Pressing Ci-i-ider Through a Straw....

or, a cider press

Doug and I had about 500 lbs of apples left from a Young Single Adult activity and needed to use them before they went bad.  Thankfully there is a great couple in our ward that owns a President Jorgensen Handmade Cider Press.  They were wonderful to let us and about 4 other families come and press the crazy amount of apples for FHE last night.

It was pretty dang cold out, but the kids had fun helping out with this amazing contraption.  They did go in and out of the garage, snacking on hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate and delicious peach cobbler.  So, they did thaw out every once in a while.

I'm thinking that we got about 30-40 gallons of apple cider.  And it's yummy!  The apples are Yakima fuji's and super sweet.  I'm not a juice/cider drinker, but there is something about this stuff that makes me want to drink glass after glass of it. Hmmm....maybe it's the pregnancy.

The moon started to rise while we were wrapping things up.  It was so beautiful. 

It was a great night spent with family and friends...and lots of apples!

Tree Time

Last year we were very blessed to have one of my lovely friends deliver our Christmas tree.  We probably wouldn't have had one otherwise.

This year I am a little more anxious than usual to get decorations and all things Christmas going.  I think it's because I couldn't last year. 

We took the kids out of school a bit early on Monday (which they were ecstatic about) to go searching for the perfect tree.  I love living out where we do, because there is a tree farm at almost every corner. This year we tried a new place just about 3 miles down the road from us.  There we met a lovely lady named Sharon and we took ourselves through her picturesque property complete with a log house and a little bridge over a small creek.  Once you start to look at all the trees they tend to start looking very similar.

Savannah spotted this one.  We looked at several others just to be sure and then came back to it.

My little lovies!!!

Everyone insisted on helping carry this beauty to the car.  I love when they want to be so helpful! 

Sharon (the lady in the back) also makes pretty incredible live wreaths.  I saw a gigantic one and asked how much.  Only 30 bucks!  I snatched it up.  So, if you drive by my house, look at the front porch where it is hanging!  I love it! 

Our FHE activity was, of course, decorating this Fraser tree.  We usually go with a Douglas fir, but this turned out perfect for us.  I think Sharon will have some returning customers next year!!

The 'Power' of Prayer

Along with many others, we lost power last night.  About 3 a.m. my eyes shot open for some odd reason and all I saw was pitch black.  I didn't really fall back asleep very soundly because of the baby bump and the loud noises outside.  I kept saying little prayers about the power coming back on, thinking about the Thanksgiving turkey in our fridge and the insane amount of water that we wouldn't be able to pump out of the basement.

Around 5:30 Payton and Savannah crept inside our room.  "Mom, we lost power. It's really dark!  We said a prayer so we could make it downstairs!"  They climbed in bed with us and started talking about the weather and how much they didn't like it.  Savannah, bless her heart, is just like her mother.  She gets a little worked up over things like this and starts worrying about everything.  "I really don't like this at all." She said.  There was several minutes of silence and then Savannah said, "Mom...Dad...Payton.  Can you say a prayer with me?"  Dad asked what exactly she wanted to pray about.  And she said that the electricity would come back on.  We told her to go ahead.  It was a short and simple prayer.  She thanked Heavenly Father for the day and asked Him to help us be safe. And then she asked that the power would come back on and ended it.  In the instant she said amen...the kitchen light that we always leave on at night for the kids flickered back on and the heat turned on in our bedroom!  She sat up straight in bed and yelled..."THE ELECTRICITY IS BACK ON!!"  We were all a little stunned and started laughing a little. "That is so awesome," she said.  Seriously, it was pretty dang incredible.  I just can't help thinking about it and smiling.

So, to anyone living near by us whose power was out, I will just have you know that your power came back on because of the faith and prayer of my little 8 year old sweetheart!

ONE YEAR AGO...

For the past week I have been reminiscing about Hawaii.  Surfing, para sailing, jet skiing, luau's, walking the beach, soaking up the sun.  Oh that glorious sun!!  Sweet memories.  That's where I was one year ago.  But with those memories come the memories of the night after we got back.  November 17th.  Can't help but drift to those moments...when things changed. 

Not that I'm not constantly reminded of my accident with the dizzy spells, nerve damage and scar tissue from the surgery, but

hopefully this date will forever be a reminder to me of how blessed I am, how deeply I love and appreciate my friends and family and how grateful I am to be here.

