What A Week!

It's Saturday.  Our Spring Break is coming to a close.  It's beautiful outside.  Tomorrow is Easter.

We've had a seriously busy week.  Last Saturday Daniel's car engine bit the dust.  It's gone.  He had a guy looking for an engine, but to no avail.  We are in the process of finding another car.  Little, cheap, quick.

We blew eggs on Monday and then colored them.

I love the egg blowing rather than boiling.  Less stink.

We got some clay and made some pretty cool stuff.

My fruit basket.  So life-like you wanna eat it, right?

A dog.

We also had a day of making stuff out of these weird things called nuudles.  Yes.  Weird.

 But loads of fun.  We also went to the zoo.  But it was so crowded we left and went to the Museum of Natural History instead.  Good times.

Kids played outside in the absolutely gorgeous weather. 

We visited grandma and grandpa, got our teeth cleaned, I was set apart as a ward missionary, I went to my last Wolf Den Meeting, we had many late nights and had a most wonderful time.  We also have been doing our Easter week lessons about the things Jesus did each day before the Resurrection.  Boy are we grateful for Him.  Happy Easter and enjoy the beauty of Spring!  

Where Did All The Asthma Go?

One Sunday morning way back when, we sat on a bench at church.  Isaac was about 18 months and I had him dressed so spiffy.  The family in front of us had a little boy, about 2 or 3, who turned around to play with Isaac.  Then it happened.  He spewed, hacked, snot flying, sputtering through a long cough.  I moved Isaac immediately.  That week he got sick.  Nasty cold.  Then he couldn't breathe.  So I took him to the pediatrician.  Diagnosis:RSV.  I said, "Hey!  He's 18 months!  I thought RSV was for tiny babies" No.  Older babies can get it too.  The RSV filtered through his little body and he developed asthma.  For years we used a nebulizer each day to treat the wheezing.  Every time we went camping, each time we were around fire, every day of an inversion, colds and coughs, grass blowing in the wind, playing with a dog, heck, just being around people who owned a dog, swimming, going outside to ride his bike.  All of those and more would bring on an asthma attack. When Isaac was about 8 we put him on an inhaler and he began taking Singular.  Wow.  What a difference Singulair made.  He didn't wheeze so much.  It was pretty much being around a dog and environmental factors that got the asthma worked up.

Then Isaac turned 12.  About a month or so later we stopped the Singulair.  Just to see.  We kept Zyrtec around just in case.  He took that each night.  But we realized that he wasn't using his inhaler anymore.  Oops.  Needed it just once.  But here we are on the cusp of September and, even though the inhaler is in my purse, he hasn't used it.  At all.  Camping, swimming, hiking, dogs, fair animals, fires, scooter riding, smog, a cold.  No wheezing.  No asthma. I think we're done with the asthma.  It's a miracle.  Well, we knew he'd grow out of it.  He takes Zyrtec only when allergies get his nose a'runnin'.  I still think about that little boy at church and wonder why his parents thought it was a great idea to take him to church.  I can't say I'm grateful that Isaac had asthma.  But I am so grateful he is done.  Now he wants a dog.  Umm...

A Little About Us.

Now that the fair is over I feel like I can breathe..  And it's nice to not breathe in barn smell!  So I thought I'd catch up on how our summer's been winding down.

We begin school next Wednesday.  Ruthie will go into 3rd grade.  Sam will go into 5th grade.  Isaac is going into 7th grade, which means junior high.  He and I went to register Monday morning.  Much to our dismay, so did every other 7th, 8th and 9th grader. There were lots of long lines.  Then there were other longer lines.  Isaac is nervous, but so is every other 7th grader. (and so is his mom.. sshh) We will go back next Monday to meet teachers and then Tuesday we will have orientation.  Then the real life thing begins Wednesday.  Sam and Ruthie will be okay.  They will have terrific teachers and I know exactly how things work in 5th and 3rd grades.  And I'm the PTA secretary and will be there a lot.  A. Lot. 

We've finished up school shopping, except for shoes.  Everyone needs shoes.  I just don't understand how they go through shoes so quickly.

