Give Thanks

Now that the Christmas season is officially underway, I think it is about time to wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday.

A little Craft project I made with my sister.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, my family headed up to the Silverado Lodge at the Canyons Resort to spend the night. It was fabulous if I do say so myself. My dad rented us each some fancy smanshy condos where we ate Chinese food, played games and hot-tubbed (it was more luke-warm than hot, but we still fun!).

Owen cried for 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the night, which was mildly reminiscent of last year. I remember waking sometime between 4 and 5 am to walk the hotel halls with that boy. We finally banned ourselves in the hotel gym where we slobbered on equipment while I prepared for the upcoming feast. This year, he slept until 7 am at least, but I was still tired from the middle of the night wake-up call.

Thanksgiving day we drove back down the canyon to Joey's mom's house for quiche, sweet rolls and ham with Joey's family. As you can see, it was a full house:


What was I thankful for on Thanksgiving?

Above all, my family. I love being with my siblings and parents. They are my greatest friends and support. Owen keeps me on my toes and is constantly reminding me I don't have it all figured out. I probably would become pretty complacent without that boy and he loves me in spite of my many shortcomings. Joey is the best - without his humility, hard work and love we wouldn't be a family today. Enough said.

This particular Thanksgiving, I was thankful to be up and about and no longer hobbling around like an old man. I had kidney surgery the week before and felt like an invalid. It wasn't really surgery in the sense that no needles were used, but that is how the hospital and docs refer to it - and with a $5000 price tag, I'm calling it surgery. I am no longer walking hunched over and most of the stone fragments have left my body. The procedure went relatively well. I was even greeted at the hospital by my medical student neighbor who ended up being the "physician" who checked me in.

The biggest setback of the experience was that I responded poorly to the anesthesia. I couldn't move, turn from one side to the other, stand up or walk without vomiting. I became dehydrated pretty quickly, so we had to stay at the hospital a little longer than I would have liked. If the nurse had been smarter, she would have given me anti-nausea medicine, or fixed the kink in my IV as Joey had suggested, but instead she discharged us and sent us on our way. Lucky for Joey - he got to see me throw up at least 10 times before we made it home.

After a late-night call to the doctor, one anti-nausea suppository, a wonderful nights rest at my parents house, life started to look up.

I am now doing great and am thankful that the human body is resilient. Our family certainly has had a few exciting weeks, but isn't that what the holidays are about?

A Roarin' and Rockin' Halloween

My boys were a lion and a skeleton rocker respectively. Owen, the lion, enjoyed chasing the children as our community walked through the apartment buildings. He thought that people opening the door to give a treat was actually an invitation to come in and play. He was a bit disappointed all he got was candy. Joey was a bit disappointed I never wore his wig (he settled for a few friends and the Bishop) and failed to follow through on my Shera costume. Maybe next year.

Owen more interested in his dad than the camera woman.

Howdy Mark!

Doug looking fabulous with the extra weight.

Addie and Owen

Sister Ayres and the Bishop sporting Joey's wig.

Isaac as Jack Sparrow.

The one picture of me that night - because I failed to wear a costume. What a disappointment.

Rockin' out - trying to win a prize for "budget" costume. Amazingly, he didn't win.
And yes, that is Marissa in the background dressed as a princess.

Convincing Brayden he looks good with a mullet.

Matt's turn.

Here we are on Halloween night trick-or-treating at Ted and Holly's house.

And you wonder where Joey's gets it . . . Nice wig Ted!

Happy Halloween!

Lick N' Switch

Last Saturday, we attended the free Halloween activity at Officer's circle put on by the U's College of Social Work and the Bennion Service Center. I attempted to help Owen decorate a cookie, but he snacked more than decorated. Joey attempted to help Owen with the fishing pond, but Owen lost interest the minute his line was cast. He'd much rather eat junk or dance by himself to scary Halloween music.

