Thankgiving...

The holidays go by WAY too fast! Can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone already. We were lucky enough that Thanksgiving fell on one of David's days off...infact, the 3 days he has off was right in the middle of Thanksgiving! So we took advantage of this and drove to California for 3 1/2 days to spend it with all of David's family. Everyone was able to go so we were so excited for a fun Thanksgiving!!

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While we were there, my camera got "hi-jacked" by 9 adorable nieces of mine. These next few pictures are the result of this crime...

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ADORABLE Andersen Kate...

The lovely Meg, Paige and Emily...

Crazy girls...Hannah and Andersen...

We were so glad that Meg flew over from Utah to be with us for a couple days. Wish she could have stayed longer!

The dangerous duo...Cole and Kylee (Kylee striking a pose of course)...

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And the reason why I gained 5 lbs this weekend...2 yummy turkeys!!!! This one was roasted...

And this one was grilled to perfection with an amazing homemade glaze by Brian and Becky...

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We are so blessed to have such amazing families on both sides. We are excited to spend Christmas here with my family next month. I live for the holidays! They make me so unbelievably happy!!! I will always be a kid at heart when it comes to these months. I can't get enough of them!!

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Before we left, David was able to visit Kylee's Kindergarten class for "citizenship week". He talked to the kids about how they can be good citizens in their neighborhood. It was hilarious!!! Kids say the craziest things...and are so open about their home life! I won't even mention some of the things that were said. Some of these kids have been exposed to WAY too many things at such a young age. Sad!!! Kylee was so excited and proud of her Daddy!

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If you haven't noticed...I have made my blog open again. Since my adoption blog and this blog have basically the same posts, I have decided to just combine the two and only post my pictures and comments one time. Plus, my mother in law was having issues getting into my private blog. So this just works better for multiple reasons.

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Thanksgiving was amazing and we can't wait for Christmas to come! Black Friday shopping was a HUGE success!!! I love going with my mother in law and all of my sister in laws. It's a fun tradition that will never die. I always save my shopping for that one day and I usually get 90 to 100% of all my Christmas shopping done in that one day. I love it! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!! Life is good!

The end...and the beginning

My 6th season as a high school coach has officially ended. We had our banquet on Tuesday and I was sad to say my final goodbye's to these girls until next year.

But when one thing ends....another begins!!! Or in this case...a couple "new" things are beginning. Club season officially started. Tryouts are over with and all 5 teams are complete and ready to go. I'm coaching the 15's team and can't wait to start working with my team! Should be a great season.

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Another "new beginning" is the most wonderful news EVER!! Natalie and Deron are pregnant!!! They got married 2 months ago and are so excited to start their new family together and to add to the one they already have. I'm so incredibly happy for them both. In less than 8 months, I'll have a sweet new baby to love and hold and kiss whenever I want!!! Can't wait!

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As for our adoption journey.....it's still going. We've had a few contacts from birth mothers since we've been certified but nothing promising and no commitments. It's hard just waiting to hear from someone and not being able to go out and find someone. This is a tough process, but we know that this is what we are supposed to be doing and that our baby is somewhere out there waiting for us to find them. We feel so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. Life is good!

As of lately...

Halloween has come and gone! Kylee and her best friend Mallika helped me carve our pumpkin this year....

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Kylee of course wanted another cat this year. I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

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This is Kylee before we left for the Fall Festival at her school. She was so excited!

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She was a cute little witch this year. She has been wanting to be a witch for a couple years now but I refuse. I don't know why but I hate the "usual and normal" costumes that EVERY kids wear each year. I always try to make hers unique. She was a little indian girl 3 years ago, a pirate girl 2 years ago, Rainbow Brite last year, and this year I finally gave in and let her be a witch. There is one thing that I refuse to let her be for Halloween.......a princess! She already has every Disney princess dress in her closet for dress up so why would I let her dress up as a princess for Halloween when she dresses up as one all throughout the year? Ya.....that ain't happenin!!! Hahaha! But she sure did make a pretty witch!

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David had his awards ceremony for work tonight and I couldn't be more proud of all that he has accomplished during his year and a half of being a police officer. He won "rookie of the year"! It's no surprise to me that he has made such an impact on his police department and with the people fo the Salt River community. He is such an amazing man and I'm so lucky to have him in my life!

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So....Halloween has come and gone and now I get to look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just LOVE the "ber" months.....October, November, and December! They make me so happy! I can't wait to start playing the Christmas music around the house and in my car. I can't wait to spend the holidays with family and friends. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!!! Life is good!