thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year we did things a little different but we were grateful just the same.
The day before Casey's family came over and ate the BIG dinner. With a big announcement from Rachel, another little Hawkins this summer!

 Then on the actual day just my parents and Camren came.  It was quiet but I have to admit the most comfortable Thanksgiving I can remember. It was nice not to have anywhere to run to.

 Then the following Sunday Casey's parents were back in town so we joined them for yet some more turkey and mashed potatoes.

And through all those great get together s do I have amazing pictures.  Of course not but I did get some of the girls making their gingerbread house and train that quiet Thanksgiving afternoon.

So grateful this year for so many blessings.

she's 7

We learned Sunday afternoon is a great day for a quiet birthday celebration.

She was able to create with her new beads and hold her new doll close.

homemade mini cupcakes you frost yourself, smiles all around.

She blew out her candle fast.

Then said "light it again mom and I'll blow slow for your picture." :)
Happy Birthday Kate!

kate lorraine 7

You love this day!!  I am so excited to celebrate you.  This has been a growing year one full of new challenges and you have triumphed.  I am so proud to see that you are able to work through hard things.   You are strong whether you think you are or not.

You started gymnastics this year never looking behind at dance again.  It helps you take with one of your most favorite people.  Our weekly date to meet up with them always bring a smile to your face.   I really think you are doing well. Your cartwheels are straight as a arrow, and you can't wait to start the flips.  I know you do cartwheels well because you are constantly showing me, in the kitchen, in your bedroom, in front of the tv, outside on the lawn.  You LOVE cartwheels.

School gets better every day... Your stories and attempts to get out of school have been amazing.  This year you told some whoppers, it started with just a simple tummy ache. Moved on to " I have been throwing up all weekend but my Mom still made me come", strep throat, terrible allergies, but the best excuse your crowning glory---"My head itches so bad, I must have lice."  That is right you tried it all BUT you now are doing SO well.  Mrs. Hanselman has been such a good fit for you, I am so grateful for her patience and your willingness to finally see that school can be a good place to be.

You are really starting to take off as a reader, wanting to read every sign, label and paper.  You are so proud when you finish a book.
You still adore any type of craft or creation. You look forward to your kiwi craft every month not to mention legos, perler beads and the ever present coloring and drawing.  If you get to use glue and glitter  it is even better!

 You love to be the helper, I have found you several time out side with your Dad watching / helping him fix the lawn mower, changing the oil on the rhio, winterizing the trailer...etc.  If Dad has a project you have a project.  You are just as happy to help make dinner, and fold the clothes.  If we are working with you, you are happy to be working.

I love your sweet notes, I love your enthusiastic hugs.  I love that you still want a doll for your birthday.
I love you.
I am so excited to see what 7 has in store for you.
Happy Birthday little one.
*all images Rock Love Photography

hard work

Casey had a working conference for a few days in St George last week.  He had meetings all day.

 My days were filled with taxing activities like getting a pedicure and outlet shopping, and learning how to use the phone as a camera.  I even read a book.

One afternoon they took us to the sand dunes right before the big storm hit.

The clouds and colors were amazing.

I loved the flags every time we would stop together it screamed FUN time over here!

 yeah I know tough job someone has to do it.  :)
Thanks LeAnne for watching the girls...it makes it so much easier to relax when you know your kids don't even care you left.

autumn

My desk sits by the window.

I love the light and right now I love the color of the trees out there.

halloween

Quickly becoming one of the busiest  days of the year, I did complain with my sisters and friends but in the end it was a great fun filled day!
We had a Belle,

 a baby,

and a pirate.

 We stopped by a few new neighbors and ended up at the Hoyts to walk the streets with the cousins.
 a smurfette, pirate, a baby, Belle, Cinderella, Calvin and Hobbs, tigger, and a knight in shinning armor.

With Kelsey and Madison as the guides, trick or treating was underway.

 Homemade scones, candy galore with smiles and laughter all night long.

Halloween, so glad you could come!
  I feel like this picture, a little blurry but definitely a memory I want to save.