Thanksgiving

I have much to be grateful for. This year we spent Thanksgiving at Chyron's house. Yummy food, a very pregnant host, all the family in town, many dogs to play with, kids running around, happy, happy chaos!!!
This year was so fun. My kids where so happy to see there cousins that live so far away. They slept at our house that night and I let them stay up all night like little party animals. ( sorry Annie and John ) We almost got a new member of the family that night as well. But she changed her mind and came the day after. lol! ( That's an Austin for ya! ) We had lots of excitement and entertainment. It was so good to get together and catch up on all that is going on in our busy lives.

The Austin grandkids
Savannah, Tiffany, Hailey, Kylee, Alicia, Shanalee, Joby, Kayden

Grandpa Lowell and Zoe and Jalen on his lap.

Austin Rugrats! Jeff, John, Chyron, Shirell and Travis


Patton Family Shirell and Randy

John's Family Kylee, Annie, John and Zoe

Jeff and Jill Austin

Shirell's Girls Shanalee and Tiffany

Joby Hailey and Jalen

Alicia and Kylee

As I was driving home...

Tonight as I was driving home I started thinking about this past week. Most of you know that I'm working at Target as a Team Leader ( manager ). I get to talk with ever stranger known to man kind and hear there stories. It occurred to me today that not one of my "guests" spoke of what they are thankful for. You should know that I work in the Starbucks and it's my job to connect with every single one of these strangers, every single day of my life. That would mean that I have to chat them up, which is not hard for me. I can talk to anyone about anything and not bat an eye. A gift I inherited from my Mom. Today I was asking my "guests" about there holiday plans and what there Thanksgiving holiday meant to them. Blah, blah, blah.... Most of it was just fun and friendly but not a one of them said how grateful they are for anything or how important there families are to them. Very sad. So while I was driving, reflecting about my day I thought I'd share the things that are most precious to me and I am truly thankful for.

Of course I'm going to put my family on the top of list. We went to Phoenix last weekend to surprise Ashlee. Her birthday was on Wednesday and we really missed her so we got in the car and drove all day. I am so thankful gas prices dropped. I am also thankful that my niece let us drive her very cute car that doesn't suck down the gas like our car. I'm thankful for my mother in law who let us crash at her house at the last minute. All this love and support from my family, so a father could see his daughter. That's what family is all about and I am so truly grateful for there help on this journey. This may get a little cheesy but words cannot express my gratitude and love. Travis got a gift that so many take for granted. He got to see his daughter, Ashlee. She is growing up so fast and we both feel it's so important to let our kids know that we love them.



Travis' Angels.

Travis, Ashlee, Savannah, and Kayden

The new ears!!!

Do you see them? Do you?!!!! On November 19th Alicia got new hearing aides. She is over the moon about these fancy things.

See the old ones. Not so exciting.

After looking for over a year and trying to find what she needs we finally did it! They are awesome. I am very grateful for the technology we have, it really boggles my mind. The research and talented people who design these little suckers, absolutely amazing. I am also grateful that it is bluetooth capable so if you call me it goes straight to her ear piece and she can hear you! Now the tricky part, teaching her how to use the phone. How to converse with someone when she can't read there lips. And the proper hello and goodbyes. Remember she is 12 and by next week she'll have it mastered. I'm very grateful that I have a daughter who doesn't let her hearing impairment stop her from doing anything. I am a very fortunate person to live in a day and age where I have unlimited resources to help my child live a normal life. But most of all my family, thanks to all my siblings that have always loved her to pieces. You wonderful people ( Grandma and all her Aunts ) have helped mold her into one strong , beautiful, talented, little pre-teen. I love you!!!

I am grateful for all my many blessings this year. Mostly my family and friends. I want you all to know that I think of you often and miss living in Utah county and seeing your faces everyday (mom). Have a great thanksgiving where ever you are and remember I love you.

The Mighty Hunter.

We wait all year for October 18th, the opening of the Deer Hunt. We hiked and followed herds all summer long, we hunted for sheds as we hiked about. Our family has totally been engulfed by this hobby. Do you call it a hobby or more of a obsession? I never understood this obsession as a young kid. My Dad never did the hunting thing, only hunting for the best Christmas trees. So this Spring as we go about this little hobby I begin to realize that this is more than a hobby it's a family thing, a tradition in the making. I have really enjoyed this time with my kids and the beauty of the mountains. I wish that I could put it in words the beauty we saw this Fall. It was the only thing we saw this Fall, unfortunately for Travis the bucks just up and left, gone, vanished, poof!!! No matter how high Travis went or how early he got up, nothing! He has come home a broken man. lol! So for the next year I will only hear a sad sad tail of the worst hunt ever! Do they have support groups for this? But on a lighter note, we had a great time camping out on mine and Travis' old stomping grounds. Showing the kids all the magic places of the forest, and looking for fairies. Yes, they are getting to old for Mom's make believe but I just couldn't help myself. Next year I'm drawing out a tag and enduring Hunters safety next week. Maybe with two hunting we will get something. But no matter what we bring home, we have the memories and a stronger bond as a family. It was a blast!!!

Travis' Birthday!

