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!