Family Photos

OUR FAMILY

Thanks Giving Morning 2009

THE BOYS

JUSTIN



MAX

NOAH

GEOFF & JANAE

FHE with DeMordaunts

Tonight DeMordaunts came over for FHE. We joined forces to make Christmas presents. I'd like to say more on that subject, but cannot as our gifts will be going forth to a few privileged blog viewers :).

As tradition has it, we had a HOOT of a time!

Thanks Giving Trip to Utah

On the road again!

Cousins Chaz and Noah

Justin & Caleb

Bella & Noah

Giving Thanks

For Family Night a couple of weeks ago, we finally made a 'Giving Thanks- Thanks Giving Turkey.' Each day since, we've added feathers with what we are grateful for. They've ranged from salad (Max's feather...believe it or not) to the gospel and each other. This is the beginning of a fun tradition! We really are very grateful for SO MANY THINGS!

Building a Fortress

We went to Valerie McCauley's home today for ART FUN. Emily is in charge of this class, and today we collected leaves and made Christmas displays with them-- elaminated them for preservation. This is Justin's.

Then it was outdoors to the big hill where the kids made a fortress on the big compost hill. Every child should have one of these...what fun!
Max kept busy shooting every one with his re-bar gun! He's got quite an aim!

We LOVE playing with McCauley's!

Life after children!

Native American Pow Wow

This is Melanie Fillmore, a Native American from the Lakota Tribe of South Dakota. She came to our home school group and shared with us her Native American history, traditions, and culture.
Here is a beautiful quilt made for her when she was married. The colors, shapes and layout are all symbolic of her personality, tribe, tradition, etc. They are a very sentimental people and cherish these priceless gifts, and look for opportunities to give them as well.
These are several things she brought for the kids to see... a child's regalia, sweet grass, a sage bundle, eagle feather, moccasins, tribal rattle, bead-work, jewlery, and charms.
This is Melanie's dream catcher which wards away bad dreams. She showed all the kids how to make their own smaller version which they made and then took home to put above their beds.
Melanie, then dressed into her tribal Regalia. All Regalia are gifts given by loved ones who create and then hand make the Regalia specifically for the loved one. It is beautiful and all very symbolic. Melanie said the materials cost well over $1500. The beadwork alone is something to marvel over. She performed a couple of tribal dances for us. It almost brought me to tears. I'm not sure why. I suppose it brings back many memories of my youth in Arizona and New Mexico. I think that these dances and symbols and traditions are beautiful and very spiritual.

What a great experience for our kids!

Free Time Activities

Native American studies continue

Justin made this with a food storage can and scrap leather. We love the way it turned out. TOO FUN!

Noah just keeps a growin....cutie

Noah gained 12oz this week alone. We think he's on a diet of pure ice cream. People always comment on his beautiful skin. He's got Geoff olive tones for sure!

Yes! Swiss Chard!

Tonight's dinner was divine! Our family is entering a new Veganish stage, and it's been fun to experiment with different recipes.

Tonight we had a rather gourmet meal...Carrot Ginger Soup (SO GOOD!), Carmelized Swiss Chard, and Roasted Red Pepper covered Polenta. Amazingly, the boys devoured the food...it was a very tasty meal!

Noah...12 pounds and gaining

Hangin Out

Bath FUN!

Someone needs a Haircut!

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

From the Kitchen of Nancy Moore

2 Medium size butternut squash cut into cubes
1 Onion chopped
8 carrots chopped
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and quartered
3 Gala apples peeled & quartered
3 T salt
2 T cinnamon
Chicken Stock - cover

Bring up to a boil and then turn down to a simmer - or little higher.
Cook all together until carrots are soft (about an hour).

Blend until smooth

A Short Story by Justin