The Christmas Spirit

So my idea of "capturing the season" didn't really pan out - We've been too busy

• dancing
• singing
• driving
• shoveling
• wrapping
• sewing
• creating
• sneaking
• scheduling
• baking
• snuggling
• drinking cocoa
• looking at lights

The kids have been busy making homemade gifts and I've loved it  - it's given them a differnt focus this year.
 Have a wonderful Christmas!

The Christmas Spirit

Gleaming

The primary children were the inspiration behind today's post.  Isn't Gleaming a great word?

carol of the bells

christmas trees

Nothing quite like those first nights after the tree is up.

unplanned moments

bright

As I have been slowing putting up my Christmas decorations - little by little (and being okay with it) instead of making a huge mess and staying up too late or too early to get it done, I've been thinking about the meaning behind them - specifically the lights. Light remind me of hope. They're bright, cheery, and just make everything look a little more festive. The first night I get my tree up I have this urge to just make a cup of hot chocolate, grab a blanket, and stay there all night. It just make you feel good.

Day 30... and a new challenge

30 days of gratitude.

Although there are so many things to be grateful for it is hard to make yourself sit down every night and express them. And to be something new each day.

Today I an grateful simply for the fact that I did this. I has prepared me for the holidays in a way that I hope helps me as we try to change our perspective of and approach of this season.

Somehow I want to continue that momentum so I have given myself a new challenge. Over the course of the year as I have learned a little (a very little) about photography I have noticed that seeing things through the camera often makes me look at them differently. When I combine that with the little bit I have learned about photo shop and my continued fascination with word art, I am finding that I can take something ordinary and make it special.

My challenge for this Christmas season is to capture the season... through photos, textures, word art, etc. Something that I see each day that maybe I can see again through a new perspective.

Capturing the season, and finding the beauty each day. Here's to December.

connections

Because of the joys of retail, Tim works long hours and sometimes the opposite of when we are home. I don't text a lot and while I'm faster than I used to be, I am still a snail by today's teen standards.

I love having a small little way to stay connected with Tim when we are apart. I love knowing that I can send a quick note and when he has a chance he'll respond.

Most of all I love the little excited feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I get a text from him.

Especially one designed to make me smile.

headache anyone?

Today my gratitude is truly a frivolous one. As my kids get older I have tried to set a good example and not drink my favorite beverage as much, but... Today I had a good old fashioned migraine.



You know the one.



head hurts.

eyes hurt.

any light hurts.

sounds hurt.

stomach queasy.

bending over creates a vice.

hands shake.

thoughts are foggy.



I am finally functioning somewhat now and my gratitude is my Diet Coke. Eases the headache somewhat, calms the stomach. I'll take it.

Temples

Today there was no shopping. I actually slept! I woke up really early, but instead of not being able to go back to sleep, I actually did. It was almost 8 when I got up this morning. About noon Jarom, Robby and I and 4 of their friends headed off to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to do baptisms. Apparently they had gotten busy at about 11:30 or so. When we got there just after 1 there were a lot of people there. So darn, we had to sit and wait. (that was sarcasm) I got to spend a couple of hours of my day just sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet of the temple. Watching the youth that were also there. I am amazed at them. I was a "good girl' when I was a teenager, but I don't think that I had the fire that the youth of today have. So many youth spending their day off from school at the temple!

About a week ago I was driving down Redwood Road at about 110th south. To my left was a clear view of the Draper Temple, to my right was the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and in my rear view mirror was the Jordan River Temple. I am amazed at the view I have, literally living in the shadow of so many temples. I hope, and pray, that I never tire of that view.

Thanksgiving...

Hope you all had a great one!

