11.26.12

1. Lots accomplished and planned for at the craft store today
2. Homemade keepsake cinnamon ornaments we made together today
3. Easy bedtimes
4. Fun, new recipes I'm excited to try out.
5. Rick handled Piper's bath this morning and Simon's tonight.

Berry Picking

The kids and I went strawberry picking this summer.  I didn't get any pictures of the actual picking part but this is us taking a break, relaxing in the shade afterwards.  The kids shoes got really muddy.  I brought Piper's boots but we didn't put them on.  Then the next time we went to the farm (3 months later) Simon reminded me that we needed to take boots so we don't get muddy.  Good thinking.

Summer Barbecues

Here's my two kiddies after an evening of fun at our ward's weekly summer barbecues.  Think they had fun?!

11.25.12

1. My brother Mark.  Today is his birthday and I am very grateful to be his sister.  He's funny, smart, and has great taste in movies and books.
2. School is back in session tomorrow.  I'm tired and I welcome the break.  
3. My dad's homemade tacos
4. Antacids (see #3 above)
5. Pinterest

11.24.12

Today I am grateful that...

1. I blow-dried my hair this morning.  I wasn't going to because I was tired and just wanted to leave.  But it made me feel better about how I looked.  Small thing, I know.
2. Rick was able to go to the USC/Notre Dame game tonight.  He joined my brother and they had a fun time.
3. My sister-in-law Kristen rocks!  Kristen, I'm so glad you married my brother; we love having you in our family.
4. We got to have Round Table pizza for lunch today - Rick's favorite.
5. Rick has been so accommodating in letting me sleep in these last few days.  I've needed it so badly and I didn't even have to ask him.  Very nice indeed.

11.23.12

1. Even without a nap today Simon was mostly pleasant and obedient.  He did get in trouble a few times for hitting his cousins with golf clubs and baseball bats.
2. Watching Piper interact with her little three-year old cousin.  She was helping her color and acting like such a grown up girl.  What a nice big sister she is, and will be!
3. Homemade turkey noodle soup (with homemade noodles!) and Virgil's root beer floats.  My sister and brother-in-law were the chefs, not me.
4. Sleeping in despite the kids waking up at 6:00am
5. My niece Emma's wonderful talent of composing music and also her lovely singing voice.  It always brings tears to my eyes.  Rick can never get enough of her either.

The Big Day of Thanks

1. Great food
2. Lots of wonderful family
3. Fun times catching up and reminiscing
4. My relatively well-behaved children at our holiday celebration today.  I was worried about Simon missing his nap but he fell asleep for 15 minutes or so on the drive down.
5. This overheard exchange from my kids at 6:30 this morning - 

         Piper: Simon, you know what I'm thankful for today?  
         Simon: What?
         Piper: You.
         Simon: You know what I'm thankful for?
         Piper: What?
         Simon: You and mom.