Thankful for.....

I am bugged FM100 is already playing continuous Christmas music. I am bugged for a few reasons, one of which is that I LOVE Thanksgiving. Other than cooking (which I enjoy) Thanksgiving doesn't come with a lot of pressure there is no worry about what presents to buy or what decorations to put up etc. etc. you get to eat yummy food and enjoy family and friends.

I picked up this tag from my cousins. This is a tag specifically for November. Daily or weekly post something you are thankful for. My friend Kath has a head start she's been doing it weekly all year. I'm a little behind:

Nov 1. My Husband

Nov 2. My Kids

Nov 3. The gospel

Nov 4. My home

Nov 5. My health

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I wasn't going to post this, but it was one of those things that completely floored me.
Cambridge had a picture in his back-pack that said I voted for McCain. On the way to Karate I asked him why and completely unsolicited this is what he said:
McCain will keep his promises
Obama looks good but he tells lies and I know he is lying about hospitals and if people are sick.
McCain wants to finish the war and get the bad guys.
Obama wants the soldiers to just come home and hang out; which means that we won't get the bad guys and that means Obama is a bad guy.

We don't watch the news or listen to talk radio when the kids are around. Little did I realize how political my 8yr old is.

I asked him today how he felt about Obama winning and he said, 'Its ok".

I can not think of a time when I have fervently prayed for the leaders of our country. At the Bingham house we've prayed for them a lot lately and will continue to do so.

Baptism

This was a big day for Cambridge. We talk about families being together forever; in order for that to happen everyone has to do their part. I am so grateful Cambridge made his first step in our family being together forever. I am also grateful Brian holds the priesthood to perform this ordinance. The side note would be; all morning long as we ran around getting ready Cambridge was singing, "I like big butts I can not lie..hmm hmm hmm hmm " I think he was a bit keyed up about the day. I kept asking him to sing I am a child of God, or any primary song he could think of, but Big Buts won out. Thanks Shrek (Donkey sings it in Shrek 2)

We a had a special suprise visitor. My dad drove all the way from Portland to be here just for Cambridge's baptism.

Special thanks also to Uncle Owen who flew in from SanFrancisco.

We are grateful to all of our friends and family for coming out and supporting us this day.

We love you!

Trick or Treat

Pumpkin Carving 101

Step 1: Have Dad get the power tools

Step 2: Invite Uncle Owen and Grandma over to help

Step 3: Have the Mom keep her camera in hand so she doesn't have to get dirty = smart mommy!

Nana's Party

My mom has a long running tradition of a Halloween Party at her house. She goes 'all out' as with everything she does 'it is all about presentation'. Thanks Nana we love you!

The Adult Table

The kids party favors

Left to Right: Jayden, Jayla Jonah, Zoe, Adam, Cam, Rem, Ashley, Becca, JP, Julia Rachel

Lauti, Bingham and Roylance cousins

Hallowen Trial Run

Sandi and Jayson Haskell hold a Halloween party every year. Saturday before Halloween was the trial run for all of this year's costumes. Haskell parties are not complete without some fun and games. Go Brian!

Harvey Two-face

I didn't quite have the jacket done; Cambridge cut me some slack and wore his sunday suit coat

Troy Polamalau minus the long hair.

Go Steelers!

Princess Sleeping Beauty

Gov. Sarah Palin comes to visit

I dressed as Sara Palin to go Trick or Treating to my offices. For posterity's sake and anyone who lives in a closet she is currently running for VP on the Republican Ticket. She is a hockey mom of 4 children, one of whom is Downs, is currently Governor of Alaska and hunts moose and bear. I was worried I couldn't pull of the imitation, but according to my offices: "Oh my gosh you do look like her". I handed out home-made hockey pucks with flags on them. (AKA hostess ding dongs.)

Tagged for 7 quirky things about me

1. I am a sleep-eater...not to be confused with a sleep-walker. This started in High School with drill team weigh-ins. I would let me calories get to low during the day and once I was asleep my sub-conscience took over and I would head to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal or some oreos or whatever I can find. I am usually about 3/4 asleep and unfortunately developed a habit that is still with me today. Seriously not good.

2. I have car safety issues. The history on this one is too long but with all of the driving I do with my family/ kids and especially work I HAVe to feel safe in the car I'm driving.

3. I have always had a secret love for toothbrushes. I can vividly remember when J&J came out with their 'reach' toothbrush, mine was green. I think I was destined to wind up in Dental Sales

4. I say 'money in the mail' 'money in the mail' from the book the Secret every time I walk out to get the mail. (I'm not sure it gets quirkier than this).

5. I love to vacuum. I have a 'thing' for vacuums. I think I own 3 uprights and a half a dozen hand-helds.

6. Just to yank Brian's chain I will on the rare occasion bust out a drill team march going down the hallway in our home.

7. I get my superstitions from my aunt "Mootz" and if a black cat crosses my path either on the side walk or the road I will back up, turn around and go the other direction.