5 days off

enough said

Actually... I was going to end there but I just remembered something that happened today at work. I was sitting in my office and I heard this yell from the main office "I GOT A BABY!" We get some interesting people coming in, but I thought that was definitely strange. Then I remembered that one of our adorable cluster teachers is trying to adopt. I went out in the hall and sure enough... She and her husband were in the hall and seeing their excitement was one of those moments that reach clear to your heart. He had brought the news and looked like he was reeling. She is normally a very calm mild mannered person and she was literally jumping and skipping. It was awesome! They left together holding hands to make arrangements to fly to Mississippi and the rest of us were left to simply bask in the good news that is a baby, and one that is so well deserved. It will be a Thanksgiving that they will never forget. Congrats to them. And thanks for making my day.

Sleep!

Today I am grateful for sleep!!!

When I don't get enough, I tend to be this...

Here's to a longer night tonight.

Jarom

I've kind of been in a grumpy mood the last couple of days. Not enough sleep and... who knows. Tonight I did FHE with the kids and just wanted to get to bed, but had felt like I need to talk to Jarom about some things I'd been thinking about. We talked - mainly I talked and he listened. The great thing is, he does actually listen. I can usually tell when he agrees or disagrees, but he still listens. After I said what I wanted to, we chatted about other things, - this and that, nothing in particular, but by the time we were done, I was less grumpy. I feel pretty lucky that after talking to my 15 year old son I can be in a better mood. Thanks Jarom, for the person you are. I feel lucky to be your Mom.

Sunday's Thanksgiving

I missed yesterday (fell asleep after dinner!) But yesterday's gratitude has to be Tim's Turkey! Because of crazy scheduling stuff, Tim will not be able to make a Turkey this week, so we celebrated Thanksgiving early at our house. Tim smokes the turkey with applewood and it is SOOO good! Aren't you all drooling waitin' all the way until Thursday?

My piano...

For our 12th anniversary Tim bought me a piano.
Something that I had been wanting for years.
When things are stressful,
when there is just a few moments to fill,
when I need to calm my soul, it is waiting for me.
Thankfully.

Christmas is coming...

I am usually itching to decorate for Christmas - it's usually all I can do to wait until Thanksgiving week to get out my Christmas stuff. Today it dawned on me that that is next week! Yikes - where did the time go, and why I am not more excited? I guess it's not that I'm not excited, it's simply that I haven't even thought about decorating.
Is that weird?
Well it is for me.
Then I decided that maybe it's a good thing. Maybe I'm actually in a place where it doesn't have to be such a big deal. We are actually trying to simplify the whole gift giving aspect of Christmas this year.
Less gifts, more meaning...
Don't get me wrong - it's not that I am not going to decorate - that just wouldn't be Christmas. But maybe, just maybe, I'll enjoy the journey to Christmas a little more.
So here's a little tribute to the sights and sounds of Christmas. There is so much to be grateful for. Like enjoying the colors and textures of this photo, maybe the details and beauty of the season will shine through the crazy to-do list.

Audit, Check!

We had our audit review today. The audit was in September and then they come back and go over all the things that we need to be trained in and check to see if we corrected all of the things that need to be corrected on our files to be in compliance with all of the Federal Regulations. We actually had really good numbers on or compliance and we got a great compliment from our TA. She said that she had never been to an audit review where everything that needed to be corrected was corrected the first time she came!
So here's a shout out to the great team that I work with!!!
Yeah Team! !

And...

To the great man who is home tonight while I play the part of a goofy girl, I just want you to know that

Tagged by my Son... Favorites

First my gratitude.

Every once in a while I get really on the ball and while I am chopping up stuff for one meal, I get things ready for another one (when I've actually done a menu and know what we are having for another meal). Today I had extra time and had the food processor out chopping veggies, so I decided to chop stuff for tomorrow night's dinner. Now I have everything I need for dinner tomorrow prepped and in the fridge. Tomorrow I just have to cut up 2 apples and dump everything in the crock pot and dinner is done!! YAAA! A real meal in no time! - there is something to be grateful for!!

Now on to the tag...
So two of my boys now have blogs and I have been officially tagged by my 15 year old.... Kind of hard to ignore that one. So here it is...

I have to say that naming my Favorites is kind of hard because it often depends on my mood...

