Grateful Sunday- October 17, 2010

Time Together:  Our kids had their annual Halloween sleepover with Ginny on Friday night and then my sister Amy or Mimi took them on adventures the entire next day.  It felt like a mini honeymoon.  We went to Zupas of dinner and then walked around the Fashion Place Mall,  watched a flick until late into the night.  Slept in until 10.  Then all the neighborhood kids did our yard work.  We went and saw Red, which was awesome.  Bruce Willis and Helen Mullen are genius.  To top it off we went on a double date with our friends that evening and ate, laughed and talked the night away.  It was an amazing weekend.  Kersten commented that it was nice to be reminded that we like to do things together just the two of us and we still have lots of fun together.  It was so so nice.  Thanks again everyone.

Canadian Thanksgiving:  Either of my parents don't have a lot of parties or dinners anymore.  Yesterday we celebrated Canadian thanksgiving with my Mom and Al.  I love being with my siblings and watching the kids run around like hooligans.  The food was divine and felt like home.  Can't get much better than that. 

New Callings:  I was released from Girls Achievement leader this week and I have the new calling of Young Womens Secretary.  I am excited.  I will really miss my girls.  I was just to the point where I felt I knew them well and could really have lots of fun with them.  I am thrilled to get to know the YW and look forward to this new adventure.

Painting:  I love painting.  I have been painting a bookcase for Sofia's room this week.   It really soothes my soul.  It helps me be at peace with myself.

Grateful Sunday - October 10, 2010

Today I am Grateful for:

Kersten:  I don't know what I would have done without him this last week.  He has been so helpful and patient with me.  He has my back and has helped me every step of the way.  He anchored me down when I went crazy and kept me on the forward path.  He is my match in every way.  So glad he is mine.

Daddy/Daughter Party:  Oh My Goodness.  This event was Saturday night and it was a total success.  It really was just so so so so much fun.  We had a mini prom for the girls ages 8-11 years and their dads.  More details to follow but it was just magical.  I am still on a bit of a high from it all.  I of course forgot my camera in all the details of gettting everything ready.  But the Bishop and 1st counselors took pictures all night they are getting them to me.  I love these girls and I feel like I finally feel like I can help and make a difference to them

Help:   I am blessed to have people in my life who help and support me.  My husband namely and also my brother Nik,  he came to the party and DJ'd the dance.  He is so super fun and crazy that it was perfect.  And Al my stepdad,  he came and took professional pictures of the girls with their dad for their first prom picture together.  My mom made her rolls and helped me gather all the decorations.  And my partner in Girls Achievement Sharon,  we do make a great team.

Weather:  Oh,  glorious Fall.  Cool, crisp mornings and pleasant sunny afternoons.  This world is glorious.  I am so grateful to be here and witness the beauty of this earth. 

Little Hands:  my children have the most beautiful hands.  Sofia's soft chubby little fingers with chipped pink finger nail polish and Noah's longer slender fingers that can do so many things not and look so much more boy now than baby.  I love holding them in mine, rubbing their little knuckles,  feeling their palm flat acros mine.  Having their little fingers play with the tips of my nails.  And the feel of their little hands tickling my arm or legs.  Oh,  I am trying so hard to cherish this time that they are small. 

Grateful Sunday - August 8, 2010

*  Thunderstorms:  We have had a lot of rain and thunder this week.  I have loved listening to the rain and thunder and see the flashes of light from the comfort of my little house. 

*Haircuts-There is nothing like a haircut to make you feel better about everything.  Our entire family had haircuts yesterday and my sister Amy made us look fabulous.  Sofia looks like a completely different girl.  The big reveal will be late tommorrow.  So so grown  up and pretty.  Noah is now ready for school and Kerstens is manageable so he will keep it long longer.  Yippee,  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE his long hair.

* Good Friends -  I am blessed to have many friends that fill my soul and make me a better person.  I  am going to go visit one of my longest and dearest friends later this week.  We are so excited I feel ready to burst.  And I went to a bday party at a friends this week that enriched my heart and made me able to handle the crazy that was the rest of the week.  I really don't know what I would do without good, talented and amazing women in my life

*Busy-  Overall I do like being busy.  I love having things to do and play with my kids.  I am looking forward to Noah starting first grade.  It will add some much needed structure to our days.  One of the side effects at least for me of being over busy is that I get a bit flighty.  No worries, I am working on it. 

