Outdoor Decor

Black Friday last week turned into Light Friday for us. What started out as just buying a tree, became decorating the outside, which then turned into a very long experience in putting up outdoor lights. Two trips to the local Walmart later, and many, many trips up and down the ladder by MyMike, mission accomplished. When we first moved here, MyGirl declared that this tree would be the perfect tree to be lighted for Christmas, and I agreed. Now that we've done it, its my favorite outdoor decoration we've ever had because it twinkles :-)

I know it will come as a shock to you that the whole front of our house is lighted. Usually its just the front door, but that's because our last house was on a hill and would have been very dangerous if Mike had had any inclination, which he didn't. . . but this year was a different story. It wasn't easy, but he did it, and it adds to the neighborhood's many decorations. This place truly has a fun spirit to it, and nice too.

Happily Winding Down

Its been busy, busy at our house this week. Mike's parents have been here for eight days now. They leave on Tuesday. Fortunately, Mike has been home the whole time, and showed them all the sights around town so I think most of the time it has been a good trip for them. My parents got home from their fun Hawaiian Holiday just in time to pick up some eggs for me on the way home on Wed., and then we all had Thanksgiving at my house! So fun to have so many here!
There was plenty of rolls and bread for leftover turkey sandwiches. My children think rolls are the best part of the Thanksgiving meal after the pies. LittleBuddy could skip everything else and be perfectly happy. For me, the best part is the candy corn. That's what we save for after the meal, where we all share the three things we're most thankful for. There were many tears shed, as we went around the table, in gratitude and humility. The fact we are all still there at the table together this year is a great blessing. Next year we will for sure be missing our missionary, so this year was especially sweet.


Afterwards, my sweet husband always does the dishes. He had helpers, but he does the lion's share of the work. It's the worst because I use the good china and the goldware that all has to be hand-washed. At least I used the goblets that go in the dishwasher. He appreciated that, but he doesn't complain. He also takes care of the turkey leftovers too, cutting, bagging, freezing. . . . Creating in the kitchen is a joy for me because I think of it as a creative endeavor. Its all how you spin it for yourself, you know? However, I know his is the dirty job, and bless his heart for doing it willingly after every big meal I make. He doesn't even care what kind of an apron he uses. He just picked what was in front, which I had been wearing earlier.

Then its time for fun and games. Grandma Jacobs is the chief fun person to play with.
LittleBuddy helped his dad with clean-up. Then he played his favorite computer game. Love that clean kitchen look!

The rest of the adults parked in front of the TV. Pumpkin chucking was highly anticipated, and there were some whoops from the sofas as they were chucked far into the Delaware cornfield. The engineers in the family always like to see what kind of contraption can be concocted and what results they get.

Today we went to the temple. Its been nice for our son to be able to attend with both of his grandparents. The big week is winding down. My younger children have really not spent very much time with these grandparents, so its been good for them to get to know them a little bit better. I even learned some new things this week. Before my father-in-law left for his mission, his bride-to-be insisted that they be engaged before he left. So, they were, and they were married six weeks after he got home. I don't know anyone else that has experienced that, and nowadays it's discouraged, but it is part of our family history. I also learned that my mother-in-law is a direct descendant of John Alden, who married Priscilla, Pilgrims from the original Thanksgiving. That means my children are descendants too, and that was an especially wonderful revelation for the week. No wonder its one of my favorite holidays. Its in our family's blood.

Blessings

This is the family picture that got sent out in our Christmas cards last week. It was taken at the Flying W Ranch by my dad over Labor Day weekend. We were there for the cowboy dinner and show and I asked him to take a few quick shots of all six of us together. When I look at this photo it kind of sums up my feelings about the past year. Since I like to keep things simple, here are my top ten blessings of the last year.

1. We were (all six of us) together more this year than the last five years.

2. My parents arrived safely to be our neighbors.

3. Everything fell into place to bring us to our new home which we love so much.

4. We are all healthy.

5. We know about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His plan for eternal progression.

6. I am so blessed to share my life with Mike. It has been a great blessing to see him have his best year ever.

7. I am blessed to be able to share in this time of my son's life as he completes his preparations to be a missionary. His faithfulness inspires me to be a better person.

