Thanksgiving Thankfuls

We are already on our Thanksgiving vacation in White Bird visiting my parents, but I wanted to post my last Thankfuls before Thanksgiving.

1. My Family - I just love spending time with them!

2. 4 Wheelers - we had a fun family outing on them.

3. Not having to cook.

4. A baby who took a nap today!

5. Thanksgiving season and getting to enjoy family and friends.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Twilight

OK, I have to blog about this because it is my journal, but I want your opinions too!! Last night a few friends and I saw Twilight, and I absolutely loved it!! I thought they did a good job capturing the feel of the book, and I have to say that before the movie I really didn't like Edward - I was a Jacob fan. I just thought that they had this obsessive, crazy love, that never developed into anything more than infatuation. But, in the movie, I felt like he really cared for her, and it made me like Edward a little more. Plus the guy who played Jacob looked horrible with his wig thing going on. A few dislikes about the movie: What was with the whole climbing the trees thing?? They also didn't establish Bella and Alice's friendship as much as I thought they should. LIKES: Baseball game - that was awesome. Bella and Edward talking and actually building a relationship, and of course the fight scene. Overall I have to say that they did a great job, and it was fun to be apart of something so crazy, where you have to stand in line just to get into the theatre. Plus it was a nice girls night out.

Gratitude

Today I am Thankful for . . .

1. A girls night out.

2. My job at ISU - I work with some great people in the ticket office, and it is a nice mom break for me. I don't work more than 3 or 4 hours most of the time, so it gives me a good break and a good chance for Chad to watch the kids.

3. The mother's lounge at church - it always nice to go and talk to people who are going through the same things as you are.

4. Preschool - tomorrow is our big Thanksgiving Feast, and the kids absolutely love it. I can't wait to see them do their little program.

5. My computer - I am addicted!!

2 Months Old

Grant turned two months old yesterday, and I wanted to record his milestones. He now weighs 10 pounds, 11 ounces. He just barely started fitting into 0-3 month clothes. Today he started to smile!!! He also coos and loves to lay with his head propped up on the Boppy. He also rolls over from his stomach to his back. He does not like getting shots, and has made me pay for it for the last 24 hours.

Today I am Thankful for . . .

1. A clean kitchen - it doesn't stay that way for very long, so I'll take it while I can.

2. Warm weather - it was in the 60's today, so we spent most of it outside.

3. Bath time - one of the only times that there isn't a constant fight between Claire and Owen.

4. My sister Heather - she is so great about helping with the kids when I need it. Thanks Heather!!!

5. Phones - I'm not very good at calling people, but I love being able to stay connected with people who live far away. Thank goodness for unlimited long distance!!

Claire's First Talk

Today Claire gave her first talk in Primary. She has had the chance to do the scripture, but never a talk. She was so cute sitting up front waiting for her turn. Her topic was I am Thankful my Body is a Temple - yikes!! She held up a picture of a temple and then a picture of herself and talked about being clean on the inside and out. She did a great job. It is so nice to have a child that isn't scared, but loves getting up in front of people.

A question for all you moms out there.

I have been trying really hard to teach Claire the importance of being independent and getting herself ready each day. It's not that she can't do it, it's more that she won't do it. It drives me crazy. It is hard getting myself ready each day let alone three other people, so just having her do it herself helps a lot.

We don't have church until 11:00 so I let the kids hang out in their jammas for a while on Sunday morning (usually we get up and get dressed as soon as breakfast is over). So, she came in my room while I was feeding Grant and announced that she was going to get ready for church. She went in her room, and came out wearing the most interesting outfit ever. She had on a dress which was green with flowers, paired with tights that were striped and multi colored, and her church shoes. Then she went in the bathroom combed her hair (mostly forward), and brushed her teeth, at which point she came back in my room looked in my mirror and smiled the biggest smile ever, and announced that she was ready for church.

Now, I wish I had a picture because the girl looked bad. But, she was proud of herself. So, I got in the shower and tried to figure out how I was going to convince her to change her outfit. Chad came home from his meetings and asked me what was up with Claire's outfit. I explained, and with a little coaxing, he got her to change into different tights, and let me put some "pretties" in her hair.

My question is, should I have just let her be? She was so proud of herself, but she looked so bad. Maybe I'm a little vain, but I didn't need my daughter going to church looking like a clown. Did I just put a huge setback on everything I have been working for? Or, did we make the right decision?? Just curious as to what you think.

