I can't believe the New Year has already begun! Christmas Break went by way too quickly! Steve had 3 weeks off of work which was so nice. And V, was home from school for about a week and a half, It was so hard this Monday having them leave and go back to work and school, I also had work this week as well. I can't remember if I've mentioned this on this blog before or not; I'm a substitute cook for the school district,  This is my third year doing that Every year I seem to get called up more and more often to work, Usually it averages to about once or twice a month, But last month and this month I've been more busy, I worked the last week and half before Christmas Break and this whole first week back. I've really come to enjoy the work. I'm grateful they've worked with me in that most shifts start at 7:00 in the morning {a few start a little later in the morning} but I don't come in until about 8:15 after I've taken V, to school, So it's nice that I can still drive V. to school and this job really doesn't affect our home life at all. I only work during the times when I normally would be home alone anyway, But I am glad that this week was my last full week of subbing. It'll be nice to get back to my old routine next week of hitting the gym in the mornings and getting housework and errands done before V. is home from school.
 Anyhoo, enough about that....
We still have Christmas up and I love it!! But I think we'll be taking it down this weekend. Our tree is so pretty I don't want to take it down but it does take up a lot of space in our little living room, so it's time for it to come down. Steve will probably just toss it out in the back garden and in the Spring he'll chop it up to use for firewood, It'll smell real nice when we use it for our fire pit this Summer!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and having V, home {we don't have school on Fridays}. We're just going to get some work done around the house and hit up Costco and Winco for some groceries.
Well, it's late and time to sign off. I'm hoping to post more often even if it's just to jot down some thoughts or to journal my day. 

As I think I've mentioned before, I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I'd much rather "journal" my daily life through pictures and not have to write so much. But I cannot figure out how to post pics from my phone and our computer bit the dust a few months ago. But I really do need/want to be journaling better...
*The other day V. said to me that I was a trophy mom. That made me laugh! She said I'm such a good mom, I deserve a trophy. So not the same context as a trophy wife, but it still made me laugh!
* Our garden is starting to grow and it's exciting! Not being able to garden last year was hard, so I'm excited to be doing it this year and can't wait to eat some fresh, homegrown veggies!
* I started running again earlier this year.{And lost a little over 20 pounds!} I've been listening to my body and anytime my back started to hurt at all, I'd quit what I was doing. It was hard to baby my back last year but has definitely paid off! In May I ran a 5k Color run{on my birthday!} and I also ran a 5 miler in the foothills on Memorial Day. I had run this 5 miler 2 years ago and did it about 14 minutes faster this year! It feels so good to be running again and I've been happy that taking time off hasn't made too big of a
negative impact on my running.
* Every 2 years I'm due for a brain MRI and visit with my neurosurgeon. I had that done a few weeks ago. Dr. Reichman said my scans are spotless! And he said I can go 5 years in between MRI's and checkups now! It's been 14 years since I had my tumor removed. For there to be no sign of it now is exciting! I'm very blessed!
That's all I have time for today. I'll try to get on here to post about Steve and V's activities soon...

*So...after I had worked at the school the other day {um..week} I was trying to decide if I should apply to be a full time cook. I was weighing all the pros and cons. Talked with Steve about it. Prayed. Then, the following week, V. got sick. She had a bronchial infection. She was home from school for 2 days. That was my answer. If I go back to work, I'd have to worry about finding a sub for me on days that V. was sick. I don't want anything to get in the way of my first job and priority; being a mother.

So there you go. For right now, I'm just going to continue with my little crafting business and cook subbing. And as Steve reminded me, I have plenty of years ahead of me. This isn't permanent. I can always go back to work full~time some other time. Right now, I need to be available 100% for my girl.

And yes, I realize how incredibly blessed I am that I have the freedom and the ability to make this choice. I know a lot of moms who would love to stay at home with their children, but financially can't. I am very grateful that I can stay at home!
*On the last day of school I picked V. up and she was in tears. She was sobbing in the car the whole way home! I asked her what was wrong and she said she was so sad because she is really going to miss her teacher. That's the sign of a great school and a great teacher who really loves her class! V. has loved this school! And her teacher was fantastic! I'm sad she won't be V.'s teacher anymore as well! I hope next year her school is just as good and that she has another great teacher!
~To clarify things, yes V. will be in a new school next year. No, we are not moving. In our school district they have only 1 or 2 grades at each school. Until Junior High and High School. At first I thought this was all confusing and was like "what?" But when V. started Kindergarten it was actually very comforting knowing she was at a school with only Kindergartners and 1st graders. No older kids bullying younger ones. No influence from older kids. No being exposed to things that a child this age is to young to be exposed to. So anyway, we are done now with this school and she will be at a new school for 2nd and 3rd grade and then move on to another school after that!
 

