THANKSGIVING IN CALIFORNIA

We headed off to California with the rest of the family to spend Thanksgiving at Jared and Erin's house. We were so excited to be able to see them and spend some time in warmer weather. We stopped to picked up Lydia on our way out and then drove straight through. I know Dan was exhausted, because we arrived at 3:00 in the morning; however it was completely worth it. We stumbled in and slept anywhere we could find a place because everyone was asleep except Jared and we didn't want to wake anyone.

We played musical beds all weekend because their were a total of 20 us of staying in Jared's 3 bedroom home, which was under 2000 square feet. We slept on couches, the floor, on air mattresses, in the stairwell (basically anywhere we could find an open space). Melissa and Chip and Ali and Scott even pitched tents out in the backyard for extra space. Talk about a zoo! Becky and Doug stayed in a hotel, which was probably wise considering I'm not sure where they would have fit.

The weather was absolutely beautiful! Better than we anticipated and the temperature continued to rise throughout the week. We played at the park and just sat outside soaking up the sun. The kids loved the playground, in addition to playing football. We also started planking and T-Bowing anywhere we could, which was hysterical!

On Thanksgiving morning we all headed over to the movie theater to see Arthur's Christmas - WOW that was an expensive movie. A kids matinee price was $9.00. Once we got settled into the theater, the movie didn't start, the projector was broken and it didn't start for another hour. So back to the snack bar we went for pizza and more drinks. It turned out to be the most expensive movie we have ever been too. But once the movie started it was worth it.

Everyone pitched in on preparing the Thanksgiving feast. I made appetizers, pumpkin pie and turkey suckers for all the kids. Ali made homemade rolls, Mom made more pies, Erin made her garlic mashed potatoes. We all worked together making the remainder of the dinner and we ended up eating around six-o-clock. After we gorged ourselves, we played bingo with the kids and then the adults played a round of Bunco. No one left empty handed as there were prizes for all. Us girls had a fun time choosing all the gifts the night before at Target. We even thought about buying game pajamas in remembrance of our game shirts a few years ago; however no one could justify spending the money.

My condition on going to California for Thanksgiving was making sure someone would go black Friday shopping with me. This has been a tradition of mine and something I look forward to every year, so most of us girls decided to go. Black Friday shopping started early this year with stores opening at midnight instead in the early morning. Unfortunately this experience was not as fun as it is in Salt Lake. (Their are too many people in California! We stood in line to get into Target for at least an hour. They would only let so many people in at a time.) I never experienced lines like this before. The only benefit was that it was warm and we were not freezing, waiting in line. I also didn't have a big list of items to get; in addition to being sick, also very tired and not having a lot of extra funds to spend, I just wasn't in the mood to shop. So after Target Scott took Melissa and I home, while Becky and Ali continued to shop.

Jared had promised Lydia he would take her ice skating while she was in town, so we jumped in the car and went to one of the local outdoor malls. They had set up an outdoor skating rink. When we arrived the price was astronomical - $18.00 a person for an hour. With that said, Jaxson and Lydia were the only ones who ended up skating. We watched form the sidelines, some of us did a little shopping and snacking; while Reagan rode the merry go round in a different part of the mall. After which we all had lunch and then headed to the beach to meet everyone else.

At the beach I brought Santa hats, as I wanted to take Christmas card pictures. Who knew that the humidity would do such a number on my hair so quickly. Well we ended up with some good shots of the kids at least. After pictures we spent the remainder of the afternoon, collecting seashells, playing in the sand and jumping the waves. There was not a dry kid in the bunch - but there was not a frown either. Joy filled their faces as they raced up and down the beach. The funny thing is, I have never been to California when it is actual beach weather - I am always there during the winter, where everyone still has their pants on. I guess one day I will make it back during the summer months and my kids can really enjoy the beach!

Mom and dad offered to watch all the kids one evening, so the adults could go to dinner together (Yes, they are crazy!) We went to a beautiful, outdoor Mexican restaurant and spent the evening relaxing and listening to the Mariachi band.

