Many Thanks

We had a wonderful time at my parent's house up in McCall, ID. I did get to eat the famous "Griffith" stuffing. Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without my dad's stuffing. This is a picture of Johnjohn and my niece Ava. Ava did a wonderful job of sharing her toys with the monkeys.

At one point we couldn't find all the little ones. They were all down in my dad's office and Luke was entertaining them by playing the drums. He did a pretty great job!

My sister Kathy is a wonderful aunt. She brought over crafts for her and Ellie to do. They made turkey place settings for everyone.

Yes, Robbie did get to sit at the "adult" table this year. He wasn't as happy about it as one would think, because Jake and Ellie got to sit with us all also (Josh and Liz were in Logan). Robbie actually woke up sick the morning of Thanksgiving, throwing up and all. After a good long nap, he felt better and we allowed him to come join the family. He was not going to miss out on his first Thanksgiving as an "adult". Thank goodness no one else got sick!

Kids Table

Almost every year (weather pending) we go to my parents house for Thanksgiving. My kids love sitting at the "children's table" as you can tell from the picture above. This morning I was telling the kids, tomorrow we leave for Grandma and Grandpa's house! Now for those who take things way too seriously, you may not want to continue the story. Our family is continuing laughing and making light of certain situations. So no lie this morning when I told the kids we were leading to the Grandparents, Robbie said, "Yes, I finally get to sit at the adult table!" I started laughing so hard. Robbie was dead serious. He looked at me and said, "there's room for me now, right?" I don't know why this strikes me as so funny, but Robbie was looking at the positive side of things. He knew that there was an opening at the adult table and he was going to "call it" before anyone else did. At times like this, meaning the Holidays, we are going need to make sure to have fun and look at all of our blessings in our lives. Yes Robbie, you do get to sit at the adult table this year!

I heart Edward...and Rob

Last night, Annie, Jeni, Sarah, me, Erin and Cathy all went to the midnight movie of Twilight. You would think Christmas had come early! The hardest part was having to stay up that late, considering I go to bed about 9:30. The movie was fun and entertaining. Not the best movie in the world, but hey if you're a Twilight fan you should be able to enjoy the movie. It was great having all us moms (except Sarah) drool over Edward. Besides being totally controlling and a little creepy (sneaking into Bella's room to watch her sleep), Edward is almost the perfect man/ vampire. I couldn't help but think about my Edward moments with Rob. Rob spoiled me rotten, watched me sleep (when I would go to bed sooo early), and took care of my every need. I had found an old post from our Cannon Family Website talking about the similarities of Rob and Edward. It was title "Rob's Edward Moment". Interesting enough the post was made November 11, 2007. Here is what I wrote and then what Rob responded with....

In our soccer game Saturday night, a girl and I were up against the wall. We got tangled up and she fell to the grown. Now I have been known to push, ect...but honestly I didn't mean to hurt her. She jumped up at yelled "she through me down." Her husband (I did not know who he was at the time) got in my face and started yelling at me. All of the sudden Rob came from no where and got right between the guy and me. Rob had actually came from off the bench, which you are not allowed to do in any sport. He got tossed from the game for leaving the bench and the other guy and I both got blue cards. I felt so horrible! And it was actually really scary! My friend who was watching the game came up to me after the game and said that was an Edward moment. I didn't understand what she meant at first. Then she explained, the way Rob ran over to protect me, was one of the most romantic thing she had ever seen! She wanted to stand up and start clapping. What I did was really stupid, but it made me realize that I do have my own Edward!!

Rob's response...
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I HATE EDWARD. I would have let the Soccer guy pummel Patti if I had known it meant being compared to a fantasy Vampire/Werewolf guy named Edward.

Soccer Mom

These are my new awesome white soccer shoes. Rob said I needed to be a really great player if I wanted to wear white shoes. I am by no means a great player, or even good, buts it's all about the outfit! Rob and I played "highly competitive" coed soccer together for almost two years. For those of you who don't know Rob, for him to play any coed sport was amazing, but we had some good friends (Ross's) who swore by it. Rob figured if Josh would play coed soccer than he could play it too. It as great every Saturday night we would have a set date night together on the field. Soon our ward put a team together and every game was a blast, unless there were fights (no never). When Rob got sick, I still continued to play. Our team dedicated one of their sessions to Rob and our team name became Robstrong. I remember leaving the hospital in my soccer clothes and going to games. One would think it would have been hard to play without Rob and at first it was for me. But then, as I played, for one hour I could forget all that was going on in my life. As I stepped onto the field I would just run and play and feel like my life was normal for a few brief moments. As silly as it sounds, Rob and I will always have soccer. I continued to play with my ward until I moved to Utah. With some help from my family, we have put together another Robstrong team here. Now, Andy, Jeni, Rod, Jimmy, Linzi and I play together. Our first game was on Saturday and it felt wonderful to be out on the field again. I know Rob is saying to Andy,I told you it's a lot of fun and it looks a lot harder than you thought! I will always miss my team back in Washington. We have some great memories!

More than a Pie Made By ME!!

