Playing catch-up: 2017 Ward Christmas Party

In December our ward had a relaxed Christmas party, "Polar Express" theme.  There was a cardboard train, a delicious breakfast-for-dinner buffet, and a hot cocoa station.  It was a kid's paradise, for sure!  I had to get a few photos of Jason reading Polar Express to the kids--he was a good sport!

Christmas 2017--Vacation/Stay-cation

Today is Day 9 of our Christmas break and we are really enjoying it.  Some highlights so far include:

seeing the Last Jedi movie in 3D
playing games with the Littons
ordering our traditional Golden Dragon take-out
eating delicious soup and rolls with the Zobells
enjoying a 1-hr musical sacrament meeting on Christmas Eve Day (Rhiannon did a beautiful job playing a piano solo for that)
driving around town to see Christmas lights
lots of family phone calls and video FaceTimes
a lovely, peaceful relaxing Christmas Day
doing a few household tasks like decluttering and raking leaves
watched Dunkirk
devoured a tasty Christmas ham and mashed potatoes dinner
a bit of golfing for the boys
having fun with our new phones!
making Amazon wish lists

Earlier this week Jason and Wade drove up to northern California for Wade's belated birthday gift to see a Warriors basketball game!  They drove up, saw the game, stayed the night, ate good food, and checked out a cool museum on the way home, too.  They had a great time!

Rhiannon and I enjoyed our own stay-cation while the boys were gone--we shopped, got haircuts, watched recorded This is Us episodes, slept in, ate dinner at Subway with the sister missionaries, and went to the movie theater to see The Greatest Showman.

We made a list of a few more things we need/want to do.  It's so nice to realize we have several more days together to play, sleep, party, rest, and plan for 2018!

A really amazing day!

Today has been a really amazing day!

Highlights:

For our Cushing Christmas service project, we donated supplies to our local animal shelter, the same place we adopted our dog Samson three years ago.  We dropped off dog and cat food, new blankets, cleaning supplies, bleach, and detergent.  They were happy to get donations there!

This afternoon Rhiannon invited a few friends over for a Christmas party, and they have been playing games and laughing non-stop for the past 3 hours.  TOO much fun.  I think the highlight was the massive tape ball game, where Rhiannon taped a bunch of random small gifts and candy in this wad of a ball, and you got a turn at it when you rolled doubles.  (Thanks to Aunt Chris for the idea!)

And probably the happiest--today Uncle Brant, Aunt Chris, and nephew Greyson brought home a new baby boy from the hospital.  They got a phone call yesterday and picked him up today!  They will foster-to-adopt, and he should be an official Sheen in several months.  We are so happy for them!  Chris's text yesterday is officially The Best Text of 2016:

Right at this moment

It's been a few weeks, ok, months since I updated the blog.  A lot has happened, including Wade's 13th birthday, an amazing Texas Thanksgiving trip, and all things finals/Christmas/end-of-year fun.  I will get to it all, I promise.  For now, I'll talk about this moment.

At this moment:

--Wade is downstairs watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Neflix.  (We are all fired up about Star Wars after watching Rogue One at the theater yesterday.  AMAZING Star Wars movie!!!)  He had a great time with his friend Tucker today playing a unique Star Wars board game we'd never seen.  Tucker came over with his mom Becky--we talked Girls Camp details together while the boys played the game.

--Rhiannon is on her bed, checking weather on her phone and working on AP Biology homework.  She survived finals well, but her Bio teacher gave her a take-home final and about 4 chapters to learn on her own at home.  Boo.  Tonight she's playing piano for a Christmas song practice for church and then going with a friend to a white elephant party.

--Our dogs are sprawled out on our bed.  They really like having all of us home all day during Christmas break!

--Jason is at work for an important meeting.  He's taking the next two weeks off, but he'll probably  have to pop in to work a few times.  He used a jackhammer for two hours today, working on demolishing the stone waterfall structure by our front door.  It is the most awful project imaginable, he says, worse than we thought it would be.  It's going to take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

--I'm sitting at my very messy, confused desk.  It's covered in stake Young Women papers, Christmas stuff, lesson planning items, a dusting cloth, and paperwork for taking an online college course for my job.  I feel a little out of control looking at it all, but I'm grateful for the gift of time over this holiday break to get my act together and get organized.

--our kitchen counter is loaded with goodies friends and neighbors have dropped by.  So kind and thoughtful!  I think I gained 5 pounds just typing the sentences about it!

--our driveway is full of leaves.  It got pretty cold this week, and the remaining leaves on everyone's trees just...dropped.  I'll take that over snowfall any day!

Stay tuned!

A big, giant December 2015 catch-up post

It's the new year and we are back to the daily grind today.  Transitioning to the new year is always hard for us (okay, I mean ME) after an amazing Christmas break. This morning felt a little different and easier, Maybe we are growing up? (Okay, maybe I am growing up?)  Rhiannon was up first before 5 am, then Wade and Jason at 5:45, then me.  This was quite a miracle since we'd slept til 8 am or later for almost 2 weeks straight.  Off to work and school they went, and I hauled myself to urgent care for some help with this pesky chest congestion.  Welcome, Monday!

