Mom & Dad

As I am writing this final gratitude post I am thinking of many major people, blessings, experiences, and so on that I did not mention in during my blog fest this month. Trying to decide between them and then having to write all about why is daunting, but I can't get the idea out of my head I need to thank my parents, and here I go.

Both of my parents had tough childhoods. They did not grow up in ideal situations at all. They talked little about their times at home, but from what I do know I was giving so much better that what they received.

My father was a very busy man even, and still is till this day, but he always found time for me. He drove me to early morning seminary, coached my softball teams, helped me with my home work, made me breakfast in the morning, and taught me the importance of living and keeping the commandments. A quick story about my father...When I was 10 or so I brought home two black cats named Camilla and Gabby. Of course my parents were not to pleased about this. My mom gave away Camilla, and said thay gabby was going away too. I was so upset that I sang the first verse of You Are my Sunshine into the vents of my house over and over again for everyone to hear. Well my father came to me when I calmed down, and told me that he would fast for me so could keep Gabby. My parents still have that darn cat, and a few of its offspring. HA! That story makes me smile.

My mother and I have never had a great relationship, and to be frank it is harder to write warm and fuzzy memories of my mother. Anyway my mother does have great characteristics they just clashed with mine.  My mom is a great missionary,  loves to have fun,  she taught me how to live frugally, live healthy, and to recycle. A  warm and fuzzy memory of my mother that I do have is from when we went to general conference together. We were sitting next to one another, and the speaker said something to the point that parents want their children to be better than themselves. My mom rubbed my leg lovingly, and look at me with so mcuh love and tenderness. That meant so much to me. I knew she loved me and wanted the best for me.

Together my parents have taught me that working hard in marriage is one of the most important things you can do for your family. They taught me that I can over come, and give my children better than what I had. Even though my parents are not perfect I love them and am thankful they are my parents.

I love you Mom and Dad.

Little Happenings

Here are a few pictures of cute little happenings in our family from this month.

 

Tori's BFF lives next door, and tori likes to give her things. This gift is a single ritz cracker in  ziplock bag. Elnore wasn't home so Tori decided to leave in the mail box to surprise her friend

.

Awe, Macy fell asleep with her papa Wayne.

 

Tori and Macy were enjoying treat on Thanksgiving with their cousin and grandparents.

 

 I wish my camera had the the ability to capture this stunning sunset. The sky painted with pinks, blues, greys, oranges, and purples.

We set up our Christmas tree! The girls had fun helping decorate it, and fluffing up the branches. Every Christmas seems t be getting better as the girls get older, and can be more involved.

So none of these things are grand or glorious, but I love them. Everyday is filled these little happening ,and am thankful for the happiness they give me.

Thank You to You

I have been looking around for my carmera this evening but I can't find it.  I know it isn't to far because Tori was taking pictures with it today.  I was looking for it so I could actually post some pictures of my family, but maybe tomorrow. I know a blog is so lame without pictures. So I want to say thank you for reading my blog, and occasionally leaving comments, even when there is nothing to look at. I promise I will post pictures soon.

Songs

Many times when I am feeling the heaviness life can place on my shoulders I sing hymns to self. They offer me comfort, and bring me back to center. I am very thankful for the music that invites the Holy Ghost into my home. Here are a couple songs that I sing often during the day to feel the love  Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, has for me.

