Expressing Gratitude - Day 28

Today was our first day back to real life after "vacation" and I'm not grateful for that (not having to be on a strict schedule and not making lunches has been a dream!). We kept The Lime home from school yesterday and LaVor took the day off so we could spend one more day with Grammy & Papa.

So today felt like Monday all.day.long! So much so, we were eating dinner and I realized it was Tuesday and mutual was taking place right that very second. Whoops!

But hey! At least we're really one day ahead and the week will go by faster! That's something to be thankful for, right?

Expressing Gratitude - Day 27

Today was the day! We finally got to see Coco before Grammy & Papa had to head back home.

What a darling movie! And the reclining seats were an added bonus.

We have had the best time with LaVor's parents visiting. From going to breakfast, looking at Christmas lights, playing at the arcade, going Christmas shopping, playing at the park, and just hanging out, it's all been a blast.

We're so grateful they took the time to visit us and make our boys (and LaVor and me) feel so loved. We wish we lived closer but are looking forward to seeing them again soon for The Lime's baptism!

Expressing Gratitude - Day 26

We've been so busy and have had a wonderful time doing all that fun stuff! But I'm pooped!

From the first day I started my job until this last Wednesday, everyone warned me about Thanksgiving. One man even told me to imagine the worst day of my life and multiply it by 10. Needless to say, I was pretty dang nervous as to what I was getting myself into.

But then I showed up to work on Thanksgiving, put my papers together, and delivered them only to realize that all the people who were telling me how hard it was had never given birth. I would much rather deliver two hundred 5 pound papers than push a baby out without an epidural.

It did make for a long work night/morning and I wasn't able to get a nap in on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. So today was the day and it felt good!

I'm also thankful for a husband who cooks while I sleep so I wake up to an amazing wienerschnitzel & roasted potato dinner.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 25

I've been looking forward to this day since the last time we went to San Francisco!

LaVor and I were discussing where we should take family pictures this year and he suggested we go somewhere (other than across the street). "Like San Francisco," he said.

I got right on it and started researching good spots to take pictures. I came across Buena Vista Park which just so happens to be up the street from Memphis Minnie's, our favorite BBQ spot that we also wanted to visit. Over the next few weeks, I tried to put together a semi-acceptable wardrobe and prayed the weather would work in our favor. Last night, I charged my camera, got the tripod all set, and showed LaVor what everyone would be wearing. "It's too much," he said of my shirt. I showed him another outfit and he said it wasn't enough. Since it was 10:00 and I had no other options, I ended up choosing the too much outfit.

We woke up bright and early this morning and were on the road by 9:00. We were estimated to arrive around 11:30 which meant we'd be right on time to lunch at MM. We always have such a good time there and can't get enough of their food!

With extra full bellies, we drove up Haight Street and found THE perfect spot to snap some pictures. Except, I forgot the screw that attaches the piece to my camera that inserts into the tripod. Sooooo, LaVor's dad was our photographer. Bless his heart! I'm SO grateful they were with us or else I would have been a wreck.

Look at that view!

And this one!

Good golly, I love San Francisco.

We wrapped things up and drove to the Mission so LaVor could go to his knife shop and I could finally poke my head in Tartine. LaVor found a prime spot and we both accomplished our tasks, mine being a little sweeter, and we were off to our next destination.

I've never been to the Legion of Honor but it's apparently a very popular spot. And the park rangers are jerks there. So we continued north to the Presidio.

Unfortunately, Doodlebug fell asleep and was just a tad crabby when we found a parking spot. He wanted nothing to do with getting out of the car, let alone taking more pictures, and complained of his tummy hurting. He's a pretty regular boy but hadn't pooped in a day so I knew he just needed to relieve some pressure. And that he did.

Magically, his little personality changed and he was more energetic than I wanted him to be :)

Needless to say, everyone was "done" by this point so we tried to capture what we could and called it a day.

