Thanksgiving Weekend

BEWARE...THIS MAY BE LONG!

So we had plans for Thanksgiving weekend to go to Dathan & Kel's house in Pelham, NH. We were supposed to leave Wednesday around noon, but Craig came home Tuesday after work and said...let's be spontaneous and leave. NOW?!!! We hurried and packed up our stuff and headed there a day early. Kel and Dathan had no idea but I think they were excited for the surprise. We were in such a hurry we forgot to get cash for tolls going down. We had to stop at an ATM. We relaxed and hung out and had so much fun. Jaycee loves her cousin Brayden and likes to chase him around. She also liked playing with Haylie and laughing. One of my favorites was when Jaycee goes up to Kami and says "Hi Baby" She was obsessed with the baby and any time she cried she'd find a binki to give her. I'd say she's ready for a little brother/sister. We will see... :)
Thanksgiving dinner turned out to be a success. Dathan bought a turkey fryer and fried up a turkey in peanut oil. It was delicious and not even dry. It also only took an hour to cook. Kel and I did the other things including: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, corn, gravy, and 7 layer jello. My mouth was watering so bad. We ended up eating about 3 and then watching the football games the rest of the night. We also got to Skype with my side of the family for a long time. It was so fun to see everyone! For dessert we had pies. I was craving a fruit pie so I made a yummy strawberry one, Dathan made pumpkin, and kel bought a lemon merangue. We had such a great night. The whole day we looked through ads and decided at 11 to go out and shop :) Kel stayed home with the kiddos since Kami had to be fed and the rest were watching movies. Craig, Dathan and I pulled into Wal-Mart's parking lot at 12:10 and there were no parking spots! Have you seen Wal-marts parking lots?!!! We ended up parking on the grass and in we went. It was pure chaos! People even grabbed stuff out of our cart...rude~! We had such a fun time laughing and making fun of people and their craziness. We went mainly for the PJ, hoodies and DVD's. We really wanted to get the portable DVD player for Jaycee for $49 but that was on the 5am sale and it was only 1:30 am. We were not waiting! While we were wandering around we saw 2 pallets of the players with no signs on them or anything. Craig picked one up and went to check the price...$49! We decided to take it up to the register with us and just try it. Well let's just say no one said a word and we walked out of WalMart @2 am with a portable DVD player! SUCKERS! We headed from there to Toys R Us because they had some cute Toy Story toys but they were sold out. Jaycee LOVES Toy Story. We then drove over to Kohls but they were still closed. We decided then it was time to go home. We ended up going to sleep about 5 am and everyone slept until noon. It was such a fun time. We were laughing so hard! The next couple days we hung out, played games, went and did a little christmas shopping, went to dinner, and pretty much enjoyed every minute with that Allen family :) We left Sunday about 5 and headed home. We got home to 30 degrees and snow on the ground! All-in-all I'd say it was a super fantastic weekend. Now we get to look forward to 2 weeks when we fly out to UtaR! Yes...that's how they say it out here in Maine...he he. Here are some pics from our fun weekend! Love you All!


Brayden and Kel making name tags. I love Bray's face in this pic ha ha


The boys outside frying the turkey


Brayden helping set the table for dinner


The turkey all done! Look at the cute name tag




Yummy...turkey!
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Jaycee and Haylie playing on the air mattress watching a movie---GIRLS ONLY!


Playing some good ol Catan. It took about 3 hours to finish one game!


Kami playing around. Love this baby!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

#25 I'M GRATEFUL for Thanksgiving! What a wonderful holiday. Yes, I did decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving; however, I didn't overlook this wonderful holiday. How thankful I am for all my many blessings! HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

#23-I'M GRATEFUL for Dathan and Kellie living close to our house. It all happened so fast when we moved out here to Maine. Dathan got a job offer in November to California and he declined it. Then one month later we made the family decision to apply for the job in Maine. Little did we know on the same day Craig got offered his job in Maine, Dathan got offered his job in Boston. ONLY 3 HOURS AWAY. What are the odds of that happening? Almost like it was supposed to happen so we'd have each other :) I still remember the day we thought we weren't going to accept the offer and Kellie called saying they were moving to Boston. I had a pit in my stomach like jealousy almost...right then I looked at Craig and said "We're looking at the budget to see if it's even possible" And here we are 7 months later living so close to each other. Although we only see each other MAYBE once a month, it's still nice to have some family close.
#24-I'M GRATEFUL for shopping. I love shopping. That's all there is to it! Whether it is crafty things which I'm really into right now, baby clothes, clothes for us, or even groceries. I just love the thrill of getting a good deal and getting the most for my money! The worst thing about shopping is when I get buyer's remorse. I hate that. So today I am Grateful for shopping. Kellie and I went to Michaels today and are making flowers tomorrow. We are so excited. Pictures to follow!

