So...Thankful Post

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Food + family + remembering the things we're thankful for.
It's so simple and simply wonderful.
I love this holiday and everything about it.

We will be celebrating at Husband's Aunt & Uncle's house with lots of extended family from his side.  I'm bringing mashed potatoes and a lemon meringue pie.  Maybe an apple crisp too.  I'm so excited and so thankful to spend this day with family.  Family is such a blessing and this family I've married into is the best.  The absolute best. 

This year my gratitude has been focused mostly on the basics.
This year I am thankful -
::for my family.
::for a wonderful marriage to a loving, caring, amazing husband.
::for five beautiful, healthy, smart children.
::for our home and for beds and for heat.
::to have enough to eat.
::for job security and that Husband is hard working and able to provide for our family.
::that I am able to stay home and be a full-time mother.  I am so thankful for that.
::for all the opportunities we have to learn and grow and try new things.
::for our knowledge and testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
::to have an amazing support system in our family and friends.
::for the family I come from and the family Husband comes from - so thankful for a rich heritage full of countless examples for us to look to, honor, and live up to.
::for forgiveness and mercy.
::for our health and our strong bodies.
::for this beautiful world we live in and this beautiful plan we are a part of.
::for life experience.

We are very fortunate to live a comfortable life full of opportunity.  I never want to take for granted these things that we enjoy daily. They are all incredible blessings that I am incredibly thankful for.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to spend it with people in your life that you love. 

What are you especially thankful for this year?
Please, do share.  I'd love to know.



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So...NaBloPoMo

Do you celebrate NaBloPoMo?

Do you make a goal every November to blog every day?

Do you post each day leading up to Thanksgiving what you are thankful for?

 

A few of my family members have made a goal to blog every day in the month of November.  I love it because it gives me something to read, it gives me a chance to get to know them better and feel connected even if they are far away.  I have never officially participated in NaBloPoMo but I have attempted to center my posts around things that I'm thankful for in the month of November.

Now, I don't know if I'm ready to commit to blogging every day, but I did come across this great list of things to write about everyday.  It's 28 Days of Celebrating Thanks.  I always love a list to spark some inspiration and I think there are some great ideas there.  I may dip into a few throughout the month, but I'm not making any promises - I am no good for making commitments these days.  There are too many variables in my days (five little ones to be exact).

Are you blogging every day this month?
Where do you find your inspiration? 
What are you thankful for these days?

If you are participating in NaBloPoMo or some form of thankful posts this month, leave your blog address in the comments so we can follow along. 



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Monday Memories 064::To Be A Sister

me & Sis Inlaw on the Freedom Trail in Boston, summer 2002

Today I am thankful for this amazing sister I have. 

 

Over eleven years ago, this sister of mine flew all the way out to Boston to meet me.  Her brother and I were dating pretty seriously and she was preparing to leave for a 1 1/2 year mission.  She wanted to meet me in case I married her brother while she was gone.  So Husband (back then he was Boyfriend) and she flew from San Jose, CA all the way to Boston, MA for no other reason than to visit me.  Isn't that amazing of her?

 

We did some of the touristy Boston things like the Freedom Trail seen above.  I think I walked more of the Freedom Trail that night than I ever had at one time before in my life!  I'm pretty sure we ended up taking a taxi back to our car because we had walked so far and it was so late we wouldn't be able to walk all the way back.  We also went to the Boston Commons, Nubble Light House, and some other things I can't really remember now...

 

I remember chatting with her and getting to know her and really enjoying that.  I remember being young and selfish and pretty focused on her brother, (sorry about that!) but appreciating so much the chance she gave me to get to know her a little before marrying into her family.

 

She has taught me so much about being a sister.  I have always felt loved and accepted by her.  The older I get the more I realize what an incredible blessing that is.  She is so great!  I love her and am so thankful to have gained such an incredible sister when I married into such an incredible family. 

 

And I'm even more thankful that we finally get to live close to these guys!!!  Her family has (finally) moved to Utah!  We love being able to see them more often and are way excited to go trick-or-treating with them this week.  Yay for having family close!  We are so blessed!