Gratitude Day ???

I have had a busy weekend, so I am a little behind on my gratitude journal, so I will just write a few that will count for all weekend!!
I am thankful for . . .

1. Church - it is a great way to start a week.
2. Disposable Diapers - I could have never done the cloth thing!!
3. Good kids. We went for a walk the last couple of days, and yesterday they went and played at the school by our house while I walked around the track. It was so nice to get a little bit of exercise!!
4. Our health - no one has a cold, flu or anything right now, it is so nice to not have to wipe a nose during the day.
5. Blogs - I am addicted and love when people have added new things.

Gratitude Day 5

Today I am thankful for . . .

1. The library - they have a great story time there, and it is a nice way to spend our afternoon.
2. The bottle - for Grant that is - it is so nice to have a baby that will take the bottle so I can leave every once in awhile.
3. My bed - I wish I could spend more time in it!!
4. Great babysitters!
5. Costco (lame I know), but it is so nice to have it close so I can just run in and buy a few things.

8 Weeks Old

Today Grant is 8 weeks old. He is getting to be such a fun baby (as long as he will nap!) His tear ducts have cleared up, and he still has the most beautiful blue eyes. I'm hoping they stay that way. He tolerates his siblings quite well, and really enjoys his alone time. He has started to go to bed earlier (thank goodness!), and loves to snuggle in bed with his mom.

Gratitude Day 4

Today I am thankful for . . .

1. The swing - Grant won't take his nap during the day without it.
2. My Young Women - they are so great!
3. Cookbooks - I like to think I can cook, but cookbooks are my friend.
4. A quiet baby
5. My van - I love that thing and am so happy that we got it - it makes a moms life much easier!

Gratitude Day 3

Today I am Thankful for. . .

1. My dishwasher - could you imagine doing all your dishes by hand?
2. Funny things kids say - Owen held out his hand and said "trust me." I think he got it from Alladin when Alladin says that to Jasmine and holds out his hand. Owen just wanted help getting on the bed. It was so cute but I guess I better teach him what it really means.
3. The fact that my ironing is finally finished!
4. Preschool - those kids are great and provide me with lots of entertainment.
5. Bedtime - gotta love it when the kids go to bed!

Family Home Evening

Last night for FHE we went roller skating. Claire has been begging to go, but we haven't because last time she threw a fit and would skate. She promised me she would, and she did a great job. We had a lot of fun. Sorry I didn't call anyone to go with us, by the time I thought about it, it was to late. We all need to go again soon!!
Owen loved to skate too!! We got his wheels tightened so he was basically walking, but he did great.
Claire really got into skating this time. She held on to her dad for a little while, but finally ventured off on her own. She didn't want any help, and did a great job!!
Once Owen was tired of skating, he wanted to play games. I'm sure glad that he doesn't know that they cost money, and that he wasn't really playing.
Claire discovered that she really likes Air Hockey.
Our friend Jolie held Grant most of the time, but she finally put him in his stroller and he loved it. Owen and I just pushed him around and he loved looking at all the lights.

My Grant Helpers

I have so much help with Grant - actually to much!! Claire just can't leave the poor kids alone. I have had to finally tell her that Grant is having his play time and doesn't want anyone to hold him. She practically ripped his head off today with his toys - I know she means well, but it scares me to death! I can't wait for him to get big enough to hold his own. Hopefully soon!! Here are some pictures of the help I get, and most of it I am very grateful for!

While I was helping the kids clean their room, I put Grant in Owen's Lightning Chair. Claire decided this was the perfect opportunity to read him a story. I'm not sure how thrilled he was, but she thought she was being a big help.
This is what I found when I came home from grocery shopping the other night. Grant was just letting his dad have a little nap!

Gratitude Day 2

Today I am thankful for . . .

1. Family Night - we went roller skating and had a blast (pictures will follow!)
2. A clean house - the kids are finally pitching in a little and it is sooooo nice!!
3. My iron - yes crazy, but I really haven't got to the ironing since Grant was born and today I tackled it, and almost won!! But could you imagine having one of those old irons you had to heat up on a stove!!!
4. Music
5. My camera - it can capture the best moments.

Gratitude Day 1

With Thanksgiving coming soon, we had a wonderful lesson today in Young Women's on gratitude. It was just what I needed this time of year, especially since I tend to get a little overwhelmed with the holidays. So, just like last year, I am going to write down 5 things I am grateful for every day until Thanksgiving. Anyone who wants to join in, I would love to read your thoughts too!

