It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!

That’s right, our annual trip to Disneyland!! For the last couple years we have gone in November, right before Thanksgiving.  We love to go at this time because the park isn’t crowded, and all the Christmas decorations are up. We usually go with our friends, the Cotterells, and this year, we took the Davis family, too. (That’s a party of 15, in case you were wondering.)

It was a lot of fun, as always! Thanks Cotterells and Davises for sharing the Disney magic.

9 kids total, (one is missing from this picture)

  Can’t wait for next year!!

You're invited to our wedding reception, 11 years later

Saturday was our anniversary.

So I wanted to relive the memories from 11 years ago.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! I love you!

more gratitude

Everyday, I have tried to recognize those things and people in my life that are blessings. Wow! I am amazed at how much I have!

-My house- I sometimes complain that I want a new house, or that this one is too small, but I am grateful that we have a house!! And a house payment we can afford. A lot of people right now don’t have that… I am grateful for a nice, cozy, warm home that we can afford and we aren’t worried about losing it.

-Education- I am grateful for the education that I received. And also for the education that Jeff received. I know there are some people who can’t (or don’t) get an education, and I am glad that I did (and will).

-my neighbors- I have the BEST neighbors. Not only can I borrow sugar or butter from them, but they also help out with my kids, and any other problems I may be having. I am very blessed to have such great neighbors.

-My country- I know that there were many people who sacrificed their lives so that I could enjoy the freedoms I do. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for setting this choice land apart.

-Music- Though I am not blessed with any musical talent (that’s an understatement), I have an immense appreciation for music of all kinds. I am especially grateful for those who are musically talented who share their gifts with others. I have been uplifted and inspired many times by music.

These are a few more things I am grateful for. 

An attitude of gratitude

In this month of Thanksgiving, I have decided to focus on gratitude. I was inspired by reading a talk about having more gratitude. If you want to read it, go here.

Of course I am grateful for my family, our health, the gospel, my Savior and His Atonement. These are fairly obvious to me. But I am grateful for the small things. the everyday manifestations of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. So I want to post about things that I am grateful for, that I may recognize more blessings, and draw closer to Him that gave them to me.

So day one of my ‘attitude of gratitude’ I would like to give thanks for my children. I know it’s obvious, but they really are my greatest source of joy. Not just happiness, pure JOY! I love being a mom, and I love taking care of them. I love to squeeze them,and tuck them in every night. I love to listen to their stories, and help them learn new things. I especially love to hear them tell me they love me, too. I give gratitude for the blessings (and trials) of being a mother.

Halloween

 

A black cat, a musketeer, and a skeleton.

Last night after trick or treating, Brynnlee was already planning next year’s outfit. She was kind of bummed that Lauren got to wear makeup, and she didn’t (aside from the eyeliner whiskers).

Hope you had a great Halloween!!