 

 

 

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So...My Daily Battle

Do you ever have those days when you feel like everything you're trying to do just isn't working? That all the efforts you make and all the energy spent is not amounting to the results you were hoping for?

Do you ever have those days when you wonder what kind of person you really are? Are you ever affected by some one's quick assessment and evaluation of you so deeply that it makes you wonder if they are right?

Do you ever have those days when you feel like you're on the sidelines of your own life? Like you're not sure how much control you really have over your day or how you react to it?

Have you ever been worried that you'll never be able to conquer the struggles you face day in and day out? That one day those struggles may actually overtake you?

Do you ever wonder if all your flaws really do outweigh your strengths? And if the negative things people think or say about you really are true?

Or the ones when you feel like you can't do anything right?
Do you ever have those?

I do.
For me it's a daily battle.
One that I've been fighting for years and slowly...very slowly...winning.
I think :) 
I hope!

At least one or more of these feelings are always with me.
They creep in my thoughts throughout my day and try to find a nook or cranny to hang out in.
Sometimes they immediately get turned away.
Sometimes they slide beneath the radar.
Sometimes they ram down the door and I feel defenseless.

Some days they are very close to the surface.
Some days they are not.
Some days I fight a good fight.
Some days I get tired of the fight and feel defeated.
Some days I am able to keep a good perspective.
Most days I just try not to think about it.
I seem to do best when I don't think about myself at all.

I don't know if it's something most people struggle with or not.
Some days I tell myself it's normal.
Some days I tell myself I'm crazy.

I have learned a lot in the past few years about this side of me, and I am continuing to learn.
It is not something I particularly like about myself and therefore not something I like to share much in detail with others.
Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing. 
It's kind of like the opposite from who and what I want to be.

I really just want to be happy, uplifting, helpful, optimistic, positive, and confident.
My guess is that that is how most people view me.
But the reality is that this battle has been going on inside me for quite some time now and I am just plain sick of it. 
I'm so ready to be done.
I want to spend the time and energy I exert on this issue to serve and uplift someone else.
Most days I do a pretty good job at managing this, but sometimes I don't have much left to give.

I'm learning how to cope with this struggle of mine and how to fight these battles in my mind effectively. 
I'm learning to communicate with and rely on my husband and trust him more deeply.
I'm learning what helps, what doesn't, what triggers it, and what heals it. 
I'm learning that sometimes talking helps, but sometimes it doesn't. 
I'm learning (or trying) to be confident in my decisions and to not feel guilty for saying "no."
I'm learning that it's ok to walk away from people and situations that make fighting this battle more difficult for me to bear.
I'm learning to let go of my pride, to accept this as one of my weaknesses/struggles, and to have patience with myself and my shortcomings.
It's not always easy, but I am trying and I am learning.
It is ok that I don't handle this perfectly.  Sometimes battles are messy.

I have to be careful about addressing this issue in a productive way, not a destructive way. 
Because it is so easy to go down the self-destructive route, since that's the root issue in the first place.
What is my problem?  Why do I feel this way?  What is wrong with me??? etc. etc. etc.

I do believe that "fake it 'til you make it" really can work, but it takes a lot of faith to trust that I can make it.  There will be a point when I have to believe that I no longer am faking it - that my efforts are actually who I am.

I have found that wallowing doesn't do me much good.
The more I leave behind the negative, the less negative I'll carry around with me.

And it always feels better to uplift someone else than to dwell on my own problems.

Lately I've found it helpful to regain perspective by trying to decipher between what is real and what I feel.   
They are not always the same.
Some times that doesn't make sense to me and I get really frustrated and confused.
How can what I feel not be real?
If something is real, then how come I can't feel it?
It is ridiculous how easily I can get caught in a whirlwind of my own negative, confusing thoughts.
And it can take me a while to get my footing again.

The best way for me to regain perspective on what is real, is taking a few minutes to think about all of the amazing blessings I have in my life and all the things I'm thankful for.
It is really difficult to entertain any negativity when my mind and heart are full of gratitude.

