Last Day

1. This month has been enlightening and full of surprises. I have loved counting my blessings every day. I've seen the influence of Amberly's challenge reach across the world (my friend Dennise in New Zealand has joined in the last few days). I think I may do like my mom and continue finding five things a day to be grateful for. I may or may not continue to share them but I have found being grateful gives me perspective and helps me stay closer to the Spirit. Plus it's been really fun bonding with my mom doing this exercise. So I'm also grateful for Amberly.

2. This day is almost over. Piper was, as my mom puts it, "full of piss and vinegar" today. I agree with my friends that I didn't have too much trouble with the "Terrible Twos" but the "threes" have really kicked my butt. So I'm grateful that today is over because Piper was sure defiant today. Hopefully the prayer we said tonight will help. We discussed how Heavenly Father can help us be nice and not do naughty things. I'm hoping that I can remember tomorrow during a difficult moment that we can remember to pray at that time for help.

3. Every year around Christmas in my parent's hometown the policemen and firemen escort Santa around on a float every night. They play their sirens for a bit to let you know he's come to your neighborhood and they have the police car lights going. Then they stop in the street and let the kids climb on the float, get their picture taken with Santa, talk to him about Christmas and get a lollipop. Tonight as we were about to start Family Home Evening we heard the siren. We hurried and put on shoes and jackets to go outside. We got to see Santa and got pictures of Simon and Piper with him. It was such a fun occasion since I used to be the one who would climb up on the float and get a lollipop. It made such a great memory to see life come full-circle like that.

4. My mom gave me a great service project idea today for the little Christmas party that we're having with Piper's preschool next week. Now I just need to check out some things to prepare for it.

5. I got the General Conference issue of the Ensign. I'm excited to read and to review the talks I heard in October.

Day 29

1. I got to see some friends at church today that I hadn't seen in quite a while. It's always fun to reconnect.

2. Rick got to Tampa quickly and safely.

3. Piper and I made my dad some coconut chocolate chip pecan cookies this afternoon. They were very good and he loves him some coconut. I asked Piper to be my assistant which she interpreted as meaning eating all of the chocolate chips and toasted pecans.

4. Watching my dad and Piper play together in his workshop. He showed Piper how to hammer and use a screwdriver. She always asks him, "Can we go make something in your shop?"

5. I moved Simon and my suitcase around in my room so that I could access him more easily now that Rick's suitcase is gone. Now I just need to organize my clothes and shoes better.

Day 28

1. Lots of family came over for dinner tonight. We had Soto soup which I love and haven't had in ages. My mom's version doesn't have the lemongrass, ginger, etc. It's really just make your own soup with chicken broth that you add lots of yummy things to, like cheese, rice, almonds, green onions, carrots, etc. We played Wii bowling while the kids ran around.

2. Watching Piper play with her cousin Caleb. They were very fun together.

3. We had dinner at the Fountain Room restaurant at the Beverly Hills Hotel (aka the Pink Lady) with some friends from Sydney. They flew into town this week to start off their seven week cross-country trip. Dave used to work with Rick so they had fun catching up. We even had a celebrity sighting as Amy Adams waited for our seats with her fiance and parents. Last time we were there we saw Courteney Cox Arquette and Ben Harper; it's a popular place.

4. Getting all my laundry done and folding at all too. Too bad Rick has to go to Florida for training.

5. My dad came home from a funeral in Salt Lake City and told us how it went and who he saw. He had a good, if short, trip.

Day 27

1. I got to sleep in this morning. Unbeknownst to me my mom woke up with a migraine but she watched Piper for me and let me sleep.

2. We got to spend a significant part of the day with Rick's brother, his wife, their two kids, and one of Rick's other brothers.

3. I was able to score a few baby gifts for some family member's new/expected babies. They are supercute.

4. The movie Finding Neverland. Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, and Freddie Highmore are so amazing. Depp does such an understated job and a great brogue. Winslet is so endearing and charming. Highmore is so talented and makes me cry.