MOZARTS in the MAKING

Piano Recital

November 12, 2011

Payton and Savannah have been taking piano lessons for the last year.  A sweet lady in our ward offered lessons for free.  We couldn't pass that up.  It hasn't been the easiest thing in the world to get them to practice the way they are supposed to.  But it has been awesome to hear their progress.

They each played 3 songs.  Unfortunately, the recital was held in the chapel so I couldn't record it.  Just know that they ROCKED IT!!  Doug and I were beaming!

Savannah and Payton with Lila Burgin.  She is very sweet and patient and we greatly appreciate the (free) time she devotes to teaching our kids.  What an amazing gift and act of service!!

Halloween Weekend

Thursday; Pumpkin Carving

Jillian's (the big one)

and

Izzy's (the polka-dot one)

Savannah's (back)

and

Payton's (front)

Mine.

If you couldn't tell, it's a G for Gifford.

Friday; Party Time.

Jillian's class party.

Butterfly and Bumble Bee

They had a blast buggying down with Mr. Coyner's music!

Also, on Friday, Doug and I went to an adult Halloween Costume party.  We did dress up, I just didn't get any pictures.  We went dressed as our host and hostess whom have a blog called 'Training With a Track Coach and his Adorable Wife'

So...we were Track Coach and Adorable Wife.  I even had a little spy (the sister) go to their house and 'borrow' some of their athletic gear.  I'm proud to say that everyone thought it was hilarious and we won for most creative costumes!  Glad they were good sports about it!!

Saturday; Trunk or Treat

Savannah the Pirate Princess

Isabelle the Bumble Bee

Payton as Zorro...without his mask.  (It was a last minute costume)

Jillian the Butterfly

Doug and I headed to the temple with the youth that night, so the kids got lucky when grandma said she would take them to the Trunk or Treat.

 Monday, we hit the streets of Onalaska for our very first time taking the kids trick or treating.  We usually just stick to the Trunk or Treat.  It was an interesting experience.

We visited a few friends and then came back to Grandma's house for some family activity's with the cousins.  It involved donuts and apples and lots of spit.  Good times.



A VERY LONG ROAD...show

October 22, 2011

This year our stake had a Road Show.  That's where every ward has to come up with an original 15 minute play and then perform it for the entire stake.  Oh, and it's a competition!  For some odd reason, I got myself all caught up in it...ended up writing the script and helping direct!  I think I'll think twice about that next time around.

I tried to get as many people in the ward to participate as I could.  Of course that meant my children.  They were thrilled to be a part of it.

The title of ours was "Dot and the Seven Seekers."  We had a theme that we had to base the play on.  That happened to be the 13th Article of Faith.

The girls were part of the 'Mini's' and Payton ended up taking on the roll of a Triple D (he was Disobedience).  They were so stinkin cute and enthusiastic!  I think I might have some thespians in this little family of mine.  The audience LOVED the hair-do's!

Jillian among some other Mini's.

Isabelle...that hair was pretty impressive!!

We used small water bottles!

Payton with the other Triple D's and their followers. 

The lady that was taking pictures for me didn't get a straight on shot of Savannah...so this is as good as it gets for her.  You can almost see her behind Izzy's hair!

It was fun to be a part of.  Lots of work and time, but fun.  Unfortunately we didn't win the big prize, but everyone had a blast!  And that's all that really matters...at least that's what I keep telling myself!

26 Weeks...

and counting...slowly.

Instead of complaining about every little thing that I don't like about being pregnant, I am going to stay positive and recite what I read the other day and leave it at that.

"I GROW HUMANS.  WHAT'S YOUR

 SUPER POWER?"

I can't seem to stop crying after watching this.  Puts things into perspective.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

Thursday was D's birthday.  He doesn't like birthdays very much.  He has been dreading this one in particular.  35 seemed awful to him.  He has heard many things about 35 being an age where it just goes down hill from then on.  I think he is silly.  But, hey, I might feel the same as he does 4 years from now.

No party thrown.  No big to do.  He just wanted low key and what every other male wants for his birthday...  So I tried to oblige him as much as possible.

(Us last year in Hawaii...which I realized I never blogged about.)

It was a thrilling birthday for him.  After our typical morning rituals we headed to the scrap metal place in Portland.  I know, I know.  We are quit the adventurers.  Seeing as we were hauling about 2 1/2 tons of tractor implements and old appliances...it was an adventure.

