Family, Food and Fun

What a family! This year we were all together on the Horsley side of the family. We had everyone there. My dad's cousin Linda joined us so she was able to take lots of pictures of the 44 people in our family. With her there, we had 45 people for our Thanksgiving feast. One of the nice things about so many people is the cooking is divided up and hopefully noone feels too overwhelmed. We love to get together, but usually have to have a church to have room for us all. This is what life is all about. I'm so glad to have such a great family.

Doesn't this pie look yummy? It sure was. Thanks Janna and Cammie for making the pies for our Thanksgiving feast this year. You did a great job. I hope having you both make the pies will become a new tradition.

We didn't get much time at the Hurst Hang-out this year, but we were able to spend some time Friday night eating even more food. Then we watched My Turn on Earth together. It was a good reminder about the plan of Salvation and that family and love are the true treasures in life.



My two awesome brothers. They were both sporting some cuddly facial hair this year. I love these two men with all my heart.

She's smiling because she's doing so well at cards.

Lydia's poker face.

Some serious card players. Frances (on the right) had never played Canadian Salad before, but she probably had the overall fewest points of all the games played.

Grandpa cleaning up after the big feast. Thanks for all your hard work dad. You helped make our Thanksgiving day wonderful.

Janna got a new camera the day before Thanksgiving. Guess what she did all week-end.

Janna and Sherri sharing some of the love that was abundant during our family time together. I love my family so much. We're big and loud and wonderful.

Cammie had a great time with MY new camera, taking pictures of her cousins playing together. I think she probably has a better idea of what my new camera will do than I do. Unfortunately, she also got carried away with the delete button and I'm missing some great blogging pictures.

The Fabulous Four

Heather, Marci, RaeAnn and Ashley


The people you work with have a great influence on the quality of life you can have. I am so fortunate to be on the best kindergarten team in Alpine School District. We have a great time working together. Everyone does their part and is positive and supportive. I'm always reminded of how fortunate I am to have such a great team when I go to district meetings and talk to other kindergarten teams. We're greeeeeat!

Just Sing, Sing a Song

Every month we have an assembly at school called Stand and Shout. We recognize one student from every class that has a character trait that is being discussed all month. Today, the school chorus that Janna is in, sang at the assembly. Nice job Janna, even though you forgot your shirt.

