Only 360 Days To Go.....

It seems that before Christmas ends....I am thinking and planning for the next Christmas.

I do love every moment of the Christmas Season. I set up the trees before we

left to Mesa for Thanksgiving. I decorated them when we came home. I discovered that

The Rooster doesn't forget a thing and is the greatest assistant EVER on decorating the tree.

He loves Christmas just like I do!

Our "Santa"tree is in the family room, where we spend a great part of our time. It is full of red

and gold balls, and all things "Santa."

It also holds large letters representing each of our children.

This (above) is my ALL TIME favorite ornament! If anything ever happened to this ornament

I think my heart would break in two. I am pretty sure The Darlings understand this

very well....when this ornament comes out...they guard it carefully.

It is the literal hand print of our Angel Colton. It is a little part of him that is present with us

each year during the holidays.


My camera quit working!

After trouble shooting with the company....it was decided that it needed to be retired.

I could have cried. I was left with a camera that I do not love and I have not taken

the time to learn how to use. So...the pictures of The Boy's last Christmas at home....before

his mission are blury......Really???? Why now??

I did order/upgrade to another camera....it should be arriving soon,

But....NOT SOON ENOUGH!!

The Boy was gifted with luggage and a camera for his upcoming mission. It seemed kind of

rude to give those things to him for Christmas...but The Farmer assured me that these

were the perfect gifts for him at this time of his life. On Christmas morning The Boy,

looked over his gifts and said...."This is really sad." And I burst into tears.....

The Rooster ran to get tissues and PreShie rolled her eyes.....

The Farmer looked confused and carried on with Christmas morning. Speaking of The Boy,

he is recovering...very slowly....from having his wisdom teeth pulled. He ended up

with a bad case of "dry sockets" and visits our dentist every three days for treatment. After

some very very painful nights and days....he seems to be doing better.

The Rooster was very pleased with his Christmas. He is spending his vacation days riding

his horse...Bronze....which he has learned to saddle on his own, (that is a big thing!)

I love to see how The Darlings care for their pets, especially the horses...with such care

and love. I love to watch the horses respond so well to them.

PreShie too enjoyed her Christmas. I will write about her a little more in depth later.

Her gift requires a bit of construction, which will being on Monday.


What exactly do you gift The Farmer that he hasn't already purchased at the latest auction??

So I thought he would enjoy a photo book on the potato season. Turns out it was a great gift

for him. The Boy also received a photo book on his years of football at the JSA.

His book took nearly a year to make, and I am certain that although fun how, there will be a

day that it will be a great treasure to him. I also made a photo book for Grandpa S. about

The Ranch, in southern Idaho, where he grew up. We made a trip there this past Summer.

I left it for him at Thanksgiving, wishing that I could be with him when he opened it up.

early Christmas morning, he called....very emotional....to tell me how much he loved the book!

How thrilled I was that it pleased him so much. Photo books are the best!!


The Rooster made this sweet tree for me in his welding class at school.

I LOVE IT!!!!

He loves to weld.....he even asked if we could get him his very own welding mask to

take to school. The darling tree sits on the hearth of our fireplace so I can see it at all

times. He is a very thoughtful little man!

When The Farmer was a little guy, a lovely chandlier hung over the dining room table

in his home. As time passed and styles changed...The Farmer's Mother took it down

and stored it away. I asked her one day if she had plans for it and if not could The Farmer and I

take it to our home....I had plans for it. I carefully removed each crystal and they have become

ornaments on the Santa tree. They are a piece of his childhood...which I love....and they are

beautiful on the tree....catching the lights of the tree. Another of my favorites!



Finally....The Family tree. It is set up in our dining room....I can see it from the kitchen...

where I spend the majority of my time;)

This tree is filled with ornaments that have been collected by and for The Darlings,

through the years. We find them on trips...or just to represent what their interests and

experiences have been during the past year. This year we added hot air balloons, blown glass,

that represent our many trips to Albuquerque. Also blown glass footballs, and a "golfing" santa,

were added this year. I tell The Farmer that someday I will gift The Darlings with

their ornaments when they are in a place to really appreciate them....The Farmer doesn't

think that I will ever part with each of the special ornaments....we will see;)

The Farmer and I celebrated 22 years of wedded bliss on the 17th.