Now that I'm thinking about this I have a few more but I will save those for next time. I tag the cute people, based on comments, that I know read my blog; Kath, Jenny, Nat, Brooke, Amber, Sara, Julie, Breanne, Alli, Cass, Jess, Jana and my bro. Now for anyone else who is secretly blog stalking me I tag you as well! (Could someone in their next comment tell me how to get that cute signature thing at the end of your post.)

The costume crazy Momma

This is 'Harvey two-face' from Batman (just in case you're not current on your super-heroes and villains). Cambridge wanted to be this for Halloween. Swell, they don't sell two-face at Walmart or the other Halloween stores, nor can you find his costume online. I can sew a straight line, when it comes to following a pattern that's a whole different story. The last time I followed patterns I was in Mrs. Kingsley's 8th grade sewing class. The only reason I survived that class is my friend Kath sat next to me and she is brilliant with patterns...seriously you should see her kids Halloween costumes. Brian my ever loving hubby believes I can buy a pattern and just whip this sucker out....hmmm no. I honestly can't follow a pattern. I did try again in high school to make a pair of shorts for Allan Ward for a couples dance....disaster....it took Allan a few weeks to talk to me again.) It attempts to avoid the pattern I hit several DI stores hoping to take apart two suit coats and sew them together. Its $80 for a suit coat at the DI (no way) I did find a white polyester suit jacket for $20! Yes! Bought it, came home and ripped it in half, believing I will just die the other half black and sew it back together....not so much...It turned out a lovely shade of dark purplish gray. With dragging feet I finally headed to the fabric store to buy pattern and material. Have you ever looked for a kids suit jacket pattern....not to be found..I bought an adult one, thinking I'd go with the smallest size. Bought material; only to bring it home and realize the white material didn't match the pants I had already made. (the pants came from an xsmall pair of white and black scrubs taken apart and sew back together). Today thinking relief had hit I drove to my friend Renae's house because she called to tell me she had an old lab coat that I could have and maybe it would take the die. I got the coat home only to have Cam tell me it didn't look like the picture....ok...starting over. I grabbed his old suit jacket, cut it in half, completely took the one side apart and used the pieces as my pattern....voila I am amazing! It worked, I have a black and white kid size suit jacket....I'll post a picture when he puts it on tomorrow. Thank Heavens Halloween is only once a year.

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Sometimes I think I run around so fast I don't pay attention to the fact that EVERYTHING is sinking into Zoe's 2yr old mind. Zoe is the one holding the basket gazing at her new Aunt Jana. (The beautiful bride is Jana Fuehrer Roylance that married my little bro Mark in April). Zoe was the party princess that tight and held onto her flower basket so tight the next day she had blisters on her hand.
The other day Zoe was sitting and reading books in my bedroom and she caming rushing into the bathroom to show me a picture of Ariel in her wedding dress with prince Eric and said, "Look Mom they're going to the temple." Wow where did that come from? I've always heard you should have a picture of the temple in your home. There is a picture of Brian and I in front of the Logan temple that hangs in our bedroom. Much to my chagrin we have never had a family home evening about the temple. We've been more focused on being nice, baptism, and lately we've only sung the FHE song in the van on the way back from Cam's soccer games because they fall on Monday nights. Somehow despite my lack of teaching Zoe has figured out that everyone including Ariel should get married in the temple.

Tag of 4th and 4th - Brian fishing in the Bahamas

I picked this tag up from some very cute people in my ward..Fourth file...fourth picture in...very random! This is Brian holding some exotic fish while having a 'business' meeting in the Bahamas. Two of his partners are avid fisherman and thus this is where they have business meetings. (poor suckers) When people ask me what my husband does, I have to ask them if they want the full description or the readers digest version.... I can't just say 'he does drugs' because people might take me seriously. But 'seriously' he does. He negotiates between....ok never mind.....and it's all legal!

I am so grateful for Bing and his employment, especially in this crazy world we live in. He is a hard worker, he is smart and honest and tenacious. I am grateful for the partners he works with and the opportunities he has for change and growth.

I tag all of those that might read this! That means YOU!

Cam the Birthday Man

My baby is 8 today! I can not believe it. I was bemoaning the fact that my boy is so big and my friend Steph pointed out how much she loves watching her daughter grow up. I love it to, I'm just afraid I'm going to blink and this blog will have a picture of him going on his mission...(can you imagine what blogging will be like in 11 years...who knows). I think every parent wants their kid to be great at everything they do. As I watch Cambridge try new things and develop certain skills I'm not sure if it's harder on him or me. You find some things they are great at and some they are not. I'm also finding that as your child grows you start to see more things they do exactly like you, or exactly like your husband, and some you're not sure where they picked up. The other day he asked me if when he went to College if he could live there? Could he take his play station? Could he keep his room as messy as he wanted? And last but not least could he have Crazy Parties??? What the......?

