11.23

Today I went shopping with my sister Amy and sister in law Lisa. We went from 9 am-3:30 pm and got some great deals! It was just fun to be out with the girls!! Then all the girls topped off the night with some Breaking Dawn 2 action. It was good! Thankful for my sisters & mom time!! I needed it. And I'm sure thankful for a sweet hubs that takes such good care of me and my girls!!

11.22

{Blogger won't let me upload my pictures...BOO! Let's hope I can figure that out soon}
Woke up and taught my sister in law, Lisa my first Turbo Kick. She was so forgiving and understanding when I messed up every few minutes. But we were sweating buckets (AKA liquid awesomeness) and it was so fun to get a good workout in on Turkey Day with her!

My sister flew in from Chicago and when she walked in the door, pure giddiness filled my soul. My. Whole. Family. We are finally all together. Best thing ever. Plus it's my birthday so that is truly the greatest thing I could ever ask for.

We had a dance party on repeat to this awesome sauce song. You seriously need to click on that link and watch it. You'll thank me later. The whole family took part. It was epic.

Our feast soon followed the dance party. We cried and laughed and stuffed ourselves. Such a good feeling in the air.

All day I keep reading texts and facebook messages from everyone wishing me a happy birthday. Y'all sure know how to make a girl feel loved. And that I do. I'm so blessed to have the BEST people in my life. Love you ALL so dearly and deeply.

Thank you.

{P.S. As we went around the table to say what we were thankful for Allie said: Jesus and my bunny! So cute and so real.}

11.21

We drove to Park City tonight. We had spurts of rain and a little snow and wind but we arrived safe and sound to a warm house greeted by our dear family! I'm so thankful for a safe, reliable car. My parents gifted this car to me when I graduated from college. Amazing. Sometimes (oft times) there are just no words to express the gratitude in your heart.

I {heart}my Subee.

11.20

I didn't bother to get my camera out today. I just wanted to enjoy the moments. We started the day off at the gym. I'm grateful for my gym buddies and the wonderful instructors I have found. I look forward to it everyday. I love going to the gym, sweating, smiling and having the best time working out. We did some shopping for our upcoming trip to Park City (whoot whoot!), and came home. We played with rocks, the girls set up a little house and Allie mothered Katelyn while I got lunch ready. I love watching this. Katelyn fake cries and Allie comforts her...it's really funny/sweet! Naps were enjoyed by all and soon after we went to see an old friend! We had some awesome friends when we lived in Logan, the Martin's. They just bought a house down the street from us. How fun is that...I love when things like that happen. So we went to check it out and the kids played dress up and had the time of their lives. I love Kim...she is so fabulous!! Then I went to my strength class at the gym and home to finish laundry and start packing! We can't wait to see my familia!! I really love Thanksgiving. I'm really excited to eat, be lazy, play games, catch up, and play!!

11.19

As today played out I noticed how creativity was all around me. My kids were painting, dancing, drawing, spelling, playing make-believe. Doug was working, building doll beds for the girls. I was doing hair (my first successful french braids for Allie I must say!), finding things for the kids to do, cooking, blogging, sewing, making gifts, exercising. Our minds are truly stunning. When we put our minds to something, anything can happen. I believe it! I'm grateful for it!

Allie told me that she drew a picture of the prophet. Then she ran back to the playroom and came out and said, I wrote his name!! Yes you did sweetheart! Good job my darlin'! Now that's a smart mind.

11.18

Today was a different kind of Sunday for us. Instead of going to church, we were able to watch the re-dedication of the Boise Temple. It was so special to have the prophet here and to know that our temple is back!! We have missed going frequently and are so grateful for all the work done by so many!

Boise Temple Re-dedication

Because of that we watched our friends' kids in the morning. We wrapped up them like burritos and read library books. It was their favorite. (And ours too...they couldn't move and they were quiet ;))

And Doug's brother and his family came over and we switched watching kids for the afternoon sessions. It was so awesome to see them twice in one month!! They have the cutest boys! The kids played so well. I didn't get any pictures of them though!! What was I thinking!? We are sure thankful to have family close by so the kids can grow up and know each other so well. 

 Then we finished the evening playing games with the Orton's!! Grateful so much for good friends, family and the temple today!!

11.17

Saturdays...blessed Saturdays! I love these days. Just a day to get tons of stuff done and have my ever loving with us all day!

