Ward Christmas Brunch

Just waiting for the "food's ready" announcement.
Little Macahl hanging out with us.
Jyson singing with the Primary kids (sitting next to cute Ali, his friend).
We finally got to chat with Santa at the very end. Of course Jyson had long since figured out who he was.
Bring on the Christmas festivities...

The drummer boy, Mario, & the wishbone

Jake is the drummer boy. He LOVES his drums and he's quite good at them as well. This photo is from his Christmas band concert. A few days later he performed at the Senior Ball Assembly, dressed as Mario. He was inspired by this video.
(I tried to load the video but it's over 4 min & wouldn't load.)

Remember the wishbone? They finally broke it the other night. Ready, set, go...
Check out Jyson's face. LOVE IT!!!
Hope your wish comes true Jake!

Before I move on past Thanksgiving...

There have been several moments in the recent weeks when I've just felt incredibly grateful for little moments in my life.

* Jyson is still willing to sit on my lap and snuggle occasionally. Oh how I love those moments. No one can tell me that you have to birth a child to love him with all your heart.

* I have failed to mention that Jake moved in with us 2 months ago. That's the first time he's lived with John since he was 4 years old. It's been a great experience for us. Two weeks ago Jake asked if we could read scriptures together in the morning. Of course you say YES to that. That's John's only time to exercise so it's usually just Jake and I. (Did I mention that on M/W/F we read at 5:20 so Jake can go to early morning Seminary at 6:20? T/TH we read at 6:20.) Very cool experience.

* Last Sunday, during Fast & Testimony Meeting, Jake got up and bore his testimony. Jyson, then convinced a friend to go up with him and he bore his testimony. After that, 10 more youth, including 2 of my young women got up to bear their testimonies. What a powerful meeting. Ah, the youth of Zion...

* And finally, I am grateful for a darling 3 year old girl in our ward who comes and sits with me every Sunday, all through Sacrament Meeting. Her name is Macahl and she has adopted me as her Sunday mom. It is so sweet. She sits on my lap while I draw her a picture of a princess. She's super happy if she can use my "lipstick" and have a piece of mint gum. She loves Jyson, Jake, & John and always asks about them if they're not there. Her mother always thanks me but I'm very thankful to her for sharing her beautiful daughter with me.

Turkey Day 2010

This year we hosted the Thanksgiving Feast at our house. We had some of John's family over.
This was the younger crowd, at least that's where John & I still believe we fit.
Jyson & his cousin Zack.
After everyone left, we had a little rest on the couch.
Time to break the wishbone...except we didn't wait long enough so it didn't break. They'll do it today.
Of course we're very grateful to have such wonderful families. Of course we ate too much. Of course we had great conversations before, during, & after the meal. Of course we played a fun game after dinner. Isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about?!