Happy Thanksgiving

The back up turkey breast on the rotisserie.  We brined it with this citrus recipe and it was YUMMY.

The big bird being smoked.  It was also super tender.

Enchanted Rock.  Unfortunately only Diane, Fernando and Josh made it to the top.

The reason the rest of us didn't make it to the top.  He got 4 stitches in the same arm he got 5 stitches in last time.

Enchanted Rock.  They have fun caves here to explore also.  We will have to go back..

Eating GIANT corn dogs in Fredricksburg. 

Eating at the Mighty cone.  Everyone loved their food. 

It was Very unique.

This year I forgot to ask everyone at the table to tell what they are thankful for.  I did ask the boys earlier and here are just a few.

Trevor- My warm bed, video games, my teacher,family, and friends.
Josh- My family, and underware without itchy tags ;).
Gavin- Mom's cooking.  (this one made me laugh because the kid doesn't eat anything.) Bluey (his stuffed dog) and his green blanket.

I'm grateful for a nice home, for warm weather, Ryan's happiness in his job and the success he has in it and   most of all a loving family, and my savior.

As for Ryan I'll have to ask him what he's most grateful for.   He's out of town this week.  I'm sure he's grateful that he got to go back to Seattle with business and spend some time with his family. 


I didn't take many pictures as well my camera battery died.  That's the story of my life I usually forget the stupid card or never have the battery charged.  But here are a few highlights of our holiday.

Diane and Fernando came down from Houston to celebrate with us.  I'm so glad we have some family close by.  It was pretty low key and very relaxing to have them in our house.  They both love to cook and Diane was always helpful with the cleaning up which I very much appericiated :).  Not to mention the didn't complain when we ate Turkey the whole time they were here.

We had the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with yummy sweet potato's and apples, apple salad, rolls, green bean casserole, and two turkeys.  I think I forgot a few items but you get the idea.  Yes I said Two turkeys.  Ryan went a little crazy :).

Then Friday we decided to go to Fredrickburg a place I've always wanted to go.  It's such a cute little town.  But I think I'll go back when it's peach season that's what they are famous for.  And Peaches are my all time favorite fruit.

Then we went to the Enchanted rock to go on a little hike.  Like every holiday that we decide to leave the house and venture out we ended the night in the Insta care.  This time it was Trevor getting 4 stitches.  In the same elbow he got them in last time.  Poor kid got knocked clear out falling on the hike.  Freaked me out seeing him passed out like that.  But the good news I faint all the time so I knew what to do.   Poor kid it really scared him.

Then Saturday we went down town Austin to hit up the trailers yummy food.  We went to the cone place The mighty cone.  The food was really good. Then we went to a CRAZY candy place.  The kids were in Heaven.  Any candy you could think of was there.

Later we came home and everyone watched the BYU/UTAH game.  It was fun to have fans of both schools watch the game together.  I just napped.  I'm not much of a football fan but I don't mind others watching it ;).

It was a very peaceful fun week.  I love Thanksgiving and I'm so grateful that Diane and Fernando could come and share this day with us.

School activities and some cute cupcakes.

We had a fun church activity where a very talented woman came in and showed us how to make these super yummy and fun cupcakes.  I STINK at piped frosting no matter how hard I try I always fail.  It's my demise!!   So knowing that I made these and they actually turned out Cute I was  so happy.  But notice my pumpkin didn't have leaves.  I only did a little vine again the fear of the piping bag got me!!!

 Gavin had a Thanksgiving program and Feast at his preschool.  He was so excited to show me his Turkey  hat he made.  They also made cute little place mats that he was pretty proud of. 

Only problem is when it came time to sing my super outgoing LOUD child decided he was shy and didn't sing at all.  He just stood there hiding behind all the kids.   The feast was well a flop.  I should of known when I was asked to bring NASTY FRUIT COCKTAIL what I was getting into.  But hey it's the thought that counts and Wendy's is super close by.  Nothing a frosty can't fix right .

 Then Josh had a Thanksgiving day reading.  The kids put on a "kind of play" But they got to read their lines instead of just acting them out.  Josh was a narrator and had some pretty big words that he practiced for a week.  I was super proud he  pronounced everything perfectly.

