The Day After

This Thanksgiving went very well. We had a very nice dinner at 1330 and then I went into work for a while. It wasn't too bad...half my patients were come for the holiday so it was easy money. Mom, Al, Ryan, and I actually continued Jaime's tradition and headed out at 0445 to black Friday shop. I wish I had had my camera to take some video. This year at Walmart they had all the crates with the deals covered in black plastic....when the clock struck 0500 an announcement came over the radio and all the clerks standing next to the crates simeltaneously ripped the black plastic off and the crowds dive bombed the merchandise. I was the cart watcher...for all those who know how to truly Black Friday shop (thanks Jaime) I stood off to the side with the cart and laughed at people...great fun.

Later that day while the boys went golfing Mom, Al, & I put up some Christmas lights. Since I don't have mom's tree this year to do my Dr. Seuss tree I found one at Alyson's house....I need to add a few more strands but you will get the idea. We had a light unveiling later in the evening.

After the light unveiling mom got out her little presents for the kids...countdowns for Christmas. It was very fun and even more fun because she made us adults one too. :O) Great times with a great family...We missed all who weren't here. LOVE YOU!!!

Ice Skating

We just got back from a fun night of ice skating. Mom, Al, Nick, Ryan, Ryan's date Megan, Alyssa, Abby, Braydon, & Cailah. We had a great time...by the end of the night all of us were skating by ourselves...even Nick! LOL Seriously the kids did a great job...Cailah's trick for the night was to be holding two peoples hands and jump up in the air..."it is easier to skate that way" she said. Braydon did a great little run slide and Abby was flying by on the side of the rink with her hand close to the edge. Alyssa found her feet not after too long and her and Abby had fun skating together. We only had two bad falls....one involved Alyson and the other Abby...none of which ended up at the hospital so we felt good about that. The pictures didn't turn out really well but here are a few.

Hair Experiment and Mishap

We had this great idea to do pin curls in the girls hair. The kids all sang in Sacrament meeting today...the Tolman Family Singers (plus Alyssa). Anyhow last night Al and I put Alyssa and Cailah's hair up in pin curls. We've never done it before so it was kind of an experiment.

As you can see the experiment failed...unless you are going for a clown look (LOL). They were good sports and thank heavans for straight irons.

The First Snow in 2008

Saturday we got our first snow....it didn't stick but when it first started coming down some of the flakes were about 2 in. in diameter...they were beautiful. Abby and Alyssa preceeded right out the door to play in it and tried to catch some on their heads for a picture. It was beautiful and reminded me how much I love the snow.

It's Christmas Time..ok not quite yet but close!!!

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay,here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? ok I actually own a fake one and it is kind of nice but it certainly isn't the same as a real tree but it's works....still nothing is better than the smell of a fresh Christmas tree..and hunting down one in the snow...drinking hot chocolate and eating chili...LOVE IT!!!

3. When do you put up the tree? fake, weekend after Thanksgiving. Real, not so soon or it gets brown by Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down? after New Year's

5. Do you like eggnog? No...texure issues. Once I had eggnog candy that was chewy like taffy...loved that.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? honestly can't remember...I guess that reminds me that presents aren't the best thing about Christmas...best memory was when we got the atari...Doug kissing the game box was hillarious...Alyson screaming shocking and great...the fact that we have it on video PRICELESS.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom...she just isn't big on material things so she gives you no hints...plus she doesn't really need anything so can't go that route either..she's easier to just do something for.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Alyssa use to be but she is getting the the preteen/teen difficult to buy for age. Neices and nephew...piece of cake.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes a fabric one Al and Mom made me...it's very cute. I want another one...love the willow tree one we got mom..might have to get it someday

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Christmas cards? are we suppose to do that :O)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? can't think of one I hated

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? the one we watch every Christmas Eve....I think it is called The Santa Claus...not the best movie ever made but the memories make it better.

13. When do you start shopping? I keep my eye open throughout the year but usually really start after Halloween.

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's candy...why did I move away from her? :O)

16. Lights on the tree? You might laugh at how many I can actually fit on the tree...you'd be surprised...you can't have too many.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Too many good ones...can't pick a favorite.

