8 is GREAT!

This Thanksgiving was a double hitter. Lauren's birthday fell on the same day. We had a great time celebrating. During the month of November we created a "Thankful Tree". We'd write what we were thankful for on leaves and by the end of the month, our tree had full foliage. Our Thankful Tree In Lauren's preschool they held a "mock" Thanksgiving. Lauren was so excited that she asked for her birthday dinner to be a Thanksgiving dinner! No problem! For Thanksgiving we were invited to a friend's house. At first, I was hesitant because she asked me to bring dishes I don't normally make on Thanksgiving, but it turned out to be a huge feast and we had a great time! The Thanksgiving table...not quite finished. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, ham, funeral potatoes, macaroni & cheese, deviled eggs, rolls, pickles and olives, green bean casserole, salad and corn. The Dessert Table! For dessert we had apple pie, pumpkin pie, banana c...

In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the welfare program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints our Stake held a day of service.  We traveled to the little city of Ajo, AZ, less than an hour from the US Border. We spent the day pulling weeds and grooming the grounds of their local cemetery. Alyssa's plugged in and ready to go.  Poor puppy. She wants to go too.  Sorry about the sideways picture. It's straight on my computer. Anyway, here's Dad and Hanna working.  Kamary and Hanna. The kids were really good. They all had great attitudes and helped out without complaining. I wish we could get them to do that at home with their regular chores. ;)   Dad and Alyssa. You would think that I didn't do anything but take pictures, but that's not true. :) In the morning, the little kiddos were at the church doing some activities while the 3 older girls helped us in the cemetery.  Here we are at the churc...

This past week we celebrated Brynlie's 3rd birthday!  I can't believe that my baby is 3 years old! She sure has been changing. She talks all the time and has really gotten into imaginative play. She's now potty trained and wants to do everything herself. She is a joy to have in our home! Here is a "twirly skirt" I made for her birthday.  Brynlie is obsessed with Scooby Doo and wanted a Scooby Doo cake. Here is my attempt. Luckily she's only 3 and didn't care if the decorating wasn't perfect.   A close up of the cake.  For dinner we had homemade chicken nuggets (Chick-Fil-A style) and french fries.  Lighting the candles.  Blowing out the candles. (Luckily she didn't catch her hair on fire!)   We got some Scooby Doo party blowers. Brynlie liked those more than the cake. They look like little puppies! :0  Opening presents. Her siblings had a hard time not helping her, but really--she's 3-- she's got the opening ...