The Dragon Party (part 1)

For Ethan's 6th birthday party, we were planning on recycling an old spiderman party I did years ago for Brandon. He was fine with that, but I really wasn't. About a week before his birthday I, for whatever reason, was thinking about the movie, "How to Train a Dragon." I really liked it and thought it might be fun to do a party based on that movie. I ran it by Ethan, he liked the idea and his "How to Train a Dragon" party was born.


Ethan thought it appropriate to wear his dragon shirt to his dragon party!

As the boys, or dragon trainers, were arriving they were each given 2 balloons a red and a black, which they were told were rare dragon eggs. They couldn't let their dragon eggs touch the ground. They could have done it for hours, but the training had to begin.

They were then informed that before they could train a dragon they had to be familiar with fire, since most dragons breath fire. So they had to practice jumping over it. They went around and around jumping over this fire (courtesy of our ward cub scout troop). I loved when they started doing little tricks like spinning and flicking their feet. They were really serious about it. On their last attempt they had to do it with their eyes closed.

They then had to go into the basement and learn how to dodge fireballs. They chose a shield and then Brandon, my fire ball maker, hurled multiple fire balls at them. After they succeeded at this task they were taught how to calm a dragon or how to put one to sleep. They had to sing happy birthday to you very quietly. It really is the only thing that works they were told. They practiced singing in several times. They were now ready to receive their dragons. The excitement was palpable.

They were shuffled into the mudroom where the dragon lady was waiting. One by one she picked the perfect dragon for each boy. Their eyes were wide each time she went into the bathroom to get a dragon because there was a lot of banging around as she wrestled the dragons out and handed them to their trainers.

Dragon party (part 2)

Here are the brave trainers with their new dragons. They then had to name their dragons.

Meet:

Three headed cool dragon, Blue, Fiery, Glow up, Goldy and Chuck.

(what do you expect, they're 6!)

The dragon than had to be trained how to walk. They were carefully placed on a streamer by their trainer and walked around the floor several times.


Then the dragons had to learn how to fly. They were carefully tossed into baskets.

My favorite part was feeding time. The trainers had to search in the living room for a plastic egg. Inside their egg was what their dragon would eat. Whatever was in their egg they had to feed to their dragon and then go and get the bowl with their dragon food from the dragon lady.

They then divided up the food with the other trainers. The dragons ate fish, peanuts, worms, bears, dirt balls and humans (gasp!). They all went away with a dragon food bag filled with the treats.

Then they had to walk around in a circle holding two of their dragon's eggs on two spoons. If the eggs fell they had to start again.

(It's almost over, really!)

Dragon party (the final part, I promise)

We had to pause and feed the hungry trainers. The dragons were invited to the table, but didn't need to be fed, since they had just eaten. The boys ate fire cupcakes and drank dragon's blood. I then told them all about dragon lairs and how dragons liked to steal and hide treasures in their lairs. Sadly, a dragon had stolen their treasure bags and they were given clues to find the lair to hopefully retrieve their treasures.

The last clue led them to the dreaded lair of the most fierce dragon ever known. And sure enough their goody bags were right there where he slept.

As they attempted to get their bags the dragon awoke and their were some viscous attacks, but I reminded the trainers that they had been taught and knew how to calm a dragon. (At this point my darling nephew was overheard in the corner giving himself a pep-talk "OK, this is going to be scary, but I can do it, I know what to do!") They all started to sing happy birthday really quietly and what do know, it worked. That fierce dragon crawled back into his lair and fell right asleep.

The trainers were victorious! And the party was a true test where only the bravest survived! We had a blast!

(What did I used to do before I had teenagers to help me with these parties?)

Thoughts

*Kara gave the prayer at a Regional Fireside with a General Authority, Neil A. Anderson. It was held in the Tabernacle where there was standing room only and broadcast into an overflowing Stake Center. I wasn't there, but heard she did a great job. She was nervous. The next day at school some random guy (who by the way, she says was cute) came up to her and asked for her phone number. Apparently, he made a bet with a friend that he would ask out the girl who said the prayer at the fireside. Funny what happens when you pray!

*Ashlyn informed me that after Christmas she would become a big girl. She said she will stop sucking her thumb and wear panties. We'll see about that. It would truly be a Christmas miracle if it actually happened. Please let there be a Christmas miracle.

*Ethan is totally reading. He brings home those little beginner books and reads and re-reads them over and over again. He is very proud and so am I. He was, however, very upset after reading one of the books where a pet dog is left on a bus. He said, "that was the saddest book I ever read in my whole life!" Luckily, for Ethan, and the pet dog, he was reunited with his owner at the end of the book. Thank goodness for happy endings.