With help from Facebook and my December file of photos, here were some highlights from our Christmas season:

--I splurged and bought a fresh Christmas wreath for our front door from our friend Carin Miles (of Valentine's flowers fame).  She did a great job!

--December 4th:   "Sitting with Wade on a Friday night, watching him multi-task. He's playing a video game while he listens to the new Coldplay album (on steady repeat ever since he came home and bought their new album this afternoon on iTunes). All of a sudden he pauses and says reverently, 'I love their new album, Mom.'  Boys are fun."

--Not so fun on Dec 7th--Wade had 4 teeth pulled, an expander cemented on, and braces put back on his top teeth. He's been a champ--we had fun taking "woe is me" pics.  

--Finished up institute for the semester with a Christmas party and service activity.  I sure love this class and calling!

--Rhiannon started an online Drivers Ed course!  After getting thoroughly confused looking for details online, we finally went into the DMV to get some help.  The California basics are:

Take 30-hour driver education course online
Pass written test at DMV
Get learners permit
Get 56 hours of driving time behind the wheel (6 of that with a legit instructor)
Take driving test

So....it's gonna take a while.  But she's begun!

--In mid-December Wade came home with a note from school that made us SOOOO happy.  He'd been voted by his peers and teachers as one of his middle school's Kindest Students.  He and about 20 or 30 other kids got to take an extra lunch period, bring pillows to school, and watch a movie with treats.  Way to go, Wade!

--I donated blood willingly for the first time EVER and got a t-shirt!  Looking forward to doing it again.  I took online tips seriously and boosted my iron levels afterwards with spinach, dried apricots, and a b-u-n-c-h of dark chocolate, haha!  Steak just didn't sound good just then.

--Neighbor friends got an upgrade from our Christmas gift last year.  Last year I got these little multi-purpose tools that are as small as a credit card.  I thought they were cool, but Jason said I could do better.  THIS year I bought fresh whole wheat bread loaves from our friend Anastasia--they were a hit.  (In the next life I hope to bake like she does!)

--Jason and I had a great time at his work's Christmas party.  It had been several years since his group did one, and it was a blast!  We brought a "Buddy the Elf" themed white elephant gift with candy, candy corn, candy canes, syrup, spaghetti, and a cozy blanket.  The couple who got it were pretty happy with it--they'd just watched the movie with their kids!  We came away with a really pretty LED candle light set.  I was very happy that we didn't walk out with the bag of tennis balls and the legendary light-up Christmas bra!  

--The kids and I enjoyed meeting Jason at work for the once-a-year Open House and taking a tour around different places.  I never pass up an opportunity to do that!

--Rhiannon and Wade survived finals week!  We were ALL pretty excited about that! They did a great job!

--WE WENT TO SEE STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN IMAX 3D the second day it came out.  We loved it, we loved it, we loved it, we loved it!  We drove down to Lancaster on a rainy Saturday, had dinner at In n Out, and then waited in line for 90 minutes inside the theater (no reserved seating).  Was it worth it?  YES!!!  Thanks, Daddy, for treating us to such a fun memory! (Rhiannon painted her nails with storm troopers to celebrate!)

--We did something we'd never done before and saw the LA Zoo Lights with Brant, Chris, and Greyson.  It was unique and beautiful!  We also ate at two new places--Island Burger (for dinner before the zoo!) and Corky's for a killer breakfast.  Thanks for having us, guys!!!

--Rhiannon played the cymbals in the band for the local Christmas parade!  (She also played in a fantastic high school band concert, but I don't think I took any videos of that one. Sad face.)

--Wade played in his first Christmas band concert (he did a GREAT job on the mallets!)  This beginning band was made up of two different classes, and they'd only practiced one time all together.  Pretty cool for kids who started only a few months ago!  Wade is standing to the left of the stage with the Santa hat.

--Rhiannon and Wade performed in their annual Christmas piano recital.  We loved hearing them play!

--Rhiannon and I represented at the ward Christmas party!  (Wade was at a birthday party, and Jason was sick)  Rhiannon was a shepherd in the Nativity presentation.  (She was glad she just had to stand there and not sing, haha!)

--For Christmas Eve we went to the Zobells' home for their annual "soup kitchen" spread for lunch.  It was delicious and we enjoyed the company!  The rest of the evening included:

Chinese take-out. YUM! Leftovers for tomorrow!

Kids open sibling gifts that they bought for each other (more meaningful this year since they used their own $$ for the first time!   Rhiannon bought candy and a Nerf gun for Wade; he got her special Star Wars mascara and a Flash necklace)

Roaring fire in the fireplace.

ELF movie. Soooo many favorite lines.

Special ornaments put on the tree to remind of moments from Christ's life.

One kid (WADE) begs us to say family prayer so he can get to bed!