Be Still My Soul

A Child's Prayer

Day Off

Nope, I did no post a gratitude post yesterday. I have several excuses, but even more important than the excuses I was ready  to have a day off from blogging. Yesterday was the perfect day to take time off from the computer. I slept in, shopped, had a spa day, made ginger bread houses, played games, laughed till I snorted, and spent time with family. It was lovely in deed. And since I was staying at my in laws my in laws they were basically babysitting the girls the entire time. LOVED IT!!!
Even though my days are fairly simple and low stress I am thankful for my days off, like yesterday, where I get to kick my feet up and take it easy. I am thankful that my mother and father in law are SO willing and Happy to babysit  Tori and Macy so often. I am thankful that Jake understands that shopping and spa outings make me very happy:). I am thankful for family and that we can have good times together.
And I am happy to get to write a post about it today.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! How has your Thanksgiving been? Mine has been good, it has been gluttonous and lazy,  I am wondering how many extra dimples will grace my thighs from today's extra caloric in take and lack of physical movement.  I am also sore from a teenager running her car into the back of mine last night.  Yep, I was involved in a low speed accident. I am okay. No, Tori and Macy were not in the car with me. Yes, our car is fine, a bit more scuffed up but it is totally drivable. I am very thankful for all those things. Mostly I am thankful that Tori and Macy weren't in the car with me, and were at home safe with Jake.

Back to Thanksgiving. I am thankful for this day dedicated to thanks where we can get together with the ones we love.

health

My children woke up from their naps feverish and cranky this afternoon. It is no fun. With all their crying and in demand neediness, and my crazy paranoid tendinitises I am very thankful for my girls all around good health. Tori has spent some tine in the hospital, and that gave me enough experience that having a seriously sick child is a living hell. Pardon my cursing, but that is the best description. I am thankful m children are healthy little buggers. No on to nurturing my children's inflictions.

Happy

Not to be cavalier, but I am so thankful that my days like yesterday, the somber ones, are few and far in between. I have problems 99 problems but depression ain't one (I have had Jay Z's song stuck in my head all day.) So yes I am happier today, was more productive, and got out of bed. I am thankful for happiness, and that most of my day are filled with it.

somber

Today I am in a somber mood, and the weather is gray, cold, and rainy. I am thankful for the weather today. It seems to have kept me company, and be understanding to my less happy self.

My House

This morning I had the great pleasure of having one of my achievement day girls (achievement day girls is a church group for 8-11 years old girls in the LDS church) came over for a ride to church. This was her first time to come inside my home, and as she was following me around while I was getting a few things done before we left. As she was following me she said, "Wow your house is really big." Her sweet little complement was extremely humbling and carried with it a realization of how much I have, and how much more I needed to be thankful for what I have.

For at least the past three years I have complained about my home, and have been wanting to move into a larger, newer, and nicer home. Okay honestly one day our family will move from our 1920's bungalow styled home, and I'm hoping that will be the next two years. But I can change my attitude towards my home now. I know I have been needing an attitude adjustment, but it took the words of a child to open my eyes to see how 'big' my blessings are, even when they are not as large, new, or nice as some desire I have.

I can recognize, and thank my Father in Heaven  that home has electricity, running water, is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and keeps me dry. My home has a basement that has helped us pay for the mortgage when we rented it, and now it gives up the extra space that we wanted. My home is cute, quaint, and in good condition. I live in a neighborhood where I am not scared to go outside at night, and I have great neighbors. My home is conveniently located to shopping, parks, the freeway, and schools.

My home is wonderful place, and it is a big blessing in my life. I am thankful so my 1600 square foot, 1920s, bungo styled mansion.

I am a Doula

I am a Birth Doula. In other words I support mothers throuh labor and birth. It is my passion to help moms in her birth decisions. I also feel that it is one of my talents, but as always I doubt myself from time to time. I was especially doughty of myself the first few births I attended. Over time I have leaned more, I have become a better doula, and my confidence has grown. Today my confidence grew leaps and bonds when I saw one of my past clients

My past doula client invited me to her daughter's birthday, who's birth I attended. I have kept in touch with this mother over the past year via facebook, however I have not seen her since two weeks after she gave bith to her baby. When I saw her today she ran to me rapped her arms around my neck and gave me wonderful hug. Her hug meant the world to me.
It really helped me understand how important my role as a doula was to her. Her hug validated my passion and talent I have to help mothers feel loved and supported in bringing life to this world. I realized that I do not need to doubt myself.

I am thankful for the boost in my confidence, for my passions and talents relating to the empowering process of birth, and I am especially thankful for all the parents who have allowed me to part of the most special parts of their lives. It is an honor.

