Today I am thankful for...

Beautiful fall weather!

This has been an unusually warm fall here. It isn't unusual for us to have snow on the ground while Trick or Treating. Here it is, the end of November & it's absolutely beautiful out. In fact, I was even wearing capris today & wasn't cold (& I'm ALWAYS cold)! My boys are still running around in shorts & T's. This is crazy, but I love it. Yes, I do love the crisp fall days, but right now, I'm loving the sunshine & warm weather.

Now that I've typed this up, I've probably personally jinxed us & I'll wake up to 12 inches of snow on the ground. Even if I do, that's okay, I love the cold, snowy weather too, but for right now, I am thankful for the warmer weather.

Today I am thankful for...

Games!

Bonez & I had to run to Target again tonight, I decided on our way there, that I wanted to pick up a game for us to play. After reading the backs of many games, we narrowed it down & then finally decided on one. We came home, got things cleaned up a bit, then "broke out" the new game.

OMGosh, we had SO much fun playing. We ended up playing "Would you rather..." holy cow, it is funny! Even little Princess got in on the action, which made us all laugh even harder.

I love that my little family can spend time together laughing & having fun, just being ourselves & enjoying each other. I'm sure this game will be one that we break out many more times & will get just as many laughs as it did tonight!

Today I am thankful for...

Black Friday!

This year was a little (okay, a LOT) off for me. I LOVE shopping on BF with my mom, it's tradition with us, we LOVE it & always have so much fun together. (Tried it once with my sis, NEVER again, she doesn't know how to shop) LOL Anyway, since we had to stay home this year, I didn't have my shopping buddy. I tried getting a few friends to go with me, but they all had to work, or were out of town, if I was gonna go, I was on my own.

The fact that I had any $ whatsoever to spend today is a miracle in itself (I won't get into that though). Prince Charming & I talked & scoured the ads together & came up with a game plan for me. After getting 3 1/2 sleep, I got back up & headed out the door. Best Buy was my first stop, I got there at 5 to 5, the line was wrapped all the way around the building. The entire time, I was trying to decide if it was even worth it. There were a few guys out handing out hot cocoa, I decided what the heck, if nothing else, it'll keep my hands warm while holding it. I think I took 2 little sips & the line started moving. I LOVE the way they handled everything in there, I was in & out of there & back to my car by 7 minutes after 5 & I got what I wanted!!!

Next stop, Shopko... NEVER AGAIN! That place is disgusting & an absolute nightmare. I did get what I wanted & got the heck out of there. Next on the list was Walmart. I have to say, I was disappointed with WM this year. I have NEVER seen them run out of things like they did this time. I did get most of what I wanted there, do it was fine, just a little disappointing. I made 3 more stops before I headed to Target. I ended up getting what I needed there & headed home. I was home & back in bed by 9:30. Only the boys were up. I tried to go back to bed, but Prince Charming woke up, so we started chatting, then my phone rang every 5 minutes, I finally gave up on sleep.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out around here with the family. It was the PERFECT day! I am so thankful for the BF ads & that my kids will be able to have some kind of Christmas this year.

Today I am thankful for...

Family...

We had such a fun, relaxing, low key Turkey day today.  It was nice to be able to spend time with Prince Charming's family.  We haven't spent Thanksgiving with his family in years, this year, we just couldn't afford to travel to spend it with mine, so we stayed here.  

We started the day bright & early with the boys playing in the Turkey Bowl.  Princess & I headed out & took some pics, then came home & hung out here.  

Later in the afternoon, we headed out to PC's mom's house. Dinner was served within minutes of us getting there (talk about perfect timing LOL). Yummy food & lots of it! After dinner & dessert, there was football (ok, that may have been on the whole time), scouring the ads for the too good to miss deals (not many this year), playing with the cousins, some friendly poker games, & the fun times on the wii. It was a great way to spend the holiday!

I am so thankful we have such a wonderful family that we can laugh with, relax with & just enjoy time with. We really are blessed, not only do we have that on 1 side of the family, but we have it on both!

Today I am thankful for...

Reconnected friendships!

