THANKSGIVING

We spent a wonderful couple of days with Mike's brother and his family for Thanksgiving. We went to Provo,Utah and began our fun by sampling a number of different kinds of pizza that Eric made us. It was yummy, but I was FULL before Thanksgiving had even officially begun! On Thursday we had a typical meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry jello, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pie, etc. Between the meal and dessert, we went to a local park and played a game of football.




I was thankful to be able to work off some of my meal, and it was a lot of fun. We visited and later that evening watched some movies. Before heading home on Friday, we hiked up to the "Y" on the mountain.





It was another workout and we enjoyed being with each other. I like the wonderful view we had of the city below. After lunch, we walked around the BYU campus and spent some time shopping at the bookstore. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Music & More

I love music and I love that my children and husband do too. It is something we enjoy and is a big part of our family. This past week, Sadie played her violin at the Jubilee of Trees with the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra. I enjoyed looking a number of custom designed Christmas trees. It was a fun way for me to start the holiday season.





Cari and Trevon both played their instruments in the pit orchestra for their high school musical, Beauty and the Beast. For family home evening on Monday night, we took the family to the show! It was fun to look in the "pit" and see Cari playing her flute and piccolo, and Trevon on the trumpet. They both enjoyed being a part of the play - heard but not seen!

"TWO" CUTE!

My baby is officially two years old! I love that I could make a "pink" cake and even use Christmas wrapping paper for his gifts. He didn't care about all the particulars!


Elise made this card for her little brother. In case you are wondering, she put a number two below the cake. I think she got carried away with all the candles!


He knew it was HIS special day and enjoyed all the attention he received. Well, mostly. He did NOT like the haircut that I gave him. Still, he looked pretty cute by the time it was done.




Grandma and Grandpa Ferrin gave him some pajamas that say, "CUTEST KID EVER." Of course, we have to agree with that! Papa and Grandma Beutler sent him a cute card with some money for his savings (THANK YOU BOTH!!!).



He absolutely loved a little airplane we gave him and was sure to let Cameron know that it was his.




We also gave him some new clothes that he needed, including socks, shirts and sweatpants. We took most of our family out to dinner to Golden Corral to celebrate ALL the birthdays we've had recently. Cari and Trevon were playing in the pit orchestra for their high school musical, "Beauty and the Beast."




We waited until we were all together Sunday to have cake and ice cream. His cake reminded me of frosted animal cookies. OOOOOhhh Boy! It was a strawberry flavored cake (Cameron's suggestion), with strawberry frosting. We had strawberries and cream ice cream as well. So far there has not been anything terrible about these twos . . . let's hope Corban stays "two" cute the entire year!

"Oh, SWEET!"

This week has been a busy one and there is still so much happening that I couldn't wait until Sunday to add a posting. On Monday, Cameron shared a report on the Liberty Bell. He stood next to his teacher and shared with his class the different facts and stories he learned about it. I had forgotten all about the story he decided to share. It involved hiding the bells (in haystacks and manure)from the British, who wanted to melt them down to use for their cannons!




Veteran's Day was an emotional one. The fifth graders at Three Falls Elementary school provided a wonderful program with spoken word and music. They also showed photographs of men and women in our armed forces, set to music. I thought of my brother Quinn and of the service he gave. I could feel how much I miss him. I also felt great appreciation for the freedoms I enjoy as an American citizen. I thank God for my country and those who have made our freedom possible.





Kristi sang beautifully and I enjoyed the songs of liberty and freedom she and her classmates shared. After the program, the veterans in the audience were invited to sign their names on a decorated bulletin board in the school's hallway.




After school, Cameron showed me his VERY loose tooth. It was his FIRST loose tooth. I took this picture and then, SECONDS later he had it out! He was so excited and then began asking all kinds of questions about the tooth fairy.





Wednesday evening, Sadie represented our ward in the Hurricane Stake Speech Contest. It was a night of Patriotism. On the Liberty Bell are imprinted the words "Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land, to all the inhabitants thereof!" (Leviticus 25:10) This was also the theme of the speech contest. Sadie titled her speech "The Flag," and represented our ward well. She didn't look nervous and spoke clearly and confidently. There were ten contestants and again, I was reminded of the sweet blessings I enjoy in my land America.



"Sweet" is a word Cameron uses a lot. When he woke the next morning, he found the Tooth Fairy had left him $1. (SWEET) After a little while, he said that he wished he had been at Grandma's house, because Cari told him the Tooth Fairy left her $5 once, when she was at Grandma's.



Today is Cameron's birthday. It has been a "sweet" day for him. I heard him say, "SSWWEEEEEET!!!," a few times. He helped frost his cake; the Tigers won their football game and are going to state; he got some cards (and money) in the mail for his birthday; and the LEGO Helicopter building toy he received was "sweet" too. He has had an enjoyable day. His teacher told him she was not going to be at school for his birthday. Cameron asked her if they could wait to celebrate it on Monday when she returned. He didn't want to miss doing the birthday dance with her. So, on Monday, Cameron will be celebrating his birthday again with his school class . . ."sweet!!!"

Fall Fun

Leaves are FALLING all around!!! The kids are taking advantage of the fun this brings. I know when they say they are going outside to rake leaves, they are really telling me that they are going out to play!