaper to just stay the weekend instead of going back and forth. It also meant we didn't have to drive home at midnight or later Thanksgiving night.

What Happens Next...

The Anniversary That Almost Wasn't

It was our 15th Anniversary, the Crystal Anniversary - it should've been a big one. It was anything but.

Neither one of us was really in a celebratory mood. It was hard to get in the right frame of mind for all things fun and exciting while Dad's passing was still so new. We decided we'd just go out for the night and call it good.

I had decided it was past time for me to help my mother-in-law with Thanksgiving dinner, this year especially since I really felt she didn't need to do it. But, Eric's uncle had asked her if she was still doing it and she is too nice to say no. So, we had planned to just spend the night of the 27th with Mom so that I'd be there early in the morning to help get things going.

The plan was that I'd take myself and the kids and we'd meet Eric after work at his Mom's. She was willing to babysit the kids so we could go out.

I get everything packed, the kids all ready to go and then I pack up the car. When I go to get my keys and get the kids in the car - I can't find them anywhere. I look everywhere I can think of and they are no where. I call Eric and he can tell I'm stressed. He tells me to relax and keep looking, so I do. A short time later it occurs to me that he had my keys last and so I called him back and asked him where he might have put them. He swears he put them in the usual spot, but that's where I first looked and they weren't. I finally tell him to just look in his work bag to see if he might have them with him. He DOES!

So yay, we found the keys - but our next issue was that Eric didn't drive to work. He carpools and his buddy drove that day. He didn't feel comfortable asking his friend to skip out of work early so he tried to get a hold of his mom who could pick him up from Trax and then bring him home. I'm not sure how it happened, but Eric works with someone who actually lives out by us. They aren't really friends, so they never go to/from work together - but this guy overheard Eric's phone calls and volunteered to bring him home.

So now that we're 2 hours behind our 'schedule', we get the kids in the car and we're all set to head out. But then the car won't start. Seriously? It's the only vehicle that we have that can fit the whole family and we'd really rather not take 2 cars. Eric jumps the car and we are on our way.

We get to Eric's mom without any other incidents and we arrive at Mom's exhausted. But it is our anniversary so we still want to do something. Because Mom had her friend, Kathy with her, she said she'd watch Jace for us as well. With some hesitation I left him with her. It was weird to be without him, but also kind of nice.

We drive around for a bit not quite knowing where we want to eat, but we finally decide on Chili's. We had a nice, quiet meal and enjoyed each other's company. We decide we're really too burned out to do anything else, but I had to stop at a store for a pie to take to my mom's for Thanksgiving the next night. I knew the pie selection would be pretty picked over and I prayed there'd still be a banana creme. I was lucky.

After the store we went back to Mom's. We found that the kids were good, but gave Grandma lots of chances for some fun pictures.

Tanis performed an impromptu concert for Kathy:

The girls modeled their choice of outfits for the day (Shaylyn wore Ailey's shirt, Ailey wore Shaylyn's shirt):

Lex and Nate channeled their inner artists:

And as is usual for babies, Jace got lots of attention:

So we got back to Mom's and I gave Eric his simple gift, a slideshow video thing of our wedding highlights. It was a harder task than it seemed. I took a 2 1/2 - 3 hour long thing and cut it to 45 minutes. Didn't matter though, he still slept through it. However, because Mom and Kathy were still around they watched it and loved it. Eric apologized for falling asleep, but with the way our day was - I didn't blame him. I was surprised I stayed awake. I decided I wanted to share parts of the video with anyone who wanted to see it so I cut it down yet again to just over 15 minutes. I think that's almost as good as I can get.

A few things I notice/I'd like to point out on the video:

        * The video was made by Eric's cousin, who did it as a gift to us. He's in no means a professional.
        * The first thing you see in the video is introductions
        * There are a few cut outs during introductions where it seems tables didn't quite get finished - this is due to divorces that have happened. Didn't need to keep people in it that are no longer related, eh?
        * The gift from Eric's Dad was something he started when his first son was married. Funny thing this time was that I too came from a pro-BYU family, so it wasn't quite as funny as I'm sure it was the 1st go around with a daughter in law whose family is pro-UTAH.