8. My youngest. . . He's 12. He's a boy. I am so blessed that he willingly sits down to share morning devotionals with me and when he comes home he still loves to share the details of his life with me.

9. My youngest daughter has done many hard things. I am blessed by her courage, her humility, her patience and her unconditional love for me.

10. My oldest, my first-born, has taught me so much that I could not have learned any other way. I am blessed by her honesty, her willingness to work so hard in everything she does, and her giving heart.

Digital Pages

When I get behind in my scrapbooks, I am so glad there are digital pages to make my life easier. You've seen all these photos already, but they are in my books now, and it feels good. The most important reason why I need to get these done? Because I forget so quickly some of the little details. Its really the journaling that is most important to me. If I can get them done quickly before time dilutes the memory, then I can use my books as the catalyst for the children's books which I am Waaaaaaaaay behind in. I plan on using the full two years BigBuddy is gone to catch up on his books. I think mentally I've been saving them just for this opportunity, to help keep him close to me. Then when he gets home I can start working on his mission pages. . . Yeah!
Nowadays there are all kinds of fun details that can add interest. I really like the stitching options. It sure is easier than breaking out the needle and thread.
I also like the size options I can make with digital pages. If I want to print an 9 x 9 photo, I can't do that at home. My printer is only standard letter size. Then, I have to upload it to a photo site faraway and wait a week or so until it gets back or bring my disc to a place that has a larger printer. Kind of a hassle, you know? So, I love that I can have large photos in my books without any hassle. Just click and click. Sweet and easy!

I also love some of the options available online. The cute font for Sept. on the school paper would be expensive, but since Studio J is one price for everything, it makes it much more cost effective. I also love the resizing options, the border options, and that every single paper can be changed or tinted to one of the sixty color choices. That gives me lots of options, and I like to play with many of them.

Another option I really like is the ability to use things that are retired or no longer even an option anywhere else. The black and white polka dot paper I loved! I bought as much as I could reasonably afford, but then I used it with my club or for my own projects, and pretty soon I was out. Its just so versatile and looks as good with Sorbet and Smoothie as it does with Olive Green or Heavenly Blue.
There's also the shapes and patterns and templates available that make digital pages so versatile. With just a click I can create new layers and focal points and its all so easy to do.This is a pattern I have avoided in the past because making perfect circles is difficult without all the right tools, and I don't want to cut my photos and have them look all wonky. Online, the hard work is done for me, and all circles are perfectly round, unless you want to play with them and make them wonky, you have that option too.

When I'm not feeling well, I find that I can create a digital page in less than fifteen minutes. And I never have to leave my bed to do it. And, even when I'm well and busy, sometimes that's all the time in a week I can devote to creating pages, and I like that they have a 3-D look even though its on 2-D paper. Its like the pages have had their photos taken with all the embellishments on them, but they lie flat. I do like my textural embellishments, and my scrapbook has plenty of those, but its okay to have the digital pages too. That in and of itself is a snapshot of my life, and that's okay too.

Changes

My neighbor with all the bird houses has put her house up for sale. Her husband has a new job in Phoenix. She will miss the birds and this weather, but three of her sons live in that area, so she knows it will be good. Fortunately for me, the birds often come visit my house too. I will have to start putting out bird food in my feeders, because I'll miss these guys. I spotted these four sitting on my deck railing over the weekend. They were there long enough for me to go to my room and get my camera and make it back to the kitchen. Then two flew away, and then one more, and then one was there by himself, quite content for a couple of minutes, then he flew off too.

It was a year ago this week that Mike and I came to this area and felt good about moving here. Now, a year later, looking back on all the changes, I feel so very blessed at how it all has worked out. We all really like it here. We all have a good life here. So much was unknown then. We felt like we were just walking into a tunnel, not sure where it would lead, but trusting the Lord's spirit to guide us with each footstep. It is better than we imagined.