Some things we did...
Some shopping
Doug worked on Christmas presents for the girls (doll beds)
I sewed some doll dresses and diapers for presents
I got a haircut (Ah, much needed)
Doug jammed with his buddies
He started to put up Christmas lights
Cleaned out Doug's car
We played house with the girls (I was the baby, who apparently needed her diaper changed 6 times...oh dear!)
Made chili
Ate ice cream
Took a gift over to a friend with a newborn. Oh she's the most darling, precious thing ever!! Yes, it made me a little baby hungry, I'm not gonna lie!
Went to the Boise Temple Youth Celebration with Allie. The youth of this area did an amazing job and the prophet was there. He was so fun with them and personable. I can't wait to hear about their experience.
Now I'm in my pajamas and so happy to get into bed!
I'm extremely grateful for productive Saturdays.
Goodnight Moon.

11.16

Today was my grandma Compton's birthday so I was able to think about her so much during the day. She is such a strong woman that I have learned so much from. I love her to the moon and back...what a wonderful lady. I'm so grateful that my girls have the chance to know her and see her once a year {since she lives in Florida}. xoxox grams.

Today the girls went to the dentist. So far so good for them. Allie had a cleaning and was a champ! She has always been great at the dentist...and no cavities for which I am very grateful. I have horrible luck with my teeth and I can only hope my kids have better luck than I do. They were just going to look at Katelyn's teeth because they don't usually clean 2 year old teeth (they are too scared and wiggly). But by golly that little Katelyn was SO ready for them to "tickle" her teeth and to wear the sunglasses. She sat there and just let them clean her teeth. It was amazing! If you know her, you will know what I mean. Proud of my girls!

They had this little scarecrow there and of course we had to stop for a photo opp!

We went to Music and Movement at the library and stocked up on books. I love the library! Free story time and activities for all ages, they let you borrow books, DVDs, CDs. It's the greatest place. Shout out to my bro, Dan Dan the Librarian Man!! It's true, he IS the man.

Then it was off to meet Dad for lunch. We found this awesome Pizza Buffet just down the street from Doug's work (which is good and bad). It's just so easy to meet him for lunch, the kids eat so well, and the price is awesome...but we just may eat there too often! Oh well. It makes me happy!

Then we finished the evening watching 7 kids. So grateful for the babysitting swap we do with friends so we don't have to pay for a sitter every week. And it's fun for the kids too! It's crazy, but it's very worth it. Counting the little blessings each day. Love it!

11.15

 Thankful for the seasons. Luckily today was a beautiful fall/winter day. Technically we are still in the Fall season. So we went outside to swing and slide and run around. So glad we have a backyard to run around! I love beautiful days. Fresh air does all of us some good!!

And I just LOVE this!! Allie came home from preschool with a turkey hat and some awesome answers about turkeys. CUTE CUTE CUTE!!

I was sure thankful for 2 great workouts today. I did Zumba in the morning and Turbo Kick in the evening. I love going to classes at the gym, the energy, the people, and the good feelings I have when I'm done! Then it's always nice when the hubs and I can watch a show...tonight it was 2 episodes of Chuck. Love it!

11.14

Computers and a clean house are what we were thankful for today.
The kids wrote some emails to family members. What an amazing blessing to stay in touch with so many people through the computer. It blows my mind!!
I did laundry all day and cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed, dishes, and dusted. Feeling pretty good about having a clean house for one day! :)

11.13

The paper we drew out for the kids was, "I'm thankful for my teeth. Give mom and dad some of your Halloween candy and remember to floss and brush really well!!" Haha. We only let them keep 10 pieces of candy and since we are trying to go treat free this month we opted out of the first part. It took little Katelyn FOREVER to get her first tooth in and now at 2 years 4 months she finally has them all in. The last tooth came in last week. Poor girl. So I know she is thankful for those teeth. Now we get to wait for her 2 year molars!!