We took a little trip to Albuquerque..... It gave us the chance to combine work with pleasure.

On the 17th we awoke to 6-8 inches of snow on the ground, which was a great suprise

and made the trip that much more enjoyable. It was fun to spend time talking about

the events of the last 22 years....and what the future holds for us. We have had some pretty

interesting experiences ...The Farmer and I......but I often say....all is manageable if you

love and trust your spouse. We have stood together in some very joyful moments, and we

have held each other up during moments that seemed to difficult to endure. I have

never doubted that I was meant to have this experience called "life" with him.

He has been a complete joy to be married to;)

Gingerbread Frenzy....

Every year I totally drop the "blogging" ball around the first part of December.....

I swore that it wouldn't happen this year, and it did....Ughhhh....

So now I am going to do my best to capture the last few weeks....

While spending Thanksgiving in Mesa, I came across the most darling of all cake

pans....a gingerbread house. It is a bundt pan, and the hole on the bundt forms the

most perfect chimney on the little house. I thought it would

be great fun to invite all of the nieces and nephews over...

..in shifts of course....so that they could each decorate their

own little houses. Well, this is the thing about the darling children in this family....

they are SUGAR CHALLENGED. An opportunity to work with unlimited candy, is

just a dream come true for them. We began with the older girl cousins...

the cheer squad....I baked the cakes...The Lovlies arrived and the decorating began.



The next group were the "middle" cousins. They are pictured above...and they were the most

creative with loading as much candy as physically possible on each of their little houses.

Some even loaded the chimney full of candy...to be enjoyed at a later time;)


One of the Lovely older girl cousins left this tender note in front of her gingerbread house,

that had already been partially dismantled, by other small couisns who could

not pass by with out a little taste. My favorite part is how she began the note with PLEASE,

before she called them bratts. Oh, she is a keeper!



In the midst of the gingerbread frenzy, PreShie decided that she would like to construct

a very large house, of her own design. I had to leave town for a few days, and when I returned,

She had built this "model" of what she would like to build. We went to one of the local

bakery's that is owned by some friends of ours, and PreShie did her best to explain how she

wanted it made. Since gingerbread houses are not common in our part of the world.....it was

a bit of work to help the friends understand. But finally everyone understood, and sheets of

dough, used to make the beloved "Marrano" or pig cookie that is a part of the culture here

in Mexico. It is a molasses type cookie and is a very hard cookie so the dough was perfect

for this type of project.

It stands around 18 inches high, and 12 inches wide. The house has been build, and the

decorating has begun. I love projects like this.....it will keep her busy for the rest of the

holiday vacation....HORRAY!

This sweet gingerbread house has been a part of our holiday decorations since

The Darlings were very little. The Farmer purchased it for me at a time when it was a sacrifice

to spend the money on something that seemed so un-necessary. It has become

the heart of our holidays. All of our children are represented, even the ones that are not with

us right now (the little gingerbread people). It lights up and plays the song,

Away In The Manger. Oh how we love that gingerbread house!

After The First Step....Expect Swelling...

He took the first step, on Monday to be exact, on his "missionary path."

And that first step HURT!

The Boy and 25 of his dear friends, in his school class, will leave on their missions next year,

some as early as June. Since there are so many preparing for their missions at the same time,

The Farmer called a dear friend of our comunity, who is an oral surgeon. The Farmer told

him about these fine young men and how they all needed their wisdom teeth removed.

The Dr. quickly agreed to come to Mexico and spend 5 days treating these future

missionaries. What an amazing man that Dr. is! He not ony drove all the way from Utah

to serve these boys, he charged almost nothing for the surgery of each boy.

The Boy found himself in the dental chair on Monday morning.

He said he wasn't scared. He got mad at his Dear Mother, for asking;)

He was more stressed about not eating for awhile, than he was about getting his teeth out.

Well, his Dear Mother knew what was ahead...and he did not...and so she smiled when

he said things like..."it isn't that big of a deal..."

