Thankful Day 23 - Grandparents

My girls love their grandparents and being able to spend time with them. They are fortunate to be loved by three sets of grandparents plus a great grandmother and great grandfather.

Thankful Day 22 - Family

I am thankful for my family. It is a blessing to explore this life together, to watch my girls grow and mature, and to enjoy the time we spend together.

Thankful Day 21 - Brothers

I am lucky to have four great brothers--one older and three younger. They all live in Utah so I don't get to see them as often as I'd like, but they are all so much fun to be around.

Thankful Day 20 - Dental Sealants

I know, crazy, right? Sealants on molars are amazing and save my kids a lot of grief. I am thankful for the person that invented this quick and painless procedure.

Thankful Day 19 - Shopping with my Girls

I enjoy spending time with my girls. I imagine I am a bit of a softy when it comes to shopping; nevertheless, we have fun together and I am thankful for that time.

Thankful Day 18 - The Temple

I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life.  Last night, Christopher and I had the opportunity to help with the cleaning of the temple.  My task was to clean all of the mirrors in the men's and women's locker rooms.  As I was cleaning and catching glimpses of myself, my thoughts wandered to verses in Alma chapter 5:

 14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye ^aspiritually been ^bborn of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty ^cchange in your hearts?

 15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who ^acreated you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption ^braised in incorruption, to stand before God to be ^cjudged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

 16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye ^ablessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?

 19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the ^aimage of God engraven upon your countenances?

 26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a ^achange of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the ^bsong of redeeming love, I would ask, ^ccan ye feel so now?

The chorus to a song written by Janice Kapp Perry titled, "His Image in Your Countenance" is:

Have you received his image in your countenance?
Does the light of Christ shine in your eyes?
Will He know you when He comes again because you shall be like Him,
When He sees you will the Father know His child?

I hope He knows me.

A Night in Pompeii

I had originally planned to visit the Pompeii exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with Chris, but when Misha heard about it, she was quick to volunteer herself to go as well.  We bought tickets and planned a Mom and Dad date night.

The exhibit was not quite as impressive as the Pirates display last year, but still interesting.  We watched movies of life in Pompeii and what it must have been like the day the volcano erupted.  On display were different artifacts depicting life--pottery, columns, frescoes, food, toiletries, furniture, items for gambling.  There were coins and weights for measuring for the purpose of buying and selling.  I would say the most poignant displays were the plaster casts of people and animals who died in the devastation--people clinging to each other, people in chains trying to escape, people trying desperately to cover their loved ones.

After the museum closed, we drove to downtown Denver and had dinner with Misha at The Cheesecake Factory. 

Thankful Day 17 - The Crossing Guard

Kristen's crossing guard made a point of stopping by my house last Thursday morning to tell me what a polite and thoughtful girl Kristen is.  So nice to hear such things.  I am thankful to the crossing guard for keeping an eye out for my little one.  I always watch Kristen leave for school until she is no longer in my line of sight but she is then in the crossing guard's line of sight.  I am thankful for Emily.

Thankful Day 16 - Amy

I tell ya, it is wonderful to have an almost teenager.  She is my babysitter, my soft pretzel-maker, my "I want to bake something" asker, my responsible helper.  Life is wonderful with Amy in the house.  I love that I see the tenderness and caring of a beautiful young woman in her.

Thankful Day 15 - Misha

This is a post that I wrote in February about Misha:

There are days when the angels sing for joy at the presence of an earthly angel.  My heart joined that chorus yesterday.  Misha was at lunch.  One of her classmates did not have lunch and the money in his lunch account was all used up.  Misha quietly moved to the lunch line, purchased a school lunch using her own lunch account, and returned to the table with a lunch tray.  She set the tray down in front of this hungry young man and then returned to eating the lunch I had packed for her.  I can't even begin to express how this touched my heart.  My daughter is an angel.

Not only am I thankful for Misha, but I am also thankful for the goodness in her heart.