I am looking forward to this week.  We have more swimming lessons,  Girls achievement days, a sleepover with Aunt Ginny,  Lunch with Daddy so that Noah can meet his boss (he is really interested so we set it up) and a glorious trip to get ready for and a long drive.   Hooray it is going to be awesome 

Grateful Sunday - March 28, 2010

Today was such a beautiful spring day outside.  It made me want to sing and dance around the yard.  Instead, I ate my lunch on the deck and took pictures of my kids in their Easter clothes.  Since next week is General Conference we are going to watch church in our pajamas.

Neighborhood:  I love being busy and social.  The last two weekends have been jammed packed with fun and friends.  I love it but it sure makes us tired.  With the beautiful weather,  it has been idealic and has given me a taste of what summer will be like in our neighborhood and it makes my heart sing.  Kids playing together on bikes, inventing games and having so much fun.

Family:  Although sometimes it makes for chaos,  I adore living close to our families.  There are so many times I don't know what I would do without them.  I love my parents and my sibs so so much.  And Kersten's family has become so much a part of me and I just love them all.

Noah:  this boy just keeps getting better and better.  His insights and thoughtfulness astound me.  He gave a talk in primary today that brought tears to my eyes and many of the other adults in primary.  He has such unshakeable faith and such confidence when there are things pushing at him that could make it easy for him to fold up.  He talked about how the Saviour asked his disciples to feed his sheep after he was resurrected.  His favorite part of the story was that Jesus made them fish and bread for breakfast.  He has a gift to bring the spirit directly into the room and he was very specific that the things he said in his testimony came from him and not his dad who helped him with his talk.  I am so very blessed to be his mother.  I just can't get enough of this boy.  And this week is spring break so we are going to play a lot this week.  Hooray

Sofia:  my goodness who knew that having a daughter would be this adventurous and fun.  This girl keeps me on my toes in all her two year old glory.  She is my shadow and biggest helper.  She lives life with such enthusiasm and pizazz.  I love that she is always dancing all day long.  She walks on her toes and has started dressing up every day.  One minutes she is playing mommy and the next she has a ship and is shooting the bad guys.  Her laugh is infectious and her grin can melt you.  She is so trouble.  Already she tries to charm her way out of getting into trouble.  She amazes me with all her words and understanding.

Kersten:  my man, he works so hard and just keeps going and won't give up.  I am so grateful for him and the life we have together. I love that we are connecting so much better now and talk to each other about everything.  I love the crook in his shoulder that I fit perfectly into.  I love that he will let me wear his "Muppet" jacket when I am freezing.  He has been so motivated and has been helping a lot.

I love having really pretty dresses for my Sofia.  I take a lot of joy from her desire to dress up and look pretty especially for church.  She literally jumps up and down on Sunday because she gets to wear one of her princess dresses from the closet.  And go to "my class" and "collar Pictures"  of Jesus and play.  I love this dress and just had to show a full length view of it.  It is her favorite too.  Thanks to the people out their who made this dress possible

Grateful Sunday - February 7, 2010

It has sure been way to long since I have done a Grateful Sunday on my blog.  I still feel grateful (most of the time) if I want to be honest. But I see my Heavenly Father blessing my family and me from so many angles that I would be truly ungrateful if I did not start this up again.

Girls Day Out-  I went to lunch and a movie "Dear John"  with my dear friend Kieran on Saturday.  I loved the movie even more than the book.  It ended so much happier so it was much more satisfying. Being with Kieran always lifts me and inspires me to be better.  It fills my cup to push forward.  And I HAVE to see Nicholas Sparks movies with her.  It is a tradition.  Ever since we saw the Notebook together as I sat there crying and lactating all over right after Noah was born.  It was wonderful.  I am so glad she is my friend

Kersten's School-  It seems like it will never end and I appreciate his diligence and perseverence.  He has struggled a bit in his class this semester and was worried about his last test.  Which he aced... way to go Kersten.  Another evidence that the Lord is blessing him and us.  He is in the top 10% of his class and I am so so proud of him

Pal and Monkey- My kids have both attached themselves to a favorite animal.  Noah has had his dog Pal for years now and he is a member of our family and in the last month "Monkey"  is just as important to Sofia.  I love watching my kids play and care for their "pets"  and watching them love something so unconditionally.