Here are few things I feel that I know are real::
I am so thankful for people in my life that see the good that I don't always see in myself.
I am so thankful for unconditional love that I feel, even though it doesn't always make sense to me.
I am so thankful for people that forgive me and are patient with me.
I am so thankful for my testimony in my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to truly learn how to trust in Him and apply the Atonement in my daily life. 
Because I cannot do it alone.
I am so thankful for my dear, sweet, amazing husband.
I don't know what I would do without him.
He is the best decision I ever made.
And I am so thankful for our children, that love me no matter what and motivate me to conquer this battle - for my sake, but more importantly for theirs.
I want more than anything to give them the gift of confidence.
And to enjoy that confidence myself.
I am trying to be what I want them to be.

Remembering and holding on to the things I am most thankful for is usually the best way to regain my footing and perspective. 
Because I really have so much to be thankful for - so many things that bring so much joy in my life.
I don't really need to be wasting any time feeling discouraged, frustrated, or unworthy of this wonderful life I live. 
I can choose to spend my time feeling thankful and choose to enjoy it.

Like exercising my body, I know it will take time and hard work to get to where I want to be and stay there.
I have been and I have come a long way.



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So...Inspiring

I am so inspired by the people around me.
There is so much good and so much love.

I have seen many acts of service - large and small - being performed without any desire of acknowledgment or recognition.  Lots of people trying to fill needs where they see them without any thought of their own needs or desires.  I have seen people making sacrifices willingly for the sake of their neighbors and friends.  Cleaning, watching kids, bringing in meals, sharing services and skills, listening, laughing, raising funds, and everything in between. 
An outpouring of love that is so inspiring.

I have also seen so much gratitude and humility.  People accepting these services with grace and gratitude.  Many just plugging away at life without any expectation of help or relief, but so thankful for what is given.  Anything given.  I have seen gratitude for things large and small, people so thankful and touched by anything and everything people are able to give.  Showing thanks with a note, a hug, a smile, a thank you, some tears, or a treat. 
An outpouring of gratitude that is so inspiring.

There is so much good in people and I love seeing it.
It inspires, uplifts, and motivates me to be a little better and do a little more.



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So...I Love This Man

Husband on his birthday, Feb 14, 2013

Oh how I love this man.
He is one of the best people I know.
He is honest, hard working, kind, genuine, funny, easy-going, compassionate, unassuming, and just plain old fun.  He really is the best.

We've got something great going on.
I feel so honored to be loved by him.  I really do.
He is more amazing to me the longer I'm married to him. 
I really caught myself a good one :) and feel so very blessed.

I love him so much I cut the center out of his birthday cake for him.
It's his favorite piece.
Now that's true love...

Tonight I get to go to Recipe Share (see...he loves me too) and I am really looking forward to it.
I'm a little burnt out and could use a break away from the littles.
Though I love them dearly, I need a break away from little people that constantly need things from me.
And I get a little tired of constantly reminding them not to not whine and complain. 
I know I need a break when that's all I seem to hear.  :)

Recipe Share is a group of ladies in our neighborhood that get together to eat, visit, laugh, and share recipes.
A great pick me up full of good friends and good old fashion fun just being together.
I haven't been able to go for a really long time and I miss it. 
I could use a good laugh tonight. 
Combine that with good food and it's a win.
So thankful for my tag team partner in crime so I can sneak away for a bit tonight.  :)

I'm bringing thai chicken pizza.  Oh yum!



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So...Now That That's Over...

Sorry about leaving that last dramatic post up for so long.
Not my intent at all!
But sometimes life gets busy, sometimes I get motivated to do things other than blogging :), and sometimes time just goes by faster than I realize.

Good news is - Second Daughter is healthy and back to her normal self.
Thank goodness.

There's not really a whole lot to report on.
Found out some serious news from some dear friends yesterday and it's hard to think of much else.
It does, however, remind me how grateful I am for my family, my friends, my faith, and love.
Those really are the things that matter the most.
Sometimes things happen that don't make any sense at all, but those four gifts are anchors that can help us through. 

