Thanksgiving

It sounds cliche to say that this year I am most thankful for my family, but I'm not above being cliche. Thanksgiving is/was a good reminder to slow down, take a good look around, and count the ways that God has blessed our family--and this year I had four little ones to count, including our newest sweet Coco. Not only did we get to celebrate the day with our forever family of six, but this year we invited over family and friends so that nearly 20 loved ones were dining with us. I love a home full of love more than just about anything, so this Thanksgiving was the epitome of heaven. Quinn sported her new bangs and last years dress, and luckily her raging fever and horrible ear infection didn't show it's ugly face until after the guests left. What's a holiday without a trip to urgent care, am I right?

I had so much fun arranging tables and flowers and pumpkins and place settings to accommodate all of our friends. This little cottage is by no means large, but it did the trick and everyone was cozy and happy. Plus, when the kids started to get restless we could kick them out into the backyard. WINNING! Here are just a few pictures I took while the turkey was cooking: 

I don't understand how I don't have one picture of the food but it was INCREDIBLE! James completely rocked the turkey and Melissa made the best rolls, Bruce's stuffing was delicious and Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes saved us again. Here's about half of the group enjoying their dinner while the other half was getting seconds!

James really wanted to roast marshmallows after dinner and I thought it was going to be way too crazy with all of those kids and people, but it was THE BEST idea. I'm so glad that it happened because the kids loved it and some of our more mature friends said it was the highlight of their Thanksgiving--especially hearing the boys sing their made-up "Marshmallow Inferno" song! Kids sure do have a way of spreading magic and holiday cheer!

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^^The whole group in two takes^^

Yes, I was opening my eyes in the prayer and yes, even worse I got out my phone and snapped this picture but seriously? If this is not one of the sweetest Thanksgiving sights I don't know what is! We have so, so much to be thankful for and we were telling Heavenly Father all about it.

Sweet as Pie

I'm happy to say that our pre-Thanksgiving Relief Society Pie Night was a total success. It was held at Betty Ann's lovely home and the warmth of sisterhood and spice of friendship was palpable in that place. Not to mention the pies were delectable--we've got some talented sisters in our ward! My favorite moment of the night, however, came when Jayne Maureen held baby Coco. Not only was this the first time she had held my baby, but it was the first time she has ever held A baby, at all, EVER! She was so afraid that she'd do it wrong but as soon as Cora was in her arms she relaxed and smiled and said it was the most peaceful feeling. Babies are so full of love but I must admit that I think there's something particularly special about my Cora Nicole. I'm so happy to share her goodness with others, especially someone as deserving as Jayne Maureen.

My son, the author

Publishing parties are my absolute favorite school event. I love to go into the classroom and hear my excited little T read me his latest creation. This story was about our whale watching trip in Washington and all I have to say is, WOW! He's so creative and so thorough and gosh, how I wish I had a memory like his (he remembered the letter call-names of the whales, the name of the ship and so many other precious little nuggets). He's also worked so hard on developing his artistic side and the drawings are top notch. He's growing up too fast and it's making me both excited and melancholy. I wish I could just bottle him up for the ages. He's that good!

The publishing party was right after drop-off so James was able to sneak in for a few minutes before running to work. James is never one to recommend a picture, but the second we were in there he was nudging me to take out my camera. I couldn't figure out what was going on until he said, "I need photographic proof for my kids that I was actually around every now and then!" I started cracking up! So here is the photographic proof! It's always special when Daddy is there, and this time was no different!

Oh yeah, and a picture with Mom for good measure! I have a feeling that one of these days I won't have to be on my knees to see eye to eye with this guy.

Look at the fingers! And look how the other friend is cheering. All the heart eyes in the world for his work!

Do I even have to mention which one of us T was most excited to see? And also which one of us makes T the most popular? Talmage has just recently been given the privilege of holding Coco while he's standing up and it makes him feel like a pretty big deal. He walked around the room showing all the girls how cute she is!

And boy, isn't she cute!

Cokie Roberts in a Bumbo

Have I mentioned Cora's long list of aliases? This girl is called a new name just about every other sentence and I love it. You know those anti nickname people in the world? I'm not one of them! I live for pet names and I think every single one of Cora's are just the darlingest! She's mostly Coco or Cora Sue, but I must admit that the Cokie Roberts variations are my thing these days--Cokie, Cokes and Coca Cola top the list. There are also the names that have nothing to do with her name but everything to do with her deliciousness, like Chunky Monkey, Cheekers and Roly-poly. I also find that Lovey, Baby, Sweet Girl and Sister are frequent fliers. Whatever we call her, loved tops the list. What did we ever do without her?  

These pictures are from almost a month ago when she sat in the bumbo for the first time and batted the playstation ball around like a little kitten. She smiled and cooed and was clearly thrilled with herself. I could have sat there beaming right back at her all day long.