My Mom's Job-  Okay this one feels a bit selfish and materialistic.  Since my Mom started working it has been so so fun because I have been able to get some hot fun new clothes at more than killer deals.  And it is just fun to feel fun, spunky, stylish and a bit more like I feel inside instead of just like the usual.  Thanks Mom for looking out.

Projects-  I am now the leader for achievement days in our ward.  And it has inspired me to start doing things again in the realm of creativity.  I have not got my workspace organized and fashioned yet so that has been on the backburner and a part of me was starting to wilt.  It has been fun to have paint on my fingers again, glue on my clothes, pen in my fingernails and wood dust in my hair.  I am indebted to Al for cutting out the wood for me.  I would never have been ready for tommorrow without your help.

Grateful Sunday-Halloween Edition 2009

Happy Halloween from these two adorable children.

A monkey and Good guy Black Spiderman.

Our weekend was fun and full of lots of Halloween parties

This week I am grateful that halloween is over and was a success.

I am the room Mother in Noah's kindergarten class.

I am grateful that the party is over and it was a rousing success.

Noah said the party was so so fun and he liked having me there.

My mom came and saw the parade which was really fun for me.

I love watching the kids march around in their costumes.

We had Halloween bowling and bingo

Tootsie pop ghosts and sparkly pumpkins to paint

Yummy snacks

and a silly story about a witch that loves cats
and gets a job delivering pizzas on her broom.

We went to the Trunk or Treat in our old ward on Friday.

I am Grateful for old friends and ward members and comfortable places.

It was fun that most of Kersten's family came to the trunk or treat.

It was good being together.

Noah loved the play on words of Trunk or Treat.

It made him laugh most of the night.

Kerst was a very manly Captain Rex.  I was a witch and then a hockey fan.

On Halloween day, we went to the annual event at

My Grandma Shep's house of homemade hot chocolate and donuts
I am so grateful for old childhood traditions
that still exist in my life.
I love the comfort, the smell, the never changing
and the same exclamation in her voice about how cute the kids are

And then we went trick or treating in our new neighborhood.

We went about 6 and we were the first trick or treaters at everyones house.

I am Grateful for such a  great neighborhood

there was even one lady who took our picture,

 gave us hot cider and invited us in for chili.

Another family gave us hot scones and
 had a movie playing in their yard on a big screen.

And of course lots and lots of candy

Afterwards we went to "Lena's Done with Chemo: Plus Costumes" Party

Oh,  I am so entirely Grateful  that Lena is done with chemo

And is cancer free as far as they can see.

She has been a pillar of strength through this

I love her and admire her a lot.

It was fun.  We played Beatles Rock Band

Ate lots of yummy food

Saw Nik dressed up like the Joker as a nurse.  A bit freaky I tell ya.

The party was packed which brought my heart joy.

And we came home tired and with a bit of a sugar high

I am grateful for our new callings,  I think

Kersten is a Sunday school teacher and

surprise I am on the Enrichment committee

This seems to be my role in the church.

as the Food specialist.  That in itself is a joke.

Kersten has been teasing and mocking me about it all day

It was a great weekend.  Tiring and fun

We all have a party hangover.

Hope yours was good also

Grateful Sunday- October 18, 2009

Today I am grateful for......

October:  I think that my son has gained a love for the month of October.  He says it all the time.  "mom, it is october."  Not Wiz-tober like on tv.  Overheard in his prayer... "Thank you for October that it is not September.  Please have it be October for a bit more.  It is fun".  I love this month and I am glad to pass that love on to my son.