When we arrived at the clinic. The Boy was all smiles!

When we went inside, The Boy found his dear friend Andre...who was...not quite himself;)

We had some laughs, and The Boy made sure that Andre was safely placed in the car,

so his Mom could get him home..... after a few more laughs of course,



After the Dr. reviewed The Boy's x-ray, he suggested that all four wisdom teeth be removed.

He also mentioned that it was going to be a little rough, and he would have to work

pretty hard to get the bottom teeth out. The Boy said...no problem...and off he went to sleep.

The two top teeth were easily removed, and just as the Dr. was to begin working

on the lower teeth, the lights went out! Yes they did!!!

And this is where we shout...

VIVA MEXICO!!!

The Farmer was called...the electriction was sent to the clinic, and luckily

another man from our community happened to be there, and the lights were restored.

While this was all going on...The Boy had awakened from his deep sleep,

the waiting room had filled with people...the next appointments for the good Dr.

which happened to be friends of The Boy....and The Boy insisted on joining the group

in the waiting room. Let's just say...he was very heavily medicated...but he felt great,

and he wanted to socialize. I told him....very clearly that he should probably not talk,

afterall, who knew what would come out of his mouth! Well, he didn't take my advice,

and he just chatted and chatted with everyone in the room. His mouth was filled with gauze

so his speech was muffled...but he felt great! He mentioned several times that he felt so

good, he was going to get his horse and go for a ride. Next he planned a hunting trip,

with one of the friends in the room....who was not medicated....that was pretty good fun!

Luckily, the lights came back on...the Dr. escorted The Boy, back to "the chair" and the event

continued. A little while later, The Boy emerged from the room...asked for the keys to the car,

because he wanted to drive home, and handed me the teeth that had been pulled.

He also mentioned that he had plans to make a necklace with the teeth that I now

held in my hand. And he wasn't kidding!


We stopped on the way home to get some pain medication.

And once home....he positioned himself in the recliner, with ice packs....his Ipod....

the computer and all the remotes he could find. It was a rough afternoon, but by

evening he ate a little and checked his horses. It was about then that the vet. stopped by,

to check one of the horses that has had an ear infection. What he discovered was a little more

than we had expected. The Boy's beloved "Caballero" has a tumor growing in his ear canal.

The Vet. took a sample of the tumor to send for testing, but did not offer too much hope.

It was alot for The Boy to handle, especially when he wasn't feeling too good.

We will know more in a week, but just the thought of his dear horse suffering is making

The Boy very sad.

When The Boy awoke the following morning....Tuesday....the swelling had set in.

Today, it is even a little more swollen than yesterday. He is hurting but he has

said, several times, that it is all worth it. He has taken the first step on a path that

will most certainly change his life! We are excited for our Boy!!

A Farmer Has Dreams Too....

And this is what they look like......

The planets aligned for The Farmer this past weekend.

While traveling to watch The Boy play a little basketball...we happened to drive through a little

town and there just happened to be large lot filled with many interesting and unusual

items...but mostly it was filled with farm equipment.

Oh....The Farmer immediately got a little twinkle in his eye....lets say a pretty big twinkle...

And sighed/spoke the words....Auction.....

Just so you can really understand how elated he was....think back to the time

you tasted something really, really, I mean really yummy....and you, for just a moment were

a bit overcome....and your eyes may have rolled to the back of your head...just for a moment...

It was just like that for The Farmer when he realized that the auction was going to be

that very weekend....and by dang he was going to be there!



If you have ever been to a farm acution....and yes...I have been to MANY.....you know that all of

the equipment to be sold is lined up in rows so that the people attening can see ahead of time

what is for sale and begin making their wish lists of the things that they will bid on.

So....we VERY SLOWLY drove up and down the aisles....looking at each item that would be sold.

And I would hear things like this....

The Farmer: "Oh wow...I could really use one of those...."

The Wife: "What for???"

The Farmer: "Oh I don't know....but look how cool it is...."

The Farmer: "Hey....wife....do you see anything you would like....(and he was serious...)"

The Wife: "Uhhhhmmm....NO..."

