Turkey Shoot and Stuffing too...

I know that we are nearly into December now but I couldn't let the season go by without telling you how the annual "Turkey Shoot" at the Puzey's house went. For those of you that don't know, each year we go our to our friends home north of Atlanta for some wonderful food, games and of course the turkey shoot.

For this event, the Dads get to dress up like turkeys and the kids take turns shooting them with paintballs. Here are our 3 fearless Dads with Jason pictured in the middle.

Kate has been shy in years past but didn't mind taking a whack at it. She was so happy every time she hit a turkey.


It is one hilarious sight to behold let me tell you and one of the highlights of Jackson's year for sure. He was absolutely giddy while trying to nail his Dad.

We're not sure if Kate can take credit for this shot or not but she is sure that her shot got Dad.

Jason was such a good sport about the event. (Honestly, it is actually hard to tell if he or the kids more look forward to what has become an annual tradition). This Thanksgiving, Jason was especially grateful for more durable boxes that kept the paintballs off of him. We are so very grateful for our family and the blessing that each member is in our lives.

Atlanta Half Marathon

You all have probably heard on the news that there is a severe drought in Georgia - water restrictions everywhere. Well, God has a funny sense of humor because the day before the marathon and the day after the marathon were beautiful but it POURED during the race. In fact, as they counted down to the start of the race - 10, 9, 8... on 3, 2, 1 it began with a heavy downpour. The rain could not have been timed better and the runners all had to laugh outloud. (I really should have been more specific in my prayers when requesting an end to the drought). Jason and the kids were there to cheer me on, despite the conditions and it was so appreciated. There is nothing better than seeing your family at the end of the race.

I didn't make my goal of 2 hours but was close and was happy to finish with my personal best of 2:03. This was the first race that I have run in the rain and I must say that I hope I don't have too many more. My soaking socks bunched up and I got a few blisters but on the plus side I wasn't too hot. :)

Nate, one of our closest friends in Atlanta and pictured here with his son Owen, ran the race with me and it was great to have him there for moral support. I'm going to try to convince him to run another one with me but first - the Disney marathon in 47 days!

Early onset of Alzheimers?

CJ's birthday reminded me that I never posted a funny story about Jackson's birthday party a few weeks ago. As many of you know, I went all out for the big Pokemon bash. I made "Trainer Badges" and came up with 8 different Pokemon activities where the kids could earn a badge in each of the areas to become an official Pokemon Trainer.

They seemed to have a really great time and by the end of the two hours we were hustling to finish up and eat our Pokemon Pizza. I don't know if it was trying to keep up with Jackson and the other 9 eight year olds in my home, the fatigue from running and staying up until 2am or what happened but several hours after the party ended I had the sudden horrible realization that we never had the birthday cake! The kids were all having so much fun that we completely forgot the cake. Um, how does that happen? I am seriously concerned about myself.

I was especially bummed because this wasn't just any cake. This was special order Carvel Pokemon Ball ice cream cake. I am so happy that Jackson thought it was a funny mistake and wasn't sad about the oversight. Alas, we ended up finally singing to him as a family a week later and cutting into that cake. (We are still enjoying the left overs too.)

Happy Birthday CJ!

This shout out goes to my little bro CJ who turns the big 26 today! CJ is the 5th in line of the 6 of us and somehow managed to grow up to be one pretty cool guy despite years of torture from his older 4 siblings. These are just a few of the things that I love about him.

1) He was the first of my siblings to leave skiing and join me on the "dark side" of snowboarding. He now completely destroys me and I don't even mind. (It might be because he has almost spent nearly a third of his college career on the slopes but I digress...)

2) He can quote the entire script from Monty Python's The Holy Grail. How cool is that!

3) He liked to cook growing up and can make some seriously yummy pies.

4) He is a great uncle and loves to play with his nieces and nephews. They love him!

5) He has a great sense of humor and it is non-stop laughing when we get together.

6) We share a rather twisted love of Yahtzee and Sequence and can play for HOURS.

7) The man can dance and I have footage from Dance Dance Revolution to prove it. :)

8) He has fabulous hair :) We all wish for that natural blond.