Fun Neighbors:  We had our neighbors over for lunch today.  We had Regional Conference so we got out a bit early.  The kids had a lot of fun together and the conversation was fun and geniune.  I love our neighborhood and feel so blessed to live here.

The Weather:  The last couple of days has been the most perfect weather.  We have spent a lot of time outside.  Trying to get the house prepared for winter.

Kersten:  He is experiencing his busiest time of year at work.  It has been really nice that he had the last 2 weeks off school.  He begins again tommrow.    He has really been helpful with projects in the house and even stayed calm when he discovered a doozy.  It really has been nice to be with him more even when he had to work late.  Thanks babe,  I love ya

Sofia:  She is so hiliarious and is always surprising me.  She is so full of life and is either really estatic or really upset about life.  She is extreme to the max,  my girl is all girl.  She says big words like "princess" , "Pretty",  and "Fairy".  She has started being really polite and has great manners.  She is my big helper with dishes and laundry.  My little shadow around the house.

Noah:  Lately he has been extremely helpful and he is old enough now that it really is helping.  He sweeps the floor,  helps with dinners,  (he even ate tomatoes because he cut them)  He is growing up so big.  His mind is like a sponge he is learning and growing so much.  I am really cherishing my time with him in the mornings before school,  it won't be that much longer.  Kids really do grow up to fast.

Grateful Sunday - September 13, 2009

Today I am grateful for...

Sunday Talks: Both Kersten and I had to speak in church today. It was a crazy week and I started writing mine at around eleven on Saturday night. I really would rather not procrastinate but that is how it worked this week. It really went way better than I expected and now we don't have to wonder when they will ask us to speak. It is all over with now. I wonder if I shared a bit to much today about my real self but it seemed to go over well. I guess we will see.

The Savior: Our talks were on pg 86 of the conference issue which was Jeffery R Holland's talk titled "None Were With Him" speaking about the time right before our Savior died and how he was utterly alone in all ways during his deepest anguish. I am grateful that my Savior loves me and that he suffered for our salvation. And that he loved us so much that he made it possible for us to live again. As with most talks and assignments this was mostly for my spiritual well being more than any one else.

bestest friends: I am blessed with amazing friends. This week my spirits were liften more than once by my friends dearest to my heart. I love these women. Thanks for being you and for always being there. Our lesson in Relief Society today was on how to be a good friend and the entire time I thought of you. And you know who you are. Love you guys

New Friends: We were invited to dinner by a cute family in our neighborhood tonight. It was a lovely and pleasant evening. I hope another one happens soon. The kids played well together, the food was good, the conversation was not stilted. It was just wonderful. Another affirmation that we are where we are suppose to be.

Our Country: With the anniversary of 9/11 just passing. I contemplated how wonderful it is to live with so many freedoms and abundance. I am proud to live here and be a part of this great land that was based on sound ideas and a desire to be a democracy and have equal rights for all.

Grateful Sunday - August 23, 2009

It has been a very long while since I have done a grateful Sunday post. It does not mean I have not been grateful just preoccupied, busy, thoughtful, and a bit harried. I recently had a very needed validation from a good friend. She said to me "Laurie, since you had to move out of your house, you constantly have had one thing after another. Literally you have not had a break or many quiet moments" It was nice to have my thoughts confirmed. So here is what I am grateful for...

My Husband: He is such a hard worker. He has been invaluable in helping get our house together. He works and goes to school full time and still spends quality time with all of us. And a little over a week ago fractured two of his ribs and then on friday cut off the top of his right hand ring finger. He is in considerable pain. And in spite of this today he played with and cared for our children so that I could take a much needed nap to fight away another migraine. He is such a support to me.

Temples: Over the weekend they have had numerous dedications to the new temple in our area The Oquirrh Mountain Utah temple. I have been contemplating a lot about the ordinances and covenants we make in the temple. I am overwhelmed with the beauty and promises made there. I am so blessed to have so very many temples within such close driving distance. It has reaffirmed my commitment to go more often and to take advantage of the blessings of the temple.