I called an "old" friend of mine today out of the blue.  It's been months since we had spoken, she's been on my mind so I decided to give it a try.  I am SO glad I did!  Diane & I have been friends for about 11 years now, our kids are about the same ages & we hit it off pretty quickly & became fast friends.  Diane probably knows me better than anyone, other than my DH (& probably my sis & mom).  Even though we haven't chatted in a while (we do both have lives ya know) it felt just like yesterday that we had been together.  Yep, we have one of those "pick up where we left off" friendships, isn't that the best kind?!  We chatted & caught up on the phone for almost 2 hours (yeah, I know, that would be pure torture for you Brandi), then I headed out & went & hung out with her at her house for another 3 hours or so.  Man I've missed her.  I haven't laughed that hard or that long since the retreat in October!  Not only did we laugh together, we had some serious talks & even shared a few tears.  Diane & I have been through a lot together, I really think we've seen each other through some of our lowest times, but also some of the highest too.  We have an incredible friendship & a strong bond.  I absolutely love & adore her.  I love that we can totally 100% be ourselves, we don't have to hold anything back.  There is no fear of judgement, just unconditional love, respect, & friendship.  I will forever be thankful for her, she is such a huge blessing in my life.  She has really helped me become who I am today & for that, I will always be grateful.

So tonight, I am so thankful that I picked up the phone (that she picked up on her end lol) & we were able to reconnect!  Thanks for a great evening Diane, you made my day!

Today I am thankful for...

My boys being best friends!


Yes, sometimes they are enemies too, but today, they got along great (most of the day anyway). They are all into air softing, they spent the better part of the day outside enjoying the blue sky & crisp air. I was walking downstairs & saw C-Man crouching down outside the window, he was totally in the "zone", I snapped some pics without him even knowing. Once he realized what I was doing, he called his brothers over & I started snapping some of them playing around.



It was such a little thing, but it made me happy, knowing they can have so much fun together, I love that they always have a playmate & their interests are so much alike.

Today I am thankful for...

Working smoke alarms!!!

HOLY COW, my 10 tried to burn down our house tonight!!!

He wanted to make one of those packets of "Lipton chicken rice" things. I was on the phone, guess he got sick of waiting. I told him to READ THE DIRECTIONS & figure it out. (I did tell him which bowl to use... which is now in the trash ). Next thing I knew, every single smoke alarm in my house was going off (& there are a lot of them). I hung up the phone, ran down stairs & honestly, couldn't see a thing! I opened the microwave & smoke literally just billowed out. It was so bad, I couldn't find the smoke detector!!! Oh course, DH was oblivious to the whole thing, he was playing the drums in the music room. I ran in & yelled at him & then couldn't find him again. We ran around opening all the windows & doors (luckily it's 52 out so we aren't freezing). UGH, my house STINKS!!!

The 10yo has been in tears since it happened, I only asked if he added water, he answered "no, I didn't know I needed to..." I didn't think he needed any other discipline, he knew he messed up & was so scared when he saw the smoke.

I am SO thankful we have working smoke alarms that went off. I am also beyond grateful it was "just" the smoke, it could have been so much worse!

Yikes, the excitement never stops around here!!!

Today I am thankful for...

The Ward Christmas party coming together!!!

I'll just give the condensed version... a friend & I are planning the ward Christmas party, date was moved, blah blah blah, had a rough idea of what we wanted to do, NOTHING concrete. Started really working on it yesterday. To make this super short, it's coming together & the pieces are all falling into place. IF it goes like it's planned, it should be a hit.

Today at church, we "tied up all the loose ends", I really think this will be a success! I am SO beyond thankful it's working out. With everything stacked against us, it's pretty amazing it's going to even happen, let alone be a positive & fun night.

All I can say about it is that it's obvious His hand is involved & we're supposed to do this party. (Yes, I know I'm leaving out all the details, sorry, I'm tired & it could be a very long story just trust me on this one). I'll have to post pics etc & let you all know how it goes after the fact, the party is actually Dec 12. Let's just keep hoping & praying that things go smoothly.

Today I am thankful for...

A clean house!

I feel like a completely different person when my house is clean vs when it's well, when it's not! Today, it's clean & it was a great day.

I know, pretty short, & boring post, sorry, but I'm exhausted & am headed to bed. Hey, I'm thankful for my warm bed & jammies too! LOL

Anyway, I love the feeling I get when I stand at the top of my stairs & look down & see everything (including the toy room) all clean & orderly. It makes me feel like all is right with the world. I know it won't stay this way for long, heck, I have 4 crazy & active kids, but for a few minutes (or hours) it's all good!

Today I am thankful for...

