Day 86

I love me some good warm bubble baths!

I must get it from my mom since growing up I remember her taking in her women's magazines to read and soak. 

Now that is a great way to end the day - tea, book and some chocolate! 

Day 85

I gotta be honest....

Today was a hard day to find something to be grateful for.

But then I remembered this little thing I kept called a blog. 

It made me think hard because there is ALWAYS good to see - sometimes harder than others, yes I will admit that. 

When I stopped and thought about what it was that I was grateful for....it always came back to the blog. 

Yes, the blog. 

I am grateful for the BLOG because as I read through these posts, they clearly showed a pattern of change - a change in my perspective....and for that I am grateful because life is nothing if we do not do something with it!

A heart full of gratitude will carry you through anything. 

A heart full of gratitude will enlighten your mind. 

Best of all...it will make you realize it really is not that bad :).

Day 84

Another lazy day here for spring break! 

We went swimming at the Y before swimming lessons - well the older three did.
Charleigh and I hung pool side while they swam and what a bad idea that was!
She was moving and grooving all over the place and wanted to get into the pool since it was so hot in there.

Next time, we will be swimming with the older three.

Tonight, I was able to read a book with Chloe; "I love you forever" by Robert Munsch.
I gave Diana that book when she was two and the story just touches me every time.
The woman loves to rock her son and sing him her song and as she gets older the tides turn, and now he is the one holding his dear mother in his arms.
Life is like a ferris wheel.
Sometimes we are high and sometimes we are low.
And eventually the ride will end here on earth.

I am grateful for those chances to read stories with my children.
It always brings a smile to my face.
♥

Day 83

Today was the first day of spring break with the kiddos.

 We started out with yummy homemade cinnamon rolls, free swim lessons at the Y and played outside the whole afternoon with friends at the park.
Taylor climbed a tree with his friends Jonah and Nathan.
They were quite the little monkeys :)

Tomorrow the rain hitting for the REST of spring break so I was grateful for one day where we could enjoy it outside.

Day 82

Today was stake conference (a huge meeting with a numerous congregations)

and

I loved hearing a distant family members talk on his conversion to the gospel. 

This person was married to his wife (a member) for many years and went to church off and on, eventually serving in callings in scouts and primary, even giving talks in church and paying tithing as a non member. 

A few months ago during fall soccer games, I heard from his wife he was to be baptized. 

I was so elated to hear such wonderful news!!

Seth said in his talk, "I joined the church backwards." He was active and engaged and then was baptized but really in the end, it does not matter which way you make it to the waters of baptism. The Lord rejoiced as did his family when he made that decision to enter the waters of baptism. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is apart of who I am and it blesses my life and testimony when I see such tender mercies bless those around me.

Day 81

Living in the pacific NW, as you can imagine, we do not get very much sun at all so when you do....

You IMMEDIATELY head outside to get as much vitamin D as you can!

I am loving all of this GORGEOUS weather we are having - now that is something to be thankful for with all the yard work and playing we have gotten done in the last couple days :).

Day 80

Today I am grateful for kids that did NOT have any cavities at their check ups and cleanings :). 

That means MORE money in my pocket...well more money that will go towards Diana's braces!

Day 79

How appropriate that today was the first day of spring and the sun was shinning!

I felt like the Lord was saying, "Rachel, change is OK and the change is going to be good!"

When I came into the classroom I was overwhelmed at the love my students showed me with flowers, cards and hugs. 

My co-workers gave me flowers and a beautiful plate which had a beautiful verse about family imprinted on it. 

There were tears of joy and it was a great day to end my career. 

We had two parents visit: a police officer who showed us his car and all the fun things he carries. 

Next, another dad who is a fire fighter came in and did a fun presentation for us as well. 

I just felt an overwhelming amount of love and it was a very much a feeling of melancholy as I left - a feeling of sadness but also of joy. 

My co-workers became like family. 

They taught me compassion. 

They taught me what it meant to be devoted. 

They taught me what it meant to support one another. 

But best of all...

They showed me what it really meant to be a friend. 

I love you all at First Christian Pre-Primary school. 

It was an amazing ride and I will always smile at the memories that God blessed me with while I worked there ♥.

Day 78

Tonight I am grateful for Savior, Jesus Christ. 

We have SO many imperfections, habits and choices we make that keep us from being perfect but he loves us so he gave us the gift of Grace. Grace gave us the ability to repent and become new. It gives us the gift of transformation to become who we are meant to become. 

Without it, I would feel alone and lost in this world. 

He loves me and he loves you and may we all stop to appreciate and show him in return the same love he gave us.

♥

Day 77

Today I am grateful for prayer and his loving reminders of "Yes, just trust me Rachel. Its going to be OK."

Sometimes I can be KIND of STUBBORN and resistant to change...