My Cute House: Over the last two weeks and some I am so reassured and felt so at peace that we are where we are suppose to me. A day does not go by that not one of us says how much we love our house. Although it does not have all the things I thought I wanted it has what we need. The ward is so amazing and friendly. There are kids close by and the beauty of the mountains surround me. I just love it here so far.

Noah: This boy brings so much joy and wonder to our family. He teaches me everyday about how to interact and be more patient with other people. His imagination is incredible. We have new adventures everyday. I still can't believe he starts Kindergarten in a week. He is being so brave. He is so generous with his love and hugs and kisses at least with me and "His" baby. He really is an amazing big brother and genuinely loves and teaches his sister new things everyday. I am a very lucky mother.

Sofia: This girl is a complete and absolute delight. She has such a contagious laugh and takes such delight from everything around her. She is constantly talking and is all over the place. She lives life with gusto and passion. Nothing get by her, she sees and wants to do everything. She is my constant shadow, helping with dishes, laundry and unpacking. Her favorite person is her "Bother Row-ra" she laughs and tickles him every morning to wake him up. I love my time with her in the morning before Noah wakes up, she snuggles and laughs and talks in her gibberish. It is precious. I just love this little girl with all her spunk and tenacity.

Grateful Sunday 4-12-09

Happy Easter!

After such an emotional and trying week I have so very many things to be extremely grateful for this beautiful Easter Sunday.

Love - It is almost overwhelming to comprehend the love we have felt this week. It is a amazing reminder of not just our Heavenly Father's love but how much the people in our lives love us. The reminder has been nice. I think I have cried this week more than I have in years. I don't even know how to express it to the magnitude I have felt it.

Easter -  This is one of my absolute favorite holidays.  I know that Jesus died for us and he is risen.  The sacrifice he made so that we can return to our Heavenly Father is just to magnificent to take in.  I have loved talking about our Saviour with my children.  His love surrounds us.  The festivities are a bit more low key and the beautiful dresses and clothes,  the promise of spring and the beauty around me, have filled my soul.

Doughnut day-  Today is doughnut day.  Every day for 18 years I have gone and eaten a doughnut today. A doughnut was the last thing I ate before I went to the doctor. This is the day I learned that I had type 1 diabetes.   It has changed, shaped, molded and made my life so much different, richer and beautiful than I could have imagined at 14.    It has made me more aware of my blessings and the beauty of my life.  And since I cannot change it,  I might as well try to learn what I can from it. 

Moving- Okay so to be honest I am not entirely thrilled with the prospect of this move.  It has stretch me beyond my normal limits for sanity.  The timing is  just so wrong.  But it has really shown me how much my Heavenly Father loves my little family.  Blessings have been raining on our souls.  So many generous friends and family have come forward with offers of help and ideas.  We believe we have found a solution to our temporary housing problem that will be loads of fun, a bit stressful and an amazing oppurtunity.  Thank  you to everyone who has talked with me, comforted  us and all the support you have given us.  

My Grandma Blanche "Billie"-  If anyone frequents my blog they should know how much I admire and love my grandmother.  We were at a bridal shower yesterday for my cousin Liliana and she had a bad fall.  It was really scary.  It really made me grateful for her strength, elegance and ability to love everyone. And the amazing example she has been to me in my life.   I am so grateful for my Aunt Sharon who lives and cares for her.  It was evident that she knew what to do and what to say to help and comfort my grandma.  That peace of mind is very comforting.  

Noah-  I just love his curious mind and nature.  He has to know the "why" to everything now.  It is nice that he is old enough now to explain what is going on and the reasons behind it.  We have made him a part of the decisions and he loves to give his opinions.  At speech therapy on friday he worked the hardest he ever has in a session and is making such huge strides.  He searches me out now and asks me just to be with him.  How can I say no to such a sweet request.  

Sofia-  She is so cuddly lately and I relish in her sweetness and her little body.  She loves to give kisses to everyone and tries to get us to kiss each other after we have smothered her with kisses.  She is so beautiful and a delight to have in our family.  And of course with her Easter candy she has eaten more than her brother this morning.  