Snow

Another thing you might know about me is that I am NOT a fan of winter. I won't make you suffer through all reasons why I don't like winter, and exactly why winter is so much worse for me than you;) because this post is suppose to be happy and full of gratitude. What I do want to talk about is one of the few things I do like about winter. And that honey is the first big snow storm of the season. I can't help but get a little excited, and be amazed at the beauty of snow covered trees. Oh and the tranquil sound of snow falling is so peaceful and I enjoy it so much. Plus, it starts to look like Christmas when everything is covered in fresh white snow! However this year this is what I enjoyed most about the first big snow storm of the season...


HAHA...Oh my Macy is a cutie.

Even though I dislike the winter, there is that small part of me that is thankful that I get to enjoy the all benefits that snow brings, from the beauty to the recreational benefits. I am thankful that I can sit on my couch sipping coco, and watch the snow fall ever winter. I am even more thankful that I get to watch my kiddos enjoy the snow, and creates happy times I can cherish.

p.s. She is not a weirdo, Jake! 

Another Ramdon Thanks

For the sake that I can't make up my mind what to give thanks for, and that I really want to go to bed I am going to make another list of random things I am thankful for.

Warm Showers Because I stink, they feel good, and are the only way I warm up after a cold day.
Games I love playing games, not mind games, but ones like Sikbo, Phase10, 5 Crowns, Settlers, and scrabble
Aprons They can be a cute way from getting dirty.
My mini trampoline, It entertains my children and gives me a good workout
AllRecipes.com 90% of what I cook come from that website, plus the reviews keep me from going crazy, while trying to decide which recipe to cook.

Okay I am done for tonight.

The Last Diaper

If you are my Facebook friend, or if we talk on a regular basis you might recall this summer Macy started to show interest in using the toilet. She was doing quite well, well enough that she could of been potty trained. However I had plans to travel to MI, TX, WA, and other places, so I didn't think it was wise to try to start potty training Macy at that time. I decided that I would start the potty training in the fall after everything settled down.
September rolled around, and getting that girl to do anything but play in the toilet (GAG) was a no go:(. I tried again in October with no better luck. But this very morning everything changed. Macy woke up and told me she needed to poop. So I sat her on the pot, and she pooped!!! I sang and danced to our potty song loud and proud several times. Macy loved the excitement made over her toilet usage, and for the rest of the day, but once, she made it to the toilet. She even used the toilet with out me helping her a couple of times. Oh my heavens I am so excited to be done with diapers!
My plan is is not to put her in an another diaper from this time forth. We might not go any where for a while,  I know there will be a "potty spill" from time to time, and night time might take a few nights to figure out, but I don't have to buy another box of diapers for Macy ever again. hallelujah

I am thankful that Macy has decided to use the potty!!!!

Bed Time

Yes, most good parents have their kids on a schedule, and have them in bed everyday at same time, typically before 8:00. However I am not one those good parents. Don't get me wrong I think I am a great mother :), but I have always thought that I could have improved upon the whole schedule thing.
My children go to bed typically around 9:00 sometimes even latter, yikes. For a while Jake and I were really good at getting them in bed by 8:30, but during the summer, with the long days, remodeling of the girls room, and frequent traveling that 8:30 bedtime flew out the window. Now that things are back to normal I am hoping to get Tori and Macy to bed much earlier, and tonight it happened!!!
Oh I am so happy that the girls went to sleep early. Tori was really pushing my buttons this evening from 4:00-6:00 and it was really exhausting to stay patient with her, so when she went to sleep at 7:00 it was a huge relief. Hahaha, I do love her, and I'll be happy to see her in the morning, but I really needed the early bed time.
 Today I am dedicating my gratitude to early bed times for my children, especially on days, like today, when my patients is running low. I am thankful for the extra time I get with Jake, and even the extra time for myself. Man, an early bed times are the best!