Last night we went to a dinner with my mom's family.  Sort of a family reunion, but my cousin got married today.  So his parents did a dinner for all the families so we could visit and enjoy some time together.  I sat with my aunt Ruth most of the evening and caught up with her.  When I lived with my grandparents after high school, Ruth and her hubby Chuck lived very close by.  I spent a lot of time with her and her young family.  Her oldest is 25 now.  Old I tell ya! 

We have been going through milk like crazy cakes I tell ya.  Between Isaac and Daniel, my two milk drinkers, we can go through a gallon a day.  I can't wait for school to begin just so Isaac isn't drinking it during the day.  At least you can't accuse either of them of being calcium poor.  Both of them are at a priesthood meeting tonight.  I love that Isaac will get his Sunday duds on on a Tuesday night, and then again tomorrow night for a fireside (Which he may not actually realize yet!) and not complain.  At least not too much.  He's a terrific priesthood holder.

Sam just had 2 cavities filled today.  We all went for cleanings yesterday and Sam was the cavity winner.  He's never had the shots in his mouth for fillings.  He was so brave and didn't even flinch.  I flinched.  And I didn't get the shots.  Both teeth were filled and he is nursing a sore mouth.  Ice cream and cake.  As long as he brushes tonight.

Remember I couldn't go on a date with a hot guy last Friday night because I got a Frisbee in the eye and then couldn't have gone anyway because we had the goat show?  Ya remember that?  Well, this Friday night is date night with hot guy.  I'm looking forward to it.  I go see the eye doc again in the morning.  I hope the swelling has gone down enough so I don't have to do the drops anymore.  It's a thick milky stuff that makes my eye cloudy. Needless to say I haven't been doing 4 drops a day.  2 is more likely.  At least the doc can rest assured I won't sue for malpractice!

This Saturday is Poppy's hike.  All the dads and sons go on a hike with my dad.  Then we all meet at McDs after for lunch.  And then we break the McDs.  Happens every year.  But we sure have fun breaking it. 

I have been reading each night to my kids through the summer.  We've read One Crazy Summer, Mrs. Frisby And The Rats Of Nimh, The Princess Academy and now I'm reading Tennis Shoes Among The Nephites.  After I got home from my mission, my youngest brother Aaron and I got the book on tape.  Yes, tape.  Cassette tape, not eight track.  I do remember eight tracks!  And had quite a few vinyl records.  Those were the days...  Anyhoo, Aaron and I would drive around in my green Grand Am on Saturdays.  We would go to the car wash, wash my car, go to 7-11, get a couple of bigs things of nachos and drinks and then drive around town listening to the book on tape.  And eat our nachos.  We got through the first 3 books on cassette.  When the 4th book came out we started listening and I don't think we actually finished before I was getting married.  Aaron and I never got to listen to the whole thing together.  Right after Aaron died I found the cassettes in my glove box as we got ready to sell my car.  I was sad that we never got to go back and finish.  But now I am reading the first book to my kids.  It's a series I hope to keep reading to them and not stop for any reason but the end of the books.  It's my tribute to my little brother and my kids' uncle Aaron. 

I challenged myself a bit ago to not chew on my nails and fingers.  Nasty habit.  So I bought some fun nail polish colors.  Black.  Orange.  Green.  Purple.  I love the black but Daniel thinks it's weird.  Whatever.  My favorite is the purple.  When I wear it I don't bite or chew.  Then my nails grow.  It's been wonderful to have nails.  Then came the fair.  Oh my!  My nails got chewed!  Not by me, though.  Just the whole deal of caring for an animal and the stall tore through my nails and they are still recuperating from the splitting and ripping and such madness.  I hope to have them back in good shape (literally) soon! 

So that's what's going on here.  We have had a fun and full summer.  I am so grateful for all the opportunities we've had to do new things and travel and spend time together. I will miss my kiddos come next Wednesday around 8:30 am.  After all, they are my Joy.

But then again, I am looking forward to a nap.  Oh, and a clean house!

With Grateful Heart.