My boy's VISA is coming this week, we were told. He will officially start his mission in Brazil. Its exactly a month from today - Dec. 13. The big change is coming. It almost feels surreal, a little, like walking in the tunnel again, not really knowing what lies ahead, but knowing that trust is everything, and so we keep walking forward. I hope his mission is even better than he can imagine too. I don't imagine. Its a little too scary for me - creatures always enter into my too-vivid-imagination, but I trust the Lord and so I replace my fears with faith and know that its all in the Lord's hand, and it will be what my boy needs, and I'm grateful for that.

One thing I have really come to love is that life is not monotonous, especially weather-wise, in our part of the globe. Its either gorgeous or dramatic. What was like this in the morning, became
this in the late afternoon, as dark storm clouds in the distance made a beautiful background behind the bright light of the sun shining on the grassy hill behind us. I just am amazed continually at the sky. It is ever changing and moving and beautiful. Even when the potential for something a little frightening is there, I have learned to appreciate its beauty and trust that the Lord is mindful of us here.

Counting Blessings

I have issues in life, unfortunately. Mostly physical ones, though I'm sure if you spent enough time with me, you'd realize there are plenty of others too. These physical issues cause me to slow down and when I do, I spend more time counting my blessings. . . always a silver lining, you know?

I've learned that my jobs, though some may think they are mundane, are my contributions. They bless me by keeping me productive and learning and disciplined. They make life in my home work more smoothly and they bring me joy as I serve my family. One of the great blessings of teenagers, however, is that they can serve too. I have been the receiver of much service this week, and while I'd rather not, I am very appreciative. They bring the kitchen from a state of this -

to this

My dear mother cooked dinner for everyone on Sunday then brought over delicious enchiladas for Mexican Monday too. She has spent my whole life blessing me. Right before I got sick, she invited me to the quilt guild with her. I'm going to be more of a quilter in 2012, under her tutelage. I don't do much for her, but I sure do love her. So does my family. They look for excuses to be with her.

Bigbuddy heads to the MTC or CTM in just a little over a month. Today he is with my mom and my dad at the temple. I'm sad I missed it, but grateful they can enjoy today together. I believe a trip to Red Lobster is on the schedule as well. My boy loves sea food!

I recently created this page to remember the time he and his buddy had tons of adventures in three days. I need to find a better way to photograph these up close. . . still more learning to be done.

And, even though I may not have been physically well, I can't let certain moments pass me by. Our soon-to-be-missionary had his suit on twice this week, and I wanted to take some good head shots which I'll probably blow up to an 8 x 11 and frame for my family hall of fame. I like both of them, but am leaning towards liking the bottom one. The only problem is, I think its a little dark. I really need to get into Photoshop more and learn how to fix these kinds of problems.

I will truly miss him when he's far away, but there are two children left at home who bring a lot of joy to my life also. LittleBuddy had WackyTacky day at school, and boy did he ever dress for that! He got a lot of high-fives in the hallway that day, then as soon as he was home, took it all off right there in the front entryway, leaving just his blue jeans and his t-shirt left on. He cracks me up. I never would have had the guts as a 12 year old to dress that wacky!

MyGirl is doing great in her Introductory to Driver's Ed course. No driving yet, just learning and passing tests, and she's doing it! I'm proud of her. She gets most concerned for me when I'm having my issues, and I know would do anything to help me. How blessed am I! I did find one thing that I've done for my mother. Seriously a lifetime is not enough time to do for her what she's done for me. She and I found these plates at the local W*lm*rt for under $3. We thought they looked nice plain, but then we got out the Cricut and now they are part of our Thanksgiving decor. With so much to be thankful for, I could be counting for a LOOOONG time!

LittleBuddy

I need to keep a list of all the books Little Buddy is reading this year. He finished Princess Bride a couple of weeks ago for his English class. Then he finished Harry Potter 5 and now he's reading Harry Potter 6. You know a child is loving a book when you wake up early in the morning and find them already dressed and reading, so eager they are to find out what's next. Love that.

