Smoke alert

Ok so I am cooking this Thanksgiving for the family. This will be my first time having thanksgiving at our house. My mom is out of town so I volunteered to be the host. I am nervous and yet happy. I love the thought that Thanksgiving will be at my house. However there is a Slight, small detail..I have never cooked a turkey before..I figured it was insignificant..hee hee.. So if you smell smoke or burnt turkey it is probably coming from my house. I would appreciate any tips or receipes..I know that this is all last minute but mom's trip was also last minute.. But that is what Thanksgiving is all about....Unexpected, slightly erratic family and friend times...Happy Thanksgiving everyone.....

Hi everyone..I hope everyone is well. This past weekend we attended and participated in a walk for autism. It was held at Disney Wide World of Sports. We were team Spud. (I don't know why or how my sister came up with the name) The walk was really well done. There was a lot of people. There was food and games for the kids. I applaud the group autims speaks who put on the walk. They really made the walk appropriate for the children with Autism. There were games for the children and volunteers everywhere. Children with autism tend to be really easily distracted. Autism directly affects our family. My nephew Matthew suffers from Autism. He was diagnosed with Autism when he was three years old. He is now 9. Matthew is a sweet, loving and intelligent child. His love for everything shines through. I have sometimes have a very hard time seeing him as I see a blank stare. It breaks my heart. It makes me angry as I remember him before the disease. I remember how alert and social he was. On the other side, I will selfishly admit that I am so thankful that Kiley does not suffer these problems. I have seen how this disease affects the family. It has drastically and dramitacally affected my sister and her husband. It has affected their relationship with their other son, with each other and lastly with God. Everything is struggle. Going to the mall, going to eat..everything. I pray for a day when there is something more we can do for Matthew. I pray for the day that the peace my sister is so looking for comes. Here are some pictures..

This is Matthew! Isn't he beautiful.

This is my other nephew Austin and Matthew

My sister made our shirts. I thought they were cool!

This is part of our Group..DH, Rachel, My sister Camille, and my Mom

So I am trying to stay awake here. I must admit that I have not been sleeping very well. Why..most likely stress. Anyways, I ask for your forgiveness if this post does not make sense. :0)

On Tuesday we met with Angel and her family as they were/are in town. That was so much fun. Zoe, Kaitlyn and Kaila are just adorable. Kiley loved playing on the swings and basically was a daredevil. She was very independent. We are seeing that trend in her. I had a wonderful time meeting Angel and her family. They are awesome. Check out her blog faith's journey continues. (the link is on the side) The work that she and her dh are planning and doing in and for Africa is great. I did not bring my camera (I know sigh..) so I don't have any pictures.

I wanted to talk to you guys about this being three bit. Kiley is definitely acting out. I don't know what is going on. Everything is a struggle. Everything is whining. Everything is no.. She is not sick (thank god) No fevers, no ear pulling, nothing... I mean seriously last night we were trying to get her ready for her bathe and it was world war III. We had already struggled with her to get her to the table for dinner. Then the bathe. Time outs work but it is always going to be this way? I really am using my Yoga breathing techniques. Don't get me wrong she is still sweet and cuddly. I would not give this up for the world. Really she is the best thing that has happened to me. But my goodness I am exhausted from struggling with her. Has anyone have this issue?

Sorry...but Yes We Can!!!

I'm sorry guys I tried and hopefully succeeded and stayed away from politics as much as I could on this blog. However, I had to put this quote down. I loved both John McCain and Barack's speeches last night ...but really this stood out for me..


"..For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

"....This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can....

So Much to catch up with. I must warn you guys that this will be long. Kiley's birthday was great. It was small with just family and good friends. It was princess theme (as she is all about the princess right now). I bought all the ingredients for pizza and everyone got to make their own. It worked out wonderfully. The kids it seemed to have and really enjoy making their own pizzas. Here are some pictures.











Now Daddy's birthday was two days later. I made his favorite steak and potatos. Here are the two of them on his birthday. Notice the Ariel folks. Ariel goes everywhere with us.

Now for halloween, once again princess made their way to our household. This time Jasmine ruled the day.



Welll I hope everyone is well. We went to MGM this weekend and had a blast. Unfortunately I do not have any good pics. I know terrible mother. Anyways..everyone I will post more tomorrow. Have a good one. Namaste.