This is a picture of the first and only pie I have ever made. It's a coconut cream pie. Rob and I would always get coconut cream pie to eat when we went to the Temple (and Chili's). The reason I put this pie up was not to show off my mad baking skills (ha ha), but because we made these pies as an Enrichment Activity. This was the first time I felt comfortable with all the sister's in my ward. I knew people's names and their personalities. Better yet, they are getting to know me and my lack of quietness, I guess. I had such a great time, learning how to make a pie from total scratch (I know Sheri will be so proud of me). The the best part of the night was being around such wonderful people and feeling loved and known. I know there are people out there who can't stand Enrichment activities, but for me, these activities have helped me make friends and not be so lonely. Thank you to all who are welcoming into your lives and friendships. You have no idea how much it means to me!

The Sevens Tag

I got this email actually from my dad. I did see on Tiffany's blog that she had people do their seven in the comments, so if you'll like it would be fun to read. It's a great way to see another side of me!

Patti's list of “THE SEVENs TAG”
Seven t.v. shows I watch...
1-The Herd -I get to listen to this in the car and it's on ESPN-U which means I never miss a minute!
2-30 Rock-one of most under-rated sitcoms out there
3-The Office-classic
4-Pushing Daises-The other most under-rated shows. It's on Wednesday's night, everyone should watch it!
5-Chuck-Thank you JD for getting me hooked on this
6-Seinfeld-I can never get enough of them!
7-BYU/BYU-I Devotionals-I know it may seem nerdy to some, but I learn so much from them.

Seven things I did yesterday...(Monday)
1-Worked out-Did lots of lunges. I am not as sore as last week:)
2-Laundry, Laundry, Laundry- I try not to do any on the weekends, which makes for a busy Monday and usually the boys in dirty jeans!
3-Nap-It wasn't as long as I wanted it because the kids got home from their "short" day at school. They scared the crap out of me! It was a deep nap in the sheets and all.
4-Read-I started to read the Hour Game, which turns out to be a serial murder mystery. I wish I could put it down, but now I want to know who the killer is. I could not go to sleep last night, scary!
5-Family Home Evening-We waited till the monkeys went to bed. I quizzed the kids this morning and the remembered most of the lesson (with hints).
6-Steam cleaned the family room carpet-Does anyone know how to get red Gatorade out of carpet? My efforts were in vain.
7-Watched the end of MNF (Monday Night Football)-Honestly I could call plays better than the 49ers.

Seven things I am looking forward to...
1-Resurrection-Can't wait to see Rob healthy.
2-Nap-This is one thing I can't give up. PS don't call me between 2-4
3-Twilight Movie-We are all going to the midnight movie!!!!!!!!
4-Better economy-I accidentally opened up my statement and saw how much money I lost.
5-Co-ed soccer game-we finally are starting up a team here! Our first game is Saturday
6-My book to be finished-it's a slow long process.
7-Ellie's Baptism-I will get to see a lot of my family

Seven things on my wish list...
1-To speak at Women's Conference
2-My kids to not fight
3-Second Coming to happen NOW
4-My basement finished
5-No snow this year, but on Christmas morning
6-A fountain drink machine in my home
7-My kids to understand and love the gospel

Seven favorite foods
1-Pepsi-I know it's not a food, but I have had a 32 oz drink for many of meals
2-Cafe Rio-One would think I was sick of it, but surprisingly I'm not
3-A Good Steak-It can be at home or in a nice restaurant
4-Crab-need I say anything more?
5-Thanksgiving dinner-I know I'm bratty but only made by one of my family members. It's all about the stuffing!
6-Pei Wei/PF Changs-honey crispy shrimp, Mongolian beef, and lettuce wraps
7-Tortilla soup from Fred Meyers-Hey I found out here the Smith's carries the same brand, YEA!

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed....

Almost every morning I can hear jumping coming from the Monkey's room. They jump and jump in their crib to let me know they are awake. At least once a week, I will come in to find the Monkeys have taken off all of their clothes, including their onesies and diapers. Luckily this day Luke had yet to get his diaper off, but I was not as lucky with Johnjohn. Trust me, I am happy that they aren't climbing out of their cribs yet. I am also happy that these diapers are just "wet" ones!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, NOT!

So yesterday was our first real snow storm. The first thing my kids said when they woke up and saw the snow was, "is school cancelled?" Now if we were back in Washington, school would have been cancelled the night before because it "might" snow tomorrow. If you don't believe me, remember the year we didn't get out of school till the end of June because of "snow" days. But here in Utah three inches is not a big deal. The monkeys were all excited to see "noow" outside. I informed them that snow is to be looked at and not touched! I am not sure how I am going to survive winters with snow. I do not like it one bit!! It is pretty in the mountains and on Christmas morning, but it is not fun to drive in or cleaning up all the wet spots tracked into my house. I was/still hoping it would be an easy winter with little snow. I guess I should have made myself more clear to Heavenly Father when I agreed to move here, snow in mountains only! We will see how long I can hold the monkeys off from playing in it. I know I am not a nice mother!

Halloween 2008

Chief Pucca Shells.

He would not let go of the pumpkin.
Johnjohn loved trick or treating!
He would run to all the houses,
well as fast as he could run.
He liked going to the houses, when we went
to the trunk or treat, he did not like it at all.

Trying to get all these kids to sit
still for a picture is impossible!

Johnjohn (cowboy), Ellie (Cavewoman),
Luke (indian),
Meg (witch), Kate (tinkerbell)

Erin had a great time putting the makeup on the kids.

Robbie looks a little too good!

Scary, as Johnjohn would say.