Nativities and Gingerbread Houses

Festival of the Nativities at the Stake Center next to the Seattle Temple.

The family and Grandpa Dan saw a ton of different nativity sets at the church. This year they had a scavenger hunt for the kids to do. Caramel enjoyed the hunt. Some of them where really hard to find and we had to ask volunteers for help. Besides the gym, there were 4 other rooms. One room for kids with crafts and nativity toys- Rhett enjoyed that room. Another room with dress up- we took a picture in our normal clothes. Rhett wouldn't stop touching the baby Jesus especially his eyes. Myles found the baby Jesus interesting too and stared at it for a while. Another room went through the life of Jesus with pictures and displays, it was nicely done and even had tomb that looked real at the end. The last room was more of a kid room with snow all over. The nativities were more fun like snowmen, teddy bears, and webkinzs. There is always a live nativity. Mary was a girl that a babysat when I was little with her husband and new baby boy. We also ran into a good friend of my sister's who was over due with her parents and husband.

Grandpa Dan- the watcher of Myles. Nothing was broken by him.

Rhett smiling with the alligator.

After we went to Grandpa Dan's for gingerbread houses. This year I decided to do simple graham cracker ones instead of by a kit. The icing took awhile to master. We made 4 cube houses in the end. A couple weeks later the kids came back to Grandpa Dan's and eat what they wanted from them.

Daddy and Myles relaxing. White shirt twins.

Santa Visit

We made it to Santa! Didn't think I would have the energy or motivation, but there was a SNOW DAY on the last day before Caramel's Winter Break. So early afternoon on Friday, we headed for Santa. Luckily my dad was there and the line was short, because all Myles wanted to do is RUN. Caramel was trying to convince me she didn't need to be in the picture. She wanted nothing to do with Santa. No picture and no telling what she wanted. I believe this is all because she saw A Christmas Story movie for the first time. The Santa isn't too friendly in the movie. In the end she did what I asked her and they even sat crying Myles on her lap. He kept sliding down and running away. Finally, we got him to sit long enough to distract him and get smiles all around.

Caramel asked for a Barbie house; she received a huge one from Santa 2 or 3 years ago. I think that was her safety reply for some reason. I know she really wants a hamster, but I told her Santa won't bring something Daddy and Mommy say no to. One thing she has asked for is a trampoline which is happening. Rhett asked for a remote control house? A new thing, a couple days ago it was a remote control Jeep then turned to car and now house. To clarify a remote control house is a remote control RV with a trailer attached. I am pretty sure Myles is getting a vacuum from Santa because he loves the real one and always wants to be in control.

Anthony took Caramel and Rhett for a little ride. He even got out his bike and attached the sled to get some extra speed. The snow didn't last, it was gone by the night time.

A Thank You a Day and South Dakota

I am thankful for holidays. - Caramel
I am thankful for McQueen. - Rhett
I am thankful for baptism. - Caramel
I am thankful for rocking chairs.- Myles
I am thankful for church/gospel. - Caramel
I am thankful for our talents.- Daddy
I am thankful for Jesus Christ. - Caramel
I am thankful Jesus is my friend. - Rhett
I am thankful for the Godhead. - Caramel
I am thankful for windows. - Myles
I am thankful for our new baby. - Caramel
I am thankful I can climb trees. - Rhett
I am thankful for our house. Caramel
I am thankful for turkeys. - Mommy
I am thankful Jesus Christ birth at Christmas. - Caramel
I am thankful for seals. - Caramel
I am thankful for clocks. - Rhett
I am thankful for nice brothers. - Caramel
(said after Rhett was being rude)
I am thankful for Christmas lights. - Rhett
I am thankful Jesus born in Bethlehem. - Caramel
I am thankful for corn dogs. - Rhett
(said while eating a corn dog)
I am thankful for months. - Caramel
I am thankful for dead bird daddy shot. - Rhett
(Daddy went hunting in South Dakota)
I am thankful for shoes. - Myles
Daddy is thankful for cars. - Caramel
Daddy is thankful for turkey. - Rhett
Mommy is thankful for dinner. - Rhett

Anthony made it out to South Dakota before Thanksgiving. Picture of Grandpa Neil, Daddy, and Great Uncle Rodger. They had a good hunt and Anthony even brought back a couple pheasants. We had some on Thanksgiving after the normal food was consumed. The kids and I had some friends over on different nights to help keep us entertained when Daddy was gone.  

