30 Days of Thanks #14

I am thankful for the Tiny Diner!

"What's that" you ask? Only the second best invention known to mom-kind!! (Runner up to Clorox Wipes, of course!) They are portable placemats! "What's so great about that" you ask? Let me explain.

My admiration of them began long ago when McKenna was just a baby... but I figured that I could get by with napkins. Well, three babies later, I bit the bullet and made the $10 investment. It was, without a doubt, one of my all-time greatest purchases.

You know that awful stage when your toddler insists on feeding themselves, but they're really terrible at it? Oh, you've forgotten? Let me remind you. It looks like this:

You see, this stage is extremely problematic--especially when dining out. Not to mention all those germ infested restaurant tables! Fear no more fellow germa-phobe Moms! The Tiny Diner saves the day!

It looks like this:

Suction cups on the bottom keep it from moving:

When you're finished, wipe it off, and roll it up:

Awesome, right?

Anything that makes an outing with the kids a LITTLE easier, is a BIG thing to be thankful about!

30 Days of Thanks #13

Ashton and I experienced a milestone last night. For the first time since he's been born, we slept in separate rooms. Oh... did I mention that he's 18 months old?

(Explanation: We live in a two story home, and I just couldn't imagine running all the way upstairs three times a night to stick his binki back in all these past months!)

The Result? He did great! And I got the best rest I've had in... well... 18 months! I can't believe how much better I slept without hearing his every whimper, toss, and turn.

Oh sleep! Glorious sleep! It's become a rarity in these child rearing years... which brings me to Gratitude Entry #13:

I am SO THANKFUL when all four of my children sleep through the night!

Bloody noses, potty dances, bad dreams, throw up, lost teeth... It's always something! Even my 10 year old has to trek all the way down the stairs to TELL ME that she has to use the bathroom!

BUT... not last night. Last night, I fell asleep and didn't wake up until morning, and I am truly, truly thankful. (Cue the "Hallelujah Chorus" now!)

30 Days of Thanks #12

I'll never forget something that Oprah Winfrey said during one of her shows about women around the globe. She said:

"If you are a woman living in America, you are one of the luckiest women in the world."

I, too often, forget how privileged and abundantly blessed my life truly is. Too often, I forget that the life that I enjoy each day was made possible by the thousands of men and women who sacrificed theirs. On the night of Veteran's Day, I give thanks to all those who have served this country... some giving a little and some giving all. I also give thanks to those not in uniform... the families of servicemen and women... whose sacrifice is equally as great.

I am forever indebted.

Kyler was so proud to honor his Grandfather, Dennis Stevens, in the Veteran's Day assembly today at his school. I, too, am so proud of my father-in-law's great example of service. His example continues 40 years later as he serves as a Stake President and in all other areas of his life. He is the most generous person I have ever known.

"Lest we forget..."

30 Days of Thanks #11

The kids are finally in bed... and I'm having a really hard time making myself sit in front of this computer tonight because a friend just lent me a fantastic book, and I really just want to curl up and read it! These quiet hours in my house don't last long! I must take advantage of this precious reading time... Which brings me to Gratitude Entry #11!

I am thankful for books.

And not just any books. The books that captivate! The books that keep me up until 1 a.m. The books that make me see life differently. The books that teach me about different kinds of people in different time periods and different lands. The books that provide a quick escape from Ammon, ID and life with four kids.

I am probably a little too thankful for books. I love them so much, that they can become problematic. One year for Valentines Day, Justin took me down to Barnes and Noble and let me pick out a book. Sound strange? Well, it was one of the most meaningful and romantic gifts ever--because Justin was truly making a sacrifice. He knows that when I fall in love with a book, I slack a little in my wife/mom duties.

Speaking of Barnes and Noble... it's hands-down my favorite store. My heart starts beating a little faster every time I walk through the door. I just love strolling down the aisles, gazing at book covers. And you know all those slightly strange looking people who sit in the store all day reading and sipping lattes? I could totally see myself doing that if I was a single, child-less, unemployed woman who did not keep the Word of Wisdom.

My love of books began in my childhood. My mom always read to me and gave me books for Christmas. Still today, my mom and sisters and I love to swap books and discuss what we loved and loathed!

I, too, want to instill a love of reading in my children. Just a few weeks ago, I finished reading "The Secret Garden" with McKenna, and it truly was a sweet experience for us. I could literally see her imagination playing out behind her eyes. Her face would light up at interesting parts, she shed a few tears at touching moments, and she begged for "just one more chapter" almost every single night. Music to my ears! The best part, however, were the teaching moments that flowed so naturally as we discussed the book's themes. Those moments are priceless--and completely worth the achy vocal chords.

30 Days of Thanks #10

Misspelled words.

Stick figure portraits.

The sound of paper crunching beneath my pillow.

The proud, heartfelt expression on my child's sweet face.

I am thankful for my children's homemade gifts.

Justin and I are both sentimental softies, so we have stacks of cards and drawings from across the years that we just can't bring ourselves to throw away. Here are a few of my favorites:

(From McKenna on Mother's Day a few years ago. Who else would call me a "Gentle flower?" Only McKenna!)

(Kyler's description of me in Kindergarten. I'm so thankful he wouldn't trade me for a dog.)

(From McKenna to her Dad on Father's Day.)

(Translation: "Cer" is "Care"!)

(Translation: "I love you Mom because you look pretty and bright with lipstick!")

(At school, McKenna can earn fake money for good behavior and grades. At the end of a quarter, she can use that money to buy a prize. She spent all of her money to buy me this gorilla for my last birthday. She made the heart sign herself.)

(McKenna also made me these dried salt dough... creations.)

(After McKenna ruined one of my decorative throws, she felt really bad. She cut out a photo of my face and taped it to a necklace to say, "Sorry.")

30 Days of Thanks #9

I'm thankful for many things, both large and small... butt, today I'm just thankful that this is not my last name.

30 Days of Thanks #8

"Ode to Justin"

On this day, so long ago

A babe was born in Idaho.

The choirs sang from up above.

A mom now had a son to love.

This boy was not like all the rest.

You see... He was the very best!

A witty mind, a heart of gold.

Dimples, brawn--Looks to behold!

He loved adventure, thrills, and speed.

In Grease, of course, he was the lead.

He made the ladies swoon and sigh.

Conceited? No! Just meek and shy.

What lucky gal would land this Gent?

A perfect angel--Heaven Sent!!

At Ricks the two would finally meet.

Their chemistry would put off heat!

The perfect husband, soon was he.

And then the two turned into three!

Wouldn't you know it? You should've guessed...

Of all the Dads, he was the best!

36 years, he's graced this Earth.

Perfection since the day of birth!

Let's celebrate this awesome Man!

Fireworks, parades... that's the plan!

I guess it's pretty plain to see...

A bigger fan, there'll never be.

His wife is simply drunk with love.

She thanks her lucky stars above.

Her "Thankful List" is so very tall...

But Justin--simply her best blessing of all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!