It was a crazy busy week last week and I slacked on my Thanksgiving list. ...
#17-I'M GRATEFUL for my bed! Getting married was awesome because I get to share a bed with my favorite person and his mom & dad bought us our pillowtop bed. So comfy!
#18-I'M GRATEFUL for snow. We've only gotten it once here in Maine but I've read on F/B that Utah is getting more than us. I love snow! It makes winter time look so beautiful. What would Christmas time be without snow?! It's my favorite to look outside and see a blizzard all day long. So much fun!
#19-I'M GRATEFUL for Friday, November 19, 2010. We had the opportunity to go to Topsham for a training from some very special women. We decided to have a girl's night with all our YW so we drove together. We got there about 30 minutes early so we could get good seats. As the night started Sister Wixom, Sister Dalton, Sister Allred, and Brother Eyring (Pres Eyring's son) walked in and started off a wonderful evening. Each gave a wonderful talk and you could truly feel the spirit so strong in that church. Then after we all split up between primary, yw, and relief society. Sister Dalton gave a 1 1/2 hour training on young women. After wards we got the opportunity to hug and meet all 3 women and met Brother Eyring. It was so neat to see how excited the Young Women were and to see such remarkable women in New England! I came home and told Craig all about it. What a wonderful night!
#20-I'M GRATEFUL for our TV. We finally broke down and bought a new light bulb for our TV and we asked ourselves how we went so long without it. We can actually sit back on the couch and enjoy our TV again. Football Sunday was awesome to watch the games on our 50 inch! YAHOO!
#21-I'M GRATEFUL for my mom. As I get older I realize how much I'm like my mom. And I take that as a huge compliment. She is the most selfless woman I know! She taught me so many things and is such an example to me. Yesterday I was asked to play piano for sacrament meeting and also for the primary interlude song. I was thinking how thankful I was that my mom taught me to play the piano and I get to share that talent with others. I love my mommy!
#22-I'M GRATEFUL for Joseph Smith. When we moved out here to Maine we got to stop in Palmyra, New York to visit his home and also The Sacred Grove where he knelt and prayed. Being there made a huge impact on my testimony of this great man! He was only 14 when he wanted to know which church to join and when he was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I can't image being 14 and having something like that happen to me. THEN after that he got mocked and horrible things done to him because people didn't believe him. When I go out with the missionaries and they share the story of Joseph Smith with people, the spirit is overwhelming and assures my testimony of this true prophet! I'm so grateful for him and hope to one day be able to tell him that!

#16

#16 I've had to really think of more things I'm grateful for as my list is getting close to done. Last night I took some dinner over to the misisonaries for fun. They only get food from members on Sundays and they've been craving pizza, so that's what they got. I'd say today and for #16 I'M GRATEFUL for my callings. I'm the 2nd counselor in YW pres and also 2 weeks ago Craig and I got called to be Branch Missionaries. I love the young woman program and love to get to know the girls better and to teach them to prepare them. Also I love being a missionary! I get to go teaching every week and be with my friends Sister Hatch and Sister Lisonbee. They are such funny girls. They both went and cut their hair yesterday because I cut mine. That makes me laugh. They are so cute and we've become such good friends. I know Heavenly Father gives us callings to learn and grow but also I know he gives us ones that are perfect for us! And he has given me the callings I have for a purpose. And I thank Him for that!

#15

#15-I'M GRATEFUL for Sundays. I love how we have a special day every week to stop from our every day tasks to go to church. Some people see going to church as tedious or boring, but for me I look forward to 10:00 am on Sunday. I get to be with my husband & daughter and see friends, but most importantly I get to learn and feel the Spirit. I always feel fulfilled and ready to take on another week when I can have Sunday to observe it's special, sabbath day!

#14

#14-I'M GRATEFUL for animals. I've always loved kitties and ever since we got our dog Izzy I've now come to love dogs too. It's not just the pet aspect of animals, but all animals that we get our food from; cows, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs and fish.

#13

#13-I'M GRATEFUL for Toy Story! Ever since we bought 1, 2, and 3 Jaycee is obsessed and keeps her occupied. Anything that makes a toddler happy and occupied makes a mommy happy! It is pretty cute to see how excited she is to watch Woody.