He knows that and is so patient with me and I am grateful for that!

Day 76

Today I am grateful for those 16 little faces I have been able to teach. 

Its the start of my last week of work and its going to be an emotional one as I close this chapter in my life.

Its been a wild ride full of laughs, good stories, and lots of love!

I savored each moment of my day at work and was able to snuggle in and read to a few of the kids alone. 

♥

Day 75

I am grateful for the ability to be able to bake!

Scones, cookies, pies, cheesecakes, muffins, homemade bread....

Yeah I think I  have an addiction sometimes but it makes me happy and my house smell AMAZING....

Day 74

Hurray for lazy Saturdays!

Keith and I went to Home depot for some house projects, read books, watched TV, did some gardening, cleaning...and best of all played with my new toy: the power washer!! 

Did I mention how cool using new power tools are??

It cleaned off all the dirt on my drive way, back patio, and the bricks in my backyard!

I love Saturdays like today. 

Day 73

 

Tonight we had the chance to watch this lil'cutie dance the night away in dance recital. 

She did so great!

I was worried for a moment when the music started since she looked SO nervous but she did beautifully! 

Chloe you danced right into our hearts when you were born how grateful I was to see you dance tonight. 

Day 72

What a busy busy day! 

Today was Chloes dress rehearsal for her dance recital tomorrow. 

It was a little chaotic and long since we had to be there for 3 hours...but all went well and it was fun 

to see her get all dolled up with her dance friends. 

 I am grateful for the mommy daughter time we were able to spend afterwards with Chloe. It was late 

so we headed out to grab some dinner and ice cream to chat. I love my little fire-bean so much 

She makes me laugh with her little quirks and bright goofy 7 year old smile!

Day 71

Today I am grateful for those quiet moments in my garden! 

Today I was able to escape to do some weeding, and cleaning out my raspberry bed. 

Some people HATE "yard work" - I love it. 

It is soothing to me and my soul. I wish I could own a little English cottage by the sea and garden for hours but life gets in the way and something amazing called, "raising kids." :)

Day 70

Today I had to do something hard. 

After much prayer and reflection, I gave my two week notice at First Christian Pre-primary. 

I started as parent, then a board member (even helped clean classrooms), and then became a staff member. 

The last 6 years with them have blessed my life and my children's. 

They became like my family because they are that type of people. 

But sometimes you have to take that leap of faith the Lord asks you to do. 

You have to trust in him because he sees the bigger picture and he knew it was time to go home to be with Miss C. 

I am grateful he gave me the guidance to see what I needed to do for my family - the next two weeks are going to be HARD as I prepare to say goodbye!

Day 69

Today I am grateful for my husband who showed up at work with roses and balloons!

We woke up so tired from a long night with Charleigh (seems like the yearly sleep theme....) and this morning when I asked him what he was up to today he replied, "Work and then the norm..." 

I was a little miffed that he did not remember it was our ANNIVERSARY but honestly I was so dang tired and sleep deprived too I brushed it off and went to go get ready for the day. 

Fast forward to the end of work. Debi and I were about to head down the stairs when lo and behold who should show up with roses and balloons in hand? My huuuuusband! 

We picked up Miss C and headed out to lunch. 

It was a relaxing and quiet anniversary; a blessing to be SO happy and content. 

I still get giddy when I see his car pull up from work. 

I still get giddy when he puts his arms around me when I am doing dishes. 

I will get giddy to snuggle on the couch. 

I am think I am one lucky gal and for that I am grateful.

Day 68

I am grateful for Abraham's example of faith to me. 

Today I taught my primary class about when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Issac.

As a parent when I was reading this lesson I was trying to wrap my head around what Abraham was asked to do and grateful that I have never been asked to do such a sacrifice. We will all be asked to sacrifice things in our lives; doing so enriches our lives and makes us enlighten our minds.
Every day we are asked to stand for truth and righteousness, to wear our honor and be moral compasses to those who are around us.

Doing that comes with a price sometimes that is not easy but the blessings in return are ten fold and worth every sacrifice.

One of my favorite scriptures is proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."

May we all remember that the Lord is there to catch up, to guide us and to teach us.

Day 67

Today I am grateful that we were able to meet with such an honest realtor. 

Keith and I have some hard decisions to make whether to sell our home or not. 

I wont go into details but for many reasons we are stuck in the middle of which way to go...

But after today, we now know where we stand financially. 

Now if it would sell magically over night, right :).

Day 66

Today I am grateful for my children's good friends. 

I have been lucky in this department so far as a mother because being apart of of such amazing wards at church (our congregations), they have been able to meet good friends who uphold their same standards. This gives me peace of mind and has been a blessing because I do not have to worry they are out doing things they shouldn't be doing...

Now, yes my oldest is 13 and Taylor and Chloe are only 9 and 7 so time will tell....

