Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Some friends put on a turkey trot to "Exercise before you glutonize" :).  There was a 1 mile run and a 5k.  Lizzy and Jackson (with Daddy) ran the 1 mile and Emily and I did the 5k.  This was Emily's first 5k and she did awesome!  The Smith's put together a great family event with prizes and all.  What a great way to start a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Now I have no idea where Joeand Jackson were hiding when we took this but I promise they were there! :)
I have to say that we are so blessed to have such an amazing family, even though we do not live close, we are surrounded by their love.  We are also blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives!  God has been so good to us and we cannot thank Him enough.

Thanksgiving Break

Once the chores were done, we decided to head to the Children's Museum in Pueblo for some fun.  The kids had a great time making snowmen, building a fort and just creating to their hearts content.

The snow is here!

Not long after I finished texting my cousin that we missed our chance at snow (she lives up in Denver and had already gotten some), did we get a nice batch down our way!  Most times it seems like there is an invisible wall just below Colorado Springs.  It can be snowing and storming up that way and here we get nothing.  So this was wonderful!  The kids were up and ready to play in it but I took advantage of that motivation and had them do their chores first ;).  Then we headed off to the High School for some sledding.  Mind you I hate playing in the snow, I do it once a year for the kids and that is all they get but sledding is a different story.  Just plain old fun.

Jackson hiked this hill over and over and loved it.

Career Day

Thursday was Career Day at school.  The kids thought long and hard and this is what they came up with.  Jackson wants to be a Marine, Lizzy a Model and Emily a Veterinarian.  Joe is started to plant the bug of Air Force for Emily because if she goes into a Medical field that will sure help! :)

My favorite cookie cooking tip

So when I first met my soon to be brother in-law, he came in with a big plate of yummy chocolate cookies.  The best part, he made them himself and they were cooked to perfection!  Now I did worry a pinch here (just kidding Chuck! ;).  Anyways, I asked what the secret was as I am an awful cook and my cookies always have crisp edges.
The secret was.......take them out just before they are done and let them sit on the warm pan for another 5 minutes.  Such a great trick and has worked every time!

Our Little Wrestler

So Jackson has decided to give wrestling a try this year.  He has practice twice a week and can attend weekend tournaments if he wants.  He went to his second tournament today.  Joe is taking the lead on this sport because I have such a hard time watching my sweet boy get toughened up.  He really likes it though!

Arf!

Lizzy was able to be a part of the 3rd grade production of Arf! at her school.  She played the part of Poodle-aycious, a sassy snobby pink poodle.  It was hilarious and she pulled it off.  We all agree she belongs on the stage but boy was she nervous!

Marble Jar Date Night

We are trying out a new system in our house that has come highly recommended from some super great moms...the marble jar.  For various tasks and chores the kids can earn marbles.  They can also reward their siblings with marbles or get them taken away by Mom and Dad for a poor attitude.  Once the jar is full they can choose money or a date with Mom or Dad.  Miss Lizzy filled her jar and who was lucky enough to be chosen for a date but ME!!!  We had a fantastic little date going to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

Happy Halloween!

Well we made it through another crazy holiday.  The kids had a blast though and I am so thankful for the town we live in and the school the kids go to.  Our church Trunk or Treat party was on the 25th and the kids had a night of friends, candy, hay rides, dancing and so much fun.

They also got to dress-up at school and do Halloween parties and a parade which started off the Halloween fun.  After that we headed to the local Parks and Rec Halloween party where they played games and worked hard to win the coveted soda prize.  After that was all done we hit the streets where the kids loaded up on candy.  We finished off the night at McAllister's because they were offering free kids meals to kids in costumes.  Couldn't beat that!  At first we were thinking 50 cent corn dogs at sonic but truly McAllister's was way better!  Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!