I had a craft night with awesome friends tonight. We got together, chatted, and made a fun Christmas event calendar. I was excited because we love to do something everyday during December and now this will make it organized and fun! I cannot do crafts on my own...I'm just not creative or motivated enough. So I am loving this new monthly craft group!! Cheers :)

11.12

Doug had the day off, which is always something to be grateful for. Another day with my family. And we were in full holiday mode. Didn't have much motivation to do anything! We met up with Doug's parents and had Kneaders breakfast...oh my yummy!! We hung out afterwards and played cards and just chilled. Love it! We met back up with them later that night. I'm so grateful to live close to Doug's entire family. We love to be with them every chance we get. :)

11.11

Today I was just grateful for a day to be home with my precious family. We relaxed, made cookies, looked at old pictures and videos. It was just wonderful. We said thankful prayers for every prayer all day. It feels so good to think of the many blessings we have. It was cute what Allie prayed about (bunny, her birthday, etc.) Love it!

11.10

Today I did something crazy!! Something I never thought I would and/or could. I took a major leap of faith in myself and with the support of Doug, I did it! I certified for a fitness program called Turbo Kick. I have been taking the classes at the gym for years now and just love it. It's a high energy form of kickboxing without bags. Lots of punches, kicks, jumping, and fun! So I spent all day (9-5:30) doing that. I'm amazed that I survived it. Our bodies are amazing. I'm so grateful that I have the ability to exercise and keep my body healthy! I'm so sore today but it's such a great sore. I hope to be able to teach classes at the gym in the near future. We'll see where it takes me. But mostly I'm just proud of myself. It's not too often that I do anything for myself, let alone something so big. I was terrified. And now I just feel empowered. I'm so glad I did it and I'm grateful for my everloving husband who had complete confidence and support for me the entire time!

When I got home Doug had dinner ready and the girl's were ready to give me a massage! Um, YES!! They were grateful for their momma today! How sweet is that!? 

Then we spent the evening on another date! Could this weekend get any better!? I think not. Our friend, Jen, threw a surprise 30th birthday party for her hubby Derek over at Wahooz Fun Center. So we had 3 hours of laser tag, go karts, mini golf, and arcade games. We haven't done that in a LONG time. It was awesome. We sure love all the friends we have here. :) I'm so grateful for them and how they keep us going, help us have a good time, are good examples to us, and are there to help out anytime we need them!

 Mini Golfing with Jason and Dana! Good times of course!

 Sara and I were the laser tag highest scorers! That's right boys...watch out!

Doug getting ready for the slick track! 

11.9

Today the girls picked out: I'm thankful for toys. They went through their toys and found some that they could donate/give away. It was interesting to watch...it was very hard for them to give those toys up (even if they hadn't touched it in months). But we talked about how good it feels to give to others and help them feel happy. :)

Tonight was date night and my favorite time of the entire week! I love going out with my man. It is so fun and so needed to just do something together. We went to a restaurant in downtown Boise that has been around forever and they are retiring this month and closing. The Brick Oven Bistro. I had Cheesy Vegetable soup (with a scoop of mashed potatoes in the middle...oh it is divine) and a BLTC. Doug had Clam Chowder and a Reuben. We went out with our friend's, The Garrett's. Today is her due date for their 4th child. She constantly amazes me with all that she does so willingly. LOVE THEM!!

Doug also gave me my birthday present early! I absolutely LOVE it! I think I will keep him around for awhile. He is seriously the best person ever and he's all mine! :) Sorry for the sap...but it's all true!!

11.8

This one is a no brainer...We, like everyone, are thankful for TURKEYS!! Haha. Who came up with these? ;) We made turkeys with Katelyn's friend, Devry during their little preschool today. I love these because you use leaves for the feathers. So fun. I love fall leaves! I couldn't get Katleyn to put hers down...silly little turkey :)

Lucky me...I got to go to the Boise Temple Open House two nights in a row. Last night I went with the 12-13 year old girls from our ward. Then tonight we went as a family and our next door neighbors joined us. It's so beautiful and there is so much peace in the temple. It has been a huge void in my life this past year while they have been renovating it. How truly grateful I am that it will be open in 2 weeks and that it is only 5 minutes from our house. What an incredible blessing!

Of couse tonight when we were there as a family I get my camera out for pictures only to find that my memory card isn't in there...it's sitting on the counter. Yeah, it was sad. But these are the cute girls I get to work with!

11.7

I woke up feeling so much better!
(From Mitt Romney's Concession Speech): 
"The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion. We look to our teachers and professors. We count on you not just to teach, but to inspire our children with a passion for learning and discovery.