The Farmer: "Wow...there is lots of great stuff here!"

And we continued to drive...up and down each aisle....oh was that Farmer excited!




He registered to participate in the auction, and we went on our way to the next little town

where The Boy would be playing ball. All along the way...The Farmer was hoping and dreaming and calculating and thinking....and calling friends and family that...he felt....would really

want to know about this fantastic event. And he began making his list......his wish list.

Oh how The Farmer loves a good auction.

It really was all he could think about for most of the weekend....unless The Boy was on

the basketball court...and then momentarily his focus would shift.

Early Saturday morning....and it was early....we left The Boy...and headed to the auction.

The closer we got...the heavier the traffic got and The Farmer began to get nervous.

And to top it off...he was 19 minutes late. I mean.... alot can happen in 19 minutes,

what if he had missed something really great????

We finally arrived...truck and trailers lined both sides of the highway...there were ALOT, of

other "Farmers" there too. The all had their wish lists...and they were all giddy,

just like The Farmer.... a giddy Farmer...now that's a sight!

The Farmer jumped from the car to assume his place with the other "Farmer's" and

I headed for the local Walmart...which is all the shopping that the town had to offer.

Yes....I circled that Walmart around 72 times...

handled nearly every item in the store....drank and refreshing beverage....

and when I couldn't take it a moment longer...I called The Farmer...

In the backgound I could hear the voice of the Auctioneer....calling each item...

and I said..."Can we please go now???"

The Farmer: "Now??? really?? it is just getting good!"

The Wife: "well, I am done...I am ready to go...call me when you are ready."

The Farmer: "Okay..it won't be too much longer."


I knew better than to believe him...but I did....

My Mistake.

Several hours later...he still had not called...and that is when I said....

"I want to go home" and he said....."there is just one more thing, and I really NEED it."

"Come on over here...you will have alot of fun."

Did he seriously say that I would have fun there??? Yes he did.

But since I had been to every store in that little town...washed my car...had a little lunch....

prepared some Christmas cards to mail....talked on the phone....had another

refreshing beverage....what was left to do but go to the auction.

I arrived just in time to see The Farmer win the item that he had been waiting for all day long....

Isn't she a beauty???

He is the proud owner of this lovely tank...among several other items...that he

"NEEDED "

He left happy. He left fulfilled. And we went home.

Sunday morning, at church, The Farmer's brother....

Uncle Penguin...wanted to hear all about that auction,

what was purchased...you know.....all the regular questions that follow an auction.

He seemed pretty excited about a few of the items that The Farmer purchased.

Okay...I'll confess.....

it was pretty fun to walk around the auction and take some pictures....

I did really enjoy that!!

Life.....and....Silver City...

I hear the song..."On The Road Again"....playing in my head over and over.

Really.

It seems to be where I spend the majority of my life lately. It is all for great causes,

things I would never think of missing...but darn...that we have to drive so

far to do what we need to do!

Anyway....

Thanksgiving found us in Mesa with the family. It was so great to be there...all of us together.

Auntie came from Utah...it was so great to see her and spend some time together.

"The Brothers" are all in Mesa....and that always makes for alot of laughs, eating way too much,

and some great conversation! I think they are all some pretty amazing people!

Although quite cold....Mesa was a much needed break in our lives.

It was so nice to just be together in one place.

Just a few days after returing home, we hit the road again for a basketball tournament

in Silver City, NM. We like Siver City!

The Boy, who is sporting number 45, this season....is playing with a great group of young men.

They had the opportunity to play in a tournament in a small town called Cliff (28 miles from Silver City).

They played very well, they showed great sportsmanship, and the people in that small

town were such nice people. It was a fun trip.

These boys learned...very well...what "fast break" means...

*I got a new lens....I am still learning to work with it....

I swear I am going to master the indoor "sports" shot!

But it is making me a little crazy at the moment.



Here are a few little tidbits that I learned while in Silver City....

*It is not a good sign when you open your hotel room door and find an exterminator...

*It is not a good thing when The Farmer has to kick the heater, in the hotel

three times to get it to come on...

*No matter what Dairy Queen you go to....anywhere in the world...you will wait for

your vanilla cone...for a very long time!