My internet friends that tag me to do these fun "surveys"

Getting to Know Me...Christmas Edition

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper! While I do use gift bags for showers, etc. I don't use them for Christmas. Half the fun of Christmas morning is getting lost in the piles of wrapping paper!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. I love the smell, the watering, the whole sh'bang of a real tree. I do NOT want to cut one down though, I'm way too picky about what my tree looks like & was not happy the 1 year we did cut it.

3. When do you put up the tree? Ummm, whenever we have the $ to buy one! LOL Usually around the 2nd week of Dec. Ideally, I would like to wait until after Bub's b day, but that's cuttin it way too close for me.


4. When do you take the tree down? When it's dead? :) Usually the first week of January sometime. I actually like to take it down right after New Years. By that time, I'm ready to have my house back to "normal"

5. Do you like eggnog? Non-alcoholic, yes, but mixed with Sprite! YUM!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Boom Box, my BIG Barbie Dream house, the one that was "open" & just have plastic "poles" to separate the cardboard "floors", Oh, & the "silky" nighty I got from my now DH for my 1st or 2nd Christmas. LOL

7. Hardest person to buy for? My DH!!! I HATE buying for him. My mom is another hard one, if I had $ to spend, she would be easier. Hopefully next year!

8. Easiest person to buy for? The Princess. How do you go wrong with a 2yo little girl? LOL

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, a few. My "nice" one I leave out all year long in my hutch, I LOVE it! I so wish I would have gotten some of my mom's before she got rid of them, she has collected them for years & I would have loved some of hers, 1 in particular.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, when we can afford to send them out. I also love receiving them in the mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm, I don't know, I can't think of anything off the top of my head...

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Hmmm, another hard one. I like the Polar Express, & also the Home Alone movies, those are fun to watch with the kids. I'm sure there are more, but that's what is coming to mind right now.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to do a little throughout the year & then "finish up" (do the big stuff) the day after Thanksgiving.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, not that I can remember anyway.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? It used to be G'mas German cookies, Yummy! Now... not really sure I have a favorite to be honest with you. SInce we've been married, my fav Christmas meal is actually... pizza, but that's just because I love the causal, eat all day kind of thing.

16. Lights on the tree? Yep, but ONLY if they are clear & NOT blinking. Sorry Carrie, but I HATE blinking lights. I only like colored lights outside on the rooftops, inside, on my tree, clear, that way they don't take away from the fun ornaments.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Angels we have heard on high. LOVE that song.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay home, I refuse to spend Christmas morning anywhere other than my own home. When we lived in Eugene, we actually would drive the 3 hours to come here, but not until we did the fun morning stuff at home first. Now that we're here, Hubby's family comes to our house & it's perfect! (They come in the afternoon & then go home that night).

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? Of course, (but only while I'm singing)! LOL

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Ummm, we used to use a star, now we use a snowman.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? This will be the first year that my boys won't open jammies on Christmas Eve, (only the Princess gets to do that), but we always open everything else Christmas morning, bright & early (as soon as the last child is awake) LOL

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Probably the lack of $. I would love to be able to spend & do what I want for everyone I want to do for, but I can't. This year is going to be the hardest for me $ wise, so I'm really struggling getting into any kind of "Christmas spirit".

23. What theme or color are you using? No theme here, my mom did that while we were growing up, I'll leave the "themes" to her. I have a mod podge of "things" & that's what we decorate with. I would love to do all snowmen, but can't, so we make do with what we have & are happy with it. Under the tree, I do try to do mainly snowmen paper, does that count? LOL

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I said this above & yes, I'm completely serious, my favorite Christmas dinner is pizza!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Oh, I can come up with lots of things LOL. I'm not saying anything out loud though, we aren't exchanging gifts this year, so doesn't really matter.

Ok, since Carrie tagged me, I'll go ahead & tag a few people too... let's see, this time I'll go with...
Brandi
Goldfish &
Miriam

Today I am thankful for...

My mom, or AKA: gammy.


My mom has got to be one of the best "Gammy's" out there (at least my kids think so). She has a "tradition" of sending each child $5 for their first lost tooth. This is something all the grandkids LOVE & wait for. Today was Bubby's turn to get his $, man, he has been waiting all week for a package to arrive. Shhh, we won't tell him that it would have been here sooner if she had just sent the $. Nope, that wasn't gonna work for my mom, if she was sending something, she A. had to do something for all of the kids, & B. might as well just get a box & fill it. LOL

I grabbed the mail before I got the boys from school today, (knowing a package would be waiting). Let's just say, she didn't let us down! Each of the kids got a beanie, & then there were a few other "treats" for the Princess. Here are a few pics of the kids "keeping warm" (according to Roo).