On this night before Thanksgiving I thought it necessary to share my gratitude. First, to my Heavenly Father for His eternal love for me. Second, for the blessing of my family who are a distinct reminder of how much Heavenly Father does love me.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Enjoy every moment of it.

My New Scent.

For years I wore body sprays. Loved them. Coconut Lime Verbena was a favorite. Then I moved to real perfume. Loved it. Beloved is my favorite. Now I'm on to a new scent giver. Because of this...
My new scent is SPF 70. Why? Severe Sun Damage. We'll refer to it as SSD. See that band aid? It's covering up a removed mole. Wanna See??

I just got the results from the biopsy and it's benign. Didn't think it would be anything different. But I've got 2 weeks of serious watching to help this heal. Isn't it pretty? Hey! I thought you wanted to see it!

Here's the real problem. I have many spots of pre cancer on my arms and legs. When the doc said he was gonna freeze them off I asked if it would hurt. He smiled and said, "Definitely not as much as it would hurt to remover real cancer!" Then he froze them all. I know it looks like a boil. By the time I got home they had all turned to big nasty blisters.

He also removed some little thingies from my face. All from the derned SSD. One conversation went like this...

Doc "You Are burned!!"

Me "No. My skin is always that..."

Doc "No you are burned. Look at that. Where have you been?"

Me "We were on a couple of rivers."

Doc "Which ones?"

Me "Lava and Snake"

Doc "We love Lava. Did you have fun? My kids love going up there. [LALALALALA. Continuous lovely talk] YOU ARE BURNED! Look at that!"

So my job now is to wear sunscreen EVERY DAY! I found the one he recommended to be a nice light scent and won't make my face greasy. I also have to go back every 6 months. My skin is a mess. It will take some dedicated daily sunscreen application and several visits to make sure my skin will last a long time more. I am grateful the pediatrition recommended taking my boys in to have their skin checked. Otherwise I would just keep going with Daniel always bugging me about getting it checked but never doing it. And I really love this Dermatologist! LOVE him! Very easy to work with. I would recommend you all get your skin checked. Better safe than sorry!

The Last 3 Days.

Let's get back to business. Friday is a very important day. The Atonement began the evening before with the Last Supper and Jesus' suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. On Friday morning, Good Friday to many, Jesus left the Garden and was met by His apostle, Judas Iscariot, and Roman soldiers. Judas betrayed Him and Jesus was taken to the Governor, Pilate. A trial ensues and Pilate heeds the voice of the people to release Barabbas from prison and crucify Jesus. Jesus is mocked, beaten, spit upon and taken to Golgotha to be crucified. Between two thieves, who also mock Him, Jesus asks the Father to forgive them. What an amazing example of Christ's love and when we should forgive. Jesus was not killed. It's a point I drive home often. He gave His life. No one took it from Him. When the earthly part of the Atonement was finished, He said to His Father, "Father, it is finished, thy will is done."

On Saturday we talk about what Jesus does in the Spirit World. He organized missionary work! I love this part because of those we know who are doing that very work right now. Aaron, Lyndsay, baby Rebecca, Opah, Grandma Shelba, Zenda, Heidi, and many others.

Here is a pencil drawing of Aaron.

Sunday morning is the culmination of all of Jesus' work here on the earth. We watch To This End Was I Born. We go to church ready to experience the Sacrament with gratitude for His life. He lived, He taught His gospel, He showed a perfect example, He healed, He raised some from the dead, He suffered, He bled, He died, He was resurrected. Death has no victory over any of us. I am grateful that my children love this week. I am grateful that they have a great appreciation for their Savior and Redeemer.
I am grateful He Lives!

Thursday. Now And Then.

