Ten on Tuesday

1. We went to our new Branch on Sunday. It was odd to see half of our old ward in a different area. We are excited for new things to come.

2. I was asked to be in charge of our Christmas party. Needless to say I found great people to be on the commitee and hopefully it will work ou in the next week and a half

3. Henry is walking all over the place. It is amazing to see the light turn on and see the major progress that has occurred in the last week.

4. We had a wonderful thanksgiving at the McMillion house hold. (I work with Gwyn and we are friends). It was beautiful out side! then we went to the Allison home for some delicious pie.

5. On saturday we deep fried another turkey with the Morrison's. we had a wonderful time making new friends.

6. There was no black friday shopping for us. I taught a class at 5:05 that morning so I wouldn't be tempted.

7. Chris finished up his internship for the semester. He got some really great compliments from some of the practicing attorneys that he interacted with. He sure is amazing!

8. Will was so excited today. He caught an interception today in the end zone. he was so excited.

9. I've got to be honest. I cannot wait for November to be over. this has been one of the most difficult months of my life. I am thankful I am healthy and have a great husband and great kids.

10. Random fact - I love hooded sweatshirts. I love when it is cold and I can wear them all the time.

thanks 11/21 & 11/22 & 11/23

So I have now exceeded my photo storage. . . great. anyone know how to get more? I don't have an issue paying once for specific amount of storage, but not monthly.

the photos were of

Wed - beauty and the beast musical tickets. Chris and I went and had a great date

Thurs - The kids having a nurf gun fight

Fri - the Christmas Tree is all up and decorated!

Thanks 11/20

Bed time! I think I need this mostly for me. I love sleep and by 8pm I am done! Jed fell asleep tonight eating taco salad while watching Super Why. (I taught a 6pm class so dinner was way late)

Ten on Tuesday

1. What a week!!! the biggest stress of my week was speaking in Stake Conference. I was extremely nervous. A friend commented to me after that my tone, and pacing was great. People ask how it went. I say no one booed my or threw tomatoes. Many friends have made kind comments. So take what you may. I was so grateful for the experience of preparing the talk and the experience of talking (and being on TV as Annmarie said, it was broadcast to 2 other buildings). Hopefully Heavenly Father was pleased with how I did.

2. It was a rough week for me. I hurt my back and am back to about 80% but not good enough yet to participate in exercise. this is my own choosing because I can see myself going back too early and making it worse. But my sanity levels are starting to decrease. . .

3. How do I say thank you to the many people who helped me big time while injured, and sick (yep I got sick too). Thanks to Tiffany Allison, Elise Thrapp, Andrea Morris, Jana Slothower, Karen Tidwell, Alexi Flint, Lori Phippen, Michelle Russell and Lydia Sorensen. (I know I spelled some names wrong) I know some of you all offered prays for me as well and thank you for that. I am truly blessed with wonderful wonderful friends.

4. Chris - no I did not forget to mention him. He was wonderful as well. He had an extreemly busy week and me getting sick/hurt and then getting to sit in Stake Conference with all 5 kids alone. He is an amazing husband, father, friend etc. I love him and cannot imagine a life without him.

5. Saturday Night was the adult session of Stake Conference. I love this session. once again it did not disappoint. What I got out of the meeting was. Am I spending enough time with my kids, or is my focus on other things less important. I also made a new friend and I am so happy that I can meet new people and become friends with them.

6. So Jeffrey has been a BIT of a challange lately. . . While finding new ways to try and figure things out. Monday morning I remember something from Conference. That having praimary music playing in your hosue while getting ready for school. So Jeffrey was struggling with who knows what and was getting close to losing it. Well I decided to start singing I Am A Child of God. Needless to say it worked. He calmed down. The kids looked at me kind of odd, and then Annmarie and Jeffrey even joined in. Now I'm working on getting the songs on the ipod to pull out. I guess I'm becoming that Mom, and you know what? I'm ok with it.

