Thanksgiving 2008

What could be better?

Awesome Family, Delicious Food, Great Friends, Lots of Laughs, Treasured Memories.

Nothing.

The End.

In the mountains, cutting our Christmas Trees with Cousins. This will be our greatest tree EVER!

Just a NON-competetive FRIENDLY game of football. ; )

Love/Hate

The relationship Gabe (and Mom) has with our new puppy, Sunny.

Drew's caption: "It's a dog-eat-dog world and I am wearing Milk-Bone underwear!"

I Wear My Sunglasses at Night...

...and during the day, and watching a movie, and in the tub.

Gabe, our Shades Dude.

Pay Day

I don't want you to take this wrong. I know that Heavenly Father sent 6 amazing little spirits into our home. They had their talents and gifts before they ever became part of our family. They were created and existed long before I ever knew them or had any influence over them.

However, I just might be doing something right.

I went to parent teacher conferences last night and received wonderful reports. Of course I was thrilled to see all of the A's and E's for excellent. What made my heart sing, however, were the reports I received of their character: Respectful, kind, helpful, well-mannered, delightful, a joy to teach.

I don't receive paychecks or promotions as defined by worldly standards. Sometimes in the frustrations that come from raising 6 children I wonder if I am doing any good at all. More times than I care to admit. No accolades are received for the Blood, Sweat and Tears that go into piano practicing and homework supervision, very limited screen time, chore delegation with follow up...the list goes on and on. Family Home Evening lessons seem, at times, as part of a circus act.

Yet, I must be doing something right.

Ready, Set, BLAST OFF!!!

Finished product. BEAUTIFUL!

Summer's getting her FIRST tooth pulled out. Dad is pulling on one side of the floss, Braden on the other.

Great teamwork, I would say!

Family Night Fun!

We earned enough quarters to pay for a fabulous night of bowling. Way to go kids! We had a fun family night and celebrated Danielle's birthday to boot.

No sibling rivalry here! Dawson and Danielle didn't mind at all that their younger brother cleaned their plows.

OK, so my 3 yr. old beat me bowling...

Drew impressing his woman.

Danielle and Gabe knocking 'em down.