Inventory

This year I was asked to help out with the Allen Nativity Exhibit which received a loud and definitive "yes!" from me!  I have wanted to help with this event for years but the delicate possessions being put on display are not fit for tiny hands that I would have had to accompany me.  I've always been able to donate our families nativities for the event but no more. Now that the kids are both in school, I jumped at the chance.

Hundreds of volunteer hours go into this program which begins its stirrings as early as July and August.  There are people in charge of electricity, trees, inventory, setting up sections for display, food preparation and service, music, flowers (100s of poinsettias), live nativity, guides/ambassadors, advertising, community relations, clean up, and who knows what else!   I was asked to be an inventory helper.  We greet those donating their nativities and other decor items such as fabric, trees, lighting, etc. and take in their goods counting and tagging each piece as we go.  There is quite the computer program to help organize the information in case anything is ever misplaced.

On Tuesday we received HUNDREDS of nativities!  In fact 50-100 more than in any previous year!  About 650 total! Many are international or homespun and it was great to hear their owners talk about their nativities.  We were swamped with incoming exhibitors from the morning until about 8 pm.  We barely had time to grab the provided lunch and dinners.  We ate as we kept entering donations.  Luckily it slowed in the evening and were able to get caught up on things that had been put on the back burner.

It has been great to be a part of something so much bigger than the efforts of any one person and to share the love of our Savior.  I cannot wait to see it all done.  It will be open to the public, free of charge, for all of Friday and until about 6pm Saturday, when in a matter of a couple of hours no one will even know such an event took place at our church as everything will be removed to it's owner and put away until the next year.

A Little Glitz

Christmas decorations started going up the day after Thanksgiving, starting with the outdoor lights.  This is our tradition of Neal stating it will only take said period of time with the actual outcome taking double that, and Keri repeatedly and verbally praying, "Please don't die" while she assists her dear husband.  We actually have a decent time doing it and the kids have the run of the house while we are out there so everyone wins!

The rest of the inside decorating has been here a little and there a little.  Mostly because we don't want to stress about it and we are busy with other things.  This weekend it should be all ready for December.

The mother of my friend Kari treated us ladies to pedicures.  A welcomed treat always but doubly so because we got "Kari time" or "Keri time" depending on which of us you may be.  Talk about glitz!  I got Christmas red tootsies with Christmas green and silver design.  Every time I see my toes there is Christmas cheer from ear to ear!

Previous Quote of the Blog

Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t been an especially grateful person. Rejoice and think of what an impression you will make on those who thought they knew you. Think of how delightfully surprised they will be.

Be grateful....Don’t wait to start....you will feel greater joy and happiness. Your life will have a new level of meaning. --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily"

Thanksgiving Blessings

It's been fun and an adjustment to have the kids home for the whole week!  Sophie has been teaching us some fun Thanksgiving songs.  We, in particular, like this one:

I'm glad I'm not a Turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
They'll stuff you and bake you and then they will taste you!
I'm glad I'm not a turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

We have been enjoying the nice weather at the local parks too.  It's been in the 70s!  And it's really gorgeous right now with all the autumn colors--lots of red and orange this year.  So nice!

At home the kids made these cute turkey hats.  Mommy is a pro at that accordion fold but the kids did good gluing and panting.

Thanksgiving Day our early rising children entertained themselves and let us sleep in another hour and a half, until 8 a.m.!  Neal made chocolate chip waffles and we spent most of the morning doing food prep with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on in the background.

At one point, the Pilsbury dough boy was the spotlighted balloon. Keri asked who it was and Sophie explained, "He is white and had blue eyes, and fixes tires."  Seems she had confused the the Michelin Man for the Dough Boy.

The afternoon was spent at the Garvin home watching football and just hanging out.  It was nice down time and the kids played well with Kenzie.

Back at home, our Thanksgiving feast was influenced by fast food this year.  We made turkey burgers dressed with a spicy cranberry pepper compote, caramelized onion. lettuce and mayo on a multi grain bun.  On the side we served up sweet potato "fries" and washed it all down with a spiced pumpkin milk shake.  Easy, kind of traditional, kind of fun! Neal made a nice pumpkin pie for dessert.  We, as parents call it a feast, but Sophie has informed us that there should be a lot of people there, so it wasn't.

Near the end of the evening, Keri presented the kids with a special early Christmas gift.  She had been working on it here and there for a few weeks and made it specifically for them.

It is a wooden, hand-painted nativity set for the kids to get their hands on, play with, and love on.  For a couple of years she has been wanting them to have a set of their own so they could come to love the true Christmas story in their own way.  The nativities we had were not made for little, sticky fingers.  Of course, we will be sure to see the "Superman" Christ child zoom past the shepherds, and Mary dancing and rockin' out with the Magi but the important thing is that they will come to love the creche as their own and the Savior as their own some day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Children's Primary Program

On Sunday morning, after the passing of the sacrament, Sophie and her peers (age 3-11) participated in the Children's Primary Program.  This gives the children an opportunity to teach us what they have been learning and discussing throughout the year.  They do so through speeches (often one-liners) and song.