My heart is full of lots of emotions, but mostly love. 
Love for our friends and love for our Savior.
I know He is watching over, protecting, and comforting their sweet family.

I was thankful to be at church today.
I felt Heavenly Father's love so strongly, as many others did as well.
It is such a gift to know, and to feel, love from Him.

Happy Sunday everyone.
Don't forget to show the ones you love how much you truly do love them.



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So...I'd Be Ok If That Never Happens Again

Remember when Third Daughter had a fever seizure a little over two years ago?
Well, today it happened again - to Second Daughter.
And let me just say, for the record, I do not like seizures.
Not one little bit.

Today was Second Daughter's second day home from school with a fever.
This morning she woke up worse than yesterday.  On fire.
I took her temperature at around 8:30 am and it was 105.1.  No exaggeration.
I have never seen a fever that high.
I gave her children's Tylenol and called the doctor. 
I didn't even know a person could have a temp of 105 and still be conscious.
The nurse on the line said that since she didn't have any other symptoms the doctor usually doesn't need to see a child until they have a temperature over 104 for three days and the fever doesn't break with meds.  I decided to wait a bit and monitor her fever. 
The Tylenol didn't do anything.
A friend of mine brought over some essential oils to rub on her to help bring the fever down.
Second Daughter was also able to swallow a 200 mg ibuprofen pill.
Five minutes later, when I was checking her temperature again, she started seizing.

I scooped her up in my arms and reached for the phone.
I called 911.
It really is instinctual when your child is turning blue, not breathing, and is non-responsive in your arms. You just call 911.
Still seizing, my sweet baby was struggling to breath and turning white/blue.
I tried to keep it together, comfort Second Daughter, and explain to the operator what we needed.

Even though it had happened before with Third Daughter, it still was so scary.
The nice woman on the other end of the line helped talk me through it and helped keep me calm.
I was frantically texting Husband at the same time.
Today he had decided to ride with a coworker to work.  He didn't have a car.  Of course.

By the time the paramedics came the seizure was over and she was pretty restful in my arms, coming in and out of consciousness.
Still non-responsive, but breathing.
They monitored her pulse and gave her oxygen.
Husband had called some neighbors to come over and give her a blessing.

We live in a wonderful neighborhood - no one can have an ambulance in front of their house without getting immediate response and offers to help in any way possible.
The response was overwhelming.  (In a very good way).
One neighbor took Third Daughter.  Another took Son.  Another gave me a ride to the hospital.  Another insisted on making dinner.  A coworker gave Husband a ride home and he met us at the hospital.  I received lots of texts of concern and offers to help.

We were very well taken care of and so very grateful.
We are surrounded by so many wonderful people.

At the hospital they tested for infections.
Everything they tested for turned out negative and the doctor concluded that she had a virus.
By the time we left her fever was back to normal.
She was still acting very out of it, but she was OK.
We just need to keep fluids in her and keep her fever down.

Even though I knew she was having a seizure due to a fever, it still scared me to death.
Even though I know she is going to be fine, I'm still worried out of my mind.
Watching my kid have a seizure is definitely on my list of least favorite things ever.

I am just so glad that she is OK and that she seems to be improving.
I am just not prepared or ready to consider any other possible outcome.

And I'd definitely be OK if this never happens to any of our kids again.
Ever.



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So...Laugh 'Til You Cry

Today I made my baby laugh by making fart noises in his face.
He laughed so hard he turned red and shed a few tears.
It was the funniest thing and such a fun moment.
We sat and laughed at each other for a good fifteen minutes.
Really laughed.
It was the best.

Oh how I love this baby.
He brings so much joy into each one of my days.
I get so excited when I see him and he greets me with his huge grin.
There really is nothing better.

I am so thankful for Son.
I am thankful for this precious time in his life.
He is growing so fast and learning new things everyday.
I am thankful to be able to be with him all day and to enjoy each moment of his life.
I am so thankful for the love that I feel from him. 
No matter how crazy a day may be, I know this boy will have lots of smiles, cuddles, headbutts, and laughs to share with me. 
I love that I can give him just what he wants just by holding him close.
It feels good to be needed by my baby.
It feels good to be his mama.

