Thanksgiving Weekend...

Because of our crazy Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, our Thanksgiving was quite a bit different this year.  She put out an administrative order saying that there couldn't be any family gatherings larger than six people.  And she went so far as to say that neighbors should turn in each other for not following her order.  It was our turn to spend it with Scott's family and we went back in forth as to what we should do.  We finally ended up having a small Thanksgiving with Ron and Stacie's family plus Gerald and Wanda so there were still 11 of us but a lot smaller than usual.  We missed the rest of the Talbot families.  Wanda and I helped Lindsay with her puzzle she has been working on since the summer.  Stacie, Lindsay, and Tyson left around 5:00 to go to Utah to visit family.  Cole and Kacie came over around 6:30 so it was fun visiting with them.   We had a good visit and had fun working on the puzzle together.  I think we finally left around 11:30.

Friday was a lazy day.  Brady and I watched movies and enjoyed being home together.

Saturday Cole and Kacie came back out and we played games with Mom and Teniele at our house while Scott and Cole did some shooting.  We also did some Christmas shopping online.  Later that night Scott grilled some yummy salmon and we had dinner together.  It was nice spending time with them.  I'm sure sometime in there we had a Dutch Bro run to Ontario.  haha!  Sunday they went back to Rexburg.  It was a nice long weekend.

Seven Days of Gratitude...

On November 20th President Nelson spoke to the world about these trying times and challenged everyone to have more gratitude.  He suggested that we post something that we are grateful for each day for seven days with the hashtag #GiveThanks.  So grateful for a living prophet that guides us and gives us hope for the future.

                                                                                Day 1

I am beyond grateful for these parents of mine.  They have taught me how to work and how to choose right from wrong.  They are the most unselfish people that I know and I am so thankful for their example and strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I love you mom and dad! #GiveThanks

Day 2

I am so grateful for the gift of life.  Each one of our family members have been way too close to losing it.  We wouldn't be here without the medical technology and the great men and women who serve as doctors and nurses.  We are so thankful for the doctor that happened to be traveling through just at the right time and knew how to treat Scott's gunshot wounds.  Brandon and I both spent months in the hospital as he made his emergency entrance into this world.  I will never forget this kind nurse that we so gentle with Kacie and would comfort us and took the time to explain what was going on with her.  And then there were these two that were so patient with Brady when he would tear out his IV and were constantly entertaining him while he had to be put on kidney dialysis as well.   These are just a few of all the many that have blessed our lives.  Thank you! #GiveThanks

Day 3

I am so grateful for this man.  He has stood by my side through all the good and bad and I love him more everyday!  #GiveThanks

Day 4

Having children did not come easy for me so being blessed with these amazing three is an understatement.  They have brought me so much joy and I am so grateful to be their mother.  Heaven was really looking down on us when Cole chose Kacie and our crazy family.  We couldn't have found a better fit!  I love you Brandon, Kacie Brady & Cole with all my heart! #GiveThanks

Day 5

I love this country...I love to see the flag wave.  I love to stand in a stadium and place my hand over my heart as they present the colors then hear the roar of a jet fly by.  I'm so grateful for our freedom, but this was given at a cost paid by the very brave men and women who have fought for you and me and have sacrificed so much, many with their own lives.  I love our military and I love to read their stories.  God Bless America! #GiveThanks

Day 6

I am so grateful for my in-laws.  They have loved and accepted me like their own from the very beginning.  You can always expect a good time and lots of laughter when we are together.  #GiveThanks

Day 7

I love this picture of Christ overlooking Jerusalem.  It brings to mind the scripture...consider the lilies of the field, surely the Lord will remember me.  I was just told that we can't see Brandon this Thanksgiving weekend and it breaks my heart.  I'm thankful for Jesus Christ who knows my pain...He meets us in our need, bringing peace to our souls.  And I know He is with my son when I can't be.  #GiveThanks 

Anya Talbot...

Precious little Anya Talbot entered into this world on November 25th, the day before Thanksgiving.  Her parents are Kevin and Alex Talbot with big brother Kingston.  We can't wait to meet her.

I love how Alexz decorated her room and her crib is so adorable!  She is so creative!

Introducing Trace & Josi Cummings...

Josi Schulthies married Trace Cummings on November 21, 2020.  Their wedding was really nice.  We didn't go to help keep their numbers down but Mom and Dad said it was beautiful.

I thought this was such a cute idea.  They had everyone with a cow brand bring it for their dining room table.  Dad brought his VHS and also grandpa Ray's OV.

The cute ring bearers...

Josi, Riken, Lucy, Lorien, Lydia, Lilly, Lawson, LaRae & Levi

I love this picture of Wade with Josi...

November Activities...

Scott and Cole always have fun shooting together...

Found this little gem going through old pictures.  I put it on our new Double V group chat on WhatsApp.  Logan said, "Board puller trucks, 2-row harvesters, open cab tractor, and mechanical sideboards...boy times have really changed. haha!"  Juliene said, "For sure...so glad it has gotten easier with the upgrades! Those were some long and dirty days of picking clods."  Rosie said, "This is awesome!!! This brings back a lot of memories! I just found Becky and me in the truck! haha! It's amazing we didn't have more accidents on the farm!  I love the radio antenna sticking out of the tractor!"

I posted this November 10th in honor of couples week.

Dating: 1986

Engaged: 1988

Married: 1989

Still happily together: 2020

Scott has absolutely loved his new FX airgun and I have loved all the beautiful fall colors.  My mums were huge this year! 

Scott got a cow elk on November 14th...He wished it was a bull but happy to have some elk meat.  Ron helped him get it.  We went into his parent's house on Sunday the 15th to have some elk stew.  It was really good and it was fun to all be together.  Brady was needing some fun cousin time!

Scott got some really nice Skre gear camo.  I guess I need a picture of him in it instead of the cost! haha!

Dedre shared this letter from Aunt Berniel and Julie shared the letter from Aunt Barbara below.

This was a pretty amazing activity day for me...crazy how many times on was on my feet!

Cole and Kacie got their tree up really early this year...I love their new tree skirt!

Kaylin's 36th Birthday...

Brady did this project in school today...I like how much he enjoys history.

After work, I picked up some squirt and Kentucky Fried Chicken to eat with Mom and Dad.  We then set off some lanterns.  We sure miss you Kaylin!

I posted this collage on Instagram and Facebook.  I said, Happy Birthday Kaylin! I often wonder how life would be different if you were still here.  Please continue to watch over us especially Brandon when I can't be with him.  We love and miss you so much!

Tami Peterson said, I love that, Tammy.  I am certain that Kaylin is watching over Brandon and all of your family.  She was (is) a full of life, kind young woman.

Mom said, Oh WoW...this totally reduced me to tears!  Thank you for sharing their photos together.

Lance Peterson said, I was totally thinking about her just this morning, and didn't even realize it was her birthday until you mentioned it.  The veil is very thin sometimes.  Happy birthday Kaylin, we miss you!

Rosie said,  I love this!  I know she is watching over him!  The veil is very thin especially this year!