Grateful for: T

Trims

I knew Doodlebug's hair was getting long (it's been two months since we've done anything to it) but I didn't realize the severity until I was going through his 18 month pictures.

Holy hair!

People always comment on his hair, but I assume they're talking about the color.  Turns out, they're probably talking about the crazy amount of it.

We had a little bit of time in between lunch and picking up The Lime from school today so I got my scissors, comb, and a water bottle and went to work.

LaVor prefers to keep Doodlebug's hair a little longer, in fear that it'll get darker if we really cut it (like The Lime's).  I'm only able to trim a little bit but boy, does that little bit help!

I'm thankful for trims so I can see my cute boy's face, rather than just hair.  It's not drastic but it's enough for now.

Grateful for: S

Spying on Sleeping Babies

The Lime slept, and still sleeps, like a log.  That kid is a champ when it comes to sleeping.  

 Unfortunately, his little brother didn't get that super awesome trait.  But he's working on it!

We still have to be extra quiet when Doodlebug is sleeping.  But every now and then, I'm able to sneak into his room and spy on him sleeping.  I'm grateful I get a glimpse of how his face gets squished against his mattress.  Or how his mouth is usually wide open, just like mine, and he can often be heard snoring.  Or how he likes to tuck his blankets under his arms so he's nice and snuggly.

Grateful for: R

Rides with Daddy

When we lived in Livermore, LaVor would usually bring his work truck home every night.  That meant The Lime got frequent rides around the block.

Now that LaVor doesn't go on as many service calls, he rarely brings the truck home.  But when he does, boy, is it a treat!

I'm grateful Doodlebug got a chance last week to follow in his big bro's footsteps and take a ride around the block in Daddy's truck.  Those two boys sure adore that daddy of theirs.  And having a big, loud truck to drive in is pretty cool, too.

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 18

-Loves to give "knuckles".
-Still doesn't like applesauce.
-Loves playing baseball and has the stance down.
-Can officially go to Nursery.
-Waves his arm back and forth in front of his chest when he runs.
-Thinks he owns the iPad.
-Has different grunts for "yes" and "no".
-Has his own way of saying on, off, open, close, doggy, ball, Big Bro, and more.
-Speaking of balls, he can spot a ball from a mile away.
-Waits for you to say "Ready...set...go!" and then he takes off.
-Is just starting to figure out how to blow kisses.
-But still gives awesome lip kisses.

Grateful for: Q

Quilts

I'd say 75% of the blankets in our house were made by my mom.  The Lime has the most, Doodlebug coming in second, and I'm third.

I wanted to snuggle up on the couch the other night so I grabbed my t-shirt quilt she made me a couple years ago for Christmas.  This quilt is by far one of my favorite things.  All of the t-shirts are going the same direction so I never have to wonder if the feet end of the blanket is up by my head and vice versa. And it has a soft snuggly side that keeps me warm but the t-shirt side stays cool for the hotter months.

Now that we're heading into the Christmas season, it's even more appropriate for The Lime to use his Christmas quilt he got for Christmas when we lived in Livermore.  

Last year, she gave us a quilt she'd been working on since we were newlyweds.  Somehow, The Lime has claimed that one even though it was for the family.

I sure don't have the patient for quilting, let alone sewing in general, but I'm grateful my mom does and that she shares her quilting talent with us.

Grateful for: P

Paw Patrol

I'm not ashamed to admit that if I need a few minutes of quiet, I will turn on the television or give the kids the iPad.

Doodlebug, in particular, is all of a sudden a huge fan of Paw Patrol.  He loves dogs, so it's really no surprise.  But he will actually sit still for moments at a time and either watch the show or play the game.  It's awesome!

When we're at Target, or anywhere for that matter, he points out anything Paw Patrol related.  We were at the dollar store a couple weeks ago and he spotted something.  "Dada (doggy)!  Dada (doggy)!" he shouted.  There was a Paw Patrol puzzle on the shelf so I picked it up and handed it to him.  He held it in his lap the entire time we were there so I figured I could spare a buck and buy it for him.  Little did I know that WWIII was going to take place when I tried taking it from him so I could pay for it.  The kid was seriously convulsing in his stroller, he was so mad.  

Sweet Doodlebug thinks I bought him a box with doggies on the outside of it.  He has no clue there's something even cooler inside.  I'm going to keep it that way for as long as he'll let me.

I'm grateful Doodlebug likes Paw Patrol.  It's fun to see him get excited about something, it gives me a moment of peace and quiet, and it gives me ideas for Christmas presents.

 

Grateful for: O

Oakland Temple

I have this picture hanging in our front room so when someone is at the door, it's one of the first things they see.

When I was growing up, any time we drove through Oakland, we'd say, "I'll give you a nickle if you see the temple!"  I don't think anyone ever got paid but it was something special to be able to see the temple, especially if it was lit up at night.

We lucked out when it came to having the Oakland temple be "our" temple.  It's the only one that looks like this.  And, in my opinion, it's the most beautiful.  I especially love the story behind it.

"While Apostle George Albert Smith was visiting San Francisco in 1924 and looking over the San Francisco Bay, he said, 'I can almost see in vision a white temple of the Lord high upon those hills, an ensign to all the world travelers as they sail through the Golden Gate into this wonderful harbor.'"

Four of my five siblings were married there, all of LaVor's siblings were married there, in addition to his parents, numerous cousins, and other family members. 

I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to seal my family together forever in such a sacred place.  I'm thankful for the peace I've felt within those walls.  I'm thankful for the Spirit confirming to me that the temple is the house of the Lord.  I've grateful for its beauty and the hope and happiness the temple offers.