Let's cover the Now first. Ruthann lost a tooth and put the tooth in a baggie and then into an envelope. She wanted to write a note to the tooth fairy. I guess she didn't trust me to get the message to her. Thursday morning she woke up to a one dollar bill under her pillow. From the Drat Files: We went to the school carnival on Thursday afternoon and saw our little next door friends. After a while one friend came running in and said, panicking, "Your fence blew down. It's broken. The goats got out. You're really gonna have to get a new fence!" So I grabbed my kids and we were off. By the time I got there, Isaac and our friends, who gave Ike a quick ride home, had gotten the goats in the back. Jeff, their dad, was looking it over and passed by me as I ran over to assess the damage. He said he would get some fence posts and fix it up. Here it is all "fixed up". Daniel's pretty sure he can switch a top post with a bottom post and fix it.
And Then...
On Thursday we remember the Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane. We ate some unleavened bread and lit our lamp and talked about the Sacrament and Jesus' suffering in the Garden. We discussed the importance of taking the Sacrament each week and remembering that Jesus loves us so much that He bled from every pore in our behalf.

Many thanks to Amie, Jeff, and their kiddos, who helped save the day.
And we are eternally grateful for our loving Savior, who bled and died for us. And who rose the third day. He lives!

My Amazing Joy.

I love this picture of my amazing kids! Even though you can't see all of all of them, you can see their eyes. And the eyes are the window to the soul. Let me tell you a little about these amazing souls.

Isaac's soul is filled with laughter. His soul is compassionate, determined, creative, sweet. Isaac's eyes show his tenderness. His kindness. His love for so many things.

***

Samuel's soul is larger than life. His soul is meant for great things. Amazing things. His eyes show his fight. His zeal. His heart. His humor. His soul is a loving one.

***

Ruthann's soul is filled with passion. Her soul is full of friendship and love for all she meets. Her beautiful eyes betray her heart when she looks into your eyes.

***

My amazing kids have such strong and determined spirits. I can see the potential for greatness in each of their eyes. Wow! I am so grateful to be their mom!

They are my Joy!

Pink Lemonade.

How do you get pink lemonade? I mean, I've never seen a pink lemon. I don't think there is anything wrong with pink lemonade. I do like to drink it. But I can't imagine a pink lemon would be as sour as a yellow lemon.

We have had a rough go lately at our house. Not at odds with each other, mind you. Just trying to figure out what we are supposed to do. Where we are supposed to go. We have been in limbo for a couple of months and it was eating us alive. But we finally made a decision that was RIGHT. Isn't it funny when you feel that there needs to be a change so you pray and sit in the temple and fast and talk and you look at all the options and then when it really comes down to it you don't need to actually make a change because there doesn't need to be a change only the experience to get you to appreciate the fact that there won't be change? Don't you love run on sentences?

Let me go back to the beginning. When we were engaged, we looked at how our lives would come together and where we needed to live to do what needed to be done. Without even much discussion, we knew we needed to look for a house close to where Daniel worked at the time. When I saw this house, I knew this was where we needed to be. Daniel kept telling me that the kitchen was small. I know, I don't care, this is our house. We made an offer and it became ours! We knew this was where we would be for the rest of our lives. This was where our grand kids would come and visit us. We love this house. We love the neighborhood. We love our ward. We love the schools. Etc.

Right after getting home with Ruthie, Daniel was offered a job that would have him commuting to Salt Lake. We knew it was the right time and the right job. A wonderful opportunity. So he took it. Then, a couple years later, the company made a decision that would affect us for, well, forever. They wanted to move all the IT people from SL and Provo to one location. The south end of the SL valley. Many people actually live up where we do. And further north. Many people moved. Many found new jobs. We knew he needed to stay at the job and that we needed to stay here.

Then we re-thought that plan. Last year. Maybe we should move closer to work. I would be closer to my family. We could have a bigger kitchen. But even before we got serious about looking for a house, we knew we didn't need to move. The reasons for not moving last year became obvious to us over the course of the year. Those reasons still exist, but this year brought new challenges. Pink lemons, if you will.

Back to the pink lemonade for a minute. You know the saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”? Meaning, make the best of your situation. But what if the situation demands a change be made? What if the situation isn't horrible, sour, so to speak, and the changes that need to be made aren't horrible? Just change. Just action needed to be taken. Not negative, not horrible, not sour, but life changing nonetheless. Pink lemons. Did you like that I wrote nonetheless? I thought that was totally cool!

