Day 23

Peace and Quiet.
I am grateful for the rare moments of peace and quiet. It is refreshing to my mind, body and soul! I remember thinking as a kid, "I wish we didn't have to sleep, and could just play all day/night long!" I'm so grateful for a wise and loving Heavenly father that makes sure all of us, especially the kids need to get some SLEEP!! I'm really grateful when my sleep is restful and peaceful too!

Day 22

Technology.
I am pretty grateful for all the "things" in my life that make my life easier.
Dishwasher, microwave, laptop, camera, cell phone, my car, garage door opener etc.

Day 21

Birthdays.
I'm grateful we get to celebrate once a year how special everyone is. I love showering people especially my family with love and attention. Doing fun special things to make it a memorable day is just soo fun. All we did this year for Ryan's birthday was decorate the breakfast table and had a pancake breakfast, birthday style, with hats streamers and blowers. The went to the hospital to meet daddy for lunch. Ryan wore his "it's my birthday" hat so everywhere we went people wished him a happy birthday too. Then that evening we went to the fire station in town and had a Thanksgiving dinner with half of our town and one friend of mine got the whole fire house full of people to sing happy birthday to him!! It was awesome. Making memories to last a life time!!
Then that weekend we went to the movies and let him bring a friend, and on Saturday we went to a children's museum with another special friend there too! Daddy had to work, so he missed out on all of that but he took Ryan all by himself to the movies tonight and they had a blast.

Day 20

Potty training is over.
I'm very grateful to have a diaper-free house, for the moment. I'm so thankful to not have to have multiples in diapers and I'm sure my trash man really appreciates too!!

Day 19

Prayers.
I am grateful for prayers. I am grateful to know that my Father in Heaven knows me and loves me and cares for me as an individual. He knows me best and knows what is best for me, and therefore not all of my prayers are answered when asked. example...I remembering praying for Joe to find the right job, but would also include in that prayer to be in the area local enough for us to stay near current family and friends. I was being selfish in my request not wanting the added stress of uprooting my family and to remain in the current comforts I had felt. Well as time went on and my prayers were not answered, my prayers changed and my plea became stronger. however i would start to lessen my specific geographical requests and just would pray for Joe to find the right job. Well sure enough, THAT prayer was answered. We truly believe that He led us hear and had His hand in all of this. We feel good about the move, as difficult as it was to leave, it has been an adventure and a wonderful blessing. I'm grateful that He knows what is best for us and allows us to have experiences and trials that will humble us and strengthen us to become better sons and daughters of Him.

I also love the sweet prayers my children give. Renee will often say that she is thankful for Heavenly Father and Jesus, and Ryan will always pray at night that there will be no monsters under his bed. I wonder if it brings Him joy and makes Him giggle a little to hear his sweet children say such innocent and silly prayers.

Day 18

Living near Family
We have ALWAYS lived near family, however it has usually been my side of the family for the first 10 years of our marriage. We lived driving distance from my grandparents and Joe's mom, sister a few Uncles, and cousins for some of that time as well. We lived in the same town or neighboring towns to my mom, brother and sister and law in both California and Arizona. It was nice having family that close. We are missing that kind of closeness to family, but grateful we are a few hours away from Joe's family now. Family that we haven't lived near ever. Joe's dad and step mom, most of his aunts and uncles, and his surrogate mom and some friends too. Joe's dad and step mom were able to come out and enjoy the Thanksgiving dinner I made tonight and helped us celebrate Ryan's birthday. It was great having family here and being near family. this move would of been a lot harder if we didn't have any family close by. It makes it feel like home with family around.

Day 17

Dinner Success!!
It is a great thing when you make a dinner and everyone loves it! Tonight was that night. And I didn't think my kids would like turkey, they haven't in the past, so I was a little concerned, but went ahead with Tradition anyways. It was the best turkey I've ever made and it wasn't stressful! Double bonus. I carefully thought out and planned every detail, since I only have one refrigerator to work with and started 3 days ahead with preparations. I grocery shopped and made my to do list and menu on Thursday, also washed the China we would use.And brined the turkey that night. Friday I made the Pies, deviled eggs, veggie tray, Jello Salad and dinner rolls. (which didn't turn out that time so I'm glad I made them ahead of time!) Then Saturday, I mopped the floor, decorated the table, made more rolls, put the turkey in the oven, the made the last minute dishes...cream corn, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and gravy. We had a feast and it was all DELICIOUS!! Everyone sat and enjoyed a wonderful meal and to that I am very grateful!