*Last week at church our family pew was pretty empty. I looked around the chapel and found my 14 year old sitting by the door, ushering and handing out programs, my 12 year old passing the sacrament and my 16 year old up on the stand playing the organ. I feel so blessed to belong to a church where we are taught to serve so early in our youth. I felt even more blessed that my kids were worthy and willing to do so.

*I got my hair done this week. Nothing new, just a cut and some highlights. Well, I have never received so many compliments. Everyone kept telling me how great my hair looked- family, friends, strangers (no, not really strangers, but they might as well have been). I came to the conclusion that it wasn't so much my new "do" that was so great, but that my old one was really bad. I kept telling everyone thanks, but I would look just the same as I did last week when I did my hair myself. I just don't have time to blow dry and flat iron my hair for hours each day like my hairdresser does. I just don't. So, sorry to everyone who thought I looked absolutely beautiful, but the ugly old fashioned "do" is just going to have to do! Like it or not, Mark, the claw is coming back!

*I am grateful for the Winco candy bins, and here is why. This last week alone, this is what I had to send to school with my kids: 25 candies for a Christmas countdown calendar. Candy corn for a Thanksgiving project (preferably brown candy corn). Birthday treats for my 6 year old. Treats for 2 separate Thanksgiving feasts, one in the second grade and one in kindergarten. And trinkets or treats to be traded at the 4th grade Mountain Man Rendezvous! That is a lot of treats for 1 week. Luckily, I can go to the bins and get exactly the number and color that I need. Winco, I am thankful for you this week!

*So there was this huge blizzard warning this week. It was huge- the warning, that is. They were cancelling schools. They were cancelling surgeries. They were cancelling concerts. They were urging everyone to leave work early and get home. They told everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary, and if you had to go out to bring blankets, food, and water in your car. I was expecting to be snowed in my house for days. I went to the grocery store that day along with the rest of the state. In my defense, it was my regular shopping day. I felt a little panicked as I was pushing my cart through the crowded store, but was a little more relaxed after I got my shopping done and all of my little chickies were home in my nest. And then we waited. And waited. And waited. There was some wind, a skiff of snow, and some pretty cold temps, but that was it. It was the dumbest blizzard I have ever been in. But one thing it did do was again make me think "how ready am I? How is my food storage? Do I have enough medication to take care of my family?" When things like this happen (like the swine flu scare, earthquakes around the world, and dumb blizzards) it always makes me grateful I have followed the counsel of our leaders and have tried to be prepared. It also makes me even more determined to get even more ready. One of these days I am going to depend on that preparation. I just know it!

*I have a few thoughts about sickness, because we have had a lot of it in our house this week. We have had strep throat, a nasty cold, pink eye, and the vomiting flu all going around in our family. It was lovely. The worst part is, I got sick. It's never easy when mom is down. As I was saying my prayers on the night I was sick, I started to pray that nobody else would get sick...and then I stopped. A thought came to me that I really couldn't pray that nobody would get sick, because we were going to get sick. It is a part of life. Has anyone really gone through their whole life without being sick? And then I realized that being sick served several purposes. Being sick makes us stronger, by helping our bodies to form antibodies and to help us fight off things later, and most importantly, being sick makes us appreciate being well. As I laid in bed all day feeling sick to my stomach, I had to turn my head when food commercials came on TV, I thought about Christmas and how awful it would be if you couldn't eat or be up and around and I was grateful. I felt grateful that this sickness wouldn't last forever. I felt grateful that my body can fight sickness. I felt grateful that in a few days I would be back to normal and would be able to watch food commercials and eat Christmas treats. I just felt grateful. Truly there must needs be opposition in all things. I have a stronger testimony of that now. It all sounds kind of silly right now, but at the time as I was laying in bed hour after hour it had a profound impact on me and I needed to jot it down somewhere. And so here is where it was jotted.

*We had 2 family baby blessings this week. They were wonderful. I am so thankful for all of these sweet little nieces and nephews that are coming to our family. I love them and my kids adore them. It was a great weekend filled with family, family, and more family. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

*Christmas is practically here. I still haven't started my Christmas cards. Help me!

Our little turkey is 6!

When you have a baby around Thanksgiving it makes you reflect a lot about how thankful you are for the miracle of life and that sweet person that has come to your family. For 6 years I have been so thankful that Ethan is mine, that he is healthy and happy, and that he is who he is and not the little girl I thought he was. This year his birthday fell on black Friday, just like it did that wonderful day 6 years ago when he came to our family.