Our pink lemons showed up as a move. Relocation. New schools. New ward. New neighborhood. New friends. Not horrible. Just change. Different. With opportunities. Potential for growth and learning. Pink lemons.

So Daniel and I began the process of deciding what was best for our family. Daniel doesn't get home until 8 pm most nights. He is working most Saturdays and sometimes on Sunday. Some nights he'll get a phone call at 11 pm from someone needing his help with something. Then he doesn't get to bed until after midnight and then still has to get up and go again in the morning. Our kids see their dad long enough to brush their teeth and say goodnight. It sucks, to tell ya the truth.

So we looked at moving on a more serious level. Actually making plans for our house so we can sell or rent it. Making lists of what we wanted in a house and what we would be willing to leave out if necessary. Knowing that our present situation could leave this house sitting empty for as long as necessary, but needing to be in a house and ready for school to start at the end of July. We have been stressed out. Our burden has been heavy. We knew that we needed to make these serious changes. I even made it all known to my Priesthood advisor in my calling so that a change could be made in Primary. This was all very painful.

Then something happened. A potential job offer. From Daniel's previous boss at his old job. He could be just 5 minutes away! An answer to prayers??? Well. It just threw in another angle that made things more muddy. What if the job wasn't actually offered? What if she couldn't offer the money he required? What if? What if? What if? Pink lemons all over the place. Then the phone call came. But things didn't really go smoothly when Daniel said he couldn't leave his current job until later in the summer. Umm. She needs to fill the position sooner. So that just added to the confusion and made the burden that much heavier. So we focused on moving.

I began looking for a house. Over the weekend we went and looked at a couple of them. Do you know what it's like to drive through a neighborhood and feel squished and suffocated? That's what it felt like. Those were definitely not where we were going. But we pressed on.

For the last couple of months we have been focused on the pink lemons and making pink lemonade. Taking a situation and making necessary changes so we could be happy and have our family be together and happier. We need our dad home with us. We need a not so stressed out dad. We need to make a serious change.

On Monday and Tuesday I sat with a goal in mind to find as many homes as a I could in the areas we were interested in with all the things I wanted in a house in the budget we named. I started to write down addresses. I just didn't LOVE the houses. If the kitchen was big, the dining room had carpet. If the wall colors were perfect, the kitchen was dull. If the kitchen was just not me, the rest of the house was beautiful. And on and on and on. I was feeling defeated. But we still have a few months. And each time I would turn around and see my house, I would just feel so happy about MY home. My family room is coming together just how I want it and I love it. But I need to leave it for someone else to enjoy. And possibly paint over.

Tuesday night Daniel and I were sitting in bed and wondering what to do. It seems we just figure we're moving but we aren't thrilled. So I kept asking him what we are going to do. Finally he said, “Let's just stay.” At first I thought it was just the tired in him. But he kept saying it. Do you know the feeling of a burden being lifted? That's what we had. A smile came to my face that is still there. I feel lighter. I am happy. We are staying here.

So why all the drama? My feeling is that in order to truly appreciate our home and who we are here, we needed to be brought to a point of losing it. Of having to start all over. Of talking my kids into all the “wonderful” things that would happen when we move. We are happy here. When I told the kids this morning, they all smiled and got a bit giddy. We love it here.

So now we focus on new carpet for us to enjoy. Finishing the basement so the boys will have their own rooms. Here. In this house. I will finish the family room and then move on to Ruthie's room. I will continue to love my friends and to build new friendships. Here. In my own home. And maybe you'll find me drinking pink lemonade more often. In my small, wonderful kitchen.

My Joy...

First of all, none of this would even be possible without my Daniel. Without him, I wouldn't be who I am or have what I have!

I love you!

I love Isaac's smile. He has become more independant lately and I am really trying to be happy about it! He also has been doing more "stuff" to help his brother and sister.
Monday night we went to a neighbor's house for H1N1 flu shots for FHE. I know, a shot in the arm is no FHE activity! So Tuesday right before dinner, Sam asked if we could please have FHE tonight! He had a lesson and activity for us. How could I say no to that?