We then stopped at PARKER'S in Longview.  This place has the best artichoke, jalapeno cheese fondue!!  They serve it with little pieces of toasted bread.  Delish! We walked out of there about 10 pounds heavier and in some pain!

When we finally got home we took off for the blood drive.  Yep, my husband gave blood on his birthday!  I usually do too, but because I am with child, they didn't want my blood. So, I just hung out with the kids and waited.  Then it was a race to get home so I could change and come back to the church for my stake meeting.  Bummer deal on D's day.  But he understood and stayed with the kids, enjoyed dinner and cinnamon rolls (courtesy of his sister Nanci and his Mom) and then put the kids to bed.  But then we reunited after my meeting and headed to Applebee's for some late night hot wings with some fantastic friends.  I was still stuffed from lunch, so I didn't eat too much!

Then it was home to, um....go to bed??

I wrote a little poem which Doug thought I should share on my little blog.  He thought it was hilarious!

My sweetie, my lovely

My Douglas delight.

Here we are again on your

Brisk birthday night.

For 35 years

This world has been blessed

By you and your charm

Simply the Best.

We won't mention the labor

Your mother went through

Or the things that you did

When you were just two.

The hair or the shiner

In your kindergarten pic

Or any of those years

Where you looked pretty slick.

We won't talk about all

Those years that you drooled

Or slept walked leaving stains

Where your urine had pooled.

With your neighbor those times

When doctor you'd play

The mischief you'd create on

That hill made of clay.

Or as you got older

Those joy rides you'd take

Let's not talk about those

No no...for goodness sake.

Oh those ventures in cars

Your LUV and dirt bikes

We won't mention those OR

ALL the girls that you liked.

Let's move on to the years

Where things just got better

And you prepared yourself

For your mission letter.

The best two years of your life

You have said

Lots of shoes you wore out

Lots of scriptures you read.

And of course that lead to

THE GREATEST DECISION OF YOUR LIFE

And that is when you

Chose me as your wife!

The last 14 birthdays

Together we've spent

And each one that passes

Proves more, you're heaven sent.

The boy that you were

And the man you've become

I love every bit

YES ALL...not just some.

This world is indeed

A more awesome place

Since the moment you came

With that handsome face.

I love you my sweetie

My Douglas delight

Happy 35th to you

Let's finish celebrating this night!

(wink wink)

MY SOCCER STARS!

Now that the season is almost over I thought I'd do a little post about this years soccer experience. 

Savannah loves it more than she did last year.  She has really improved and is on a great team with an awesome coach.  We are lucky to have him at all.  There almost wasn't a U10 girls team because they couldn't find a coach.  This guy stepped in with only boys football coaching under his belt.  He has been great and has lead the girls to lots of victories! 

I love to see Vann out there with her little legs at full speed.  She can really move!

U12 is a little different.  Mainly the size of the field they play on.  It's been cool to see the more competitive games.   Payton still loves it...but might be trying football next year instead.  We will see how long that lasts.

Payton almost didn't have a team either.  There were not enough boys signed up for an Onalaska team.  So they dispersed the boys to other surrounding schools.  Thankfully we didn't have to go terribly far.  Napavine is just a town over from us.  And it just so happens that one of Payton's best friends is on that team.  They both were totally stoked about it.

Drake and Payton being goof balls!

I told the boys to enjoy this because it may not happen again.  It's been great seeing them on the field together as teammates!

Only a few more games to go and the season will come to an end.  Another year of soccer in the books.  It's bitter sweet.

For me, right now...it's more sweet than bitter! 

Yep, that's how I have felt the last couple of days.  I hate to blame it on the simple fact that I am pregnant...but I'm going to anyway.  Frankly, I have no other reason.  I just feel sad. 

I was having a discussion with my husband last night about how grumpy I had acted yesterday morning.  I knew I was grumpy.  I heard myself snap at the kids.  I felt the unnecessary tension in my body and the scowl on my face.  I fought back the tears.  And yet...I didn't stop being grumpy.   

During this conversation with the hubs, I started to really think about how difficult being pregnant is.  It feels as if it takes me over.  I try to be as normal as possible because I don't want to be a crazy prego lady.  But goodness gracious, that is almost impossible.  So, when I am a crazy prego lady, it makes me feel terrible and then I feel sad about how I acted.  It's a vicious cycle.  I wish that I felt like I had more control over it. 