I am thankful for those big brown eyes. They shine and sparkle and they help him get away with more than he should because they are just so darn cute! I am thankful for his cute voice when he says, "yes mother!" I am thankful he is so excited about learning and is doing so well in kindergarten. I am thankful he has energy and loves to run and play soccer and wrestle. I am thankful he doesn't get up in the middle of the night anymore.

I am thankful he loves to play games, and is such a good playmate for Ashlyn while everyone else is at school. I am thankful he does his chores each Saturday with only minimal assistance and reminding. I am thankful he goes to Primary and is able to report each Sunday what he has learned. I am thankful that he really does try to choose the right.

I am thankful we got to go to Pirate Island for his birthday lunch and that he didn't seem to mind that I spent the whole morning of his birthday shopping with the rest of the world. I am thankful that he loves me so much and tells me often. I am thankful for the quiet mornings we have together to read books. I am thankful. Just so thankful that Heavenly Father trusted me with this wonderful little boy and that I get to watch him grow for many more Thanksgivings to come.

Happy Birthday Eto.

I love you!

Thankful

For our family, Thanksgiving is about much more than the food.

It is mostly about family.

Being with them.

Playing with them.

Wrestling with them.

OK, I guess we also enjoy eating with them.

Just as long as we're with "them" it's a perfect holiday for us.

This year was no exception.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Travis, how did you get in almost every picture?)

Tradition Tuesday-Turkey Cookies

I have been making these turkey cookies since my freshman year at BYU. That is a long time. We made them one night for Homemaking (it was called that back then) and I liked them. They were cute and easy, just my style. I remember making them for my family when I came home for Thanksgiving that year. So I guess you can say that I started this tradition with just myself, myself and some chocolate covered cherries and it has definitely stood the test of time. I have made these cookies every year since, and my kids wouldn't consider it Thanksgiving without our cute little turkey friends.

First we gather all of our ingredients. Plain sugar cookies, fudge stripe cookies, chocolate covered cherries, candy corn, white frosting and green food coloring. I saw off a little of the fudge stripe cookies to make a flat bottom and then we get to work.

Even my littlest can assemble these treats. And they love doing it. You put some green frosting on the sugar cookie (the originals had green tinted coconut on the frosting, but my kids didn't like coconut so over the years we just eliminated it and used green tinted frosting.) You put on the striped feathers, stick in the cherry and using a dab of frosting put on the beak. Done!

We then put our finished product on some festive plates and choose the families we will deliver them to on the night beforeThanksgiving.

A close up of the gobblers!

After the deliveries we of coarse, have to eat the ones we saved for ourselves. That's definitely a part of this tradition, this tradition that has been around longer than any of my 7 cute little turkeys, a tradition that I think will be around for many more years to come.

A boy and his....

...turtle.

This is Brandon's pet turtle, Bilbo, otherwise known as Turd. He has been in our family for almost a year now. How he came to Brandon is a small miracle. He really wanted a turtle. I mean really, really wanted a turtle. When he found out that they were at least $100 he started saving his money, every last cent. This was slow going. He went to pet stores and found one turtle that was only $50 because it had issues. I had to put my foot down on that one. The last thing I needed was a turtle with issues (what in the world can a turtle have issues about? I didn't want to find out).

Brandon was getting desperate and and after writing a very long persuasive essay at school decided to put it on his Christmas list. I told the kids I was pretty sure that Santa did not deliver reptiles. They remained hopeful. About 1 week before Christmas, Brandon was telling someone at recess about the desires of his heart to get turtle. Someone happened to overhear the conversation and said, "Hey there is a kid in my class giving away his turtle." Brandon found this kid, got his number, and raced home from school to tell me. He placed a phone call and we were on our way to check it out. I told him it was doubtful this was real, that it was the kind of turtle he wanted, that the kids mom knew what was going on, and that it was free. Ten minutes later we were walking out of there with a turtle, an aquarium, and one very happy boy.

Bilbo had been neglected. He had been living in a place much too small for a turtle of his size. His water dish was bone dry. The previous owner didn't feed him much and got rid of him because he wanted him to have a better home. I felt sorry for Bilbo, and secretly pledged in my heart that he would be taken care of in our home. And he has been. It was a good thing he was free, because it cost me almost $100 to upgrade his living conditions to include a bathing station and heat lamp and get him a physical, which is a whole nother story in itself. He is happy now. He eats lettuce, bananas, pears, and apples and he bathes himself every day.

He is an easy pet and I like him.

I just do, my little Turd.

The end.

I LOVE...

LOVE
LOVE

the FALL!

(and my beautiful girls)

THAT'S ALL!

