Thanksgiving 2020

Thanksgiving was simply perfect this year. We had initially planned on camping on the coast Thanksgiving weekend. Because of that, we decided to have our Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, because, why not? So I woke up Tuesday morning, I streamed my specially curated autumn playlist and set the table for our dinner:

Then I got to work in the kitchen. Slowly, kids joined me and soon the kitchen was bustling with busy hands preparing a delicious meal. 

I never enlisted the help from my kids before, but quickly I realized this was a new tradition. I prepped myself the night before, recognizing if I included the kids, it would be a very different level of productivity and damage control, meaning I'd have to let go a little bit and be flexible. What I did not anticipate was how much fun we would have, and how much we would laugh together. Every dish we made, a child was involved in the preparation. This changed my entire outlook on the day, and I found what I used to enjoy as my "me-time" in the kitchen was easily surpassed by the value of the "us-time."

William and Matthew helped make the pumpkin cheesecake, the sweet potato casserole, and helped with the mashed potatoes.

Cate made the apple pie and the dinner rolls.

Johnny made the Jello, helped prep the turkey, make the green bean casserole, peel the mashed potatoes and make the stuffing.

We played Thanksgiving Bingo, Don't Eat Pete the Turkey, and watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving for the 20th time.

We we finally sat down to eat together, there was such a beautiful feeling in the house. My heart swelled with gratitude for the season of life I am in. We went around the table and shared what we were grateful for. I think something I love in particular about my growing family is the laughter. The kids are all developing such unique senses of humor, and it isn't uncommon for us all to crack up around the table.

Here is our gratitude board this year, some of the writing by Johnny is hard to see, but him and Cate got really into this year!

Right as we were taking out the turkey, we realized we needed to make a trip to Rexburg for John's charity. This shifted our plans significantly. As soon as dinner was through and we had our "Thanksgiving Moment." It as a mad rush as we excitedly prepped for our trip. Cate was on kitchen duty, Johnny helped me gather all the Thanksgiving decor so we could pack it up. I'm sure William and Matthew were being helpful somewhere, haha. John was prepping other things for the trip. Long story short, we cleaned up Thanksgiving, packed up fall, loaded a car for our trip, and decorated the house for Christmas in one swift night. John, who was our main driver the next day, went to bed early, as did Matthew. The kids were excited to get their Christmas teddy bears out of storage, and were quite invested in turning our home into a mini North Pole. We were mighty proud of ourselves. We finished at midnight and Cate, Johnny, William and I finally brought out the pies. We sat around the table complimenting each other on our baking skills. Then I read a few lingering Thanksgiving books to the kids as they literally fell asleep. It was a magical day. I am so grateful we were able to have this little celebration as a family before we took off to be with friends and family. I will cherish it always.

We started at the Hellmann's house, where we celebrated Thanksgiving. We also watched "The Forgotten Carols" (A tradition from John's family.) We also made nativities for families who lost their homes in the Almeda fire. 

Next, we swung by John's parents' house. This is always a pleasure.

Everyone opened their Christmas presents.

We stopped by and saw Brit and Adam (and Shay, Kevin, and Spencer) for a bit. John took Adam's bike for a spin.

We stayed the night at my mom's house. I love her home at any holiday, there are so many details and when I walk in, it feels like being embraced by everything I cherish in my memories growing up.

We played some Christmas games.

We headed back home early the next day. It was a great drive and we worked hard to make a dent in our finish-the-Book-of-Mormon-by-the-end-of-the-year-goal. It was so nice to come home to CHRISTMAS. We wasted no time and Tuesday morning found us opening advent calendars, reading Christmas books, making candy cane hot cocoa, and playing Christmas music.

And this was a random picture William drew of me making cookies for William and Luke.

Matthew's Blessing

November 1st, 2015.  

One year ago this day I found out I was pregnant. I was so scared. John and I both felt strong impressions that we needed to have another baby, but it was a big leap of faith. At the time our future was a complete blur of unkown. Not to mention, we had no idea how we would rise up to the challenge of four kids under six.  Our nerves soon turned to excitement as we began to anticipate all the special feelings a new baby would bring.  

One year later, I would have never guessed I would be where we are right now. Many of the uncertain aspects of our life are even more uncertain than they were when we decided to bring Matthew in this world. But one thing has remained a light and a joy in our life, and that is this little baby sent to us from Heaven.  I know, that sounds cheesy, but really- Matthew has been such a precious gift in our home.  Because of him, we have been able to focus in on what is most important in our lives: our family and our faith.  It is remarkable to me how God blesses us as we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  A year ago, it was subtle, but it was sure. Our family needed Matthew. I thought I knew what that meant at the time, but a year later I realize I only understood a glimpse of what God had in store.  Matthew has been a beacon of hope and binding force in our family.

God's plan for his children is remarkable.

I am so glad we got bless this smiley baby yesterday!

He wore John's blessing outfit, which was special. He was particularly pleasant all day, it was as if he knew it was his special day.  

Typically, babies are held by all the men in the circle in a laying-down position, Matthew sat up the whole time, haha. I guess that is what happens when you wait until they are three months? He was just so curious!  My favorite part of his blessing was when John talked about how his happiness and faith will be a light to others. I hope I can provide a home that will foster his cheerful disposition. 