Crazy kids!


Not sure if this one is much better, but it's all I got LOL (guess I know not to try taking a pic when they are trying to watch a movie)...


This one was just too cute not to post, I asked Roo where her "Princess smile" was & this is what she gave me...




My kids absolutely LOVE my mom, (ok, it helps that she is constantly spoiling them), but more than the "things" she gives them, she gives her time & attention. My boys (& Roo too) KNOW, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are loved & adored by my parents, they know that no matter what, they will always be there for them. My parent's support my kids 110% in all they do. They can't always be here to go to their games, but when they can, they drive 3 hours to watch. When we are there for hockey, my parents come & "camp out" at the rink (even though it's not something my mom loves to do), because it's important to my kids.

I love watching the relationship grow & become stronger between my kids & my parent's, it's something that means the world to me. I love knowing that no matter what, they have 1 set of grandparents that love them unconditionally, & really KNOW them, know their interests, their strengths, & enjoy being around them. To me, that is priceless!

Roo has such a strong bond with my mom, esp after spending 5 days there when I was in Cali. She STILL talks about it all the time. When she puts clothes on, (from my mom) she gets all excited & says "Gammy got dis for me!" She was so funny when she got her hat & gloves today, she wanted the pink gloves (not the white) & said "me stay warm gammy's house, gammy want me stay warm". It was darling!

My mom is one of my best friends, I've been lucky, we have always been close, I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise that my kids have that special bond also.

Anyway, thanks mom, you made our day today!

Love & misses, Brynn

Pics...

Ok, here are the pics from yesterdays post. No, I didn't find the charger, I just got lucky & had enough battery left to download these.

Getting ready to "march" out...


A group shot...


Bubby & the Princess after the Program...


Ok, this was the cutest thing ever, the kids had M & M (music & motion) & were learning the Tango...



I'm still looking for my charger, hopefully I'll be able to find it & then I'll be back to posting pics. Wish me luck!

Today I am thankful for...

Great teachers!

We've been very blessed this year (well, okay, in years past too). I love to see a teacher that goes above & beyond; All because they love what they are doing.

Bubby had a little "program" for community time today, they did GREAT! His teacher this year, & also the teacher he had last year, took time this summer to go to a sign language class. They have passed on their love of the language to their students. They got to "show off" some of the signs they have learned today. What a cool thing! They signed the Pledge of Allegiance, a few songs & the alphabet. I was so proud of Bubs. I knew he had learned the alphabet last year, & he has asked me a few times recently what the sign for a letter was that he had forgotten, but I had NO idea they had leaned so much!

I was so excited, I took a ton of pics today & couldn't wait to share them (finally, a post with pics) BUT I can't find my freakin charger. UGH, can I just say FRUSTRATING?! I literally have searched everywhere I could possibly think of & it still hasn't turned up.

I'll look more tomorrow, it'll have to be after C-Man's "Thankful Museum" that his teacher is putting on (another above & beyond).

Hey, maybe tomorrow I can post about how thankful I am for answered prayers & finding my battery charger...

Today I am thankful for...

My Prince Charming being able to work from home today so I could go visiting teaching without the Princess. We had a rough night last night with her not feeling good. I did NOT want to take her & he said he was willing to work here & watch her.

I love that he has a "flexible" job (well, most days anyway) & is able & willing to help me out when I need him to. Thanks Honey!

Today I am thankful for...

Unexpected phone calls!

Remember my friend that moved away? Well, she's been on my mind a lot lately. Since I didn't have any other way to get ahold of her, I decided to email her today. I wrote out this long email trying to catch her up & ask questions so I could get caught up on her & her family. I was so excited to send this & hear back from her, I've really missed her. So, I hit send & I wait, & wait & wait some more. Hmmm, still says "loading"... Ok, I'm sick of waiting, I run upstairs & switch out a load of laundry (will my kids EVER stop getting their clothes dirty?!) anyway, I come back & my email is gone. Oh, okay, I guess it was sent then. Well, I decided (cause I'm nosy that way) to make sure it really did get sent. Ummm, I can't find it. NO WHERE in my stupid gmail thing does it have a place for "drafts". I looked & looked for this email, I certainly did NOT want to write it all out again.