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa Dan's. It was nice and relaxing. Don't know when I will actually have to be in charge of making Thanksgiving dinner, but I am glad it didn't come this year.

Primary Program

The theme for Primary Program this year was "I am a Child of God." I was called into Primary early in the year and had the responsibility of writing the program. This program happens during sacrament meeting usually 45 minutes long. The Primary kids (ages 4 to 11) speak and sing about the theme. I don't mind planning things, but I am not a performer. Luckily all I had to do is help at the microphone and try and stay out of sight with my large belly self.

 

Rhett, who is actually only 3, was able to be in the program. He did a great job speaking in the microphone and sitting somewhat reverently on the stage.

Rhett- I am a Child of God. I have a body. I can make good choices with my body. I can use my hands, feet, ears, and eyes to help people.

 

Caramel did a good job speaking and even sang two verses of "I am a Child of God" as a solo. It was going to be a duet but her friend was unable to attend. She knew the song, but she looked at the words the whole time singing being shy.

Caramel- “The family is ordained of God.” Heavenly Father wants us to go to the temple and be in a family. Heavenly Father loves me. My dad and mom love me. There are 5 people in my family, mom, dad, me, Rhett and Myles. Because of the temple our family can be together forever.

After we got home Caramel wanted to take a picture of my belly, which she did. This is the only picture of my belly and face she took.  

Ida Mae Bankhead's Funeral

 

Anthony and I were able to take a short trip to Utah and be at my grandmother's funeral.

It was a wonderful service with talks from family and former Bishop. I learned that two of my grandma's favorite songs were "You are My Sunshine" and "When There's Love at Home."

When we pulled into South Ogden for the funeral it was snowing. The funeral was at the same building my mother grew up in just a couple streets away from Grandma Mae's house. Also at the gravesite in Logan in was snowing.

 

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Heard some great stories about my mother and siblings from her brother Craig. The fear of animals and any kind of weather storm comes from Grandma Mae. Grandma Mae raised 4 wonderful kids as a single parent and has always been giving to all family members in need. She was able to work her way to City Treasurer and loved her job. Whenever I visited Grandma Mae in the summer, I remember Tony's pizza, playing the heat around the yard with cousins, having Bluebird chocolates, visiting church buildings, and watching Miss Amercia (now I know why).

My mom, Brenda and my siblings, Chanel, Desiree, Enjoli, Dan, and me.

Siblings and spouse minus one, Brain

Cousins From the Miller Family

So sad I didn't have a real camera only my phone, so this is the best picture I could get. Caramel and Rhett were excited to meet some extended family. Sitting with Great Grandma Wanda Miller are our kids and Anthony's Uncle John's grandkids- Joe's two kids on right and Ashley's two kids on left. Caramel had a great time running around with Faith, also in 1st grade. GM was a great host with dinner. Kids had fun, lucky nothing broke.

When Caramel was explaining these cousins to my dad, Grandpa Dan, she describe them as secret cousins, because she didn't really know about them and Grandpa Dan didn't know who she was talking about. Caramel can't always be trusted with her "stories" so my dad didn't think they really existed. Well, here is the picture to prove it. Hopefully we will get to see them more often.

What We Cry About

Caramel- grooming and "puffy" clothing.

Mainly the hair. Combing hair and washing hair. In the morning, when I comb her hair there is usually crying or more accurately whining about it. I give her time to comb her own then I get to check and it is my turn. Normally she decides not to take the opportunity to comb her own hair. There are promises for combed hair and she even goes into the bathroom only to return with no combing done and wet hear.

There is also crying about wearing "puffy" jackets. Wanting to be reasonable, I sold her old jacket she claimed was too puffy. Then we went shopping until she found a jacket that was acceptable. Still when time comes to wear the jacket there is hiding and high complaints of puffiness. But she has to wear it. Always after school, the jacket is stuffed in the backpack and she is carrying her lunch bag and school work.

Rhett- being 3 years old and disapproval.

Being the youngest of his friends, Rhett has cried about only being 3 years old. One of his friends is turning 5 and with discussion of that things got really sad. Other friends that are 4 talk about their 5th birthday. Rhett is very concerned that he is only 3 and sometimes says he will turn 5 on his birthday and be like his friends. Sometimes he measures himself with his hand and counts 4 units, concluding that he is 4. When children get sang to at church for their birthday and get candy, Rhett is also very sad and says it is his birthday next. In our family he is the next birthday. But he knows it isn't until after Christmas. Poor young Rhett.

