Michael and the Big 3-0!

Happy 30th B-Day to my brother-in-law! His lovely wife (my adorable sister) planned a surprise night out for him at the beautiful Argossy Casino. He was surprised, and the night was a fun-filled success. (Good job, Denise!) We pigged-out on PRIMERIB at the beautiful buffet, and embarrassed Michael by having him blow out 30 candles on his birthday cake...in the restaurant! Then, we headed over to the casino where his friend, Mr. "Mater" had the awesome experience of winning $350 on the pennies machine! To prove my own level of my casino experience, I was corned by the casino "blue-jacket geek squad"--AKA casino security! What did I do?! I wasn't even gambling!!! Okay, I got busted for TAKING PICTURES! Did you know that is a big no-no? Well, I do now. (So, as a result, I have no pictures to prove it, but the Tuscan-style interior is impressive.) The night just flew, but it was packed with memories of a fun time together. So, Michael...Here's to the next 30 years!!! We are proud of the man you have become, and we love you!!!

A NEW Baby Jesus

There's a new BABY JESUS at our house this year!

{Okay, so I have always enjoyed playing dress up....Back in the day, as I became "too big" to play it myself, I showered my creativity on 2 little sisters and 1 little brother, and I would dress them up in fun costumes. Now that I'm a mommy, you can be sure my kiddos get to endure...uh...I mean enjoy this pastime that I love! It sure does makes me happy.}

Here is this year's annual Forred Family Nativity.

And just for kicks, take a look at our FIRST family nativity!

Faith, Family, Friends

This Thanksgiving Day marked occasion for me to reflect on how thankful I am for FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS...or as in our case, the FRIENDS who share our FAITH who are our FAMILY. I am reminded again our God's love for us as He provides loving companionship with our fellow brothers and sisters. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity..." is a true statement. Aunt Jennie, you are such a sweet person, and we are so glad you are here to share in our lives!!! Thank you James and Heather for your sharing this day with us, as well as your warm hospitality and amazing turkey!!! Bailey's, thanks for coming over and for helping make our time festive. You guys are all family to us! (And for the record, girls, we had better show those boys who really controls the the Wii next time!)

After some persuasion, we decided to go back home to the Wichita area for a couple of days. We ended up being glad we did. We were able to spend some quality time with Joe's mom, brothers and their families, as well as with my own sisters and their families. We further enjoyed a wonderful time with our fellow brothers and sisters in our home branch that Sunday morning. I really wish I had taken our camera to church...Seeing them all again was heartwarming.

Grandma Pat's Wassil--yum!

The Mommies and their Babies

Joe and Jon

I always think of Thanksgiving as the Holiday Season Kick-off...a time to reflect on so many blessings, with Christmas being the culminating event of what we should be most thankful for-- our Savior, Jesus Christ. May this season be marked with reminders of these important things...

The New Guy Finds a Friend

Just an FYI-Jake and Hadlee (aka "Chin-Chin and Chin-chil0tta) are cut out of the same cloth and are always a hoot when they get together...they really have natural comic talent. They always make up their lines as they go., and it's so fun to watch them be funny-and clever! Fun Times with Friends are Fantastic! (Just ignore the talking and the whining baby in the background.)

Is the World Big Enough?

I don't know if the world is going to be a big enough place for this guy....

(Carefree) Bedtime Routine

...and not to be OUTDONE...

I think the onset of cold weather has instigated some pent-up energy at my house...
...maybe it's the gymnastics lessons....
When I tell them that it's time for our BEDTIME ROUTINE, this is what I get!
***The Forred Family Circus***

Crazy, I know.
This crazy mom REJOICES in seeing and hearing my fun-loving, energetic CHILDREN being their wonderful, carefree selves.
(Except, of course when I'm REALLY tired...boooo)
Every child desperately needs this.
Yes, there are social graces. expectations.
discipline. manners. safety concerns. instruction. rules. commandments.
They need that too.
BUT
I don't EVER want to hold them back

from the CAREFREE childhood they deserve...

They are packed with spirit, talent, and gifts.

They have limitless capabilities.

That's what I think.

Now, with that said-GET IN BED!

The New Guy

After a long week with no computer, it was returned good as new...Hooray. Now, I can finally upload videos! So, here is the one of my funny-man in a clip he calls, "The New Guy."

Man! I love to laugh!!!