Hunter 8th Ward Christmas Dinner

Last night was our ward Christmas party. I'm not sure how it happened (though I have a good idea), but Jer was asked to be in charge of it this year. I was his wing man. We asked a few people in the ward to be on a committee and it actually turned out great. I was told by more than one person to expect 20% of the members to not love how we did things. Hopefully there weren't that many that walked away disappointed. 

Jer is an expert at feeding lots of people. And, he feeds them well. We had roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, green salad and cake. We planned for 250 people and when the night was over, we figure we fed 258. We served 100 lbs. of potatoes, 65 lbs. of beef, 22 dozen rolls, 3 sheets of cake and lots of corn and salad. Have you ever made gravy for 250+ people? Jer pulled it off and it was amazing.

We asked Ashley Tucker to be in charge of decorations and as you can probably see from the pics, she also outdid herself. We had a lot of awesome people in the ward that helped and by the time they were done, the gym looked like we were having a wedding. I had the radio on the whole day so that I could pretend like I was decorating for the Prom I never got asked to.

Our program was Power Academy Dance Company from Payson, Utah. They were great and it seemed like the ward members enjoyed it. It was fun to see all the kids actually paying attention. They were either sitting on laps watching or dancing to the Irish music. We also had the Ivie's set up the live Nativity outside with their animals before dinner. The Primary kids rotated through since it was so cold outside. It was nice that they only had to sit outside for a 15 minute shift rather than the full hour. I didn't get any pictures of the Nativity because I was too busy in the kitchen, but the kids all said it was great and I was grateful I didn't have to worry about anything because our Primary President took care of everything outside.

Overall it seemed to be a success. Jer and I (and the kids) were exhausted by the end of the day and none of us moved much today. It kicked our butts to be on our feet from noon until 9:30p.m. Thanks again to everyone that helped. There were several sisters in the ward that helped and did it without being seen or recognized. We had a great time and were excited to have such a great turnout. Just don't ask us to do it again. Ha ha. We probably wouldn't say no, but we might serve Ramen Noodles next time.

I'm Thankful for.... cheese and fries.

We had such a fun Thanksgiving weekend this year. The last few years Josh has played in a soccer tournament in St. George over the holiday weekend. This year, we stayed home and I'm glad we did.


Darrell and Kathy scheduled their church for our turkey dinner and it was great to have a place for the kids to run around and the adults to enjoy hanging out.

 We only used the kitchen to "warm" our feast, I promise. :) Everyone brought something and they all did a great job with everything from the food and table setting to the entertainment. Unfortunately, I had the worst headache (okay prolly not the worst, but a doozy) so I was all hopped up on percacet all day. It's a good thing I took my camera 'cause I may not have remembered anything without all the pictures. I have this habit of getting sinus infections .. continuously. I finish one antibiotic and end up on another one three days later. It's becoming quite a routine thing for me. I am caving and going to see an ENT and moving forward with the dreaded sinus surgery.

 Anyway, back to turkey and mashed potatoes. 

 Even though I was taking pictures from a mile away, Josh was still annoyed with me. Look at that face. If you can see his face behind all the hair that is. I'm loving his curls even if he does look shaggy and junior highish.

The kids had so much fun together. They always do and it never seems like enough time. I wish pictures in the gym turned out better, but oh well. They're still cute girls.

These are more boys that don't love getting pictures taken, but it was too fun watching them play Rock Band together.

The seven boys from Josh's soccer team that were still in town, got together for a little futsal tourney in Salt Lake. It was so much fun!! I don't normally love the indoor arenas (and especially with my raging headache), but they played so well and we had so much fun! It was great. The boys played up a year and beat two U14 premier teams! I love games like that! And they were on such a high after two wins in one day. Sadly, they didn't win Saturday, so they didn't win the tourney. But, second place isn't anything to complain about (unless your Ricky Bobby and in that case, if you're not first you're last). Jer did a great job coaching. He tries to say he doesn't miss it, but he loves the boys too much.

 Since I didn't go to my mom's on Thanksgiving because of my lame sinus infection, I had to do my craft by myself at home (days later). It's always been a tradition to do some kind of Christmas decoration on Thanksgiving with all the B girls. I was sad I missed it. But, at least I had all the stuff so it was just finding the time to sit down and do it. I love how it turned out. The picture doesn't do it justice (it was taken with my phone).