But if they stick to good people who uphold their same beliefs and values...all will end well :). 

Day 65

Today I am grateful for how we have instilled in our children a feeling of love and support for one another in our family. Tonight we attended a simple spring band concert for Diana and yes, in the scheme of things it may be small but when we are there for small things, they add up so when the big things do hit us,  it becomes second nature to be there for your family.  Sickness, track meets, band concerts, pack meetings, swim meets, dance recitals, school talent shows....they are simple things on the calendar but I know when our family is there to show our support, that person appreciates it. 

It makes that person feel important and what they are doing valued. 

Back in 2011 I ran my first marathon in Newport, OR. 

The support my husband showed me was beyond what most young fathers would have done. 

He loaded up my three kids at the time, made signs, went to the dollar store for special treats to eat along the course, packed extra water and lunches, looked over the bus schedule for the marathon and then headed out for a long day to support me in 90 degree weather. 

All along the route I could see them as they would ride the spectator bus a couple of miles ahead to get off and cheer me on, hug me and say"Good job Mommy!!"  

It meant the world to me and is the ONLY reason I finished that race. 

That act of support, service and affection my family showed me will always be with me. 

So, it is with that thought, that I want to instill in my children a value of family - to be there in the big and small things of our lives because that support we can give them, makes them not only feel loved but apart of a family that will be there for them no matter what. 

"Forever for always - No matter what."

Day 64

Tonight I am grateful for callings.

I absolutely love the children in my primary class and the young ladies in my activity days.

I love what they teach me and in getting to know each one of them.

Having two callings at first seemed overwhelming but I love it and I love what a blessing it

has been in my life to teach these children ♥.

Day 63

Today I am grateful for the scriptures. 

I am not a scriptorian (a person who has a deep knowledge of the scriptures).

And I am not the best at quoting 50-100 from memory but what I do have is a testimony of the truth 

they bring in our lives. The people in the Bible and the Book of Mormon are not only people who 

once lived but they are heros who lived through trials that can teach us and give us the answers we 

need in learning in what they went through in their lives. 

One of my favorite scripture heroes is Abinidi in the Book of Mormon. 

He shows courage, determination and an "eye single to the glory of God."

May we all feast upon the word of God more. 

It seems so simple when you say it in primary but really, reading your scriptures brings such peace 

and clarity to our lives with the knowledge and lessons they provide in its teachings.

Day 62

Today I am grateful for new beginnings.

 

Sometimes in our lives we have to pick ourselves up and start over and over again.

 

And that is normal and OK.

 

I have not been on a run in over a month and finally, I just had to get on my shoes and head out

 

the door to do it. The run was nothing spectacular....on the contrary it was hard and depressing!

 

But that is what happens when you don't exercise for a month :).

 

Oh well, time to just get back up and do it because otherwise, it will just be harder to do so the longer

 

I wait to head back out!

Day 61

So can I be grateful for family again??

 

YES!

 

Today we got together with my cousin Jennifer's husbands side of the family for dinner to celebrate Elias's first birthday (Jennifer's fourth child who is only 6 weeks older than Charleigh) and a couple others on his side.

We joke that we are their cousins since well... technically we are family :).

 

We got together to eat and share good food, chat and play games while the kids played.

 

It was a good ending to a wonderful weekend and I feel so blessed when we get together with family like that. I have fond memories as a kid with all of the get togethers we had for holidays and birthdays, especially with my cousin, Jennifer. She is only four months older than me and was more like a sister growing up since I did not have one. 

Day 60

Today I am grateful for family.

 

We were able to get together to celebrate Diana's 13th birthday with family and what a wonderful blessing that was to see everyone. My brother Michael, who is busy with finishing up his masters degree in forestry at OSU was able to make it. It was good to see him and I will miss him when he moves away to Fort Collins this summer. I admire what he has done with his life and look forward to seeing all of the beautiful pictures he will share from his adventures in living in Colorado!

My brother Matthew and his wife, Nicole were also able to make it and Diana loved the make up she received from them as a gift. I remember being 13 when I first started wearing makeup to school. But holy moly...I was horrible at it. Can you say, "Tropical pink" from Wet n'Wild anyone??

 

Needless to say it was the 90's when I started my adventures in wearing make up.

 

The party was fun and the grandparents were able to make it too, as well as her godmother, Karina.

 

My mom brought these fun outfits for Charleigh and made Diana and I matching infinity scarves. A fun weekend catching up with mile high chocolate cake, made for a blessed day.

Thank you to those that came and blessed our day!

♥

Day 59

Today I am grateful for good books!

 

For the past few months I have been busy with this and that and have not had the time to read much of anything so finally after sometime, I was able to finish the first book in the series, "The brothers." It is a church (LDS) book about the pre-existence and the following of two brother in this life. So far so good and now onto book two!