Ok, so fast forward an hour or so, I get home from picking the boys up & come home to cuddle with the Princess (who is now sick). Anyway, I check caller ID & low & behold, there's a call from my friend!!! I was so freakin excited that I listened to my stupid messages (anyone that knows me well, knows that's like torture to me, I HATE listening to them, it takes forever because there are always so dang many of them. Yes, I know that if I listened to them more that wouldn't be an issue). You know what I got when I finally got to hers?... a HANG UP!!! A click! Can you believe it?!

Prince Charming finally gets home (we don't have long distance on our home phone...yet) so I give her a call. I'm assuming she got my email & for some reason it just isn't showing up on my side. I get ahold of her & guess what... she never got it, she was just calling to chat!!!

She totally made my day. We didn't chat long, but long enough to remind me of why we became such good friends in the first place! Man, I miss her & her family.

So today, I'm grateful for unexpected phone calls, esp from "long lost friends"!

Today I am thankful for...

The boys doing such a great job on their "parts" in the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program. This is the first year Bonez wasn't a part of it (boy was he excited lol). Now C-Man is counting down until he doesn't have to do it anymore lol. Next year will be his last.

Anyway, they both did great, got up there & did their parts like it was no biggie. I was so proud of them.

I'm also thankful today for the hubby dealing with eveything so I could take some drugs (just cold meds) & get some much needed sleep! I'm still kind of out of it, but I'll get up in a bit & make dinner since he even dealt with lunch.

Today I am thankful for...

My brother coming to watch Bubby's basketball game.

My little brother is in town with his BFF & they decided to come watch Bub's game today. We invited them to come hang out after, not sure if they'll stop by later or not, but it was nice to see him. We don't see him often, & this is the first time he's been here since we moved back. It was so nice to sit & chat during the game (& to have someone else to cheer with).

Sorry, I didn't get any pics, I had taken my camera out of my purse & forgot to put it back in. I'll definitely take some if they come by later.

Today I am thankful for...

The excitement of a little boy!

Ok, so yesterday I had said Bubby was acting kind of "off" when I left him at the school. I picked the boys up (like I do every day), he got in & got buckled, & then I didn't hear a sound from him again. That is NOT normal. I'm usually having to tell one of the boys to "hang on, you can tell me when your brother is done talking..." the entire drive home is like that; Not this time. So, we pull up at the house, C-Man jumps out, & Bubs looks over at me & very quietly says, "Umm, mom, do B or C have a loose tooth?" I knew right then where this was going! I smiled & said "Noooo, do YOU?!" He was ALL smiles at that point! He showed me (which is beyond my limits of a mom, that is 1 thing I can NOT deal with!) & told me that it became loose during 1st recess at school. Now why he didn't say anything to me while I was in his classroom is beyond me, but whatever. He ran in the house & promptly showed daddy, boy was he excited to be in the spotlight!

About an hour or so later, he came in & calmly asked what he should do with his tooth! Crazy kid! He twisted it until it came out. He was darling the rest of the night, he kept poking his little tongue out through the little hole, & then was telling me that "it feels weird now, I'm used to a tooth being there". LOL, man I love this little boy!




He was even willing (& excited even?) to pose for pics! Yeah, the Princess had to get in on that action, but he was willing to share the spotlight for a little bit with her.


When it came time for bed, he was so cute, he wanted to make sure he knew exactly what to do & where to put the tooth so the Tooth Fairy would find it. He did panic for a minute though when he found out he had to put it under a pillow, you see, my kids have this weird thing & don't use pillows... (maybe that's cause when they were little, I always stole them & used them which left them pillowless). Anyway, no fear, we found him a pillow & slipped the tooth under it. As a little extra "incentive", I told him that the tooth fairy would only come visit if he were sound asleep by 8:30. He looked at the clock & said, "so, I have 23 minutes then?" Yep, that's about right LOL.

Needless to say, he was not disappointed when he woke up this morning & checked under his pillow. The Tooth Fairy had come & he was happy! OH, & he also called Gammy last night to tell her the big news. You see, my mom sends $5 for the first tooth lost, so he was wantin his moolah!

Anyway, here's my little boy (who is growing up too darn fast) with is loot from the Tooth Fairy...