I had to take Gavin with me and he was a NIGHTMARE.  While the kids were reading he put both of his thumbs down and yelled "BOOOOOOOOOOOO"  I was so embarrassed and mad.  Where did he learn that?  All the kids started giggling of course which only encouraged Gavin's bad behavior..  I swear sometimes my kids can be quite the stinkers.

Now we have a 3 day weekend and are prepping for the big Turkey day.  My main oven and dishwasher broke and the repair man came out today.  Well the bad news is the oven still isn't fixed and now needs even more parts and the dish washer is working but is very fragile as we are waiting for the bottom tray.  It's a good thing  that Diane and Fernando are super understanding, and amazing helpers in the kitchen. 

A thankful heart is a happy heart.

I love Thanksgiving and how it helps you take the time to think about the things that you are most thankful for in your life.  I don't think I tell Ryan enough how thankful I am for him. 

When we started dating I wasn't in a very good place.  School was super hard for me, it was the 1st time I was away from my family and I had just gotten out of a not so healthy relationship.  Needless to say my self esteem wasn't much of anything.  Ryan would always say. "we need to reprogram your way of thinking."  He would always encourage me to do my best, and help me through my tough times.  He believed in me the way I didn't believe in myself and always encouraged me to dream of what I wanted for my life.

I'm so grateful that he still encourages me when I feel like I've failed as a parent, or overwhelmed with all that I have on my plate. I get so wrapped up in helping everyone else that he makes me stop and take time for myself.  He's always giving me little nudges to step out of my comfort zone and achieve things I never thought possible.

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing husband.  Not only is he great at being here for me but he is a amazing example to my children.  Having all boys it's so important to have their dad be a good roll model.  If my kids end up being anything like my husband, loyal, hardworking, caring, loving and trustworthy.  I'll know that we succeed in raising them right. 

I feel so blessed right now being surrounded by this amazing family Ryan and I have created.  At times it's OVERWHELMING and super scary to know I'm in charge of these little boys.  But I couldn't be more happier having Ryan as my partner.  Although we are not perfect, we try our best and love each other and these 3 little boys deeply.  Love gets your through alot of tough times.  And I'm so grateful that we have such a loving family.

I can't wait to celebrate the holidays with my family and I'm so grateful that Ryan's sister and husband live close enough to us that we can celebrate with them.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Family pictures

 I love how Gavin is waving here.  And what's up with my button on my pants poking out my shirt?  Guess I shouldn't of got pants that were too big for me. But I didn't want them to tight in the picture. UGH

 

Trevor Age 10.  He's getting super big

 I absolutely adore that Josh has his arm around Gavin.  That's how it usually is.  He's always protecting his little brother.

 Joshua age 7

Gavin age 3 almost 4

 Thank you lip plumper for giving me some kind of a lip. I love Ryan's smirk in this picture. 

 My 3 sons. 

 Gavin has the most amazing eyes.  Love his long eyelashes.

It's no secret that I HATE getting my picture taken.  But I love having a current family portrait.  I always look so awkward and I still feel super chunky.   But it's about the kids and how fast they grow.  We were all sweaty at the end. Who would of thunk in Oct. we'd be super hot.  But Katie does such an amazing job I was super glad that she was willing to take our picture. It's a near impossible  to get all 3 boys to smile at the same time, not to mention hold still long enough to get a decent picture.  So I was SUPER happy with the results.  Thanks again Katie for the amazing pictures I love them. 

Halloween 2010

Happy Halloween!!!  What a great event it was this year. 

On Sat. the 23rd  we went to a Great couples party and had so much fun.  Ryan was Wheres waldo and I was Waldo's girl friend Wenda.  (she is in the new books.)  The host did such a good job.  It was fun to meet new people and hang out with our dear friends.

On Thursday the 28th  Gavin had a pre-school party that I got to help out with. He refused to wear his costume. I liked seeing how he interacted with the other kids that he had never met before in his class. He's so sweet and helpful.   I was so so glad. after the Karate chopping incident. :).

On Friday the 29th.  We went to our Neighborhood Halloween party. (We didn't take one picture here)  Trevor was invited to another friends party at Main Even rock climbing so we invited Josh's friend Cole to come join us.   After the party they came home made pizza, and watched the Karate kid.  I just couldn't do a scary movie for Josh.  After the little monsters situation last year where I slept on his floor for 3 months.  




Then Saturday the 30th we got ready for our Ward Trunk or Treat party.
I made Oreo cupcakes, pumpkin woopie pies and sugar cookies.  It was a sugar filled night that's for sure.