18, Travel at Christmas or stay home? I've done both...it's usually more fun to stay home and the most fun when we are all there sleeping in the basement Christmas Eve together...we need to make sure when mom and dad buy their new house they have a big enough basement...just incase we all make it home again someday.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes...but is it Donder, or Donner still not sure

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Growing up....always Christmas morning...mind you really early Christmas morning but still we waited...we could get up and go upstairs at 5 and play with Santa toys and stocking but couldn't wake mom and dad up until 6.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? bell ringers...they were out this year before Halloween

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? no ornament theme for me...whatever Alyssa has made..need some balls but nothing special.. Alyssa and I do however have a tradition...whenever we vacation to a new place together we get a Christmas ornament one for her and one for me both the same...I journal about our trip and put it in my ornament book. When she leaves the house she gets to take her set and a copy of the book with her...that way she we have help remembering all the fun things she did with her mom :O)

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Growing up we use to make Chinese food for Christmas Eve and Cheese soup in bread bowls for Christmas dinner....then mom decided the Chinese food took too much work...then we started a really good Christmas breakfast after reading the Christmas story and before opening gifts...I've enjoyed that.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Randy has already gotten that taken care of...or so a little birdie told me..infact I wish I could get it early...you ROCK Randy

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I'll play it safe and say Alyson since she actually already did it :O) I guess that is cheating...I'm going to go with Molly

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? I'll say Nick that way maybe he will feel a little pressure to prove me wrong :O)

Weekend at Grandma Thompson's

This past weekend Alyson and I left the kids with Mike and headed to Grandma Thompson's house. We have been wanting to get all of her old photo's scanned before she gives them away and she wanted to get some photo's scanned to play in her digital photo frame and her TV. So we went up kids free and spent the weekend scanning old photo's and video taping her talking about the photo's. We learned some very fun facts about Grandma.

Friday night Trevor, Bethany, & Ryan met us at Grandma's for dinner....Grandma's stew. They headed back to Provo that night so they could attend the football game on Saturday. Al and I stayed and literally spend all day until about 4:40 scanning picture. By that time Grandma was tired of talking and we were tired of scanning so we watched a movie, had some more stew and then watched another movie. It was a very nice trip visiting and fun listening to some family history.

We got a few really great photo's. Ryan was my test subject as I was getting the timer ready to shoot.

They kids had a very nice weekend with Mike, filled with a morning trip to the donut shop, Kung Fu Panda and Superman II with popcorn....they hardly missed up.

Halloween and Abby's Baptism

We started off on Thursday night when Trevor and Bethany arrived from Provo. They came in late so we of course stayed up late talking. the kids didn't have school on friday so we spent the day cleaning and playing. Trevor and Mike went golfing in the afternoon. The best part of that was that Trevor wore his Halloween costume. It was great fun...I'm pretty sure a few years ago he might not have done that. I love gettting older...we care less and less about the trival things like what people might think of us...makes life much more fun. Friday night we headed to the ward Trunker treat activity at Alyssa's school. The kids were all very cute. The girls all dressed up as dolls (I'm still finding remenants of Alyssa's red hair in the bathroom) and Braydon was my favorite pumpkin....we've had a lot of good time in that pumpkin costume...who in this family hasn't worn it. At the end of the trunker treat I was standing there talking when some strange boy comes up behind me and picks me up. I of course screamed like a girl (despite what you may think I am one :O). It was Ryan and he arrived just before we headed back home. Mom and dad were a few minutes away and meeting us at the house.

We had a fun night of trick-or-treating...Ryan, Nick & I took the kids around the block. It was very entertaining with the boys. I especially enjoyed the part where Nick took his shirt off (if you really want the story why I'd be happy to share)...I'm just glad that although it was a very warm day for Halloween it cooled down enough at night that he had a coat to put on over his naked chest. We came back and enjoyed scones and apple cider (the only true joys of Halloween).

Saturday morning we headed to the temple at 0700. We enjoyed a wonderful session and were lucky enough to have Mom, Dad, Al, Ryan, Trevor, Bethany, & Nick. Mike stayed home with the kids (we missed him but are grateful he made it possible for Al to come). Grandma was coming but ended up getting sick at the last minute and we missed her. We did a little shoping on the way home and then got ready for Abby's baptism. Her baptism was very nice. Braydon and Alyssa did an impromtu song; I am a Child of God in Japanese. It was very nice. We come back for brownie sundaes. Wish we could have great days like that all the time. Sunday we headed to church and had a very nice testimony meeting....too bad we forgot it was fast Sunday..but the french toast was very yummy.

Either Sunday of Saturday we were able to enjoy another store creation from the kids.

Alyssa had a massage parlor (that was very relaxing)

Abby had a hair salon (very entertaining...especially the buffing of the bald heads)
Braydon had a Super Smash Brothers game going on (believe it or not I have never played it before and managed to beat Nick and Braydon...dumb luck but still fun)

Sadly this was the only picture I had of Braydon's station (Nick & I were very focused)

Cailah had a knock of the blocks games with a piece of candy on each stack...if you knocked it over you got the candy and you got to play until you knocked one over. Normally we have to pay to do these things. This time we just had to give them a hug for a all pass and then we got a piece of candy as we were leaving each station. It was very fun.