--Christmas Day was great, even with a few setbacks.  JASON was the first one up and was anxious for us to open presents.  He spoiled us with a new Playstation 4 system and got his wife her very own laptop!!!  I was shocked!!!  The rest of the morning went like this:  From Facebook--"Jason was like a little kid this morning, so excited for us to open the presents he got for us! We had tons of fun and then had to make adjustments and be patient after opening gifts--the Play Station Network crashed, our dog Samson tried to steal Christmas candy, cinnamon rolls failed, and I'm sick in bed, praying it's not because of bad Chinese food, haha! What a morning! Despite it all, we are happy and feeling the love. Merry Christmas!!!"  

I started to feel a little better in the evening and so we drove around and looked at Christmas lights.  I love this little town--people go ALL out when it comes to Christmas displays!

Playing Battlefront

--One night we walked across the street to the Hawkins' home and had a fun evening playing games with friends and eating lots of yummy foot.  Scott and Kristin brought out this card game called the Werewolves of Millers Hollow (kinda like Mafia?), and, boy, it was a hit.  There were 17 or 18 of us playing that!

--On New Year's Eve we went to the little bowling alley on base.  It's awesome!  They had obviously done some remodeling and the place looked great.  Bonus--it wasn't crowded until we left!  That night we watched two movies--Ant Man and Rogue Nation--and then Jason bowed out at 11:30.  The rest of us made it to midnight and quietly wished each other a Happy New Year! 

And THAT is how you do an epic blog post!  We had so much fun together and felt rested and relaxed, ready for what lies ahead!  Welcome, 2016!!!

2015 Cushing Family Newsletter

WHERE DID THE YEAR GO? It feels like time speeds up the older our kids get! We’re thankful for happy memories made together this year, for time with family and friends, for health and safety. 2015 has been good to us. We know God has a plan for each one of us—He sent His Son Jesus Christ because He loves us! We’re thinking of you and hope that the peace and spirit of Christmas will lighten your heart and bring you joy this season! Please keep in touch!

Cushing Family Highlights in 2015:
Grandpa Rod and Grandpa Deb visit for Spring Break
Amazing Chicago/Wisconsin trip for Sheen Family Reunion
Sheens and Cushings in town for Wade’s Aaronic Priesthood ordination in October
Lots of fun with family in Utah over Thanksgiving
Made a family trip to LDS Bountiful temple to do baptisms—highlight of the year!
Getting excited for new Star Wars movie—we’re going out of town to see it in IMAX 3D!

Jason:
Turned 40 years old in January 2015, and there was much celebration!
Drove a GT-R and a Porsche 911 GT3 around the Willow Springs racetrack…and it changed his life (especially the GT3)
Went on a 50-mile canoeing trip with 9 other high school friends to celebrate everyone’s 40th birthdays…it was EPIC!
Turning 40 hasn’t all been fun--injuries and ailments forced cancellation of several running events during the year…UGH!
L-O-V-E-S teaching the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class at church
Switched jobs at work, now leading a Technical Project Office team of 80+ people and is a supervisor once again
But most of all, enjoys being a husband and father to a great wife and wonderful kids

Verity:
LOTS of time spent carpooling kids around, but she loves it
Flew to Texas for her mom’s 60th birthday—a fantastic trip!
Turned into screaming 10-yr-old fan girl at Imagine Dragons concert with her kids
Fun date nights with Jason—her favorite was Chinese food followed by stargazing and milkshakes!
Still teaching (and loving!) a weekly gospel course for young adults; still subbing occasionally
Has a serious, borderline crazy crush on the NBA Golden State Warriors team

Rhiannon:
LOVED Stake Pioneer Trek (a testimony-building experience!), Girls Camp, and EFY Express! Spoke in stake conference!
Sophomore in high school—doing well! Plays in the band and takes honors courses.
Imagine Dragons concert for her 15th birthday down in Anaheim—got to bring a friend. Called it the “best day of her life!”
Got braces—not a highlight, but she is a champ about it!
Favorite down-time activities are reading, playing piano, listening to music, watching TV, hanging with friends, checking Facebook, and watching YouTube videos of Jimmy Fallon and The Voice.

Wade:
2nd place in district spelling bee; 5th grade basketball tournament champs (a SUPER fun and positive experience!)
Turned 12 and became a Deacon; taller than his mom now and will probably pass his sister in 2016
Doing great in 6th grade at middle school! Plays percussion in beginner band and is getting good grades
In his free time he loves watching ESPN SportsCenter, studying new music on iTunes, playing Destiny video game with his dad, hanging with friends, checking sports scores, or watching Destiny YouTube videos. Also loves new Coldplay album!

Pictures from Christmas Day

Christmas Day 2014 was relaxing, magical, and very happy.  We slept in our own beds, didn't get up TOO early, were spoiled with wonderful gifts, and had cinnamon rolls for a late breakfast.  It was fun talking to family throughout the day.  We had a really yummy Christmas dinner, too.

A very happy day!

The kids enjoyed their blankets from Santa!

One of Wade's win-win! gifts!

Joyful mess when we finished

VERY happy girl with her "bookies" and new noise-cancelling headphones!

Duck Face and blue scarf

Christmas in a nutshell, haha--happy kids!