While I was running around, cleaning the house this morning, Jakey was in the mood for a piano lesson. I was cracking up as he was bossing me around from the piano bench. He'd been plunking away for about 15 minutes on his own, obviously not pleased with his 3 year old skills. He started yelling at me through the house, "Mom! Teach me piano lessons! Teach me how to play this song!" (tapping the chair) "Sit down right here in this chair and teach me piano lessons!" So funny.

So, Heidi gave me the courage to brave the Black Friday shoppers. I am a non-shopper in general, so this was a very risky situation. I've been in great need of new clothes, so we grabbed the birthday cash and headed out when the kids went to bed.
We went to the Levi outlet- it was amazing to see how many people and bike riding policemen were out there! I walked in there wearing a size 12- tried on a dozen pairs of pants- and walked out wearing a size 6 in the same style!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! Such an exciting night! This might just be the motivation I need to try to get off that last 10lbs!

Jake this morning, while I'm clipping his fingernails:

"This wittle toe went to market, that one ate beef turkey (beef jerky), and this one went ALL da way home!"

This week has been a busy one. It started with me being called to the RS Presidency on Sunday, then a busy week helping our friends pack up to move, meetings, writing as much as I could in between activities, hosting Cassidy's activity day group, basketball practice, piano lessons, the stomach flu, Warren being out of town with new job training, and on and on. But one of the larger events was my Christmas recital. All 3 of my older kids played in it, along with my piano students. A big thank you to the parents of my students who support them and ME so much!

Cade's activity of choice, when home at school with the stomach flu, was to make play dough. He and Jake were so excited. Jake was pretty happy to have a buddy through the day.

It's been a very sad week, watching our dear friends pack up to move. We've tried to pack in every single second we could of fun before they left. Today was moving day, and there were tears flowing from me and the kids.

Our kids will sure miss these kids. And I will sure miss their mom!!
Luke feeling pretty embarrassed by the hug- "Mom! You're embarrassing me!" Is all over his face.
 Cade cried half the day since we weren't sure he'd be able to say goodbye due to the stomach flu. We came up with the compromise that he had to stay in the car, no hugging or breathing on our friends.
Getting in mischief together as always, up to the very end! (Under the moving truck). We love you guys so much! Be safe and best of luck! The people of Colorado are so lucky to have you!

I found an amazing illustrator for my children's storybook! He is hopeful to have the artwork done by the New Year and then we can get going on the PUBLISHING!!! YAY!!! So excited!

 Luke had a fun team and awesome coaches! What a great season! And you can't get much better than a team party at Cici's Pizza.

 Our little goal scoring machine had his last game of the season today. He has played great! 4 goals scored last game, today he scored 2. We are so proud of him and his hard work!!
 Go Dragons!

 It all began just before the party was supposed to start, we had a little uninvited guest join the fun. A gecko! Running through the house. You can see it in the jar next to the cake.
 Chocolate cake- nothing fancy- but oh so tasty recipe from Amy Foulger's Keeping Up Cookbook- YUM!
 We had 14 boys, 5 girls and 3 moms at the party. It was a houseful!! It reminded me why I only throw parties for my kids on even birthdays, but it was a blast for Cade- so that's all that matters!!!


 Happy Birthday, Cade!! Love you, Buddy!!

 My birthday was this week, too. It was a great day. "The Emily's" took care of my kids while I went to my writers workshop, made me a sopapilla cheesecake (DIVINE!), ate cheese cake with me and then took me out to lunch. It was so much fun!

I had other friends bring me fun treats- including these cool balloons my neighbor made! Warren brought home flowers, chinese food, and gifts from he and the kids, (And he took them WITH him to get them! So nice!) and he had the kids do their chores. It was a great break to not have to be the one nagging them for a change. I had  a really nice day.
We did have some snot nosed, coughing tiny guys. But so far it hasn't become anything serious. I think this temperature fluctuation is finally catching up with us.

Cade is the first grandchild to be a cub scout on both sides of the family. He is SO excited! He's been beaming all week. In his first few days of being a scout he's already been able to go to the fire station and on a fishing trip. He is in heaven!!

 Cade turned 8 this week!! We went and had lunch with him at school. Luckily his lunch over laps with Cassidy's, so we got to see her too! Happy Birthday, Cade!!

 This little lady LOVES balls. You can tell she has 3 older brothers. She's scooting quite a bit, but not crawling yet. So when a ball gets away from her she fusses and fits until Jake brings it back to her. Spoiled rotten?

She is such a sweet little thing! We are so blessed to have such a happy baby!

One of my best friends, here in Texas, is moving to Colorado. My heart is breaking!! She has helped me through everything. Taken my kids when I've had babies (even though she has 7 of her own- which include triplet 5 year old girls!), put my kids to bed for me when I've been sick, played at the park, pool, zoo, McDonald's, (you name it!), thrown me baby showers, listened to my embarrassing moments, fun moments and sad moments, watched my kids for all kinds of reasons, carpooled, kids have been best buds with my kids, grocery and clothing shopped for me, been my diet and exercise buddy- as well as my pigging out buddy! I don't know what I'm going to do without her. There is going to be a dark hole in my life in a week's time. I love you, Toni! You're the best! Thank you for being my friend!

 Luke's class mascot, Max the Monkey, got to come home with us last weekend. Luke was SO excited. We met Max a couple years ago when Cade was in Kindergarten. He had the same teacher Luke has this year.

Max helped clean the church...
 Max came to Luke's soccer game.... we were freezing!

 Max watched Luke score 4 goals in his game!
Followed by some hot chocolate at home to celebrate...