Love you all and miss those that didn't get to come.

Halloween - Trunker Treating

Well it's late so I'll have to post more later but Mr. Clean spent the last two days helping us clean up the house getting ready for visitors this weekend...so we took him trunker treating with us tonight. Here's a little preview of our Halloween day!!

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

This year I missed out on the pumpkin carving..shucks....ok not really because it's not my favorite thing to do although they are fun once they are done. Alyson did it with the kids...thank you Alyson. She even got a picture so if you'd like to see Alyssa and her pumpkin you can check out her website www.tolmantales.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow is Halloween....my least favorite holiday of the year. I did get a Halloween shirt so I could be a little in the spirit with the kids. I guess it isn't bad because we do get to have scones!!!!!!! The good thing about this year is Abby is getting baptized on Saturday so we get to have family come and visit.....they start arriving tonight so I should have so good pictures coming soon.

Have a great Halloween!!!!!!

Alyssa's 1st Choir Concert

Tonight Alyssa had her first choir concert. She was so excited. We got her a new dress because of course we didn't have the black or white that she needed. Alyson helped her get her hair done while I was at work. I was pretty excited...I got out of work at 6 and thought I'd make it back to spend a little time with Alyssa prior to the concert but the really long train that I got stopped for made it so I just made it back in time to get her to the school in time. She had a solo and she did a really great job despite what she will tell you. I think I was more nervous than she was. Once again I think she is amazing....but I am biased. You couldn't hear her very well at the beginning but then her director cranked up the volume and it was better. He played the guitar which was cool except that they only practiced together today after school so it was a little rusty but still I thought she did great.

Corn Maze

Ok, I don't have a picture for this one but mom, dad, Nick, & I just got back from taking Alyssa and two of her friends Kaitlyn (sp?) and Gizelle to the corn maze. I haven't heard that much screaming in a long time.

Funny story though. As we are walking through the girls are screaming about every 10 seconds. We pass this young teenage couple and the girl rolls her eyes, looks back at my girls, and says, "hello, I'm on the phone." Of course my first response was thinking to myself....did she really just say that in the middle of a corn maze. My second response was of course to act completely grown up and scream in her direction as loud as I could. :O) I know.....but come on I just couldn't help it. Who says that in a corn maze.....

We proceed on and another girl walks by them and puts her finger to her mouth and shooshes them (ok is shoosh the right word, I've never tired to spell it). What is wrong with people. I personally can't hear very well anymore but I also laughed pretty hard most of the night. The scary guys were great. They'd didn't even have to jump out at them all they would have to do is walk by and they would scream. The chain saw guys were great. They would casually walk by you and then start the chainsaw up....it was pretty effective...even startled Nick once (yes, he jumped).

Girls Night - BYU Ballroom Dance

This last friday night we had girl's night . Alyson, Abby, Cailah, Alyssa, & I went to watch the BYU Ballroom Dancers. It was a very fun night. We started off by getting all dolled up (just remember that all dolled up for Al & I just isn't the same as for others...but we did actually pull out the curling/straight iron ). We headed to the Nampa Civic Center. The show started and then right in the middle of the first song/dance the music quit. This was followed by a we an announcement "we are experiencing technical difficulties, it will be a moment". About 5-10 minutes later another announcement "we are experiencing greater techincal difficulties than we imagined." Almost 45 minutes later they started from the top again. There were all kinds of dancing from Waltz to a very cool glow in the dark alien dance (girls favorite of the night). We followed the show up with dinner at an all you can eat pizza place, I can't remember the name. The girls must have had a great time because it only takes about 15 minutes to get back to the house from the pizza place and this is what they looked liked.

It wasn't that easy getting a picture of all three of them so we actually woke them up trying to get it but they were more than happy to reinact sleeping. Below is their reinactment. Don't they look so sweet when they are sleeping.

Spirit Week

Once again it is that time of year when Alyssa's school has spirit week (aka middle school Homecoming) today was rainbow day...I guess in Idaho they haven't ruined the meaning of the rainbow like they have in Oregon (at least Portland, Eugene, etc...). Alyssa had a lot of fun making her outfit for today. She had an orange shirt outer shirt with a red outer shirt, blue pants, one green and blue striped sock, one yellow and white striped sock, many brackets in the colors of the rainbow, green tipped colored hair, & a rainbow clown wig. I LOVE that she has enough confidence to do that at school. I always wanted to but preferred not to draw attention to myself. She is GREAT!!!!

