Turkey Day 2009

Sorry no pictures on this post either! I took the camera with us on Thanksgiving and kept trying to take pictures and the stupid camera would not work. Well, come to find out (and a little late I might add) the battery was dead! I didn't even think of that because it would turn on, it just would not take a picture. Rich told me once the day was over. Maybe I am just blonde! :)

Anyways! We had a great day! It was just me and Haylee driving to Nicole's this year. Sadly, Rich had to work. Actually, I was not that bummed about it because he was paid double to sit around and play cards all day. He joined us around four. Dinner with the in-laws was delicious! I made my yams like always and they were a hit! I was a little bummed that there were not any home-made rolls this year. Not even Rhodes! I do understand that it is very stressful making a Thanksgiving dinner, but come on! It is so crazy how long it takes to prepare for the meal and it only takes about 10 minutes to stuff ourselves. That is exactly what we did! Haylee loved the mashed potatoes and yams. I could not feed her fast enough. After dinner, all of the kiddies napped and everyone else watched Four Christmases. That is a funny one! I totally recommend it.

I really love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays. I feel like it kind of gets a little jipped because it seems like we go from Halloween straight to Christmas, but really it is a special holiday. It is all about family and nothing else. There are no gifts involved and no pressure for any. It is a relaxing day to just be with loved ones. I am so grateful for my family. Family is all we have. It is the most valuable thing ever. I would be lost with out them! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to list some things I am most grateful for:

*My wonderful husband, Rich
*My precious angel, Haylee
*Family
*The Gospel
*Good Health
*Our Home
*Employment
*Health Insurance

More Bad News...

Around 2 am this morning I received a text from my best friend, Lindsey, informing me that her brother-in-law, Aaron Thomas Nemelka, had been shot and killed during a murdering rampage at Fort Hood, Texas on Thursday. I was overwhelmed with sadness and grief for Aaron who lost his life so young and for his family he left behind. Please take a moment today to remember and honor those who lost their lives yesterday and for all of the other soldiers who are fighting for our freedom. I am truly grateful for them and the risk they take everyday for me and my family. My heart goes out to the Nemelka family. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of need and comfort. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as well. Click on the link below to read the entire story.

ksl.com - West Jordan man among those killed in Fort Hood, Texas

ksl.com - Neighbor: Fort Hood suspect emptied his apartment

A Prayer for Mary

"We said goodbye to Neil last night for this time on earth. It was extremely difficult and comforting at the same time. Again thank you all for your love and support. Please continue to pray for me and my children. We have felt your prayers and we will need them in the days to come. Love, Mary" - from Mary's Facebook
"We said goodbye to our dad tonight. We feel peace and know our heavenly father is here with us. We know he is in a better place and that we will feel his presence with us throughout our lives. Please continue to pray for our family at this time, we love and appreciate all of you. We know we will see him again." - from Mary's daughter's Facebook
On November 4, 2009, Mary said goodbye to her sweet husband. Sadly, he passed away due to complications that began with the flu. Mary works at Cogent Health with me. I do not work directly with her, but do see her on occasion. She has grown extremely close with my good friend, Kalee. It is so easy to be sad when this happens so close to home. My heart goes out to Mary and her family during this time of grief. Please pray for them and for all other families going through hard times during this horrible flu season. Please take care of yourselves and go to the doctor immediately when symptoms worsen or a fever begins. This flu hits hard and it must be caught quick.
You are in my prayers Mary! We all love you and hope you will be comforted in this time of need.

My Little Monster's First Halloween 2009

Haylee was a pink monster for Halloween. I was very proud of her for keeping the hat on her head. She had to get in and out of her costume about five times and hated every minute of it, but once it was on she was ok. I must admit, there was a grin on her face from ear to ear when it came off. We had to make a special stop at Grandma and Grandpa's to take pictures and then it was off to the party at Aunt Nicole's! Her costume was perfect for keeping her warm while trick-or-treating around Nicole's neighborhood with all of Haylee's cousins Halloween night. Nicole made some yummy homemade chile to warm us up when we were done. It was a fun Halloween!

I had a bow custom made to match her costume because I did not think she would keep her hat on. Actually, she only wore the bow for me to take a picture because I am such a dork and camera-happy. Good thing it is a cute bow that will go with some of her other outfits.

Haylee and her Daddy came and saw me at work on Friday. She was the life of the party! Everyone loved her costume. Everyone's kids came to treat-or-treat around the office. All of the kids were so dang cute in their costumes. I dressed up as a cowgirl last minute. I tried to be a bag of jelly beans, but that did not work out so great. After spending nearly two hours trying to melt two plastic bags together, we realized I looked more like a bag of trash than a bag of jelly beans. Thanks Rich for helping me anyways!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Haylee!

Giggling at Daddy! She really is wickedly adorable!