I was really hoping to visit Disneyland while we were in California, but we were worried about the crowds due to the holiday. I had an idea that if we waited to go on Sunday and drove home on Monday, it might not be as crowded because most vacations would already be headed home. Dan was still unsure of the idea; however Melissa and Chip decided to go, so at about 11:00 PM we decided to join them. The kids were asleep and didn't even know we were going. We wanted to get up early because the park opened at 8:00 AM and we figured if it was crowded, we could leave early. We got out the door a little later than expected, but arrived in Disneyland around 9:00 AM. To our great surprise the crowds were minimal, we were getting on rides in five to ten minutes. The longest ride we waited in line for the entire day was the submarine ride. Mostly due to Cash having to go to the bathroom right before it was our turn to get on, so we had to wait a couple more submarines, in order for him to get back. Reagan was in heaven! As soon as we walked in the doors, there was Mickey Mouse waiting to greet us. We also stopped by to visit Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, which was the highlight of the day. Reagan wanted to go on everything the big kids did - she loved Splash Mountain (Crew was very sad because he was too small to ride it), she even went on Space Mountain and didn't even cry. I don't know that she loved it, but she is a thrill seeker indeed. Madi and Jaxson were a little disappointed that we didn't have time to venture over to California Adventure - this is where most of the big rides were; but they were good sports and kept great attitudes throughout the day. We rode Buzz Light Year several times, as this is a favorite amongst the kids (and adults). We had delicious snacks and fruit in the park and by the end of the day - we didn't leave early, the kids were all tuckered out. Melissa, Chip, Madi and I headed to Indiana Jones to take one last ride, while Dan stayed with the kids. When we returned, every single one of them was asleep. Dan was trying to hold both Reagan and Crew, while Cash and Jaxson crashed out on the table. It was an amazing day, not to mention 80 degrees outside. We returned home after dark and headed back to Utah the following day.

Jared and Erin were gracious hosts, even though we took over their home. I'm sure they were glad to get things back to normal after the mass exodus of people. We sure enjoyed our time with them regardless of the craziness!

While visiting the beautiful west coast we took a drive down to Balboa Pier in Newport and had lunch at Ruby's diner. The kids loved watching all the fishermen and after lunch couldn't resist jumping the waves and soaking their clothes before we left. While on the pier, Reagan stuck her head through the railing and lost her bow in the ocean (I was not pleased - as it was my favorite bow. I got over it later that day).

FOOTBALL IS MY LIFE!

Jaxson decided to play tackle football this year. What a commitment that turned out to be. The entire month of August he practiced two hours a day, six days a week. When the season started, practices slowed to three nights a week with games on Saturdays. We ended up traveling from Kamas to Magna for games, so needless to say football became our life this fall.

Not only did Jaxson play football, I volunteered to be team mom (now I know why no-one volunteered for this job, it was unlike any other team mom experience I have had in the past.) Basically I had another part time job! It was meetings, packet folders, fundraisers, apparel order forms, weigh-ins, uniforms, pep-rally, game treat reminders, parties, lanyards, banners, player gifts, coaches gifts, half-time treats, end of season banquet; not to mention daily texts and emails. Although it was time consuming, it was worth it! Jaxson had fantastic coaches and the coaches wives were extremely nice and helpful. We had a fun time organizing nacho and pizza parties after practices, swimming party and did lots of fun things for game treat reminders. I will never forget the practice that I did hot chocolate. I had to prepare it ahead of time and it boiled over. My oven has never been the same because the hot chocolate got in between the oven door in the glass. Every time I look at my oven, I am reminded of football because I can't get it clean.

Jaxson played defensive end and tight end this year. He also was in position to play back up quarterback for the team. His team made it to the playoffs and lost in the semi-final game in a bitter cold overtime battle.

Football was a great experience for Jaxson, some days he loved it, some days he didn't. It really depended on whether he had a good game and played his best. He never complained about going to practices - he loved being with his team and made some really good friends. I was so impressed with the coaches and how they loved those boys. They were hard on the them and made them give 100%, however they were always fair and ALWAYS focused on the positive. Their most important goal was that the boys enjoyed playing and would want to play again at the end of the season. The discipline and the unity these boys received over the season was unmatched! It was remarkable to see the respect between the coaches and the players.

We ended the season with a fiesta/taco bar! The boys received amazing posters of them in action throughout the season. They also got dog tags and water bottles with their player numbers. One of the parents made a DVD of the season and handed out a copy to all the boys. Needless to say they didn't go home empty handed.

One of the coaches that night paid me the nicest compliment "He told me he had coached football for many years and had seen a lot of team moms, but never had he had a team mom like me. He told me that I was the best and I made the season so easy for the coaches." That was all I needed, so make me do this job all over again.

GO UTES!

For Dan's birthday this year I bought him season tickets to the U of U football games. The tickets were hard to come by because season tickets were not available (everyone wants them because they joined the Pac 12). I looked into joining the Crimson Club, because if tickets are available, they are offered to the Crimson Club first; however that wasn't even a guarantee. I started looking on lone and called many people selling tickets. In the meantime my brother Scott told be of a friend of his that was trying to sell his tickets. Ironically I called the same guy and asked him if his tickets were still available. He kind of paused and said "I have a friend who's sister is interested in them, but I still have them." I asked him if his friends was Scott English and he relied "Yes!" I told him I was Scott's sister and yes I was interested in purchasing the tickets.