My friend warned me book one was a bit slow and yes, it was slow but like the work and the glory series from the 90's, early 2000's, where it could drag on sometimes, it was still really good because of that depth and detail. 

Day 58

Today I am grateful for the power of the priesthood.

Taylor is still really sick and not keeping anything down.

I am really worried about him getting too dehydrated with him not keeping anything down for three days and so Keith gave him a blessing tonight. What a blessing to have that assurance and power in your home when a child is sick, or you need a blessing of comfort from the Lord. 

Day 57

13 years ago I checked into Providence medical center in Portland, OR at 6am.

 

I was young, scared and had no clue what was in store for me in becoming a new mother.

 

Being so young, I was naïve, innocent in my understanding of what motherhood was all about. I read

 

any book I could get my hands onto, proving to everyone and myself, that I would be the best mother

 

I could be. Some people worried with how young I was that it was too soon and I will agree with

 

them...yes, I was too young. I became a mother at 18years old but what I did have and could give my

 

daughter 100%, was my heart. My love for her was unconditional before she was even born, so deep

 

 it was foreign to my heart, a feeling of a overwhelming zealousness to protect her from anything that

 

 could hurt her. I wanted to give her everything. I wanted to see her grow up intelligent, strong,

 

courageous and spiritually minded. I wanted her to know she was a daughter of God who loved her.

 

After a long day of ups and downs, an epidural that half worked and 3 hours of hard back labor,

 

Diana rose entered into this world beautiful just as her name describes her with thick black hair,

 

 brown eyes, pink cheeks. and dimples. A few minutes after she was born, the grandparents and Keith

 

 were talking amongst one another as I held this little piece of heaven in my arms. As I gazed at this

 

 angelic little girl, she opened her eyes, looked at me and smiled. As she smiled, dimples popped up

 

on her cute pink cheeks. I told everyone, "Come look! She has dimples." By the time they turned

 

 around, she was fast sleep smiling with the secret that only her and her mama knew; she had dimples!

 

It took another month before her dimples made another appearance and everyone believed me :).

 

Today, Diana is a beautiful young woman who makes me proud in every sense.

 

She is intelligent.

 

Strong.

 

Driven.

 

Thoughtful and sweet.

 

She has a testimony of the gospel and loves to serve.

 

She loves her brother and sisters.

 

She has a desire to learn.

 

She is funny.

 

But most of all....

 

She is my daughter.

 

You made ME a mother.

 

You changed me and made me want to be a better person. You showed me what it is to love another

 

human being so much, you would do anything for them. I love you Diana.

 

I am grateful for YOU today and that 13 years ago, you made me a mother ♥

 

 

 

 



Day 56

Can I just say this has not been our month for health and wellness.

Chloe and I came down with the stomach flu...

You're like, "AGAIN?!?"

I know...again. 

As soon as I am off of here and a little more coherent I am off the bleach everything in sight!

A wonderful lady from church dropped off some Popsicle's  and Gatorade's this morning to help out...it made a world of difference in how I felt by afternoon!

 My amazing husband helped clean up the whole house tonight after coaching a soccer game and making dinner!

Now to head off of here and sleep.

Day 55

For double nickle day (55), today, I am grateful for the ability to be brave enough to make a changes

in my life that I needed too. Change is hard but it also can be what was needed. 

You may question yourself a million times over on whether you should have done this or that but in 

the end, following your heart wins out because its there that you need to be true to yourself. 

♥

Day 54

  

Tonight we had "It's great to be 8" for those children in our ward who are being baptized. 

Chloe said the opening prayer and I was able to talk about Activity Days to the girls. 

I loved seeing the enthusiasm on all of their faces when they entered to look at the font. 

So pure. 

So precious

So ready and eager to learn. 

We all should be more like that!

Chloe will be our third child to be baptized and I know she is eager to be baptized by her father. I am grateful for Chloes desire to do so but also for a husband who is a worthy priesthood holder who can and wants to baptize his beautiful daughter. 

We love you Chloe and your father and I are so grateful we were blessed with your fiery spirit. 

♥ 

Day 53

So today I stepped back into time and put back on one of my old identities: being a Girl Scout leader. 

To be honest....

I was not really thrilled at first. 

But when I prayed about whether to do it or not, I had the overwhelming feeling this was something that would help Chloe with some personal things we are working on with her. 

So, this morning we got together with our cute little group of girls and got our bake on to make homemade waffles. 

I loved working with  them and am grateful for this fun opportunity to be a leader for my daughter.

Its such a cute bunch of young little brownies!

Day 52

Today I am grateful for old friends. 

I had the chance today to meet up with an old friend for lunch today who had moved away and I loved catching up with her. I miss seeing her beautiful face on a daily basis and our conversations!