5. The new double issue of Cooking Light. I'm excited to get cooking.

The Day for Giving Thanks

1. A lovely Thanksgiving dinner with my family, even if the gravy I made was a little lumpy and thick. I blame it on all of the grease floating on top of the drippings. Sorry Rick.

2. A beautiful day. It was 80 degrees here in Southern California today. We got some great pictures of our family for our Christmas card.

3. Cooking with my parents. I know that I mentioned cooking with my mom yesterday but I really do enjoy working in the kitchen together. It's a nice bonding experience for us.

4. Piper's cough and cold are almost gone.

5. Piper is loving all of this playing outside - maybe a bit too much when she decides to go in the front yard unsupervised. It's making me look forward to possibly living here someday.

Day 25!

1. A nice night out with my husband. He's going to be out of town for our anniversary in two weeks so we took this opportunity to have my parents watch Piper so we could go out. He is so sweet to me. I love him and the wonderful nine years we've had together. I'm grateful to my parents for watching Piper too.

2. Preparing for Thanksgiving tomorrow with my mom. It was fun to make Waldorf salad together and cut vegetables for dinner. We didn't cook together too much growing up since my dad did most of the cooking. She's taken up trying more recipes these days and she's a dynamite cook.

3. My brother Mark. Today is his 40th birthday! He is a great brother to me and I appreciate his example so much. I'm grateful that he and I were in the same ward and got to socialize together when we were both still single. I got to know him better and I'm proud to be his sister.

4. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We're having just a small get-together with our family, my parents and my nephew, his wife, and their little girl. There will be lots of excellent food and fun times. Yum yum.

5. Naptimes. Piper was testing our patience on the way to In & Out whining about how hungry she was. The irony was that she barely ate anything once we got there. She proceeded to fall asleep on the drive home and slept for two hours.


EXTRA: Cafe Rio is coming to L.A. Rick says that we don't need to go to Utah or Idaho ever again now. He was kidding of course but it will be awesome to have Cafe Rio regardless of who we're visiting family-wise.

24th Day

1. My sister. She is a great mom and a wonderful sister. She is very resourceful and a great example to me.

2. I got to see one of my brothers and three of his kids and their kids. I even met my "new" grand-niece Autumn.

3. Wonderful chicken tamale casserole.

4. A beautiful new blanket for Simon that my sister just whipped up.

5. Playing the piano at my mom and dad's house. It's nice to have regular access to a piano again.

Day 23

1. The wonderful carrot cake with coconut cream cheese frosting that two of my talented nieces (11 and 13) made.

2. The movie UP. It was short and sweet and made me cry.

3. Family Home Evening. Last night we talked about things we were grateful for and why they were blessings to us. Rick and Piper told the story of the ten lepers that Jesus healed. I quote Rick and Piper, "their skin was NASTY."

4. My dad. He is so fun to watch with Piper. He is so sweet. I'm glad he's my dad.

5. The warm weather of southern California. It's nice to be wearing short sleeves in late November.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Thanks for Today

1. We've arrived in L.A. Traveling with two kids is harder than with one but we survived.

2. Simon had two diaper leaks and ended up wearing only a sweatshirt without a shirt. I'm grateful that neither of the blowouts happened on the flights.

3. Piper was very well-behaved on our trip. I'm thankful for the little playground area at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. She was able to get out some wiggles during our layover.

4. Wii Bowling with my parents tonight. Too funny.

5. My sister and her kids are coming down for a few days. It was a last minute trip but I'm so happy to be able to see them and for them to see Piper and meet Simon. Her husband had to work so we'll miss him.

Thanks for Today

1. I'm almost done packing.

2. Lots of fun ideas for activities for a Christ-centered Christmas.

3. The prospects of a delicious Thanksgiving. I'm already dreaming about the Waldorf salad, my dad's rolls, and pumpkin pie.