Candy/Sweet: Twix/Hot Tamales
Movie: Ummm... Good Romantic Comedies, Good action - whatever - as long as its good.
Color: Green
Accessory: IPod
Piece of Clothing: Sweatshirt
Thing to do: Date Night, play with pictures, read
Quote: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13
Food: Mexican, Italian, Chinese - depends on the mood
Book: Wow, how do I narrow that down???
Word: Superfluity
Name: Jarom, Robby, Spencer, Kayleen
Piece of Jewelry: Wedding Ring
TV Show: ??? Something to make me laugh

Most of my friends are not really blogging (except my fabulous sis-in-law) regularly so I'm not going to tag anyone - you just got to read about me!

cold toes

Taking things for granted...

There are so many things in our lives that make life easier. Things that we don't even pay attention to. Phones, cars, heaters... Today I was reminded of one of those little things in life. I don't own a stand mixer I just use my hand mixer for everything, and while using it today to make cookies for lunches, one of the beaters ceased to turn. I had to finish mixing the cookies by hand! (I know - tragedy!) So today I just want to say that I am thankful for the little things that make my life easier and today specifically, my hand mixer.

May it Rest In Peace

Joseph Smith

I had the opportunity to teach Relief Society today for a sister that could not be there. The lesson was on Joseph's Smith's Feelings on His Prophetic Mission. I kind of struggled to pull it all together in my mind, but thanks to the fabulous sisters in our ward and their great comments, it all seemed to work.

I was touched as I studied for this lesson and participated in the discussion today with a renewal of my awe and gratitude for this man, who was only a man, with all of the flaws and weaknesses that a man has. He is truly a great example of how each of us should live our lives. I am grateful for his role in bringing to pass the restoration of the gospel, but today I am just as grateful for the example he provided for each of us about how to treat others and how to enjoy life despite the trials and tribulations.

This was a quote from the lesson. Imagine if we all used these words as a motto... What a world it would be.

shoveling snow

Today I am grateful for my 15 year old son...

Because he gets to shovel the snow!

Date Night

Tonight's date night was kind of spur of the moment. We both got home about 4:30, both were hungry and I said "Let's just go right now!" So we did! We told the kids to make Mac and Cheese and we headed out the door. I'm grateful that our kids are old enough to get away with that, grateful that they don't question date night, and grateful that I had a yummy enjoyable dinner with my husband. It just kind of keeps you going, you know?

Can you tell that I like word art? I love taking words and seeing what I can do with them!
I found this quote today and thought I'd share it. How many times do you think about something your grateful for and not share it? How do we feel when someone tells us that they are thankful for something we have done?

Here's a sappy one. Tuesday morning I was driving the kids to seminary and heard the song "Good Morning Beautiful" on the radio. Here's the beginning lyrics...

Good morning beautiful

How was your night

Mine was wonderful

With you by my side

And when I open my eyes

And see your sweet face

It's a good morning beautiful day

Sappy huh? But it made me think about how grateful I am that no matter how busy we are, how crazy things get, and sometimes even how out of tune we are with each other, every night he is there beside me. I remember when we were first married how much I loved that! and it just made me remember that I still do! Its emphasized by the fact that when he's working the evening shift I just don't sleep well until he's actually home, even though I know he will be.

(S0 this gratitude thing is making me really sappy - sorry!)

So, here's the clincher - I thought these things, but I didn't go home and actually express them - and I know that happens way too often. So I am giving myself a challenge to find someone each day to say thank you to for something specific that they have done (my cyber thank you posts don't count I actually have to say it). Wanna try?

peace

Peace.

One of my most favorite words.

Love this quote...

Gratitude today for the fact that although I don't always have it,

I know where to get it.

Google It!

THANKS GOOGLE! I love google search. I'm a little bit of a stubborn independent soul and I don't like to ask for help. I'd rather figure it out myself - sometimes to my detriment when it takes way longer than asking for help! But twice today I couldn't get 2 different programs to work on my computer - I was getting random error messages that meant nothing to me except frustration. Lo and behold I typed the error messages into my google search and instantly there are the exact steps I need to take to fix my problem! And it worked - both times! (doesn't always happen that way, but woohoo when it does!)