This year's theme was "Choose the Right."  Sophie has been taught by her teachers, parents, and most importantly, the Holy Ghost.  Sophie has learned that she can receive help in making choices by following the example of Jesus Christ, living gospel principles, and heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We know in choosing the right we stay on the path back to our Heavenly Father.

Sophie was given the opportunity to share how she is trying to follow Christ's example.  When given the prompt, "I'm trying to be like Jesus by..."  Sophie said, "saying my prayers."  As a family we are always trying to be more obedient to this commandment.  We, in particular, have focused on communicating with God in our morning prayers, as that seems the most challenging.

She also was chosen to sing a solo line in the musical number "I'm Trying to Be like Jesus."  Her line being, "I'm trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say."

She was so happy and excited to be participating--waving, making faces, and adding her own gestures and rhythm to the program. Her Primary teacher nailed it on the head when she commented that Sophie is "such a free spirit." Although the tone of the meeting was maintained, Sophie always keeps us smiling and wondering what is next.

We were so glad that Opa and Oma and Sophie's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Coroneos, and her husband could attend.  We are so proud of Sophie for the wonderful child she is, her sweet spirit, and her willingness to share her beliefs

Precious Pilgrim

Sophie helped put on the kindergarten's Thanksgiving play.  She and her peers were adorable!  The whole family was there to support her.  They sang several songs and Sophie and the other pilgrim women did a great job of saying their line, "Mercy me!"

We thought Sophie did a great job but she said she did not like it because she could not move around for a long time.  Sounds about right for a 5-year-old. 

 

That day she also brought home her construction paper Indian headband and vest that bore her Indian name--Soft Bunny!  Too cute!

Hero's Day

Sophie and Rhys had the special opportunity to honor their loved ones at their school's Hero's Day.  In the spirit that accompanies Veteran's Day, they have chosen to remember those who have dedicated their lives for the greater good.  Helpers in our community, including firefighters, police officers, and service persons were honored for their efforts and sacrifice. 

Sophie and Rhys provided pictures of their paternal grandpa (or Opa) and paternal great-grandpa to honor them on the Hero's Wall.  Rudy, their Opa, served in the Army as a very young man, and in the Costa Mesa Police Department later on.  Their, great-grandpa, Waymon B., served his career in the Navy.  He cooked for all those hungry sailors during times of war and peace.

We are thankful to these two men and their families for the sacrifices that they have made to help their fellowmen.  We are also grateful for the veterans and service people who protect our freedoms.  Additionally, we express gratitude to all those who reach beyond themselves to uplift and provide comfort and assistance to others.  They all make this world a safer and better place.

Family Pictures

We did our best to get family pictures again, after Rhys' nose healed up.  It is one of the most frustrating tasks we know but we do our best to have fun and acknowledge the reality that we are two parents with two squirrels with good friends standing in as our photographers.  To get each family member to look at the camera, make some resemblance of a smile, and do this at the same time is near impossible. At least we have a fun time!

Texas Stampede 2012



We took the family out to Texas Stampede's Stick Horse Rodeo this past Saturday.

The kids had a great time.  Only Sophie was able to participate in the Mutton Bustin' because Rhys did not meet the age requirement.  Next year, he may exceed the weight limit.  For those who may not know how we get our kicks in Texas, we put our innocent children on sheep and shoot them out of the gate.  Great entertainment for the adults!

Anyhow, the Mutton Bustin' was over in a flash!  There is even a 5 second video to prove it!

Sophie doing her best to hold back the tears

Sophie got her elbow lightly scratched up, making up one teary-eyed girl.  But she held it together while the event finished out and then...drum roll please...She was announced the winner!  She stayed on the longest believe it or not (under 2 seconds probably).  She was thrilled to receive a trophy and ribbon!

After the Mutton Bustin' Sophie and Rhys both participated in the Stick Horse Rodeo. 

Unfortunately, they were chosen to compete against each other in the calf roping event.  With a bit of help, Rhys ran to the dummy calf, slipped the hula hoop over it's head, and raced back. 

Sophie, following her brother's model, accomplished the task a bit faster, winning yet another trophy and ribbon, which she kindly shared with her little brother.

 They were very happy to have had such a good time.  After a visit to the petting zoo and a free slurpee sample from 7-Eleven we were on our way home to scrub off the dirt and sheep poo.

Scatter Sunshine

This Thanksgiving, Neal and I discussed what we wanted for our family.  What edifying experience could be have ourselves and our sweet children participate in?  We had considered the "thankful tree" where one writes things they are thankful for on paper leaves and add them to a branch.  We did something similar but simpler last year with our "thankful jar."  It was not how we felt directed to go. 

Finally, it came.  We are doing a "Kindness Jar."  We have written on numerous slips of paper that start, "I am kind when I...."  Each evening at dinner, we discuss the kindness listed as we pull a slip from the jar.