7. Henry had his 9 month check up. The Dr loved watching him walk around the room. He goes he is just so little, it is funny.
 head size - 18 3/8 - 86%
 weight -  21 - 66%
Height -  27 3/8 - 7%

gotta love all the ratios .

8. Jed went as well. He got 3 shots and was not a happy child about that. But We are all set for a few years on shots now!!!
 Weight - 38.8 69%
 height - 41 - 57%

at least he seems to be a little more proportionate

9. On sunday i got to have the neatest experience. Since I was sitting up front I got to see the masses of people at church. All who believe the same things that I do. When singing with them it was wonderful! Then they had everyone sing I Am A Child of God. First verse primary only, 2nd verse 18 and under, 3rd verse everyone. I loved that I could hear Will singing the first 2 verses. I love that I could see everyone singing and could feel the spirit so strongly!!

10. Random fact - We found out we were pregnant with Will the same day that Chris got hit in the face with a bullet. The YW then referred to him as scar face.

Thanks 11/19

today I am thankful for non-technology things. Mostly because my kids have way too much of it the past week. I am so thankful that I decided and we stuck with it today. There were points when it was not easy, but It was worth it. Looks like tomorrow is shaping up to be the same kind of day too :)

This one melted my heart. I said time to clear off the table for dinner. Jed responds "But mom I'm reading the friend." how am I going to argue with that :)

Thanks 11/18

I did not take a photo of this for many reasons. the most important one would be is that it would have been quite odd for someone to take a photo from the pulpit during stake conference. For our special musical number they had the primary kids stand ans sing I am a child of God 1st verse. then the youth joined in for the 2nd and then everyone else for the rest. It was amazing. The spirit was so strong. I am thankful for being a Child of God today (and everyday). I am thankful for that wonderful song and how it always brings the spirit in every time it is sung.

here are a bunch of photos of Children of God, just not from today

thanks 11/17

 So I couldn't pick just one, but they are all of the same thing. The kids love to exercise with us. We got our insanity dvd's back and they begged to do them. Here they are. I am so thankful my kids like to exercise!

Thankful 11/16

no I am not thankful for me. I am thankful to be smiling, standing without pain, and not sick!!! This has been a trying week and I am so thankfully over the hump! I cannot express thanks enough to the wonderful wonderful friends, family chiropractor etc who helped me get here today. To be smiling! I hope that I am never in a pain situation like this again! I'm thankful to be smiling for real!

thanks 11/15

This is what I survived on today. literally. I felt much better this morning, but didn't want to over do it. I tried to do very little. Well my stomach was not feeling so good. after dropping Jed off at school  I grabbed 2 cherry coke (side not one was coke zero which was terrible!!!) Chis has always said that coke cures an upset stomach. Well since it was 1230 and nothing sounded good (I had eaten nothing) I got one. and guess what it did calm my stomach. so until 615 1 cherry coke and about 6 crackers was all I ate. So thankful for "sick" food.

Thankful: an "air" hug

This is odd but I am most thankful for this message today. I've been having a difficult few days for a number of reasons. But I'm so thankful that when I send a message to a friend 1200 miles away that I really need a hug from her,  this is how she responds.

"I just hugged the air and blew it your way! I'm so sorry that I cannot deliver one in person. Know that you are loved, and if you need to talk I am here."

This is one of the most priceless friendships I have ever had. I am so thankful for Jana and the amazing person she is.

11/13 thankful

So hopefully daily I will be posting photos now.

