Gingerbread houses

This year we started a new tradition of making Gingerbread houses with Grandma Armstrong. Here are some pics of Paige diligently decorating the gingerbread house while sampling the decorations at the same time. You might not recognize my mom without her makeup on but it is her smiling at all the grandkids.

Ashley 6 months (almost 7 months)

I am such a slacker in posting an update on Ashley. Consider this post for both her 6th and 7th month (in 6 days). I can't believe how fast the time has flown. She is getting so big and is quite the butterball. She weighs 14lbs 14oz. and is 26 inches long. Ashley is so much fun. She is so full of happiness and smiles the minute she wakes up until she goes to sleep. She cries only when tired or hungry. She is so curious and wants to touch or hold everything that you have. She just barely started rolling over from her back to her front. She has such incredible flexibility. Her feet are contantly in her mouth. We have to ply them away just to get her diaper and pants on. She can say "dadadada", "mamamama", and "babababa". She has started sitting up but will gradually lean too far forward and can't bring herself upright. She's like the leaning tower of Ashley. She has finally started using her binky but find her thumb in her mouth every once in a while. She has started eating fruits, veggies, and cereal. She loves eating and can't inhale it fast enough. Her roly, poly cheeks are a testament of that. She loves her exersaucer and just laughs and "eats" all the toys on it. We love our little Ashley and are so lucky to have her in our family.

Ashley asleep while sucking on her toy

Here's what we've been doing for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season, I have a lot to be thankful for. I look around me and realize what I have been blessed with. I start with my number one blessing, my husband! He works hard, he's kind, he loves his family, he has a close relationship with our Savior, and most of all he loves me unconditionally. I'm blessed with two beautiful daughters who fill my days with a huge amount of joy. I have an incredible mom who impresses me with her strength every day. I have great inlaws who have hearts of gold. I love my job and the people I work with. Not many people can say that. I have a deep and unfailing testimony of my Savior. I know he lives and he died for me. I believe that I am partaking of his true gospel and he preserved the Book of Mormon for me to read today to help me through the ups and downs in my life. I know it's true and it is a gift that I am thankful for.
Right before Thanksgiving, Scott and I had a gift certificate for the Anniversary Inn. We dropped the girls off with Ginger, Scott's sister and started a heavenly weekend spent together. The first part of the day was spent shopping (an activity I enjoy immensely). Then off to the Inn to check in. We weren't terribly impressed with our room but couldn't complain too much due to the cost (free). Then off to drunch at the Garden at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Yummy and a beautiful view. We then headed down to the SLC temple to go through a session. I think it was one of the most spiritual events I've been given in my life. I listened so carefully to the session and felt my Savior with me as I pondered life in the Celestial room. Scott and I then decided that we didn't want to go anywhere so we rented a couple of movies and went back to the Inn. We were so lazy soaking in the tub and lounging in bed. It was the best. The next day we went to lunch and talked about life and changes we needed to make and things that we were doing well. I appreciate a man who knows me and wants the same things in life that I do. Then off to Ginger's to spend some time with them and then take the girls home. What a wonderful and great weekend with the man I love.
The night before Thanksgiving is our annual Turkey Bowl. We went bowling with some of our friends which Scott has been doing almost every year since he was in high school. We always have so much fun and Paige loved it.

Ashley in her turkey hat

The next day was Thanksgiving. We were able to talk my mom into coming down so she stayed the night with us. We were up early with Scott fixing us a yummy breakfast. Then I took on the challenge of making rolls from scratch. They were so gooood, if I do say so myself. Then off to Ginger's to partake of the rest of the feast. It was all scrumptious. A day spent with great company and fun games played. I'm posting some pictures of the girls with their turkey hats made at daycare. Paige was so excited to wear the hat all week long.

Paige making rolls


The next day (or should I say morning), we thought we'd attempt the midnight sale at toysrus for Megan. We got there and the line was forever long so we turned around and came home. Not much shopping done but we did get the house decorated. Paige loved decorating the tree and thought the Christmas lights were "magical". Now the Christmas season begins. I plan on focusing more on the Savior and giving "meaningfull gifts". I also look forward to teaching Paige the true meaning of Christmas.

Decorating the tree