The other day I started whistling a Primary song and Ruthie started to sing it. I tried filming her without her knowing it, but all you could hear was the whistling. So I had her just sing it.

The original words where she seems to slow down are "to live and learn here in families" She says "to live and learn and remember" I think I like her version better.

God gave us families...Loving spouse, independant, helpful, wanting to have Family Home Evening, spontaneous singing families!

I am so grateful for my family and the power that will bind us together for eternity!

I Know You Can Do This.

When I was 12, I was in the hospital for 5 days after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I had to learn to give myself shots, test my blood and learn how to stay healthy. It was tough. I cried a lot. I didn't like that I had to keep giving myself shots. It hurt.

One day, my dad came by himself to visit me. I was really struggling and was crying. My dad sat next to my bed and said something that I have thought of as a great life lesson. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Jennie, I wish I could take this from you and do it myself. If I could do it for you, I would. But Heavenly Father knows you can do this. He knows you will be a stronger person because of it. He knows you will grow and be able to help others because of this experience. I love you. You can do this.”

We sat and cried. It really wasn't what I thought I needed then. I really would have liked for him to just take it from me. But as I have grown and matured and had some super duper struggles, I have come to appreciate what he told me that day. Especially right now.

Daniel and I have been struggling with the adoptions. We have been waiting for what seems a lifetime for our family to grow again. I find myself falling apart at the seams at the most inconvenient times. It's like I have no control over my emotions. And it's difficult to explain to other people the sting of having empty arms.

Daniel and I have been praying and fasting and going to the temple a lot lately with adoption on our minds. We know we need to do more for our cause. We have to advocate for ourselves. We have to do what would normally be extremely uncomfortable for us. And we are okay with that. It's been amazing to receive the guidance we need to move forward. We know we can do it!

We will be sharing some of those things with you. We will be asking for your help. We will be anxiously engaged in finding our birthmom and completing our family.

When things seem to be at their worst. When we think we just can't do it anymore, help comes. I can hear my Heavenly Father saying, “Jennie, I wish I could take this from you and do it myself. If I could do it for you, I would. But I know you can do this. I know you will be a stronger person because of it. I know you will grow and be able to help others because of this experience. I love you. I know you can do this.”

I can. We can. We will. I have Daniel behind me, pushing and loving and never stopping his amazing care of me and our kids. I have the Lord behind me, pushing me, loving me and never stopping His amazing care of me and my family. We are in good hands. One scripture I found last week is now on my wall next to my bed. I read it several times every day.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The Kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto [you], even an hundred fold, yea, more.”

Doctrine & Covenants 78:17-19

Daniel and I have seen blessings come in droves. I know we will continue to see blessings come. We will eventually have our sweet baby (or babies!) in our arms.

We are blessed.

What A Day!

4 years ago today, our family walked into the Ogden Temple together. The first thing my sweet 5 year old Isaac said was, "Wow. It's beautiful!"

It was a beautiful day as we had Ruthie sealed to us for eternity. She is ours as if she were born in the covenant. She inherits everything my boys do. She became ours forever.

While we were in the sealing room, the sealer commented that even the empty seat wasn't empty. I knew exactly who was sitting there. My brother Aaron. He had died just 3 years earlier. On April 28 we will be missing him for 7 years.

As we have just celebrated Easter and the Resurrection of our Savior, I simply want to share my gratitude for a sacrifice made so that we can be an eternal family. So that we will be able to see Aaron again. So that all of my children are mine forever. So that Daniel and I will be together eternally. So that the choices I make here will impact my salvation. So that when I stumble I have a clear way back. So that I know my Heavenly Father loves me so much that he has given me all that I have. So that I can experience the joy the He meant me to have in this life.

I love Spring time. It's an awakening of nature and of feelings that come too easily sometimes. As much as I miss Aaron, I know I will see him again. As hard as the wait has been and will continue to be for Sarajune, I know she will be in our arms one day. As we begin a new adoption journey, I know Heavenly Father is directing our path. As hard as parenting is, I love my kiddos more than my own life and am so grateful they are mine!