I was contemplating after lunch how hard it is to keep in contact with everyone that you make friends with over the course of your life. Its sad when you see ties broken or that it has been THAT long since you last talked with them....but I think that is normal. Friends come and go and for whatever reason and the Lord puts them there at that time for specific reasons. Some stay in your life permanently, some come and go as the seasons but each one has a purpose in your life. Some have been put into my life to teach me lessons. Some have been put into my life as a support. Some have been put into my life to change it - ALL important and though we may not stay in touch, do know, I still love ya and am grateful our lives collided even if it was but for a brief second.  

Day 51

I love having the kids come home with exciting news!

Diana came home from swim practice that she had PR'ed, beating her own personal record and moving up to Novice 1. 

She also had made the honor roll at school, with the additional good news of having her literary project in social studies picked out as #1.

It's such a wonderful feeling to see your children work so hard and reap their rewards for their hard earned work!

Way to go baby girl!

Day 50

Today I am grateful for my co-worker, Debi. 

We have been teaching preschool for over 4 years now and every step of this journey has been a blessing in my life. 

Working with Debi is a treat because of her outlook on life. Her optimism is enlightening and 

teaches the best of us patience, love and to savor life for what it is. 

If there is ever a time when you need a lift, a smile, a positive spin on things; Debi is your go to gal.

 She has a talent for making people feel loved and needed. 

So Miss Debi B., you rock; not only because you are you but because you changed my life for the

 better. You were more than a friend in these past few years - you were a best friend and nothing can 

replace that!

Day 49

Today I am grateful for the amazing website, Pinterest. 

Seriously? 

What did we EVER do before Pinterest and Google?!?!

If you, my friend, do NOT have a Pinterest account - GO AND GET ONE!

www.pinterest.com

I find ideas for cooking, decorating, gardening, crafts, church, clothes....really the the list could go on. 

But what I really love about the whole website is how it organizes everything for me online.

You can organize your recipes, cleaning tips, crafts all under one roof and not have to literally bookmark 50 bazillion websites and try and remember where you found that one idea that you loved. 

So go and try it out....I will be using one idea I found from there for activity days tomorrow :). 

Day 48

Today I am grateful for my Saviors gift of grace that he has given me daily so I can reach for the stars  to be a better person for not only for myself but for my family, my friends and for Him. 

His grace has allowed me to be changed. 

His grace has given me opportunities I never would have seen. 

His grace has given me hope when there should have been fear. 

His grace has given me peace. 

His grace has given me eternal blessings beyond measure.

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.

His atoning sacrifice gave me life, faith and the desire to doubt my doubts and not my faith. 

♥

Day 47

Last night Diana came up with her own FHE get to know you game for us.  A question would be asked such as, "What is your favorite book?", "What is your favorite church song?" etc. After that we would we would write down what we thought everyone's answer would be, then the person would respond with he/she's correct answer.

For each answer you answered correctly, you would put a check by their name. At the end of the game, whomever you put the least amount of checks by their name, Diana challenged us to get to know that family member better.

SO MUCH FUN and surprising on how well we knew somethings and not so well on other things....

I am grateful for family time but especially a daughter who took the time to make such a fun night of FHE for us all to help us in getting to know each other better in our likes and dislikes.

Day 46

Tonight I am grateful for honest friends.

 

Sometimes, the best of friends stop you and say what really needs to be said, even when

 

 it will probably not be what you want to hear.

 

 

The truth can set you free

 

give you wings

 

and allow you to be the person you want to be.

 

 

So here's to honesty and good friends who know what needs to be said.

 

♥

Day 45

I know some people do not like Valentines Day and I do agree with some of their reasons which are: flowers are ridiculously expensive, people are running everywhere spending WAY more money they should be on trinkets that really do not say I love you and the ridiculous crowds that can bring out the worst even in the best of people.

Now, those reasons aside, Valentines really is not that bad because...

I have fun making the kids lunches with little notes and a fun treat.

I love going heart attacking with my family.

Writing love notes to those I hold dear is a lot of fun.

I love spending time with my husband that evening.

Chocolate covered strawberries and fancy desserts.

And in all honesty, how bad can a day about love be?

It was a crazy day back at work with a fun Valentines Party with my class. I felt so loved by the kids. They had missed me when I was out sick and were happy to see me as I was them.

After work, it was onto a little shopping and getting things ready for the evening.

I decorated up the table with hearts, fancy dinner ware and we had fun with it.

The kids enjoy this tradition of a fancy dinner and I am grateful for a day where, yes it maybe commercialized, it is a time to smooch and smother those you love with a little love and chocolate!

♥





Day 44

Tonight we were able to celebrate my husbands birthday with Reece's Ice cream cake, presents and take out. 

