Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun but super busy. Now living out of town, we try to fit in seeing everyone when we can. 

We went and saw Teresa and her family. Emery did not want to give up Quinn. He is such a sweet calm baby. Almost make you want one. 

Thanksgiving dinner we were at my families. We had all but one of my brothers there. We played Kahoot as a family. It took a little bit for all us old people to get it, but they are actually a lot of fun. Lots of good food and then we went to see "Ghostbusters".

After the movie we went to Grandma Barnes and were able to talk to Greyson who is on his mission. They boys loved being able to see him, however they were pretty awkward when talking to him. Not the countdown to Christmas begins. 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It was hard to hold off this year until after Thanksgiving to put up the tree, but we made it. The kids still love putting up all their ornaments. Each year when they do it is a little memory trip for them. 

I do miss the days when they were really little and loved to do little activities to make ornaments. Some day I'll decorate the tree all matching, but for now, I prefer the mix of memories. 

A Big Choice

One reason Beck wanted a new job is so he could work more hours and could save more for a trip. His school in 2023 is going to Germany and he really wanted to go. We made him think about it for a while, due to it being a big cost commitment from him, and in the end, he wanted to go. Beck really must want to go because he doesn't really know anyone going on the trip. This weekend he signed up. I am a little nervous but also excited for him. 

New Job, New Sweaters and New Traditions?

Since Cam and Beck started their job, Beck has been looking for a new one. I'm not fully sure why since the one he had was pretty good. He was able to get an offer from Culver's. We told him to make a pros and cons list for both jobs and when it came down to it, he chose Culver's. He started this week and so far he really likes it. I think he wanted a little faster paced job. 

Each Christmas since the boys were little, we did a cheap Elf on the Shelf. I did not get an elf, but they would leave a message telling the kids to be good and leave a little gift or activity in their stocking. The kids are a little old for that now, so we decided this year to do advent calendars for everyone. They didn't really have one for teens, so we made Camden and Beckham's. They are not happy they have to wait until the first to start them. 

It's colder outside and the kids thought that the dogs need sweaters. However they are not my BFF or Princess. Luna is eating part of my lunch I gave to her. She just swallowed it and threw it up right after. 

Catch Up

Not a ton had happened since Halloween but here are a few little updates. 

I went to Twin for a weekend to spend time with my mom. Emery and Jackson came along and we stopped by Aunt Teresa's house to see Makenzie's new baby Quinn. He is so tiny and sweet. Emery didn't want to leave and stop holding him. She is excited to see him again during Thanksgiving. 

I got a new desk. It can adjust for sitting or standing. It nice to be able to choose throughout the day. Camden saw it and wanted to put it together. He did need a little help from Brad, but he did a good job, and it works, so that is a plus. 

Emery and I got our nails done the other day. She has been asking for a while to get acrylic nails and I finally let her do it this last time. They turned out really cute and she loves them. She really loves to tap them on everything. 

Luna and Eevee spend pretty much all day sleeping on a chair next to me while the kids are at school. At night, I don't let them in the room because I have had enough of them. That however does not stop them from begging at the door. We can hear Luna sniff at the door trying to get in. 

Halloween

The week leading up to Halloween the schools had different dress up days. One of them was crazy hair day. Jackson wanted his spiked up, but it's too thin and long to do that. We did 2 ponies instead. I was looking through old pictures and noticed that this was not the first time Jackson has rocked that style. 

The boys wanted to trick 'r treat with their cousins this year. I told them they are a little old, so if they want to, they have to take the younger two siblings. They agreed (like they had another choice) and they all got a ton of candy. Beckham is goth or Billie Jo from Green Day. Emery is a bear, Camden is Conner Murphy from Dear Evan Hansen. (or Johnny Cash). Jackson was a plague doctor. Beckham one night asked if he could go get a costume. I suggested he just find things around the house because I'm not going to buy it. He knew a new one was better and bought the Elf thing Zander has one. As you can see, mom was right...

Brad set up Beck's creepy man in the window. It scared a few people, but it has been worse after Halloween. Jacks and Brad keep leaving it around the house. 

I'm not amused. Turn around from my desk to see this, when I should be alone in the room. 

Drummer

Emery finally had her first band concert. After being in band last year and doing drums again this year, they were finally able to have a concert. It was short, maybe 20 minutes, but it was good to see and hear her play. She's doing so well with the drums. Drums is ALL counting and in piano, she was not good at doing that. I think she is doing much better with it now though. 

 

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Elder and Sister Arrington have been called! Grandma and Grandpa Arrington put in their papers for a mission and this past week they received their call. The day the call came we had fun guessing where they may be going. My guess was Ireland or North Carolina, and I was right. Charlotte North Carolina mission. That is part of the mission my dad served when he was 19. They are serving for 23 months. It is going to be weird to be so far from them, but we are all so excited for their journey. 

Uncle Paul said if anyone guessed right he'd get them ice cream. I said I don't like ice cream so we didn't need anything. He send cookies, which I think the kids liked more. 

Round Up

Beck was not super pleased to come home to find out Camden had dressed up his guy and set him up. Although its kind of the perfect representation of Beckham. The excitement for his man doll has defiantly worn off since he got it. This pay check, Beck said no stupid purchases. 

The dogs have been spoiled since COVID. They do not like being alone now, and most days they come into the room with me. This week they found the chair is a comfy place to sit. I do leave the window open for the fresh air and they get a little cold....

But again, they are spoiled and stay plenty warm. 

Jackson's teacher said he has an invisible halo above his head, that he is one of the best students in the class. He never has to be told to do his work or stop talking. One day a kid asked why Jackson had so many points, then he said Jackson should get a WOW award. The whole class voted and he got a WOW award. He got a pencil from the office and his name in a drawing at the end of the month. Home he is crazy loud Jacks, at school he angel Jacks. We love both Jacksons,

Pumpkins

When we went to Twin last, we got pumpkins from Grandpa Barnes. This past week we decided to carve and paint them. I prefer just to paint. I'm not creative enough to be able to carve what is in my head. 

In front its mine, Beck's, Cam's. Back is Jacks' and Emery's. Emery did a red M&M.

Brad worked on another project while we did that. Each skull is for one of the kids. 

Pay Day

The boys got their first pay check today. They were all excited to get in the car after they got their checks. Beckham asked if he was allowed to open it. The second they got home they deposited it into their accounts and wanted to spend money. 

I am not sure why Emery looks scared.

Beckham saw this dummy when we went to Spirit Halloween a week ago. He was set on buying it when he got paid, and he lived up to that.

It's so much worse that I thought, but also kind of awesome. 

 I have a feeling this is only going to get worse. To be a teen and pretty much all your check is just yours to spend.