I am so thankful for Church magazines. especially the General conference edition. I am someone who likes to hold a book and read it. I miss most of the talks during conference so this way I get to sit down read them and learn everything I missed the first time. Thank you to the Church for sending out this wonderful magazine each month.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I write this in greater apprechation for people who suffer from back/neck pain. I managed to hurt my neck/upper back yesterday and am amazed at how debilitating it is. It makes me so thankful for those who have kindly helped me out yesterday and today
 Elise - responded to my facebook post to watch Henry for me today.
 Tiffany - She took Jed to and from pre-school, and is bringing us pizza for dinner
 Annmarie - she is always so kind and has a great sense of nuture about her. She stepped up big time this morning, plus her endless hugs help.
Chris - He came home last night and picked up where I stopped about an hour or 2 before. I am so tankful for him and all that he does for me. Lots of times I wonder how I got so lucky,
the many others who wished they could help but it was poor timing. THANK YOU!!

2. Saturday we went to an elders Quorum party. It was the last one for our old Waukee ward. The kids explored the aceres of land and played with fire while the adults had a rifle shooting contest. It was great fun.

3. After the party we went to the Allison's house and had dinner and played. It was so wonderful to be in a home where everyone feels comfortable. So thankful for our first friends in the Waukee ward.

4. Saturday morning we went to help out Gwyn (my boss/friend) rake her yard and dig some holes. After 2 Saturdays of raking leaves I will say I never ever want trees (ok I know I do but there has to be something easier that raking!!)

5. Chris and I bought our tickets to go to DC in Feb. Why? well there is a J Reuben Clark Law society thing where Elder Holland and Justice Clarence Thomas will be speaking at. I am so excited to go and spend time with just Chris. I am also so thankful for those who have kindly offer to take our kids for 4 days.

6. I meant to take a photo like this a long time ago but never got around to it. So here it is. This is one of the million reasons why I love Iowa. Why haybales? no cclue I just love them. I love that you see them in the middle of town and all over the outskirts. I love love love Iowa.

7. I learned my lesson. never ever question why someone was asked to do something at a stake function. Why? because you will be asked to do something at a stake function. I will be speaking at stake conference this coming Sunday. I am a lot nervous, but I think for the first time in my life I am earnestly praying that I say what the Lord wants me to say, not what I think sounds the best. I also hope that the kids will be good for Chris.

8. I'm learned of the past while that I have become more and more hesitant to comment about how someone parents their child. Why because I'm sure I am being judged all the time with how I raise my kids. I'm thankful that Chris and I have decided to raise our kids the way we do.

9. I got to go to the temple on Friday night. I love going there. I only wish I could go more often with Chris.

10.  I read a book!!!! I rarely read for a variety of reasons. Mainly I tune out the world while and read and as a mom that is not too good. I read the 2nd book in the Beyonder series by Brandon Mull. Seeds of Rebellion. I loved it just like I loved the first book and his Fabelhaven series. He is a great clean author who write great, fast read books. Thanks to Tammy for letting me borrow it!

Random fact - I really miss shooting guns. after going this weekend. It made me realize I enjoy this "sport" I'm sure Chris misses it more. I just wish it was a bit cheaper so we could justify doing this while in school.

3 more more days of thanks

8. Friday night I got to go to the Winter Quarters Temple in Omaha, NB with 2 wonderful ladies. I love this place. I have never been more grateful for a temple than I have been while living here and having to drive 2 hours to get to one. 

9. Random packages. While I have a hunch as to what this could be I have not yet opened it and will wait until the 23rd as instructed by the box. Thanks to whomever this was from Mesa to send this to us.

10. Phase 10. while our older 3 are not yet great at this game we had a blast. It took me 6 rounds to get out of the first phase!! but what is important is that we are having a wonderful time :)

3 more days of thanks.

6. I know sneakers are something weird  But I have become so picky about shoes for working out. I finally found some that I can use when I teach BOSU and HEAT. Funny thing is they are volleyball shoes, funny I never thought about this type of shoes before.

