I feel absolutely negligent. Our life is rich and blessed and silly and worrisome and stressful and blessed and I haven't been telling about any of it.

You have just entered my time capsule, and are going back in time. You know how to escape if you want, but if you are staying put for the ride, then hang on. It may be a bumpy one!

I love Veterans Day. Our cub scouts and their leaders started us out right with an early morning outdoor flag raising ceremony and then pancake breakfast. At breakfast, our lives changed forever when we had our first taste of the Petramalo's homemade coconut syrup. It has been a staple in our kitchen ever since. The parade in Mesa was short and sweet, and it was so fun to cheer for L in the marching band. We did get him to crack a smile!

Fall wouldn't be the same without our school Fall Festival. J was camping, so I only had the 3 youngest. K sat and painted faces, our traditional volunteer assignment. Wow, the kids who got in her line sure were lucky and so happy when they saw the artwork their 2 tickets had purchased.

The babes and I have been enjoying library story time, together. It is especially for 2 year olds and little siblings, so we fit right in. The 20 minutes of stories and songs are just right. We occasionally have friends there, and T loves some computer time to top it off.

Almost forgot. I turned 39! It was painless and fun. R took the day off and we went to an early temple session. I loved the time with him, there. We ran some errands with no babes, thanks to a wonderful sister.

Thanksgiving was spent with family. What a joy and what a blessing. The boys and I spent the evening before making pies. That was our assignment, oh yeah, and green beans. Yum. We made chocolate cream, banana cream, toasted coconut cream and key lime. Again, YUM!

The beginning of December brought a big deadline. College applications were due. Yes, K spent several busy hours filing them out, gathering information and using my card to pay various fees. I think she was glad for the deadline, as she had spent months prior agonizing over which schools to apply to. She decided on BYU Provo and Idaho and NAU. Right now, she wants to study vocal performance. I am excited for her.

One of my favorite parts of this season, is all of the concerts and programs. Some weeks, every night. Other weeks, we have a couple of days off. J had a band concert. And then, on another night, played his trumpet while the 5th and 6th grade chorus sang. Lu sang with the 3rd and4th grade chorus and mourned not being chosen for the solo. Maybe next time:) L played with one of the concert bands. K had multiple concerts and the always wonderful Holiday Dinners. Her choir will perform at the temple on Thursday at 7 if anyone wants to join us.

I enjoyed my first auction, and my second. He hee.

R is the all time king of online shopping! I am very impressed!

We are looking forward to the arrival of the Greens from Indiana. They will be staying with us through the Holidays. 7 in all, unless there are some Penwell stowaways:) Em has perfected the art of cake decorating and now "cupcakeing" We can hardly wait.

A few weeks ago L came home and asked...
L: Do we like Australians?
Me: Of course, why?
L: Can we get one?
Me: What?
The band is arranging host families for a group of students in January. Long story short, we will be hosting 2 of them and can hardly wait. It will be so fun and we are really looking forward to meeting you both, Jade and Georgina!

I have loved the cold weather and rain, and I love the warm days, too. There is just something for being able to send the kids out to play without coats. I love it.

Congratulation, to those of you who survived this torture. And if you didn't, I understand that, too. Errands tomorrow with 2 babes. Goodnight!