hostess with the mostest....

fun!  That was me last Saturday (having so much fun) when we hosted the dinner before the GHS winter formal dance.  I had lots of help with the food from wonderful moms and a lot of the girls (check out these homemade goodies below courtesy of Bianca and Schae). As usual, I loved having such great teenagers in our home.  Sierra oversaw all table set-up and decor, and I wouldn't             

   have made it without her.

2012!

Great night ending with this sweet man below doing dishes and clean up.  I am a lucky gal.

Reminder

Our December has been off to a rough start. Brochitis, broken bones, etc... December 10th, and I think the house is finally decorated.  Christmas cards still haven't been sent.   I've only purchased one gift.  Ugh. Then I came across this picture I took last christmas.  One late night, I was closing up shop (the kitchen). Feeling exhausted and kind of "bah-humbug" ish.  Something caught my eye by our nativity set.  Something had been added. Our youngest child had moved her favorite ornament ( a polar bear) from the tree to a new location. 

And for just a few moments, I felt "Peace on Earth" as I was reminded of a small baby who, over 2000 years ago, brought mankind it's greatest gift.

yep, broken.

Thanksgiving 2008
Drew:
Day One-trips and lands with his face on a propane tank (he's bruised, nothing seems to be broken)
Day Two-is thrown from a horse and has to take a trip to Prescott's ER (arm does seem to be broken)

After I explain to ER nurse what happened to his face, and then his arm, she turns to Drew and says

     Drew, do you feel safe at home?

Drew (age 11) responds

      Uh, yea? 

Yep, one of those kind of "mother moments"!  Luckily, CPS did not show up.

FORWARD...

Last night Drew heads out the door for lacrosse practice.  Forty five minutes later he calls me.
 Mom, can you come get me?  I hit sholders with another guy and heard a "pop".

Drew (far right)-lacrosse camp last summer.

I call our good friend Dr. Duane.  He meets us, checks it out and recommends we go to the ER (thinks his collar bone is broken)
We get to the ER.  X-rays, pain meds, docs conclusion...
Yep, broken.
So, Drew is super bummed (the season started last Saturday).  I am super sad (thinking about everything he can't do now-lacrosse, guitar, the snowboard trip Gregg had already planned).
I am sitting there (silently) trying to think of something positive to say when Drew remarks,
Well, at least they didn't ask me if I felt safe at home.
Seriously LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  that kid.

hourglass

How I seriously felt on Monday night.....

                                                                How Sadie felt...

her college apps were due the next day.  I am a total "first timer" in this department.  If you haven't experienced this whole process yet....start early.  

 But hey, after we hit this button....instant relief....

                                                                 for the teenager....
                                              

   .....and the mom. 

 But not really. Because it's one step closer to graduation.  Grains of sand.   Please slow down.

in pictures

Crazy day yesterday.  More on that tomorrow.  Here is our holiday weekend through my camera lense.  Amazing time and my heart was filled with "thanksgiving".

Justen, Gentry and Jenny celebrated a birthday.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011