On the floor of my kitchen

They fight, they yell, they say, "You're mean" and "I'm telling" and "That's not fair" but when it all comes down to it they'd rather be cuddled up together than anywhere else. And how awesome is that? I was on a field trip with Talmage today and this other kid was talking about how her family is going to move and she's so excited to have her own room and T said, "I never want my own room! I love sharing with my little brother Everett!" Gosh that was a good moment. I love these naughty four.

The first time Coco was invited to family movie night!

A whole house plus a backyard at their disposal but this is where I find them most days while I'm cooking dinner. It's a little tricky, but I guess you can't complain about your babies wanting to be close. Amiright?

Super Meems

Because she's Super-mom and Super-mema my Mama hitched a ride with a friend to Los Angeles so that she could spend 48 hours with us before hopping on a plane to Utah to see sweet Avery's first primary program. I always love when my Mom is in town, but I've been especially desperate for her lately since life has been so ca-ca-ca-ca-crazy. This trip was short but it was just what I needed to get me through until the next time I see her (Christmas can't come fast enough!)

Her original trip was only supposed to be 24 hours, but she extended so that she could come to Everett's class and help him make pumpkin cinnamon rolls at his pumpkin party. I was there too, but you know how that goes. "Oh hi Mom, where's Mema?" and earlier in the day, "Mom, it's OK if you have to stay home with Quinny and Coco, just make sure Mema comes, OK?!" I'm not even offended because she really, really is that cool!

The baby sisters got to join their big brothers for the fun tasting party. Ever's eyes and Quinny's smile are rather painful but look at those cutie Burnett's! One of the things I'm most grateful for this year are that these two little boys ended up in the same class. God had a hand in that, of that I am sure.

This right here is a plate of pumpkin goodness!

Mema with both of our Kinder-boys, Ever Knight and Chasey-boy.

I was admiring the awesome abstract art in the school hallway when all of a sudden I realized that it belonged to my son! I was so excited! Isn't that the most beautiful piece of art? I can't wait to get my hands on that and frame it for the house. What a creative little friend I have.

When Mema is here we have frozen yogurt for dinner, her treat! I'm not very handy in the kitchen but I usually try to have at least one or two meals planned but during this trip I had nothing, like nada. I felt bad, but I also felt like she understood and didn't judge. I'm so grateful for that.

We love you Mema so very, very much. Thanks for coming to visit and we can't wait to see you again soon!

When the results came in

I wasn't with her, I was firmly on team McMullin is a joke, I didn't know Jill even existed until Ever filled me in after a political debate in his Kinder class but one thing is for sure,  I was (am) #nevertrump, #nevereverfreakingevertrump. Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I walked the kids to our nearest polling station on November 6th and fulfilled my civic duty because I want my kids to know that their voices, their vote, their opinions matter...and so do mine. I want them to know that it's OK to be different from everyone else if you choose, or the exact same if that speaks to you. It's OK to be conflicted and/or confused and/or a little cynical. It's OK for them to vote for whoever the heck they want--vote their conscience--and I don't want them to EVER listen to those who say they are throwing their vote away because there's no such thing. Vote for the person that brings peace to your heart my babies. And if you can't find that person on the ballot, you just go ahead and write their name down anyway. Just never settle, OK? You're better than that.

This picture was taken on our walk home from the polling station when I was 100% sure that Hillary Clinton was going to be the next President. A friend was feeling so nervous about the election earlier in the week and I had actually laughed off her concern saying, "Please, it's in the bag! You really think Trump could win?!" Well, we live and we learn and we realize that it was actually not in the bag and we know nothing about nothing. The next morning the boys woke up with a shock to learn that our new President was him. Everett was genuinely concerned and said, "Mom, how did that happen? Donald Twump hates guhls (girls)." I've never met an elementary school play yard that was quite as political as WWC's has been this year, and you should hear the stories and information those little boys come home with (some right, some wrong, most somewhere in between). But the one that troubled Ever Knight the most and the one that he repeated over and over again was that Donald Trump was disrespectful to women, something he knew in his brain and felt in his heart was horribly wrong and unacceptable (#proudmom). To be honest, I was just as flabbergasted as he was--how did this happen? (Don't answer that, I've read the articles and I get it. But at the same time, I don't. Policy over person just doesn't sit well with me.)

Since the election results have come in our goal in the Wiggy abode is to make our babies feel safe and know that while something crazy has happened in our country, nothing will change in our home. Wigginton's love others. Wigginton's don't judge. Wigginton's are respectful and kind, open and inviting. Your name, your life-story, your religion and culture are safe in the Wigginton home, YOU are welcome in our home. And that will not change. Wigginton's are also full of faith and hope and optimism and dog-gone it, that's not going to change either. We love this country and we're praying for it, join us?