Ha

Keller is trying to lick the numbers on our VCR but he keeps bumping his chubby face on the edge of the shelf.  It's hilarious.  But he's determined.

Almond Joy Mix

If you plan to go on a hike, you should be prepared.  Bring an extra layer in case of cold, more water than you think you'll need, matches, extra socks, a map or compass, and definitely bring GORP.  (I learned this in my 1 credit class that I took.)  GORP stands for good old raisins and peanuts; so basically it's a mix of whatever snacky thing you can pack in a ziploc bag. I'm an old fashioned trail mix lover, myself.

My hiking class has inspired me to snack on all kinds of mixed up things and my favorite is the almond joy mix that I've concocted.  Pretty easy combination: sweetened and flaked coconut + slivered almonds + semi-sweet chocolate chips.  It's more of a treat type snack, and I can't tell ya how many points it's worth or anything, but mmm-mm, it's good stuff.  Sometimes you just feel like a nut.

Proud

On Friday, I graduated with my AA from Weber State University.  And it was a really wonderful day.  I felt proud of the work that I had put in to achieve that goal.  Seeing my kids, husband, and parents waving and smiling at me felt good, too.  The ceremony had some really good speakers that encouraged each graduate to make a difference in the world.  I felt inspired and I hope to hang on to that feeling.  I do have the power to make the world a better place, even if my influence is small.  I am capable of so much with my Heavenly Father's help.  It was a wonderful day, like I said, and I really hope this accomplishment and the way I felt that day can stay with me for a long time.

P.S.  That picture is so true to life.  Look at Canon's sneaky little face - ha!

Kindred Spirits

There are some people who I've bumped into in life who just click with the way I think. Do you have people like that? I've had one or two in each place that I've lived. Age, life circumstance, and even language make no difference. Their spirit is a good fit for yours. They are rare and special, they can say more eloquently what you are already feeling. My mom recommended this blog to me to read; I sort of glanced at it and brushed it off as not my type. I don't home school my children or read conference talks too often... but I saved the address and checked it out again. And - - - she's great, the end. Check it out. Diapers and Divinity gives me that feeling that I'm in a special club of mothers. Even if we don't actually talk to each other, we all understand what it's like. How can I read someone else's words and feel so validated, appreciated, known? Kindred spirits, I tell ya.

A light dusting of snow on the walks

The kids are asleep and I'm trying to "tidy up" the family room. Sounds like an old fashioned term but it's the one we use around here. We've established, in our family, that putting away toys isn't actually cleaning anything; truly, it's rare that we ever get past the tidying phase into the cleaning one. Mainly we pick up the same toys over and over and over, every day of our lives.

I've gotten most of the junk off the floor and I'm now on to vacuuming. Yes, I am afraid of waking up the baby, but if you could see my carpet now, you would understand that it poses more of a health risk to Keller than an incomplete night of sleep. I run my hand along the carpet under the couch and find so much garbage, paper, cereal. My children are like little confetti machines, covering every inch of the house. It took me several rounds of tidying then sighing before I could get out the vacuum.

Boy, I'm sure this is exciting to read.

At the end of this day, my thoughts are: I can either feel crappy about the messy family room, or I can try to make it better. I can either curse the snow as I head out to pick up my preschooler, or put on my snow boots. I can wait until I have time to buy construction paper for the Christmas Count-down chain, or I can join my kids in coloring white paper with crayons. Life's full of bummers and redundancies, but I have choices. That's awesome.

"Family" by Taesya Fe, age 4

Benny is thankful for:

Amber,
Our house,
My pillow,
Food,
My clothes,
My family,
My health,
Cheese,
Kiwi,
and Eggnog.

Canon is thankful for:

Santa Claus,
Dad,
Taesya,
Keller,
Grandma,
Grandpa,
Play basketball,
Play football,
Play baseball,
Play skateboard,
Steak.

Taesya is thankful for:

Playing with somebody who's nice,
playing with grandma,
Swinging on the swings,
Ponies and Dolls,
My unicorn,
Playing with my dad,
Playing with grandma Debbie,
playing with everybody in my family,
Canon and Dad and Mom and myself.
I am thankful for Keller.

Day of Thanks

People have been sick, I'm scrambling to finish up my projects for the end of Semester, and Ben's new business is mostly busy-ness right now. So I was making Jell-O and thinking, "I don't have much to be thankful for today..."

Then I thought, "What?!? Are you kidding?"

I have a ton to be thankful for: I have a husband that loves me and works hard to provide for us, I have three beautiful loving children, I have a home, clothes to wear, heat, and food in the refrigerator. I have a loving family in Utah, Arizona, New York, and Canada. I have friends from a long time ago that still send me love, and new friends that live right in my neighborhood. I have a body that can run and jump, taste yummy things, and feel a hug or kiss. I'm grateful for music, and crunchy leaves, and photos--I have SO much in my life--SO many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving to anyone who reads this. And don't let today be your deadline for saying thanks. Today is a great reminder of all that we have to be grateful for. Love and Thanks to you all for supporting me.