I am grateful for these moments to celebrate each one of us. 

I sometimes think to myself on how appropriate Keith was born the day before Valentines Day. 

He has one of the BIGGEST hearts I know. 

He always puts others before himself. 

He loves to serve. 

He doesn't question on what needs to be done - he just does it because its right. 

He is very thoughtful in how he loves. 

He listens and he does everything 100%. 

I am grateful we got to serve you, even if it was for a brief moment, to celebrate the wonderful 

husband, father and person you are ♥.

Day 43

I am not much of a cake person. 

I know a lot of people love a good piece of chocolate cake but there is seriously nothing better to me 

than a warm home baked apple pie fresh from the oven. 

Top it with some good ol'vanilla bean ice cream and you have heaven on a plate. 

My husband stopped by the store for me today since I still was on the mend from the flu and brought 

home my favorite; apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Not homemade but certainly still yummy and a ray of sunshine to my day. 

 

Day 42

Today I stayed home from work with the flu so in all honesty I was grateful for the warm bath, my robe, a good book, and the naps I was able to get in! 

Short and sweet and honestly what I was grateful for on a day where I did not feel so hot.

Day 41

A babies laugh is one of the purest sounds this life holds. 

This afternoon after doing a valentine craft with the kids, I sent them outside to get some fresh air and

 enjoy the rest of the snow while it is still here. After getting them out the door and into the 

backyard,  I was in the living room when I heard Miss C wake up and head into my bedroom to pick her up from her nap. 

I picked her up, pulled open the curtains

and took her to the window so she could see the snow and her siblings playing. 

While Charleigh watched her siblings, Taylor came up and threw a small snowball at the window. 

Charleigh LOVED it and laughed!

So, after a minute of Taylor doing that, Chloe and Diana jumped in and started throwing snow into 

the air and acting goofy to get Charleigh to smile. 

She thought they were hilarious and laughed for a good 5 minutes straight. 

Her and I got our abdominal workout for the day, right? :)

I love hearing pure laughter and seeing the delight her siblings get in making Miss C 

light up and laugh.

Day 40

Church was canceled today due to the roads. 

I honestly can not remember once when church was canceled in my life. 

Poor Diana had a talk she was supposed to give on temples but unfortunately, that will have to be 

rescheduled for another Sunday in the future. Although with all of us play ring a round the rosie with 

this chest cold we have been having, I don't think any of us would have been there anyway...

With no where to go, we assessed the damage outside in the backyard - we lost a few limbs on the trees but over all I think we escaped without too much damage. 

I read in the news of a few people who had lost cars, trees through their cars and homes, and had lost power...

None of those happened to us. 

A great blessing to feel watched over by the Lord.  Now to go work on the kids valentines today. 

We are hitting up the good old Pinterest and making some CUTE fishy themed valentines!

Day 39

The freezing rain hit and we pulled out the board games!

We officially have been baking up a storm with banana bread, french bread, brownies, ice cream sundaes....

So hopefully we will be able to fit into our pants when this is all said and done!

 I feel grateful for a stocked up home with food, blankets and provisions when many are in want. 

To be able to play board games and just chill in our pajamas to catch up on our episodes of "Chuck" on

Netflix has been awesome...now back to the board games and pajamas!

Day 38

So far today the snow has not stopped!

It looks majestic, clean, and has put our world to a halt and busy schedule.

Today, it was fun to watch the kids today play in the snow. 

In and out to warm up and head back out to work on their igloos. 

Each one built one in the backyard, creating a cool cubby hole for themselves inside their igloos. 

The used the shovel and small garden shovels to create their little areas. I loved 

watching each one of them going about it a different way, seeing the wheels turn as they worked 

tirelessly to make their snow creations. 

I remember being a kid playing in the snow for endless hours even after my brothers would have 

gone inside to warm up. There is something about gods beauty in the snow -

Something clean and calming.

So grateful my kids have been given the gift of these snow days since they do not happen where we 

live very often.

Day 37

(Taylor in his igloo he built in the backyard)

Life has been so busy lately. 

Today, the National weather service issued a warning for where we live for 8-12 inches of snow, combined with the popular duo of freezing rain, creating a skating rink that caused 20 car pile ups, interstate closures.....and of course school closures. 

At first, I was sad since the last time this happened in December we ended up missing 5 days of school in a row, leaving the kids to make up 3 more in June (Boo) but then I realized what a blessing to just be and soak in the family time. 

I was able to just relax and catch up on housework, read, and play with Miss C.

The kids were in and out playing in the snow making igloos in the backyard, going over to their friends for snowball fights and enjoying their time off their regular schedules. 

It was amazing - although the stress of waiting to have Keith come home from his 25 miles commute was stressful :). 

Tonight, we are supposed to get another 4-6....should be fun!

