Thanksgiving Tree

"Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you. Yours is not the task to gain them, they are here; yours is the part of cherishing them"

Elder J. Reuben Clark, formerly a First Counselor in the First Presidency, June 1969

This year we decided to do something a little different and never done before, at least by our family. I have been known to put our Christmas tree up the 1st of November but always so with a bit of remorse because we are cheating ourselves out of Thanksgiving, pilgrims, gourds etc.  Reluctantly, there always seems to be such an abrupt shift from jack-o-lanters and Halloween ghosts to... stockings and Santa's elves. Thanksgiving happens to be one of my favorite holidays of the year because it has such rich personal significance (if you let it)  and powerful opportunities for reflection.  There are few things that yield such joyous feelings, than unrestrained gratitude. I love to relic in Thanks giving as long as we can, no need to rush to Christmas, it will surely come!

As a compromise this year we did put our tree up the 1st of November but... this year it looks a little different. We decorated it as a thanksgiving tree. Until after Thanksgiving it is perfectly accessorized with fall berry's, twigs and floral but what makes it special, are the little scraps of paper that populate our tree. For family night a few weeks ago we discussed president Monsons talk "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" afterward we each all wrote down a few things that we were grateful for and placed those paper ornaments on the tree. Since that family night, I have found myself and the rest of the family on occasion gazing at the beautiful tree. I can not help but wonder if they can feel the same thankful joy I feel when I think of all there is to be thankful for. I am so very grateful for so many things, there are not enough scraps of paper or lead filled pencils around the entire world to write them all.

We love this tradition and it will be in our family a long while, that I know for sure!

1st Day Of School 2010

 1  - 7th grader, 2 - 5th graders, 1 -kindergartner, 1 - preschooler

Gorgeous little angle daughter. Kindergarten here in Texas is all day so it was a painful few first days for Mama but so very fun and exciting for her.

Not a tear shed.... even for mom and dad. We were all so brave.

Burger was so happy to be like his brothers and sister and be a big boy and go to school too.

Cousins Camp 2010 - "Let You Light So Shine"

We had the most amazing cousins camp this year. Every year we say it was the best one yet and this year was no exception! Most certainly one of my most favorite weeks of the year.

We kicked it off with the 24th of July weekend in Utah. We decorated the pinzscour (sp?) and participated in the New Harmony parade, the kids loved throwing candy and cheering to the bystanders. We then  had 4 full days of spectacular family time. Every day was planned from sun up to sun down with activities, classes, games, swimming, presentations and of course free time. We begin each daywiht a spiritual thought, usually given by one of the kids and family prayer and then off we go for a day of fun!

I do have to say that we have the most incredible family and am so very grateful for everyone of them and all they teach me... even the little ones are remarkable, strong and valiant. I love you all! Thank you MOM and DAD for being so generous and allowing us the opportunity to make such lasting meaningful memories.

The entire Cousins Camp Crew

Theme for 2010

My darling Mother

Geeks.

This was so cute. After the parade, there was a dinner at the LDS church in New Harmony. There was a booth ran by the police department for taking finger prints for children. We did that for all our children but Sam was terrified and we could not understand why. We finally were able to push him up there and with trepidation he allowed that scary cop with a gun :) to get his finger prints... when he was done he looked at Ben and exclaimed with relief... " HE did not even shot me Dad!"

Transporting the tired little ones...

This excercies was part of a Disabilities Awareness presentation my brother and sister did. Both of their children have a disability. My sweet nephew has muscular dystrophy and my niece has scoliosis. This exercise was to demonstrate how when we hold a rock in each arm out to our sides, it gets very difficult to sustain. That muscle burning in a  normal body builds muscle but in my nephew it destroys it. It was a beautiful presentation and helped all of us learn more about how we can help and be sensitive to their conditions. We love  Mitch and Abby!

The "real artist" was called in to draw a dragon on Mitches pillow case.

This was so much fun! My sister designed a game after The Amazing Race. The kids were split up into team and were required to solve certain tasks, riddles and challenges at each location around the ranch themed off of places our parents have traveled in the world. It was brilliant and so much fun!

Maddies presentation on John Adams (2md President of the United Stated and one of the most influential founding fathers) who is our Grandpa. She was dressed up as Abigail Adams. Very cool.

Dad... just one of the kids. I love him!

Paige and Tyler, kickin it pool side.

Facepainting

Part of "The Amazing Race" activity

Tug-A-War at a park in ST. George. Moms against kids. Kids won!

Tee pee and bonfire night

Whatever you do, don't bother the "water masters" ... they are very busy!

Grandpa Garth. We love you!

The moms/sisters(inlaws)/daughters with Grandma (top row, second from left.)

As part of the closing day ceremony and celebration, the moms decided to put together a synchronized swimming routine. It was so very funny, for least for us. hehe.

Daidy and Dadee :)

At the end, of our routine there was a little surprise for the kids. Grandpa who had been watching from the rear of the pool, stood up and walked to the diving board all clothed with cowboy hat on in all. HE briskly walked to the diving board and plunged into the pool with a splashiness dive (previously a college swimmer/diver). The kids went into an uproar. It was so fun! 

Grandma Jerri with her very graceful pool entry.... lets remember she is 68 and amazing!

Award ceremony - At the conclusion of each cousins camp we have an award ceremony where we recognize each child for the random act of kindness they do throughout the week. Us moms keep data each day of all the random nice things the kids do to each other. They are awarded a trophy, this year a shining star trophy after our "Let your Light so Shine" theme. A perfect way to end cousins camp.

During the week the older kids had the privilege to go to the temple in St. George with Grandma and Grandpa and do baptisms for the dead. Since my hubby was there all week he was able to preform all the baptisms for the kids. It is such a special day for the kids. After the temple the kids are all treated to a fancy dinner at their favorite restaurant, the Olive Garden :)

During cousins camp four wheelers are off limits for the kids, except for Mitch who can not walk very far so there are always lots of eager helpers to assist him in getting around the ranch.

Play time at the pool

We have a tradition of each family making and presenting a family presentation of their choice. We did ours on a Texas BUG Court, putting on trial some the Texas bugs. The kids did such a great job!

Pampering for Grandma.... At the conclusion of cousins camp AND with out an invitation or suggestion from an adult, these darling grandkids were quick to respond to their tiring grandmother. Before long there was lotion being passed around to rub hands and feet. She did not have enough limbs or skin for all the love that was being poured out on her.