Days of Thanksgiving Day #12

I am grateful for my calling

So what do these pictures have to do with my calling?

Absolutely nothing but I had no pictures in my library that relate to my calling.

Sure I could find related pictures on the internet but so could you. But this is the only place you're gonna find pictures of our family and our lives, so I try to post family pics whenever possible. And I realized I never posted pics of my kids' Halloween costumes. Sorry, Andrew wasn't feeling well and kept messing his costume up so only one pic with him.

But I am grateful for my calling. I am now teaching in Relief society out of the Teachings of Joseph Smith book. I've spent my adult church life in Young Women and Primary so this is a good new experience for me. I enjoy teaching, mostly because it improves my study habits and I get to learn so much and increase my testimony in preparation for a lesson. Such a good opportunity to grow spiritually and increase my knowledge. I love learning about the prophet Joseph Smith and his teachings and hearing the insightful comments from the women in Relief Society. I think it's also good for me right now to have a lighter calling load. For one thing, it allows us as a family to support Jamie in his calling as Ward Mission Leader. We are trying to become more of a missionary family. We are grateful for opportunities to serve and the blessings that come!

Jamie is grateful for public transportation

(he started riding the bus and MARTA again today)

Emma is grateful to be drug free

Weston is grateful for family

Andrew is grateful for his cup

Days of Thanksgiving Day #11

I am grateful for my health!

I went to the optometrist today and she said my eyes were very healthy (because I only put good things into them, haha). I still need contacts but with help I can see well. I am so thankful to be healthy enough to do what I need to do. Even though I get tired easier than I'd like to and I should be better to my body, I am grateful I have the health to care for others. Kids can be a lot of work at times but I'm glad to have the strength to do it.

I'm glad I have legs to chase my kids down and take them everywhere. I'm glad I have arms to hold them and snuggle. I'm glad I can hear their laughter and wisdom. I'm glad I have my healthy eyes with new contacts so I can see what amazing people they are becoming.

I may not like exactly how I look but everything works. And greater gratitude fills my heart to think my children are healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Oh how rich a blessing it is indeed!

Jamie is grateful for inclement weather

(hmm we might have to kick him out)

Emma is grateful for missionaries

Weston is grateful for teachers

Andrew is grateful for Jesus

Days of Thanksgiving #10

I am grateful for tastebuds so I can enjoy good food.

And as an extension, I am grateful for blogs and sites that tell me (and show me because I am visual and I am slow) how to make good food. Like this yummy little number from my SIL and BIL's food blog. Mmm. I will share my green, rainy city with you if you will give me soma yo eggrolls Steph!

Okay I was looking all over this blog to find a tasty-looking treat (because I do like her recipes) but couldn't find anything mouth-watering so I gave up and grabbed this pic. But it does show my craving for all things sweet. Actually this is making me just want some ice cream.

I don't make anything with yeast, it intimidates me, but I do make cinnamon rolls now (actually mine were orange rolls) thanks to this awesome blog's no yeast recipe!
Shout out to cousin Emily for letting me steal this little secret from your blog-unbeknownst to you. I'm just as big a fan of your SIL's recipes as I am of your mother skills.

Mmmmm, now if only I spent as much time actually cooking this stuff as I did just drooling over the pictures.

Jamie is grateful for "speculative fiction" (aka sci-fi, I know he's so weird)
Emma is grateful for God
Weston is grateful for pizza
Andrew is grateful for "no"

Days of Thanksgiving Day #9

I am grateful

For the Beauty of the Earth

(especially Georgia)

Love, love, love this season here! And yes these pictures are all pictures I took in my own neighborhood (well around our town at least). Imagine what a real photographer could show you. But I get to see the real thing in all it's glory everyday. I don't mind running errands right now. I do have a hard time focusing on the road though with so many bright and beautiful colors catching my eye. I'm begging the trees to preserve some of these beautiful leaves to show my brother when he comes for Thanksgiving. But if not, maybe I can trick his kids into raking up some leaves for me :o)

The colors and variety are just amazing!

I'm also grateful for the beauty of the other seasons. These flowers were on a tree in my yard this summer.

In the spring, everything is so beautiful after it rains. The grass is so green and everything just looks so fresh and bright. I use to love turning onto our street after the rain (in our old neighborhood) and seeing this. Whenever I miss my family or anything Vegas related I look at pics like this to convince myself that I love this beautiful area!