We had a great time going to the games together, we figured out that riding Trax was really easy as well, because the red line starts in Daybreak and takes you all the way up to Rice Eccles stadium. Dan couldn't get away with not taking Jaxson to a game, so I gave up my seat so he could go - He loved it and wanted to go to the rest of the games; however i wasn't willing to give up my seat for the remainder of the season.

Our seats were in the red zone - it was great not to have to sit in the bleachers; plus we got to know Scott's friend Jason and his wife Candace, as we sat by them each week. It didn't matter if the weather was hot or cold, we enjoyed attending the games. I just came prepared with hand warmers, hats, gloves, etc.

HERE COMES HALLOWEEN

We were a busy family this October, but never to busy to stop by the Pumpkin Patch! Unfortunately we picked an evening when a storm rolled in. We got out of their a little quicker than expected because the wind was roaring, we were covered in dirt by the time we left not to mention drenched by the rain.

Reagan's class also made it to the pumpkin patch and as the room mom this month I go to go with them! The weather was much better this time around.

Part of the reason we were so busy during the month of October was due to Jaxson still playing football, Madi was playing softball, I was team mom for football, room mom for Reagan's preschool class and Room Mom for Jaxson's class. (Both of which I had to plan the activities for the party), working part time, Young Women's Night of Excellence preparations and I had the combined YW lesson I needed to prepare for fast Sunday at the beginning of November. This was just in addition to the usual, carpool, dentist appointments, Halloween parties, U of U football games, scouts, dance, tumbling lessons, etc.

I did however manage to sneak in a girls night in the middle of my crazy month and a few of us attended our annual Witches Night Out at Gardner Village. This year the weather was beautiful and we enjoying shopping and eating at Archibald's. The only missing was Jolynn! She started this tradition and it just wasn't the same, not having her there and sporting our witches attire together.

I always dread carving pumpkins because of the mess it makes - I like the actual carving part, just not the sticky clean up. We even got my dad involved this year on the carving. We also painted pumpkins this year because we had so many small pumpkins come from our pumpkin patch in the backyard. Most of them were too small for carving, so we spent one Sunday afternoon painting away. I think this is my preferred method going forward. The kids were amazing at what they were able to paint. Madi has such an artistic talent and she created several angry birds pumpkins. Dan and I were very impressed, so was Jaxson as he tried to paint an angry bird as well. Dan and Jaxson ended up painting the Scream ghost, it looked amazing on our porch! Reagan and I created a pink princess pig that she ended up taking to preschool.

Halloween wouldn't be Halloween with out the annual party that Grammie throws for the police department families. We love going there for dinner, games and treats.

On Melissa's birthday this year, we decided to do a progressive dinner. We started out the Galloway's for appetizers, which included: little smokies, bacon wrapped tator-tots, and beer bread and spinach dip. She also made the most darling mummy drinks out of bandages.

Next we headed over to the Scott and Ali's for some salad. They made a delicious spinach and strawberry salad (So I heard - I don't eat salad myself) and then it was off to Richard's for Chicken Tortilla Soup.

By the time we made it our our home for the main course, I was already full! We all gorged ourselves anyway with french dip sandwiches, baked potato chips/fries and Halloween punch. But that's not all, then we cruised over to Grammie and Papa's house for dessert. We had Chocolate Molten Cake and it was divine! I think I gain 5 pounds in one day. It's never good to eat so much you are ready to explode and now cant enjoy the remainder of the evening. (But it was so much fun and I would do it again next year!)

Reagan had the cutest preschool program for Halloween! They class sand songs, did tricks and told jokes. Reagan's part in the program was to tell the following joke. What is a monsters favorite treat? (I don't know hooky spooky, the class would say) An ice-SCREAM cone! I also got assist with the class party as part of my homeroom mother responsibilities this month. So Reagan and decided to do caramel apples and the cute mummy juice boxes Melissa made at the progressive dinner. I brought my crock pot with warmed caramel and I dipped the apples for the kids and they decorated them. Next we wrapped the juice boxes and glued goggely eyes on them. The kids loved eating their apples and taking home their mummies

A few years ago I started a tradition where I make jack-o-lantern pancakes for breakfast. This year was no exception! Although this is the first year I have had to make them on a school day because the past couple of years Halloween has fallen over the weekend, or the kids have been off-track. This was actually the first year Jaxson has been in school on Halloween in several years, so Reagan and I went over to the school to watch the Halloween parade, then we came back to prepare for the Halloween party at school. I also had to prepare the annual dinner in a pumpkin and breadsticks, which has also become a tradition at our home. Grammie was out of town this year for Halloween, so we didn't get spudnuts - what a disappointment that was. I was missing the thought of having doughnuts that I stopped by the grocery store and picked up some Krispie Kreme's to have instead.

This was the first year that Reagan and I met up with friends to go trick-or-treating. She had so much fun with the girls and just hung onto Isabel Bentley. She was super sweet with her as they held hands from house to house. The weather was unbelieveable and we didn't even have to wear jackets. Jaxson went off trick-or treating with Jacob and Madi ended up trick-or-treating with her friend Sierra in her neighborhood.