Owen is still to young to appreciate all the hard work that went into the themed houses and games, but he was very excited for the candy. He'd grab a piece, enjoy it (wrapper included) until the next house, then deposit the used piece of candy into the bowl in exchange for a new one. Fortunately, most people were amused, or at least humored us.

Owen's first piece and favorite - a sucker.

Not really sure what all the hype is about.

Trick or Treat!

Fall Favorites

Owen is growing and learning so much. Here is what he has been up to, or more appropriately what he has gotten into.

Owen loves eating snacks while watching a Baby Einstein's or Signing Time video. He learns the sign at the same time he learns to speak the word. His latest two are "cookie" (OREO - he is taking after his momma) and "banana." He also loves starting yogurts. He has never had more than half of one, but he likes to eat them in theory.

Owen loves building towers. He learned this skill early one morning. After each addition, he would stand, clap his hands, try to jump and scream. Needless to say his sleeping father was not amused.

After the wreckage.

Owen still loves his blankies and binkies. He always has to have two blankets and he holds them by their tags, which are now frayed.

Probably playing "ghost" with his dad.

Music moves this kid. He loves playing the guitar, piano or rocking out to the ABC song. Notice his rosy cheeks? This kid is in heaven on the playground or anywhere outside.

Wallets are his new best friend. I am waiting for the day when I go to pay for something and my debit card is missing.

First of all, credit to me for posting this flattering picture of myself. Owen loves stickers. He particularly likes putting them on his belly, my nose or shirt. He is being "crafty" while I make cards for card club.

This picture is hilarious, but I included it because Owen loves his momma. Two nights ago, in the middle of the night he was crying and calling out for me. "Momma," "Momma" is all I heard from the other room. For the first time, Owen has used my name in the right context. Hallelujah! I was happy to hear my name, even at two in the morning (let's just not make it a habit).

Halloween Party at Grandma's

My mother insisted that we celebrate Halloween this year as a family even though she would be out of town on the 31st. We gathered for pizza and games (7, 11 or doubles) over the weekend. Rather than bringing a favorite candy bar to add to the pot, people brought their favorite treats. My mom brought a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apple for herself and chocolate turtles for my dad. My sister brought chocolate caramel popcorn from Artichokes and Company. The rest of us brought the usual stash of junk food: OREO's, sour cream and cheddar chips, and a host of candy bars. Joey walked away clearly victorious winning both items from RMCF and a handful of candy bars. Apologetically, I asked my mom if she wanted her treats back and she sheepishly smiled and pulled out a hidden stash of of turtles and apples "just in case" she didn't win. Smart woman.

10 Minute Pumpkin Fest

Two weeks ago, my family made the 90 minute drive to Thanksgiving Point during rush hour traffic to attend the Scarecrow festival. The kids were just getting into the swing of things when we realized we were at the Pumpkin Festival, not the Scarecrow Festival. You'd think this wouldn't be a very big deal, (especially after paying the $10 admission fee and finally seeing your kid smile after a long drive in the car), but it was to my mom who quickly got our money refunded and we made the walk to the South side of Thanksgiving Point to attend the Scarecrow Festival. This festival is a charity event, but not as much fun as the Pumpkin Festival, which in my opninion is worth the entrance fee.

Here are some pictures from our 10 minute stay at the Pumpkin Festival. Sammie and Owen climbed into the "cow train" and headed out into the pumpkin patch. As they were returning, I suddenly realized that Sammie was alone in the car. I panicked, obviously, and wondered how Owen had escaped and where he was now. With a wildly beating heart I ran to Sammie and found that Owen had slid down into the seat and was noosed by the seat belt. Only mildly relieved.

Sitting happily before the ride.

The rescue mission.

Fall Hikes (Naps)

We have certainly enjoyed the fabulous Fall weather. Red Butte Canyon and Bonneville Shoreline trail have frequently called our name. Inevitably, Owen falls asleep halfway through our trek, but we won't complain. Beautiful Fall.

Owen and Joey on Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Owen sleeping after an evening hike with friends.