9) He is SO very humble (hee-hee).

10) He and our youngest brother, Kurt, are best friends. I have always thought that was so special to have a best friend as your sibling.

I LOVE YOU CJ!!! -- ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY!

Ego Boost

As I openend the door to Ava's room this morning she took one look at me at said "You pretty princess". I don't know if it was the shirt I was wearing or her general amazing insight :) but it sure was a nice way to start the day!

Soccer Season Ends

Well the Pirate Dragons' season has come to an end. The boys had a great time and Jackson learned a lot at the Academy Jr. practices. It is the step before signing on to "Academy" and basically devoting the rest of your life to soccer. (lol) We aren't ready to make that commitment, so I think we'll keep on with Academy Jr. for another season or two and see how things go. Jackson really took off this season but he is also interested in tennis, swimming, golf and is going to try basketball this winter. I think that 8 year old kids are too young to choose a sport for life, don't you?

Jackson is pretty fearless. Going after the ball, challenging people and not being afraid to fall down and get dirty. It sure makes the game more fun to watch when he isn't crying. I remember the first season or two in U-6 when he would cry because some "took" the ball from him. :)

He also learned a lot about sportmanship this season -giving high 5's and being a team player. We were so happy to see being excited for his friends goals and good plays. He had a great coach who encouraged that behavior.

Until next season....

Catching you up Part 2 - Jackson's Baptism

Jackson was baptized on November 3rd in the Brockett Ward in Atlanta. It was a very small event but that was what Jackson said he wanted (until the morning of the event anyway but I'll get to that). There was more stress than I had anticpated with having a computer that was on the fritz. Jason also had 3 grants due during that week so we were completely handicapped planning the event. I stayed up very late the night before, working on the program at Nate's house and then got up to run 10 miles with TNT. I rushed home got a few last minute things done and we headed off to the church. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful day for Jackson.

Gramma and Grampa Hansen and Grandma and Papa Anderson flew out for the occasion and we were so happy to have them here. Jackson asked Grampa Hansen and Grandma Anderson to speak and Jason prepared what else? - a DVD of his life set to church music, which we showed while the guys were changing. It took us from his birth to now and ended with him in his baptismal clothing. Jason did a great job with very limited time. When I figure out how to do this I will upload it so you can see it if you'd like.

The morning of the baptism Jackson asked me who would be there. I told him the 3 families that he had previously asked for would be there but that was it. Suddenly he became upset. I reminded him that we had gone through the list of his school friends that we could invite and church friends too but he said he didn't want many people to be there so I made the event what he wanted (or what I thought he wanted). Gratefully, I was able to explain that this day was really for him and it wasn't like a birthday party where more people means a better time. He understood and was calmed but I was nervous for a second that I had ruined his big day.

We are so proud of Jackson and his decision to be baptized. He is such a tender hearted little boy who wants to choose the right.

Catching you up Part 1 - Halloween

I know that it has been nearly 3 weeks since Halloween but since I am using my blog as journaling too, I have to put together my slide show and give details. My Mom and Dad flew into town for the occasion and we were so happy to have them here. They graciously offered to pass out the candy so that all of us could go trick-or-treating together. Our neighborhood puts on a little costume parade for the kids each year and feeds everyone for they fill up on junk. So we first hit that and then made our way around the neighborhood.

Both the Andersons and the Stowells joined us for trick-or-treating and we were so happy to have them join us. Jason ended up taking the older boys on as they wanted to run from house to house and we took the younger ones and the strollers and slowly made our way down one street. It was a great time as always. It is a pretty no stress holiday which I do love.

I am pretty bummed that Jason and I didn't dress up. We had a great costume idea that we are going to have to do next year. Nope, my lips are sealed. You'll just have to wait and see..

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Did you miss me?

So, after nearly a month of being without a computer I am finally back in business! Blogging aside, I didn't realize how much I depended upon the computer until I was without one. Jason is heading out of town for the rest of the week so I'll have to catch you up on our lives in all of my free time. :) Until then...