Thankful Day 14 - Kristen

The other day as Kristen hopped on her scooter to head off to school, she turned and said to me as she left, "You're one of the best miracles in my life."  A friend of mine commented, "Don't you just love that your miracle thinks of you as her miracle?  It is what life is all about."  I am thankful for Kristen.

Thankful Day 13 - Christopher

I wrote this earlier this year; I love my sweetheart just as much today.

1.  We have an ongoing joke about who is funnier, but I'll at least give him that he is funny.  He makes me laugh and smile.
2.  He has an amazingly strong work ethic.  We work beautifully together.
3.  He is a wonderful father.  There's a lot of estrogen going on in our house; he is a trooper to handle it all so well.
4.  He is romantic.  I love all of his innuendos.  He makes me feel wanted and loved.
5.  He brings me flowers just because (and most likely because he knows I love that he brings me flowers).
6.  I appreciate his knowledge of the scriptures and gospel topics.
7.  His mind is full of random facts.  He shares them.  (Don't watch airplane-related movies with him though--he'll ruin them every time.)
8.  He loves to travel.  When we travel as a family, he researches the area finding cool activities and adventures for us to experience.
9.  He rubs my feet.
10. He washes dishes on Sunday.
11. He loves electronics, and I love that he encourages me to be tech savvy as well.  He strongly encouraged/made me give up my Franklin planner for the lovely Ipad he gave me for Christmas.
12. When I am not so tech savvy, he is my go-to-guy for technical support.
13. He works extremely hard at his job and to be the best he can be.
14. He is a great kisser.
15. I love his hands.  They are masculine and strong, yet they know how to quickly pull girl hair back in to a pony tail.  (Speaking of hair, he has some of the best guy hair ever!)
16. He serves others.  Christopher has a very giving heart.
17. This man is not only talented at carrying on a conversation but also in drawing people into a conversation.
18. I love that he is tall (and dark and handsome).
19. He is conscientious about maintaining our vehicles to keep us all safe and likes to keep them spotlessly clean.
20. He is an engaging teacher.
21. He is quick to forgive.  I have learned much from him.  And when I am not so quick to forgive, he loves me still.
22. I am the first one he calls when he has exciting news to share (or when the weight of the world is on his shoulders and he just needs a listening ear).
23. He holds my hand.
24. Financially, he and I are on the same page  We are both willing to sacrifice here and now for peace of mind later.
25. I love that I am a better "me" with him than I could possibly be without him.
26. He married me forever.
27. He takes his daughters on dates.
28. He puts up with my weird obsession with finding the "perfect" handbag.
29.  Out of all the people in this world, I want to be with him the most.  He is my best friend, and I would choose him again and again and again.

Thankful Day 12 - Appliances

I am immensely grateful for the appliances in my home that make my life so much easier.

Thankful Day 11 - Sweet Moments

During church this afternoon, Kristen climbed on to her dad's lap and fell asleep.  This child is not one to take naps anymore, so it was a surprise to hear her heavy breathing.  I am thankful for tender moments and a kind daddy who treasures holding a sleeping child.

Thankful Day 10 - Warm Weather

I am thankful for those days when I don't have to wear a winter jacket or shovel snow.  Today, it is snowing.  Enough said.

Thankful Day 9 - Sunshine

I live in a state that gets sunshine 300 plus days a year.  With all of the windows in my house, I have a wide-open view to enjoy the beautiful sunshine.  I love how it warms my house and lights it up all day long. 

Thankful Day 8 - Work Ethic

This goes along with my post yesterday concerning the garage door.  As I was writing a check for the gentleman who fixed the spring on the garage door, I commented that I appreciated that he came so quickly--and none of this, "We'll be there between 8 am and 5 pm" stuff.  He replied that he knew people need to get out of their garages and if he didn't come promptly customers would find someone else who could be there in a timely fashion.  I appreciated that.  It's similar to the sentiment given by Southwest Airlines as you fly with them, "We know you have other choices; we appreciate that you choose us."