If Rhett in trouble or if anyone is mad at him, he is immediately sad. Rhett does not like being in trouble. If you tell him to go to his room until he is ready to say sorry, he is already crying begging for forgiveness. If I give Rhett a mad or disapproval looking face, he will get sadly concerned. Rhett is a tender little boy that just wants to be loved by everyone.

Myles- climbing and food.

Wanting to climb on everything especially the kitchen table has made getting things done difficult. When I do the dishes, he loves to climb in the dish washer. When we are in the toy room, he loves to climb on Caramel's desk and reach supplies on the shelf. He almost got me with the stapler after he threw it. So when furniture is moved to prevent climbing he cries about it.

If anyone has food they better be ready to share. Myles will climb or reach and pull quickly to get any food looking item. If he doesn't succeed at the first attempt there is crying. The funniest/grossest thing he does when eating is spit out all the food he is currently eating to eat another piece of food he decides is more desirable.   

Great Grandma Mae

Ida Mae Griffin Bankhead

June 9, 1929 - October 31, 2013

Ida Mae Griffin Bankhead passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 31, 2013 surrounded by her family. She was born to Spencer Granville Griffin and Ida Redford Cooper on June 9, 1929 in Newton, Utah. She was raised in Providence. She graduated from South Cache High School and LDS Seminary in Hyrum. She was married in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Logan Temple on January 9, 1950 to Leo Spence Bankhead, later divorced.

She has enjoyed serving her church, family, friends and community. She has held many leadership and teaching callings. She served three consecutive LDS Missons at the Church Office Building. In this capacity she had the opportunity to meet many visitors from the States and from all around the world.  She worked at the Mountain State Telephone Company in Logan, Utah and the American Telephone and Telegraph Company in St. Louis, Missouri. She worked for the City of South Ogden for 25 year as the City Treasurer retiring from this position in 1994.

After retiring she enjoyed being able to travel and visit her family. Some of her fondest memories were also made spending time with her “Club” friends, she so missed meeting with them each month. She was a member and President of the Municipal Treasurer Association and served as President Director of the Miss South Ogden Scholarship Pageant. She graduated twice from the Institute of Religion at Weber State College.

She is survived by her children, Brenda Kidd, Eagle Mountain; Randy (Jeri), Draper; Craig (Marmie), Syracuse; and David (Darolyn) South Jordan; along with 16 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren with three more expected soon; and sister, Janet (Avon) Pulsipher. She was preceded in death by her parenst, sister Elizabeth Wood and brothers, Spencer Dee Griffin and David J. Griffin.

Her children and grandchildren are grateful for the example she set of courage and dedication through adversity. She set the bar high for herself and achieved her goal. She will be greatly missed by them all and they look forward to the day when they will be reunited with her. You are our Sunshine! Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the South Ogden 5th Ward, 4380 Orchard Ave. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

She will be laid to rest in the Providence City Cemetery next to her parents.

Family Pictures

 

We had our annual family pictures.

This year I decided to go with a jacket theme.

Boys in Puma and girls in Adidas.

Anthony and I already had jackets,

so I purchased some jackets for the kids.

Halloween and Pumpkins

Halloween morning Rhett had a playgroup at the church with friends. It was a good group of friends. They mainly rode around on bikes and scooters. We did play some monster bowling, bean bag ghost capturing, haunted house sticker decorating, and yes, eating donuts off of string again.

So for Halloween night we trick or treated at a friend's neighborhood. There were 3 families with 3 kids and an almost married couple Anthony kept harassing. It was great weather for Halloween. We trick or treated for an hour then the kids watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. Myles did a great job staying up with the big kids. He had a ride most of the night on Anthony's back. Before we left Myles had lots of fun attacking his family with glow sticks.

When we arrived home of course the bowl with a sign of "Please take one" was empty. We got the kids to bed and then I finally finished craving my pumpkin. While I was craving, sadly, we heard the rest of the pumpkins get smashed by teenagers. The cops were quick to follow as was Anthony. The street was littered with smashed pumpkins. Don't think they caused anymore trouble as the cops talked to them at the park. The kids were sad and learned the evilness of teenagers. Caramel and Rhett did a good job of cleaning up some of the pumpkin off the road the next day.