#12

#12-I'M GRATEFUL to have our church building close to our home. When we moved to Maine I was nervous about how far we'd have to travel to go to church, meetings, and other activities at the church. In Utah there's pretty much ward buildings you can walk to including in Roy alone has 4 stakes. MAINE alone has 2! So I'm very grateful we only have to drive 10-15 minutes to get to our building. Our building is a little small because we are only a Branch, but it's perfect for us!

#11

#11-I'M GRATEFUL to Honda for making a dependable, fuel efficient car! After the mess that went on with our Nissan Altima we gave in and bought the civic. That was the last car I ever wanted because every girl seems to have one. It was one of the best decisions ever. It's so nice I know my car will last a long time. Also to fill up the tank for about $28 and get around 34-36 mpg! I'm so grateful for my little black beauty.

Too Long!

Well it's been a long time coming! I needed a hair cut desperately bad. I've been growing it out to do the Locks of Love, but then I heard that not only does Aimee and Dalynne have short hair-but not Dawn. That meant all my sisters have short hair. I wanted to be the 1 out of 4 that had long hair. BUT I just couldn't take it anymore! I scheduled the appointment in hopes of just getting a trim. When I sat down I told the girl my plans and she got a ruler out and let me know it was 10 inches long. DONE!!!! CHOP IT OFF! So here's my final result.

Kinda a sad day but fun to know it'll help someone :) My good deed for the day


My smiley face


Serious face


Kiss face


So there ya have it. It's an adjustment for sure. I guess say good bye to side pony tails and hello to headbands.

#10

#10-I'M GRATEFUL for music. I kinda copied my sister on this one. I love all kinds of music. Church music makes Sunday feel like a special day. Upbeat music to help me clean the house-or at least get me going. Christmas music in NOVEMBER :) to get me even MORE excited for Christmas. Country music...rare but sometimes I do crave some country. I just love MUSIC.

#9

#9-I'M GRATEFUL for modern technology. I think it's wonderful that I can live so far away from family, but am able to still communicate with them every day through Skype, Facebook, email, text messages, or a simple call on the phone. It makes living so far away not so bad.

YAHOO! Craig's back! Craig had a work retreat/seminars in Portland Thur-Sat last week. It was fun for him to call to tell me the stories of how the day went. The first day they reserved a whole hour before dinner for social hour. Craig said he was the only one not drinking! But no one said anything to him or acted different to him. He was able to meet a lot of people including people working in Oregon offices and Wisconsin. He also was put in a situation somehow with the CEO Jack and was able to talk himself up about his seismic background, which will for sure help us get back out west. Another day he called because they gave everyone iPad's. He has no idea why he would need one. So he's decided over the weekend to sell it. If anyone is interested?....it's 64gb and retails on Wal-Mart.com for $699---he said he'd sale it for $650. Also he went to a hockey game with a bunch of them, which everyone was drinking again, then after the game about 15 of them walked over to the bar while Craig walked back to his hotel room and called his sweet wifey :) It's fun to hear his stories. Overall, it was a good weekend for him to learn, get to know people, and put his name out in the company. He came back late Saturday afternoon and we were so excited he was back! Jaycee missed him and would yell Dad and look for him. I didn't realize she would comprehend him being gone. Our weekend ended yesterday with Stake Conference in Bangor, turkey meat loaf that I wanted to puke on (scratch that recipe!), and watching Amazing Race. I'm counting down the days...35 days...I can't believe it's coming so fast! Yahoo!~

#8

#8-I'M GRATEFUL for all my trials. I know that sounds like something you would look back on and wish it never happened! If it weren't for my personal trials I had to go through I wouldn't be the person I am today! Through many trails I was able to learn, open my eyes, draw nearer to the Savior, appreciate my family, and mostly let my faith grow. I know that when a trail arrives, as hard it is to be positive, I know it happens for a reason and also that everything will be fine.

#7

#7-I'M GRATEFUL for chocolate! The sweet taste of milk chocolate melting in your mouth when you've had a stressful day or just need a sugar fix. I don't think I can go one day without having a little bit of chocolate!

#6

#6-I'M GRATEFUL for family! I don't know how my life would've ended up without my family. They helped me through tough times, and there for my happy times. They are all so loving and a blast to hang out with. There may be drama, or people unhappy, but that's what makes a family strong is getting through all that. I love my whole entire family!

#5

#5-I'M GRATEFUL for water! Water is amazing! Whether we use water for drinking, showering, using the toilet, laundry, cooking, fishing, boating, swimming, cooling off on a summer day, and also water is what gives Kleinschmidt a successful engineering firm. I can't imagine not having water!