*live music....homemade pesto....freshly baked bread, all combined make a wonderful evening.

*Duck Fat Fries....taste just like....French Fries.

(even though they are promoted to be something VERY special....I have to say I

felt very special while I was eating them)

*A Digerido.... makes a very intersting noise....and it costs around $2 bucks to hear the noise;)

And if you pay $5 bucks...you will get a compelte explaination of how it was made by this gentleman, and how he carved it from an Agave plant.

He was a happy man!

*I just really liked this sign....it is very old.

Below the sign there really was a "Buffalo Bar" we didn't go inside...but there were some

interesting folks outside....

It is a darling city.....fantastic food was everywhere,

great galleries full of unique art, and fun shops to explore, it was a fun few days!

Adoration....

When we brought PreShie home from the hospital after she was born...

The Boy...who was only 18 months old, held her on his little lap and

patted her so tenderly while saying ...

"Babe....Babe...."

He called he that for a long long time.
He loved her from the moment he held her...and she has adored him, wanting to be where he was, and do what he was doing...she has been has biggest fan. Skip ahead a few years...and

many sibling moments where The Mother has wondered if they would ever like each other again...but always when times were difficult or really great...they have been each others

greatest supporter. This year has been a little different. She knows his mission is coming up soon....he too knows that before long, he won't be around for the teasing moments. Now I hear them talk about their challenges with each other...I hear her ask him about her outfits and if she looks cute. And I hear him kindly encouraging her or complimenting her.

Yesterday she came from school and told me of an experience she had had with The Boy at lunchtime. He had defended her, quite publicly, for something she had not done.

He stood up. He stood up for her.

I can't begin to explain the look I saw in her eyes as she told me what her Big Brother had done for her. It was pure love, it was adoration. It was how I had always hoped it would be.

The Boy didn't mention the experience...but when I asked...he recounted the moment and said

he had most likely lost a few friends...but that was okay with him.

And I said..."Boy...you stood for the right today and I am proud of you...but most of all

you stood for your sister today...and that means everything to me...and to her."

On the way home from an activity last night..PreShie and I were alone in the car....she said..

"Mother dear I love you so.....(not really but I can pretend right???)

what am I going to do when the Boy isn't around to help me....I am a little afraid."

And I said..."You don't need to be afraid PreShie everything will be just fine...but you will

now need to take care of The Rooster like The Boy has taken care of both of you.

It will be your job to care for him." And she agreed.

Here's to The Darlings.....they know what family is all about!

A Great Give-Away!

My good friend PEDALING is hosting a great give-away.

Go HERE to check out the great prizes and how you can enter!

p.s. you will love, love, love her blog!!

A Fairytale Princess...

The Boy spent his day as a Tinkerbell yesterday.

The Rooster said....he seemed to really enjoy it;)

The Sadie Hawkins Dance is coming up very soon....and a group of The Boy's friends

were asked to the dance, by a group of young ladies with a great sense of humor.

At the begining of the day, the boys all dressed as Disney Princesses and were led from

classroom to classroom looking for clues.

It was the talk of the school.....the boys were great sports....and they had alot of fun.

The parents of The Boy could not be more proud of their darling Tinkerbell!

He sure made a cute one!

The Fairytale Princesses!

It's Not Unusual....

A few days ago....early in the morning....The Farmer and I set out on a little trip.

Mornings, on the highway leaving our town....is an interesting place to be in the morning.
It is in the morning that ranchers who own small herds of animals are leading those herds to

locations that they can graze for the day. Very often you will encounter herds of milk cows, herds of goats and sometimes sheep, literally on the highway while the ranchers are working

hard to manage the animals to a secure and "fattening" location. Traffic stops, giving

those hard working men a chance to do what they need to do. No one gets mad, no one

honks their horns, everyone just sits and waits....patiently. The mornings are crisp and cold now. The ranchers are bundled in coats, and you can see the breath of the men and animals,

as they head out for the day. It is a moment worth watching.

It is one of my most favorite scenes of the day.

