2012 Christmas Tree Search and Decorating

 

Kyle turns....shhh!

Happy birthday to the love of my life!  Kyle celebrated his birthday on November 26th.  (I know, I'm behind and yes, there are a million other things I should be doing right now instead of blogging, but here I am.) 

I think he had a good day.  The kids definitely had fun planning and preparing everything for his party.  They were going crazy trying to make more signs, presents, and gifts for him before he got home from work.  He chose waffles for dinner and carrot cake for dessert.  Yes, we got our full sugar dose for the day.

We love our dad and would be lost without him!  I love how much our kids adore him.  He has been traveling more for work lately and as a result, one of the kids will often pray that they are thankful daddy can eat dinner with us.  It's so cute because he still is here most of the time, but they sure do miss him when he is gone.  He is such a wonderful companion and incredible support and strength to me.  He does the dishes practially every night, and that is just the beginning.  Love you, babe!
 

Thanksgiving Fun

Our Thanksgiving fun began on Tuesday evening when the Barney kids arrived.  Alva and Wendy and their youngest, Kyler, were on a "get away" together in Texas and we were lucky enough to get to watch the five oldest kids for three days and three nights.  We had a ball having them here, and there truly was never a dull moment.  Mikayla and Rebekah were a huge help and the other kids pitched in whenever asked.  They kept my children thoroughly entertained the entire time.  Besides the increased amounts of food and dishes to keep up with, I'd say Kyle & I weathered having nine children pretty well.  (Although I must admit, I don't think I'm ready to have nine kids myself!)

On Thanksgiving day, Logan, Shayla and Ansley joined us for the afternoon and we all had a wonderful time.  Here's a picture when we were nearly done eating, since I forgot to take one at the beginning of the feast!

The top left picture (below) is the beautiful vegetable "turkey" creation Bekah and Mikayla created.  It was yummy and fun to look at:).

 

Kylene's Baptism

Here is Kylene on the day of her baptism and confirmation as a member of The Church: Saturday, November 24, 2012.
 

Kylene's baptism was beautiful.  There was such a wonderful spirit present.  She looked radiant all dressed in white and was nervously excited.

We were so thankful so many family and friends came to support her on her special day.  Here she is with her good friend from Salem, Rachel.  The bottom left is with Joan Caldwell, a darling elderly friend in our ward that Kylene has really grown to love.  The bottom right is with Tutu and Grandpa.

And here are all 32 of our family members who were able to come!  We love you all!

Kylene's program was done mostly by family.  Tutu played the piano; Aunt Jana led the music; Auntie Shayla and Auntie Maile each gave a wonderful talk.  Rebekah (cousin) and Uncle Scott gave prayers and Grandpa McCune and Uncle Alva were the witnesses.  Daddy baptized and confirmed her.  Brother Jensen (one of our Ward Missionaries) conducted and Brother Taylor from the Bishopric welcomed her to the ward and bore a beautiful testimony.

Following the baptism we had all the family over for dinner.  Kylene requested fondue, so we had cheese fondue with ham and chicken and lots of bread and veggies for dinner, then a yummy chocolate with all kinds of treats and fruit for dessert.  There was so much food!  But, based on these pictures below, I think it's safe to say everyone enjoyed it.  (Especially Skyler!)  The picture of Kylene, Stephanie and Alaina is showing us all how "stuffed" they were after eating.

 

That night after everyone had gone home and we put the kids to bed, I reflected on the day.  I felt overwhelming gratitude for the Gospel and the pure joy it brings into my life.  I felt such gratitude for the gift of family and the joy my children bring to me.  I was so grateful for Kylene's choice to be baptized and the wonderful spirit there.  I felt immense gratitude to my Savior, Jesus Christ, who makes all of it possible.  I went to be tired, but so full of joy and love.

It's Great to be Eight!

Kylene turned eight years old on November 18th!  Happy Birthday to our beautiful, sweet daughter.  She was looking forward to this day for a long time and I don't think anything about turning eight disappointed.  Her birthday seemd to last several days: her birthday party, her actual birthday, her baptism, then going shopping to spend some of her birthday money.  She has been one happy girl this month!

Saturday, November 17th, she had her birthday party.  She decided she wanted to go to Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center.  We told her if she chose to go there, she could only take two friends because of how expensive it is.  She chose her dear friend from Salem, Rachel, and her dear friend in Wilsonville, Lidya.  Kyle was the "fun dad" who took them.  They had a ball in the rope climbing/play area, on the Frog Hopper and doing tons of arcade games.  They came back afterward for cake, ice cream, and present opening.

Her birthday was on Sunday this year.  Perfect for her request of breakfast in bed.  She wanted sherbet to "cleanse her palate", but all we had was mint chocolate chip, so she settled for that:).  She also requested her favorite: French Toast.  Then it was present opening time, complete with a photo scavenger hunt to open her gift from Grandma and Grandpa Barney.  Kyle & I gave her her first set of scriptures.  For dinner that night she requested hot dogs.  I wasn't too thrilled about hot dogs, but my dad, always looking on the bright side, said she just wanted to make things easy for me.  The kids didn't complain at all the entire meal, so that was definitely a treat for me, too!

 

I think it's safe to say Kylene is thrilled to be eight years old!  We love you, Kylene, and are so thankful you are a part of our family!