7. I am so thankful for Family Home Evening. This board was the best thing I could come up with. WE have had good ones and we have had terrible ones! but we have them and that is what counts

8. It is amazing how different each kid can be. Jed has been a handful but when he decides to be nice. He has the best smile and really wants to be just like his older brothers. I think he mostly wants their attention. But most importantly I love him and the kind kid I know he can be when he wants. This photo is of him spitting at a sibling. I figure better get a photo of him acting him like normal :)

Ten on Tuesday

1.       Henry has been taking steps. The most we have seen in 4. So soon he will be joining the crazies in this house. We wouldn't want it any other way.

2.  Saturday our family went and helped out UCAN (a local city organization) and raked leaves for those who cannot do it them self. Wow our 2 yards had a ton of leaves. I think I never want to own a tree ever. Our kids did great. It was a long morning but it was worth it.

our friends holding up the signs that we place on the yards

our first house. the front was so much easier than the back

Jed and the others did lots of this, mostly Jed though

Annmarie helping to stuff 1 of the 46 bags we did at the first house!

3. Will got baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Saturday November 3, 2012. Chris baptized and confirmed him. A family friend Landon Sandburg gave a talk on Baptism and David Bowen gave a talk on the Holy Ghost.  It was a great moment to see him get baptized. But also to know that I married a man who can perform these ordinances without hesitation.

 Chris and Will

this photo is classic. no one was there yet. The kids were singing primanry songs. the one that Jed is singing as he is swinging at Jeffrey is I'm trying to be Like Jesus. Pretty sure that is not how to be like Jesus.

4. Halloween started off our crazy beyond crazy week. My kids had 2 nights of it here and I ended up throwing away candy on Saturday. (sorry all the photos are sideways)

5.        My parents came by for a quick visit after getting released from their calling. My kids had a great time with them. Then a day later Chris’s mom came. My kids had such a great time having other playmates. I’ve decided that we love visitors!!

6.  Sunday we went to a meeting that realigned most of the boundaries in our stake. Needless to say half my ward went to a different ward than we did. My street because that street that is the exception. Gotta love that ;) The change is bitter sweet as most change tends to be. We are happy to be with those we are with but will miss being in the ward with our other friends. This gives us the opportunity to make even more friends. 

7. I substituted a lot of classes last week and I am so tired!!! I think I will take my 3 classes a week and happily stick with that.

   8.Chris’s semester is quickly coming near to the end. He is loving tax and all things related to it. And wishing some classes were over. Once again he is doing great and we are so proud of him!


9. Michelle (Chris’s sister) will be graduating from Nursing school in a month. We are so excited and proud of her. She has worked so hard and we couldn't be happier for her. Now she needs to find a job in Iowa ;)

10. Random fact – today is election day. I’m so thankful that I get the right to vote. I’m thankful that I voted early. So glad I live in a country where we can still make a difference. Hopefully the winners in each position will turn to God and seek out his guidance, and not trust in man.

5 days of thankful photos

I should be good like my sister and do this everyday. Well I take the photos everyday, but not blog. So here goes my first few days of what I am thankful for.

1. My "Bosses" These 2 ladies are awesome!!! Gwyn standing is my official boss. We have run ragnar together and have done many other things together. So glad I have gotten to know her and that we are friends.  Britt (sitting) is the executive director at "my" Y. she has been the kindest lady since the first day I met her. I didn't know for months that she was in charge of the Y. She is awesome and has agreed to run the Chicago ragnar with me in June.

2. for those who know me know my kitchen never ever looks like this. So today I am thankful for clean counter tops!

3.  Saturday Will was baptized. It was an awesome afternoon. He had so many friends there. I am so proud of him and the great decisions he has made in his life. 

4.  I am so thankful for my ward (church congregation . Sunday night at 6 is got changed. (this seems to happen to us a lot). We are in a different ward as some of my good friends but still have good friends in the new one. We have always lived in the best ward ever. I have no doubt that this new one will be just as great.

5. Grandma Carmen - the kids love love love when she is here. As you can tell they love to play with her. She has kindly watched our kids many a time so we can run races etc. We are blessed to have such a great lady in our family.