Dad's family pumpkin, Rhett's Frank pumpkin, and Caramel's Ariel pumpkin

Grandpa Neil's pumpkin craved by Mom

Halloween Costumes and Parties

Costumes for Halloween

Anthony and Cachet- Pirates or Crayons

Caramel- Skeleton

(same as last year but pink- she likes the skeleton look)

Rhett- Pirate

Myles- Skeleton indoors or Pumpkin outdoors

We decorated for Halloween as soon as possible and by the time Halloween night actually came I felt like it took forever. There were 3 parties the weekend before Halloween that felt like one too many.

 

First was Caramel's elementary school party. Only Caramel and I went to this party. The boys were going to follow, if Myles wasn't ready for bed too early and Rhett felt too sad. But they ended up staying at home visiting with friends. I was on food help passing out pizza. Caramel just roamed. It was a first for her to just roam a party with no close parental supervision. Sometimes I got a little paranoid, but she was good on checking back with me every now and than. I think she enjoyed the freedom.

 

Next party was a church Halloween party. We invited two cute girls from the neighborhood to go with us. This time the whole family went dressed up. We enjoyed playing different Halloween themed games in rooms then eating and getting a treat bag.

 

Final party of the weekend was also a goodbye party for a family that has moved. Kids ran around in costume and had yummy treats. I helped with a donuts on strings eating game. After that we had to go. Myles was so tired and way pass bedtime. Sundays are the hardest for poor Myles with church schedule.

Myles dancing to Barbie's favorite beats.

Fun Halloween masks

 

Here is a spider that invaded the house for a day. It was huge and ugly. I couldn't let it stay. I mean it is huge and ugly. I don't mind huge and ugly things outside in the front yard. But this thing was right in the living room being huge and ugly. All four of the kids were pretty sad to see it go.

Pumpkin Patch Picking

 
 
 

We fulfilled the annual pumpkin hunting event with Grandpa Neil. Carpinito Brothers' in Kent was the spot again this year. They had a cute little farm animal section that the kids and I enjoyed. Myles loved roaming free and the hand sanitizer. We of course got the big bag of popcorn and then headed to the very non-scenic tractor ride.

 

This was Rhett's second trip to the pumpkin patch- his first being with Joy school friends when he picked out a small pumpkin to paint. Myles had fun bouncing his bottom on perfectly sized pumpkins. Myles also enjoyed trying to push the wagon full of pumpkins. Caramel and Rhett found it amusing to find the pumpkin that were squished with the guts showing. Caramel and I found a vine with gourds growing that were fun looking. That started the gourd shopping.

So the kids and adults picked out pumpkins than several gourds were purchased as well. The last thing bought was brussel sprouts. I had some roasted once, so I attempted. Not yummy. I think using them for Halloween as fake brains would have been more useful. We have not carved pumpkins yet, but soon. Instead we have glittered smaller ones and decorated them in fun ways.

It's a Girl!

Went to the doctor on October 10th and found out- it is a girl coming late February! Or "gil" as Caramel pronounces. Anthony of course knew it was a girl, so confident. I know some mothers say they can tell it is a girl or boy, but honestly I have no idea. I just know I am gaining weight and tired. Anthony also believes this baby will be on the smaller side like Caramel. I hope the baby is in the 7 pound range. Going late and having a 9 pound baby with Myles was not fun. My friend had her 3rd baby at home (like all the rest), I wish I could do that, mainly to avoid hospital bills. Pretty sure I would have a panic attack if I wasn't at the hospital.

When the kids were already, we had Caramel read a note then reveal pink cookies and starburst. Everyone loved the cookies especially Myles! Caramel gave her normal girl name suggestion of Sally for the newest family member.

Well, everything was good with the ultrasound. The pictures include profiles, a front on the face, and legs with angles crossed.

Picture Day

Caramel's first grade picture. She was happy to wear this blue church dress she picked out. For her hair she wouldn't allow a bow or anything fancy, but I did a little braid in on the side. Caramel is enjoying 1st grade. When she writes her routine list of people she loves Mrs. Leek is included. Her normal list has 3 sections- immediate family, grandparents, and lastly cousins. A regular time she makes these list is during Rhett's soccer games or practice.