I never want my blog to be a brag session but I have to use this day to say; these are some great things about my very cool Cambridge: He is not shy, he will get up in front of people and talk without hesitation. He is funny. He is great at video games. He loves superheros. He still loves gloves and costumes (this started at a very early age). He will try almost any sport. He is a red belt in Karate. He currently plays goalie for his comp soccer team. He takes great care and is very protective of his brother and sister. He can handle a moderate to difficult ATV trail and can ski a black diamond. Last but not least he loves his mom (and dad) and is not too big or too cool to give me a snuggle and a kiss.

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending me this very precious spirit.

Pumpkin Patch

This is the Pumpkin patch field trip with Remy's kindermusic pre-school class. Miss Angela is the best!!!!!! I can not sing her praises loud enough!! I believe so much of the progress Remy has made is because of her. Because kindergarten is only a half day Remy gets to do one more year with Angela...I'm kinda hoping he can just tuck her in his backpack and take her to 1st grade next year. I need to give special thanks to Cassandra. Cass has the kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays, therefor she gets to do all the field trips this year. I keep telling her its the best 'mom training' she'll ever get. She claims its the best birth control out there!

What's in a name?

I have been re-named. Most little kids go through a phase where they figure out what their parents names are besides Mom an Dad. Remy and Zoe have hit this at the same time. Remy can't quite say Melanie so it comes out 'Mel-yay' and Zoe just calls me 'hey you'!

Gotta watch!

Yes I have become political and yes I have an opinion. I hijacked this from my Kathy's blog. This is good, and it gave me the chills. (you may need to scroll down and hit pause on my blog-music)

Go bloggers go!

My Great-Grandfather George Newby Roylance - their small cabin after the weber/farmington flood

My Great-Grandmother Margaret Storey Roylance

While in Oregon I took sat down to read my Dad's family history. At some point in your life suddenly this stuff becomes cool to look at (probably a sign of age). I was so touched by the history especially the stuff that was written in their own hand. I knew that my great-grandfather was an alcoholic, but I never knew his drinking started with the death of his 5yr old daughter. Reading my great grandmothers reaction to the death of her daughter and how she coped through her grief was inspirational. It made me think about blogging. I never been a great journal writer. I have several journal-books I have started and it goes well for about 2 weeks and then the next entry is about a year later. (so much for that!) This blogging thing seems to be going a little better. So for all of you bloggers out there (that I check on) thanks for living in my computer, and sharing your lives, YOU inspire me.

Rain Rain Go Away!

I've told a couple of people it seems lately 'when it rains it pours' In the last ten days lots of stressful things have hit all at once. Maybe things come in three's, whatever, I should have kept my mouth shut about the raining and pouring comment. For months we have had this trip planned to Bryce Canyon to do some four-wheeling. Its conference weekend and call me crazy but I think there are big reasons we get a break from traditional church every 6 months. It's a 5.5 hour road trip with lunch and potty stops. The kids were great! We got there and it rained and rained and rained and rained and rained. Did I mention it RAINED and it was COLD!!! The four-wheelers never came off the trailer. It was fun to spend time with just the kids and Bryce Canyon was beautiful even in the freakin RAIN!

Dressed for Success

(sorry stock photo - I forgot my camera)

Min (dear darling sister) has run into some stress and is experiencing some health side effects because of it. My Dad has been living in her driveway in a trailer and has decided he would prefer to drink himself to death (literally) and needed to be moved into a trailer park. I flew to Portland Tuesday morning with the mission in mind of helping some of Min's stress by getting Dad's stuff moved into the new trailer (out of her driveway) and helping her with the kids for a couple of days. Note for posterity..Aunt Mindy is Superwoman - she invented the term multi-tasking. She has a stressful full time job, part time side job, manages her husbands jobs, mom of three kids, teaches gospel doctrine, she is amazing!!!!

I got on the plane and looked down at what I was wearing....camo shorts. Was this subliminal ?Was I going into battle? When I got to my rental car...the cheapest they had (no joke) was a Jeep Commander - army green. At this point I am convinced I am going into battle. My patriarchal blessing says I have a team of guardian angels watching out for me...those angels must be working over-time. I considered stopping at the pawn shop to pick up guns and ammo but decided it was only fun to think about. (25 years of dealing with an alcoholic father can make you a little crazy).

The good news is my dad is usually a quiet drunk..I found him in pretty good shape, he actually helped me with the first load. I ran errands for Min, hung out with her kids, and bought and hooked up various hoses at the new trailer. Three more loads and I had all of his stuff moved. Dad won't remember I was even there. When I left him he was very sad and ashamed. I told him I loved him, but didn't love his addiction, and once again he needed to figure this out on his own. Hopped back on the plane wednesday night - Mission accomplished! Big thanks to Brian for supporting me and Cass and Heidi for watching the kids.

Betty Crocker

Zoe in training

I would never claim to be a 'Betty Crocker' type or Domestic Goddess or whatever you would like to call it. Every once in a while my Betty Crocker side sneaks out and she has to take over my kitchen. Luckily my mom is there to help (Mom is actually guilty of persuading my Betty to come out of the closet). This summer/fall we have done strawberry,raspberry, and peach jam, canned and frozen peaches. Next is homemade bread. Goodness Betty I need some sleep!