Crazy Days

It has been a crazy couple of days and several things have fallen by the wayside, blogging included (let's not even mention the house and the laundry). So here is my attempt to catch up and also to express some of my thoughts from this last weekend.

#1 - I'm grateful for circumstances that allow us to reflect on the most important things in life. As difficult as these circumstances may be, there is always a silver lining.

#2 - I'm grateful for our prophets and apostles. Elder Hales was at the funeral we attended yesterday and had some beautiful things to say about my uncle, the Lord, and our lives. He had such a presence about him and I have never seen someone who seemed more caring and genuine. He gave up his entire day to be with my uncle's family during this time.

#3 - I'm grateful for the musical number yesterday, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. It's one of my favorite songs and it was absolutely beautiful. It has been some time since I have felt the spirit to that degree. There is truly a power in music.

#4 - I'm am grateful for the ladies who ran the nursery yesterday. It allowed me to pay attention and be uplifted during the services.

#5 - I'm grateful for the knowledge we have of life after this. Everything would feel so empty if it weren't for a knowledge of something greater for us when we leave this life.

#6 - I'm grateful that we made the drive to and from Price safely. That drive is always a little treacherous and yesterday, conditions were less than ideal. The roads were snowy and slick, our windshield wiper fluid froze up, the sun was right in our eyes, and neither of us had sunglasses. Thankfully, Hans is a very careful driver (when he wants to be). Not only did we get there safely, but we got there on time.

#7 - I'm grateful that my kids survived a really hard day that involved a lot of missed hours of sleep. I've realized that I often underestimate my boys. It was certainly hard, but they did much better than I expected given the circumstances.

#8 - I'm grateful for babies. We had the opportunity to attend a baby blessing on Sunday and we'll attend another next week. I just love them. They grow up so fast so I forget so easily what that newborn stage is like. It's nice to be reminded every once in awhile. It almost makes me want another . . . almost, but not quite.

#9 - I'm grateful for my family. My husband and my kids mean everything to me, my parents are amazing people who have shaped the person I am, and my siblings are among my best friends. The Lord sure knew what he was doing when I put us all together.

Warmth

Yesterday:

#1 - I'm grateful for a girls' night. It made for a late night, but was so much fun. Thanks, Summer, for making that happen.

#2 - I'm grateful that Hans let me sleep in. Our kids are early risers so Hans got up with them at 5:45 and let me sleep until almost 8. It was heaven.

#3 - I'm grateful for warm slippers. The cold is settling in and if there is one thing I hate, it's cold feet. I absolutely adore my slippers. This would be a hard time of year for me without them.

Deep Thoughts

Events of the the day have had me thinking deep thoughts and reminded me just how grateful I am for the important things in my life.

#1 - I am so grateful for every moment I spend with my family. Yes, I have times when I want to pull my hair out, but at the end of the day, I know it is truly a blessing to have this time on Earth with the people who are most important to me.

#2 - I am grateful for the beautifully perfect plan the Lord has laid out for us. I can't imagine an existence without a plan that allows us to be eternally happy with those we love. This Earth life is wonderful, but where I can truly see our Heavenly Father's love for us is in His plans for our lives after this Earthly existence. What an incredible promise He has made us.

#3 - I am grateful for the Lord's hand in my life and that can often recognize it. His gospel has made me capable of realizing that there is a reason for everything and the Lord has ultimate control. He is the one who holds every aspect of my life in His hands and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

Food!

#1 - I'm grateful for my dad for doing my dental work. I would probably be in a lot of pain if it weren't for him. Thanks Dad!

#2 - I'm grateful that Hans made dinner tonight. It really just entailed microwaving leftovers, but that was a big deal to me. I seriously have the best hubby ever.

#3 - I'm grateful that Noah is getting a tooth. I knew that something was up when he wasn't his usual cheery self. I took a look in his mouth and sure enough, one tiny tooth is just starting to poke through. He absolutely loves chunks of food (even green veggies), but is hardly interested in baby food anymore. Having a few teeth will make it a little easier for him to chomp on those chunks.