Grateful Sunday 2-8-09

First Steps:  Sofia took her first two steps in a row on friday Feb 6.  I was confiscating the crayons and she took two steps to reach them.  Kersten and I started clapping and she loved it and clapped with us for a good couple of minutes.  She repeated the event on Saturday.  Even more trouble is coming with a big walking girl like her.  

Red filing cabinets:  I got this old file cabinet from my mom and last weekend I spray painted it RED.  Oh,  it is so much prettier now.  It makes me smile just to look at it.  Although, it caused a lot of grief in the process, it really is lovely.  

Good friends:  We have had a busy weekend with some friends.  Ben and Shaunelle came up from Provo and hung out with us most of yesterday.  It was fun to see that Jaimason and Noah still play well together.  They are moving to TX in June so I am glad we got to play some before they leave.  Also, there was a surprise b-day party for my old next door neighbor.  It felt so good to catch up with friends at an adults only party.  They even hired babysitters for all the kids, so Noah felt like he had a party too.  He did tell us there are no bad guys at their house so he got a bit bored.  Silly boy

Healing:  a week ago Wednesday Sofia burned her hands pretty severely on the oven door.  The blisters were so sad and she cried for a solid 3 hours afterwards.  Her hands are looking so much better.  I am so grateful that our bodies can heal themselves and that she can still move them around and that they were not more severe.  

Moods:  The last couple of weeks have been quite emotional.  Kersten and I have both been extremely busy and haven't seen each other for more than a couple minutes. I have struggled keeping it all together and at a reasonable level of saneness.  I feel a surge of energy and drive to do what needs to happen.  My kids seem to be getting into a good groove .  That pic I took earlier today is so hilarious with those big grins.  I could just eat them they are so tasty and cute.It is nice and I am so proud and happy that Kersten's job is secure as it can be right now and that he is working so hard in school.   I really did catch a good one

Grateful Sunday 1-25-08

Healthy kids:  It finally seems after a bit more than two weeks that my kids are on the mend.  Between all the crazy stuff that keeps coming on top of each other.  I am hoping the end is in sight and here.  

Fabulous Pediatrician:  I can't say enough how much I love my kids doctor.   I feel indebted to Kieran for  helping me get into her when Noah was a baby.  She is so bright and really cares and takes time to talk with us.  She has calmed our minds so much.

Productive weekends:  Kersten and I got so much accomplished this weekend.  It felt really fabulous and I just love working side by side with my husband.  It was like a dance and at the end of yesterday we both were very pleased with what we had done.  Thanks honey for working so hard with me.  

My kids:  Even though they have been sick,  they have been so funny and joyful.  Noah's imagination is so expansive that It is so fun living in his world.  His words are better so I can understand a bit more of what is going on in his head.  Sofia is so full  curiosity and mischief. She makes us all laugh and go crazy all at once.  So funny

  

Grateful Sunday 12-21-08

A Very Busy Fun Weekend:  To hear more read the last three posts.  We also went to Bonzai on Friday night for dinner, which was delicious.  It was a fun and tiring weekend.  Would not have it any other way.  

My Grandmas:  I visited both my Grandmas today with my two kids.  I love going into their homes.  It reminds me when I was young and all the memories there are sweet.  I love these women.  I am very blessed.

Noah:   Even in the last three months he is just excelling in everything.  It is like he finally gets so many things we have been working on.  His speech is a bit better,  he is trying and gets more frustrated when we don't get it.  We do get it more than we used to also.  He has been pooping in the potty for almost 2 weeks and now wears his big boy underwears to bed.  Tonight it will be 5 nights in a row.  Hooray, save $ no more pull ups.  He is so joyful and helpful.  He comes up with so many fun ideas and he is starting to get a sense of humor and tries to tell jokes.  I just love him.  

Christmas Tree Twinkle Lights:  I was nursing Sofia before bed the other night and my heart leaped back a year.  And I have come full circle.  Last year I started feeding my daughter under the glow of the Christmas tree and now a year later the magic is still there.  It was a sweet moment with my baby,  who is my last. (sniff sniff).  I love the way that Christmas lights put a magic glow around the room.  I remember playing house underneath our Tree as a child and I still play house under my tree now.  