I am kind when I clean up after myself.
I am kind when I let my anger go and start over.
I am kind when I obey the first time.
I am kind when I compliment someone's efforts.

Through practicing these kindnesses, we are providing opportunities for people to be thankful and nurturing a spirit of love in our home and community. I have found I am already softer, more patient, and compassionate with my children and that the kids a bit less "me-oriented" and less quick to tantrum.  Now we just have to do our best to keep it up.

This idea was echoed by an admired friend of ours whom we have begun to enjoy combined Family Home Evenings with once a month. The Allredges discussed service and quoted Mosiah 2:17. Then we made Service Turkeys. For every act of service performed this November, the kids get to remove one of the feathers from their turkeys. Cute idea!

Hope you are counting your blessings and giving others lots of reasons to be filled with gratitude!

What a Disaster!

Thanks to Neal's volunteer work with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), our family, with the exception of Rhys, was able to participate in the Disaster Simulation for the new CERT students.  Rhys got to spend some quality time with Oma and Opa which was good because it was a bit gruesome.  Glad we had prepped Sophie as much as we did.

The team had done a great job of creating tornado wreckage based on one of Neal's friends, Brian--The Master of Disaster".


Deadly hazardous waste spill

Large room with cubicles.  They had the power out in all the rooms and halls. 

Narrow, dark, debris-filled hall

Another hall with debris and large blocks

The moulage artists did a great job as well.  Here were some of the less fortunate victims just a few days late for Halloween.

Broken arm or rebar through the chest anyone?

Once the students arrived, Neal took his position in the control room where they had monitors to 4 cameras and control over sound, smoke, and fire.  He got a kick out of seeing Keri and Sophie try to make their way into the building. 

They played "the frantic wife with her daughter looking for her husband."  They would sit us down and out of their way. Just as soon as they were distracted by some task, they tried to interrupt the CERT workers, or worse, try and make their way back into the building, being annoying and dramatic.  Not a far reach for her, right?

Neal loved seeing all their hard work and weeks of planning come together.  Keri had a blast acting, and Sophie decided that she was uninterested in participating next year.

Had to take a moment to teach when Keri had been trying to get past CERT students who were trying to get her to sit down, and Sophie told Keri, "We don't listen to their rules!  We only listen to Jesus' rules!"  We revisited that this was pretend and it was our job to make their life hard today.  Also emphasized more than once that if it were real, we would be the ones listening to them and helping them.

Another great moment was this evening when Sophie was asked to pick-up her bedroom floor before getting in bed.  She looked at the mess and said, "Hey! This is like the disaster today!"  Keri was so pleased to see her realization and taught that it can be dangerous to have a messy floor.

Sadly, no moulage artist was put to work on Rhys' face.  He got this bad scrap when he went down the backyard slide and the first thing to meet the ground was his face. After cleaning the dirt from his mouth it was noted he had a cut inside lip as well.  Poor guy!  Sophie alerted us to the problem by leading Rhys in the back door while shouting, "Oh shoot!  Oh shoot! Oh shoot!"

Our amateur family pictures were to be taken tomorrow so we will see how they come out and if they can be touched up at all to make him look less pathetic.

Jack-O-Lantern Gives Up the Ghost

Due to my dear husband's hyper-sensitive gag reflex, I got to remove the decomposed jack-o-lantern and wipe and mop up its ooze (which slightly warped the wood floor and bubbled up some paint) while he put the kids to bed. I still think I got the better end of the deal!

A Halloween Welcome to the Switch Witch

On Halloween I picked up Sophie from school, picked up a take-and-bake pizza, and upon our return home gave the kiddos another glow bath, followed by a Halloween video.  As Neal walked in the door we was greeted by this!

Our jack-o-lantern pizza ended up looking like Freddy Krueger of horror film fame. But on Halloween--it worked!

We dabbed off the pizza sauce and dressed the kids but the neighborhood wasn't active with trick-or-treaters yet so Daddy interested them in a partial viewing of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" until the time was right.

 We stepped out and trick-or-treated a couple streets and said hello to neighbors.

We turned in early so we could be ready for the Switch Witch. What? You've never heard of the Switch Witch?! As parents and food addicts, we LOVE her! She lives on the dark side of the moon and she adores candy. She loves it more than anything else! She wants it so bad that she is willing to trade toys for candy. Every year as Halloween draws near, her candy supply becomes scarce. She swoops down on her broom looking for goodies.

After Sophie and Rhys each ate several pieces and filled a sandwich sized resealable bag, the rest of the treats were put out on the back porch in hopes that the Switch Witch would spot them and leave cool toys.

The kids were excited to see if she kept up with her end of the bargain the next morning. Apparently, she is a witch of her word!  Maybe we will spot her sometime at the dollar store, as it appears that we both shop there.

Hope you all had a safe and fun and candy-filled Halloween!