4. Simon is so easy-going. As long as he's been fed he just goes along with whatever we're doing. He rarely has crying jags, and when he does they're short, which is a blessing and he loves to smile. Piper particularly enjoys getting him to smile.

5. Today someone commented that they were really surprised that I had just turned 32. These days it makes me feel good to seem younger.

New pics

Here's our boy. I think he looks a little like my brother Mark but he also looks like Piper did as a baby.

And here's our girl:

Day 20

1. Two more days til we go to L.A.

2. Last night we attended the open house of a local preschool to check it out. It's exciting to start thinking about the new adventures we have to look forward to. Piper was in heaven playing with all of the toys and talking to the teachers.

3. Tomorrow the Relief Society is having a breakfast with a service project and crafts. For three hours I will be able to socialize and do service with my fellow sisters in the gospel. Rick and Piper are going out for pancakes together while I'm gone.

4. The new Yo Gabba Gabba! CD I bought. I don't usually get into kid's music all that much, besides They Might Be Giants, but I really like "Sometimes You win, sometimes You lose" by The Shins and "Lovely, Love Family" by The Roots.

5. Wikipedia. I could read it for hours linking from one topic to another.

Piper and I were discussing blessings today with this activity. I had done it with kids as a sharing time activity at church before but it was interesting to hear what Piper was grateful for. FYI, Piper is grateful for milk, TV, jumping in leaves, drawing, and music.

19 of 30

1. Rick came home tonight.

2. Someone gave me a mini pumpkin-chocolate chip loaf. Yum.

3. We were able to get in a play date yesterday despite our previously scheduled being canceled.

4. I went to bed relatively early for me.

5. A good friend of mine is pregnant. I won't say who because she's not sharing that info publicly quite yet.

Day 18 of Thanks

Today was one of those days; it started well but evolved into a fiasco. Somehow though I was able to keep a good attitude about it all. Maybe perspective is one of the blessings of expressing gratitude.

1. My friend Emily. Emily is such a good person. She is so kind, giving, and patient. She handles her three boys so well. I don't think I've ever heard her say a bad thing about anyone. Whenever Piper stays with her, she makes Piper feel at home at her house; Piper would never leave if she had the option. (Who am I kidding? I feel at home at her house and never want to leave.) I want to be more like her but she also makes me feel good about who I already am. I'm grateful that we live near her and her family at this point in our lives; she has become such a great friend. Also tonight Emily saved my bacon. I had clogged my garbage disposal with potato peels (I should've listened to my mother-in-law.) Emily held down the sink plug while I plunged (Emily and I are also kindred spirits in that neither of us have partaken in the Twilight phenomenon, nor do we plan to.)

2. A sense of humor. Piper hid behind the couch and got into a bottle of lotion. She spread it all over her face and got it into her hair. She came to me asking for a tissue. She's lucky that I could laugh about it and that she didn't get into too much trouble. Now we'll have to see if it comes out of the couch fabric; she wiped her hands on the back of the couch.

3. My washer and dryer. Simon had THE epic diaper leak to end diaper leaks this evening right before friends were coming for dinner. Thankfully his mustard-colored shirt is now back to its original white.

4. Piper went outside tonight in the dark in her PJs and socks chasing a friend, without telling anyone. We heard the back door open and we looked outside for them. I yelled for her and she ran away toward the street. She told me that she was being sneaky because she wanted to play basketball outside. So I am grateful that she was found quickly and that she wasn't hurt. We had to have a little chat after that.

5. Commercials. That might sound funny but I really like the new GAP holiday cheer and the smiley/frowny face American Express ads. They're so fun and clever.

Gratitude: Day 17

1. Cameo apples, my new favorite variety

2. Old sitcom reruns

3. Pacifiers

4. Fun bath times

5. Healthy bodies

Thanks for Today

1. A clean house. I know that I've listed this one before but when it happens, it makes me so happy.

2. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. His show can be pretty funny and he gets to go to some very cool places.