You remember here I told you that I'd been hired by the school district as a substitute cook. Well, last week was my first day on the job! I got to work at the 2nd and 3rd grade school and loved it!I couldn't get there until an hour late because I had to take V. to school but it worked out! It's small enough that there was only me and the other cook, Amy. Turns out Amy used to be in Steve's family's ward! So anyway, we got along and I really enjoyed working with her.
When it came time to serve I loved seeing the kids from our ward come through and be all surprised to see me there! There were also a few kids that came through that said," I know you! You're V.'s, Mom!"  I LOVE being known as V.'s Mom!
In talking to Amy I found out that the other cook there is retiring after this school year. So that means there will be an opening for a full-time cook next year. And this is the school V. will be at for the next 2 years. So maybe I could work out bringing her with me at 7:00 and let her hang out in the kitchen until it's time to go to class. I'd get to see her every day at lunch. I got along great with Amy and I know I'd enjoy working with her. It all just kinda seems like more than coincidence.
I came home and was talking to Steve about it. I'd love to be able to make  a little bit of money and contribute a little to our finances and all.
Steve said to do whatever will make me happy.
He then went on to say that it is not my responsibility to provide for the family. That's his responsibility. That if I decide to go back to work to do it because I want to, not because I feel like I need to. We talked some more and talked about that yes, we would love to have more money to play with, to reach our life goals quicker, etc. But at the same time we are both happy and content with how life is right now. I worry if I did go back to work that I'd have less time to help in V.'s classroom and help with PTA stuff and less time to volunteer for things. Which are all things I really enjoying doing.  We also talked about how I really can't handle stress too well. And I stress out real easy. I worry if I did go back to work I'd become stressed out with everything going on on my plate. With wanting to still be active at V's school, my church calling, helping family out, etc. And Steve reminded me that I don't have to make a decision about going back to work right now. There's a lot of years ahead of me where I can work if I want to.
So I don't know. On the one hand I almost want to apply for the cook position and give it a try. But on the other hand, I know that I would miss the free time I have now to exercise, get my church callings done, help with family, help at the school,and do my crafting, and do all the other mommy and housewife things I do.
I'm so grateful that Steve is not pushing me one way or the other. He'll support whatever my decision is. I loved when he told me to do what will make me happy.
Anyway, I have alot to think about and pray about. I keep going back and forth with how I feel  about this.
 

I went out with a friend last night and had a very enjoyable time and a much needed break!
Anyhoo, when I got home V. was already asleep so I gave her a kiss then talked with Steve about what they did while I was gone. He said they went fishing then came home and had Mac & Cheese{V. would live off that if she could!}. He said that later in the evening she came into our room and had a downcast face and was humphing. He asked her what was wrong. She said{in a very serious tone}," I just don't understand. Almost all my toys are made in China. Why? Why is everything from China?"
At this point Steve is thinking that she's being all political or something and he was very surprised!
She then continued," All my toys from Santa say 'made in China' on them. I don't understand. Aren't they made in Santa's workshop? Does he HAVE a workshop? Why are they from China?"
Steve said he probably had the deer-in-headlights look at this point. He was like, "Where is this coming from? When did she get old enough to start asking questions like this?"
So he turned to joking and told her that maybe Santa made a stop in China on the way to our house for her toys or something.
 Then the next morning she approached me with the same questions. So I told her something like maybe Santa gets parts from China, or has workshops all over the world and has one in China, or something like that.
Anyway, he said she was very serious and seemed genuinely upset by all this.
It has us wondering if this is the year she stops believing in Santa. It's sad to think about her growing up. I have a friend who says in their house they say ,"If you don't believe you don't receive." She says none of her kids have ever asked about Santa{not even the teens}. If they start, they are just told,"If you don't believe you don't receive."
But I've always told V. that she can ask us anything and we'd always be truthful with her. I was thinking more along the lines of talking about life and such. I didn't think about Santa. So do I break her heart when she asks about Santa by telling her the truth or do I just say that I believe in the magic myself, because if you don't believe you don't receive. Or is that too cryptic for a child?
I guess we need to do some serious thinking about how to answer her when she asks....
p.s.
I have found a few ideas on Pinterest of ways to talk to our child about Santa. I think I might take a couple of those and change them to fit us and they way we talk with V.

Pleasant day...

*The weather has been so lovely the last few days!!! The sun is shining, birds are singing...it's just so lovely!! {Maybe a little on the windy side, but when you live in Idaho you get used to that!}
Today I turned off all the heat and have the front door open. It's so nice to let the fresh air come into the house! Tonight I will probably need to turn the heat on a little bit, but that's okay. I'll just turn it off again in the morning when it warms up! Spring is right around the corner!!
I have been wearing flips flops only the last couple of days!

*I also got to help in V.'s class room today. That's always fun!

