SHOWTIME COMPANY

For 4 years now, I have had the privilege of being a part of SHOWTIME COMPANY, and work with my dear friend Gayla. She started a children's singing/dancing/performing group for children 4th - 6th grade (there was a special exception for Hannah this year) and I get to help with the choreography. It has been SO much fun - such a positive part of my life here in Idaho.

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Showtime gets to be a part of the Boise Christmas parade, and then that same day, perform at the very popular "Festival of Trees" - it is such a wonderful experience! We have performed at many different places, including retirement homes, the State Capitol, and local elementary schools. Together, Gayla and I have put together 9 shows! Every year, we do a Christmas show, and a Spring show. It is just so much fun. I have been tempted to not do Showtime from time to time so try and eliminate something from our schedule, but I never regret another season. I now believe as long as there is Showtime Company, I will always be a part of it.

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The best part about Showtime, is getting together with Gayla often to choreograph. The first half of the time is spent talking, laughing, etc., and then we finally get to work. The relationship that we have built over time is the best part of it all. In addition, I also have the chance to hear her sing often while we practice - she'll never know what a treat that is for me!

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Thank you Gayla, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this incredible group, but most of all, to be your friend!

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Busiest Christmas Season EVER!

Five words of advice for you......

DON'T EVER MOVE IN DECEMBER!!!

Well, not if you can help it anyway. We didn't have much of a choice. Trying to make it an enjoyable Christmas season for the family, making our home look and feel nice for Christmas, and checking off the "to do" list before Christmas while trying to be a nice mom has been a challenge - perhaps more difficult than I ever thought it would.

Even though that "to do" list is still long... I just couldn't let another day go by without checking in on the blog. I haven't looked at other blogs in weeks. I can't wait to catch up once I can take a deep breath and get back to normal.

We do have so much to be thankful for. Our home, each other, our white world around us - it's so beautiful!

I have so much to catch up on - lots of posts to make! But here are some random pictures for fun, including a picture of our new home!
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Merry Christmas to all of you!

Our Thanksgiving Traditions

I love our Thanksgiving traditions. Some we grew up with, and some we made on our own since moving to Idaho.

The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade

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(I love that this was Jackson's natural reaction to when Santa finally came at the end of the parade)

Starting a 1000 piece puzzle (to be done by Christmas)

Chess

Home videos... and even sillier ones, like seeing who can blow the candle out at the end of the meal in the least amount of tries!

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Then of course the baking, cooking, basting, mixing, pouring, stirring, etc., etc.

I was told it was our most delicious turkey yet... I'm gettin' better every year! (I wonder when I'll be able to do it without googling "the simplest way to cook a turkey") :)

(enter your own caption for above photo)

Aunt Kelley and Uncle Tyler came over that evening for pie. Tyler, I publicly apologize, again, for making you gag. I really thought it would have been different than normal cheesecake!!

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I am so thankful for so many things. I have an endless list. But on this day, I am truly grateful for a husband who does all of the Thanksgiving dishes. All 12 batches of them -

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HUGE blessing. Huge.

Once in a Blue Moon...

Every once in a while, every family needs a Saturday that has absolutely NO plans, whatsoever. Saturdays like that are my absolute favorite. They are quite rare! So when they come along, they have to be documented!

The following activities made up for this rare Saturday...

Leaf raking...


Car washing...

BSU game watching/pizza on a sheet eating...

Then story reading buried in a batch of laundry straight from the dryer...

I don't think it will happen again for a while, so I had to blog it so I can at least enjoy reading about this rare occasion, whenever I please!

Another Reason We Love Boise...

A Veteran's Day Parade in beautiful Downtown Boise was a perfect way to honor Veterans everywhere. The courage a veteran shows will always boggle my mind. I am so thankful for them and all they are willing to sacrifice for us and our great country.

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I loved watching Jack follow his dad's example by removing his hat every time a flag passed, and LOTS of flags passed!
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I must say, the Marines definitely stood out. They were the only group who marched in step, not moving any other parts of their bodies. They looked fantastic - and I'm not just saying that because my husband is one!! :)
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Oh, and there was also a BSU home football game that day, which made the feeling downtown even more fun! Jack had his football in hand and wanted to hold it up for the last picture. :)

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To my very favorite veteran... you continue to teach me and our children every day through your incredible passion for our real life heroes who too often go unnoticed. Thank you Chip!

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And for those of you reading this who may have served, or have supported someone who did, ...thank you too!

A Wonderful Visit Indeed!

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I am so grateful, comforted, delighted, and just happy that it is important to my mom to come and visit twice a year. She simply asks if such and such a weekend is a good one for us, and books the flight. That has made moving to Idaho so much easier for me, and the kids always have the best time when she comes.

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Although her whole visit was wonderful, the highlight this time was probably teaching the kids how to make beanies with a loom. The kids all made their own beanie, all by themselves! It was so much fun that when they were done with their own, they starting making more for their dolls and stuffed animals!

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They sure turned out cute...

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I love talking with my mom. I love asking questions and learning about her childhood. I love learning from her life experiences.

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I love you mom! Already looking forward to the next visit....

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Our Halloween

This year we had the karate kid, a ballroom dancer, and a 50's gal. Thirteen is our cut-off for trick-or-treating, so Taylor threw a wig and wings on for fun, and hung out with the adults. In the end, the kids felt so bad for her, that she ended up with more candy than the trick or treaters!! What luck!

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I spent a total of $5 this year on costumes. Not bad. Although that is $5 more than my sister spent - way to go, Beth!


After my sister Kelley read the newspaper, she got bored.
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We missed Chip while he had to work, but I think he had a pretty fun day...

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