        * I spent too much time dallying around in the morning and didn't have time to do much with my hair for the luncheon - that's why it looks as marvelous as it does. Thank heavens I had a cousin-in-law who's a hairstylist, she made me look so much better.

        * The Precious Moments Dolls were a wedding gift from my parents.
        * At 8:17 you can see Eric's brother, Greg, sneak out to 'vandalize' the car. Eric says he can see his Dad toss the keys to Greg, but I haven't been able to catch it. I think he's crazy and it doesn't exist.

        * That bench was NOT a bench for 2 and we were both crazy skinny.
        * My little brother, Devin, did the signature table - he volunteered.
        * Eric's best men were his 2 brothers. My bridesmaids (as shown in video) Melinda and Amanda (my friends), Eric's sister-in-law Wendy, then my 2 sisters - Kami and Kaeloni.

        * It's my baby brother, Logan, pulling the chair across the floor. He was bored.

        * Kaeloni ended up getting sick. :(

        * Cutting the cake felt awkward. I wasn't sure how to do it with Eric - so he had to be the one 'in charge'.

        * We had to have a chocolate cake (which I hate), because Eric hates cake in general - but figured he could handle chocolate.

        * Eric's cousin, Kristen, took it upon herself to be my train servant. I didn't mind.

        * Eric is visiting with his Grandpa at 14:24, this is the Grandpa that he looks like - so you can see what Eric will look like in his 80's.

         * Soap and rain don't mix...
         * I learned early to make Eric the pack mule. HAHAHA! I also learned how to keep him waiting.
         * Yes, I hugged my Dad goodbye and ignored my Mom. I'm praying I had hugged her a few minutes beforehand.
          * Eric's MAYBE gained 5lbs. since we've been married - I've gained 12x that. UGH!
          * The music is longer than the video. I know. I'm sorry.

So that was our 15th anniversary, nothing too wild or crazy - but I think this year we were really able to just focus on all that we've gone through in 15 years and how thankful we are to have each other. 

What Happens Next...

Fall Ball

On November 21, the elementary school had a Fall Ball. Somewhere along the way some kids thought they should ask other kids to the dance. Say what?!?! This is elementary school. Whoever got this idea had it all wrong as it was meant to be a family activity, but it didn't stop kids as young as Lex's age asking each other to this ball.

Shaylyn and Lex both insisted on dressing up. Silly children. The rest of the kids and I just went as we were. It was just like any dance where there's tons of people hugging the wall and a few people dancing. They had a fundraiser bake sale going on and for some reason I had some cash on me, so I let the kids get a few things.

The rest of the night I spent in the corner snuggling with Jace, who decided to fall asleep at some point. Tanis and Ailey sat around for the most part, but Ailey really wanted to dance and her big brother was awesome and took her to the floor to dance.

Nate, Lex and Shaylyn all took turns running around with friends. Poor Nathaniel literally had 2 girls pulling at him. One on each arm. He didn't know one of the girls, but he knew the other girl. He was so upset that they kept chasing him and pulling on him that he literally broke down in tears. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry right along with him.

I'm not sure what was with my camera, but a lot of the pictures didn't turn out real great...

The kids had a good night and though I really didn't want to take them, at the end of the night I was glad I did. It was good for them to let loose and have some fun.

What Happens Next...

Let's Get Back To The Music

So the other day I was going through my computer bookmarks. I have way too many, still do. And I ran across a bookmark of the music shuffle game. This particular music shuffle game has tons of ideas, so I decided it was time to play again and so while I go about my various activities for the next little bit, I shall be playing...

I'm only skipping Christmas songs and religious songs...

Here's some random questions to go with this music shuffle...