*After that I stopped in to her school's gym to vote on the new school levy. I always feel good, and proud after voting. I'm grateful we live in a country where we have the freedom to vote!

*In a little bit I'll be picking the little one up from school and heading down to ballet class. Then home to make brinner and enjoy the evening as a family.

A very pleasant day today.
{I also washed our bedding today. Which means a nice, clean, good smelling, comfy bed awaits me for bedtime tonight!}

Uneven wrinkles

V., her cousin and I in front of the Mesa Temple

Taken in Arizona, September 2012

As I'm starting to get older, I'm starting to get wrinkles. Which I'm okay with. Wrinkles are a sign of living life. Laugh lines. Worry lines. Memory lines. I am grateful I am blessed to be living to the age to start getting wrinkles!
I am starting to notice however that the wrinkles around my eyes are not the same. I have more/deeper wrinkles around my left eye than I do around my right one. The only explanation I can think as to why this is happening is that it must have something to do with the fact that I still have a small amount of paralysis on the right side of my face. { you can read about why I have paralysis here }.
Yes, I do feel like I can move my eyebrow more, smile bigger etc. But I think there is always going to be some unhealed nerve damage to that side of my face.
It has me curious to see how my face will look as I continue ageing. Will one side of my face be full of deep wrinkles and the other side be not quite as wrinkly? Who knows! I guess we'll see in another 20 years what happens!

Ramblings

* I'm sitting here outside V.'s classroom at her dance studio. I love listening to the beautiful classical music that is pouring out of the open door!
And I love peeking through the window to see 8 cute little girls stretching and pointing their toes.
I love V.'s instructor, Ms. Kristy. I think she is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful role model for these girls. She always has the class under control, without ever using anything but her quiet, gentle voice. Somehow the girls just know to show her the proper respect in class.
V. has fun in class, but is also learning the basic fundamentals she needs to know.
Her teacher always complements and uplifts the girls.
Her teacher is so very feminine and ladylike. I love the way she carries herself with confidence and grace. But never in a  snooty or sexual manner like so many girls/women do now-a-days.
The students just adore Ms. Kristy!
* The snow is slowly melting! It's still cold, but slowly getting warmer. I've even turned the heat down a little in the house! Yay!
*I've gone a week with very little back pain. I'm now only going to the chiropractor twice a week. Obviously following the restrictions he's given me is working. I'm so hopeful I'll be able to start running again in May!
* Steve wants me to pick up Cafe Rio on the way home for dinner. Sounds great to me!
* I help in V.'s classroom at school on Tuesdays. I'm so grateful that I don't have other obligations to prevent me from doing that. I love helping at her school!
* We have a viewing to go to tonight of a family friend. She was in her 80's. Her husband passed away a few years ago. It's sad, but also wonderful to know she is with him again!
* My phone that I'm typing this on is just about dead. So I guess that's enough rambling for today!

Soccer Dad{s}?

Soccer {summer 2012 }

I was filling out V's soccer registration online. As that is how you have to do it this year. She was already in the system because she's played in the past. All I was supposed to do was update her info. As I was looking over her info. I saw they had both Steve and I down as her fathers. I corrected it and then printed it out. It still said I was her father. So I tried correcting it again but it seems intent on leaving it where it was.
So, according to V's soccer registration, she has 2 fathers.
{ and she's still 6, has only 1 year experience, has no insurance and doesn't have a school name. As it wouldn't let me correct those errors either!}

Love at first sight

So, So SO excited!! I have been looking for the perfect door for my pantry for like...um... maybe 18 months or longer. I finally came to the conclusion that it might take longer to find exactly what I want. So until then I need to find something else. I fell in love with the idea of a French door for the pantry door. We went to Lowes last night and I found the perfect pine, french door! I knew immediately it was the one! I looked at the price. $135. whoa! Not gonna happen. Then I look up and see there is a sale price above it. $25! Yipee!! THEN, we get to check out and it rings up at $20!! It was meant to be!!!! I now just need to decide on a stain color, get it stained and then installed. Eventually I'll post pictures. But for right now I am thrilled!!!
{ I may have given Steve the big puppy dog eyes and asked to him to please, pretty please buy the last 2 french doors that were on sale as well. I know that in our next home I will use them and LOVE them!!}