She had an ear infection on a Monday, lucky the pain only lasted a day. The night sleep wasn't so great, so she stayed home from school. She didn't stay home the whole day though. By lunch time she wanted to go to school, so she did. That whole week her ear drained. It was a bit of a fight to clean the outer ear and hair everyday. I guess that was better than her having ear pain for a week. Couldn't believe all the fluid that came out.

Rhett has 2 weeks left of "soccering." He is getting more interested in the game. Now that he understands that making a goal is the point, he gets frustrated that he can't make this happen during a game. One main skill he lacks is after receiving the ball turning quickly towards the correct goal to run towards it. As you can see in the picture Rhett is on the short side, but is also the youngest. Makes me smile to think of his little legs running as fast as he can.

One Saturday he had practice and two games. That afternoon he fell asleep in the car for a little then did again in the evening taking a two hour nap. He got his exercise in the that day. Rhett hasn't napped since summer when we had longer days out in the sun.

 

No official picture day for Myles. Here is a picture I took in the backyard. The weather has been cold but sunny lately. Myles loves the outside and pushing things. There is a spot he goes directly to- a flower pot that always has great mud- so annoying. He has to have a bath after being outside each time now. This picture is after he had some splashing fun. Love the contently pushing along look.

Cars, Cars, Cars

Every 6 months, we make the car insurance payment. It is interesting to see how many cars there are on this statement. We have a grand total of two people in the household that can drive. With FIVE cars on the statement, you would think Caramel and Rhett were older. That is enough cars for even 14 month old Myles to have a car.

A Mazda 5 is the most recent car Anthony has purchased. Or as the kids call it "the new van." Anthony drove to Idaho to look at a Mazda 5. He purchased this Mazda 5 in Everett. So Mazda has taken over. I mean, we have them in all sizes. Mazda MPV, 5, 323, and Miata. The Honda Accord has almost officially left our ownership and should never be on the insurance statement again.

Anthony has beautified the "new to us" Mazda 5 only purchasing what it needs. New speakers are needed to make a car run, right?

The Mazda Miata is at a friend's garage and will hopefully be ready for the track soon. Recently, Anthony ventured south for a racing event and reconnected with friends that have their cars all done.

Saying Good Bye to Fish and Friends

 

We had another fish die. This time it was Sally, Caramel's fish. There was a burial and funeral service for Sally. Unlike Rhett's fish that just got flushed..... Sally was saved in a box. Caramel and her friend Max selected a spot in the backyard. Flowers were provided by Caramel's garden.

Another pro pets parent once told me that kids need pets, so they can experience the loss of death. Caramel has already moved on, wanting a new pet hamster. We always tell her she has fish. So now she will phrase it, "when my fish die, I want a hamster." Letters have been written to Santa already about this. Shockingly, 4 fish and 1 snail have recently died. There is a parental belief that the tank is being poisoned, so a hamster cage can take over.

This funeral took place when Caramel was having her last playdate with her friend Max. His family has now relocated to the sunny Arizona.

Caramel planted a sunflower which grew way bigger then I thought it would. There was a total of 6 flowers, the largest one pictured. Speaking of sunflowers. Anthony loves buying BBQ sunflower seeds, he usual stores bags of them in the garage. Caramel finds those bags and will always help herself. It is funny to watch her try and learn the process of eating sunflower seeds.    

Rhett Soccering

 Rhett started soccer for the fall season. He has a friend on the team and his mother is the coach. The team name is Blue Ghosts. Rhett didn't know too much about soccer, but he is enjoying it. He calls it soccering. Rhett enjoys running around, just needs to learn to keep trying to kick the ball even with all the other kids.

On Labor day he was running down the drive way kicking a ball. He stepped on the ball and fell on his face. It didn't look bad at first. He was screaming for a long time, I thought maybe he broke his nose. After a couple hours all the redness showed up then the scabbing came. Everyone he saw commented about it. After soccer he drew the best self-portrait, he was playing soccer and included all his scabs on his nose.

Ice Caves

 Drove up to the Ice Caves with two other families with kids of similar ages.

Saw this alligator eating tree and got the older kids to stand in it.

It was way faster this year with the excitement of other kids with us hiking up.

Myles enjoyed the backpack ride.

Got some good pictures by bouncing him in the backpack. 

Anthony with the two other dads.

Family photo next to the caves.

Caramel is helping Myles smile making him not smile.

The outside of the caves were dirty looking this year.

And inside them it was raining (melting).

We had a hot summer this year.

Fun picture of all the little waterfalls coming down.