Here's our growing family!

Both mine and John's family came up for the blessing. It was so wonderful to have them all there to support us. I am grateful for the extended family my kids have to turn to for guidance and role models.

 After the blessing we headed back to our cinderblock paradise for some taco soup and pumpkin bars.

Johnny and my dad playing rock,paper, scissors.

The grandmas and Matthew.

Shaylee, Brittany, Becca

Becca and Matt

 It was such a beautiful day, and a perfect way to start a month dedicated to gratitude. 

I am so grateful to be this boy's mother.

"Bugs are People Too"

"They are just little people trying to take care of their families and they actually have to work for their food mom, they don't just open a fridge and have food there."  Caity clearly underestimates how food gets to her table. "How would you feel if someone killed you and then I was just alone waiting for you to come home with crumbs...or like...a piece or garbage?"
It took about five minutes of debating with Caity for me to realize that I was arguing with a 5 year old about whether or not bugs were indeed people, I realized I needed to be the bigger person and walk away.  Then I ignored that realization and shouted, "Oh my gosh, Caity! The bug is on you!"  She shrieked and said, "What you are waiting for? Get the fly swatter! Get it! Get it!" I guess we all can be swayed. And I guess all bugs can be swatted.

Today Caity said, "I am just having a hard time because it is my last day being 5. Don't worry though, because I'm still your child- so that's good."

John and I found an elliptical on Craigslist yesterday. Today I introduced myself to it and decided the two of us will be great friends despite the fact it has made my bed room considerably smaller. Johnny came running in and said, "Mom! I never seen you practicizing before! You're good!" It made me smile. Then I bribed him with play dough so I could finish my work out...and that says a lot because what I feel about play dough is in the ballpark of how I feel about say, mosquitoes or when a bird poops on my shirt.  No, that hasn't happened but I imagine I would feel the same annoyance cleaning that shirt as I do cleaning up play dough from my carpet. Play dough- why must you exist?  Oh yeah, so I could finish my "practicizing" today!

 (Don't tell me he could fall off that thing, if he stands up...I already learned that...the hard way.)

William has learned the art of Peek-a-Boo, and it is awesome.His chubby little hands awkwardly cover only part of his eyes and when he pulls them away it is like he surprised himself- like, "What? I'm here? Would ya look at that!"  What a cute and perfectly talented, beautiful baby he is- and that is coming from an unbiased mother, here. ;)  He is walking more these days and talking a whole slew of babble throughout the day...I am lovin' it.  He also has figured out what brushes and combs are for and awkwardly tries to use them accordingly, it is cute.  I sat him in the sink while I did Cate's hair and he leaned over with the brush and was my personal assistant! The kids were in a fit of giggles over the whole thing.

My mom came in town this weekend, and boy, did we have a good time!  It is a party when she comes into town.  I loved our late night talks and just spending time together.   She brought up John, Caity and William's birthday presents and I must say- she out did herself.  She even brought something for Johnny.  She just has a way of bringing excitement with her and everyone seems to be in a better mood and I just love how special she makes my kids feel.

Playing in Caity's room.  They were playing with dolls then Johnny ran back to his room to grab "His Guys" and when he came back, Caity and Grandma suggested they have a dance.  Well, different super heroes were paired with different Disney princesses, and then Johnny pulled out his Hulk and Spiderman and said, "What about my BIG daddy guys!?"  Caity pulled out her Barbies, which solved the problem for a little bit- but then- you know- Johnny realized they were NAKED!  "EW- they're naked! My guys don't dance with nakeds!" He hid Spiderman and Hulk behind the dresser until Caity had her Barbies clothed to his satisfaction. Censorship at its finest, people.

After a long day, all we could do was veg out on my super-NOT-comfortable couches (that may or may not have busted completely to the floor when the bishopric came to visit last week...awkward.) William kept walking from me to Grandma.

Opening presents.

For Caity, she made a quilt and bedding for her room (she has been begging for a "pink room"-I'll post pictures later.) It was awesome. She also got one of those bracelet looms with the rubber bands? That was pretty cool.

For William, she made a vintage toy quilt, that was so, so cute- William loved it and rolled around it over and over again.

John got some drill bits which prompted him to immediately go out and reorganize his garage! She knows him so well- haha.

The kids and I went to Walmart today.  After Johnny punching Caity until she would listen to his story, and Caity screaming in the awesome whiney voice she can get the whole time that Johnny was "Punching her again and again and again..." and me pulling over and slapping both of their feet in a really lovingly-there-is-beauty-all-around-when-there's-love-at-home sort of way...I knew we weren't going to make it.  So we said a prayer. And let me just say, God is aware and answers even the littlest most insignificant, desperate prayers, even in the WalMart parking lot. We made it, we got everything on our list and we were all friends after.  It has been a pleasant afternoon, and for that, I am grateful.

Tonight I have to settle once and for all the pile of laundry on my bed.  I also have to decorate for a "Rainbow Birthday," not to mention finish painting (or maybe watch John finishing painting- ha ha) the D-E-S-K Caity is getting for her B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y....she has no idea! :) I am excited!

