Being with them.
Playing with them.
Wrestling with them.
OK, I guess we also enjoy eating with them.
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.
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. 
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.
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--
...when the home teachers are here? 
The pose at the beach.
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!
I love that my kids walk. Walk to church. Walk to mutual. Walk to school. Walk home from school. Elementary and Junior High. Walk in the sunshine. Walk in the rain. Walk in the snow. Call it unfair, and sometimes they do, but they just walk no matter the weather. I love that it gives them a little bit of exercise. I love that they have a little bit of time while they are walking home to unwind and release some energy. I love that they can socialize, not only with other neighbor kids, but with each other. I just love that they are out in this beautiful world no matter what mother nature is throwing at them. Oh, and I guess I love that it's one less place I have to chauffeur them around to. Yep, walking to school, one of my favorite things, for sure!
At Tyler's age they put together their own teams, so this team of 'Tree Huggers" are some of his closest friends. They had a blast and Tyler was awesome.
Brandon had a great season and was also on a team named the "Tree Hugger Juniors" Don't even ask. I have no idea. He was in his glory, he could play football all year long.
I didn't get a picture of Bryson's whole team, but I did get several of him and his, oh so handsome, coach. Bryce had some great plays and several amazing touchdowns!