Family Dinner

Family dinners are great. I am thankful that the majority of the time my family sits around the table and enjoys a simple meal together. I am thankful I was raised in a home where I enjoyed family meals, and learned powerful way to bond with family members. Along those same lines I am thankful for 20(quick)  minute meals, crock pot meals, and what ever is easy to make, so I can make food for my family with out to much fuss.

This is what we had tonight...

Chicken Spaghetti

Added by Ree on September 5, 2009 in Main Courses, Pasta

Prep Time 30 Minutes Cook Time 45 Minutes

Servings 8

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
• 3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
• 2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
• 2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
• 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• ⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar. Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

Party Time

 With Macy's birthday came some partying, and we had a lot of fun. First we had a family party with my in laws last Sunday. It was compete with one of Macy's favorite foods, fettuccine Alfredo, gifts, cake, and candles.  Then on Macy's birthday I took her for out for our family's traditional birthday breakfast to Village Inn. My sisters Camilla and Angela, my brother in law Loyd, and Tori joined. Macy enjoyed a early morning banana cream pie, and scrambled eggs. For the rest of the day we kept a low profile, till Papa Wayne and grandma Sherrie came over. Then Jake And I went to the freezing cold BYU game, and Macy got to play with her grandparents. Finally today we had a few friends over this evening to celebrate. Macy loved playing with all the kiddos that came over, and enjoyed her homemade ice cream cake.

The goods Macy scored at the family party

 

 Macy loved eating breakfast with me and her aunties

 Whip cream is yummy!

 Saying bye to Auntie Camilla :(

 Macy and Tori cuddling and watching a movie.

 All my sweethearts taking Sunday nap.

 Macy's Huge ice cream cake.

So the thing I am thankful for today is for birthday parties. I love to celebrate, and to have a good to time. I figure that our life, and the life of the ones we love is one of the the most worthy causes to celebrate, and the best excuse to throw a party. I most likely get this from my mother, but all long as I am on this earth, even when I am old and grey, I will celebrate my life on the day I came to the earth. I am thankful for the day we get to eat cake, sing happy birthday, and enjoy company to recognize that how ever so many years ago our life began. 

May is Two

My sweet Macy turned two today!!!  The past two years with Macy in our family has been such a blessing. Macy is my little crazy, funny, cuddle bug. She is full of attitude, loves to run away, and can drink milk all day long. She is a picky eater, but lately we have been discovering more things she will eat. Macy gives the best hugs and kisses. But the words from her cousin, Brockston, sum up Macy perfectly when he said,"That Macy, She is a character."

I am thankful that Macy is my daughter. I love her blue eyes, and her curls. It makes me so happy to see her dance. Yeah for my Macy.

  Today, my little two year old.

 

 Macy enjoying her first birthday

 Macy's Birth day

Temples

Toady is a big day for our family. More specifically it is a huge day for Jake's sister, Karen, her husband, Jared, and their baby, Dallyn.  Today is the day Dallyn will be sealed to Karen and Jared for all time and eternity! Karen and Jared were married and sealed 09.09.09, they adopted Dallyn in March of this year, and then last week the adoption was finalized in court. Yeah!!! Today they will go to the Bountiful Temple to become an eternal family. I am so happy for them. It has been a long hard road for my sister and law, and today is seems to outshine all the crap she has been though.
I am so thankful for the sealing ordnance that bonds Tori, Macy, Jake, and I as an eternal family. I am thankful for the so many temples so close, and a that soon I will have a temple only a few blocks away from my home. I am thankful for the peace, knowledge, and assurance I receive going to the temple. 

Artsy Tori

 I have been waiting to do a thankful post about my girls till I had a lot of time to dedicate towards them, but I'll do a quick one about one of Tori's talents. I am thankful for Tori's artistic talents. They make me so happy to see. Her are some examples...

This is Tori's self portrait made from playdough, made today.

 

This is a picture of Tori and Macy. Tori drew this in February.

One of my favorites is this picture of a bird. I think it is really pretty. I need to frame this one for sure.