I am afraid that in 10 years we won't see things like this anymore. Ten years ago it was not unusual to see wagons pulled by horses drive along the road in the center of town.

Now it is a rare sight.

While on that same trip...as we passed the river, I watched a man, manage a large stump of wood, balancing it on his bicycle, while he walked along side holding tight to the stump. It was much to heavy for him to carry, yet he found a way to transport it.

He was taking it to his home to cut for firewood, to heat his home...to possibly cook with.

It was impressive to me that conditions were not easy nor ideal .....but he made it work,

I thought about the wood on my porch...that I did not cut myself....that was delivered and stacked so that...heaven forbid...I not get cold;) And I gained a greater appreciation for what I have. My heart pained for the man who had so little and then The Farmer said...

"I would be willing to bet that, that little man is a happy man....that he finds joy in his day...and that he feels accomplished because he has done something hard today.

I would be willing to bet that, that man is happier than most people we will see today."

I love living in a place where there is still need.

Where opportunities to serve are not hard to find. Where contentment is found in very small things like a small herd of animals, and a stump of wood. I love that my children see it everyday

of their lives. I love that they ask...when it gets cold...which of our employees children need

coats, so that we can make sure they have one. That The Darlings spend a vacation day from school, chopping wood for the those in our area who need wood for warmth.

They are blessed children to see need....and to offer service!

Just reason number 1,000,000 of why I love where I live!

Home....More Gratitide...and Sadie's

This time last year we were preparing to leave our home.

It was painful....it was necessary.....and even though it was a must, we were luckily enough to

share this experience with family. It brought stability in a very unstable time. This evening

the family gathered....we talked alot about last year. My first thought was back to a family gathering....where a plan was put in place...where a family became very unified. It was unlike most family gatherings....it was a sober time....everyone shared their concerns, and everyone was committed to the same goal...safety. Looking back, it was a tribute to a wonderful family who loves each other. It is what families are meant to be...It was just how a family should function. We spent the following several weeks together....on the road....trying to make the best out of a stressful time.

I am grateful for a stong family who is committed to each other.

This year we are home....I am beyond grateful for that!

The holidays are an extra special time in a home....we missed a bit of that last year....we arrived back home (last year) just a few days before Christmas...and spent nearly every moment trying to "catch up" with the traditions that we love so much. This year...the plan is to soak up every moment of just being home. A fire in the fireplace....the smells of the holidays...baking....decorating...just soaking it all up!!

In this special season of gratitude.....I am so grateful to be in my home with my family.

And I am grateful to be a member of a strong family who love and support each other.

On another note....It is Sadie Hawkins season in our area...and PreShie spent the week

asking her "friend" to the dance. She really made it fun for him, with clues...games and

suprises. He was such a great sport through it all...

I think he secretly loved every minute of the attention;)

Cousin Loly came over to help out with the final part of the weeks event....

The Reveal....

PreShie and Cousins Loly hooked up three air poppers....popped a ton of popcorn...

Filled a very large garbage bag....with popcorn and a bunch of little letters...

that her "friend" had to spell her name with. Our house smelled great!

It was just plain fun! PreShie carried her big bag onto the bus the following morning....

and made her delivery a lunchtime. It was a hit!

The "friend" enlisted a group of friends to help him sort through the bag and find all of

the letters, (he really already knew) and he spelled her name!

So now she waits....for his reply!

*a special congrats to PreShie who earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award today.

She has worked very hard...and accomplished many goals...

We are proud of you PreShie!!

Dia De Los Muertos...

Just a few years ago, Halloween was totally different than how we celebrate it today.

It used to be that huge groups of people would come from all areas of the city to

Trick or Treat in our community. Everyone one in our community was generous and handed

out bags and bags of candy each year. Instead of saying "trick or treat" the very simply

costumed children, (and not so "children" children) would chant the words "Halloween."

Costumes were never elaborate, in fact most of the time faces were painted and that was it.

The streets would fill with children....and not so small children....seeking candy.

The event would begin before the sun went down and end late into the night with a

few teenagers in the streets. Very often the streets would be so full with trick or treaters,

that it was impossible for cars to drive on the streets.