What was all this worth?
Tooth Fairy $... 4 $1 bills & 1 "gold" dollar coin
Gammy $... $5
Excitement of my little boy... Priceless!

Today I am thankful for...

The opportunity I had of working in Bubby's classroom today!

Because we only have 1 car right now, I haven't been able to work in the classrooms like I normally do. I got my chance today & man, I totally forgot how much I love it.

I got to work with each of the students at some point, it was their reading time, so each had different things (stations) so I got to "wander" & help when & where I was needed. Bub's teacher is one I know well, Bonez had her for 2 years & we LOVE her, I forgot how much I love working with her. She is amazing with the kids & pretty great with adults too! LOL

Anyway, I am hoping to make this a weekly shindig, so let's keep our fingers crossed that it all works out.

Oh, as I was leaving, Bubs was upset, he wanted me to stay the rest of the day with him (uhhh, I didn't love it THAT much ;)). I felt bad, he was almost in tears, he's never done that before, so I'm not sure where it was coming from, but man, my little guy definitely knows how to break my heart!!!

Oh, & the Princess did GREAT the 2 hours we were there, so that was an added bonus!!!

Today I am thankful for...

There are so many things I want to write about, I'm actually having a hard time choosing!

Ok, I think I've decided. Yesterday I got a comment on my facebook wall from my cousin. She was trying to get ahold of me... ummm, okay, I emailed her back & gave her my #. Literally less than 1 minute later, my phone was ringing & it was her! Now, before I get on with my story, let me explain the "relationship" here. Our mom's are sisters. There are 4 of us cousins (on that side) that are all the same age (or at least, close enough). I am the youngest, I believe Shirlene is only a few months older than me. Anyway, I always loved Shirlene & we always got along, but unfortunately, we didn't see each other often. She grew up in Utah & me in Oregon. When I went away to college, we did spend more time together & had a BLAST!

Ok, on with my story... so the last time I saw her was about 3 summers ago at a family reunion, we talked, laughed & caught up. We have kind of kept in touch using facebook & also through our blogs, it's been great. Well, I honestly couldn't figure out why she would be trying to get ahold of me, so yeah I was beyond interested in what was going on. Anyway, she has some decisions she needs to make in regards to her DD & wanted my input.

Once we got that out of the way, we just chatted & "caught up" with each other. OMGosh, I miss her! I so wish we lived closer. She is so much fun, I had such a great time chatting with her yesterday. Not only is she my cousin, but a friend & I'm so thankful she thought of me & called. I so hope we are able to keep in touch more & let our friendship grow.

Anyway, thanks for the phone call Shirleney, you made my day & I've thought about you a number of times today.

Today I am thankful for...

My online community.

Ok, I know this is a lot like yesterday's post, but this has totally made my day, so I'm posting about it! (Besides, you don't have to read this if you don't want to) LOL

On my "home in my computer" (message board) there was a thread about "Tim Tams"... these people were going on & on about them, literally raving about them. I opened my big mouth asking what the heck they were. I then decided to google to find out what the fuss was all about. Here is the Tim Tam website I found ***clicky***. So, this thread is now 2 pages long, (yeah, it's chocolate & a bunch of women, what do you expect) ;) Anyway, I was on late last night & I got a PM from someone on the board that lives in New Zealand offering to send me some "choccie bikkies". Can you believe it?! I don't "know" Liz, I have seen her post on SS before, but have never talked to her, never met her, but she was/is willing to go out of her way to do something nice, just because.

I seriously love this place, I have been blessed before by RAKs (Random Act of Kindness) & am still shocked every time. Really, this stuff happens all the time on there, most of the people don't know each other IRL, just from the board, but wow, what an incredible giving group of women.

Through this "group" or better described as "family", I have learned so many wonderful life lessons.

I will definitely be posting about my "Tim Tams" when they arrive... now I get to start stalking the mail lady!!!

Thanks again Liz, you've totally made my day! :)

Today I am thankful for...

My internet friends!

I was IMing with "Coffee" & she wanted to give me a call (in other words, she felt I needed to get some house work done) LOL. As we were chatting, the mail lady dropped off a package for me. Huh, I wasn't expecting anything, but hey, I'll take it! LOL OMGosh, it was a package from Brandi!!! We had chatted a while ago & I had mentioned that the Princess LOVED "Strawberry Cake" aka: Strawberry Shortcake. Anyway, she had said she had a brand new movie, she would send it to me for her. I totally forgot about it until it came in the mail today!