Sweet Release

#1 - I'm grateful for a garbage disposal. No more fishing out nasty things from the sink. Yay!

#2 - I'm grateful that I'm learning to be frugal. I'm getting better and better as the weeks go by. I'm learning new skills and I think the lessons learned from going without are invaluable. Someday I hope that being this frugal won't be necessary, but I'm grateful that I have this time in my life to learn and grow from this experience.

#3 - I'm grateful that Hans took the kids for 2 hours today while I went out and ran my errands. It was a rough day and I really needed to unwind. I got a lot of grocery shopping done and reacquainted myself with an old Kenny Chesney CD. It was a pleasant afternoon. The best part was, I didn't come home to Hans ripping his hair out. He had everything nicely under control.

James' new trick!

He pees his pants on purpose while he's sitting in time out. Every time! Isn't that nice?

Back on track

#1 - I'm grateful for a garage. For the first time in my life, I am able to park in a garage and it is absolutely incredible. I appreciate it more and more as the weather gets colder.

#2 - I'm grateful for my new Pleasant Grove City library card. It has been a VERY long time since I have stepped foot in a public library, but today I made the leap. James was very well-behaved. Noah was quiet as a mouse and we picked up a few good reads. James got a few Curious George books (his favorite) and I picked up some light reading for myself. My tax dollars are paying for it, so I might as well take advantage.

#3 - I'm grateful for the Daily Herald. We have had our spats in the past, but yesterday when I had a problem, I got on the phone with them and they more than made up for it. And they were very friendly in the process. We can be friends again.

Mwah!

Yesterday -

#1 - I'm grateful for Relief Society. What an incredible program. It's nice to have some time to learn and grow in the gospel in a setting with just women who share the same values and beliefs.

#2 - I'm grateful for hugs and kisses. After a rough day, nothing makes me feel better than hugs and kisses from my little boys. James can be a wild man one minute and melt my heart the next with just a hug.

#3 - I'm grateful that my days of buying diapers for James may be over. I'm not saying anything for sure, but I think we're awfully close to undies full time. I'm crossing my fingers.

Yesterday

#1 - I'm grateful for naps. James went without one yesterday and we sure paid the price. I don't just need the break in the middle of the day, but my kids need it to be happy and (somewhat) well-behaved.

#2 - I'm grateful for solo shopping trips. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than perusing the aisles of Smith's all by myself. I love my kids to pieces, but they make a simple trip to the grocery store about 12 times harder than it would be without them. I pack up the kids and we go shopping together more often than not, but once in a while, I get to go all by myself and boy, it is so nice.

#3 - I'm grateful that the Cougars pulled out that games yesterday. It was not graceful by any stretch of the imagination, but they were able to pull it out and avoid an embarrassing loss. Maybe next year will be our year.

Animals

Yesterday (one of these days, I'll get back on track):

#1 - I am grateful that Hans is not an animal person. No offense to all you animal lovers out there, but I could never own a pet. I am so grateful that Hans and I are on the same page when it comes to this so we'll be in agreement when our kids come begging. However, for some reason, I am not opposed to keeping chickens in a coop someday in our backyard.

#2 - I am grateful that we have a big enough backyard that makes keeping chickens back there an option. The best part is that it's big enough that I wouldn't smell them right outside my back door. I'm excited that we have the space to plant a garden in the spring and keep several fruit trees. Someday, my yard will be fruitful.

#3 - I am grateful that James wore undies almost all day yesterday with only one accident. We did put on a diaper for our outing to the grocery store because I knew we weren't ready for that yet. I didn't think he was ready for potty training quite yet, but a few months ago, we bought him a potty and some undies just to get him used to the idea. Yesterday, I let him choose whether he wanted to wear a diaper or undies. He chose undies. Maybe he's really ready for this. We'll see if it sticks.

Doctor's Office

Yesterday:

#1 - Once again, I'm grateful for Rite Aid. I had the shopping trip that I have only heard about and wondered, "How does that work?" Once again, the girl that helped was so patient and friendly.

