Thanksgiving 2010 Away....

This was a first for us.....instead of hosting Thanksgiving

we left home! It was the "off" year for all the kids and they

were with the in-laws and clear back when Paige moved

she asked if we would come to her house for Thanksgiving

this year, so....we did! Having both Bryce and Paige's family's

in one location makes it so much fun to visit. And it seemed

like a good time to try out a new chapter in our lives.

But wouldn't you know that on the day we were to leave,

a blizzard was predicted. We took off earlier than planned to

try to "manage" the storm so we would be traveling in

daylight for the worst of it. Guess what...Wyoming girl

or not...I no longer have a desire to travel on icy roads!

It was just plain treacherous all the way to Reno

and then from Reno all the way to Santa Rosa, it was

off and on bumper to bumper traffic. Snowy road conditions...

and California traffic...bad combo!

First lesson learned:

in the winter, plan early, get a good rate and fly out.

This was the view over Donner's Pass...

gorgeous to the sight, but seriously????

However, the good news is that this little
guy was waiting on the other end!


While Nate and Mike took in a movie,
Miranda came over Wednesday night and helped Paige
and I prepare...so much fun! And Paige was a
fantastic host. Her table was gorgeous....

Here's the little hostess herself!


Here are the ladies taking a quick break
from kitchen duties to pose....
with Brig and Mike, of course!

Even though we stayed at Paige's new home,
we got to spend lots of time with Bryce, Lisa, Miranda
and Asher. It was such a treat to have our oldest
and our youngest together with their families!


Second lesson learned:
Grandkids make the most treacherous drive
worth it!!
Big P and Little P with Baby Brig...


Mike and Bryce drove out to the ocean Thanksgiving
morning and got some fresh dungeoness crab
straight off the boat to add to our feast.
And it was just plain delicious!!!

The two of them did all the preparation of the
crab. Bryce is somewhat of an expert!


Here is our host family....Nate is a really good sport
to put up with so many Williams under his roof!

They have a great home for entertaining

and they were terrific hosts. Paige did a

fantastic job on her first time hosting Thanksgiving.

And as always, it was over before you knew it....

but it was a huge success.

The following couple of days were spent just enjoying our

visit. We had a little family photo shoot with the Clark family.

Pretty easy task when your subjects look this good!

Miranda and Asher joined Paige and I for an

evening with Harry Potter at the local theatre

(perfect company for such a movie, BTW)

and then had a sleep over at Paige's.

Here they are enjoying a little breakfast with Brig.

Gorgeous Miranda....adore this girl!!
She is a part of my heart...

And our very own Justin Beiber...j/k!

Asher sports the hairstyle well and this is

one delightful boy. We had a great time with him.

Of course, there was the BYU vs. Utah game

and Nate and Brig were decked out in the Ute

garb and covered up in the Ute blanket.

Paige was sporting her Utah t-shirt as well.

Mike was pretty out numbered!!

And before we knew it, it was time to head home again.

Paige and Brig returned with us and once again we saw this

on Donner's Pass. The trip back was better until

about Tooele and then we thought we were going to die

again!! We finally arrived home safe and sound

and we had a wonderful time with our California kids.

Final lesson learned:

It's not really where you spend the holiday or how

you get there, if you are with those you love,

it's something to be MOST thankful for.

Thanks, Paige, for hosting us and for all your hard

work. We had a wonderful time and will always

remember our first Thanksgiving away.

XOXOXO

Thanksgiving....

Well, this is going to be one of the "pictureless posts" that nobody really cares to look at but

before we head out to California tomorrow, it seemed appropriate to put in writing some of the

things that have been on my mind the last few days as I count my many blessings, so here goes.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

• A beautiful family who are all healthy and happy numbering 26 with #27 due to arrive on Feb. 2nd.
• The fact that they all have a place to be for this holiday...even if it isn't with me. (Thank you to the Cotton-betteridge family for taking in Brad and Co.)
• That I get to have a NEW experience this Thanksgiving with my oldest and youngest children and their families!!
• That my dear Mom is so happy in her new place and that she feels safe and cared for.
• That Johnnie Belle is doing so well and soon to be 90!!
• That both Mike and Steve are cancer free.
• That my dear cousin Butch didn't have to suffer too long with his cancer and that he was so at peace when he passed away a few weeks ago.
• That I have a great new job with people I really like and enjoy working with.
• That life is still so good when things don't go the way you expect them to.
• That I have someone to share this experience with who loves me and that I have him to love and care for.
• That I KNOW the Lord loves me and that because of that knowledge, it will all work out.
• That I am so blessed to live in this country, to have been born to great parents, in great circumstances, with a great childhood and to have found the Gospel early in my life. That has made all the difference. WOW!!