Thoughts on a Sunday

*I was informed by my 5 year old that bald men can have ponytails. He then proceeded to tell me all about how it was actually possible. He described what it looked like and everything. He was very interested and informed on the subject. I have no idea where he got his information or when he last saw a bald man with a ponytail. But, perhaps it will come in handy for his dad, who just might need his tips in the years to come.



*Is it just me or do Halloween candy wrappers multiply. They are literally ALL over my house. And it seems as if I am the only one to even think about throwing them away. At least breeding season is almost over I think. The kids bags are looking pretty picked over. Thank goodness.



*Brandon was scouring the pantry the other morning looking for a little debbie brownie. When he discovered that there weren't any left he was disappointed saying, "now what am I going to trade!" I had to clarify. You trade your food? Did anyone know that trading in school cafeterias really happens? Brandon claims he can trade for anything with a little debbie brownie. That surprises me. They are cheap and disgusting. Who would want to trade for one and what in the world is Brandon getting for his golden brownies. I must investigate further.



*I am typing this entry on my new laptop. My sweet husband, who takes such good care of me, bought me a new computer so I can blog and do stuff in bed or wherever I want to. I like to think it's because he loves me so, but it also might have to do with the fact that several weeks ago I stormed into his office and said "I need another computer NOW!!" You see, with 3 kids in the house who do most of their homework on the computer (actually 5 kids do homework on the computer now. Did you know they now have sites recommended by the teachers to practice spelling on?) anyways, with 5 kids fighting over the computer every night, I could never get on for very important things like blogging and such. Well, my sweet pea solved our little dilemma. Now the kids fight over who gets to type their report, or look up information, or get on spelling city.com and I peacefully sit up in my bed and blog away. I am spoiled, I know!



*I made a realization the other day. I was sitting on the couch and I realized that I had never heard Bryson yell. Never. I racked my brain for even a small memory of him raising his voice. I couldn't find one. I asked Kara who was sitting there, if she remembered ever hearing him yell. She couldn't either. This couldn't be. I found Tyler and asked him, his answer was the same, nope he had never heard him yell. I don't know if another child in the whole world exists who hasn't yelled once. He is not perfect, he gets upset, he cries, but he just never yells. He is a phenomenon. He is a prodigy. He is my sweet quiet little guy. I love him! (I'm pretty sure he gets it from me!)



*I discovered Raspberry cheesecake hot chocolate this week. Yum-o! It is a new favorite!

*Trevor and I had two hot dates this week. Our first was at Roundtable. We sat snuggled side by side in our matching Scout shirts. It was very romantic. Our second was at the Worldwide Leadership training meeting. For two hours we sat in the chapel together, holding hands as we looked over our new handbooks. With as busy as our weeks get, I am grateful for any dates we can get, as long as I'm with him, I don't care where it is! (But hopefully next weeks date will involve some food!)

*It is official. My son is an Eagle Scout. Of coarse, I will do a huge post on this major accomplishment later, but it was definitely worth mentioning here. It was a lot of work, for both of us. One down. Three to go!


*My sister and her beautiful children are in town. That makes me happy!



Until next week

Preference

I think I was almost as excited as Kara to help host the pre-Preference dinner for her, her date, and 5 other couples. I love a good party. As she was out on her day date, Trevor and I got the room and table ready. We removed part of the couch, moved and extended the table, decorated the table better than any restaurant could ever do (thanks to Linda), turned on the fire and mood music, and dimmed the lights. It looked beautiful, if I do say so myself.
The couples arrived and the picture taking began. I was taking so many pictures with other cameras I didn't get any really good ones with my own, but this is the whole group. The were so cute and fun and polite. I loved having them in my home.

The girls had brought all the food. After the guys were seated the girls came upstairs to serve their dates. The menu: Chicken cordon bleu, rice pilaf, green salad, homemade rolls with honey butter, and brownies and ice cream for dessert. It was cute to see them serve the guys, but Trevor and I had to help most of them down the stairs with their plates because they were afraid they would trip on their long dresses. That would not have been good.

They ate and talked and laughed. And then before we knew it they were done and ready to move on to the next, even more exciting part of their magical night- the dance. They all came upstairs to get ready to leave. I wanted to go with them to be a fly on the wall for the rest of their date. Trevor said no. I think Kara was relieved.

We were sad to see them go. Especially these little ones. Alyssa and Ashlyn couldn't believe the beautiful dresses and that their big sister, their idol, was wearing one too. They were allowed to come down to see the grand exit, the final swish of the dresses as they went out into the cold. After the dance, when we got the rundown of the whole day, Kara reported that it had been a perfect day. I was so happy to be a part of it and hope there are many many more of these in the years to come. They are welcome anytime.