Jamie is grateful for "a wife who is easy on the eyes"

Emma is grateful for church

Weston is grateful for balls

Andrew is grateful for Jesus

(Emma was upset to hear the baby one-up her. She had been so pleased with her excellent answer and was kicking herself for not coming up with this one first. It's all about coming up with the most impressive answer- for Emma anyway. As you can see that is not the case for the rest of us)

Days of Thanksgiving #8

I am grateful that my kids get to have these people as their grandparents!

I am blessed to have wonderful parents who I attribute for any and all good in me and I am forever grateful to my equally stellar in-laws who made my husband the great man that he is. But the best part is that my children have four awesome grandparents to look up to, love, play with, admire, get spoiled by, talk to, learn from, laugh with, idolize, and otherwise enjoy! Can there be a more cherished relationship?
This was the hardest part about moving to Georgia- placing so many miles between my kids and their grandparents- and it breaks my heart every time I think about it. But Emma as of late has become quite the conversationalist on the phone. She calls her grandparents often and chats about anything and everything and they listen as she gives her young and very interesting perspective on life. They are her most captive audience and she relishes every minute. Emma has been planning some big party at Grandma's (Jamie's mom) next time we go there with cinnamon chips and has invited all of my family as well. The other day when I was scolding Emma, she wanted to call my mom (Nana) to tell her how mean I was to her. I wasn't sure if as a mother my mom would take my side or as a grandmother would take Emma's :o). Weston is not much of a talker but no matter how long it's been he's always excited to see his grandparents and smiles and gives them huge bear hugs! Visits are one big snugglefest for Weston. Andrew is still too little to get it but hopefully we can get him closer with some time and cutting back some of those miles. I want to make sure my children reap the blessings of association with the greatest people I know!
Jamie is grateful for baptism (he's Ward Mission Leader)
Emma is grateful that Tori's safe (the dog we got rid of)
Weston is grateful for .....uh-oh I forgot. I'll ask Emma in the morning
Andrew is grateful for eyes

Days of Thanksgiving #7

I'm grateful for our beanbag!

My really awesome and thoughtful sister-in-law sent me this huge "bean"bag (it's actually full of foam). It was a couple years ago and I believe it was for my birthday (and Weston's and Emma's and baby). I was pregnant with stinker boy and she thought I'd need a comfy place to rest my prego butt and later feed my babe. Sweet huh? yeah, she's good that way. We love it and use it all the time! It has provided us a place to snuggle in the mornings, read books, use as a trampoline or slide, a tickle arena, scripture stories at night, best movie seat in the house, holder of sick kids draped in blankets, and all-purpose lounger.

Jamie's grateful for red meat.

Emma's grateful for sharing.

Weston's grateful for spicy sauce.

Andrew's grateful for baseball.

Emma thoughtfully prepared this praiseworthy response (it's all about giving the "right" answer). My boys must have been trying to impress Daddy or something.

Days of Thanksgiving #6

I'm grateful for snuggles!

I love to snuggle. Westie is my snuggle bear and is always good for a squeeze. He's been known to randomly hop into my lap and wrap his warm little arms around my neck. He'll pull his head away, put his warm chubby hands on my cheeks and smile at me as if to say, "you know you can't resist me. Say I'm cute." He's so soft and snuggly and full of smiles and love. Weston's warmth and snuggles have lifted my spirits on ugly days. He doesn't just give the obligatory squeeze and run off or squirm uncomfortably in my arms waiting for mom to finish. No he's very tender-hearted and concerned for others. He climbs in our bed early every morning, usually undetected and nestles in between us soaking up the warmth and the satisfaction of having both parents to himself.

Emma is more an acts of kindness and show love through strict obedience kinda gal. But when I put her in bed she'll reach her long arms out to me and wrap them around my neck, kiss me gently on the cheek, and look me in the eyes as she sincerely expresses her love for me. That's my girl - honest, straightforward, no nonsense. But she does express love through words and deeds more than the boys.

After snugglebear Westie, stiff stubborn Andrew was hard to adjust to. Even as a newborn the child refused to bend or relax in any way. My dad described it as "snuggling a two by four." He was impossible to burp and wouldn't nuzzle into my shoulder (which is why newborns are usually so endearing). As he got older I woud try to rock him and sing before I'd put him to bed. But he would just scream and fight. And now, now that he's not really a baby, he wants to snuggle. Maybe it's because he just doesn't want to be left alone in bed, but after two years of wrestling him, I'll take what I can get. As I lay him in bed he'll let me tuck him in. Then he reaches out and says "snuggew mommy" and he'll wrap his small arms around my head (not neck) and hold me so I won't escape. If I say "I love you," he whimpers, "no" because this is usually a sign that I'm about to leave. He lets me sing and even makes requests and finishes the lines for me. He asks me to rock him and rests on my chest. Ahhh, this is what I've been waiting for. Sure, he should be getting to sleep better on his own, sure he's taking advantage of me, but finally, my baby's learned to snuggle and I'm gonna relish it while I can.