3. Leftover birthday cake.

4. I'm almost, almost done and ready to print the scrapbook I've been working on of Piper's first year of life.

5. I was getting frustrated about something and talking to myself. I said, "Come on, come on." Piper heard me and said, "Come on dawg. That's what Daddy says."

Birthday pics

The holes in the top are from where the number candles were. Don't ask me what happened to the side of the cake; I don't have a clue.

Loads of Thanks (Birthday edition)

1. I've had an awesome birthday today. Despite waking with a headache, it basically rocked. I got this DeLonghi slow cooker from Rick and Piper. I also got a darling pair of earrings from my friend Mindy and this supercute bag my friend Emily made. Top that off with a lovely chocolate cake with special pink frosting.

2. Long conversations with Rick. The other night before prayers Rick and I just talked and talked. It had been a long time since we had just so much to say to one another. Usually when it's so late one of us starts to drift to sleep. It was nice feeling being reminded of why I married this man, my best friend.

3. Afternoon naps.

4. Great cousins. I have such fun cousins and I wish that I could see them all more often. My cousin Tammy is now a mom, and that just blows me away. Never having had younger siblings myself, she and her sister Natalee have always felt like my little sisters. I mean, I definitely tormented them like a big sister would have.

5. Only one more week until we go to L.A. for Thanksgiving.

Pre-birthday thanks

1. A nice breakfast out with family and a lovely dinner out with great friends.

2. Simon slept through the night AGAIN.

3. Tomorrow's my birthday and I don't even feel 32. (There are some days where I really feel my age, or older, but most days I don't.)

4. Piper likes to dance and she is hilarious when she does it.

5. The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, who just knows how to cook. I love watching her show and making her recipes. She's like a non-smarmy Martha Stewart, someone I'd want to be friends with. She has great style and has taught me a lot about the basics of cooking.

New pic of Simon

Simon's ten weeks old now. He is good at following me if I’m close but not all the time. He’s giving full face smiles and attempts at laughs too. I can usually get him to laugh by clapping his hands together while saying “clap, clap, clap” and getting faster and faster until I raise his hands above his head and say “stretch.” He will usually smile when I do “Round and Round the Garden” too. Simon’s neck is getting stronger but he doesn’t like tummy time. He has pretty bad cradle cap but the doctor recommended Selsun Blue for it. Go figure.

He had his two month check-up last week. He got three shots; he turned beet red when he got the first one. He was a little unsettled that night but he was over it quickly. He's gotten big. He weighs 12lbs. 14oz (90%) and measures 24.25 inches long (95%). He's only 25% for head circumference and he has a flat spot on one side of his head. We have to switch sides for changing diapers and sleeping to even him out.

Simon sleeps great. Two nights ago he slept through the night for the first time. Then he did it again last night. He goes to sleep easily. Sometimes I don’t have to rock him; I just swaddle him, give him his pacifier, hug him and lay him down. Nice.

Gratitude: Day 13

1. Tonight's sunset. It was blush pink and lavender seen through black silhouetted trees.

2. A fairly successful shopping trip. Today was a fat day but I was able to find a new pair of jeans to go out in tomorrow.

3. Amberly for extending this challenge; today I found myself thinking of lots of things I'm thankful for.

4. Our Primary program is on Sunday and it's going to be awesome. One little boy in our Primary sings with so much heart, a little louder than necessary, and just a touch off tune. And tonight at our practice, three separate women held Simon for me when he fussed.

5. Simon slept through through the night last night for the first time.

Extra 1: The glorious soundtrack from the Keira Knightley Pride & Prejudice
Extra 2: Piper cracked me up so much today while driving that I had to pull the car over to giggle and to write down what she was saying.

Today's Thanks

1. Piper had a good visit at the dentist today. They said that we're doing a good job keeping her teeth clean. They were so impressed with how well Piper behaved that they thought she was four years old.