Madi dressed up as a Justin Bieber stalker and had his birthday as her cell number. I decided to be Dr. Fever and try and cure the girls of the Bieber fever! (So far it hasn't worked)

The only downfall on the night was when Madi and her friend came back to our neighborhood to trick-or-trick, they were both egged. We couldn't believe that someone in our neighborhood would do such a thing. The girls came into the house crying and dripping in eggs. They eggs were thrown pretty hard and hit them straight in the face, neck and ears. They were covered in raw eggs and Madi really had a hard time. She couldn't understand why someone would do such a thing and be so cruel. Jaxson wanted to be her hero and go find them and egg them back. I had to explain that two wrongs don't make a right, but that it was nice of him to want to defend his sister. I had Madi get in the shower to clean up and calm down. In the meantime Dan called the police to notify them of the incident, so that if the teenagers were still out about egging, that hopefully the cops presence in the neighborhood would scare them away and no one else would have to go through the same experience. I believe the biggest lesson my kids learned that night, was never to be the bully. That it doesn't matter what people do to you, don't ever sink to the same level and always be the kind one, even if you have friends that are being mean. Because you have now seen what it is to be on the other side and how awful it hurts to be picked on both physically and mentally. Not the best way to end Halloween, but I good learning experience to say the least.

MURDER HIGH REUNION - 1985

Dan and I threw a murder mystery party for Halloween this year. Everyone had such a fun time a few years ago, that they wanted to do it again. This year we chose an 80's theme - and just like last time everyone went over the top with their characters/costumes.

We decorated the basement with neon colors, records, cassette tapes and 1980's movie posters. We had 80's style games: Twister, Perfection, Connect Four & Rubik's Cubes. We had an array of 80's style snacks including; Bottle Caps, Nerds, Pixi-Sticks, Zotz, Chick-O-Sticks, Candy Cigarettes, Hostess Snacks and Jello Pudding Pops.

Characters at the party included:
Danny Drums and Sally Sax - the marching band duo turned famous for their music work in the movies
Joe and Natalie Nebraska - the jock and head cheerleader
Bryon P. Keaton and Myra S. Keaton - the math nerds who become rich
Cindy Crawfish - class flirt turned model
Mike and Mallory Majesty- the prom king and queen
Molly Ringworm - drama queen turned Hollywood actress
Steven Spielson - Hollywood Director
Pamela Abdul - the pom pom captain turned Hollywood choreographer
Judd Jensen - class stud
Nick and Nancy Nixon - class president turned politician
Bobby Bright - valedictorian turned lawyer
Terry Johnson - hall monitor turned traffic cop
Bailey Babble and Randy Reporter - class gossip and newspaper reporter
B.A. Barricade - punk, turned private security

The entire evening was a riot! There were many colorful characters at the party. Rusty with his orange jumpsuit and black Mohawk. Ryan in his actual basketball shorts from high school. Heidi was hilarious with her math nerd/cheerleader image and braces. Dan wore gold MC Hammer pants and Erica had a "beautiful prom dress!" She actually carried her own red carpet with her everywhere she went. There were lots of leg warmers, off-she shoulder tops, ratted hair and jelly bracelets. James had the perfect nerdy image and Chip has a ridiculous light pink tuxedo. Jaime had on her cheer leading outfit and there were a few mullets as well.

The murder of Steven Spielson was no surprise as no one liked this famous director. He thought he was so much better than everyone else at the party(even taking calls during dinner from Jennifer Aniston - to prive he was famous), but the question was, who would do such a thing? There were many suspects, as many disliked him - was it the musicians who were not paid for their services, Natalie Nebraska who was afraid her affair would come out, the politician's wife who was trying to covering up her husbands indiscretions with Spielsons girlfriend, the actress who had secrets that only Spielson knew? Ultimately the truth would come out as the night progressed!

What a fun evening with friends, nothing like Halloween to spice things up a little bit. Definiatley not your average date night (Dinner and a Movie) IT WAS LIKE, SO MUCH BETTER - TOTALLY RAD!

FALL BALL

Madi played softball again this fall and really started loving the game! She was able to play with a couple of friends from school, Sierra and Angelica (aka: Billy and Jello) Sierra's dad was also one of the coaches. They named their team Smoke because of the color of their jersey's. It was kind of interesting to yell "GO SMOKE," when the team was doing well!

I saw a lot more confidence in Madi this season, she was better prepared both up to bat and in the outfield. Sometime during the season Dan took Madi to the batting cages and a lady corrected Madi's swing and told her what she could do to improve. It helped tremendously! Madi even ended up purchasing her own bat and stated she wanted to play in the spring!