The boys really wanted to go to the beach so we skipped on over to Crissy Field to catch the sunset.

Doodlebug was thrilled to interact with the dogs and kick the sand.

And The Lime was grumpy we wouldn't let him get in the water.

We needed to get on the road but wanted to make one more stop to see the Christmas tree in Union Square. We braved the 30+ minute drive to go 3 miles (and understood why we don't ever go there!) only to arrive and have The Lime complain of starvation when 10 minutes earlier I asked if anyone was hungry and he said no. It got to the point where he thought he was going to pass out so LaVor snagged him a Jamba Juice and that didn't seem to hit the spot :P The apples I had with me, all along, did the trick.

At least we got to get a picture with the tree!

I love this city and feel so blessed we live close enough that we can visit it often. I'm thankful for all the memories I created here while going to school and that our family had created. I'm grateful for its beauty, character, joy it brings me, and the people who make it so special.

It was the perfect spot for our pictures this year and I'm thankful LaVor suggested it.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 24

Lots of factors played into us not going to the Bay Area today for Black Friday. Which meant it was the first time in over 20 years that I wouldn't be spending the day with one of my sisters or my mom! My heart was a little sad today but I'm grateful my sisters got to meet up and do the traditional IKEA visit. And that I got to go out with my family and still experience that Black Friday craziness, even though I didn't buy anything (I usually never do).

We stopped in to Boot Barn so LaVor could look for a shirt for family pictures. Doodlebug and The Lime were trying on everything they could and pretending to be cowboys.

I sure love their creative minds and that they don't mind riding pink horsies.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 23

When we pulled up to LaVor's grandparents' tonight, there was an unfamiliar couple also getting out of their car. They made it into the home before we did, and Doodlebug had just woken up from his nap and was less than desirable, so I didn't get a chance to speak with them off the bat.

It wasn't until dinner was all done that Grams introduced me to her brother and his wife.

I've known LaVor for 18 years, dated him for 4 of those 18 years, and have been married for 11 of those years, and I never recall even knowing Grams had a brother!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving this was to be able to see them together and finally meet Lane and his wife, Elaine. I snagged Grams and Lane before Lane headed off so I could snap a few pictures of them together. Family relationships are so important and I wanted to document this night for posterity.

My boys were making silly faces.  I love Elaine's expression!

I'm also grateful Elaine was shocked when I told her I'd been married for almost 12 years and had two kids. She thought I was only 18 :)

Expressing Gratitude - Day 22

We went to see "Cars 3" with my parents when it came out this summer. At that time, we saw the preview for "Coco" and have been looking forward to it ever since. When we found out LaVor's parents were coming for Thanksgiving, we were even more excited to share it with them.

As soon as we woke up this morning, we found a theater that wasn't sold out and bought our PERFECT seats.

We arrived about 20 minutes early, found our reclining seats, pigged out on popcorn, and got excited when the "Frozen" short film started.

I could tell the characters were speaking another language but I just thought it was Swedish, or whatever language they speak.

Nope, turns out it was Spanish. And it turned out "Coco" was going to also be in Spanish but nobody in the theater knew that when they bought their tickets (including us).

After reality sank in, everyone exited the theater to speak with the manager, who didn't come out of his office until right before we left.

We were really disappointed that it didn't work out but I'm grateful for second chances and being able to laugh about the situation now that it's been a couple hours :)

Expressing Gratitude - Day 21

Clutter makes me anxious yet I find myself surrounded by it all the time. I never seem to be caught up on chores; there's always clothes to wash, dishes to clean, toilets to scrub, and crap to be put away.

That's why I always only REALLY clean when someone is coming over. And my kids know it. The Lime asks all the time who's coming over, just because the house is clean.

Right now, my house is clean because LaVor's parents arrive tonight. And it'll probably only stay this way until the morning but I'll take it! I'm thankful for the peace I feel and the joy my family exudes when things are clean.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 20

I love cereal for breakfast, as much as it bothers my husband. He's more of a hearty breakfast type of guy.