Grateful Sunday 11-16-08

Fall Weather:   Oh, today is blissful outside.  As my little family walked to church this morning in our Sunday attire and Sofia in her fur coat.  The sky was clear, the air was brisk,  the smell of the changing leaves permeated the air and I  was overcome with the  beauty of the day and of my sweet family.  

Noah' s Imagination:  This boy has such a huge imagination.  especially if it pertains to Star Wars.  On our walk to church he was tracking Count Dooku's footprints to make sure he did not get into the church.  It is a good thing he keeps us so safe from the bad guys.  He even discusses with his bad guy toys how to make better choices so that they turn into good guys.  I marvel at his inventivness and his desire and ability to make things fresh and beautiful all around us.  I am grateful I get to be in his world and play there with him

Creative Days:  this week I was lucky enough to go to Kieran's house almost the whole day.  I LOVE being with her.  We talked and worked on Modpodgeing letters for Sofia's name to hang in their room.  It felt so fabulous creating something beautiful and something I have been planning in my head since she was born.  I am so lucky that I have a friend that fills this part of me. 

Kersten's help:  My husband  has really stepped it up the last couple of weeks helping me with household chores.  Every night he has spent hours folding laundry, doing dishes, bathing children or vacuming.  It really has lightened my load and I feel so much more centered.  He is the best.  

Grateful Sunday 10-19-08

Naps:   I had a nap yesterday and today.  Does that just sound so very lovely?  It is heaven I tell you

Time off school:  Noah did not have school on thursday or friday.  We had an impromptu sleepover with Kristin and Spencer on Wednesday night and went to the zoo with the Humphries on Thursday.  Oh, we had fun and it was nice not to have to rush out first thing in the morning.  

Lovely Weather:  the last couple of days has been my favorite weather.  It is fall.  The sun is warm and there is a bit of crisp in the air.  I worked in the garden this week and went on lots of walks.   I am noticing the beauty around me and How intricate and creative Heavenly Father is and was when he created this world.  

Bills: I had to pay bills friday. As usual it was a bit overwhelming and sad but then I realized that hey, at least we can pay all our bills. We have not always been able to do that.

Daddy Time:  My kids just crack up when Kersten is around.  The both flock to  him and reach for him when he is home.  They jump up and down when he arrives home from work.  At this moment,  I hear Sofia's laugh as Dad and Noah make silly noises at her.  There is no better sound in the whole world.  

Grateful Sunday 10-11-08

• Kersten-  I just feel so lucky that I am married to this great man.  I am so proud of him for changing and for trying so hard to be a better man.  Life is so much sweeter with him in it.  I really do just love being with him, talking with him, parenting with him and even working with him.  

• Noah-  He is making so many good choices lately.  He is so helpful lately and hasn't complained when I have asked him to do something.  He just adores Sofia and helps her all day and seems to love doing it.  You can't ask for more than that.  

• Sofia- She is growing up way to fast.  Her personality is just delightful.  She laughs so much and is so curious.  She learned to climb up stairs this week.  Noah was cheering and clapping the whole time.  I am so glad that I have a daughter and what a fun girl she is. 

• Modern Conviences- I just love machines like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, computers, tv's and lamps.  I am just really marveling at them this week.

• Weather-  It has gotten colder really fast.  It even snowed today.  We have been cuddly.  It si not so blazing hot anymore,  I am loving this weather.  Fall is my favorite and it is starting to look a bit like fall

Grateful Sunday 9-14-08

Kersten: I had a glorious weekend, although Friday was one of my most frustrating mom day so far.  I was tapped out to the max and a bit sad, for I was suppose to go to my family cabin for the weekend.  And a bit relieved that I could stop packing. My sweet husband came home with some Gerber daisies,  new cordless phones and an order to get out of the house.  Oh sweet bliss.  I ended up reading my book in the car in a parking lot,  eating a cheeseburger.  But it was heaven with no other distractions around.  I came home happy to kiss my kids goodnight.  I also got a nap yesterday morning.  Kersten totally out did himself this weekend.  I am so spoiled.