#2 - Noah went to the doctor for his 9 month check and I'm grateful that he is perfect. He's healthy and growing. He's actually in the 65th percentile for his weight and, for my kids, that's pretty chunky. More than anything though, I'm grateful that he is completely healthy.

#3 - I'm grateful that my kids got the H1N1 vaccine. I wasn't sure they'd be able to get it since it's so hard to find, but I was lucky that my pediatrician had just a few in stock. I feel like I can breathe just a bit easier now.

Meow!

#1 - Today I'm grateful for the kitty that wandered around our yard for awhile today. James thought it was just about the greatest thing that ever happened to it. He calls it a meow. He chased it around forever and loved every minute of it.

#2 - Visiting teachers. Mine are wonderful. They really make me feel like they want to visit me and not just that they need to get it done. I also love the adult conversation. Sometimes it's nice to have a conversation that involves something deeper than undies and "meows."

#3 - I'm grateful that James ate his dinner tonight. True, he spit out most of the chicken, but he ate a lot of rice and I even got him to eat cauliflower. We're making progress, people!

11/10

#1 - I am grateful for Lissie who works at the Rite Aid in Orem. I have never been helped by someone more patient and friendly. She happily broke up my purchase into 2 different transactions and entered each one of my coupons manually when they wouldn't scan. And she did it all with a smile. I have never come across a cashier who has not acted bugged when the coupons don't scan. In fact, I think I'll make a call to her manager to tell them how great she was.

#2 - I'm grateful that my husband is not a deadbeat. There was a man on Dr. Phil yesterday who hadn't had a job in 3 years. His wife worked as a waitress and they lived in a hotel room. Her husband spent every day of those three years hanging around the hotel room "looking for a job."

#3 - I'm grateful that I didn't hit the neighbor's dog on my way home last night. It was a really close one, but everyone came out ok. That would not have been a good way to kick off a neighborly relationship.

Sweet lies

#1 - I'm grateful that I was able to get a lot done today. I've had tons of stuff piling up and today, I feel like I finally made a pretty good dent in it. There's still a lot to do, but now I don't feel so overwhelmed.

#2 - I'm grateful that Hans acted like he liked my dinner. I had high hopes for the new recipe tonight, but to be completely honest, it was gross. Hans would never admit to it; he insisted that it was good. What a liar. Just another thing I love about him.

#3 - James' and Noah's matching pajamas. They are so stinking cute together.

11/8 Blessings

#1 - I'm grateful that my kids went back to bed after both waking up at 5:30. That extra hour and a half made all the difference.

#2 - I'm grateful for tithing. It's definitely a hard thing to do, especially at a time in our lives when we have plans for every extra penny for about the next ten years, but it is one principle that I have never doubted. We've been behind this year, with all of the moving and switching wards, but at church yesterday, we almost got caught up. It's a good feeling.

#3 - I'm grateful for nursery. What an inspired program. Yesterday, when I walked into nursery to pick James up, all the nursery leaders said, "Look James, it's your mom." He took one look at me, said, "No!" and ran to the other side of the room. At least he loves it.

#1 - I'm grateful for the coupon booklet I found at WalMart today. It saved me $15. Sweet!

#2 - Saturdays. It's so wonderful to have an entire day with my family all together. We didn't exactly get much done as we had 2 kids tag-teaming their naps all day long, but it's just nice to be together.

#3 - My pantry. When I come home from the grocery store with 10 boxes of crackers, 48 cans of spaghettios, and 8 containers of apple juice it sure is nice to have a place to put it all.

Today

#1 - I'm grateful for the park. What a nice release for James. I'm so glad the weather was perfect for our outing.

#2 - I'm grateful for boys. Let's face it, without my boys, I'd be pretty much alone in this world. I hope to have a little girl someday, but right now I'm glad I have these little crazy guys and that they can be such great friends.

#3 - I'm grateful for my venus fly trap. Yes, I own a venus fly trip. When we saw Little Shop of Horrors last week at the Hale, Hans had to buy the movie. Lucky for us, a venus fly trap came with it. Now it sits in my kitchen window sill and makes me chuckle every time I see it.