I hadn't had cereal for a while so I grabbed what we had (Halloween cereal to be exact...don't judge) and started chowin' down. Because the cereal was almost a month old, you can imagine how stale it was. I took another bite and CRUNCH...I chewed on something extremely crunchy. I didn't think it was the cereal so I found a piece with my tongue and grabbed it before I swallowed it.

"Is this part of my tooth?!" I thought.

I put my tongue to use and began exploring for a broken tooth. Thank goodness, I didn't find anything.

But I did find that the bonding to my lower lingual wire chipped off.

Because posting a photo of my actual mouth would have been awkward

I finished getting ready and called the dentist (which we had just been to a week prior! So grateful for that!) and they were able to get me in at 1:00.

It wasn't a huge procedure but I could already start to feel my teeth move. So I was especially thankful they were able to see me right away and the doctor was so nice!

What I wasn't thankful for was that my boys were fist fighting in the operatory while they were working on me. "Um, Mom..." the dentist said. UGH! Thankfully, he followed it up with, "Don't worry, I have two young boys of my own."

We were done in no time and my teeth are squared away.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 19

The Lime had his baptism preview tonight and the invitation said for 8 year olds and parents.  I wasn't going to get a baby-sitter for Doodlebug since I estimated we'd be gone for less than an hour but I also wasn't sure how I'd keep him reverent at 7:00 at night (especially when he didn't have a nap today).

Enter puzzles.

This boy loves puzzles and I couldn't be more grateful. He's perfectly content with doing one, then taking it apart, and doing it over and over. When we were at The Lime's class party last week, he found some good quality floor puzzles and was bound and determined to finish them. I tried putting them away, since school was almost over, and he FREAKED out. So he quickly completed them and was pleased as punch with his accomplishment.

I love seeing his little brain work, his pride when he completes one, and the peace and quiet I get for that brief moment while he's working.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 18

Today was a good day.

My paycheck wasn't ready when I arrived at work so I had to go back at 7:00 to get it.  Doodlebug was already awake (the kid wakes up before 6:30 every.single.day) and The Lime woke up when I went in his room to get Doodlebug's clothes.  I asked him if he wanted to come with us, and that doughnuts were going to be involved, and he said yes.

We picked up my check, grabbed our doughnuts, hot chocolate, and orange juice, and headed back home to gobble up our treats.  I got ready for the day while the boys played outside and then we headed out to run some errands.  We might have stopped by Togo's for lunch where The Lime graciously offered to hold the door open for a woman in a wheelchair but she declined.  Love that he is willing to serve others.

LaVor needed some new work boots so Boot Barn was the next stop on our list.  When we got in the car to leave, Doodlebug asked where we were going next.  Bass Pro wasn't too far so we poked our heads inside for a few minutes.

We worked off our lunch by now and were one exit away from our beloved Taylor's.  Doodlebug asked for a milkshake earlier in the day so it only made sense to make a pit stop.

After enjoying our ice cream and shakes, we walked over to the park next door where Doodlebug played on the playground and The Lime stared at the skateboarders.

The sun began to set and the temperature was cooling off; both signs it was time to head home.

Even though I don't get the weekends off, I'm grateful for the time we're able to spend together as a family.

This next week is going to be just like that times 6!

Expressing Gratitude - Day 17

I was on Facebook one day (shocker, I know) and saw a comment on my sister-in-law's page from a woman in my ward.

"How do you know Robin?!" I asked my SIL.

"She's my mom's cousin," she responded.  "My grandma and Robin's dad are brother and sister."

Since then, I've felt a bond with Robin and her dad.  While we aren't related by blood, I imagine we're related through temple sealings and that's pretty awesome.

Ralph, the dad, passed away last week after 12 years without his sweetheart.  LaVor had a chance to sit down and talk with him once and Ralph expressed how ready he was to die.  Over the course of those 12 years, he handcrafted his coffin (boy, I wish I had a picture of it...talk about AMAZING!).  The detail was immaculate.