So, after getting all excited, Shannon & I continued our conversation for another hour or so. I LOVE my internet friends. I seriously have made the best friends through my online message board. I know so many people IRL that just don't "get it", they don't understand how I can have some BFF that I have/had never even met. There is something so incredible special about SS & the bond that we have there.

I had the BEST time at the retreat last month, I finally got to meet some of my "great friends". Not only did I get to meet the friends I had been talking to for months, but I made some new ones as well. My life has literally been changed (for the better) because of my "internet friends". They (you) have gotten me through some really rough times & I can't thank them (you) enough.

I can't ever get rid of my computer, all my friends live in it!!!

Today I am thankful for...

A great relationship with my Hubby!

A few nights ago, I was talking with a friend of mine, I could tell something was really bothering her. I made a comment about how it must have been a rough day, but didn't say anything else. I left it alone & tried to keep the boys (we were at scouts) out of her hair. She later thanked me for making the comment. She didn't realize how much this "problem" was "radiating" from her. She went on to tell me the cause. Our conversation has really stayed with me this week. I realized how much I take for granted the wonderful marriage I have.

Today in church, we were talking about relationships. One thing a friend & I talked about, that has really worked for Prince Charming & I (No, we don't have the perfect relationship, but we try) is giving each other their own space. We totally support each other's hobbies, this alone has made a HUGE difference (for the better) for us. We both need some "me" time, that doesn't mean we don't love each other, or enjoy spending time together, quite the opposite actually. Being supportive of each other & our hobbies has given us each time to "rejuvenate" & really enjoy our time together. It's made us happier, & stronger as a unit.

Anyway, I totally feel bad for my friend, I don't know if her marriage will survive & that makes me sad. It also makes me want to try even harder to make mine better than it already is!

***Oh, that pic is one of Prince Charming passing on his love of paintball (1 of his many hobbies) to Bubby.

Today, I am thankful for...

Bubby's love of books! Bubs has become an incredible reader this year. He was just starting to "get it" at the end of kindergarten last year, within the first couple of weeks in 1st grade, he literally just started "taking off". Nothing can stop him now! I love listening to him read, rarely does he have to stop to ask for help. If he doesn't know a word, he sounds it out & keeps on going. I LOVE when it all clicks & comes together for them.


This is the first "real" book he ever read by himself, he was just beaming by the time he was done!

Today, I am thankful for...

No plans on a Friday night!

I honestly can't tell you the last time we, as a family all stayed home together on a Friday night. After a crazy day of running back & forth to & from the school, it was nice to be able to spend the evening together as a family.

We didn't really "do" anything except snuggle on the couch & watch Deal or No Deal together. The kids all played a game in the front room, then came & joined us so we could all watch the "game" together.

It was SO nice to spend time with the family, without any commitments or "extra" people around.

So that is what I am thankful for today, just a nice, relaxing evening with the fam.

Today I am thankful for...

My little Princess!

OMGosh this little girl makes me laugh! Ok, so today her & I are at the grocery store. I have a Starbucks GC & since I'm FREEZING, I decide to get a HOT caramel apple cider. Yeah, well, I paid for it & took my first drink, ummm, not sure how it got lost in translation, but I didn't get anything HOT, more lukewarm, or probably room temp was more accurate. Anyway, so I decided to be a "nice" mom & let the Princess have some "apple juice". She took a sip & made a funny face, but didn't say anything. She did this throughout the store, would just take a tiny sip here & there. We're getting ready to leave & I ask if she wants to keep it, or can I toss it. Nope, she insists on bringing it home. Alrighty then! I put her in her seat & she starts asking for her "apple juice". I let her hold it, no biggie. We're just about home & she gets the funniest look on her face & says "Chay Chay's apple juice is NAAASTY"! It was HILARIOUS! I seriously laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. I'm not sure if it took her that long to realize the taste wasn't going to get much better, or what, but holy cow it was funny. The way she says "Nasty" is the funniest part, she almost says it with a twang.

Anyway, our family definitely wasn't complete without out little Princess. She is such a ray of sunshine & we all absolutely adore her.

Here she is with her "apple juice"


taking a sip...



I LOVE the look on her face in this one...


I love you Princess Roo!

I am thankful for...

Ok, I really wanted a pic to go with this one, but don't have the time to look for one right now. I'll try to add one later, I felt it was more important to get this posted.