YOUR FRIENDS THINK YOUR THEME IS: BEAUTIFUL BOY - JOHN LENNON
--- I haven't been a tomboy for years...but maybe way back in the day...Hahaha... Or maybe it's just cause I have 4 boys... ---

YOUR FAMILY THINKS YOUR THEME IS: THIS WOMAN NEEDS - SHEDAISY
--- I'm really not that needy, I promise. ---

YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER THINKS YOUR THEME IS: I'LL MAKE A MAN OUT OF YOU - DONNY OSMOND (MULAN SOUNDTRACK)
--- Now, that's just funny. Hahaha. ---

WHAT REMINDS YOUR ENEMY OF YOU: MOVIN' OUT (ANTHONY'S SONG)  - BILLY JOEL

WHAT SONGS MAKES YOU SAD: DON'T TURN AROUND - ACE OF BASE
--- I guess in some ways it does... ---

MAKES YOU HAPPY: ONE STEP UP - KENNY CHESNEY

MAKES YOU MAD: ALCOHOL - BRAD PAISLEY
--- I guess if it you take it at face value, then yes, yes it does ---

GIVES YOU ENERGY: LENINGRAD - BILLY JOEL

MAKES YOU TIRED: LET THEM BE LITTLE - LONESTAR
--- It is kinda lullaby like ---

YOU LOVE TO HATE: MOTOWNPHILLY - BOYZ II MEN
--- Ah, something that's actually quite accurate. Not even sure why I have it on my computer. ---

YOU HATE TO LOVE: ALL I'VE EVER WANTED - MARIAH CAREY
--- This was true years ago... ---

MAKES YOU THINK: INSIDE YOUR HEAVEN - CARRIE UNDERWOOD

MAKES YOU WONDER: HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN  - STEVE WARINER
--- Another appropriate selection ---

WHAT SONG INSPIRES YOU: WHEN WILL MY LIFE BEGIN (REPRISE 2) - MANDY MOORE (TANGLED SOUNDTRACK)
---I guess it could ---

MOTIVATES YOU: CALL ME MAYBE - GLEE CAST
--- It is a pretty upbeat song ---

MAKES YOU FEEL INVINCIBLE: STRONGER - GLEE CAST

Even more random...

WHEN YOU TRIP: BRING ME TO LIFE - EVANESSENCE

WHEN YOU FALL: BYE BYE BYE - *NYSNC
--- Couldn't get any funnier. LOL!!! ---

WHEN YOU'RE TRYING TO LOOK COOL: GO THE DISTANCE - HERCULES SOUNDTRACK

WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON: RAG DOLL - FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

WHEN YOU CAN'T FIGURE SOMETHING OUT: OUR HOUSE 

WHEN YOU'RE DANCING AROUND THE HOUSE CAUSE YOU'RE HOME ALONE: BREATHLESS - THE CORRS

WHEN YOU SING IN THE SHOWER: YOUR BABY NEVER LOOKED GOOD IN BLUE - EXPOSE

WHEN YOU'RE GETTING DRESSED: I ALWAYS LIKED THAT BEST - CYNDI THOMSON

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT LIFE: YOU DIDN'T LOOK AROUND - LESLEY GORE

WHAT ACTUALLY SUMS UP YOUR LIFE: WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF - HILARY DUFF
--- I can get on board with that. ---

HOW PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER YOU: HERE'S MY HELLO  - BLAKE LEWIS

HOW YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER YOU: I'M STILL STANDING - GLEE CAST

THE BEST SONG OUT THERE: I'M ON MY WAY - THE PROCLAIMERS
--- It's a good song, but I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the best. ---

THE WORST SONG OUT THERE: HOLDIN' ON TO YOU - BRAD PAISLEY
--- No, nope. I can think of worse songs - lots of them. ---

WORST SONG BY THE BEST ARTIST: WHERE DO YOU GO - NO MERCY
--- This should perhaps have been played for the next topic, eh? ---

BEST SONG BY THE WORST ARTIST: CONTAGIOUS - AVRIL LAVIGNE

What Happens Next...