The Lime asked me the other day what Ralph was to him.  "Well, he isn't really anything to us but he's Auntie Krista's great uncle."

"I guess I'll have him be my second grandpa," The Lime said.

Ralph was a happy guy and could always be seen with his wooden cane, which he also made.

After his service today, his daughter posted on Facebook that she managed to make it through the entire service without shedding a tear.  "...I am so happy he is with mom. I will miss him terribly. I am grateful and proud to be his daughter."

I don't know how people deal with death without the knowledge of eternal families.  It's so hard to be sad for someone when you know they're jumping for joy because of all the reunions they're participating in.

I can't express enough gratitude for the hope and happiness the gospel of Jesus Christ brings me.  And for the blessing it is to be sealed to my family forever.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 16

The rain finally stopped and the ground is dry enough that I don't have to bag my papers!  Yah!

But with the rain gone, that means the clouds are gone.  And it's getting chilly outside!

That's AM

I haven't seen him this week but there's a guy at work that appears to have a MUCH harder life than I do.  I don't think he has a car because I've only seen him hitch a ride with another carrier and her daughter or he rides his bike.

But his most recent most of transportation has been his skateboard.  He loads all of his papers in a large garbage can and skates with the can on his board.

He's amazing.

I sit in my heated car, with my heated seats, with my scarf tightly wrapped around my neck, and my fleece jacket on and I still manage to complain about how long it takes me to do my routes and how cold I am.

Never have I been more grateful for my car, and the warmth & safety in provides me, than I was when I first saw this man on his skateboard.  Talk about dedication and determination!

And what an example he is of someone who can do hard things.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 15

I got to work this morning and it was BUSY. I used to go in at midnight but realized I needed a good chunk of sleep before heading out so now I arrive after 2:00. Since it rained today, and I knew I'd need extra time to bag the papers, I went in a smidge earlier. A bunch of carriers were still there and my normal table was taken so I parked it next to my friend. My friend that has no name because I'm embarrassed to ask him! He knows mine but I have yet to ask him what his is. I'm horrible.

We got to talking about Thanksgiving and the craziness it brings when it comes to newspapers. Like, each paper weighs about 5 lbs. Say a prayer for me Thursday morning.

I asked him what his plans were and he said he didn't have any. "Any kids that'll come over?" "Nope," he said. "Any siblings close by?" I asked. "I have a nephew in Huntington Beach and my mom is down there. But nobody up here."

My heart sank.

Nobody should be alone on Thanksgiving.

I regretfully told him we were headed out of town, otherwise I'd be more than happy to have him join our family. He appreciated my offer and said he'd be fine.

Man, it made me grateful that we always have a place to go. We have plenty of family around that are more than willing to celebrate with us. And even if they weren't, we have friends that could substitute. And if that didn't work out, we have each other. It's something that I might have taken for granted in the past but I will now treasure the moments we get to be with our family. Especially this year, with LaVor's parents joining us.

Thanksgiving 1993

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving 2012

Expressing Gratitude - Day 14

I often think back to when it was just The Lime and me. We had our weekly library trips, visited Target often, headed to Auntie's house every day but I got to join him on Thursdays, and watched the MoMo man every Tuesday. We had lots and lots of fun!

I'm not as fun with Doodlebug. Which I feel bad about! We're much more limited on time than The Lime and I were. We drop The Lime off and have about 2 hours before we need to be back home for lunch so I can put Doodlebug down for a decent nap before we have to pick The Lime up from school.

We didn't have anything planned today (which was apparent by the way I looked) and I was pleased as punch when Doodlebug suggested we play baseball. We got the T out, which he hit off of, and he pitched to me. He's just as talented as his big bro and is going to be a rock star in two years when he can play baseball.