Today I am so thankful for my baby boy.
He is such a gift.



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So...A Weekend Away

Even though Thanksgiving is officially over, there are still a few more days left in this month of gratitude, and I will take advantage.

Today I am thankful for wonderful friends. This weekend reminded me of that more than ever.

We were able to get away for a few days this weekend and head south to visit some of our most favorite people.  It was a very nice, much needed, change of pace and break.  It was so refreshing to get away from the junk in our daily lives that doesn't really matter and enjoy some things that really do - like time with family and dear friends.

We had such a good time visiting, playing, watching movies, playing Minecraft, and hiking in the Valley of Fire.  The kids played like crazy and we loved every minute.

I am so thankful for friends. 
Life-long friends. 
The kind of friends that you can pick up after a year of not seeing each other and it feels like no time has passed at all.  The kind of friends that feel like family.  That you can be yourself around and feel completely comfortable - no judgement, comparison, or competition.  The kind of friends that you can just sit and do nothing together and still have a great time. 
I can't even tell you how much I needed some friend time like this.

I really am so thankful for these wonderful friends of ours - and that they let us come visit them :)

 

 

 

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So...A Thankful Daughter

First Daughter came home from school with a cut out paper turkey. 
On each feather she wrote things she was thankful for.
This is what she wrote::

::"I am thankful for...My family because they help and support me."
::"I am thankful for...My bed because I can sleep in it every night."
::"I am thankful for...My house because it keeps me warm and dry in the winter snow."
::"I am thankful for...My school because I can learn, read, and listen."

I was so proud, and not surprised, to find this in her backpack.
I am so thankful that she is learning what it means to be grateful and that all of these things truly are blessings in her life.

First Daughter helping me make stuffing.

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So...I Am SO Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Family + food + thankful hearts = perfection.

I woke up before the fam to get the turkey in the oven.
The house was quiet and peaceful and I was alone with my thoughts cooking in the kitchen - where I feel at home. 

I thought about my mother.  My wonderful mother.  I thought about all the work she put in to making our home life special, especially around the holidays.  I get my love for cooking yummy food for my family and friends from her.  I think of her often when I'm in the kitchen.  I had no idea the things she did and the effort and planning that is part of holidays and family traditions.  I appreciate her more than ever now that I'm a mom and have that role to fill.

I thought about my family.  My amazing husband and sweet children asleep soundly in their beds.  It is such a blessing to be a part of a family and to be surrounded by people you love and love you back.  It is the greatest blessing.  And an added blessing that we are all healthy and happy and enjoy a pretty comfortable, happy life together.

I thought about this wonderful place that we live.  Our comfortable house.  Friendly, loving, mindful neighbors.  It is a blessing to be surrounded by wonderful people, in a safe community, with incredible opportunities for our children to be involved in great schools, activities, sports, and friendships.  I am so thankful for the friendships we have formed here that has made it a little bit easier to live so far away from family.  I am thankful for people that love us and allow us to love them.  I am thankful for people who inspire, uplift, and are just fun to be around.

I thought about home.  My home in Massachusetts. The setting for the first Thanksgiving and the thankful hearts that came together to celebrate friendship and a plentiful harvest.  I am so thankful for wonderful examples throughout history of kindness and gratitude for this blessed land in which we live.

After I got things going and settled in the kitchen the Daughters and I hit the river trail for a bike ride.  Second Daughter's first trip on the trail on her two-wheeler.  The sun peaked through the rustling leaves and sparkled on the river water.  Ducks waddled their way along the path that we rode on.  Fellow bikers and runners greeted us with "Happy Thanksgiving" and friendly smiles as they passed.  We caught up with two horse riders who let us pet their horses.  The girls were beyond thrilled.  First Daughter dubbed it "the most perfect Thanksgiving activity ever!"

Right now, while I wait for the turkey, the daughters are enjoying some hot chocolate and candy canes, Husband is playing Minecraft, and Son is crawling around the family room babbling at the dog.  Oh how I love being home with my family.