More blessings . . . belated

These will be yesterday's blessings. I planned on posting in the evening, but I (not surprisingly) conked out much earlier than I intended.

So for yesterday:

#1 - I'm grateful for nice weather. Yesterday, we opened the garage door while I cleaned the car and James roamed free. He loves having outdoor time and it makes the days fly by. Today, we'll try to venture out to the park if we can squeeze it in between naps.

#2 - I'm grateful for green bell peppers. They added that little extra kick to our omelets last night. Yum!

#3 - I'm grateful that my husband pretends to think that my couponing is cool. He always listens and acts excited when tell him about my great deals, but I know him well enough to know that he is just trying to make me feel good. It's the thought that counts, right.

Blessings

#1 - I'm grateful that my kids go to bed well. Heaven knows I have crazy kids, but when it hits 7:00 pm, all is right in the world. No screaming and no tantrums. James tries to help say the prayer, Noah gives us one last big smile, we give lots of kisses and we're (usually) done for the night. I love them!

#2 - I'm grateful for Butterfingers. Yum! Especially the fun size because they don't make me feel as guilty.

#3 - I'm grateful for my $19 Walmart jeans. I seem to have had bad luck lately with jeans (probably because I just about have a stroke when I look at the price tag of any decent pair, and I apparently don't have enough of a butt to keep them up), so I decided to give the old Wally World a try. I'm in love! Finally, jeans that don't fall off my butt all day long. They may not be the cutest things on earth, but what can I say, I'm on a budget.

Day 2

#1 - Today I am grateful for my washing machine. If there were no such thing, my entire life would consist of doing laundry. Even though I already feel that way.

#2 - I am grateful for long hot baths during naptime. If I am lucky enough to have both boys asleep at the same time for any length of time, I take the opportunity. It makes me feel renewed.

#3 - I am grateful for the long hours my hubby puts in at work. As much as miss him when he's gone, I am grateful that I have a husband who cares enough about his family to completely wear himself out during the day, come home to these crazy kids, and then get up and do it all over again. He does it without a word of complaint and it's all because he loves us so much!

Fall Fun!

About 2 weeks ago, we ventured out to the corn maze. It was a bit chilly, but the kids held up well. James wasn't a big fan of the maze, but he did love the animals.

We made it all the way through. I pushed the stroller and had to check on Noah every two minutes to make sure he didn't suffer from shaken baby syndrome (the path was extremely bumpy). Hans carried James the whole way through, but we made it out alive. No cheating, promise!

James wouldn't pose for a picture with our carved pumpkin, but Noah would and boy, isn't he cute!

Halloween night. Tons of fun!

November!

I got this great idea from a friend's blog and decided it would be a fun thing to participate in. So, here goes:

It's that time of year again (can you believe that it is November already?). Time for pumpkins and gloves and long-sleeves and the November Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. For those of you who have not played before, the challenge is outlined below.

Here's how it works:
Each day during the month of November I will post three things I am grateful for. You should, too.
Definition of "things"- the term "things" is used here to encompass a myriad of stuff including, but not limited to:

• a certain set of circumstances
• an event
• an inanimate object distinguished from a living being
• possessions or effects
• a deed or act
• a product of work or activity
• an idea or notion
• a piece of news or information
• a personal memory
• anything that makes you smile

* The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" each day. Try not to repeat entries.

WARNING OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!!
Please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you will find yourself "singing as the days go by"
- your doubts will fly
(see LDS Hymn #241 for the above references)

Ok, so I already missed a day, but why not start today?

1 - I'm grateful that I finished making the boys' Halloween costumes in time. I have to admit they looked so cute, but then again, my kids would look cute in pretty much anything.

2 - I'm grateful that we made it through Sacrament meeting yesterday without having to take either of the kids out. An incredible accomplishment if you know my kids. I was actually able to pay attention to a few of the testimonies. When you have little ones, spiritual edification can be hard to come by in Sacrament Meeting.

3 - Noah's smile. He is the one person who looks absolutely elated to see me every time I see him. He is my angel baby.