The Larsen Family

Today we got to help celebrate my Aunt Janae and Uncle Eric's 25 year anniversary by going to the Boise LDS temple and watching their family get sealed.  It was a very special moment and I was so grateful I got to be a part of it.

I just love the Larsen family.  From as long as I can remember, I can recollect getting some fun gift or treat from "Janeric" for every holiday or occasion in the mail. My Aunt Janae just has a way of making people feel special when they are around her. They are some of the most thoughtful people.  It is so exciting to live close to them!

My Mom came up to visit from Salt Lake, which was also so much fun.

No, I can't ever seem to get a normal picture of my kids. Gosh. Haha.

It was a busy couple of days running around, but a total blast!

My grandpa Ogden was also there, and it was great to see him!

All Hail Uncle Matt

Uncle Matt is all the rage among the Partridge cousins.  He likes to put on a rough exterior and gruffly tells the kids to leave him alone (with a slight grin on face)...but it's like they see right through him.  He says, "Go play with your toys." They hear "Come climb all over me."  He says "Stop playing with that" they hear "Throw that toy at me and say 'neenee booboo you can't get me.'" 

Matt puts up with a lot from those kids, and he always has a good attitude about it.  It is just so funny because he doesn't try but they all love him best.

The other day he came upstairs carrying a crying baby Wills and said, "Some one take this baby." As he started to pass William off to my mom, William scurried up Matt's arm and clung his arms around Matt's neck. It was so funny.

Matt always comes up with the best games.  He would throw balls and would then time how fast the kids could run to get them. They played with him for hours. 

At one point he said to me, "Mary, I don't know that you know this...but I am like a god. I go down stairs and the little people follow me." ha ha. And it's true!

So glad he was there for our trip. I have a pretty awesome kid brother!

A Pit Stop in Utah

Well, we packed up our little brood and said our "sayonara"'s to Denver, our beloved summer get-away. :) We waved good-bye to our neighbor, Anthony, who was a little out of it because of something he was smoking and drinking, and were on our merry way, towing our life behind us in a rackety trailer.
We met up with John's Dad's Uncle Tom and his wife, Betty, who were visiting from Florida.

I spent most of the evening trying to keep these two happy and under control. It was a process. Luckily they are so dang cute.

He was so hungry, he would just clasp the pouch and his eyes would be all wide and crazy, ha ha.

 The rest of the Denver Brassell Clan was there as well

(Tom and Betty and their Uncle Ray.)

Then we made our way to Michael and Shannon's (again), and enjoyed a night talking with them while our children chased their children hap-hazardously around the house (they are troopers to have us over.)

(Michael worked with William on his walking.)

 We spent the night at John's grandparents. William slept in his pack and play, and the remaining four of us shared a bed.  It wasn't so bad, but Johnny kept elbowing me in the eye, ha ha. He would always apologize after, which was sweet...but it was still and elbow in the eye!  At some point, John peeled that son of ours off his pillow and scooted him over to mine, I wouldn't have minded, except I was also sharing a pillow with Caity. Not to point out the obvious, but I was the first one up the next morning and we were on the road to Utah by 5:30 am. It is always a little hard saying good bye, but I am sure some wedding or other will steal us a visit from John's grandparents soon.
I like driving with John. We talk a lot...well, I do anyway...ha ha. But really, we just get to learn new things about each other, every single time.  We went south from Denver instead of north through Wyoming, and it was breath taking scenery.

If we didn't have such a long drive ahead of us, we would have stopped and hiked something, it was that pretty. But since we didn't have time, we just pulled over and stole a kiss...well, we are married so it was more like, pulled over and enjoyed a rightfully-ours kiss, if ya know what I mean.

 OK, so it was a little Cheezy. Caity was insistent though! ha ha.

 We (finally) pulled into my parent's house. James and Tayci were there with Noah and Miles and Matt is home from College so it was a big ole party. We headed to my cute cousin's wedding reception:

The kids had fun running around and playing with the other kids there.

 My cute nephew, Miles.

Johnny, Noah and Miles.

It was fun seeing my cousins and catching up with everyone.

 When we got home, everyone pretty much crashed.  This is how we found William and Johnny an hour after bed time.  Johnny moved from the bed he was sharing with Caity, to the crib to share with William, and at some point in the middle of the night moved to the floor...sometimes it's tough being the middle child.

It has been a fun visit with my parents so far, I don't feel like have gotten enough pictures- too busy having fun, I suppose. Remind me to pull out my camera today...like, for real. 

 Like, the only picture I have is the one I took of myself before I went to prank Matt. 

And if that isn't creepy....

Highlights of our visit so far

• Going to the gym with my mom
• Watching all the cousins play together
• Visiting my Grandma Ogden
• Going over to Tayci's for a play date- she had a homemade waterfall toy thing on her back porch, she is the cutest mom.  She is due to have her little girl on Saturday! I hope she gets here soon!
• Watching movies with Dad and Matt
• Staying in Becca's room (I miss her!)
• Dance party with Matt.
• Going to church with James and Tayci

Anyways, here's to another good day in Utah! :)