Great Day

Today was a good day. Actually a lot of really wonderful things happened. I slept in latter than normal, My girls cuddled with me while I was waking up. I got a lot accmoplished in the exact time frame I wanted. I got to see Jake in the middle of the day. I finally got some essential oils I have been wanting. I went out for icecream. I got all the laundry done. I made dinner, eggplant Parmesan at that, and guess what,  I liked it!!! I have never had eggplant that I liked till today. Yepee. Anywho, I also bundled up with Jake and the girls, and we walked to the church on this very fine fall night. It was beautiful! I loved the sound of the leaves crunching, the smell of the smoke from peoples chimneys, the crisp air, and the brilliance of the moon. Plus seeing my girls all rapped up in blankets was very sweet to me. After our church activities I picked up my sister Anglea, and we drove to the Salt Lake airport and picked up our sister Camilla! I love love love having family coming into town! I am ao happy to get to spend time with her.

I am thankful for today, and how GREAT it was.  I am so stinking thankful my sister  traveled safely here, and is able visit with me.  I am so Thankful.

Food

From time to time I purchase produce from a co-op, bountiful baskets. I love it, because it is a great deal, and I get to try new vegetables and herbs I normally don't buy. This week some of the goods I got were leeks, an eggplant, oregano, basil, and Rosemary. As crazy as it is I have never bought these things fresh. Well I bought a basil plant and killed it, and an eggplant. However I am trying to forget the eggplant because nothing went well  with it.
So far I have used all of the herbs, and I have had a delicious time with them.
With such a tasty time I have been having I can't help but be show my gratitude for my food. I am thankful for all the wonderful food Heavenly Father has given us. Yes I am thankful for cake, cookies, and all the things we make, but I enjoy the foods that were placed on this earth for our well being the most. I am so thankful for the nutrients  that fruits and vegetables  provide, and the health they support. I love how I feel better eating them, and that I can eat as much as I want.
I am thankful that I have an abundance of food. I never go hungry, and never have gone hungry. I am thankful I can buy food anytime day or night. I thankful for the the food my garden produced, and the eggs my chickens give me. I am thankful that I can prepare my food. I am thankful that very y basic need for life is so easily attained for my family, and the lack there is never an issue.

Internet Entertainment

 I am so dang happy and thankful for the Internet. Like most people in developmental countries I use it for everything! But most of all I use the Internet to entertain my self. So here is the latest souse of entertain have taken advantage of. 

BABABAHAHABAHAAAA! Funny right! This is so great.

Thank you, thank you, thank you lesliehall for making this video

OCCAION

 

Look at these absolutely beautiful people. They are my sisters and my one little brother. They are loud, funny, and always know how to have a good time. We dance together, laugh together, and love each other. I know Heavenly Father knew I needed these seven people in my life to support me, teach me, and help me be a wonderful, fun, and loving person.  I have the deepest gratitude to have that common thread  that bounds us all together .  

Olivia, Candida, Camilla, Angela, Odessa, and Nina  I am the luckiest person to  have all of you as my sisters. You are all so beautiful, and I miss all you so much. 

Ivan my one brother, I am sorry I have mean to you growing up. But I love you, and think you are a wonderful father and man. Stay true and strong.

LOL

 If you didn't know I am a birth doula(professional labor support), and am a member of a local doula association, The Utah Doula Association.  Today was the annual the UDA's Fall Retreat, and it was a blast. Honestly I haven't had this much fun at a doula even before. I think the difference was today was that I decided that I didn't feel like I needed to impress my fellow doulas, and so I was just myself. I was more talkative, told more corny jokes, laughed more, and introduced myself to more people. I am so happy I did because today I laughed my head off with the same ladies I was so eager to impress in the past. Anyway it was so fun laughing and luaghing with such great women.


Anywho, from that I want to pull my item of gratitude.

I am thankful for laughing with my friends family, and even with strangers. I thankful for the times I laugh so long and hard I almost pee my pants, snort, can't breath, fall to the ground, and am sore the next day. I love the happiness it brings, the wombs is will heal, how it unites people, the anger it calms,  and the walls  laughter  will crumble.