 

We had planned to go to Temple Square on Friday night with the kids, but we participated in the soccer tourney instead. So, by the time we were at the last game on Saturday, the girls were cheering for the other team so that we didn't have to go to the championship game. Josh didn't appreciate that but, it was fun to go see the lights that night instead of staying for one more game - especially with 45 degree weather. 

The kids have always loved taking Trax downtown to Temple Square. It was funny this time because Jer rides it every day to work. He got a kick out of the kids acting like they were on a ride at Disneyland. It was the first weekend for the lights and great weather so, of course, it was packed. We didn't mind the crowd and I got some great pictures.

 It's tradition to go eat somewhere downtown when we go see the lights. Last year we went to the Garden Cafe. This year we waited in line for the always delicious Lion House rolls. The kids love it there because it's cafeteria style and tastes homemade. Jer and I love it because we had our wedding reception there so we get to reminisce a little.

The grounds were lined with amazing hand crafted lanterns. It was gorgeous. I love that every year there is something different to see and it's always awesome!

 Another picture of Josh loving the moment. (Notice the hoodie? That kid loves to push my buttons)

Erin's cute teacher emailed me this picture last week. I had to share. This is Erin, Tally and Chloe. They are in first grade and I'm afraid this could be the beginning of this generations "Mean Girls." I really doubt any one of them have a mean streak in them, but they are already coordinating outfits and forming their own little clique. They don't even realize what they're doing. Black shirt, grey jeans (with pink stitching), hair in side pony with black ribbon. So funny.

Erin and Emma both have amazing teachers this year. I get emotional when I think about it because it's such a priceless thing to have your kids in a classroom with someone that loves them and makes your child love school and learning. Erin has broken out of her shell and I know it has a lot to do with her awesome teacher, Ms. Nielsen. Emma is being pushed in a way she never has before - and she is accepting it and working hard and wants to be at school and wants to work hard. If you know my girls, this is all big.

And that's it for the longest post ever. Sorry. Kind of annoying, I know. But since there's only like 3 people that read my blog, oh well. And you can always skip over all the reading. I'll never know.

The phrase “bite my head off” was not entirely a figure of speech...

I found a few more Halloween pics on my phone so I thought I would post them. I'm sure one day I will look back and wish I had a picture of so and so in the such and such costume. The whole time I was making the Rubik's Cube, they all loved it. Too bad they didn't still love it by the time Halloween actually came.

Here is a picture of Emma in the parade at school. I had a hard time getting a good one of her, but she is cute anyway. I think the doctor look suits her well.

This was the best I had of Erin. I'm not sure why all of a sudden she decided to be camera shy. As if she isn't shy enough already, now she is pulling this crap. You can kind of see her skeleton costume in this picture. Those ruffles were a bigger pain than I had hoped - maybe because this costume was like the fifteenth made this year and was done the night before the parade at school.

This wasn't on Halloween. This was the picture I was looking for on my phone to blog when I came across all those others. We went to see Breaking Dawn Thursday night and if it wasn't for these awesome girls, the night would have been one big regret. The movie SUCKED! I kind of feel sorry for all those women that loved it and still admit to being Team Jacob/Edward fans. I read all four lame books. And, I will admit to liking the first three. Breaking Dawn was twisted and weird. So, I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less from the movie. It was just as twisted and weird - if not more. But, I love hanging out with these girls and they made the night as fun as it always is when we're together. The best part was that we went to a 7 o'clock showing and April was in her midnight mood. I think the lady next to her was the only lady in the entire theater that didn't laugh at any of the movie - which made it that much funnier every time April howled back at the wolves. Unfortunately, we have to wait months to see Part II of Breaking Dawn. Only unfortunate because of the GNO part of the experience.  Why they had to make a horrible book into two horrible movies is beyond me.

Anyone else dying to see Hunger Games? Now that's an amazing book and the trailer for the movie looks awesome! So excited for that. Anyone for a GNO when Hunger Games is in theaters?

