Just……wow!!

‘Tis the season to be thankful. Of course, we should be thankful all year, but it seems like there is something about this time of year that brings out the gratitude in everyone. Sure, there’s Thanksgiving, talks on gratitude at church, daily facebook updates from friends sharing their blessings. Or, maybe it’s the calm before the holiday storm that causes us to reflect on what means the most to us.

Today, especially, I feel grateful for so many things. Here are a few:

My husband. We have been married almost 11 years and I still can’t believe how lucky I am. This is not news to those of you that know him, but he is amazing. This whole post could be about him, but I’ll save that one for our upcoming anniversary.

My parents. We went to their homecoming sacrament meeting today and felt such a tender spirit. They are THE examples to me of how to live in this world the right way. I love them so much.

My in-laws. We celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this week. Another example of how to do it right. They would (and have done) anything for their family. They are wonderful.

My own kids. When we found out that we were having number 6, we were very surprised. My first thought (after four tests) was “I am so grateful that Heavenly Father thinks I can do this.” Maybe if He thinks I can, I have a shot. I love my kids and adore each individual personality…they are my life.

The Gospel. Life is hard enough even when you know the big picture. I’m grateful for the strength provided by the Atonement…I need it every day.

Grandparents.

Health. Especially health…and insurance.

Quiet Sunday afternoons.

Clean counter tops and empty hampers.

My car.

Good neighbors.

Good friends, the kind that know you better then anyone else. You know who you are.

Christmas music in November.

Choir practice…especially today.

Feeling the baby kick.

Hearing “I love you Mom, you’re the best mom in the whole universe!”

Good books.

Watching my kids be really good at something.

Coupons.

I could go on and on and on and on. Happy Thanksgiving week everyone!!

What school night??

Joe gave the coolest gift to Dakota for her birthday: a night out with the family, going to see Disney on Ice.

We left Beau home with a babysitter (thanks Darci!!) and took Koko, Emma, Colin, and Camri. It was so fun!

We got there and it felt like Disneyland (a little). At least when we walked by the $24 Princess Barbies and t-shirts on sale…oh, and the Mickey Mouse-shaped slushees….and the spinning, light-up thingies….and the kettle corn. Men dressed like Prince Charming were walking up and down the stairs shouting, “Kettle coooooorn!” At one point, Camri asked, “Mom, why are the guys with popcorn on the sticks yelling ‘All Aboooooard’?”

The show was fantastic, they had a little bit of everything. They went from Jamine to Sleeping Beauty to Ariel to Mulan to Snow White to Belle. And that was just the first half. Colin was only a little disappointed that there weren’t any pirates…

After Intermission, they played out the story of Cinderella. The props and costumes were amazing! You gotta hand it to Disney, they know how to put on a show.

Goodbye Princesses (and their men)… But these are the ones that made the night so fun… School night, schmool night.

It’s a…

GIRL!

We had our ultrasound yesterday and found out that baby #6 is going to be an active little girl. She would not hold still!

With tears in my eyes, I watched our little one bounce around, put her hands to her mouth, and cross her little feet. Joe sat, entranced, by that little miracle that suddenly seemed human.

Four girls, two boys. Our little family is complete.

When Joe got home from work, he was talking to Colin…man-to-man. He said, “Colin, you know it’ll just be you, me, and Beau.”

Colin, wise beyond his years, said, “That’s okay Dad, less is more.”

Stop growing up, I say!!

So, Dakota’s ten. She’s old and beautiful and smart and I’m crazy about her! We celebrated her birthday by dressing up and going to Joe’s work Halloween Family Lunch. Here’s my Greek Goddess: Of course, we had to stop at the temple on the way home to get Camri’s Bride Picture, I’m thinking we’ll use it for her wedding video in a VERY long time….just planning ahead :) Emma was a very beautiful Alice in Wonderland, she looked just like her!Colin was the cutest mummy I’ve ever seen…of course, if you ask him, he was very scary. It’s not cool to be cute when you’re a five-year-old boy… Beau had a few costumes this year. For the school parade and parties, he was Camri’s groom: But after treats and goodies, he got a little messy. So, the next day he was a dinosaur: Either way, it was a winner :)

ANYWAY…

The night of Koko’s birthday, we (I) made a fancy dinner and took it all over to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. They set the table with china…it was all very glamorous. Joe prepared the food, so it was also very glamorous… …and delicious, of course. Props to the chef :)

We played games and watched “17 again”. Oh, and don’t forget the ice cream cake and presents!This was her reaction to Dad’s gift (more on that later), I think she was pleased…

It was a very fun night, thanks G-ma and G-pa!!

The next day was Halloween, and basically more of the same…no school, hanging out with family and friends, and candy, candy, candy! Koko decided to stay home and pass out candy, while Emma, Colin, and Camri took to the streets with Joe. Maybe I’m biased, but don’t you think this is the cutest bunch of kids you’ve ever seen? I am one lucky mama!

Okay, so we’re not perfect… It was a fun weekend with family, friends, and candy. Happy Halloween everyone!