Work ethic in our world today is waning.  Some of our youth, and adults, suffer from the video-game ethic of let me just sit here and play.  My kids complain over Saturday chores, "Other kids don't have chores, Mom."  My response, "Well you do and you always will.  If I teach you nothing else in this world, I will have at least taught you how to work."

Thankful Day 7 - WiFi

Today, more specifically, WiFi on airplanes.  The spring on the garage door broke as Chris left for the airport.  I didn't notice it until I needed to drop Kristen off at school, and the door wouldn't open.  I was able to chat with Chris while he was flying to Arizona.  He found a garage door fix-it place and sent me the number.  The company came out within hours, and the door was fixed.  So nice to have that connection with Chris when I need it.

Thankful Day 6 - Good Health

I take for granted getting out of bed every morning and starting my day without any discomfort or disability.  It is a blessing to have ears that hear, eyes that see, a nose that smells, a taster that works, and hands to touch and feel.

Thankful Day 5 - Water

Water.  Yes.  And Colorado water to boot.  Having traveled around this country a bit, I am always happy to come home to our Colorado water.  I am grateful to have an abundance.

Thankful Day 4 - Answers to Prayers

I am so grateful that answers do come.  There have been times when those answers were given immediately and there are other times when my prayers took years to come to pass.

Thankful Day 3 - Friends

You can't put a price on good friends.  You pick up conversations easily even though you haven't seen each other in awhile.  Life is always better with friends.

Thankful Day 2 - My Children

Today I am thankful for my children.  Here is a list of things they should know and remember.