Days of Gratitude #5 - Gratitude Giggles

I'm grateful for kids who make me laugh!

I've gotten to a point in my parental journey where I'm no longer in survival mode- changing diapers, cleaning up spit-up, nursing, battling sleep deprivation, protecting little children from bigger children, holding needy babies, etc. My kids are getting independent and I get to just enjoy them right now. I love this stage! One thing I can say I like about myself (this is the positive month) is that I can find humor and joy in the everyday. I'm an observer and comic at heart. I don't think too deeply - simplicity is simply wonderful. I'm vastly entertained by these little ones! Even the little things that could easily go unnoticed just bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I guess that's why I take so many pictures. I just want to capture that moment, that feeling. Not to say that my kids don't bring a lot of other emotions to surface for me; but these moments, these make motherhood the best job ever! Who needs tv? I've got kids.

A Month of Gratitude

If you were reading my blog this time last year, you may remember our family sharing something we were grateful for every day of November. We're late starting but we're doing it again this year because "a grateful heart is a happy heart" (thank you Veggie Tales). So to make up for the last four days I'm posting four of the things my gang said in our catch-up meeting tonight. Feel free to join us in our month of Thanksgiving.

Emma is grateful for leaves

Ignore all the dirt here, focus on my cute girls' face please. And I think she meant more the pretty colorful leaves on the trees but her face is even more beautiful :o)

Weston is grateful for his climbing tree

Okay, so he doesn't get more than a couple feet off the ground but he loves climbing the little tree in our front yard while waiting for Emma's bus or any other time. "I need to go climb my tree" he'll tell me. A couple times I've found the front door open and go out to find Weston in his tree with pants on backwards and shoes on the wrong feet. Such an independent lil' guy.

Andrew is grateful for UNLV...haha j/k

Andrew is grateful for ABC's

Really he told me so (no really). And he is, the kid loves letters and books as much as his older siblings have. He's really in love with The Very Hungry Caterpillar right now. He loves counting the fruit and yelling, "Fat catapiwa" and then laughing at himself.

Gina's grateful for our yard

The weather has been perfect and my kid's are out climbing trees, reading stories in there "magic treehouse," raking piles of leaves to jump in, and enjoying each other. We had some friends over who helped them use some spare wood to build a ship. Pretty cool. Love yards, love seeing my kids playing and getting exercise outside, love seeing them laughing together and being imaginative!!!

Sidenote: We are able to enjoy this yard in the perfect weather because the monster's gone. She went to a "no-kill" shelter. She was sweet and it was kinda sad but I'm glad to have my yard back (after cleaning poop, torn up toys, fluff from my porch swing and her bed, plastic planter pieces she dragged from under the porch and ripped up, chewed up dog bowls and grill appliances, washing windows, washing doors, and washing siding- yeah I don't do dogs)

When I told Jamie he needed to give me four things he's grateful for to make up for the four days of November he took the easy out (or you can pretend he was being sweet)

Jamie is grateful for Emma, Weston, Andrew, and Gina

ah thanks hun, nice to see we're at the forefront of your mind.

Our Updated Family

My mom gave me this awesome frame when we moved out here so we wouldn't forget our family. But in the last year we've had several additions to the family and babies grew up so my frame quickly went out of date. I finally got it updated! Emma pointed out all the new additions.

Emma: "these are all the people who grew up- Brighton, Seth, Hunter and Uncle Nate"

I laughed, "Yup, Uncle Nate finally grew up"

The Bachelor Nate slot on my frame was replaced with a Married Nate pic. Yeah!

The cute couple!

My brothers and sister (yeah, that's my sister all grown up hugging Nate, not his new wife)

This is as good as family pictures get for us. But we're all in it (all that were there) and Nate and Angie look cute, so it'll do.

Weston is quite taken with pretty, pretty princess Angie! He loves looking at the wedding pictures and finding the princess.

