Good friends

I'm grateful my boys are such good friends. Even Asher wants to be a part of everything the other boys do. Look how bad he wants to play with the big boys!! Logan and Braden are always happy to include him.

I am also grateful for the good friends they have!

I'm grateful Asher didn't put this in his mouth!

honesty

I'm grateful for the honest people of Pleasant Grove. Today I went to Logan's school for the annual teddy bear picnic. After 45 minutes, we went out to the car and my iPhone was sitting on the trunk. I usually put stuff there while I am getting Asher out. I guess I just forgot to pick it back up. Oh man, I would be in so much trouble if I lost that! Thank you, thank you honest people!

Talents

I am grateful for my talents. I'm not vain enough (or confident enough) to name them, but grateful for what Heavenly Father has blessed me with.

friends

I am so grateful for my new friend Nikko! She is way awesome and so easy to talk to. She has a beautiful new baby and three other kids. We love to meet her at McDonalds so our kids can play and we can talk. I could talk to her for hours! I know she doesn't read this, but thanks Nikko for being so awesome!

The ultimate in refreshment!

A while back when I was stopping to get myself some much needed refreshment, I went to a gas station I have never been into before. As I was putting the lid on my drink and looking for a straw, I caught sight of two cups full of straws. The first said, "Medium Fat Straws" and the second said, "Great Big Huge Delicious Fat Straws". Well, I helped myself to a great big huge delicious fat straw! Everyone who knows me well, knows I like fat straws with my diet coke. You get more per suck! A much better drinking experience. I favor McDonalds drinks just because of their use of fat straws. There is not much worse than getting a delicious fresh diet coke and having to drink in through a wimpy straw!

Anyhow, I liked the wittiness of the straw labeler and thought I would share how grateful I am for fat straws!!

Worse than the DMV? Close!

I spent an hour at the Social Security office today. Somehow, Asher's application for his social security number never got submitted. I don't know if the hospital didn't turn it in or exactly what happened, but we need that number to file our taxes. So in order to get it today, I picked up Asher's birth certificate and headed to the SS offices. I was told it was a half hour wait. Bummer, but we are here, let's get it done.

Almost and hour later, they finally called my number. I was relieved to get my business done and get out of there (anyone who has waited in line with three kids would understand this!)

I got to the window only to find out that having the birth certificate was not sufficient, I needed another form of ID for Asher. A doctor's record with his name, birthday, and doctors name would do. So, that means another trip to the Social Security office, and another 1 hour wait with three children!

Ok, yes I know this is a gratitude blog, not a complain blog, but my gratitude is for my well behaved, patient children. They gave me very little fuss sitting in that cramped waiting room for almost an hour. I couldn't imagine having to do something like that if I had wild, out of control children.

Way to go Logan, Braden and Asher! I love you guys so much and am so proud of you everyday!

my mom

Today my mom and dad came to see our house. We finally got the inside stairs put in. Mom was excited to see how the stairs turned out. While we were up there, mom misstepped onto a part of the floor that didn't have plywood over it. It was just insulation and the drywall underneath. Just like a booby trap scene on Indiana Jones, mom's arms flew in the air as she went strait down. Luckily she was able to catch herself with her arms before she went all the way through (I give credit to all the dumbbells she has been lifting that allowed her to catch herself!) I held on to her until Dad ran over and pulled her out. To make a long story short, she was taken to the hospital by ambulance and had x rays and a catscan to check her out. She was in a lot of pain and given morphine to ease it. She came out with two broken ribs on her back and a lot of bruising. I am so grateful she is safe. It could have been so much worse! Although she is in a lot of pain, this could have ended in some serious injuries! My mom is pretty tough and I know she will pull through this. If anyone can handle it, she can. I am so grateful for her strength! I feel so guilty that it happened here and I wish I was able to do something that would have avoided the accident, but it was just that, and accident. I am so grateful for my dad and his clear thinking during emergencies. I am grateful for his strength. Both physical, to be able to pull her up, mental strength to think clearly and make wise decisions, and emotional strength to help us all through it, especially mom during the next few painful weeks. My parents are amazing! I look up to them so much for their knowledge, spirituality, and personal strength! I am so grateful to have them! The are such a support to me. I am so glad we are so close (both physically and emotionally). Thanks mom for being so close to the Spirit to have promptings and revelations. Thank you for sharing them with me. You are such and example of how I need to live closer to my Heavenly Father. I love you both!

lots of stuff

Today I am grateful for lavender oil. It calms my fussy baby down, and if I put it in the diffuser, it calms everyone in the house down, including me! I am also grateful for long hot baths (with lavender in the water) where I can revamp and recharge. I'm grateful for good books I can read in the tub! It is such a great escape for me, until there are children banging on the door, "Mom! I need you! Mom, when are you coming out! Mom, Mom, Mom!" ...............I'm grateful for children who need me.