Day 16

Teachers.
Teachers are amazing. Their love and devotion to the children and learning is something I always admire. My kids have had the privilege of being taught by some fantastic teachers at school and church. They all have helped raise my kids in a way and helped them on this journey of life and to that I am so grateful. My kids had the BEST preschool teacher ever, Mrs Amy. She was amazing, truly. She was a blessing in my life as well as my kids. She taught them so much, loved them immensely, even the twins, and had nothing but patience and adoration for the children. She had a special bond and love for my kids that I will always be grateful for.
Ryan had an amazing experience his first year of Kindergarten. Mr Lance and Mrs Cynthia were also amazing. They taught him so much, he grew so much that year and I know they loved him and also had a special bond with him as well. Maybe the scare of having a seizure right in front of them had something to solidify that, but I knew they loved him before. That was a year of a lot of growth for him and to that I owe a lot to his 2 amazing teachers. I would go and volunteer often and would always walk away amazed at what teachers do, and also thankful that I was not one! It definitely takes a special someone!
This year my kids again have amazing teachers. The girls have the privilege of attending preschool and LOVE their teacher. She is pregnant too and will go on maternity leave soon, and that makes me sad and nervous all at the same time.The girls don't do well with change when it has to do with their teachers. They always put up a battle or test them a bit. :-(
Ryan has one of the MOST talented, and loving Kindergarten teachers I have ever met this year. She is amazing and her room is more than amazing. Decorated from wall to wall, ceiling to floor with educational kid stuff. Ryan is having a blast and has some great friends in his class. I'm really glad we made the decision to keep him in Kindergarten.
Teachers are amazing!! Thank you for all you do! !

Day 15

Help.
Specifically when I get help from my husband with bedtime. Oh that is such a relief and help. Sometimes by the end of the day I'm so exhausted that my patience can be less than what i would hope for. And with Joe's help, it makes the daunting task of bedtime so much more enjoyable. He makes the kids laugh and has energy that I no longer do. And seeing those precious moments shared between the kids and their father is a cherish moment for me. He doesn't realize what a Hero he is to me at that point and I truly am grateful for him and his help.

Day 14

A good deal.
I am a sucker for a bargain and a good deal. I buy most of my things second hand at garage sales or thrift stores and love the feeling of getting a good deal. I love using coupons and hate paying full price for things. The best things in life truly are those things that are free. And usually aren't "things" but when they are things and free..bonus! I'm glad my kids are thrilled with the treasures I find at garage sales and don't need new things.

Day 13

Relief Society.
This is an organization within my church comprised of all the women. It is a wonderful way to educate one another, learn from each other, and lift each other up. It was really an inspired program and I feel grateful to be apart of it. I love being able to socialize with other sisters and moms once a month, having my sweet husband put the kids to bed for me and have a little night off. I love being inspired to do new things, be better at something or just come home feeling uplifted in some way. The church is true!

Day 12

Jobs.
I'm grateful for jobs. That provide a way for us earn a living for our family. For the experience it has brought us, the friends and relationships that were developed from them and for the growth and development within us. I'm grateful to of learned a skill that I love, being able to help others, serve them and care for them in their special time of birthing their precious babies. And so grateful to be home with my precious babies now as my husband has accomplished his goal and dream and now finally has a job and can provide for his family. :-)

Day 11

Veterans.
I'm grateful to all those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces to help protect our great nation. (My 2 brothers Brian and David, cousin Rory and good friend Brett) It was a privilege and honor (and challenge) to be one of those few . I would not go back in now, but I would not change my past. I had a great experience and feel a great sense of pride for our country and for those who were brave and were sent to fight in war and for those who actually sacrificed their lives by going to war. I did not have that opportunity, and am able to still be here today with my wonderful husband, who also served and joined at the same time as me and the Lord so graciously had our paths cross.
This video was sent to me and is worth the watch!
Thank you again to all those who have or are serving our country!!
Let Freedom Ring!!