Day 36

I am NOT by any means the, "perfect housewife." 

I usually have a project sprawled out here or there....

messy dishes from cooking....

and yes, it has been a week since my bathroom was cleaned....

I read this article and LOVED every word of it because honestly, I needed to hear it. 

So many times I insist on having my house "perfect" before anyone comes over that I 

miss opportunities to socialize with someone that I would have had, had I not been so insistent on 

being OCD about my house being clean. 

So from here on out, come on over and sit down. 

Most likely there will be unfolded laundry on my couch 

and crumbs on my floor....

BUT 

I am here to be me and I would love to get to know YOU. 

So grateful I read this today:  http://dugansincahoots.com/2014/01/23/we-cant-be-friends/

Day 35

Today I am thankful for me time. 

I came home from work and was able to nurse and snuggle Miss C for an hour, then....

I was able to eat lunch and take a LONG nap in my warm bed. 

I am a person that rarely takes naps because it is really hard for me to wind down....

You have to know I am exhausted if it happens.  

Now time to tackle that to-do list refreshed!!

Day 34

Today I was thinking about how blessed I am. 

This blog has been such a blessing in my life because each day I am looking for what it is that I am grateful for that day. 

Sometimes it is hard to find something

Other days, I want to write about 50 things...

But such is life. 

Today, the good, was the few quiet minutes I was able to listen to the scriptures on my way to work. 

Even in my fast paced life, I was able to be spiritually fed and to contemplate the words of the Lord.

My day goes so much better when I am listening and want to learn for what he has to teach me. 

Day 33

Today I am grateful for a a great lesson that went well in Primary. 

I actually have never been a primary teacher before and was a little afraid I would not like

this calling when the Bishop (like a minister in the LDS church), gave me the opportunity to accept 

the new calling as the new Valiant 9 teacher. 

It is a class full of 6-7 busy little boys and three girls. 

I have LOVED it. 

The class has challenged me every Sunday with amazing questions and has been a lot of fun to teach. 

It is going to be a great year and I love those Sundays where we really connect. 

Day 32

Today I am grateful I was able to visit one of my happy places - My garden. 

I know some people loathe gardening but it truly is one of those things I could do all day long. 

I think that is where my brother Michael and I connect with the outdoors...granted I do not go out on

huge hikes, miles away from civilization like him, but I love being outside. 

It makes me especially happy when I get to swing in the beautiful cedar swing Keith built me, on a 

warm spring day with a good book, lemonade and the sound of the trees. 

 ♥

Day 31

Today I am grateful for medical insurance....

and especially good insurance. 

My husband had to visit the Chiropractor for his back this morning and not only did the insurance cover 90% - our HSA account had money in it we used to pay the $16.00 for the visit.....

Resulting no money from my pocket.  

I feel humble we have this blessing when so many stress about the costs of medical bills. 

Knock on wood....

nothing catastrophic has happened but even if it does, insurance cuts down the out of pocket costs down a LOT.

Day 30

Today I am grateful for kind people who stop and care. 

Someone on Facebook saw that my husband had his back thrown out and came over with a ointment to help with the pain and a small treat. 

A small thing really in the whole scheme of things but it touched me. 

The ointment helped Keith get through the night and I appreciated the thought that came with it.

Sometimes its the small acts of service that can mean the most....

Day 29

I picked up Miss C from daycare this afternoon and the poor thing had thrown up all over herself. 

Needless to say, in a hour she had come down with a fever and was restless. 

I hate seeing them so sick when they are little - it breaks my heart. 

If there is anything to be grateful for, it is all the amazing baby snuggles I got this evening. 

I love that little girl so much

♥

Day 28

This evening I was able to see my son do something he loves: PLAY SOCCER!

He plays it at recess.

He plays it in the backyard. 

He pretty much plays it all the time....

He started indoor soccer tonight through the boys and girls club. 

I loved the new facility and it was fun to see my husband coaching. 

5 minutes to the end, Taylor scored an amazing goal. 

 The look on his face when he scored that goal was priceless.

I am grateful I was there to see it.and to have a family that supports one another. 

We raise our children to have an understanding that we are here for one another...

to be here in the good times and the bad. 

 

Day 27

I remember when I got my license, you could buy gas for your car under a dollar!

That makes me sound old....

But I really am not. 

Gas now a days is ridiculously over priced but we need it, so what do you do? 

I went to Costco yesterday and it was $2.99 a gallon....Can you say excited??

I finally filled up my van for less than 60. 

It's kind of sad I am excited about that but hey a dollar saved is a dollar saved!

And for that I am grateful.

Day 26

Tonight, we had the LDS missionaries (commonly wear black suits and name tags) over for dinner. 

I am grateful for the spirit they bring into our home and along with that, the example they set for my children in their example of service to the Lord. Keith and I did not have the opportunity to serve missions before we were married, so it's important for me to have them in our home. 