From one of my favorite General Conference talk of all time I would like to share,

"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
-Elder Joseph B Wirthlin "Come What May, and Love It" October 2008 General Conference

A Few Random Ones

Again I waited till late in the night to write a post on gratitude, and my brain and my fingers don't seem to be working very well. So for today I will list of a few thing that make my life easier, happier, and/or better:) Oh these aren't list in any order of importance.

Spell check, yeah I am not a speller.
Netflix, I guess i shouldn't use it so much as a babysitter but it works so well.
Elcetric blankets, I don't have one, but I happy they exsist, because one day I will have one, and    my life will be better.
My home phone, I always know where it is unlike my cell phone.
Air fresheners, Because my house can smell like clove, grapefruit, pumpkins, Christmas, flowers, fresh linens, or whatever I want to.
Makeup, Because I lookbetter with it on
Yard sells I love good deals, plus yard sells make me extremely happy.
Flowers,  Where ever they are flowers make life so beautiful, colorful, and fragrant.
My Bed, Because it so comfortable, and all i want to do at the moment is to get in it.
Digital Cameras, I can take a million pictures of the same thing and it doesn't matter.

And that is ten random things I am thankful for, and I feel that is good for tonight.

PS I am thankful that Amber Logas invited me to her house and fed my family delicious enchiladas.

To Sleep

Oh man, I need to start writing these posts earlier. I am so tired right now, but it gives me a good idea for today's graditude post.
 One of my greatest gifts, talents, blessings, or whatever I have been given is the ability to fall asleep fast. I love it. From time to time if I am in a Facebook debate, or I have A LOT going on it take me 15 minutes to be out for the night. It just might be my greatest talent.
I know it seems like it doesn't help most of you, but if I have any direct contact with you, I promise it does. I am an absolute winch when I am sleep deprived.  Just ask my sister in law Wendee. The last time I attended a birth all night long I was not able to get a good rest before a family party. After the party my girls were sticky from treats so I put them in the bath at my mother in laws. Well my phone slipped right out of my pocket, and into the bath. I was such a crank from being awake for over 36 hours that I picked up the phone, and chucked right over Wendee's shoulder. I almost hit her in the face! Then I said, "Ugh I'm just so pissed off." Then I stormed out of the bathroom. Sorry Wendee.
So yes my talent of falling asleep keeps you from having objects thrown at you, and possible black eyes and bloody noses. Plus from hearing profanities come from my mouth

So I am very thankful for my greatest gift, talent, blessing, or whatever to be able to fall asleep quickly and easily.

Now I off to sleep.

To My BFF

Again through out the day I was scanning the many things I have to be grateful for. Today I want to give my thanks to my BFF who happens to be Jacob Rollin Green. To my dedicated husband I publicly say thank you.

There are a million ways I can thank you, Jake, but so I don't embarrass you to badly I will keep this short and sweet. I know you try so hard to make me happy. I see them. I appreciate them. Thank you. La Lu Pe Poo:)

November 1

11/1/11 was a great day of challenge. Not only did I decide to take upon myself the challenge to post feelings gratitude daily this month, but I also am also doing marriage dares with Jake. My dear friend, Georgia, Yes the same friend that gave the idea to share my feeling of gratitude, created a blog that is dedicated to a 40 day challenge to become a better spouse and grow more loving, joyful, and secure in our marriage relationships.

So far it has been rewarding to be able to have a good way to direct my thought and energy during the day. Not only am I more aware of the blessings in my life, I am focusing on my relationship with Jake more. It is amazing how much my attitude has changed in just two days. I have noticed that not only have my actions been more patient, kind, grateful, and loving, but so have my thoughts.

Here is to better me and richer marriage in 38 more days.

Season of Gratitude

As you have noticed my blog really isn't soul searching, deep, or exactly personal. It is more of 'this is what we did fun today', and I have been thinking I should add in a little more depth in my blogging. However I am not the most poetic, passionate, or eloquent writer, and this typically freaks me out to try to do posts that are more than a quick account of a family activity. But I think have found a solution.
My dear friend Georgia gave me a a grand idea to share my feelings of gratitude daily during the month of November. Isn't a beautiful idea. It will give me a way to express myself in a personal way. So here I go trying to be a little more soul searching, deep, and personal for the three of you that read my blog.

