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.