1.  Give generously.
2.  Remember that just because everyone is doing it, it doesn't necessarily make it right.
3.  Acting dumb is never cute.
4.  Take lots of pictures.
5.  Say "I love you" to the important people in your life every day.
6.  Don't be afraid to try.
7.  Be kind.
8.  Master the art of saying, "I'm sorry."
9.  Make exercise a daily habit.
10.  Listen for answers when you pray.
11.  Make your bed everyday.
12.  Take good care of your skin.
13.  Be beautiful inside and out.
14.  Stop and admire the sunset.
15.  Take walks with the ones you love.
16.  Always write thank you notes.  People love to be acknowledged.
17.  Start your day with prayer.
18.  End your day with prayer.
19.  Be a good listener.
20.  When you speak to others, look them in their eyes.  Try to notice their eye color.
21.  Never text while driving.
22.  Smile.
23.  Hold the door for others.
24.  Simply tell people "thank you" when they give you compliments.
25.  Don't talk on your cell phone when you are in the bathroom.
26.  Plant a garden and watch it grow.
27.  Crunch fall leaves.
28.  Forgive others.
29.  Learn to be calm.
30.  Carry on.
31.  Be wise with your money.
32.  Always pay tithing.
33.  Save money.
34.  Go to church on Sunday.
35.  Have faith.
36.  Stop and watch a sunrise.
37.  Give thanks.
38.  Learn how to play the piano.
39.  Play hymns.
40.  Call your mom and dad.
41.  Keep a journal.
42.  Go to bed early.  Get up early.
43.  Things always go on sale.  Never pay full price.
44.  Do your research when buying expensive items.  Check the reviews.
45.  Fill your gas tank when it goes below half full.
46.  Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
47.  Remember that Santa Claus is a reminder of what it means to give.
48.  Easter is more than hidden Easter eggs.
49.  Brush your teeth twice a day.
50.  Visit the dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning.
51.  Schedule a yearly physical.
52.  Work hard.
53.  Wear sunscreen every day.
54.  Be healthy.  Live a healthy lifestyle.
55.  Stand up for your sisters.
56.  Think before you speak.
57.  Fold laundry as you take it out of the dryer.
58.  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
59.  Go to college.  Finish.
60.  Listen to uplifting music.
61.  Christmas music is okay to listen to all year long.
62.  Get married in the temple.
63.  Never settle.
64.  Celebrate the milestones.
65.  Insist on happiness.
66.  Never carry a balance on a credit card.
67.  Take a risk.
68.  Travel the world. Learn about different cultures.
69.  Make lists.
70.  Sometimes it is okay to ignore your list.
71.  Joy in the feeling of rocking a sleeping baby.
72.  Resist evil.
73.  Stay pure.
74.  If you are at a party and people are drinking, never be afraid to call your parents to come and pick you up.
75.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
76.  Make well-balanced meals.
77.  Hold the door for others.
78.  Vote.
79.  Marry a return missionary.
80.  Be grateful.  If you haven't got all the things you want.  Be grateful for the things you don't have that you don't want!
81.  CTR-Choose the Right.
82.  CTR-Current Temple Recommend.
83.  Recycle
84.  Learn how to fail.  Pick yourself up and keep on going.
85.  Talk to grownups.
86.  Stand up for yourself.
87.  Learn to say "No" when you are feeling overwhelmed.
88.  Don't carry a grudge.
89.  Most people aren't thinking what you think they are thinking.
90.  Have integrity.
91.  Never date a boy whose pants hang low.
92.  Be a good friend.
93.  Life isn't fair.  Be merciful.
94.  Learn to value and respect boys.
95.  Read.
96.  Be optimistic.  Look at the cup as being half full.
97.  Lift others up.
98.  You know you are in love when you can't fall asleep because you know reality is finally far better than your dreams.  Dr. Seuss
99.  Money can't buy happiness.
100.  Treat others with respect.
101.  Dream big.
102.  Be responsible.
103.  Mistakes can open the door to exciting new possibilities.
104.  Exercise can be fun.
105.  Be creative.
106.  Use your imagination.
107.  Never walk alone at night.
108.  Be prepared.
109.  Read the Book of Mormon every day.
110.  Eat cookie dough.
111.  Apologize when you mess up, especially to your children.
112.  Don't whine.
113.  Give hugs.
114.  Be joyful.
115.  Believe in Jesus Christ.
116.  Have faith.
117.  Answers to prayers do come.  They just might not be what you are expecting or when you want them.
118.  Kiss your sweetheart in front of your children. 
119.  Give hugs.
120.  Above all else, family is the most important.

My list began to flourish as I found myself thinking about ideas throughout the day.  If you have any other ideas you think would be good to add, let me know.

Halloween

Though Halloween is not my favorite holiday, my children love it (probably as much as I did when I was their age). Doesn't it seem crazy though to knock on doors expecting to receive candy and treats and actually receiving them? And the costumes? What to wear? Oh, what to wear. This year Kristen wanted to be a bride, but she didn't want to wear the white dress-up dress. Misha to the rescue by offering to let Kristen wear her baptism dress. It fit perfectly and Kristen was thrilled. Amy made Kristen a veil, and I purchased a tiara for her.

When Chris and I went to London, all Misha requested was a guard hat. We repeatedly told her "no" thinking it would be impossible to fit in a suitcase. When we happened upon a fake fur hat in a souvenir shop outside the Tower of London, Chris and I both looked at each other and knew it would be perfect for Misha.

Amy, though we told her she was too old to trick or treat, still wanted to dress up for school. And, truth be told, it was pretty convenient to let her walk around with her sisters while Chris followed in the car. Sadly I didn't get a picture of her Minnie Mouse costume, but it was just as cute as last year.

Thankful Day 1 - My iPad

Today, I am thankful for my iPad.  It was a surprise gift from Christopher last Christmas.  My girls were just as excited to see me open it up as Chris was.  And I have loved it ever since.  I love being connected to my life when I am traveling.  I love the cool apps.  I love playing Words with Friends with Beverly in AZ.  I love being able to Facetime with Chris when he is away.  It is an amazingly awesome electronic device, and I am thankful for it everyday.