S*N*O*W

We received a decent amount of snow and Luke and friends couldn't wait to get out and build snow forts in it. Emma and Myles will go out for just a little while. Well, Myles goes out for 2 minutes-he won't keep his mittens on and then cries because his hands are cold, it's complicated. We follow it up with hot cocoa and even cookies some days.

Emma's Pre-K Program

'Tis the season for Thanksgiving Programs! Emma's class was a little shy, but I was proud of Emma. She sang out the songs and was confident giving her part. We love Mrs. Kristen. I hope that she'll teach for a few more years so Myles can have her, too!

Luke's Thanksgiving Program

At Luke's school, all of the kindergarten classes combined for a true Thanksgiving feast and program. One of the perks of being a room parent is a good seat since I was there early to set up! Bryan didn't think we were close enough. :) Luke, A.K.A. Bear Claw, did a good job with the actions and doing his part. He told me afterward, "That was so embarrassing, mom."

Luke came home with an assignment to disguise the turkey. He came up with the idea of making him a hunter and having it carry a gun. I know, not the most PC, but soooo my child! I may have kept my phone close by in case the school tried to call me the next day. No phone call, but I did receive an email from his teacher telling me that she loved it (turns our her husband and son are avid hunters) and sent a picture of it to her husband. This teacher has been so good for Luke!

FHE Turkeys

We made our thankful turkeys for FHE to remind us of our lesson on gratitude. We also combined a lesson about the first Thanksgiving. Luke helped fill in the gaps in my memory. History was never my strong point! :)

Myles made his own playdoh version of a turkey. 

Primary Program

I found the brightest place I could find and made them smile right into the sun for a picture to document this day. I love the primary program. This year, as I played, I was able to see both my kids in the program (Luke was strategically placed right next to me by the presidency to help encourage good behavior I'm sure). I love playing the piano in primary. I can still remember the songs from when I was in primary. There is power that comes from good music.

Dentist

When it comes to the thought of taking my three kids to the dentist at the same time, I feel like it could be considered a form of torture. I decided to try out a new pediatric dentist, Dr. Purvi Shah (I actually worked with her many years ago at the Children's Hospital in the procedure center). She was incredible with my kids and her staff was great, as well. I'm not getting a discount or anything for writing this :), she was simply that good and I really appreciated it. Luke and Emma keep asking to go back to the dentist---how about in 6 months???

Home At Last! Home At Last!

My parents made it home from their mission in Japan. I know that my family was directly blessed because of their service. I will forever be grateful for their example. Some days it felt like time was flying, other days---it felt like 18 years! They were missed and I was so happy to see them (via FaceTime) coming down the escalators in the Salt Lake City airport. My favorite part was watching my mom run down the last few steps to hug those grandkids. She's been waiting a long time for those hugs!

I was tracking their flight from Tokyo to Seattle and then the final leg from Seattle to Salt Lake City. I learned later, that several of my brothers were doing the exact same thing. I may have played Neil Diamond's, "They're coming to America!!! Today!!" a few times in celebration of the big day.

Pictures are grainy, but I was so happy to see them, even via FaceTime!

When each of my brothers returned home from their missions, my dad would fly the flag from where they served. Tom, carried on this tradition and flew the Japan flag for my parents' welcome home. It was interesting on the texting thread with my brothers to hear the emotions they felt when seeing the American flag after serving their missions. I pray that our country will come together and realize the blessings of living underneath our flag of the United States of America. That's as political as I will get-especially when I'm celebrating my parents coming home after 18 months!

Welcome home mom and dad, grandpa and grandma! We love you and have missed you!