Things are different now....much quieter. Because of the safety issues, the school now

hosts a Halloween event, to allow the children to "trunk or treat," instead of being on the streets.

Our church also plans a Fall Festival, again for the children and families to celebrate in safety.

Our Fall Festival was so nice this year. Trunk or treating was a success and the children

left with more candy than they needed;) We ate some yummy soup and rolls,

and the children enjoyed a "Haunted Hayride" in the orchard. It was a perfect evening!

The following Monday and Tuesday we celebrated Dia de Los Muertos.

Traditionally, in Mexico, displays are made to honor those who have passed. This year

The Farmer's office staff, wanted to do something kind for him, and so they made a display for The Farmer's Father, who passed away several years ago. Everything that is a part of the display has meaning. They even arrived early to work,

to make Grandpa M's favorite foods,(steak, avocado,coke, and apples.)

They really went to alot of work. Many family members stopped by the office

to admire the display. The Farmer's Mother was very touched.

Special sweet breads are made to celebrate this day....these have bones accross the top...

The Darlings thought they were pretty tasty!

In the afternoon, the family met at the cemetary. It was filled with many families cleaning

their family plots and placing flowers on their loved ones graves.

Uncle Merriner joined us. He is the one who makes sure that our family plot is cleaned

and in order. He has set a great example for all of us. He is a wonderful man.

It is so fantastic that The Darlings are being raised by different generations of family.

Uncle Merriner has played a great role in their lives...he has always been interested in them, and kind to them. We love our Tio! It was a wonderful day, it was great to pay tribute

to those who have gone before us!

Gratitude...FHE....And Soup....

Last night we celebrated the begining of Fall.

The mornings are cold....the evenings are too....the days are still warm.

The leaves on the trees are yellow and falling....there is just a special feeling in the air.

I love it!

We officially welcomed Fall last night with the first leaves of our Gratitude Tree, being placed.

During the month of November, we fill our tree with things that we are grateful for. It is a great reminder of how blessed we really are. A few notes of gratitude that I found interesting last night were....The XBox (The Rooster), this is siginificant because The Rooster "lost" it a few weeks ago because he hadn't completed some assignments at school....he finally earned it back just a few days ago. Another....Peanut Butter (PreShie) she has always LOVED peanut butter, but just recently found out that it is high in fat....what a let down. Another....School (The Boy), okay...that was a mockery I am pretty sure...although he is quite enjoying the "social" aspect of his life at the moment and soaking up his Senior year. And finally....Wife (The Farmer) and although he loves his wife....I am pretty sure this was a political move...had he put something else first....it could have caused a small problem for him...I am just saying....

Cousin Loly came by....she added her leaf....it said...My Missionary. And for me.....

I am beyond grateful for moments with my children....around our dinner table...talking about the events of the day....laughing together....just being together. I am grateful for that!

The Farmer has taken to drawing on the leaves this year....that makes it extra fun.

The tree will soon fill up with gratitude leaves.


Another yearly event is Dinner In A Pumpkin. I have used the same recipe for years but

this year I tried a new version. It was super YUMMY!

We will make this our new "Fall Dinner."

Fall Soup In A Pumpkin

5 small baking pumpkins

2 t. sugar and Kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using a small knife carefully cut a circle around the stem

of the pumpkin. Remove the lid, and clean out the inside of the pumpkin. Sprinkle 1/2 each salt,

and sugar inside of the pumkin, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30

minutes, or until tender. For me, it was more like 40 minutes.

Meanwile make the soup.

3 T. butter

1/2 small onion, chopped

Kosher salt

1 t. thyme

1 t. sugar

1 can evaporated milk

10 c. chicken broth

1 med. butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks

pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large saucepan, add onion and 1 t. salt. Add thyme and cook until onion is soft. Add squash and sugar, then add chicken stock and cook until squash is soft. Once the squash is soft, use and immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add evaporated milk, season with salt and pepper and ladle into the cooked pumpkins.

Add toppings such as;

crutons, finely chopped green onion, crispy bacon, rice, Durkee onions,

Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and a little chopped parsley.

It is the perfect start.....to a perfect Fall season!