"Sept, Angie doesn't have a prince." he tells me today. Sorry Westie, this princess is taken, go find your own (but wait a good 20 years first)

He was excited to point out and name his new aunt on the updated frame:

"That's Angie! I wuv Angie! I wuv to hug her!"

Welcome to the family Princess Angie!

The Gospel According to Andrew

Last week at stake conference Jamie took Andrew out to the foyer and they brought back a pass-along card with Jesus descending to visit the Nephites. Andrew showed everyone and told them "Jesus is coming down." He repeated this statement throughout the week (without the card).

I went to pick Andrew up from nursery and he looked seriously into my eyes and said "Follow the prophet." I complimented his nursery leaders on their effective teaching methods. He sang the song all the way home (or at least the first two lines that are the same)

Dr. Emma on a Balanced Spiritual Diet

Can't remember the exact quote but while looking at the children's scripture stories at their great hero Nephi, Emma explained to Weston that Laman and Lemuel didn't want to eat the fruit from the Tree of Life because they don't like fruit, just veggies and it's good to eat different kinds of food.
Maybe this is influenced by their Veggie Tale videos. At any rate, I'm sure there's some great gospel application here.

Flat Emmy gets a taste of the Southwest

Nana and Pop (my parents) went down to Sedona with my mom's family. Emmy got an exclusive child's pass.

The real Emma drove over the Hoover Dam last December but this pics. way cooler.

Flat Emmy sheds her coat and mittens in cold Georgia (it was freezing last week) and heads for more pleasant weather in Sedona.

Emmy visits one of Pop's favorite places.

Flat Emmy taking the spotlight from Nana.

Weston's Words of Wisdom

Weston says some pretty cute little things too. When I read this I hear his cute lil' voice saying it, so if you don't know his voice, it may lose something.

Weston was sick this week. When asked how he was feeling these were a couple of his responses:

"My sickies are coming out of me."

"I feel good. My tummy feels like pickles."

While I was taking pictures of the kids:

(excitedly) "Are you taking a picture of me telling Phillip 'no' ?"

"Are you taking a picture of me crying?'

Weston's a lover. He loves everything and everyone. He's always asking friends if they love him.

"Do whales love me? Do they hug me?"

Mom: "Weston you have to wash your hands, they have germs."

Weston: "But I love germs."

At dinner one evening:

Emma: "I'm not from Vegas, I'm from Georgia. I'm from __Ave."

Weston: "I'm from the store."

Dr. Emma on October prayers

Emma knows that October means Halloween and she's excited. She's making big plans already.

In her prayer the other night she included:

"Bless that we can get our costumes on perfectly."

Dr. Emma on distant relatives

I cannot remember what we were talking about:

Emma: "You know, Weston's cousin, his mom's name is Wendy."

Mom: "Carson? Carson is your cousin too."

Emma: "He is? ...My cousins have to live in Texas. They're even the Cannons."

Chris- I think we need to get our kids together again

Jess and Deb- stop with the Texas brainwashing

Swimming with the Fishes

Our family has season passes to the Georgia Aquarium. We were going when my SIL visited and in two visits your passes are payed for so we figured if any one else visits we'll just be kicking ourselves for not buying the pass (hint hint visit us people so we can pat ourselves on the backs for being so smart) so we bought the passes and have made a few visits. It's a very cool place! Usually though we adults don't get to see many fish because we're too busy chasing toddlers who push past everyone to knock on the glass to talk to the "bishes" and then while mom's dodging through the crowd looking for the shortee he splits and runs back down the hall to see the jellyfish again and mom can't find him and ladies think I'm a terrible mom for losing my child (purely hypothetical of course). So Jamie and I got a babysitter and went down to the aquarium by ourselves. They have a live band playing music Friday nights in September so we decided to check it out. There was so much less people and we could stroll leisurely. Don't tell the kids though. They've been begging to go back.

Just the two of us. Able to stop long enough to get a few pics.

For Brighton. Sorry, I hope he can tell what it is.

For Brent (Jamie's a better actor/model than Emma). You may need to enlarge this.

There were otters in the exhibit but no people. What gives?

One of the most fascinating creatures are the jelly fish especially with the ultraviolet lights they have on these guys. This is my kids' favorite.

Crazy cool!

I was sitting in a windowsill looking into the "big tank" with all the large and interesting fish and this guy planted himself right in my view as if to say "look, I'm not the most interesting fish but give me your full attention." It cracked me up. it reminded me of Andrew. Of all the fishes in the sea, you're the only one for me.