November

With the advent of November, we were officially into the busiest time of the year. I made a lot of lists, ran a lot of errands, and spent a lot of time in the kitchen. I worked non stop while the kids were in school, which meant that when they were home, we spent a lot of time playing and having fun. Hyrum went on his first hunt with Matthew the first weekend of November. They were hoping to get a turkey, but came home with a couple of squirrels instead. The kids got two days off of school in the first two weeks of the month and we managed to go on hikes both days. In the middle of the month, we celebrated our twelfth wedding anniversary as well as Abraham's ninth birthday. We had parent teacher conferences and were told that all three are working hard, doing really well, and are a pleasure to have in class. I also got to eat lunch with each of them individually on their special Thanksgiving lunch day. Choir practice started up this month, we fed the missionaries, and I hosted a Relief Society activity. I was also able to host a luncheon for an old friend, Sherry Dial, who was in town for her brother's baptism. It was so great to see her again!

Music has crept back into the forefront of our lives and Matthew has started practicing guitar regularly again. Abraham is so close to finishing Musiah and Hyrum has been diligent in both his piano and guitar practice. Mercy has made a refreshed effort at piano and has been reviewing her beginner book for 15 minutes every day.

We spent the last week of November in Utah, celebrating cousin Jessica's wedding and Thanksgiving. We also got to go up to the cabin, as well as spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Mission Prep:

Matthew and I went to the Temple together twice this month. We helped serve ice cream for Stake Temple day, and did sealings for our anniversary. Exercising has been rather hit or miss this month, though I did better than October and am generally feeling better about myself on the whole.

Meals:

Enchiladas

Hot dogs and potato salad

Salad bar and orange rolls

Clam chowder

Whataburger

Pancakes

Hamburgers

Chicken and waffles

Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup

Chicken with roasted vegetables and apple crisp

Pad thai

Waffles and bacon

German Pancakes

Frito pie

Hoagie sandwiches

Hyrum has made the goal to cook a meat meal twice a month. This month he helped with hamburgers and fried up the squirrels they shot on his hunt.