So there you have it....late night ramblings while I wait to switch the wash and get ready to head out. I'll miss being with all my little chicklets but each and everyone of them are in my heart....ALWAYS!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! XOXOXO

November Sleep-over

Friday night, Brad asked if I would keep Gabi

and Bella overnight so he could take Vanessa up

to Park City for a little get-away. I am always

happy to oblige since Vanessa is on her own A LOT

and since these two girls are so fun to have

as house guests. :)

We fixed dinner, played dollies, colored

turkeys and generally had a delightful

evening, then it was bedtime and

time to brush. These two are expert

"brushers."

Saturday morning they arose quite early :(
and we liesurely fixed french toast and
got ready for the day. It had
turned cold overnight, but that
didn't deter us from making a run
to the park across the street!

There were oodles of fall leaves

and we had fun playing in them.

(So did the Pretty Ponies)

We even had some unexpected visitors...

these deer don't even bat an eye when we

are playing right next to them!
Notice that lovely buck??

Here's the rest of the family....

A good time was had by all!

The girls were chilled so we headed home

for some hot chocolate and some lunch.

After snuggling in some warm blankets and

playing a bit longer, Mom and Dad

returned. Pretty easy duty!

Come again soon, sweeties. XOXO

Poppy Lou Turns 2

This adorable little princess turned 2 on

November 9th and a bunch of little

princesses and princes joined her

for a heck of a party.

Grandma Ali hosted and it was

all pink and tiara's and all things girly.

She was at the table ret' to go promptly at 6PM!

These were the three young prince's in attendance...
Jude, Ben and Carter.

Big sister Minie found the whole

party very entertaining!

And Greta was stunning in her Diana gown.

Little girls LOVE to dress up like princesses

and you couldn't have torn those gowns

off of them!

Proud Mommy and Daddy!

There was even a Princess pinata...

Here's the whole group minus Ben who even Grandpa

Steve couldn't convince to join the photo!

And finally, the little birthday princess

blew out her candle and made a wish.

What a little dolly.

We love her to the moon!

Happy Birthday, Pop-tart!

Another November birthday come and gone...

phew...what a month!!

Grandma Billie's 84th Birthday Rocks!!!

Weeks ago, Sandi decided she was going to

travel out to see Mom and her new home

for Mom's birthday. So, we have been

waiting and planning for this day.

It's always a good time when Sandi

comes to town and what a treat

to have Nathan and Jordan come too!!

Mom was thrilled.

We started the day with a pedicure and

a manicure. Nothing like a little pampering.

Everyone in the salon wished Granny a

very Happy Birthday!

Then it was off to my house for football

and a big family party.

Everyone came...19 for dinner...

and Mom had two cakes thanks to Bub!

She got some awesome gifts....a gorgeous shawl

and this U of U Snuggie, chocolates, etc.

And then the grand finale...her memory book

with letters and pictures from all her posterity.

It was an emotional moment for all of us

because we had all put some thought into

our love for Grandma Billie.

Here are three of the Ausman kids with our

dear Mom. What a grand day! Bub took

Mom home to her new place and we

all felt like it was a huge success.

These gorgeous flowers were sent by Chris

who regretfully couldn't join us.

Mom LOVED them and showed them off to

everyone.

Here's hoping there are many

more birthdays ahead!

XOXO

Big 5 = JUDE!!

This amazing guy turned 5 on Nov. 4th

and we were all there to celebrate.

Do you think he was excited???

The family all met at Rock Creek Pizza

and enjoyed the yummy pizza buffet.

Presents were opened, cheers were given....

The little's put order to the galaxy,

which is only right for a Star Wars party!

And of course, the Star Wars cake!

The "girls" finished off the ice cream....

And Greta enjoyed the blue icing!

Another great party for the young prince...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!! XOXOXO

And Happy 11th Birthday to Tuck who celebrated the next day in St. George!