We are excited for family to come in town to eat with us.
We are looking forward to a little Turkey Bowl and Turkey Shoot in our front yard.
We are already anticipating pie with some dear dear friends.

I love this holiday so so much.
I love taking a day to slow down and take a break from the normal business of life.
I love spending a day (or two) preparing a delicious meal together as a family.
I love spending extra time thinking and talking about the things that we are thankful for.

Where are you spending Thanksgiving?
Are you cooking?
What do you do while you wait for the turkey?

Wishing you a turkery-pie-family-fun-nap filled Thanksgiving!


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So...On the Chalkboard



Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!



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So...The Day Before

Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
I think I'm going to love this day.
We plan on staying in our jammies, lounging around the house, and just being together.

Third Daughter is the only one I could get to try this beautiful pomegranite.
She's loving it.  Real fruit snacks!

With the girlies help, I've started preparations for the big dinner tomorrow.  The bread is cubed and veggies chopped ready for stuffing.  Next we will be peeling potatoes for the mashed potatoes - our favorite side dish.  Later we will be baking pies and trying our best not to taste them.

Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite.  To eat and to cook.  I absolutely love cooking holiday food, and I absolutely love cooking for those I love.  It is my favorite.  I love today, and I love tomorrow.

I'm hoping that tomorrow, between basting the turkey and other last minute preparations, we will get in a game of family football or our favorite card game, UNO.  We definitely will be watching the Macey's Thanksgiving Day parade and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  Oh how I love holiday traditions.

And today we officially are breaking out the Christmas music.
We will mostly be listening to this favorite Christmas mix from last year::

Christmas Mix 2011

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas::Michael Buble
Winter Wonderland::Jewel
The First Noel::NSync
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer::Jack Johnson
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings::Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan
Little Drummer Boy::Glee Cast
Christmas Canon::Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas::Sarah McLachlan
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)::John Lennon
Joy to the World::Jewel
O Come All Ye Faithful::David Archuleta
Silver Bells::Elvis Presley
All I Want for Christmas is You::Michael Buble
Song For a Winter's Night::Sarah McLachlan
Do You Hear What I Hear::Glee Cast
Christmas Song::Dave Matthews
Angels We Have Heard On High::David Archuleta
How Great Thou Art::Carrie Underwood
O Holy Night::NSync
Ave Maria::Jewel
Breath of Heaven::Amy Grant
Silent Night::Boyz II Men


What are you doing today to prepare for Thanksgiving?
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?
What is your favorite pie???

Me?  Lemon Meringue all the way.

Today I am thankful that we always have enough to eat, and most of the times more than we need.
We thank God everyday for that blessing.



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So...Where I Am

Today I am thankful for where I am in my life.
I was reading my thankful posts from last November and was overwhelmed with gratitude that I am here not there. 

This time last year I was really struggling.  I was battling feelings of depression.  I was trying desperately to focus on wonderful things in my life that I was thankful for to help pull me out of some pretty dark thoughts.  Those posts remind me of that sadness, but also remind me of the efforts I made.  It is always good to focus on the good.  This I know is true.

I'm so thankful that I am not feeling the same way now.  I am so thankful for that.

I definitely have my share of insecurities, negative thoughts, and sensitivities.
I try really hard to combat that everyday.
Like seriously combat them.
Sometimes they feel like a force stronger than I can hold off.
But I fight really hard, and most days I win.
Some days are more of a struggle than others.
I think this may be a battle that I fight for a really long time. 
Perhaps my whole life.
Maybe most people do...who knows?
But that doesn't really matter.
It's something that I deal with, and something that I am constantly learning from.
It is a trial, but a huge blessing that is strengthening my faith and teaching me to rely on the Lord.

I am so thankful for the growth that has occurred in my life over the past year.
I'm still in the process - I have in no way arrived.
I still feel myself learning and growing all the time.
Honestly, I hope I never stop that progression, even though I know that means more difficult times.
I definitely am not learning perfectly, but I am so thankful for how far I've come.
And I am so thankful for my husband, family, and friends that love me and help me keep my head on straight.
Unconditional love is an incredible blessing.