Day 10

Micorwaves.
I love to cook, but there is no time to do it everyday. And because of that I love having leftovers and being able to heat up dinner quickly with my handy dandy microwave. I use it almost on a daily basis sometimes for breakfast, lunch or dinners. It is just a wonderful thing and I'm grateful for modern technology.

Day 9

Phones.
Yes as a girl I'm very grateful for phones. Because of the phone it keeps me connected with friends and family that I cannot be near. It helps continue to maintain or help to continue to build stronger relationships with the power of communication. I feel close to those I wish I was near and it brightens my day when my phone rings and someone is calling because they were thinking of me! I love being able to be in contact and communication with my husband via texting while he is at work if we need each other. And texting is a great way to send little "I'm thinking of you" notes without interrupting someones day with a full on conversation or bothering them while at work or heaven forbid...waking them up!! ;-) It allows me to have company while I do the dishes or fold my laundry. And because of the phone I feel close to my sister in laws, especially Megan, Becca and Kendra. Kendra who once was an arch enemy is now one of my closest friends! :-) All because of the phone. I love feeling close to people and having that love and those relationships grow, so that is why I am grateful for PHONES.

Day 8

I am grateful for school. That Joe and I are done with school (finally!!) and that the kids are now going and enjoying their learning process. I'm grateful for the skills and degrees that we have earned to allow us to have jobs that we love and enjoy. I'm grateful for the wonderful teachers that teach my kids, and have taught my kids in years past. They all are special people with a true gift and talent. Their love for teaching and for my children was always amazing to me and awe inspiring. I love that a school bus comes to pick up the girls for their school program and that they run with delight to get on it. I really love that the school has written a grant so they can provide preschool for free. A Huge blessing with twins!! I love that they are growing and maturing, thank goodness! And that Ryan is doing so well in school too. And I LOVE that I get some time in the afternoons to rest my body and take a nap! Thank you school!

Day 7

I am soooooooooooooo grateful that I am NOT a single mom!! I love having a husband to help with the kids, play with them and discipline them too. My heart and hat goes out to all those "single moms" whether they are just without their husband for a time or really always doing this on their own. God Bless them!! Having to be alone just for a weekend, makes me really grateful to be married to the father of my children. And what a wonderful father he is!!

Today

Today managed to be a good day. I wasn't sure how it would go, since this was the first weekend that Joe is working (for me at least) The kids woke up happy, after they got out the morning sneezes and coughed up the junk from the night, they were healthy and fine to start the day. I'm grateful for that, because I don't like having sick kids!!
I ended up getting a last minute reminder about a church meeting I had this morning, and I was able to quickly find a sitter so I could go. The girl next door! yay! I went to the meeting and the kids stayed home with a babysitter and had a good time. came home to a cleaner than I left it house and happy kids!! Here's a tip for you!! They had been fed and ready to have more fun with momma. We planned to take a trip to the "fudge shop" by riding bikes and me pushing the stroller with the girls. Ryan is really good at bike riding now so it makes it great. I bundled up the kids in hats and gloves and blankets on the girls and off we went. It was nice out, just a little chill in the air (55 degrees) but with the sun shining and with he effort of exercising we warmed up nicely. We made it to the fudge shop, got some chocolate dipped pretzels and went outside to eat them on the temple grounds. The kids always like to sing the song "I love to see the Temple" whenever we go by, it's really cute. We rode around the grass on the opposite side of the street from the temple for a bit and then headed back home in time to greet daddy home from work.
We had an invite for dinner at a neighbors house and had a wonderful dinner and time visiting and getting to know them. I'm really liking the small town life, so far.
Home again to put the kids in bed, blog a bit, and now off to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with my hubby! Good night! xoxo

