Giving Thanks

I explained last year how we've made our own version of Tim's family's Thanksgiving tradition of using kernels of corn to name things you're thankful for.  They do it Thanksgiving Day.  When the kids were younger we started an "I'm Thankful For..." jar and have kept it going as a tradition leading up to Thanksgiving.  We don't do it every day, but do it when we remember.  Here is a sampling of some of the things Jarmans are thankful for in 2009.  Please keep in mind a sense of humor is required in reading this list.

Nate, age 13:  Grandma Barcy (an old neighbor he was thankful for daily as a child and has to add her to the list every year since), school, dentist (guess where he's been), pie, that nobody can go down Niagra Falls in a barrel anymore because it's dangerous (said with an "I'm testing you" smile on his face), Champ, rocks, and colors--"The world would be dull and colorless without them."

Megan, age 11:  music (she says straining to hear the radio playing in the next room), school, old and new Young Women's Presidency (a recent ward change has her missing who would have been her YW president, but optomistic about new opportunities), primary, relatives, my birthday (and half-birthday which she talks about daily because it's coming up soon).

Jeran, age 11:  food, bathrooms, our old puppy--Angel, the new In-n-Out Burger that opened in Draper, an awesome singing voice (which I will remind him he said when he doesn't want to go sing on Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m.), my busy recreational schedule, Great Aunt Bonna and Grandma Donna.

Joie, age 10:  family, the wonderful things you give me, Ye Olde Cannonball Machine (3rd grade simple machine project), Ye Olde Time Machine (she misses the time machine in Primary), eyes to see colors, and ears to hear the sound of birds, and Mrs. Lightel (school teacher).

Tim and Mary are thankful for eachother, for kids helping us with things, family, the temple, a Savior, and humor.  Mary is thankful for the beauty of the snow but not the cold of it, and Tim is thankful "that Mary doesn't volunteer me for stuff."  (Hmmmm....was that a hint or gratitude?)

Reflections Winners

Who knew we had artistic children in our midst?  The school had 202 total entries for Reflections.  Two of the winners were Jamans.  And Megan is pretty sure she would have won too if she didn't have the swine flu and had finished her photography entry.  I think she's right, but I'm slightly biased.

And the winner is....Jeran Jarman for Principal's Choice award in literature.

And the clown is...Yes, that would be Joie.  It's her new pose whenever the camera is pointed in her direction.  Joie won in the category of photography for her age group, and will advance to the council level.  We won't know the results of that judging until January, but we're predicting she goes all the way to nationals!

Family Pictures

Family pictures...some favorites and some fun ones.

"The Juniper Salute"  Since Becky called it that earlier this year, we have to have a Juniper Salute picture where ever we go.

A "twin" moment

Nate with some added touches from the photographer.  Anyone else think it looks like he wants to jump?

You can't get a bad picture of Megan.

Another Juniper Salute...He convinced the photographer to capture him in a lot of dramatic poses.

So sweet...  This girl can turn it on and off.  We have both pouting and smiling pictures from her.