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 :)