Braden's Prayer

"Please bless that Dad will do good at work.

And bless that Logan will do good at school.

And that I will go to school good too.

And bless that mom will ...um...hmmm....um.....grocery shop good."

our vehicles

We have had some problems with Steve's truck. It has been in the shop for the last couple of days. It is 14 years old and this is the first problem we have had with it. My car is 6 years old, and other than new brakes, we haven't had a single problem with it. I am so grateful that we have a car that is reliable and starts every morning. I never have to worry if my car is going to get me where I need to go or if we are going to be stranded somewhere. I am grateful for my fabulous husband who works hard so we can have reliable cars!

Sweet Steve

I love my dear husband. If I fall asleep before taking off my glasses, he always takes them off for me while I am asleep. I just think that is so sweet! He takes good care of me!

I know I've said this before....

...but I am so grateful I have healthy children! Asher had his 9month check up this morning and he is doing great! I am also grateful for a fabulous doctor! We just love him!

Logan's crazy personality

This boy keeps me laughing!

sunshine

So grateful the weather has cooperated with us during our remodel. By the end of next week, we will have all the windows in and won't have to worry about getting wet.

The Rickster

I am so grateful for my awesome dad! Our house is currently under construction. This morning we decided we wanted to vault the ceiling in our sunroom rather than just pitch the roof. Our contractor said it can be done, but the trusses are coming on Friday and it needs to ready by then. That means the current roof needs to be completely torn off (we had planned to place the trusses on top of the existing roof). In order to stay on budget and keep on schedule, the demolition would not only have to be done by us, but it would have to be done in a day and a half. So I called my dad for some advice and instead of a little advice over the phone, he dropped everything and came right down. He spent the next four hours ripping into the ceiling and putting a huge dent in the demolition! Steve is taking tomorrow off and Dad is coming back down in the morning. Between the two of them they will finish it off and have it ready for Friday's delivery of the trusses. What an awesome guy! Thanks Dad! Love you tons!

Real original

Grateful for these guys! I love my boys!

This is a funny photo of Logan, because it looks nothing like him!

Necessities

Today while i was at the grocery store buying food and household items, I thought about how grateful I am for Steve. He was so smart and motivated in establishing himself in his career and he works so hard to keeps his skills current to stay at the top in his job. He works hard to give us the necessities of life as well as many extras. I am grateful I am married to a motivated hard working man! I love you Steve!

health and safety

I have been sad all day about the two little girls that were on the news who died from being exposed to rat poison gas. It breaks my heart. I am so grateful for the health and safety of my children, and I pray for that to continue every day of my life. I pray that I never forget how blessed I am!

I have the greatest mother-in-law in the world! Today is Joan's 75th birthday. I love her so much! She would and does do anything for me. She is here at the drop of a hat anytime I need her. I can't imagine life without her, and I hope I don't have to for a long, long time. She is one of the two greatest grandmas in the world!

Logan again

I helped out in Logan's class today. I'm grateful again for how well behaved he is at school. I was so proud to watch him listening to the teacher and doing his work and staying on task. What a good kid! I am also grateful Mrs Barlow let Braden participate in kids day!

smart kids

Today I attended parent teacher conference for Logan. I am so proud of him! He is such a smart kid. He is doing so well in school. Not only is he doing great academically, but his teacher says he is a joy to have in her class. He follows directions, stays on task, and finishes all his assignments. He passed off almost everything on his assessment test. I am just so proud! What a good kid!

boys

I love that my boys love each other! Tonight I caught Logan in Asher's crib reading to him. I'm not sure who was having more fun, Asher, Logan, or mom watching them. I can't wait to watch them grow up together. I hope they stay best friends always.

new computer!