2. With all of the points I earn shopping at the grocery store, today I filled my gas tank for only $15.00. I got $1.40 off per gallon.

3. I've tried to be more diligent lately about studying my scriptures. I can notice a difference already; I'm not losing my patience quite as much lately.

4. Rick and I watched some of our favorite shows on the DVR tonight: The Office, How I Met Your Mother. I enjoy Community a lot too.

5. I got two birthday packages today.

Gratitude: Day 12

1. Short naps. This afternoon Simon was sleeping and Piper was watching TV so I snoozed a bit on the couch.

2. Good books. I just started reading Richard Russo's Bridge of Sighs and we got a load of great kid's books for Piper at the library.

3. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movies. Although Joe vs. the Volcano is still my favorite just for kitsch, I still want Meg's hair in Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail makes me miss the Upper West Side of NYC.

4. All those that have served or currently serve in the U.S. military. Rick's brother Ben is in the Army and we are extraordinarily proud of him and the sacrifices he and his family make to help preserve our freedoms.

5. Feeling the Christmas spirit start. Displays in stores remind me of my mom's magic touch in making everything look beautiful. I love snowflakes and candy cane motifs. I would buy so much more at Christmas from a decor standpoint if I had the money.

My Quick Five

1. The Eagle's Nest: The short-term babysitting at Giant Eagle (our grocery store). Piper loves going there and I can take my time and shop in peace.

2. Simon is so laid back. He rolls with the punches and is easily settled even after having been woken up mid-nap to go somewhere.

3. Rocky River Early Childhood PTA. They hosted Preschool Information Night tonight. We'll be studying up on where Piper goes to preschool next year.

4. Warm jammies straight from the dryer.

5. I started my Christmas shopping.

Gratitude: Day 9

1. Nap times, though not mine. Both kids slept for two hours this afternoon. I was able to get Family Home Evening planned, do stuff for our co-op preschool, and watch a bit of TV.

2. Free kid's meals on Mondays at Chick-Fil-A.

3. Buttered toast dipped in milk. Don't judge, it's a family thing. My mom understands.

4. My new Jim Brickman Christmas CD.

5. Feeling like I've made some progress on Simon's baby book.

Day 8 of Thanks

1. A complete roast beef dinner ready at home, and the awesome aroma that filled the house. I'm so glad that I had time to put it in the oven before jetting off to church this morning.

2. My mom. She (and my dad, for that matter) are such great examples of selfless service. Just this week my mom has donated blood, done a charity walk, and taught a cooking class at church.

3. A new episode of Brothers & Sisters tonight. I love Sally Field; she reminds me of my mom. Also, I want to have the house she has on the show.

4. Holding my baby boy close. I love his toothless smiles, his warmth, staring into his eyes. Falling in love with your children is the best.

5. Piper's excitement at getting to put away the clean silverware after we explained that she would get an allowance (a dime) once a week if she would do three chores. The three chores we all decided on are putting away the clean silverware, putting napkins on the table for dinner, and putting away her toys before bedtime.

Feeling grateful

1. I got a free pedicure today. My painful cracked heels and my husband are grateful too.

2. We're having fondue with friends tonight. I made homemade shortbread to take for chocolate dipping.

3. Rick plays so lovingly with both of the kids. Piper can never get me to play 30 minutes of princess dress-up so enthusiastically. He sometimes smothers the kids a little but that's because he loves them so much.

4. Piper's letter and number recognition is getting much better. She's perfecting numbers one through four; a few games of Hi-Ho Cherry-O and Cariboo help.