Count Your Many Blessings

I have many things to be thankful for and I thought I would post some pictures of some of my blessings. I love being a kindergarten teacher. This is most of my cute class of 24 kids. The two girls on the front row are moving this week so I'll be down to 22 kids. I am so blessed to be their teacher.
We have been blessed to live in this very affordable home for more than 17 years. It has been a place of refuge and safety for our family. It has given us opportunities for hard work and lots and lots of love.
When we first moved in we planted trees in our yard. They have grown and given us food, shade and a great place for our kids to play. They have also given us lots and lots of leaves.
I like to watch Bones on the Fox network. A couple of episodes ago, Booth's brother came around and because of some stupid choices on his part, Sealy didn't get a big promotion because he had to save his brother from his stupid mistakes as he had done through their whole life. Booth's brother tried to lead Bones to believe that Sealy just always ruined his chances for success because he didn't really want them, but Temperance finally realized that Sealy just always did what needed to be done for friends and family. She gives a wonderful toast to Sealy on his birthday and says that she use to think that the ALPHA male was the one who wore a crown or had all the power and glory, but she had come to realize that a true ALPHA male is the man who quietly takes care of those he loves without any glory for himself. THANK YOU TO MY ALPHA MALE. Kevin, you always are there for me and the kids, doing whatever needs to be done. You don't get nearly enough thanks and recognition for all you do for us. You are my greatest blessing.
God blessed me with four amazing children. I love it when they help so willingly with whatever needs to be done. They help take care of our home and yard with little complaint. They try to remember to show gratitude for their blessings. I really love my kids. You are my greatest accomplishment.
Jeffrey is a hard worker. He never fights us on doing his work or helping around the house and yard. Most of the time he even sings or whistles while he works.
Amberly and Janna have a little fun while they help rake leaves.
I'm so grateful that I am physically able to do almost anything I want. I've always enjoyed taking care of our yard, but I must admit, it's nice to have kids big enough to help out.
I'm so glad to have kids who love each other. They don't always get along perfectly, but for the most part, my kids love each other and try to help each other. It's fun to watch them become friends as I have with my siblings. Thursday night, Amberly and Cammie went together with some friends to the midnight showing of Twilight. I'm glad they like to be together sometimes.
Yes, Cammie (14) is a bit bigger than Amberly (17). It's a good thing Amberly has so much confidence that she isn't threatened to have her siblings taller than her. Anyone who knows her knows she has a giant spirit.
Janna is truly one of the sweetest people I know. She is obedient, kind, helpful, patient, loving, beautiful and very smart. She is the best peacemaker I've ever known. What a blessing she is to me and our family.
Thursday, November 20th, Amberly had the wonderful experience of receiving her patriarchal blessing. WOW! What a privilege to have been there with her and to hear that wonderful blessing pronounced on her head. She is one of the truly great people in my life.
That same night, Jeffrey had the responsibility to present his troop at the stake court of honor. He was just called as the senior patrol leader of the scouts in our ward. Even though it makes him very nervous to talk in front of lots of people, Jeffrey did a great job of leading his troop at this event. Jeffrey takes his responsibilities in the scouts and priesthood very seriously. He is a very dependable, reliable, hard working boy who will someday be a great man. I'm so glad he is my son.

Region Champions

Almost two years ago our stake was divided and we ended up in a new stake. For some reason they put our stake in a new region and we played volleyball this week-end for the first time in our new region. We ended up winning 10 games in a row, 5 matches to sweep the region volleyball championship. It was really fun. I love my ward.

Hola

Hola:
Me llamo RaeAnn. Yo soy un maestra en la escuela Manila. Mi cumpleanos es el 2 de septiembe. Yo tengo cuarenta y uno anos. Me gusta leer y ensenar. Yo amor mi familia y amigos.
So I've been taking a beginning spanish class for teachers. I don't really need it to teach since our school doesn't have a big spanish community, but I felt impressed to start learning spanish while I was in the temple a couple of months ago. I've bought a spanish Book of Mormon (El Libro de Mormon) and downloaded it in spanish from LDS.org. It's fun to listen to something so familiar in a different language. We'll see where this little adventure takes me. Adios

Gotta Do This Right

So I've had a digital camera for 3 years, but after seeing all the great features my sister Lydia has on her camera, I've been saving to buy a new one. I was able to find the one I want for a great deal on the internet and as soon as I can get to Cosco to buy a memory card, I will WOW! you with my photography skills. Hold your breath and be ready to be impressed.

I Did It!

I've become a blogger. I feel like this is a wonderful way to do family history. I love keeping up with family and friends and even though my life may seem boring, I decided to let you decide that for yourselves. Wish me luck!

Our Japanese Friend Atsutoshi

We had the great experience of hosting a Japanese exchange student from Oct. 21st to Oct. 28th. His name was Atsutoshi Tsuda. He is from Osaka Japan. He was a wonderful guest and tried real hard to commuicate with us and get to know our traditions, food and culture. We took him to a Pleasant Grove football game. (They beat Lehi 41-0). We took him to a Japanese restaurant and he gave us some pointers about eating with chopsticks. We took him to Cabela's and had a BBQ. We took him up American Fork Canyon to Cascade Springs and we carved pumpkins with him. We're so glad Tosh stayed with us. Some interesting info we found out about Tosh: He rides the train 1 hour each way to school 6 days a week. He has 1 younger brother. He loves baseball and he and Jeffrey had fun watching the World Series while he was here. (We had to cheer for Tampa Bay since they have a Japanese player.) He's a great kid.