Catching Up: Part One

As I have referenced previously, I tried something new this school year called PTA.  In the past I had always sort of given myself a pass with regards to my involvement in this organization, but this year I decided I was out of excuses and it was time to "grow up" and embrace my new role as "involved parent".  Little did I know that this new definition of "involved" required so much less of the involvement I actually enjoy (i.e. spending more time with my kids)!  In addition to my regular volunteer time in the classroom(s), my major task in this PTA initiation year was to chair the Reflections committee, which happened to be non-existent.  In other words, it was just me...doing everything.  And it ended up being a good experience, even rewarding at times.  However, as much as I love the arts and desire to champion its importance in the lives of our children, I think this year will be my last heading up this program. It. Was. Challenging.  It wasn't so much the actual work involved but the time it took.  Adding this responsibility on top of my life as a mom proved to be a bit more than I (and the rest of my family) bargained for.  When I think back on the month of November, sadly, this job is what I remember most!  Next year, my dear family, things will be different.  I promise!

Here is a glimpse of the rewards evening I hosted for the winners and their families:

There was a definite positive side to being in charge of Reflections this year: I got to coerce my boys into participating, and they both ended up with Awards of Excellence!  Joseph was especially proud of his accomplishment:).

Despite my hectic schedule in November, we did get to enjoy the most important events of the month: Seth's birthday and Thanksgiving:).

For his birthday we had Seth's favorite fall dessert...Pumpkin Squares.  Oh, and I adore this picture of Seth and Emery<3. 

 Our favorite part of gift opening...the sweet messages:).

It is somehow always exciting when Dad opens presents:).

Emery running away with his loot...

Ashton worked very hard on this BYU decoration for Seth's office.  If you know Ashton, you know what this means.  There was quite a bit of frustration involved, as well as a few tears.  But when he was finished, he was so excited for Seth to see it.  And Seth did not disappoint with his reaction:).

 The boys love Seth's method of gift opening.  He tries to guess what their presents are without looking. They think it's hilarious.  I think it is a very sweet way of helping them feel happy about giving:).

Talmage tried his hand at picture taking while I gave Seth his gifts from me.  Not bad...

Talmage's words after Seth opened his gift from me, "Aren't you guys going to kiss or something?"... NO PROBLEM!

And finally, Thanksgiving in Logan.  Ashton is eclipsed in this photo (and apparently anyone behind me) and the other boys look a little less than thrilled to be taking a picture before being able to put all that food in their mouths.  But don't let their stoic faces deceive you...they were super excited to be about to partake in our many-hours-to-prepare feast on ultra fancy china with matching gold-leafed flatware and crystal stemware (okay, maybe not that last part). It was a very happy and delicious day!:)  Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Crane for hosting our rowdy bunch!

Oh yeah, and Seth's dog bowl.

I have to be honest.  Thanksgiving is high up there on my list of favorite holidays, mostly because I love the food, I love being with family, and I love that when it's over we get to officially invite in the Christmas season!  Mmmm...cinnamon smells, the Carpenters, and bins and bins full of decorations await our arrival home. Favorite time of the year:).