Day 6

I'm also grateful for all of my family. For my mom and dad and their spouses that complement them so well. I'm glad they are happy. I'm grateful that my mom is such a wonderful friend and help to me and a wonderful grandma to my kids. I'm grateful that I have my grandparents still here with me on earth, they are an added blessing to my life and love to my children. I'm grateful for all of my brothers, and their wives. And Joe's sister and husband too. I love having "sisters" now. And I love them all. I'm grateful to have a relationship with each of them, they are my dearest friends. I'm grateful for Joe's family as well. To have a wonderful mother in law is a great blessing! Well I have 3 mother in laws really and they are all terrific! And I love them all. I'm glad that we are near family even still, and I look forward to getting to know them better and sharing love with them with our closeness. I"m also grateful that my children know and love their cousins. Some they just met, and they are meeting new "2nd" cousins here, and they love them all and are making great friends and memories with them. Families are wonderful and Families are Forever!

Day 5

I'm grateful for a good pregnancy (knock on wood!!) besides being really sick the first 6 weeks, ever since it has passed I have felt good. I'm soooooo grateful that the nausea has passed!! I hope that it continues to go well so I can keep it on my grateful list! I'm excited to find out what we are having here at the end of the month!! I had a dream that they told me it was a boy, but maybe I'm just getting my hopes up too much! Regardless, I hope to have a HAPPY and HEALTHY baby!

Day 4

I'm grateful for good weather. I have really enjoyed the nice weather that we have had here since we moved in. It's been a nice change from the HOT HOT heat of the desert. Having seasons is new for me and so far I really like it! (Maybe becuase we haven't gotten into winter yet!) I've loved being outdoors especially and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. I took the kids on a bike ride today (with hats and gloves on) and we really had a good time. I love being outdoors. I think that is what I'm most anxious about the winter months is being cold and being stuck indoors. But its just a season, and too will pass!

Day 3

I'm also grateful for food. Yes food. Especially good food, good tasting food but also food that is good for you. I love when produce is fresh and ripe and in season. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has created so many wonderful flavors and foods to eat.

I especially love it when the food has been prepared for me, (I don't have to clean up after preparing the food) :-) and or I have people with me to enjoy it too!

Day 2

Next has to be my family. My wonderful husband, who helps me with the kids, does laundry, takes out the trash, gives me a back rub when I've had a hard day, worked so hard to get through school so he could provide a good living for his family, for honoring his priesthood and loving the gospel, helping me raise our kids righteously, for not leaving me when the going got tough, or letting me leave him! For being patient with me, for being silly and kind to me and the kids, for making us all laugh.

Ryan- for being a wonderful son. Truly a mini me of Joe. Not only a spitting image of his father, but is silly, kind and smart like him too. I'm grateful for the way he listens to me (most of the time) and will say "alright" and be obedient even though you know as a kid he would rather not. For being kind and caring to his baby sister, for making them and all of us laugh with your silliness.

Kaylee- For being an amazing miracle. I'm in awe of the fact that there are 2 of you even still to this day! I love when you get along with your sister and play nicely, oh how I'm grateful for those moments! I'm grateful that she learned how to use the potty finally! I'm grateful that she is growing and learning everyday at home and at school. I'm grateful for her fun, silliness and kindness she shows towards others.

Renee- Again, an amazing miracle being a twin. When she is kind to her sister, cares for her when she is hurt, or waits for her and holds her hand to get on the bus together. I'm grateful for the quiet moments we spend together as she likes to be more still than the other two and be closer to home and with mommy more. She is getting to be a good helper with chores and that makes me grateful too!

Day 1

I would like to challenge myself to writing all about what I'm grateful for this month while preparing for Thanksgiving. I've seen several other blogging friends do this, and I have been inspired to do so now too.

I of course have to start by saying I'm grateful for my loving Father in Heaven. I am grateful to know that He loves me, He knows me as He does each and everyone of us. I am grateful that He was willing to send His only begotten son to earth to live and die for us so that we may all have the opportunity to repent and return to live again with Him in His kingdom.

I am glad that I know that I have a Father in Heaven who loves us and wants us to return to live with Him again someday.