Keith Family of 7: November 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

This week was pure bliss. We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with Jacob's family who made the super long trek to Texas. Our Thanksgiving dinner was delish with so many people helping in the kitchen. We ate a free range turkey, some healthy pies and some not so healthy pies.

This week we watched movies, shopped, had a Turkey Bowl in the Freeeeeeezzzzzing weather, talked about gratitude, watched football, saw Harry Potter 7, (Thanks to Kevin and Melissa for watching all of the kids. We OWE you.) played games,

and had a few quiet moments for "Spritual Time" crowding into our living room.

Hyrum tuned our piano. Thank You!

We visited the Texan Gaylord in Arlington to see some of their amazing Christmas displays.

Look at the amazing tree (Pandanus Utilis or Screw Pine Tree) behind Nathan.

We visited the Fort Worth Stockyards to show them some of Texas.

The highlight of the week had to be how much fun the cousins had. The fun never ended.

We enjoyed being with family.

Joshua's Baptism - Nov. 27, 2010

The beautiful boy that was baptized last week was my son, my Joshua. What a blessing it was to share Joshua's special baptism day with him. Joshua is a special kid. I know that every child is special and beautiful and unique..but there has always been something about him. We usually give our children a set of scriptures when they turn eight, but with all of the family scripture reading and personal reading he does, we gave it to him early.

Joshua was baptized with two of his best friends from the ward - Levi McDonald and Bradley Walton. We loved sharing our special day together. The baptism program was so wonderful. Joshua's Grandpa Keith gave a great talk on Baptism and Levi's Grandpa gave a talk on The Holy Ghost. All of the brothers and sisters of Joshua, Levi, and Bradly sang When I Am Baptized. Levi's mother made a rainbow cake to go along with the rainbow theme. Everyone LOVED it!

Two of Joshua's school teachers came. Amy Allen was his first grade teacher at Boon. She has a very sweet heart. Amy Horton was his second grade teacher at Cheatham. She loves Joshua and truly cares. He was blessed to have both of them make an extra effort to come.

Allan tunrs 12 and his Primary Graduation Interview

Allan is growing up so quickly, it tears my heart up a bit. At the same time, I love the person Allan is becoming...

Unselfish
Allan wanted a simple birthday this year. All he asked for was egg nog. Yum! Of course I see this in him as he shares what he has with his sisters or stays to help me when I'm stressed out rather than playing with his friends. He is a keeper!

Sports Lover
The perfect gift for Allan is a football. Every free moment he gets, it is all about football. He watches NFL clips every morning and talks with Jacob about it as much as possible. He is often playing football or frisbee with whatever brothers/neighbors will join him. Jacob challenged Allan to throw his football into this hole being about 10 yds. away. He was determined and did it about three times.

An Excellent Student
At Allan's recent teacher's conference, it was all great news. His teachers love that he asks intelligent questions (They call him "Wise Old Allan") and that he is responsible. His report card was all A's and checks online to see what his scores are.

Hard Worker
He does a great job of cleaning the kitchen every night and I love that he is so willing to do all of the yard work.

We are blessed that Allan is in our family! Happy Birthday!

Allan was definitely ready to move on to YM. I had fun reading his interview.

What is your favorite Primary song? I Love to See the Temple
What is your favorite Article of Faith? #12
What will you miss most about Primary? The ending, get to go home.
What is something new you have learned in Primary? I know more stuff because I teach the lessons.
What was your favorite Faith in God activity you completed? Parent/child activity - a BBQ.
Waht Faith in God activity did you find the most challenging? The Priesthood ones started at age 11.
What was your favorite lesson or scripture story you learned in Primary? King David - in between boyhood and as early King.
What are you looking forward to in entering YM program? Joining my friends and associating with the other YM.

Thanksgiving for Kindergarten and Other Info about Emily

Emily's cute and young kindergarten teacher planned a super fun week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Every day I was excited to look in Emily's backpack when she got home and see what cute things she's made at school. The kids celebrated by making Indian vests while other classed made pilgrim costumes and turkeys. I attended the fest where the kids were thrilled to be eating in the classroom around a huge Thanksgiving feast. To end the week, I saw a cute program with songs.

This is two of Emily's friends from her class - Jacqueline and Magdalina.

At Cheatham, every six weeks the kids receive report cards and awards. Emily received the 110% award for her reading. She has improved so much! I saw first hand at this assembly that it is true that my quiet Emily is a "chatterbox." She was constantly talking to her friends.

Kick, Punt, Pass

You are looking at the first place winner of Kick, Punt, Pass for his age group from Cheatham Elementary. Allan advanced to the next level, which included the city of Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and Plano, and he placed 11th. I see football in his future. I tried to take pictures of the competition but I was so far away. The parents had to stand behind a fence. Each kid got one chance to kick, punt, and pass. They measured for distance and accuracy. This picture is what the front of our house looks like after school, but sometimes with many more boys. So far I have succeeded in making my house the hangout house. Many of the neighborhood boys come over the play sports.