5. Tomorrow's Sunday, which means church, roast beef, and pumpkin pie. Nice.

Sixth Day of Thanks

1. Dinner out with friends.

2. A clean house.

3. Snuggling on the couch watching a movie with my main man.

4. A nice long walk to the library with the kids in great weather.

5. Feeling contented.

Today's five

1. Piper's youth so that she won't remember long term yet some of the mistakes I make as a mother.

2. The blessings of repentance and forgiveness.

3. Rick got to see Piper tonight before she went to bed (though I did keep her up for that express purpose.)

4. The new Reader's Digest and the latest New York magazines.

5. Fondue night on Saturday with friends.

EXTRA: Simon's youth too. I love the newborn phase. Too bad it doesn't last longer.

Halloween Part 4: Last Installment

Here are the photos of our pumpkin carving and dressing up for Halloween. Our witch insisted that she was a "nice witch" not a scary one. Her hat didn't want to stay on despite the chin strap. At first she was quite distressed that her hat kept falling back since she thought that no one would know she was a witch otherwise.

Rick dressed up as a pirate and I was a princess. Sorry I didn't get any photos of us. Simon was supposed to wear an orange outfit that said "I Love My Mummy" with a mummy on it. However, he decided to blow out his diaper and make me do laundry. Thankfully I had this cute baseball outfit from his Grandma Ann. It kept him warm too.

The night was eventful as Piper got to play with her friends, run around in the dark, and eat lots of candy. She also fell in the driveway right before the trick or treating commenced. She cut her chin but thankfully I had a first aid kit in my car and off we went none the worse for wear.

By the way, Piper won the "Best Witch" costume award at the church Halloween party. Her prize was a Wendy's junior frosty.

One cute story. A few houses we went to had awesome decorations. One of these houses also had the adults dressed up as Captain Sparrow and Darth Vader. Piper said, "I don't like that Darth Vader. He's naughty." Then he waved to her and she replied, "He's nice. Look, he waved at me."

I carved my pumpkin; Piper painted hers.

A green mouth

Smile!

Piper said that her pumpkin is a mommy, since mine is a daddy due to it's size. I think it looks like a clown though.

An angry witch

Nice witch

See my socks!?

She didn't want to pose with Simon. This was before bed so she was a tired one.

There's a smile for us. Note the chin Band-Aid.

Ay batter, batter, batter, swing batter.


I was lazy with my carving this year. I didn't have my regular pumpkin carving tools.

Day 4 of Gratitude

1. Simon is growing like a weed and is very healthy. And I can successfully nurse Simon. (I was very nervous since Piper had her first bottle at 3 weeks old.)

2. Easy dinner tonight (leftovers) which gave me enough time and energy to leave a surprise dinner in the fridge of some friends getting home from a trip.

3. Everyone got clean sheets today.

4. This brisk weather is making me excited for the first snow.

5. After spending two hours teaching Piper's co-op preschool class today my friend Anne randomly offered to take Piper to ballet on Friday for me. I guess that either Piper wasn't too wild or that Anne really is just that nice. (I know it's the latter but I'm hoping it's a bit of the former too.)

Gratitude: Day 3

1. Eggnog and the smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies
2. Daylight Saving Time because although it means Piper wakes up early, she goes to bed early too.
3. My quasi-cold seems to be abating.
4. I emptied two more boxes tonight.
5. While putting away Halloween stuff I found autumn decorations for the house that I had forgotten about. I re-did the mantel with the decorations and newer photos of our family.

I Accept...

So Amberly extended the challenge to write five things that I'm grateful for every day of November. I decided to accept the challenge. This is what I've got so far. Oh, stay tuned for the last installment of Halloweens photos.

Day 1: November 1st

I am grateful that...
1. Simon falls asleep easily and sleeps well.
2. Piper is such a crack-up and can make me smile so easily.
3. Rick has a good job.
4. We live in a big(ish) house.
5. I have good friends.

Day 2: November 2nd

I am grateful that...
1. Our library is awesome and that Piper and I go so often.
2. I summoned enough energy to tidy the whole downstairs and fold three loads of laundry tonight.
3. We get to see both sides of the family at the holidays this year.
4. Simon is giving me great big full-face smiles these days.
5. My birthday is in two weeks.