#34

I turned 34 this year. Crazy. I honestly don't feel that old and I have to laugh because when I was younger I totally thought people in their 30's were old. Um, no - they're not.

I wasn't feeling too excited for my birthday. I was still saddened by my father in law's sudden passing and celebrating a birthday without him around was going to be hard.

My mother in law surprised me a few days before my birthday and asked me if I'd like a new version of the graphics program I use for my scrapbooking and editing of pictures. I of course said yes. Because of the deal the company had going I was able to also purchase a video editing software (which I had needed for awhile) for only $10.

My birthday came on a Saturday and because we were at my nephews birthday party the night before my birthday, my older sister and mom gave me my birthday gifts then. Sadly, they had both bought me some clothes that were too big for me.

Eric gave me Just Dance 2014 and then asked what I'd like to do with the rest of the day. I decided to go to Ruby River Steakhouse and then we'd run to the mall to exchange the shirts my mom and sister had given me.

Before we left for the day, Shaylyn gave me her wonderful gift. She put a lot of work and creativity into it.

She made origami cranes of each of the kids and put them outside of a 'window". She made a cute card that explained it a little bit, but I can't find it now. She even made a super tiny crane for Jace. This girl constantly surprises me with what she puts together.

We had a wonderful meal and Jace was so good during the meal. He was playing with a toy so cutely and I took a picture with my phone, but alas it's another one that I thought I had transferred when we recently switched phones - but no.

So after we ate, we headed to the mall. My mom and sister both bought their gifts at JC Penney (probably went together) so we went to return them. Now the cashier probably should've given me JC Penney credit because I didn't have a receipt, but for whatever reason she gave me cash. I was thankful though, cause it meant I wasn't stuck shopping at one store.

We looked through JC Penney to start with to see if I could find the same shirts I was given, but in a smaller size - but I couldn't. So we headed to other stores in the mall. Downeast Basics was having a sale and I got a killer deal on 2 shirts and and a cami. It was fun to have Eric with me and to see what he liked. It really helped determine what I bought. I still had a little bit of money left so we kept looking around.

During our travels we ran across Vinyl 4 Decor. Because I'm kinda obsessed with all things vinyl, we stopped in the store. I like to see new quotes and designs, I was also looking for something to add to our bedroom wall. I had organized pictures differently a few weeks before and now wanted some sort of vinyl quote to go with it. Eric asked if I couldn't have just done it myself with my Cricut and I told him I could, but I'm too lazy. Anyway, we found the perfect sayings and my wonderful husband indulged me and $25 later I had what I was seeking.

I'm aware the vinyl doesn't really go with the black,white,tan color scheme I've got going on - but I wanted something that represented each of us. Eric chose one of the quotes he liked best and I chose one. Then I had them do one in my favorite color and one in his favorite color.

While we were wandering the mall, I was spoiled once again. We passed a stand doing Cinnamon Roasted Almonds and to my surprise Eric bought a package for me. He knows what I like.

We decided to head back to JC Penney since that's where we parked and I found a couple t-shirts that I bought with the money I had left over.

When we got home the kids and I played my new Just Dance game and then we called it a night.

The next day we went to Eric's moms where she had prepared a birthday dinner for me. I asked for French Dip sandwiches and that's just what I got. I also requested a jello cake, which she also made for me - complete with tons of whip cream. YUM!

She couldn't let the night go by without the traditional birthday cake photos.

I had a great birthday all-in-all. I still missed Eric's dad and it was definitely weird to not have him around celebrating a birthday. What I really missed was his sense of humor and the fun candles that he had found and used a couple years ago.

That being said, I'm thankful for my family. My kids are amazing and always try to do things to cheer mom up and they always want to be a part of celebrating my birthday. My husband does what he can to make me happy and I'm thankful for in-laws who treat(ed) me as their own.

What Happens Next...