Let's Do the Time Warp Again

I thought since next week is Thanksgiving (already) I should blog about our Halloween festivities. Halloween seemed to go on for the entire month and it felt like November was never going to get here. I have always been a big fan of Halloween, but I think after this year, I might change my mind. When I'm doing adult type Halloween stuff, it's awesome. But, the part where you have to find the right costume for your kids and go to trunk-or-treats and school parties... not my favorite. Mostly because Erin and Emma couldn't figure out what to be and it changed every day. There were way too many tears shed over such a stupid thing. Erin went from witch to pirate to rubik's cube to skeleton. Emma went from rubik's cube to scarey clown to zombie doctor and ended up just a boring ole doctor. Josh, surprisingly, was the least difficult. He had to be a pumpkin head for the combined activity and then for his last year of trick-or-treating he was a soccer goalie (ironic). I was actually excited that Logan decided to humor me and wear the rubik's cube I made. Someone had to wear it.

We had lots of fun with the Johnson cousins at our annual Halloween Party at Trevor and Jenns. We got started a little late (due to deer hunters and car battery killers), but it was worth waiting. The kids had so much fun. We don't get together with everyone often enough. Trevor and Jenn made a delicious dinner for everyone - Trevor stood and made scones for navajo tacos and holy cow it was yummy. The kids did crafts, ate lots and played musical chairs and soccer. So fun.

 I never did get a picture of all the kids in costumes. It got dark and costumes didn't last.

Another fun party that is quickly becoming tradition is Ashley's party. She is a big time lover of the holiday and so super talented and we all get to reap the benefits. Last year she did her pirate theme. This year it was a Masquerade theme and made for some great pictures. It was hard to choose which ones to include. Notice her amazing treats and decorations....

In the bottom right hand corner of the above pic you will see the "old" Young Women leaders. Love them all and I'm not done crying about being released. The freak in the back with the black wig is who is taking over. She seems a little off, but I promise she is going to do an amazing job and I don't worry for one second about all the little "dirt bags" that I'm leaving in her care.

And, for our combined activity in October, we did a murder mystery party. It was a lot of work, but oh so worth it. The leaders did an awesome job with decorations, dinner and games. The youth were so much fun! They actually came dressed as their assigned character and played the part all night. We have some awesome little actors in our ward. Again, there were so many great pictures from this night, I had to choose only a handful to include.

Since Ashley outdid herself with the decorations, she earned herself the job of decorating for the ward Christmas dinner. He he. I made the brownies and boy were they a project. I have no idea how they tasted 'cause I didn't get one, but at least they turned out cute.
 

I didn't get any pictures of the parade at school or the kids on Halloween. I know - sometimes I am a better Young Woman leader than a mom. But, I hear being a Ward Missionary allows one to spend more time with the family. So, I will do my best. I might have a picture of Erin in her skeleton costume on my phone. I need to look - she was perty cute. And there is our Halloween in a nutshell.

Disclosure:  I'm really not bitter about being released. Change is always good for everyone. I'm just sad. I'm sure many of you can relate to that empty feeling after being released from a calling you have been so involved with and loved. I felt a similar emptiness after being released from the RS Presidency years ago so at least I know it won't last forever. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity I had to serve with such amazing women. And, I feel like a proud mom every time I see one of "my girls." It's hard not to love the snot out of them. They are all such amazing people and I hope that if nothing else, after being their leader, they know that I love them and so does Heavenly Father. Now, go get your Personal Progress done (not you, Carly).. and no boob hugging!

Welcome to the World, Baby Mason

 My baby sister had her second baby last week. It's so amazing to be part of a new little miracle joining our crazy world. I wasn't there (in the delivery room) this time and it was killing me. Lynsee was induced so she and Devin spent all day at the hospital. Their little guy was born at about 5:30p.m. on October 26 and weighed exactly 7 lbs. They weren't sure what his name was going to be so I was super excited when I got the text and it said Mason Devin Scott. We're so happy to have another boy in the family (there's only three boys on the B side) and I love the name they chose for him.

 Bryn spent lots of time with the Grandma's. She wasn't sure what to think of her "bay bro" at first, but I get the impression she kind of likes him now. It was overwhelming for her in the beginning and was very concerned about her mommy (it didn't help that she had her flu shot the day before - she wasn't too sure about seeing a doctor after that).