He laughed hysterically every time he purposely threw the ball at my head.  It was a wiffle ball so I wasn't too scared.

Then he suggested we play soccer. As much as it isn't in the cards LaVor has for his boys, I think Doodlebug would make an excellent soccer player. We'd bring a ball to all of The Lime's practices and games and at one point he was repeating "I love soccer!" over and over and over again.

Next up was a rousing session of sidewalk chalk. I drew a turkey and then Doodlebug asked me to draw something. I could not, for the life of me, understand what he was saying. So we played our guessing game where he gave me clues. Is it a movie? No. Is it a toy? No. TV show? Yes! Then Doodlebug said "yellow" and I said, "SpongeBob?" "Yes! Yes! Yes!" he said. In his sweet mind, he was saying it perfectly and couldn't understand why I wasn't getting it. So when I did get it, he was ecstatic. It was darling.

Almost 2 hours later, we headed inside to get ready for lunch.

I'm so grateful Doodlebug suggested we do all those fun things together. Not just because I love making those memories with him but also because it's supposed to rain for the next two days and we won't be outside much.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 13

Today was my friend's birthday so after we dropped The Lime off at school, Doodlebug and I ran to the store to get her some balloons and a treat. We were going to quickly drop them off so I left my bag (with my keys in it) in the car.

Before we knew it, she invited us in and we chatted for a bit. We eventually ended up back outside and chatted a bit more while Doodlebug opened and closed the car doors.

Honk! Honk!

That's the noise the car makes if you close the door with the keys inside of it.

My friend gasped and I said, "No! It's okay! The doors won't lock with the keys inside."

A few minutes later, we finished our conversation, said our goodbyes, and Doodlebug and I headed to the car. I took one look inside and realized the doors were most definitely locked. And inside the car were my keys and phone.

I turned around, held my head in my hands, and told my friend I needed her phone to Google LaVor's work because his regular cell phone is kaput and I didn't know his work phone number.

He answered his phone, I laughed to lighten things up, told him we goofed, and he said he'd come rescue us.

So Doodlebug and I went back inside my friend's house where he played and she and I chatted for another hour. She graciously made Doodlebug a PB&J and he tortured (in the sweetest way possible) her two dogs.

I was relieved and thankful LaVor could come so quickly to open the doors, grateful my friend didn't care that we ruined 2 hours of her birthday, appreciated Doodlebug being a good sport just hanging out even though he was the stinker that locked the doors (and waited to poop until we literally walked through the door of our house), and learned if I take anything with me in the future it has to be my keys.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 12

It's been a little over a year since I was called to the YW program and about two and a half months since I was called to be the secretary. The timing was spot on because I was on the verge of asking to be released. Things were not meshing between me and my girls and I wasn't sure how much longer I could stay in that position.

But being the secretary is one of my favorite callings. I loved it in Primary and I'm enjoying it in YW. I love being organized and I'm not intimidated every week!

Because of that intimidation, as much as I tried, I had a hard time feeling love for those I was serving. It sounds awful, I know! But it's true and it makes me sad.

Then tonight happened and I felt that love! I felt love for them, I felt love for my Savior, and I could see the girls as He sees them.

We had Young Women in Excellence and the girls sang the theme song for this year, "Ask of God", accompanied by five girls playing their ukuleles.

Holy goosebumps! Tell me you can't feel the Spirit and see the potential in every.single.one of those girls! What an experience to finally be humbled enough to experience those feelings I'd been hoping for for so long.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 11

Last night, we went to In N Out for dinner and I asked if they had any hot chocolate. The manager said they had the machine but it wouldn't be ready to produce for a few more weeks. So The Lime asked if we could stop by the store and get some. It was getting late by the time we finished dinner and we promised him we'd have some in the morning. Except, the packets we had require milk and we didn't have any. Whoops!

So on my way home from work this morning, I swung by Safeway, grabbed a half gallon of milk and a package of powdered doughnuts, and set the cocoa and doughnuts on the counter before heading back to bed.

