We had some fun with the camera on Sunday. We tried to get some shots for our Xmas cards - it is no easy feat to get six children and the mom and dad all in and looking at the camera let alone looking good! These are just some for fun ones - notice Davin and Kellen did not stick around because they do not think it is fun!!!

Turkey Trot 2010

Thanks for bringing home the turkey again Josie!!!!!

Here are some of Kellen's one year pictures. It was really an awful experience. My amazing friend, Rebecca, came and brought all of her fancy stuff and was so patient with a fussy boy. I timed it for when I thought he would be happy, but of coarse he was not. The great thing is that Rebecca is so good she got several really good pictures anyway! Turns out he was coming down with the scratchy throat cold that his siblings brought home from school. He is normally so happy and ready with a beautiful open mouthed smile. We let Brody in a few to try and help. Kellen has big hazel eyes I hope he never grows into - it reminds me of Perry's big blues that were too big for her baby face.

It is not Thanksgiving yet, but I am starting early with a family home evening tonight, and so I have been contemplating gratitude. I am so thankful for parents that just were grateful. They lived it and did not teach it with paper and pen. I feel grateful daily for many things, and I hope I am living it. It makes the family home evening matter less. Today is beautiful, and as I stepped out for my run I silently thanked God for lifting me with the beauty of his creation. I ran by the elementary school and heard the principal on the loud speaker defining gratitude at the very moment I was thinking how lucky my kids are to go to beautiful schools with loving teachers. I spent a four day weekend with family and can't express the blessing I feel to be a part of them. I am thankful for my nephew who turned 14 yesterday. He is kind and loving and interested in my younger children. When we went around the table to tell him what we like about him, little Brody said, "I love Justin because I love him." I know exactly what you mean Brody! That is how I feel about all my family here and far away.

This little guy lives in our playhouse. He has been there for a couple of weeks and the thrill has yet to wear off. It is inspiring to witness the amazement small things bring to young children!

Sorry girls I know you will be mortified, but I just had to do it. Arms anyone?!?!

A Week in Photos

Emmie at the Reflections award night

Photo courtesy of Brody Guinn

"Brad finding a perfect scripture"

Davin with his b-ball buddy Luke showing off the new letterman jacket.

The boys playing in the yard.

Josie just before her concert.

Lots of stuff going on around here always. Josie had her first band concert. She looked beautiful, and I am sure she sounded good, but because there were about 5000 people there, we couldn't see or hear her! Her soccer team is in 2nd - Perry's too. Perry made the first cuts of soccer tryouts at her high school. There were 50 girls there not counting returning players!!! Davin took the psat - we'll see how he does soon. He is not with the homecoming princess anymore and has his sights on a cute girl from across town, "just having fun". Basketball starts tomorrow for school - we are so excited!!!! Kellen said Mom yesterday clear as day, but he won't say it again. Brody was the king of reverent on Sunday proudly wearing his crown home from church. He is also getting ready for his Thanksgiving show. Emmie is my buddy. What will I do when she doesn't want to go everywhere with me? She sweetly sobbed the other day because I left the "little" kids with Davin, "Why do you always leave me with all of the boys? I don't want to be with the boys!" What are the chances she will still be singing the same song in another 7 years?

Brad ditched us again - he missed the snow and heard there was going to be some in Utah. Not really. He just got Salt Lake Public Schools for one of his clients. So when he was in Brazil I wanted to make a top ten reasons I miss Brad list, but I didn't have the time. So here it is

1. No one to put the dog in at night.

2. I seriously can't find any of the shows we watch!

3. How the heck am I supposed to get all the kids to their practices?

4. Nobody to eat my dinner meal without complaining. Can't believe you will even gag down the butternut squash!

5. Nobody here to find just the right scripture.

6. Wow, an entire week without anyone criticizing the way I load the dishwasher.

7. Who is going to help me with my computer projects?

8. I have to make the lunches and the bed everyday?

9. You say things like, "Missing you already, love you!" even when I am a miserable partner a lot of the time!

10. My kiss goodnight