Thankful

We kicked off the Thanksgiving holiday with the 1st Grade Musical.  They sang all about the Pilgrims, Indians, and Turkey.  Tater Bug was a Pilgrim and did a fantastic job!!

Thanksgiving day started out with Tanner and Ty participating in our ward's Turkey Bowl.  There's nothing like a game of flag football to work up an appetite.  Who am I kidding??  Tanner and Ty don't need any help working up an appetite!!!

 When the boys got back from playing football, and Kevin got back from the gym, we went to see Harry Potter.  We loved it and can't wait for the last one to come out!!!

Then, after the movie, we came home and Kevin prepared our Lobster and Crab Boil!!!  Forget the turkey!  Yuck!!

{Our Thanksgiving Table Setting}

 {Before}

 {Ready To Dig In!!}

 {After}

 There was almost nothing left except a few pieces of corn, a few potatoes, and just enough seafood to make crab cakes for lunch today.  It was DELICIOUS!!!

When it got dark, we cranked up the fire pit outside and drank hot chocolate while huddled under blankets.  It was great.  And cold.  (Don't laugh, mom!  There was a freeze warning last night!!)

This morning we skipped Black Friday shopping, and slept in and were lazy instead.  That's my kind of Black Friday!!  Tate sat at the kitchen table for about 2 hours working on his Christmas List for Santa.  I kept trying to explain to him that the list was just to give Santa ideas, and that there's no possible way he can bring everything he has written down.  He didn't want to hear it.  Shocker, I know!

All in all, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for everything and everyone in my life.  I have been so very, very blessed!

Now...on to Christmas...

Baby Anna Christine

My baby brother, and his wife, Donna became parents for the first time today!!

I am so excited for them, and super excited to be an auntie for the 22nd time!! 

 Congratulations, Bevan and Donna!!!  She's beautiful!

Jonas

A while back I posted the story of my mom's second cousin's baby boy, Jonas.  You can read it here.

I was saddened to hear that Jonas passed away last Thursday, but at the same time, I felt happy that he would no longer have to suffer, and that he could be free of the body that held him back from all that we know he could have done.  He was a blessing to all those who know and love him and I know he will be missed. 

{Jonas Mathie Coleman}

 12/2/07 ~ 11/18/10

Our dear sweet little boy, Jonas, was welcomed home into the loving arms of our Savior on Nov. 18, 2010. For almost three years Jonas quietly but bravely endured the progression of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I. Jonas was born Dec. 2, 2007, to loving parents Whit and Lindsey. Jonas had the most expressive, blue eyes that could speak more eloquently than any words ever could. Jonas was a happy, peaceful and calm little boy who enjoyed the simple things in life. Family vacations to Disneyland and St. George were some of his favorite times. He had a deep love of music that would always make him smile. His other loves included being read to, lights, stars, swimming, watching Disney movies and exploring outside. With the odds against him, Jonas held on to see his baby sister Maggie born and loved when she snuggled up to his side. Jonas had the greatest gift of inspiring and influencing everyone he met. He changed lives forever. Jonas taught us more in his short life than we could ever have taught him in ten life times. Jonas is survived by his parents Whit and Lindsey and sister Maggie, grandparents Mark and Becky Mathie, Mike and Merri Coleman, and great grandpa Frank Coleman, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins. The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Kathryn Swoboda and the Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Group, Dr. Paul Ferreira and staff at Holladay Clinic, IHC home health, Peterson Medical (Orem) and Make-A-Wish for granting Jonas' wish to visit Disneyland one last time. It was his happy place. A celebration of Jonas' life will begin at 12 Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at the Wilford Stake Center, 3080 S Kenwood St (1765 E). There will be a viewing held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, on Monday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. as well as Tuesday morning at the ward from 10:30 -11:45 a.m. Jonas was a true blessing and we miss him already. We love you little buddy OFF TO NEVERLAND! In lieu of flowers please donate to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation http://gwendolynstrongfoundation.org/ Online condolences are welcome at www.larkincares.com

Sorry Neil...Josh does it better!!