Job

I wanted to let you know that I finally landed a job.....pending a drug test....I'm pretty sure I can pass that. I will be working on a rehabilitation unit at a skilled nursing facility....no it is not drug rehabilitation but ouch I broke my hip rehabilitation. I am very excited about the hours. I will be working 3, 12 hour shifts on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday...best part is it is days 7am to 7pm....and right now no weekends. I couldn't have picked a better shift. Hopefully it won't take me to long to get things figured out and feel good about working. I'm a little nervous about actually working in my new field but I think this will be a great opportunity for me and get me started on my career. Thanks for all your support.

Continue and Spread the Mockery

Since Trevor was feeling a little mocked with my last dance post I thought I'd spread the mockery around. So I looked through the Aspen movies to find Ryan dancing. I thought I'd attached that video for your enjoyment.....oh wait Ryan didn't dance....he was being a dud that night....not sure why but I do have proof that he isn't always. The kids often have a carnival at Grandma's house. They each have a station. This time Alyssa had a library, Cailah-Learn to Draw, Braydon - Balloon Fight, and Abby had a Learn to Dance Class. Here are a few clips of Ryan during his dance class. I think he's got a lot of potential.

Part One

Part Two

OK as embarrassing as this is I only think it's fair to mock all of us and I think my video might be the best for mockery (Ok not really Trev you still win LOL). I have to put it up so that when I'm old Alyssa remembers that I was once . The other day she said something really nice to me. She said that I was a very fun aunt. I thought that was great. Now if I can just get her to think I'm a fun mom.

Zander's Dance Moves

Since Zander dance move is so great we had him teach everyone else. Here's a little clip of the action.

Aspen Grove Dance Moves

I suggest when you watch this a second time that you pay particular attention to Zander. Notice he pulls the girl in close (Cailah) and then shove her away. Are you guys teaching him your believe that girls always go for the jerks philosophy eary. LOL

There are so many cute video's of these guys. I might have to just share them one at a time.

Trevor and his Superfly Dance Moves

I finally downloaded the video from Aspen Grove. Thought you all might enjoy this little treasure.

LOVE YOU TREVY!!!!!

(The only things that could have made this better is..if you'll notice dad on the left...if he had been dancing with Trevor)

Part One

Part Two (I think Bethany in the background cracking up is almost as good as Trev's dance moves)

Aspen Grove - Family Dance

Well I haven't done what I thought I would do and put up a little Aspen journaling each day so I guess I'll just backtrack and do it a little now.
The family dance was one of the funnest things we did. The kids went crazy and it is always fun to dance with kids around because you can be just as crazy as you want and don't feel like a total goon doing it because hey....it's for the kids.
Cailah and Zander went nonstop for about an hour. I figured at any minute they might just crash but no they were just getting down on the ground for more dance moves. I hadn't laughed that hard in a while.

Of course the adults were not without their fancy dance moves either. I have to say Trevor probably cracked me up the most. I would need to download the video for you to see the most impressive moves but the picture will have to do for now.

GO TREVOR (is that Bethany cracking up in the background)

cracking up again

and again

and again (only with you this time)

Girls gone wild. Ok as wild as we get but I'll tell you it was pretty crazy and a blast.

In the words of Cailah "Are you ready for my kung fu?"

Get Footloose!! GO NICKY!!!! He was lots of fun out there dancing with the girls.


Of course you can't have a dance without the

YMCA

Macarana

Limbo
Well done to Cliff, who knew a 6' 4" tall guy could get that low.

Cailah's Morning Funny

Al and I were just sitting in the dining room talking about everyone's middle name. I realized I didn't know what Ashlee's middle name was and asked Alyson. Cailah pipes in it's "ass, I'm pretty sure about it." We laughed and then she continues with, "what, that's what you always call her mom."

Needless to say we proceeded to explain the difference between "Ash" and "ass."

Aspen Grove - Ropes Course and Rock Climbing

Tuesday Alyssa's group did the ropes course. Alyssa wasn't sure that she wanted to do it but she decided to go for it anyway. To begin you have to scale a log with hatches out of it at different point to place your feet. The trick is that you have to switch feet two or three times in order to reach the next place, while doing so you kind of have to hug the tree (which makes for a great picture by the way). Then you get up on the log and move over to the rock wall. Alyssa made it up the log and the rock wall. The girl in front of her was crying and screaming hysterically. Alyssa was nervous as it was and she just put her over the edge. She couldn't make herself get out on to the rope but she did a great job repelling down the wall . I was very proud of her.

On Thursday the adults in the family got there shot at the ropes course and after making that step out onto the rope myself and totally understand how hard it was for her. She did excellent. It was great fun watching all the adults hug trees and make the climb. It was a good challenge and I love repelling so that was fun to end the course with that.