#4

#4-I'M GRATEFUL for the gospel! I feel so lucky to be born into a family that has the knowledge of the gospel in our home. Being out here in Maine it's crazy to see how some people have never even heard about the church or even about Joseph Smith. It's the best feeling to see their faces as they learn and to feel the spirit in the room. I feel so blessed to have this knowledge my whole life and to let it strengthen every day. We are so lucky to have The Book of Mormon to learn from and help us everyday! Living the gospel brings so much happiness and peace to my life. I feel truly blessed!

Thanks #1 #2 #3

So I'm going to do the cliche of counting my blessings everyday until thanksgiving. I'm 3 days behind so I'll just do 3 today. No specific order: This will be hard also because I can name way more than 27 things I'm thankful for!

#1-Since Dathan has gone to India he has told us things about life over there. NUMBER 1 I'M GRATEFUL to live in the USA! We have SO many freedoms and such a good life. Things right now with elections and politics make us angry, but I'm still grateful to live here in America!

#2-I'M GRATEFUL for my husband Craig! I don't have words enough to describe how I feel for him! He is such an example to me of the pure love of Christ. He would do anything for any one. He has such a testimony of the gospel that reflects into our home. He is such a good daddy and shows that everyday to Jaycee. He provides for our family and makes me able to stay home with Jaycee. He truly is the rock of our family. I'm thankful he waited for me to marry me and didn't settle for just any one. I love my Craig! (he'll be embarrassed I just wrote that)

#3-I'M GRATEFUL to be a mommy. From the first time I peed on a stick until now, being a mommy is THE BEST! It can be stressful and loose my patience but I still wouldn't trade it. I love Jaycee and love her cuddles and her cries. I'm so thankful I have a healthy body and am able to get pregnant and carry a baby. The best is to hear my sweet little girl yell MOMMY and know that's me :)

Lately

WHAT A FUN WEEKEND! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays so I was really anxious for it to come. Craig was a good sport to dress up with me. It was his creative idea to have us be pirates and Jaycee be our monkey. He's clever!

Since Dathan has been in India for 3 weeks I invited Kel up to spend the holiday with us! We met her Friday night in Augusta for dinner @ Red Robin. They have the best strawberry lemonade! We ended the night with A HUGE HEADACHE! We Skype with our family in Utah and it was so loud and couldn't hear anyone. Then we Skype with Dathan @ the same time. Man oh man! It was fun but too loud and I didn't even get to see Wyatt :(
Saturday we pretty much just hung out at home getting food ready for the trunk or treat, talking, I took Bray 4 wheeling, and pretty much just chillin. I made a pot of chili and chicken noodle soup. I wanted to make sure there'd be enough food. We had such a huge turn out. There were people I'd never seen before. They go all out here in the Branch. A lot of people dressed up and made their trunks all decked out. I think next year maybe we won't dress up and we'll make our trunk good. The kids ended up getting a bunch of candy. Jaycee was onory the whole night! She got her shots a couple days before on top of catching my cold so she was feeling miserable. At least she'd say "thank you" when she got candy. I felt bad for her.

Eating dinner in the primary room


How cute! Haylie loved telling everyone "I'm Alice!"




Jaycee being onory!


Here's a great picture of Jaycee all night long!


Craig planning out our attack...RRRRrrrr.....


My precious monkey; turn that frown upside down!


Alice in Wonderland (Haylie), Monkey (Jaycee), Craig, Me, Grumpy Bear (Kamryn), Snake Eyes (Brayden)


We convinced Kel to stay one more night and let Bray miss school on Monday. It snowed all Sunday morning and she wanted to take the kiddos trick-or-treating for a bit. It got dark pretty fast about 6. Here we are going around a neighborhood near our house. The people gave us so much candy. Jaycee ended up with a whole pumpkin pail of candy. And she loves it!

Jaycee bundled up to go...








She's in heaven!


It was so cold. I don't know if it's the humidity that makes it so bitter, but our faces were pretty much numb when we got home. It was about 32 degrees out


Jaycee's favorite new monkey water bottle.


I had to get a quick picture of Kami. She's adorable and has the prettiest eyes! I couldn't stop holding her and she was the best baby ever. Jaycee was obsessed with her! Jaycee kept going up to her saying "Hi Baby" This little cute face makes me even more baby hungry!


One of Jaycee's best friends Dale Berg. His mommy had her baby on Monday 11/01/10 to a little girl Bella. He's been spending a couple days here while they recover. Jaycee and him are inseparable when he comes over. Just a quick pic of them watching a movie. They went and sat like that on their own. I had to run and get my camera before they ran off.