I like to think of them as my own children because some day, another mama, somewhere around the world, will bless the life not only of my child but me by taking care of my baby by having he or she in her home for dinner or whatever the occasion may be. 

They leave their homes for 18 months to 2 years. 

That is a long time in the worlds view. 

BUT 

in the eternal perspective of things, it really is short. 

Lives are blessed....

of the missionaries, their families and of those they teach.

Tonight they shared a message from Helaman 5:12 

" And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

They asked my family the question, "In what ways can we make our foundation stronger?"

Responses were: The YW values, following the commandments, repenting, and prayer. 

To build our foundation, praying to our Father in Heaven is one of the most important. Just like a little child wants his parents in times of need or despair, we too will go to the Lord in our times of need,if we have built that relationship with him.

A wonderful way to end the weekend!

Day 25

What glorious weather we had today!!

In Oregon, the sun lacks so much during the winter, that it can be really depressing sometimes.

Today, the sun was  shining, so we headed out to the yard to get some much needed yard projects done. 

We moved the grape arbor to another part of the yard (took WAY longer than expected)...raked leaves, mowed the lawn...and yet, there is still a long list that needs done out there! 

Spring will be here soon which means, hours of swinging in my swing, smores by the fire pit and camping in the backyard. 

I am grateful the Lord blesses us with days like this in winter because it gives you that excitement for spring to return!

Day 24

I love getting together with friends to play games!

Yesterday, we got together with some friends for dessert and games. 

We were out until 10:00....

and loved getting to know this new family. 

I hope there are many more nights like that to come. 

So, for that I am grateful. 

The world with out friends is quite the lonely place.

Day 23

Two weeks ago, Chloe started a new Beginning Jazz class here in town at the Mitchell Arts Center. It's a big change from the 5 years of ballet she took but she loves it and I think it is a better fit for her in many different ways. 

The first two classes they worked on jumps or "leaps."

Chloe struggled to get it which surprised me!

She had been great at doing leaps in ballet class so it seemed odd to me that she was having a hard time with it.

When we went home, I could tell she was feeling a bit defeated about the whole thing, so the next night I set up a dance studio in our hall way!

We were going to get this and I knew she could. 

I knew one of the reasons was her teacher was using different phrases for the dance moves which was throwing her off a bit. 

Second, it had been awhile since she had done it and she has a hard time with attention on her (hmm, sounds like her mama....)

Next, we put up a couple of things to jump over and I told Chloe to watch me leap...well make a fool of myself but that's what we do for our kids....right?

She giggled and before I knew it, the both of us were leaping and jumping down the hallway laughing. 

After a few minutes, she was back to her old self, with beautiful leaps galore!

Today in class when teacher Karen asked them to line up and do leaps, Chloe excitedly jumped up and did it. 

Watching your child work hard at something all week long (though it may seem silly to some - it was a big deal to my seven year old) and NAIL IT in dance practice...was the highlight of my day. 

And for that I am grateful. 

It is moments like those that make it all worth it.

Day 22

I have the tendency to be too hard on myself. 

It is something I have always struggled with....

I needed to read this quote today because it reminded me that its OK. 

I am not here to be perfect. 

I am here to be me. 

What matters is getting up and moving on.

 

I am grateful for moments like these where you need a boost...

I am grateful for our modern day apostles and the uplifting messages they have to share with us all.

Day 21

Family dinners are very important to me. 

 

It's a moment of peace at the end of the day where our family can collect their thoughts and just be. 

 

Its a calm amidst the storm

 

Its where stories are shared

 

Its where laughter happens

No matter how crazy our life is or where we each may be going....

I will treasure the nights like tonight. 

Charleigh in her highchair throwing crackers everywhere

Chloe talking about her drawing class and new dance shoes

Taylor telling his dad about something on his Nintendo 3DS. 

Diana telling us her woes about middle school advanced math class

and me.....

the "cook" who stands back to admire the "chaos."

Because....

Its my life. 

 

And I know one day the craziness will be gone.

 

And I will miss it. 

Day 20

Today was MLK day and the kids had the day off of school and I did not have to go into work!

Hurray!

We cleaned rooms, did about oh....a million loads of laundry, I finished some small home improvement jobs and basically had one of those days where you spend it in your sweats and get'er done! 

I have torn feelings over fixing our house and selling it. 

So many projects I still want to do...

But so many things I can not do due to the size of our home. 

When all is said and done though, I am very grateful for our little home. 

It made Keith and I home owners. 

It has allowed me to learn so much about roofs, gardening, painting, land scaping.....

the list could go on. 

So even though my house may be small, at the end of the day, it is has kept us warm and dry and has given us so many good memories I will ALWAYS cherish!