 My cute Crayon.  He finally put on his costume once he got his pumpkins and realized he got Candy if he wears it :). Nothing like bribing your kids.  Funny thing is once he got it on he didn't want to take it off.

 Josh LOVES the FBI this costume was so fitting.

 And my Zombie.  Trevor has to be something creepy. 

Getting ready to go the party.  With Trevor's friend Patrick.

The whole Fam.  I felt so STUPID at the ward party hardly any adults dressed up.  A bunch of party poopers I say!!  But the party was great they always have a carnival for the kids and this year they had a few bounce houses so Gavin was in HEAVEN..

The sad part is we didn't go Trick or Treating.  We all felt it was best and because we made the decision together they were quite the troopers. I'm SUPER proud of my boys.  They  didn't  even complain.  We got TONS of candy the night before and they were handing it out to the kids in fist fulls.  They really liked giving away the candy I was very impressed with them.  Good thing we wont have to worry about that again for 7 more years. 



Happy 4th B-day Gavin.

Gavin's 4 already.  I can barley stand it!!!  He was so confused on when his birthday was as we celebrated so many times.  1st  we wanted to celebrate on Saturday as a family so we took Gavin to the park to play then to Cracker barrel for his favorite French toast. He loves that place. 

He was scared to swing by himself so I tried to swing with him like I did when he was a baby.  He was way to big.  Clearly he's not a baby anymore.

 So we tried the tire swing.  I learned my lesson in UT. to not spin the kids.  I guess when you learn a lesson the hard way it's one you'll never forget.  Good thing there was no PUKING this time around.

Yes Trevor was tired and spent most of his time at the park wishing he was out with his friends.

Present time.  He got a marble tower, games, hide and seek monkey, a vet kit and a car wash.  Thanks so much grandma and grandpa's for the fun toys too.

 For some reason we only got a picture of Josh by the cake.  He was more excited about the cake then Gavin was. Red velvet bunt cake YUM YUM!!!

 Josh loved the rock wall.  Only he got stuck.  He likes climbing up things but then is to scared to go down.

 This is a much better way for Gavin to swing.  I love that boys smile.

Monday was his real birthday so when he woke up we all sang happy Birthday to him he was so confused and said.  "I already had a birthday am I 5 today?"

So when Wed. came and we had a friend party I sure the poor kid thinks he's now 6 and is getting a party everyday. :)....

We went to Jungle Java for his friend party and the kids got nice and sweaty (they will sleep good tonight :), ate lunch and my horrible cake..  I can't believe I forgot to put the oil in it and it was SUPER dry.  Dang it you can't win them all I guess.  But the kids liked the ice cream and had a good time so that's all that matters right.

I know I say this every year but it seems like the years go by faster and faster.  It was just yesterday that my chunky baby boy was born and now he's 4 years old.  He's getting so big.  He has such a fun personality.  He's sweet and spunky all in one!!  I love this little boy so much and am so greatful to be his mom. Happy Happy birthday sweet Gavin. 

Do you want to see my trick?

When I was in the hospital recovering from Gavins birth Trevor age 6 and Josh age 3 were staying with Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins.  I was so very very grateful to live by family and have some help while trying to recover.  Ryan was getting a little stirr crazy being in the hospital with me as we had to extend the stay and he and Grandpa never missed taking the boys to the car show.  So his mom came to sit with me while Ryan and the boys went.  While they were there Ryan ran into his boss.  Our sweet little Josh introduced himself to his boss by saying.  "Do you want to see my new trick?"  and then proceeded to flip his boss off.  Ryan looked at his Dad like "what are you teaching this kid."  And Ryan's Dad was looking at him the same way.  Not to mention the boss who I'm sure was thinking we were the worst parents to teach our 3 year old to flip off adults.  All in all it was a fun experience that we had MANY chats with Josh about throughout the years.

Fast forward 3.5 years.  Yesterday Josh and Gavin were reading a book and Gavin was pointing with his middle finger.  I over heard Josh proceed to tell Gavin this story and say.  "You'll get in lots of trouble if you show people that finger,  for some reason people call it a bird I'm not sure why it doesn't look anything like a bird.  So when you point use the finger you pick your nose with."  

Gotta love that kid!!!    Not that picking your nose is any better by the way!!!  Still working on that one.