I am so thankful for the happiness that I feel right now in my life
and all the happiness life has to offer.



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So...The Third

Oh how I love this girl.
She brings so much joy into my life.
She is quick to tell me she loves me and giggles at almost everything.
She is so much fun.
She is easily excited and very enthusiastic.
She is confident and kind - and I am amazed by her!
She was my angel baby and is my super sweet three-year-old.
I ask her to stay little forever.
She tells me that when she grows up, she will be my mommy and I will be in her tummy.
Someday I'll explain that to her...
In the mean time, I secretly hope she miraculously stays little forever...

I am so thankful for Third Daughter and love her oh so much.



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So...We Are Thankful

::we are thankful wall.
::pack of 50 leaves from the dollar store + mailing labels + mirror.
::Son is my favorite right now.  I just can't help it.
::Second Daughter is thankful for Jesus (Jesis - with a backward J)
::and "buchis" (bushes)
::and Dad.
::I'm thankful to be married to my BFF.  Seriously - it's the best.
::Third Daughter wrote her own thankfuls.  She said this one says "Heavenly Father."
::First Daughter was thankful for leaves, trees, grass, spiders, bees - all things of the earth.
::we will feast on T-Day beside this thankful wall.
::we have so much to be thankful for.



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So...A Sunset

Today I am thankful to have witnessed this beautiful sunset::

I am amazed by the beauty of this earth.
It is testimony to me that Heavenly Father is real::that He created this world::that He loves us.

I am thankful for the beautiful area where I live.
I love the open skies that allow us to see colors like these on nights like this.
I love the gorgeous river trail lined with hundred-year-old trees.
I love being able to see the mountains light up while the sun goes down.

And speaking of mountains...if you've never seen mountains like ours in Utah, you must.
I grew up in Boston.
I didn't know what I was missing.

I am also thankful for a warm cozy house to protect us from the cold weather outside.
I love being inside on dark, snowy, chilly evenings by the fire cuddling under a blanket.
It just feels like home.

Tonight I'm off to a Relief Society holiday dinner.
We're having dinner and a program. 
I'm playing Carol of the Bells on my violin.
I get so nervous, but I'm thankful for the chance to play.
Let the festivities begin!

I love this time of year.
I'm all about stretching out these holidays as long as possible.



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So...A Little Thanks

The other night, out of the blue, First Daughter said, "Thanks for cleaning the kitchen, Mom.  It looks really good."

It was awesome.

Unprompted expressions of gratitude from little people for things like cleaning the house or doing laundry do not happen very often around here.  It amazing how one small, simple sentence can fill me up.  It really meant a lot to me. 
The world, even.

I am so thankful.














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So...These Days

The weather has been incredible in these parts.
It is uncharacteristically warm for this time of year in Utah.
Today its about 70 degrees, the sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the pretty blue sky.
I know it won't last long, but for now we are enjoying it.

On days like today, Second Daughter will frequently say something like, "today is a perfect day to go to the park!"
She is so full of love for life and enthusiasm.
Sometimes it exhausts me, but most of the time it is contagious.
I am so thankful for Second Daughter and all the wonderful things she brings into our family.

She has such a tender heart and is so very sweet. 
She's tries hard everyday to make good choices. 
She is quick to forgive and eager to laugh and play.
She cares deeply about her relationships, especially within our family. 
Every day she prays that our family will always be together.
She tells me quite frequently that she will never leave me and that she will miss me when she goes to college.
She is my cuddle bug and definitely shows and feels love through physical affection.
She is sensitve and caring.
She has the most amazing memory.
She keeps me on my toes as a mother - keeps me thoughtful and careful about my interactions with my children. 
For this I am thankful, even though some days it is challenging.

I am so very thankful for Second Daughter and all that I am learning by being her mother.
I am learning very important things about love, tolerance, friendship, forgiveness, happiness, and putting the most important things first from her example and from being her mother. 

She is such a special girl and I love her so much.



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