My favorite things- quotes, sayings and scriptures!

Some may like to call me a brain washer. And maybe I am. But when you're brainwashing about good things is it really that bad? I like to put different quotes up around my house to help motivate, inspire or just brighten my kids day. Here are just a few of them:

When I was a young adult I saw this on someones door as I was leaving their house and it had a powerful impact on me. I remember thinking, yes, every time you walk out the door you are in the mission field and you need to act accordingly. I made a mental note that I would put that same sign in my house someday. And I did. And it still has an impact on me every time I leave my house each day.

I read this in a New Era article and again was moved. I wanted my kids to see it and be reminded of it daily. I felt it was applicable to the times and what my kids may be facing each day.

This is just on the refrigerator in my basement where my teenagers hang out. Simple, yet meaningful.

This is my favorite. The scripture for which I hope my children can base all their decisions and their lives. Building on a sure foundation. Building their lives and everything they do around their Savior. With a promise that if they do they will not fall, no matter what is thrown at them. I love it and hope they read it often, I know I do. It gives me hope. These quotes inspire me. They motivate me. They are powerful to me. And my hope is that even if one of them touches one of my children in some way--

than all my brainwashing was worth it!

How many kids can you fit on a couch...

...when the home teachers are here?

Almost all of mine if you are at our house. Let's just say it doesn't make for a reverent afternoon. Alyssa was the only one missing. She was daintily sitting on the piano bench listening intently I'm sure.

Home teachers-one of the many blessings in our families lives!

We're thankful for ours!

Thoughts on a Sunday or Monday or whenever!

*This has been the first week without sports games and practices. And even though we had YW in Excellence, Pack Meeting, Pack Planning Meeting, and 3 parties, it has been glorious!



*I was trying to fall asleep the other night and I felt a little tickle on my head. I reached up to itch it and felt something. I kept my fingers on it and carefully turned on the light. It was an earwig! An EARWIG crawling in my hair in my bed! Sick! I was disgusted, and no, I didn't sleep well that night!



*For the longest time Ashlyn will ask to have her paint nails done. She is constantly asking for Kara or me to paint nails her nails. It has been cute. Yesterday, before church she came up with a little bottle of hot pink polish she got at a party the day before. She really wanted her nails done before church. So she asked, "Mom, will you please put paint nolish on me?" Even cuter!



*Speaking of parties, Ashlyn went to 2 birthday parties this week, back to back. One on Friday and another on Saturday. She was thrilled. I think she's a 3 year old pop!



*I don't totally know what I'm doing for my Christmas cards. Usually by this time of year I practically have them done. Help me!



*I forgot to write last week that while we were trick or treating my older boys decided they were tired of saying trick or treat. I guess it was just too long and difficult to say. So they decided to save themselves some energy and just said "TOT" when they went up to the door. Laziness to its extreme! After having their fun at a few houses, getting some quizzical looks, I made them go back to actually saying "trick or treat" I'm sure it exhausted them.



*Brandon was student of the week last week at his school. He's a great kid. That's all.



*I love how much Ashlyn loves books. She just really loves books. I read to her everyday and then multiple times a day I find her up in the hall by the library basket or in her room sitting by the bookshelf with books all around her. She carefully turns each page and "reads" out loud to herself. It is amazing how good her reading comprehension is because she can practically recite the whole book word for word after just hearing it once. She is not only a pop, she is a brilliant pop.



*The other night as I was reading Little House on the Prairie Ashlyn interrupted and said, "Mom, pause it, I need a drink." It's not the first time my kids have asked me to 'pause it' while reading a book. A sign of the times they live in I guess.



*Alyssa wrote me the sweetest note the other day. She told me how much she loved me and listed some of the great things I do. At the very end of this tender note she wrote, "you're the BEAST mom ever!" Trevor laughed and laughed. I like to think she meant to write best. Trevor thinks she knew exactly what she was writing and that sometimes I can be a beast of a mom. I'm going to go with my guess. My sweet Alyssa isn't capable of calling me a beast, even if I can be one sometimes. And now this beast must sign off.



Until next week!

Strike a Pose!

When the camera comes out so does Ashlyn's pose.

She made it up.

She thinks it's cute.

She does it all the time.

The pose at the beach.

The pose at Gardener Village.

The pose on Halloween.

The pose even comes out when others are in the picture. It just doesn't matter. The pose is important. The pose needs to be seen. I'm going to make her do this pose on her wedding day. I really am, because I want to remember the pose and the cute little girl behind the pose forever and ever!