MAYLIN2007

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Jay's family came to visit which was terrific. We had so much to be thankful for as usual. We played a memory game where everyone listed what they were thankful for and then they had to repeat what everyone else said. Some of the things mentioned were: Freedoms living in America brings, candy, a strong heart, family, grandchildren, scriptures and mommy. You can probably tell who said what. Dinner was wonderful, if I don't say so myself. Usually I don't like what a cook when I am cooking for others, but I have to say, everything turned out deliciously. We hope everyone had a wonderful day too. Aren't we lucky to live in such a great country in which the Pilgrims sacrificed so much so we could have this great land? Below are pictures of the feast and the after feast entertainment. The boys decided to play songs on my crystal glasses. They actually were quite musical and they had a great time! Also Maylin got a haircut!!!! We took 5 inc...

Tonight we went to a First Feast celebration in which the very first Thanksgiving in 1621 was recreated. The decor, the food, the activities and the guests...Miles Standish, William Bradford and the likes were in attendance. The actors that played those from the first feast were amazing. Never breaking character. We ate without forks as they explained the first settlers believed they were the Devil's pitchfork and shouldn't be used. We ate amazing grape juice, greens, corn pudding, pumpkin, cabbage and leeks, turkey, smoked salmon and pork. We also had goat's milk and cheese with a wonderful hard bread. It was very fun to go and it helped make Thanksgiving seem more than the over-eating, football holiday, pre-Christmas sales day it has become. We all had a blast.        

Literally, I am asking. What day is it? Where in the heck has time gone? The bigger question is where has my mind gone? On Sunday our friends Eliza and Tiffany came over to get eggs and for a visit. We loved having them so we set up a playdate for today. Maylin and I talked about it during the week. But then the old mind went blank. Tiffany called today to confirm. I literally could not figure out what she was talking about. She must think I am an idiot. I am I think...or I am brain dead. I think I will blame it on age. Kenzie had a orthodontist appointment last week. Completely forgot about it until I just happened to read my calendar. It gets worse. On the ride there, I literally forgot where we were going. I was getting to the big intersection and for the life of me, my mind was completely blank. Finally I asked Kenzie, not wanting to miss the turn, where we were going. She looked at me like "you are kidding" and said "the orthodontist. Sheesh mom, are you losing it?...

This year has been one that has caused me to reflect on who I am, on what I am doing and on what life is really about. Life is very fragile. It can be gone in a minute. Yet, life is wonderful. Life is fun, adventurous and a huge learning experience. Sometimes the painful periods definitely out way the good, but when the good things come, they are very, very good and sweet. I know it is true when the scriptures teach us that there is opposition in all things. This year I have seen my son suffer, I have suffered, I have seen my closest friend worry and pray over her husband when he was diagnosed with cancer, I have seen marriages fail, businesses fail, friendships fail, people cry and struggle. But I have also seen celebrations of returned health,celebrations for small miracles, marriages come together, friendships bloom and I have seen people find inner strength that they never knew they had. I think the moment all these thoughts came together, creating the new me, was this year on my f...

If an adult had squished their face up against the just freshly cleaned window, would we think it was cute enough to take a picture? Probably not, but a kid, awwww, you just know it is darling. We just love this little face. This little face has been saying some pretty funny things lately. For example: Totally out of the blue - Maylin - Tenzie you in trouble! Kenzie - Why? What did I do? Maylin - Don't know. (Accompanied with a shoulder shrug) You just go to time out! Mom: Maylin please don't use so much lotion. Maylin: Scream and tries to hit me. Mom: Stern look on her face. Maylin: Sorry. I go to time out. (Walks to the wall and puts her nose against it) New phrases: "I don't like dat." "I love dat much." "Where going mom?" When going potty, even in a public restroom - "Don't see me. You go out." To enforce this, she has even ran ahead and locked herself in a stall before you can get there. That is always a treat. You stand outs...

Alex earned his Bear in the Cub Scout program last week. We are so happy for him. He really worked hard. He is excited to be in the Webelos now.     We bought him a blue shirt that goes with the cub scouts several times, but because he grows like a weed he out grew them quickly. (He now wears a 12-14 boys and he is only 10! What am I going to do?) I couldn't keep up, so he has been wearing the brown shirt from Austin this last year. He isn't supposed to wear the brown until he is in 11 year old scouts or Boy Scouts, but I truly can't keep up with his growth. Oh well, the leaders have been very understanding. I am glad they can go with my flow. Alex truly is a great boy. Besides being big in stature he is big in heart! We love Alex.

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. If so, these two are crazy!  

For the past two weeks, Maylin has been a cat. I am not kidding you. Even at gymnastics she acts like a cat. She meows, crawls, scratches with her "paws", licks you, and pretty much everything. At home, not so bad. At gym....it drives me crazy. She doesn't do anything a cat can't do. Thus, no bars, no beam, unless she can crawl across it. At home, she wants her food on the ground so she can lick it up. One night she sat on all fours on the floor next to Jay and had him drop food into her mouth. It was getting old......... Well this week we are someone new. Nice change, but I think I like the cat better. Maylin goes over to a little friends once or twice a week to play for a couple of hours. Then he comes to ours once or twice a week to play. She likes his house best because they have a new baby. Her name is Abigail. She is about 2 to 3 months old. Maylin talked about her all the time at first. Then it moved to calling all her dolls Abigail. Then it went to all of us b...

You know those thingumabobs that go on your baseboards to stop doors from going through the wall? I am sure they have an official name, I just don't know it. Anyway, they have become Maylin's favorite toy. Really. No joke. I will find the little rubber ends piled up in the hall. I spend tons of time putting those rubber ends back on. She loves to wear the ends on her fingers. She says they are her band aids. To date, I only have a few of the white ends left on those thingumabobs. Oh well. I will replace them when she is over them. No point now.    

Kenzie goes as a pretty gypsy. Maylin wears the same costume as last year...hey, it still fit. Austin has two costumes. A mariachi band member while taking Maylin out, and as his friend Nathan to a school party. He copied him pretty well, huh?! Alex the cow! Jay goes as Batman. It was really quite funny how much he enjoyed the costume. He walked around totally in character. He wanted me to go as Wonder Woman...no such luck tho'. I am not as outgoing as I use to be. Isn't he super heroish? After trick or treating, Maylin spends her time holding the candy bucket, watching out the window for more kids.