1. My family - I have a wonderful little family, and extended family. I have been very blessed and know that there are many people who are there for me.
2. My husband - he is the greatest. He has really helped me out with the kids and housework. I just can't seem to get it all done but he is always helping and encouraging me.
3. Friends. I have some great friends who listen to me, and are always there to help.
4. My home. It might not be everything I have ever dreamed of, but I am so grateful to have a place where my family can be happy and get away from the world.
5. The gospel. What a blessing it is to have the knowledge that I have and to know that my Savior is there for me.

A Historic Week

This week has been a historic one for our country. I decided early on that I wasn't going to take my kids to the polls with me to vote. I decided that I would do absentee voting, especially with 3 kids. Last Friday while my family was here, I headed down and cast my vote. Although I was in favor of John McCain, I feel that it is necessary for all of us to now support our new President Elect Barack Obama. America is the only country with a man with such a peculiar name, and background, could now become the new President of our country. Yes, we might not all agree with his politics, or his past, but we have to believe, and hope that he has our best interests in hand as our new president. I have to think about what the leaders of our church tell us to always support the local and nation government, and that is just what I will do. So, lets all be happy that democracy works, that the people can choose who they want (some might not be happy about it), and that we live in this great nation where we can be free!

Grant's Blessing Day

Yesterday we blessed Grant and were so happy to have so many members of our family here to help us celebrate. We missed those who couldn't come. Chad gave Grant a wonderful blessing, and then we came back to our house and all ate way to much food. I had big plans of getting family pictures taken, but before I could say anything, Claire had changed clothes, and Owen had his all dirty. So, we didn't get that far - maybe one day! Grant looked so cute in his outfit Grandma Farmer found him - he is ready for his mission already!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was so much fun this year. Both Claire and Owen understand what is going on, and the dove right into the whole trick or treating thing. We started off downtown Pocatello with my sister and my mom. (My parents were in town for Grant's blessing) The kids had a fun time, but there were way to many people - I don't think we will be doing that until I don't have to constantly worry about the kids. After that we had our Halloween feast of chili, corn bread and mummy hot dogs for the kids. Then we headed to the church for trunk or treating. I'm not the biggest fan of trunk or treating because the kids just seem to get in a line, and in about 20 minutes have a ton of candy. I know it's important to support the ward, but I just think it is a cop out.

Since trunk or treating got over early, I thought it was important to take the kids real trick or treating. We all loaded up in the car (Heather, Aaron, Amber, her friend Camille, Lilly, Claire, Owen and me), and went to a flat neighborhood. Claire and Owen were so funny!!! They actually ran from house to house. Owen had me hold his bucket so he could run faster. He would just take the candy from people, and bring it to me, then run off again. They didn't want to go home, but after about an hour we were all ready to go. I am just glad that they had a fun Halloween!
Claire has asked to be a doctor since last year. She stuck with it, and was so excited when her doctor costume came (thanks grandma for making them this year). She was especially excited when I got out her new doctor kit that I bought her (I seriously think that is the whole reason she wanted to be a doctor).
My little cowboy. He didn't want to wear the hat until he figured out he could get candy. Just keeping it on for pictures was all he could stand. I will seriously be surprised if he ever wears it again.


This was the best picture I could get of all of them - Grant just wouldn't cooperate.
When we took the kids trick or treating down town, they had this slide set up. Claire was so excited to go on it. We had to wait in line for a long time, but she didn't care. The funniest part was watching Lilly go up. Heather had to push her up, but Lilly was so excited.

Cookies Anyone??

On Wednesday my afternoon activity with the kids was to decorate sugar cookies. Unfortunately, I had to leave for about 15 minutes to feed the baby. By the time I got back, Owen had dumped out two whole sections of sprinkles on one cookies, and Claire had decorated quite a few (with a whole lot of stuff). I can't complain, they had a lot of fun. I ended up decorating a few and using Owen's sprinkles - since the frosting to sprinkle ratio was not even close. I was just glad that they had a good time even if I ended up throwing most of the cookies away after they went to bed.

Fall Photos

My friend Kristine has been kind enough to take my kids on two photo shooting adventures, to try and get some good shots. This time Claire was awesome and Owen didn't want to take any pictures. He just wanted to play with his trains. Here a few good ones of Claire - I'm not sure which one I like the best - let me know what you think!