Day One
So after making the decision to share my gratitude of the blessings in my life last night, I have been sifting through what I should first write about, and several worthy ideas popped into my head but the one that stuck was inspired by Beautiful Heartbreak by Hillary Weeks music video posted on facebook my sister. Here it is



Today I want to express my gratitude for my heartbreaks. My heartbreaks, my hard times, my trials, my times I would never wish one anyone, I give my gratitude. They have made me strong, better, and into the woman I am.

Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find...

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween simply because there is very little expectation on how much you do or don't do. If you do or don't decorate, whatever. If you Dress up or not fine. If you do a million fun Halloween things or not, great. If you take your kids trick-or-treating to 3 houses or everywhere you an think cool. Plus I love any reason to celebrate. So when Halloween rolls around I take full advantage to celebrate, and have fun.
This year was a good one. We did a lot of festive things. So get ready to view pictures of our many different Halloween celebrations. I am serious there are way to many pictures. It is almost like looking at facebook.

The first Holloweeny thing we did this fall was to go to Pumpkin Land. I feel like it a good deal for our family. There is a corn maze(I don't like corn mazes) a farm yard zoo, air toys, playground, Halloween alley, and of course a pumpkin patch. It isn't to pricey at $4 a head, $3 if you dress up

Next I took the girls to Thanksgiving points Barn Yard Boo. They always have fun at Thanksgiving point, and when there are games and other fun things to do it is that much better. Tori even won 2 tickets to he dinosaur museum by guessing where the cow would poop. Plus there was the most adorable little calf there.

No Halloween is complete without carving pumpkins. Even though I am not crazy about sticking my hands in a slimy stinky pumpkin I do it for some Halloween fulfillment. Anyway we went to our friends Jeff and Shasta's with Angela and Loyd, and has a lot of fun eating dinner, talking, and carving pumpkins. This is the first year I did something other than triangles for eyes and a crazy shape for a mouth. I carved two witches stirring the pot. The witches are suppose to me Tori and Macy. Jake made a droid robot, and Tori used stickers to make a face.

Angela, Stephanie, her kids, and Tori, Macy and I went to UVU Halloween carnival. They has a lot of stuff to do like frost cookies, paint pumpkins, eat donuts, a spook ally, and games. To bad the calendar and posters all had the wrong ending time on them. We only had 15 minutes to play before it ended. However even with the little time they had the girls had a good time.

Another family thing we did that was a really cool, was the Stringtown Nightmare Express. It was a mini train that you sat and rode through little haunted tunnels. Surprisingly it is put on by just some people who happen have a mini train track going through their neighborhood in Lindon. It is free, they run it for week , and expect over 11,000 people to attend. We went when it wasn't busy and waited maybe 15 minutes in line, but it looks like the line could be easily 2 hours long. On a side note we all dressed up for this. I was super mom, Jake super dad, Tori wonder girl, and Macy bat girl.


BYU also had a carnival. We went to this last year and Tori totally remembers petting the snake. This year she was excited to see the snake again. She also touched a live tarantula Macy touched the blow up witch cat.

We also went to the ward party, had chili, and trunk a treated.

Jake mother has a little shindig as well. She cooked chili annd bread sticks. then we played a few game. The funnest to watch was bobbing for donuts. one of the adults would dare do it but the kids sure had fun.

On Halloween day we went Trick-or-treating of course. First I took the girls downtown Provo to trick-or treat. We walk so much and by the end the girls were so tired. Tori couldn't hold her candy anymore, and Macy fell asleep. But they got so much candy I used it for trick-or-treaters that came by our house. We also had our friends over for burgers that night, and then Jake took the girls out to trick-or treat around the neighborhood. And that my dear was our year of Halloween.