I'm so grateful for my fabulous husband who fixes my computer problems without delay! I am so blessed to have such a great man!

America the beautiful

I watch the news every morning with Logan while we are getting him ready for school. Often there are stories showing fighting or bombings in some foreign country. I often explain to Logan how lucky we are to be living in America, and I explain some of the freedoms we have that many in other countries don't. I also explain the safety we enjoy in our country. Today while I was driving by myself (very rarely am I in the car without my children) I was at a stop light next to a Macey's grocery store. For those of you not in Utah, one of their trademarks is to fly a HUGE American flag in front of their store. The wind was blowing in such a way that the flag was waving perfectly! I had a quiet moment of gratitude for all that I have and all the freedoms I enjoy. I am so lucky to have been born in the United States.

finally a movin' and a groovin'!

I'm grateful that things are really moving on our house! It has been a long time in the making, but there are actually workers building on our house now! Yeay, no more leaky roof, and Yeay, brand new bedroom with big ol' closet! I only have 4 more months to wait!

Get out of jail free!

Last night I had a dream the Steve was going to jail for 3 weeks because of something illegal that happened at work that he was not involved in. (funny thing is, Steve works for the church!). anyhow I was fumming mad. I woke up when we were saying goodbye to him.
I'm grateful for a husband who is honest and works hard. He is such a good example to our boys. I'm so lucky to have him!

I'm sure this stems from recent news that a man is going to jail for 15 years for bank fraud. He borrowed 30 million for a non existent business. This was a friend of mines husband. She has two little kids, about 8 and 4.

teeth

I'm grateful this little boy's top teeth are finally breaking through! He has been so miserable! His top gums have been so swollen for so long!

Cherry Pomegranate Crystal light

Today I am grateful for Cherry Pomegranate Crystal Light. I am trying hard to stop drinking Diet Coke and this has given me a great alternative. Normally I haven't been a huge fan of Crystal Light because I thought I just tasted like flavored water with an aspartame aftertaste, but this is good. It tastes like punch and even leaves a punch mustache on my kids. I have been drinking 2 quarts of it every day, so not only am I not drinking coke, but I am drinking a ton of water!

35 years

Today I am grateful for my wonderful family and all their birthday wishes. I am grateful for 35 years of memories and good times.

Good books

I have been reading a book that is reminding me to enjoy the simple things in life, find the excitement in the mundane, and live for the moments. It has given me a lot of things to think about. I am grateful for gentle reminders to enjoy life.

my garage

Today I am grateful for a warm garage. Due to the construction going on at our house, I was unable to park in the garage last night, and it was no fun getting into a cold car this morning! I am grateful to have a warm, clean garage to park my car in every night.

Some people can have a baby and a week later they are back into their jeans. I am not that person! My body doesn't work that way. However I am so grateful for my body that has been able to produce 3 beautiful and very healthy babies. My body functioned properly to create them and birth them, and just leaves me daily reminders of those little miracles. Today I am grateful for my body and what it is and not for what it isn't.

Sleeping in

I am so grateful my children sleep well. I am also grateful they are not morning people. I am probably one of very few moms whose kids let them sleep in at least until 8:00 sometimes as late at 9:30! I snapped this photo of Braden just a few minutes ago as he is waking up.

Asher

I just posted these on my family blog, but I need to say again how grateful I am for Asher! How grateful I am to have a healthy 7 month old little boy! His first week wasn't easy. I missed him so much! I love my little squishy boy and am grateful that he is still here with us!

my house

I'm grateful to have a house to live in! It is going to be under construction soon, I am excited to watch the progress! It has been a 5 month process getting it ready to start, but that just adds to the anticipation! I am also grateful for beautiful Mount Timpanogos in the background. What a beautiful view from my bedroom window!

Can't wait to get rid of the stupid flat roof!

change of blog

A good friend of mine does a daily blog of gratitude. I have been pretty grumpy and depressed lately and I think maybe I am just not grateful for what I have. I am going to give this a shot and try to blog something I am grateful for everyday.

I have had chronic headaches for a few years now. I have suffered from one almost everyday this week. As hard as it is to live with them, I am grateful for my tension headache essential oil that makes them bearable. I just rub it on the parts of my head that hurt, and it takes the edge off it. I keeps my headaches from being completely debilitating.