We look to our pastors and priests and rabbis and counselors of all kinds to testify of the enduring principles upon which our society is built -- honesty, charity, integrity and family. We look to our parents, for in the final analysis, everything depends on the success of our homes. We look to job creators of all kinds. We’re counting on you to invest, to hire, to step forward. And we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics.

I believe in America. I believe in the people of America."

So, let's believe and have hope and faith too!!

I am so grateful for this country and so many amazing freedoms and blessings we've been granted. 

But even more, I feel so blessed to have a prophet of God on earth to guide and direct us. This world is scary and hard and far from perfect. Our prophet, Thomas S. Monson is the mouthpiece of our Lord. 
"The future is as bright as your faith."-President Monson

The girls were grateful for their teachers today. We talked about how there are so many people around us that teach us and love us. We took a little something to Allie's preschool teacher, Mrs. Heather to show her our gratitude! 

11.6

I am lying in bed feeling depressed! Ugh! Really!?!?!?

However our focus today was our legs. We ran, skipped, jumped, kicked and everything else we could! I had a nice chat with the girls about how my leg is different. And boy am I grateful that I can do each one of those things with them. So there you have it...we have so many blessings that even in a state of depression I can still see how the Lord has blessed my life!

11.5

Girls: Thankful for scriptures. During Family Home Evening we talked about our favorite scripture stories. Allie shared the story of Nephi having faith and building a boat to sail to a new land. I shared the story of Captain Moroni making a Title of Liberty to protect and defend their families, religion, freedom and peace and Doug shared the story of Alma the Younger and the faith and love his dad had in him by praying. The scriptures teach us so much and how grateful we are for wisdom and revelation!

Me: It was GORGEOUS today! I have loved this Fall weather so much! We took a walk to the library, had playgroup at the park with friends + I was in a t-shirt, blew bubbles, went on a walk. Just trying to soak up every last ounce of this sweet weather that we possibly can.

Blowing bubbles in November!? WHAT!?

 

This is the cool way to "ride" your scooter I guess.

It's always good to end the day making something as a family. I just threw this in here because I love when we can do things together + surprise friends along the way! Happy Fall Y'all!

{Oatmeal Squares: Brown Sugar, Honey Chex, Reese's Pieces because every piece of Fall candy has been replaced with Christmas candy (ugh!), peanuts, and dried apples}

11.4

We're thankful for sisters. They played on this little computer together and took turns without crying or whining. It was a nice 10 minutes of "LOVE AT HOME." They also played Elefun and animal charades together. Sundays and games are awesome + awesome.

I'm thankful for dinner time. It's the time we read scriptures together because they can't run around the house. We memorize scriptures, talk about our days, and laugh. Even though most days end with a battle to get Katelyn to eat her food, I still love it.

11.3

Today the girls were grateful for their ears. We spent a lot of time listening to music and for some reason I was not as grateful for mine today. They seemed to be yelling and screaming all day and my nerves got the best of me.

However, when I got on the computer tonight I saw these gems and I'm so, so grateful for the laughter, smiles, and happiness that I enjoyed! Oh I love this silly family of mine!

11.2

Today the kids drew out the slip: "I'm grateful for dad." They decided to write him notes and hide them...then send him on a scavenger hunt around the house. This is how it started... Doug was very surprised to come home to that and we had homemade pizza for dinner (one of his favorites)!

I'm so grateful for warm weather today!! It has been so nice and sunny. The girls and I decided to go to a park near Doug's work today. During his lunch he changed into his workout clothes, ran over to the park to play with us, and then ran back to work. WIN, WIN for all! Gorgeous weather for November....please stay A LONG TIME!!

11.1

My kids have a little gratitude jar that they get to pick a paper out of each day in November. It is a reminder of something they should be grateful for. Today it was cousins. Thankfully we live by most of her cousins but there are 2 that live in Utah. So, Allie called up her little cousin Kenzie and chatted. She was so excited! :)

I want to keep a record of some things I'm grateful for each day this month too. Something that happens that very day to be SO grateful for.

Today I was reminded of CHARITY...the pure love of Christ. My parents surprised me beyond belief today with something in the mail. I will never be able to truly express what I feel inside for their love. They always show love for me and those around them. Here they are serving a mission and helping thousands and millions of people in this life and the next! Just two things out of so many that they do for others. I love, love, love you!! Thank you for your example and charity!