 Look how cute that little face is (not mine). He hadn't even had a bath yet. I love being with a little fresh from heaven baby. I could hold him for hours.

I had to include a pic of my punk sister that looked like she just came from the salon instead of the delivery room. I couldn't believe it when she came down the hall with her baby in her arms and her hair was perfect and she still had make up on. That was never the case for me. But then again she has always been the pretty one. Ha ha. Love you, Lyns! Congrats on another perfect babe!

Cousins Day

Over UEA weekend, we decided to get all the Johnson cousins together for a photo shoot and some play time. We went to Wheeler Farm (which is one of my favorite photo locations) and had a crazy good time. I forget how little so many of the cousins are. Josh is the oldest on both sides and even though he is my little man, I'm still in denial that he is a teenager. We have 13 grandkids and one on the way (another girl coming in the Spring). 

I picked a few of my favorite shots to post on the blog. They might not be each mom's favorite of their kids, but I'm the photographer so I get to choose. He he.

 Elliot, Cameron, Noah (Ben and Stephanie)

 Emma, Erin, Joshua (Jeremiah and Aimee)

 Seth, Trey, Aiden, Sadie (Brady and Melinda)

 Hanah, Livvy, Collin (Trevor and Jenn)

*****

When we were done at Wheeler Farm, we went straight to Joel and Jamie's for Bryson's first Birthday. The kids had so much fun going from one cousin activity to another. This was seriously Emma's idea of  what "the perfect day" would be. She absolutely loves time with her cousins - and to see all of them in one day - wow.

 Emma, Kailee, Alexa, Josh, Cambree, Atley, Gauge, Erin, Bryson

Tell me he isn't adorable!! It was so fun to watch him down his cupcake and open all the gifts. He's such a cutie. Every time I put the camera up to take his picture, he would turn and smile. It doesn't take long for them to figure that out, does it? 

So that was part I of our UEA weekend. That was just the first day off so I will have to post more later.  I was pretty excited about how all the pictures turned out - especially considering I had a sinus infection and my head was killing me the whole day. Not bad, huh?

Frightmares @ Lagoon

 Lynsee, Witch A, Witch B, Me, Cari, Erin, Bryn, Emma, Witch C

We are so lucky to have such a cool favorite aunt (CARI) that takes us to Lagoon every year. We went to Frightmares two years ago and realized it's worth waiting all summer for it. It was awesome this year to have all of us there together.

Bryn was brave and went with all of us on the new ride (Barbacoa? I can't ever remember the name of it. I think Barbacoa is a Mexican place, but oh well.) and didn't exactly enjoy it. She was so cute because she was wanting to cry the whole time and didn't. She was brave and just hung on tight. When we got off, she said "I not like that one."

The girls both love the Musical Express. The boys - not so much.

Even though those are fake punkins, they do make for cute pics.

 Bryn just adores Err and can't get enough of her. I'm so glad they're bff's. And on Wednesday next week, Bryn is going to have a baby brother join their little family! We are so excited to have another babe in the fam and for Lyns to take some time off work and hang out with us!

Josh doesn't love having his picture taken, but I had to snap this one. Bryn loves Josh and usually when I see her, the first thing she says is "Where Josh?" or "Where Err?" or "Where Emm?"... Every once in a while she greets me with "Hi, Aim!" and I love it!

 Erin's favorite ride at Lagoon is the swings. I was glad to not have to squish my mama hips into one of those seats this year. I have always had to ride with her because she's so tiny. She's finally growing!! And it's awesome to have other kids ride with her. 

 The kids spook house at Lagoon is fun.. mostly 'cause the kids get a bag of goodies.

Even though it was cold and rainy, Cari was willing to live up to her name and go on a few "big" rides with the "big" kids. We took Erin on the white roller coaster and that pretty much ruined it for her. She was done with rides after that. I don't think I realized how freaking rickety it is. Time to fix that ole thing up. Sheesh.

I ended up with so many great pictures from this day! I love hangin' with my sisters and our families. And, that was a great way to start one of our favorite months -OCTOBER! Yay for Fall, football, Halloween, candy, family get togethers, parties, soup bowls and caramel apples!