I woke up at about 8:45 to giggles and squeals of two little boys so excited for their hot chocolate and doughnuts.

How stinkin' lucky am I to experience pure joy through my kids' eyes over something so small? It took me maybe 10 minutes to drive to the store, grab the items, and come home but it made them so happy.

I'm so grateful for the lessons they teach me; that it's really the simple things in life that can bring us the most happiness.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 10

I woke up this morning and checked the weather before leaving for work. The weather app on the iTouch said no rain. Hallelujah! I feel horrible saying that but rain + newspapers = no Bueno.

Except, I got to work and the rain alert sign was lit and people were bagging their papers. What?!?! The girl next to me suggested to bag but not tie because it wasn't supposed to rain very much.

Well, it didn't pour but it definitely rained more than I anticipated.

I got a text from The Lime's baseball coach asking if we'd make it to the game. Uhhhh...if it stops raining.

And thankfully, it did stop.

Tonight was The Lime's last game and we were worried it was going to be cancelled. But it wasn't and we were thrilled to spend one last Friday night at the ballpark.

Sometimes I wonder who this kid is! He has such a talent and it's a joy to watch him play. I'm grateful we had the opportunity to cheer him on during Fall Ball. We register for Spring this weekend and I'm anxious to see what another season brings.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 9

I was tired, had a headache, was low on gas, and quite honestly just wanted to stay home.

We had a youth temple trip tonight and I had a list of reasons why I shouldn't go.

But I went and boy, was it the right choice.

I didn't bring any family names this time, which is my favorite thing because it makes temple trips even sweeter. But I loved seeing those that did bring family names doing the work for their loved ones.

The temple president reminded the kids that their ancestors were aware of them and were most likely standing/sitting with them tonight. I love imagining that! I love that there's so much hope, happiness, and excitement in doing work for those that have passed on.

Being able to leave the world for a few hours and relish in the spirit was exactly what I needed. I'm grateful for choosing the harder right rather than the easier wrong.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 8

I try really hard to always have something to look forward to. It doesn't have to be huge, although that helps, but I've found that if I have something to look forward to, I tend to be happier.

Like The Lime's dance performance that was tonight. He's been practicing for weeks and told me the other night that he was dancing to "Playground". That made me even more excited because I danced to "Motownphilly" in the second grade. Gotta love early 90's R&B.

Dancing isn't really The Lime's "thing" but he looked so darn cute up there and did a great job!

Other things I'm looking forward to are The Lime having school off on Friday, no rain in the forecast so I don't have to bag papers for work, the weekend as a family, our first visit at our new dental office, LaVor's parents coming to town, a trip to San Francisco, and Thanksgiving.

When I have something to look forward to, it also helps me to realize how much I've been blessed with. There's so much negativity EVERYWHERE nowadays that I gladly welcome something to brighten my day.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 7

My sister directly above me is 21 months older than I am. That meant we spent two years at each school together. While I found comfort in just knowing she was there, it wasn't until high school that we got to have (at least) lunch together.

I wanted that same thing for our kids which is why we started trying for a second baby when The Lime was 2. But Heavenly Father had other plans for us (because he's way smarter than we are) and we didn't get Doodlebug until The Lime was 4.

I was really nervous that with a 4 year gap between the boys, The Lime would be "too old" to play with his little brother. But Doodlebug has proved he can hang with the big boys. In fact, sometimes he seems like the big brother as The Lime yelps for someone to help him because Doodlebug is beating him up.

These two boys fight like it's going out of style but boy, do they also sure love each other.

My heart nearly explodes when they're sweet to each other and play nicely. I especially love hearing The Lime teach Doodlebug how to do something or helping him out. Like tonight, Doodlebug was having a hard time getting the toothpaste out and The Lime showed him how to squeeze everything down to the opening.

Or when The Lime finished his dinner first tonight and Doodlebug said, "Good job, Dieta!"