At dinner tonight, somehow we were on the subject of high school mascots and how many schools had the mascot of a bear. Our answers varied greatly, but again.. . google search and just FYI there are four (2 Grizzlies, 1 bear, and 1 bruin). Just in case you wanted to know.

I stand all amazed...

There are times when a particular thought crosses your mind that you know did not originate from you. When the same thought occurs to you two weeks in a row in the middle of sacrament meeting, then I really know that it comes from a greater source. So once again, because His love for me is truly beyond anything that I can comprehend, I am reminded that He is aware of me, of my family, of what we need, and that He has a path for us, and that He really, really, really wants to help us find that path. We just need to have faith... and to listen.

13 years young

Do you remember when you turned 13?
I do.
I remember feeling so grownup and knowing that my whole life was going to change.
As a mom it blows my mind that Robby could be 13, and I know that he is working so hard to be that more grownup person.
Despite that, he is still a kid at heart.
His ability to laugh and find the funny side of things is what makes Robby, well... Robby.
So despite his anxious determination to be grown up, here's to that smile that reminds me that he is still my little boy!

(he'll love that!)

Babies

I'm grateful for babies - and no I'm not having one! But there have been quite a few people in my life lately that are - and they all seem to be due sometime next spring. Of course the ones that I am the most excited about are the ones that mean that I get to be an aunt again!





I got the cutest phone call from my brother today. They have two of the cutest little boys that you have ever seen (as you can see!) and are expecting their third child.

He asked me a question about something else, kind of throwing me off the track, and then just as cute as can be said that there was another reason that he was calling and that was to tell me that He is going to have a girl! (luckily he has the sweetest wife who will not be offended by the fact that he said that he is going to have a girl). There is nothing quite like a dad with a baby girl and when that dad is your little brother - it just makes it all the sweeter!

Congrats to Geoff and Anna! Here's to dresses and bows!

Day off

Today I am thankful for a day off. It was a debate between not doing anything all day and trying to get lots done. I actually opted to try and get things done, but didn't really rush myself. Iran some errands, washed some windows that you could hardly see out of, finally replaced the broken blind in the front window (yaa! ), helped the kids rake some leaves, actually mopped my kitchen floor (that was gross!) and finished getting ready for Robby's birthday.

The best part of having a day off on Friday, is that tomorrow is Saturday!!!

Hmmm... do I finally put away all the case lot stuff in the basement or do I read that book? I'll let you know...

9 year old giggle

Is there anything like the pure, uncensored giggle of a 9 year old girl? I don't think so.

Here's to us 30 somethings (and yes you young 20 somethings) finding a reason to giggle.

My husband

Tim has been off yesterday and today and unfortunately hasn't been feeling well. I had parent teacher conferences tonight and that left him with juggling all of the kids, dinner, their homework, scouts and Robby's choir concert (Which is where I'm headed next).

How grateful I am that have such a great husband that supports me in the things that I do. He's funny, he loves me, and he makes me smile. Thank you!!!

Day 3... hmmm...

I'm struggling a little bit today. I'm tired. My house is dirty. I have too much to do both at home and at work. Wednesday and Thursday are Parent Teacher Conferences and I haven't even started the book for book group...

I had decided that I was going to write that I am grateful not to be a teenager. Watching my son spend HOURS on a project that is called a "mini" project and knowing that as soon as it is done there is the next assignment makes me grateful not to be there (let alone all of the social angst!) But then I realized isn't that exactly what I was just complaining about - too much to do???

So I spent a little time looking at the blogs of some of my friends and today what I am grateful for is that I know so many great women. Women who remind me that we are all struggling, trying to figure it out. Women who remind me to laugh and listen to my kids. Who remind me that family is the most important thing. And most importantly who remind me that we all have our ups and downs, but we keep going, we laugh, we smile, and we hug our kids (and our husbands). So Thank you.

Now, I'm going to go tell my kids I love them and then snuggle up and hug my husband. The house will be here tomorrow... or Saturday.