Flight: I am also going to go visit my best friend, Carrie in a couple of weeks.  And early b-day present.  I am giddy and so excited to see her and spend 6 days with her.  :D  I really am so spoiled.  Sofia and I are going to have the best time.  Kersten even arranged the babysitting for Noah.  

Lagoon:  We went to Lagoon yesterday.  We got tickets for a third of the price. Kersten's brother Jason and Verity came also.  They were so patient with our restrictions with our kids.  Noah's favorite ride was the spaceships with the guns.  We took turns with the kiddos and went on the new ride Wicked and the spider.  We had a fun family day.  We came home tired and happy.     It was a lovely day.  I am so glad we went.

Talking:   We had such fun coversations with some of our siblings and their spouses.  Emilee and Gearold surprised us on Friday night and talked late into the night.  They brought pie and we just chatted until the wee hours of the morning.  So fun.  After we went to Lagoon we just sat and talked with Jason and Verity until late.  It was just so lovely to connect with family on a personal level.  Loved it.

Grateful Sunday 9-7-08

This week I am grateful for so many thing:

Weekend:  We had such a fun weekend.  It started on thursday where we went to the Utah State Fair.  On Friday we were going to go camping,  traffic was at a standstill so we went up Sat morn and spend the day on The Land, which was gorgeous.  I love being up there .  ( i will post later about the specifics of these events)

Noah: Or as he corrects you every time, his name is Anakin. He is working so hard right now on his words. Really, he is doing well. He is so snuggling and joyful most of the time. He wants to be good. And if you remind him of the reasons to calm down and be good. He works hard to do that. It is nice to see a bit of a silver lining with him.  

School:  I went to Noah's preschool orientation on thursday.  His new teacher Miss Amber is so enthusiastic and young.  She sounds very creative and organized.  Which will be fabulous.  I also started searching out all the options this week for Noah's education in the elementary years.  I feel like the Lord is opening doors and showing me where to go and look.  I want him to have what he needs to succeed even if he can't talk perfectly until high school (it could happen).  I am really excited and hopeful.

My Sweet Family:  Right now, I have been concentrating on just enjoying my children and my husband.  They kids are at such fun ages.  With Noah going back to school this week, there will not be as frequent quiet moments with all of us.  

Kersten's New Calling:  he grew himself into his calling as the bishop said.  He grew his beard, hoping to inspire no callings.  He is a ward missionary.  Which he is excited about and just right for him right now, with his work and school.  It is fun to see him excited about it.

Grateful Sunday 8-10-08

Today I am grateful for:

Staying Home:  this week I have really been contemplating how blessed I feel that I get to be home with my sweet children.  It is not easy and there are so many emotions connected with it.  But I really am so grateful that I get to be here with my children and they grow and learn.

Kersten's Job:  He has had to travel a bit the last couple of months and it always is so good to have him come home.  He is still excited about his work and comes home happy most days from work.  It think it challenges him just enough.  This makes me so glad for it is miserable when you don't enjoy what you do.  

Quiet Moments:  We had such a busy July that it has been really splendid just to stay home most of the time.  All of us have needed a bit of recuperation time.  It is nice to have a bit of time before school starts and open enrollment at work for Kersten.  

Missionaries: We had the missionaries over for dinner on friday night.  They both were such nice young men that you could tell were on their missions for the right reasons.  It got me thinking about all the people I know and love that have been on missions.  And also the time when Kersten was serving and I was writing him.   It has built my testimony and my faith in the gospel contemplating what they do and who they serve.  I have really been built up thinking about it this week.  

Olympics:  I loved watching the amazing opening ceremony to the Olympics in Beijing, China.  Looking forward to all of the events.

Good Friends:  I don't know what I would do in my life without some of my friends.  They really stretch me and make me want to learn and grow and be a better person.  It is also nice to realize that your friends need you maybe just as much as you need them.  That you can all laugh and have a good time just being together.  

Two Reasons....

....that Kersten Had a fabulous, fun, relaxing, amazing and full of surprises Father's Day!

He really is one very lucky guy. Can you believe the smile on that girl? And the mischief in that boys eyes?

This really is my most precious gift, I am grateful for them and the man that is their Daddy