I'm thankful for...{day six}

Good neighbors. Tonight we enjoyed celebrating Sammy's second birthday with our next door neighbors. We have been very blessed in each of the houses we've lived in to always have wonderful neighbors. This time we not only have good next door neighbors, but their extended family are awesome too! Last year when Will had his surgery, our neighbor's Mom ("Grandma Cookie") bought dinner for our family. She has sent over gifts for the kids and is always so sweet! And they aren't the only good neighbors we have - everyone in our neighborhood is so nice. We couldn't believe the number of people who stopped in to meet us when we first moved here.

Princess in making

Madelyn tried to fix her own hair. I don't think I could have made a better knot if I tried. It was hard to get out.

I'm thankful for...{day five}

playtime with my kids. This week I have (again) found myself very frustrated with so many appointments, responsibilities, and things going on that I feel like I don't spend anytime with my kids at home. After lunch today, I started the laundry and sat down with Bruce, Madelyn, and Naomi and played Zoo Legos with them. We built a whole zoo and then I helped Naomi set up the barn and fences and she filled them with Schleich animals (my kids love these). It was so therapeutic for me to have this time with them and help me feel like sometimes I can be a good Mom! After school the kids had friends over to play and tonight we went as a family (minus Justin - too boring for him) to a school event. No swim practice, no piano, no dance, no homework - just quality family time. I needed it.

I'm thankful for...{day four}

Lunch bunch. Once a month we have a group of friends (about 12 women and 15-20 kids) who gather together at our house for lunch. Everyone brings something to share and we enjoy good food and company for a couple of hours. The kids love it too. So much, in fact, that Will did not want to go to school today because he knew he would be missing out on the fun.

I'm thankful for...{day three}

Math skills. I thought I finished with the homework days a long time ago, but they are back and I'm afraid they are here to stay for many years to come. I'm grateful I always got good grades in Math and can understand what my kids are doing. Justin is in pre-Algebra this year. He and Elizabeth both do really well in school, but it definitely requires a lot of parental involvement (some nights more than others). This year our school changed the whole math curriculum so it has been particularly tough due to new teaching methods.

I'm thankful for... {day two}

the USA! I'm feeling a little patriotic today because it's election day. We've traveled through many states and I'm always amazed at the diversity, history, and beauty of our country. From the mountains of Idaho to the craziness of Chicago, we love it all.

Here's Aaron visiting the Alamo in Texas in 2007

Will and I at the Hoover Dam in 2004

Our family at Yellowstone Park in 2007. We live in a great country. While we have our problems, if you've ever traveled outside of the US, you know we are spoiled with so many conveniences we simply take for granted. I'm so grateful for this land and all of our liberties. I'm grateful I was able to vote today and have my voice "heard."

I'm thankful for...

Aaron. This shouldn't come as any surprise considering what we've been through these past two and a half weeks. I will try not to make this too sappy, but I feel so blessed to have him in my life. Most people know that we met in Columbus, Ohio, after I graduated from BYU. He was attending Ohio State. I felt like Columbus was the place for me to move after graduating even though I didn't know a soul there. Being pretty adventurous and single, I went for it. Aaron was one of the first people I met at church. We were married six months later. Incidentally, we are celebrating our 14th anniversary this month.

Two and a half weeks ago as I drove from the local hospital to the heart center, I had so many thoughts going through my head. Aaron has always been very healthy, boasting that he doesn't ever get sick. My world was rocked with that one phone call. Although it was scary, I didn't have any regrets. Aaron is so easy to get along with and always puts my needs and the needs of our family above his own. Every phone call and every time he steps out the door, we always say "I love you". I can't imagine life without him. He always takes everything so calmly and is so good at calming me when I am upset about something.

We haven't ever had time to hang out together at home like we have lately. Whenever he takes vacation we are always visiting family somewhere. It was so nice to have him home the past two weeks. Every morning Madelyn would wake up and ask him if he was going to work. When he told her he was staying home she was so happy - everyday. I don't want to ever take our relationship or any other relationship for granted because I've learned how quickly things can change. Thankfully, I didn't have to learn the hard way. We've been given more time together with him and for that I am so thankful!

My goal this month is to post daily (or almost daily) what I am thankful for. I simply love this time of year and feel so blessed. If anyone else wants to take the challenge, let me know because I'd love to read your blogs!