A hair cut can make your day...

Already I am a day behind, but I did think about this yesterday and had every intention of posting it yesterday...

I've been putting off getting a haircut because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it. It has now been 9 months since it was cut and I decided that yesterday was the day. It's not a huge difference, and no one else has even noticed, but I love it! I'm sure it is just the fact that it is even, the yucky ends are gone, and it actually has some shape, but it was so nice to get it done.

Maybe a silly, vain thing to be grateful for, but... it made me feel good, so I'm grateful!!

Oh on another note, to add to my first day (sunday) I am grateful for a Relief Soceity lesson that was tailored to me. I love when I am reminded of how much my Heavenly Father actually cares about me and cares about the little things in my life!

Thanksgiving Month

Last year I decided that I wold take the month of November and post every day about something that I was grateful for. It was such a positive experience for me that I have been watching the calendar and anticipating November so that I could do it again. (I know, I shouldn't need an excuse to do it...)

So day one... I'm grateful that November is here! That Halloween is over ( success all around), that I still get to enjoy fall, that I caught up on the last week on my blog, and that right now my kids are all getting along!

Happy November!!

What I live with

A batty girl...A Video Game Hero...Lead Character in a hit series...A Greek God...

and...

Yes, I actually do choose to be alone with him - isn't he creepy???

Missed Camera Opportunity

What I would have given for a camera. Or better yet, a video camera.


Friday we attended a "Witchapalooza" at Gardner village. You might label it as a comedic musical review about a wizard looking for true love. Highly entertaining.

But the best part. Tim was asked to dance with one of the witches. The theme for that segment was the 50's and Tim went to town and danced his heart out! I have no words. Sorry. I guess the picture will remain only in my head.

wacky hair

One of the most anticipated days of the school year...

my new motto

My boys

... aren't they handsome??!

Fall 2009 Kid Pics

So having Mom be the photographer does not always make for a smooth and cooperative photo shoot. I was tempted to give up! But there is security in taking sheer numbers of shots. Success! At least 2 of each kid that I really liked and one of the four of them that I loved!!

Mom of a teen...

So I blow dried my hair and left it "Scrunchy" - thought it actually looked pretty good. When I came down stairs Robby asked me if I had done my hair yet...

Capture the moment...

Is there anything more precious than your child when she is sleeping?

Girls

Having three boys before my princess, I have gotten used to the wacky things boys do. I have to even admit that I enjoy my boys and their wacky humor and their wacky friends. I don't have to worry so much that my own sense of weirdness is going to come out and someone is going to be offended by something random I do or say.



That being said... I sometimes forget what it means to be girly...

As I looked out my front door today I was reminded clearly of the way a girl's mind works.


Yes, in case you are counting, that is a total of 13 blankets and 7 pillows adorning my front lawn while the girls play "sorry" sitting on pillows on the sidewalk. And yes, those are the pillows from her bed. Of course I'm not complaining because the weather is still nice enough that they can be outside! Just taking a moment to reflect, and to smile!

Spencer's Principal's Pride

Spencer's teacher allows them to pick their own work to be honored at Principal's Pride. He is often frustrated with art projects so I am proud of him that he chose an art project of an "Awesome Explorer Ship" to quote his teacher. Way to go Spence!

Chasing Sunflowers

While the men went to priesthood, I took Kayleen out and we took some pictures. The conditions weren't ideal, but at least I have a willing model when I'm in the mood to play a little. Two weeks ago the field where I took her was covered in Sunflowers! Unfortunately I waited too long and they were almost all gone.



Then I came back and spent the rest of my evening playing with editing. I remember why I haven't done it since summer ended. Once I start I can spend hours! Probably because I don't really know what I'm doing so it takes me forever!

Still, it was fun and I love to try new things! We did find a second spot that had some sunflowers that were still blooming.

Now I just need to figure out a time in the next few weeks to take pictures of all four of them for their annual portraits!!

Thanks my beautiful Kayleen for putting up with my whims!