The Church of the Hallway

When Isaac was a toddler we joined the Church of the Hallway. This is the group of parents who have toddlers that no matter how much effort is put into packing a bag full of fun you can not keep your child in the meetings. So you roam the halls. You think to yourself each week... "Why am I even here? If I were home I could at least get something done." Then you hear the sweet voice of the Spirit remind you "Because going to church is a commandment..." Sometimes it feels as if your child is the only one that is out of your control. That only your child has the enough energy to fly to the moon and back. That your child is the only one that lacks the ability to whisper... Sometimes you feel that you are the only one in this situation. It is a bit discouraging and at times very stressful. I think that our Heavenly Father sees this. That he looks at us and is pleased that no matter how broken down we are. Or how tempted we are to stay home just this Sunday... we go. We attend our Sunday meetings knowing... we will be in the hallway. It was in this stage in my life that I met my friend Natalie. I grew to love and appreciate her. I became so fond of her children. Our children played so well together. I remember one Halloween when her husband talked me into watching the Ring. Marc-a-Roni was game. Nat on the other hand stayed upstairs and watched something Disney and pretty... To this day I still wish I would have watched something Pretty... I get freaked out just thinking of that movie!
Natalie and her family moved away and like many moving stories we lost touch. We have not spoken in years. I have missed her. I have missed our friendship. I have missed our bond. BUT... through the world of Blogging we have made contact again. We are able to peek into one another's lives and reconnect. Natalie may well be the most talented writers I know. I find myself lost in her posts. They are amazing!
Why do I bring this random moment in my life up? Because you NEVER know when you will meet a good friend. I made a close friend in the church of the hallway. I will ever be grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping us find one another.
Happy Birthday my dear Friend, Natalie...

ThanksgiBing Feast

We had an early Thanksgiving Feast this year. "Dinner" was at noon! It was a perfect time!
Our Indian Boy Ammon!
Isaac's Favorite Strawberry Pretzel Salad

The Sweet Potatoes are from Scratch... No canned Yams For US! The marshmallows are a bit on the charred sided... Burnt marshmallows are my favorite so I was happy!

Homemade dressing! As a child my job was to "break" the bread. This job has been handed off to Jordie now!

Fresh Cranberry sauce

Mashed Potatoes

TURKEY

Anderson's Cherry Jello! (Thanks for the addiction Nat)

Skunk Eggs
Rolls Dad's gravy
Canned Cranberry Sauce for Grandma

We all know that this day is not about the food...It is about the gratitude we have for this great Country. For the gratitude we have for our membership in the Church. For our freedom. For our friends that have become family. Today, I am grateful.

New York, New York South Mission

My darling cousin Heather has recieved her mission call! I could not be more happy for her. I have such fond memories of the time I served the Lord. I know she will serve with all her efforts. She has an amazing spirit about her. Congratulaitons my dear cousin! I can not wait to watch you serve! Watch out New York here comes a SUPER SISTER! I love you!

Small Trinket of Treasure

I was showing the video clip of Grandma Great to my father... She is his mother. I commented how endearing her accent was..."Don't your mama ever gives you drinks of wata?!?" I have heard her talk with this accent from the time I was small. What I did not know was she mimicking her parents. They were both immigrants. Her mother from Italy. Her father from Sweden. Both came to America when they were young adults. My great grandfather never joined the Mormon church. My great grandmother was tracked out by Stake Missionaries in Lyman. Her joining the church resulted in her strong Roman Catholic family dis-owning her. Great Grandma Youngberg came from a very wealthy family. She was not given any inheritance. Tonight I have gained a great respect for her. How grateful I am to her for her sacrifice.

Condemned

This one is for you Wendy.... When we to L.A. this year we passed one of the old apartments I used to live in... it is now condemned... Guess no more black bra "hump day" burning sessions in the alley way... Good memories... Good times!

Don't Your Mama Ever Gives You Drinks Of Wata?

Grandma Great is a woman that Drums to Her Own Beat... I just love how she keeps saying to Noah "Don't Your Mama Ever Gives You Drinks of Wata?" I giggle each time I watch this clip!

He Can Clap