I'll warn you right now that this is going to be a "religious" & "political" post, if you feel like closing it now, go for it, you won't offend me (since I'll never know).

I am thankful I live in the USA, I love the fact that I get to vote, that I have a "say" in who leads our country. Now, with that being said, I didn't vote for our new President. No, I'm not mad that he won, I guess if I were to be honest, I would have to say that I'm more afraid, or maybe even terrified. This takes me to my next "point", or what I'm really feeling thankful for today (& well, every day actually). I am so beyond grateful that I have a Heavenly Father that loves his children. That has a hand in EVERYTHING! That KNOWS what he is doing & knows why things are the way they are. Even though I'm scared to see where the country is headed with this new Presidency, I love knowing that I have someone to look to, that is doing His will & will not lead me astray. I am so beyond thankful for our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, for his strength, dedication, & faith. I can't begin to tell you how "safe" I feel knowing he will lead us & help me to stay on the right path. I know without a doubt that if I continue to follow him, things will be okay. Even if the world is "going to hell in a handbasket" as my sister said, we will prevail, we will come out on top. Ok, let me clarify the hell in a handbasket comment...  People aren't bad, just being led astray.  Values that founded our country are being lost and forgotten.  Why should those who work so hard and sacrifice so much to succeed be punished and made to pay for those who won't work for themselves.  I'm all for helping those in need, however, there are so many who make themselves victims.  At some point we need to take responsibility for our own lives and realize that it's the "pursuit" of happiness that's guaranteed, not happiness itself.  (that last part came from part of the conversation my sis & I had, so I'm giving her the credit even though I agree 100%)

I hope & pray that things won't be or get, as bad as I think they will, that I'll be "proven wrong", I really do. I will support the new President of the US, but *I* plan on putting my faith in the Prophet, I think I'll get a lot further & where I really want to be.

I know this got kind of long, sorry, but I feel very blessed to have a modern day Prophet that I can follow.

Today I am thankful for...

Today I am thankful for both of my boys making the traveling tournament basketball team. They both did great at tryouts & final word came yesterday morning via email. I can't even begin to tell you how relieved & excited I was to see both names on the rosters.

It's gonna be super hectic around here (yeah, I know, what's new...) with Bonez having practice 5 days a week for his middle school team & then 2 "extra" days for COBO. Good thing we LOVE basketball around here!

I was so proud of Bonez, one of his BFF's didn't make the team & he was incredible about M's feelings etc. I think both B & M are going to be hanging out here so Daddy can help coach M so he'll make the team next year.

Life is good!

Today, I am thankful for..

I am thankful for the relationship my kids have with each other. Yes, we have more than our share of the fighting, arguing etc, but I also know that they are each other's Best Friends! I love that my kids have constant playmates. I love that they can have fun together, that they can literally beat the crap out of each minute 1 minute, & then forget all about it & be back to being BFF again the next. I love that all 3 boys are extremely athletic & enjoy "practicing" & playing together. I love to see the boys interact & play with the Princess. The love they have for her melts my heart, EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! Our family wasn't complete without our little angel girl. The boys absolutely adore her & show it daily.

This picture was Halloween night, Bubby & Roo were playing on the couch, he was tickling her & I snapped the pic without them knowing about it. It's one of my favorites. To me, it shows the fun, loving relationship they share.

A month of Thankfulness...

My good friend Sherry has posted a challenge. We are to blog every day about something we are thankful for. (She's also doing a giveaway, so hey, double bonus! (click on her name for her challenge) Starting today, I'm going to post about a blessing in my life, could be something big, or even something small. I'm excited about this, so, here goes...

Today I am thankful for...



Yep, the Lakers! Why you ask... well, because this is something we, as a family, enjoy together. The world stops for us when the Lakers are playing, we all sit around & enjoy (when they're winning) the game as a family. Even the Princess will watch with us. The boys love to put on their Laker "garb" (ok, that isn't anything too different, they're usually already wearing it anyway) & we cuddle on the couch & cheer (boo) loudly. Just a little PSA: DO NOT CALL MY HOUSE DURING A GAME!!! ;)

Not only do the 6 of us love the Lakers, but my MIL is an avid fan, as are my dad & brother. It's seriously something that brings us all closer together. I LOVE it!!!

So yes, today I am thankful for the Los Angeles Lakers! I bleed purple & gold & am proud of it!!!