In his social studies class, he's made a number of art projects to go with the areas they're studying. That teacher loves our boy. She's been very complementary lately as well as given him projects that he can successfully accomplish. He has new details to tell me everyday of something else he's learned. I am so grateful when teachers light the spark in my children. He is shining academically and while I'd love to take credit, I know its all him. He does work diligently on his schoolwork and its a joy to see that pay off for him.

Every day after school he and his best buddy like to chat after they get off the bus. Since we are closest to the bus stop, they come sit or stand on our front porch and catch up on life. They don't have any classes together, and don't sit together on the bus going to school, but they do manage to sit together coming home. I figure they are just finishing their conversations. Sometimes these last almost an hour. Yesterday I had to hurry them along. Little Buddy had an orthodontist appointment.

I'm happy that life comes relatively easy for him. I wish it was that way for all of my children. MyGirl is in Driver's Ed right now. To say it has been stressful would be an understatement. She begged to learn and now that she's getting the opportunity she's begging to quit. She's doing just fine, passing all her tests and doing as well as anyone else in the class, but the anxiety and responsibility associated with it are almost too much for her. I keep reminding her that Sis. Dalton tells the YW - we can do hard things. She will need this skill when she's a mother and needs to go to the grocery store to buy food for her children or take them to the doctor when they're sick. I feel bad for her, that life doesn't come as easy for her as it does her brother. I know the Lord loves her. I love her. I just hope I can help her enough to get her through this newest hurdle in her life.

Pirate's Cove

Apparently we have the best neighborhood for Halloween! We didn't know it until we came home from church on Sunday and saw a large black ship at the top of the cul-de-sac. After dinner my dad and son checked it out, and found out that they were expecting about a thousand people. We walked up around 6pm before the sun went down to check it all out. Note the news truck behind the sign with his broadcast antennae sticking up high.
Pretty amazing pirate flags. I'd guess they're about ten feet high. That's the Black Pearl in the background. Its definitely larger than the house. The brown house behind it stands on the hill the next street up. This is one big ship.
There was so much attention to detail it was incredible. I talked to one of the men who owned one of the the three houses who were staging this, and he said the first year it took them a few weeks to put it all together, but now, in their fourth year they've got it down to two days set up. Amazing, really! By the time we left it was dark. Mike and MyGirl sat on the driveway handing out candy while me and Bigbuddy went with LittleBuddy and the neighbors trick or treating. Later we switched out, and they got to go see this amazing creation.
The children who live here were loving their roles.
You Pirates fans will remember the name of this ship, but for now, it escapes me. I'm not good with those kinds of details, but ask me my phone number from 1976 and middle school locker combination, I'm your gal.?!?!?
The kids were in awe at all the props everywhere.
This was the scene lining a driveway.
They also had their own fun interactive areas. The Black Market was where you could play games, get candy, get your fortune read. . . pretty fun for every child who was there.
The orange and black box up on the ship was a CO2 bubble maker - very cool! With the slight breeze last night, the sails were moving and the bubbles were going and the music was playing. . . you get the atmosphere. . . a pretty amazing re-creation!
This was the captain of the black pearl. He proceeded to pretend to pour the bottle down the throat of the skeleton after I took the picture. These guys are all into it, fully costumed, and having fun! My favorite? The sound of the cannon booms and watching the softballs being shot from one ship to the other.

And the next morning, I only picked up seven little pieces of candy or trash from my yard, and three were candy I had given out, which I think got knocked out of their pillowcases as they turned down the driveway. I had bought 1000 pieces of candy. We started at 6:15 handing out and by 8:15 we had used up 800 pieces. The crowds were less solid at this point, every three or four minutes three or four children would come up our driveway. Before it had been non-stop. Think about it, in 120 minutes we gave away 800 pieces of candy - one per child. The last half hour, it was getting chilly, and I was tired, and so I gave out handfuls. I had one last bag left and I saved that for Mike and BigBuddy. They were happy. By 8:45 we were lights off in the house, and I got to see that Vocal Point moved on for another week. What a night! What a memory! We will never look at Halloween the same again. This is the street where Pirate magic happens!