An Unprocessed Thanksgiving

OK, I have been going back and forth with organic, unprocessed foods for about three years now. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with processed food. I know how bad it is for you, but it's sooooo hard to get away from. Espcially with two small children, one four year old who is begging for Halloween candy as I type, who seem to get it everywhere they go!!

Well, my goal was to get back on track after Halloween. So, here we are. I am going to get rid of the Halloween candy by next Monday...all of it!! Our cupboards and refrigerator will be filled with nutritious foods again. But, this time I want to do it on a budget. I have been reading a blog called 100 days of real food, and if she can stick to $125 a week, I should easily be able to do $150. Especially because we get our beef from the cows my in-laws raise. My goal is to have all unprocessed food in our home and an unprocessed Thanksgiving meal this year. Let the games begin!!

Another Year Older

Brandon and I just celebrated another birthday each. We went to Oklahoma this weekend to celebrate my birthday and had a great time. It was very relaxing and I learned how to can food, if I can just remember the process. Brandon built an awesome tree fort for the kids. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. He had fun building it. I think we are more excited about it than Brennen is.

Brennen's 4th Birthday Party

I am having a hard time just keeping my head on my shoulders and getting through the day without having a nervous breakdown. Needless to say, I am just adding these pictures and wondering if I will be able to keep up with this. With that said...

Brennen had a great time at his birthday party. We only had two families RSVP ahead of time, so I wasn't too sure how many people to expect. With the help of my mom the night before, I was able to get everything decorated, the food prepared, and enough goody bags for all the kids...well, almost. Laura Floyd was kind enough to give up her goody bag in exchange for whatever I could pull together at the last minute for her.

Other than that, all went well. We had around twenty kids and I don't know how many adults, I lost count. Everyone swam and had a good time. The pinata was a big hit too! Even though we asked for no gifts, Brennen somehow left with a load. Thank you so much. He loves them all!

Brandon's Brother and His Family Visit

Brinli, Brennen, Bria and Lauren playing in the water

Brinli and Lauren
Brennen trying out his four wheeler with Brinli and Brayden looking on



Last weekend we went to Lois and BJ's house to see Bobby and Kari and their kids. This was their first trip to Oklahoma. The last time we saw them was over Thanksgiving break when we went to Arizona. The kids had all grown and changed in seven short months.

We had a wonderful visit, but the kids had the best time. Brayden didn't have a moments rest with Brennen around! Brennen didn't want to eat or sleep for fear he would miss something. I love that my children will have these memories with their cousins.

On Monday he got an early birthay present, a new four wheeler and helmet. He thinks it is the best gift ever and wants to ride it every day. I'm not too sure about it though. He is still pretty little and it goes too fast for him.

Happy Birthday Brennen June 11, 2008

OK, yes, I gave into peer pressure and started a blog. I am excited to keep in touch with relatives and friends we don't get to see often this way. Thanks Kari and Krista for letting me view your blogs, they really helped me get started!

I can't believe my first born child is four years old! Where has the time gone? I keep having flashbacks of holding him in my arms for the first time. He is such a funny little guy with a big heart!



This morning he came into our bedroom and told me he had a secret for me. When I bent down, he whispered in my ear, "I'm four years old now." He is so excited. His Nana came by and picked him up for his first tennis lesson...see picture...too cute! Tonight we are taking him and his best buddy, Luke, to Chucky Cheese for dinner.



We are having a birthday party for him on Saturday at the clubhouse. I'll post pictures after the big event.