This year for Travis' Birthday, I being the most wonderful wife on the planet had nothing! I was going crazy trying to think of something to do that was over the top. The reason for this is because he was so thoughtful on our wedding anniversary. I HAD to do something great as well. Two months went by and nothing. Everything I thought to get him he already had. I was even thinking of getting him a gun but again I'm clueless as to what kind of gun and that just was a bad idea. So I began shopping for something scandalous, he! he! ;) . Again bad idea. What is the world coming to when they think I can fit into barbie clothes. For real, tears where in my eyes as I left Victoria Secrets. Ugh! I hate shopping. With me being so busy with work, kids, and there activities I gave up. I took him out to Red Lobster ( his favorite ) and went home and watched a movie. It was really nice to hang with only ourselves. Lucky for me my husband is a simpleton and was happy as a claim to do nothing and just be with his wife. But I did bring him home a cake. The kids looked at me in complete shock. I thought it was funny and I was at my wits end and just didn't care what they thought. At least I put some clothes on it. lol! I did get a tiny smile out of him and after making up a story as to why I got dad such a cake everything was fine. Happy birthday Travis. I really do love you. And as you know, I ain't Martha Stewart.

Hansel and Gretal

In September Savannah came home from school with a flier. She wanted to try out for the play, Hansel and Gretal. So I took the kids down to old Midvale. Alicia and Savannah tried out and both got parts. Alicia was a camper and Savannah decided she wanted to be an assistant director. A very important role you see. She got to do the lights. Alicia was a kid at summer camp that got lost in the woods. She had three lines. All week long they practiced. All week long I was running dinner to them and carpooling. They had so much fun. It was awesome to watch them be so social and be so into what they where doing. They did a great job on this little production and I want to thank my family who came and supported them. It really meant the world to them.

Soccer 2008

The kids are playing soccer. They are really excited and love running up and down the field. I love it because they go to bed on time. The kids have been so active this year and I'm really glad we moved to Midvale. They are always on the move. Watching the games has been so fun for me and Travis. Travis gets so into it I have to move away from him. For fear he might embarrass me. I told him he should have volunteered to be the coach but no he didn't want to. I think he will next year. Funny how serious he gets and I sit back and cheer, even for the other team. Oops my bad.







My favorite thing about this soccer outfit you can't see. Because under those really ugly socks are the cutest pair of sheen guards ever. They're pink! I wish I had a pair.



First big game.

First day of school!

Alicia or as most of the family calls her, Lici or Leecy or leecy lou who? but what ever you do, don't call her Alesha. I can't handle it when I hear that. Drives me absolutely nutty. It's as bad as running your nails down a chalk board. Grrr!!!
Alicia has totally grown up this year. Can I really be that old and how did this happen? But good news, she is an awesome 12 year old. I must say I haven't done so bad raising her. Here are ten things I love about her.

1. Her dimples.

2. From the day she was born she had to fight. She is still fighting and does what people say she would never do. She has so much courage.

3. Loves to read. I think it's awesome. When I was that age I did the same thing.

4. I never have to ask her to do her homework. It's done before I ever have to ask.

5. She loves everyone no matter how mean they can be.

6. She is the worlds biggest tease.

7. She is a girly girl. When she was little it was princess galore and pink, pink, pink. Now she wants to dye her hair pink. Um, NO!!!

8. Loves to shop.

9. Talented artist.

10. Loves music and sings like no other. I love it but she can't carry a tune and most of the time she has me rolling on the floor or running for a pillow. Either way it makes me happy that she does. Plus it's very entertaining.




Savannah Banana. The day had finally come. The first day at a new school!!! For those who know my darling daughter, know that I was up at the crack of dawn helping her get ready. I really think she just needed someone to boss around, tell her everything was going to be okay, and of course she wanted my opinion on what she was wearing right down to the socks. Not that she listened. Here are 10 things I love about her.

1. She looks like her Daddy.

2. She is very bossy, has something to say about everything, needs to know every ones business. My grandma Monson used to laugh at her and say she will be the next president of the United States.

3. Loves to hang on Mom. I pretend that this drives me nutty but when she isn't around I'm constantly wondering where she is because she isn't hanging on me.

4. Totally is concerned for every ambulance that drives by the house and wants to know what happened, did anyone die, can we go see, and so on. She will be chasing ambulances when she turns 16.

5. Keeps track of every penny I spend.

6. Loves to play with Kayden.

7. Every morning I try to sneak out of the house for work. Every morning she is right there giving me kisses and saying I love you. Really makes my day.

8. Loves to go to church. A very good example to her parents.

9. She is really good at guitar. Not so good at practicing. I'm in no hurry, I want her to love it not hate it.

10. She has my eyes, a cute little nose and a bottom lip that gets me every time.




Kayden's first day of school.
I remember when I found out I was having a little boy. I thought to myself, what am I going to do with a little boy? I only have girls. How silly of me to have questioned myself. From the day he was born he has been my sweet, loving, easy going boy. Here are a few things I love about him.

1. He is the peace maker in my home.

2. He is always making me projects. Today I received a Halloween book. With title, a story, and most importantly illustrations. Very professional for a 7 year old.

3. He is like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown. I trail always follows him.

4. He ALWAYS gives me hugs and kisses. I never have to ask.

5. I adore his imagination and creativity.

6. He knows how to wear out his bike tires and thinks he is Evil Kneavle.

7. Love watching him play soccer. His team is so good I feel for the other teams.

8. He loves to camp and hunt with his Dad.

9. Can hang with us girls without complaint.

10. He has a old soul. I've seen him observe a situation and then tell me his thoughts and I'm always amazed at what he has to say. He teaches me so much. But I won't tell him that until I'm on my death bed. lol!