Now add to the insane emotions, the body issues.  Oh my goodnes, the body issues!  I know I am pregnant.  I know that changes happen.  This is my 5th pregnancy.  Believe me, I KNOW!  And I know this isn't permanent for me (cause I will work my tail off after this baby comes.)  But...I still hate it.  I hate that I can feel my thighs rubbing together when I walk.  I hate that I have to wear layering sweaters to hide my muffin top love handles. I hate that my face if filling out.  I hate that my legs are swelling to an uncomfortable size every day.  I hate that I hang out with my friends and their non-pregnant bodies and it makes me feel like an amazon woman.  And most of all, I hate that it bothers me so much and that this has so much effect on my happiness.  It makes me so sad. Oh, how I wish it didn't.  And then...I just stay sad.  I wallow in it.  Even when I am doing a million other things, the sadness is still there.  How ridiculous do I sound?  How womanish do I sound?  I get so frustrated with myself I want to punch something.  (Like a pillow, cause I would rather not brake my hand or anything.)

.DEEP BREATH.

 A baby.  That's what will come of this.  Another beautiful little girl.  A blessing.  I know that.  And yes...it is worth it.

  It's just hard and uncomfortable and one giant emotional roller coaster.  One that I will be riding for at least the next 4 months.  HA!  Who am I kidding?  As soon as this one ends, I'll be jumping on the next one.  Hello POST PARTUM!

Apple Harvest and Planking

So, last year D and I did the Onalaska Apple Harvest 8K (5 mile) run.  We both finished with pretty 'turtle-ish' times.  But we were determined to come back this year and do better.

Well, seeing as I didn't actually run the 5 miles, I will have to push that goal back to next year.  Having gotten home around 1a.m. from the temple the night (or morning) before, we almost didn't make it to the 8:30a.m. race.  But we drug ourselves out of our beds and our eyes were almost open by the time we got there to register...10 minutes before it started.  We figured it would be fine.  Not like it's some crazy, high attendance race or anything.  It's Onalaska, people!

I did, however do the 2 mile walk.  They had a little apple plaque for the top walker.  When I saw that, I got a little excited.  For some strange, somewhat unrealistic reason, I thought for a minute that maybe I could win it.  Don't laugh.  But as soon as the walking began, that thought was blown out of the water by this super speed walker lady in bright pink.  She took off...and I didn't see her again.  I shrugged my shoulders and thought maybe I could talk them into having a 'top pregnant lady walker' category.  I just walked along side my friend, Jill, as we complained about different pains that were stabbing us.  Sadly, both of us were soar the next day.  Hey...we walked at a pretty good pace and worked our hips, I promise.

D, on the other hand did great on his run!  His improvement from where he was last year still really impresses me.  His finish time last year was 57 min and some change.  (Behind my finish of 56:48...or something like that).  This year he came in at 43:57.  That is a 14 minute difference.  So proud of my man!  The competition was a little more intense this year, so instead of getting 1st in his age division, he got 3rd.  Still a 'podium finish' he says.  AND we both won stuff at the drawing.  He won a $10 gift certificate to Buzz N Blooms (a local flower, hair salon, coffee, tanning, shop) and I won a $25 gift certificate to Outback Stake House.  So much better than our last year's prize of a coffee mug!  A few of our friends that ran with us last year and some first timers were there and did amazing, with first place plaques and age division wins.  And of course, drawing prizes.  Hope Ron is enjoying his new Onalaska Loggers jacket.  Have you washed it yet?? ;)

Unfortunately, we had to take Payton to his soccer game in Rochester so we didn't stick around for the Apple Harvest Festivities.  We got home from the game, watched the 2nd session of conference and then vegged out a bit.  D headed to the Priesthood session (they have dinner before the broadcast) around 3:45.  I finally decided to take my aching hips and the kids to see what was left of the festival.  We got there and all that was there was, a bluegrass band playing it's final songs, ponies no longer giving rides and lots of trash.  My kids were bummed.  But, we did run into some friends and we ALL practiced our 'PLANKING' skills.  It was pretty hilarious.  Did it make up for missing the parade, the petting zoo, rock wall, pony rides, face painting, karaoke, arts and crafts, apple pressing, and elephant ears??  Probably not for them.  But I laughed so hard that evening, it was worth it to me.

 

This might just be our new family hobby.