I hope you had a beautiful Easter Sunday and that your Spring time is a spectacular time in your life!

Sunday Gratitude

I am so thankful today for Daniel's care of our family. He is a worthy priesthood holder and guides our family in righteousness. He is an excellent example to our boys of how to treat a woman and he is an excellent example to our daughter of what to expect in a husband. Daniel has always worked hard to take care of our family.

When I was in Young Women, I remember leaders always having us write lists of what we wanted in a husband one day. My list was like other girls' lists...handsome, funny, caring, tall, loves children, makes a lot of money, etc, etc. When I met Daniel my list was completely null and void. What I thought I wanted was insignificant compared to what I had right in front of me. Don't get me wrong...He's handsome, funny, loves children, etc. But there are some things that take a back seat when you realize what is more important than anything else in a husband. That his family comes first and that his priority is to care for his family. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I love you Daniel and am so glad you're mine!!

Sunday (Monday) Gratitude/ Park City

I know. It's Monday and I said I would do Sunday Gratitude posts. Sue me! I got back from Park City yesterday afternoon to 3 kids running to me for hugs and kisses (and prizes). I love it when my kids give me hugs and kisses. And I love it when they love what I bring back for them. Then I had stuff to get caught up on so I never blogged.

Here is my Sunday (Monday) Gratitude post...

I am grateful for my family. No relationship in the world can compare to your family. And I think it can go for both bad and good relationships. I love my family.

I am grateful that Daniel took the job as my honey pie and that he loves our kids and loves me enough to let me go away for a weekend every year. I love that he cleaned the carpets while I was gone to surprise me!! I love that while I was gone there wasn't a problem so big that he said "Please come home!" He took the reigns and didn't fail! Love you!

I am grateful that my kids had a bit of a hard time because they missed me. They had fun, but they did miss me and I love that. I love that they wanted to show me everything they did over the weekend and they their faces lighted up when I reacted like it was the greatest thing in the world. I missed them and am glad I'm home.

I am grateful for a blip in the universe that allowed our adoption agency to get Hague Accreditation. Who Knew?? I am so glad I didn't get hooked into another agency to get the renewal paperwork done. For some reason it comes as a pleasant surprise and I am relieved that we can continue working with our own agency for the duration of our adoption of Sarajune.

So there you go!

Here is my post about my trip to Park City...

I brought my camera to Park City, but didn't take any pictures. I looked awesome except for the fact that my flat iron wouldn't turn on in the hotel. So I had frizzy hair. I got over it with a cold caffeinated beverage! We had a great time and tried to solve as many of the world's problems as we could in the short time we had. We ate so much so often that I don't think I could ever eat again. We watched an incredible movie called Cranford and now I need to buy it. In short, it was a great trip and I'm so glad we got to go! Thanks mom and Katie! And thanks, Annie for coming to have dinner with us!

Sunday Gratitude

I have seen a few blogs with gratitude posts because of the time of year. I love reading others' posts, but didn't even think about doing it. I feel very inspired, though, to share with you today some things that I am extremely grateful for.

First, today I am grateful for a wonderful calling at church to be with the children each week. We had our Primary Program today and they were amazing. I wish all of you who read this could have been there. They were reverent. They sang awesomely. They said their parts clearly and loudly. There is not one thing I would change about today! WOW!! We have the best Primary kids in the world and they showed us today what magnificent spirits they are!

Second, I am grateful for my own children. They are the most terrific kids in the world. I wouldn't change who they are or what makes them tick for anything. They love each other and they support each other. They are my life and heart. My kids are the greatest and bestest of all the kids there are!! And they are so dang cute!

Third, and finally, I am grateful today for my husband. When I asked him to step in if a teacher couldn't come up to sit with the kids, he replied, as he always does, with, "Of course. I will be happy to." And he did. That goes for everything he does here at home, too. He always steps up and gives me the most tremendous support and help. Thank you, Daniel. I love you and am so grateful for you!!

My new goal is to do a Sunday Gratitude post. Have a wonderful Sunday!