Attitude of Gratitude

     As I pause to give thanks at this time of the year, I am overwhelmed by the numerous blessings that my Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me.  He has blessed me with my soul mate.  Jed really does truly complete me.  I am amazed at how at 19 years old I wasn't mature enough to look for the things I really wanted and needed in a husband, yet my Father in Heaven was watching out for me and gave me Jed who is everything and more.  I am so blessed to have five healthy beautiful children who strive to choose the right and seem to teach me everyday about living the gospel.  Tucker especially has taught me so many times about faith, charity, and obedience.  I am so grateful to have him as our daughters wonderful example.  

     At the time of this shaky economy I am so thankful that Jed has steady employment with the fire dept.  We don't have to worry if he will still have his job in a week. Although his granite business has seen a sharp decline I am grateful that we are given this opportunity to pause and realign our needs and wants.  We can establish a budget and live up to the challenge of keeping within it.  My testimony has grown with this trial.   I know that this is a blessing in our life.  Heavenly Father still knows us and loves us and is still showering us with blessings.  It has made my testimony of tithing grow.  

     I am so thankful for the Gospel in my life.  I am thankful for a true living prophet in these latter days.  The times are so uncertain and scary, but we have a prophet to look to for guidance and to have peace in knowing that what we are doing is right.  I am grateful for the tools the apostles give us to stay strong and steadfast.  I know that if we continue to do what we are asked, then we will stay strong and our children won't stray far.  I am so extremely grateful for that blessing.  I love the temple.  I love the peace you feel there.  I love leaving the outside world for a bit so that I can feel that calmness, and receive personal revelation.  I only wish that I could attend more often.  

     I am thankful for all of our extended family.  We have the blessing of having everyone live close by.  I love that my children can have such a close relationship with their grandparents.  I feel so blessed that they have them as examples and to learn from, as well as their aunts, uncles, and cousins.   I am also thankful for the wonderful friends in my life.  They are great examples to me and are always there to lend me a shoulder to lean on if need be.  

     Yes, I am truly blessed.  I am thankful for this time to pause and give thanks.  I know I need to do it more often.  Thank you to all who read this.  

    

If gymnastics were easy, it would be called football

Hannah had her first in house gymnastics meet today in preparation for their first real meet in a couple of weeks.  She has been doing gymnastics on and off for a few years now.  In August, she got serious about it though and joined a team. She practices 2 nights a week for 2 1/2 hours each!  Her coach wants her coming a 3rd day but I just can't bear to have her gone another night.  She started at a Level 4, which is pretty good to begin with.  There are gymnasts who have been there awhile and are at a level 5.  Hannah is only 1 skill away from moving up.  We got to watch a level 10 gymnast compete today and it was so amazing.  I can totally see Hannah there someday.  She has a lot of natural ability and she is built just like a little gymnast.  Have you seen her guns?  Ask her sometime and maybe she'll pull them out.  At home, Hannah is never at a standstill.  She is either on her head, hands, in the air, or on the trampoline practicing double and triple backflips.  She has even turned our couch into her own personal vault.  She is begging her dad to make her some bars and a beam for Christmas.  I have posted a video of her floor routine today, which she told me she got an 8.9 score for.  There were real judges there and everything.  I was so proud of the way Hannah did today.  She didn't even act a bit nervous.  Way to go Hannah!!!!

Wanna Smooch?

Zoe enjoyed a breakfast of chocolate peanut butter fondue and strawberries! She was having so much fun dipping and eating I just had to get a picture of her.

Disney on Ice

My parents took us all to Disney on Ice on Friday night. It was so much fun! We saw all of the Disney characters! Hallie and Stella's favorites were of course, the Princesses. I think Hannah even said she liked the princesses best. My favorite were the Incredibles! Jed, Tucker and Zoe opted out and went to the ski swap instead. I am sure they had just as much fun there. Thanks so much to my mom and dad for making it possible for us to go. I know my girls will never forget it. You will have to ask my dad sometime about the cost of spun sugar!!!

Katie and Troy and kids and Brandon and Britt and kids also came with us!

I am a Child of God

Stella loves to sing all of the Primary songs, but this one is her favorite! She is now working on memorizing "Called to Serve", I will keep you updated.

Halloween 2008

We had a super fun Halloween this year!  Tucker dressed up as Eragon and Hannah was a baby.  Hallie decided to be a BSU Cheerleader, and Stella was the infamous Nacho Libre!  And Zoe was going to be Tinkerbell but due to her behavior as of lately, we decided to throw her in the monster costume to match her new personality (there are two extra neighbors in the picture).  We started out at the Trunk-R-Treat at our church and then went up to our friend's house in Hillsdale for some more fun.  We have heard rumors of huge candy bars being handed out there so the bigger kids went to see if it was true!  They came back with tons of candy and also confirmed the rumor.  While they were out trick-or-treating the little kids and the adults visited, ate yummy soup and partied.  Thanks to the Bruneels for hosting everybody.   After we got home I asked the kids if they wanted to leave their candy bags out for the Halloween fairy.  Everyone but Tucker agreed, so they picked out their 10 favorite pieces and left the rest for the Halloween fairy.  They were surprised in the morning when the fairy had replaced their candy with a fun game.  Tucker on the other hand ate himself sick and has since slowed down on the intake..