I see how much fun they have together now and can only imagine what it'll be like when The Lime is 18 and Doodlebug 14. Oh, the trouble they'll get into!

Expressing Gratitude - Day 6

I got home from work and checked the iTouch to see if there were any messages. My friend's due date was tomorrow and I had an inkling something might have happened over night. Unfortunately, there wasn't a message. I went back to sleep for a couple hours and woke up to a wonderful announcement!

"Lilly Joyce, 0625 this morning, 6 lbs 15 oz"

Doodlebug and I had to get new tires this morning which just so happened to be down the street from the hospital. After our appointment, we grabbed some pink roses (per Doodlebug), a card, and some treats and dropped them by for the new birthday girl and her family.

Is there anything more amazing than a fresh from heaven baby?

It made me think of my fresh from heaven babies and what a wonderful spirit they brought with them.

So pure, innocent, peaceful, angelic. An immense blessing I'm so grateful to have experienced in my own home and witnessed again this morning.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 5

The Lime has a mouth full of loose teeth.  On 10/26, he showed me how loose tooth F was and I was certain it would be out within the next 24 hours so I snapped one last picture with his two front baby teeth.

Of course, it didn't come out that day or the next or the next. He's been wiggling that sucker nonstop and we could even see the permanent tooth poking its way through the gum.

We Skyped with LaVor's parents tonight and The Lime was eager to show them how loose it was. Papa warned that if it still wasn't out by the time they get here, he'd yank it out with pliers.

So as soon as we finished chatting with them, I told The Lime we were getting it out TONIGHT.

Thanks to my mom's technique (as much as I hated it when it was being done to me), I grabbed a long string of dental floss, wrapped it around his tooth and pulled both ends until it snapped the tooth out.

The Lime hardly flinched and was more distraught over how weird it felt once it was out. I'm thankful for that brave boy who lets me inflict pain on him for his benefit.

I'm also thankful I snapped that one last photo of his cute little smile before his chompers come in. Because if his x-rays are any indication, he's going to inherit my huge teeth.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 4

I can't remember what initiated his interest but The Lime asked me who his great great grandfathers were yesterday. I happened to have my laptop close by so I opened up Family Search and I was able to not only show him names and birthdates of these men but pictures as well.

Great Great Grandpa Steenblik

Great Great Grandpa Phelps

Great Great Grandpa Neuenswander

Great Great Grandpa Evans

Great Great Grandpa Warmuth

Great Great Grandpa Siemsen

Great Great Grandpa Trimble

After I took my Christmas decorations down at the beginning of this year, I decided to redo a wall that I'd been feeling not so hot about. A couple of years ago, when I was making Primary visits with the president, we visited a home that had a wall dedicated to just old family photos. I thought it was awesome and wanted to do something similar in our home. I feel strongly about our boys knowing where they came from and recognizing the people who are rooting for them on the other side. So after Christmas, I thought that would be the perfect opportunity to display our family photos.

What an amazing time we live in that we have easy access to valuable information, including priceless photos! When else have people had the opportunity to view century old documents with a click of a button?

I love walking by this wall and seeing the faces of those who worked hard, pushed through trials, immigrated to an unknown land, and built a legacy that I hope my family can continue.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 3

The Lime turns 8 in less than three months and isn't exactly thrilled to be baptized. We aren't sure of his reasoning so we jumped at the chance to attend our friend's baptism so he could see how awesome it is.

As I sat in my seat, listening to the boy's older sister give the talk on the Holy Ghost, this scripture came to my mind:

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

What 11 year old girl can stand with such confidence and bare her testimony in front of a room full of adults? And what 8 year old boy can answer questions with confidence and recite Articles of Faith like the back of his hand?

Believers.

I'm thankful for examples of people who hold on tight to their faith, to the knowledge they know to be true, and who aren't afraid to share it.

I know I felt the Spirit on Saturday and I hope The Lime did, too.