Oh, Elder...

Kevin has been the Ward Mission Leader in our ward for about 2 months.  Before that he was the assistant Ward Mission Leader. This has given him the opportunity to work with the Missionaries in our area.  It's been mostly good.  Mostly.

Let me introduce you to Elder Major.  He's been in our area for 8 months.  He's been through more companions than I can remember.  He makes us laugh.  Here you will see why...

We're thankful for the LDS missionaries!!

Playing Catch-Up

Wow!  I feel like it's been a really, really long time since I've updated my blog!  I'm going to try to do a little "catch-up" now. 

The last time I blogged was October 27th, so I'll start with Halloween.  On Friday, October 29th, our ward did their annual Trunk-or Treat.  We had oodles of chili, hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn, as well as tons of candy from the ward members.  Tanner and Ty, along with Zeke, dressed up as the 3 Amigos.  That didn't last long, though.  I think they had their costumes on for a total of about 2 1/2 minutes.  Treyson and Keaton dressed up as Hobos, or "Hobo Brothers", as they called themselves.  They looked so cute!  Sara's MIL, Murline, sent the costumes for them to use.  They were Brian and his brother's costumes many years ago.  Funny!!  Tate dressed up in a really old Dracula costume that Tanner wore when he was 6.  He didn't seem to care that it was old and worn out--all he wanted was the CANDY!!  The only photo I have is of Treyson and Keaton.  I know.  I'm a bad mom.  Try not to judge me too harshly.

On Saturday morning we were up an at 'em early for Tanner's Jagz tournament, Halloween Scream, at Gene Autry Fields in Mesa.  They won both of their games, and the team went into the finals seeded 1st.  They ended up taking 2nd place in the tournament.  Way to go 14U Jagz!!

On Sunday we went to church, as usual, and then after church we went to the Steck's house for a low key Halloween celebration.  The kids didn't even ask to go trick-or-treating, which was nice, and were perfectly happy sitting on the driveway handing out candy.  The teenagers were playing guitar and singing, and everyone had a great time.  I love that the Stecks invite us to participate in their family events...we truly feel like part of theirs!  Thank you, Brian and Sara!!

Tuesday, November 2nd, was mid-term elections.  I was so excited to VOTE!  What a wonderful right we have, as Americans, to vote!  I love it!

Republicans took control of the House and won some seats in the Senate.  Here's hoping that something can be done to turn this country around! 

On Saturday, November 6th, my friend, Rachel, and I headed out to Palm Desert, CA,  to see our favorite singer JOSH GROBAN in concert.  We had fun laughing and catching up.  We ate, laughed, ate some more, had massages, ate even more, and then went to see Josh!  We were really digging the fact that we were probably some of the youngest people there!  If you ever need to feel young, just go to Palm Desert/Palm Springs!!  {hee hee} There aren't many things better, in my opinion, than seeing Josh sing live.  He's incredible and I'm sooooo looking forward to the "real" tour!!  My only regret is that we didn't go to the stage door after the concert.  Apparently he signed autographs and took pictures with a few fans for an hour or so after the concert.  BUMMER!!  Next time for sure!!!

{At McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA}



{Waiting for the concert to start}





Today is Veteran's Day and I can't help but think about my Grandpa Ray.  I wish I would have asked him to tell me more about his experiences in WWII.  I am so thankful for his service, and for the service of all the brave men and women who work so hard to protect the freedoms I enjoy.

 {This is a plaque in the Mona Ward Church building.  It has the name of my grandpa, Ray M. Myers, as well as my grandma's brothers, and brother-in-law}

{Thank you, Grandpa!  I love and miss you!}

Well, I think I'm caught up.  There's a few fun things coming up, so I'll try to keep the blog updated!