Sunday Snapshots

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful, quiet, slower Thanksgiving and enjoyed every minute being together.  After ten years of living away from family I am used to sharing it with friends, but Rich was on call and we are new to the area, so we simply had our feast with our little bunch.  The big boys went and played football in the rain and cold with our ward's Elders Quorum, while the girls and Zach and I watched the Macy's Parade.  It's a must in my book.  We all pitched in and helped cook the meal.  Trey mashed yams, the girls cut up celery and broke up bread for the stuffing, Josh made green bean casserole, Rich sliced up potatoes, Matt ran errands here and there, all while Zach clamored to get in on the action.  Brynn and Kaitlyn decorated and decorated and decorated some more.   We ate when the bird was cooked the oven was empty.  We managed a group shot by propping the camera on a stack of bowls and used the self timer.  Sure Zach wasn't looking and I had to straighten it out with Picassa, but all my loved ones were there.  A perfect portrait.  We watched Charlie Brown, Elf and played a few games.  We gobbled up pie, reflected on Thanksgivings past and listed off what we were thankful for.  It was a meal not to be forgotten.

I have so much to be grateful for.  My wonderful husband who works so hard, sleeps so little, is hands on with the kids and cleaning and tells me he loves me multiple times a day.  My dear kids who keep life exciting, entertaining and enjoyable.  They are our greatest blessings and joy.  They are unique, different and we love their zeal and zest for life.  We are grateful for Rich's fellowship opportunity here in Cincinnati.  We are in shock we will actually be moving to Utah this summer and know Rich's job at Central Utah will be a perfect fit for him.  We love all of our kids teachers.  They gave the boys glowing reports at parent teacher conference on Monday night and I was as impressed with their good grades as much as the kind words the teacher shared about each one.  We feel the love from our family and their support has helped us through the last decade living away.  We have been surrounded by the most amazing friends that we loved like family.  They have enriched our lives and made us better people.  I am so grateful for the gospel in my life.  For my Savior who has felt every pain, every loss, every heartbreak and only wants the best for me and to bring happiness into my life.  I am thankful for my Heavenly Father who is mindful of me every day.  Who hears my prayers.  Who sends tender mercies every day and is hope and love.  Life is a blessing and every day I am grateful to be exactly where I am sharing it all with my family.

Gingerbread Village

After our Thanksgiving feast was cleaned up, the kids made a Christmas Gingerbread Village.

Thanksgiving Feast

School Pictures 2010-2011

Glam Girls

Straight from their mouths....

Kaitlyn was helping me unload the groceries and she pulled out a carton of egg nog from the sack.  "Oh good.  Dad will love the 'Egg Juice'."

When Zach was learning how to walk, he often would show off his skills more at night.  Trey noticed his habit and declared, "Mom, Zach is Walk-turnal."

When Rich celebrated his birthday in October, Brynn asked me in the car if he was going to die now.  I said no, people usually die when they are really old, and her dad and I weren't there yet.  I did say that someday we all will die.  It's part of life.  Brynn thought for a minute then said, "When I die, I will miss me."

Let's face it, I LOVE my camera and rarely go anywhere without it.  We met up with friends at a Cincinnati Red's game recently and after a night of fun, lots of pictures and even a trip to the bathroom with my camera charger in hand to find a power outlet for a quick battery recharge for a few final shots, Wade Powell told me straight up, "You know Cheryl, some people are attached the hip.  You are attached at the neck, with your camera." 

After telling Brynn to do something, she said, "This is Ridickerous!"

The subject of Justin Bieber came up and I told the boys he was from Canada.  "Weird," Matt said.  "He doesn't look Canadian."   Confused I asked, "Huh?  What does a Canadian look like?"  After a moment pause Trey answered, "Steve Nash."

Brynn was getting totally glammed up in preparation for her "date with Prince Eric."  After she applied some lipstick she told me she was going to meet her "date boy" and would come back to put on her "Marry dress and marry ring."

While on pursuit of those all important Madame Alexander Happy Meal dolls, I took the entire crew to McDonald's for lunch.   The boys saved a spot while I ordered the food.  I came back with too many meals to count.  As I passed out the food, I took out the dolls and gave them to the girls.  Matt saw me pull out a doll from his sack.  "What, you got girl toys for everyone?!  Suddenly this Happy Meal isn't making me feel so happy."

Brynn was happily gabbing on the phone with Rich's mom and few days before Halloween.  Grandma Blackhair (what we call her) told Brynn she'd be thinking of her on Halloween.  Without a pause Brynn replied, "But if you forget, I'll draw you a picture of myself and mail it to you."  Problem solved.

The early bird gets the.... candy cane!

We popped into the mall yesterday before preschool to return a shirt at the Gap.  As we exited the escalator we were shocked!  Right there in front of us, there he was, the big man himself, Santa Claus!  There was no line so we walked right in.  Zach was perfectly content to stay safe in my arms until just before we took the picture.  Kaitlyn was nervous telling Santa she wanted a Barbie House.  Brynn explained she hadn't finished her list yet, but was a chatter box nonetheless.  She asked if he lived in the South Pole.  Wondered why he had fur on his suit.  Her cheeks were flushed with excitement and a wide grin was spread across her face.  Santa told the girls his reindeer were up on the roof enjoying our much needed rain.  He showed them the special jingle bells he used to call them down.  He told them to be good and gave them a coloring book.  A perfect visit with Old St. Nick.  Now we'll just have to make sure to mail those lists at Macy's in Santa's special mailbox in December and hopefully let the big boys have a turn sitting on Santa's lap too.

Sunday Snapshots