I thought maybe I'd let you know how I hurt my back since I've been talking about it a little bit these last few weeks.
Last November I sneezed and immediately had pain shoot through my back. I doubled over and couldn't stand up straight. I walked over to my bed and laid down and was in so much pain. Over that weekend the pain lessened to where I could move around without hurting so much. And it slowly got a little better after that.
But sitting was horrible. If I sat for too long I would get this burning pain along my lower back. I ended up starting to come home from church early because I'd be hurting too much. Over Christmas, I took my rice bag with me wherever I went to warm up and put on my back while sitting.
Then In January I was helping in V.'s classroom and it was almost like torture sitting at the desk reading with her classmates! That's when I told Steve it was time I saw someone. I didn't know if I just needed a really good deep tissue massage or if it was something more serious.
I went to see Dr. Ellis. He is a chiropractor. After letting me explain what was going on he did a few tests. He said he was 80% certain I had a disk problem. So he told me to be careful, take it easy on my back and all and showed me some exercises to do to help strenghten my back/core. He also gave me some pills that are high in manganese {or something}. It's supposed to help disks.  He said most times disk problems will take care of themselves if we let them. However, he said I will need to be gentle with my back for at least a year for it to completely heal.
After seeing him for maybe 1 week I was starting to feel better. Then all of a sudden the pain was back with intensity! That was when he put me on more restrictions. No running/high impact exercising, no lifting over 10 pounds, etc. For at least until May. He said running isn't out entirely for the next year. Just to wait until May and see how I feel then.
This last Sunday was a really bad day. I hurt whether I was sitting, standing, or laying down. The only relief I found was in laying on my back on a heated massager thing we have. So that's what I did all day. Since then, I actually have been doing real good! The last 3-4 days I've only had a little bit of pain while sitting and nothing while standing. So I've been walking, doing the elliptical and still being careful. Dr. Ellis said to just come see him twice a week now instead of 3 times. But he said to be careful. Alot of times people get feeling better and then do too much too soon and go back to the beginning. So I'm still supposed to follow those restrictions he gave me until May. But I'm hoping that by then I'll be healed enough to start running again.
So what I've been doing when I go in to see him is he adjusts my back and neck, and stretches my lower back.  I lay on a heated bed with rollers to massage everything. They also put electricity on my back. And I get a small back massage. I think everything combined is what's been helping my back.
So yeah, that's what's been going on with my back. Steve and V. have been so good to help with the things I can't do right now.

Today's thoughts....

* Last night my dream was in black and white. I vaguely remember Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and Will Smith. That's it. That's all I remember!
* The wind has been howling non-stop since sometime last night. Even now, I can hear it blowing the snow against the windows. But it almost sounds more like a rain sound then snow...I just checked. It's snow. Just harder sounding I guess.
* My back has been feeling better the last few days! I'm hoping this means that as I continue taking it easy my back will continue to heal!
Steve and V. have been so good! V. has been vacuuming for me, helping me carry in groceries, and helping to remind me to not lift this or that. Steve has been taking out the garbage, carrying laundry around for me, and all sorts of other stuff!
I hate being more dependant on them, but am so grateful for them!
* Steve and his dad gave me a priesthood blessing the other night. I am so grateful that Steve honors his priesthood and actively exercises his priesthood power. I know that my back will heal if I follow my chiropractors advice, and have faith that the Lord will help with the healing process if I follow His promptings, and guidance.
* Here in a little bit we are going to go for a drive in the truck. We enjoy sometimes just driving around as a family. There should be some awesome snow drifts to drive through!

I'm a working woman! I guess?

I recently found out I am currently employed to work outside of the home. And I have been employed since last September but didn't know it.
How did I not know this you ask?
Last year right before the school year started I thought it might be nice to try to find some type of part time work to help keep myself busy now that V. was going to be in school full time. I  went in to the school district office and picked up an application to be a substitute cook. Perfect job I thought. It wouldn't be all the time. And when I DID work, it would be only while V. was at school. With the application they gave me the forms I would need to get fingerprinted. They said to go ahead and get it done so that way if I was hired they already would have everything they needed.
So I filled out the application and got fingerprinted. When I turned those in I asked to speak to the person in charge of the cooks. And I explained to her what I was looking for, that this was my first job since having V., that she is my first priority. I explained I wanted to try working again but if I felt like it interfered with taking care of V. or anything like that I would quit. She nodded and said, "Sure, sure. I understand. No problem."
Then I never heard anything back.
Well, last week a lady called wondering if I could sub. for her at one of the schools. Unfortunately, it was a day I help in V.'s classroom so I told her sorry, I couldn't. I then turned to Steve and told him I guess I had been hired but didn't know? He said I better find out if I was supposed to receive training or anything like that.
So I went in the other day and explained all this. The lady I talked to said that if I got a call to sub. for someone then yes, that means I've been hired and my name is on the list. When I asked about training, she said it's on~the~job training. That the next time I got called to sub. to go ahead and go in and just tell the other cooks it was my first time and that they would help me out.
So yeah, I guess I'm a working woman now who gets called to work 1 day every 6 months? I guess we'll see if the work picks up any! ;)

Randomness

* I walked 3 1/2 miles this morning, since running and Zumba are out for a while. Man. I didn't realize I was addicted to running until it was taken away from me! It was so hard to restrain myself this morning. I kept just wanting to break out into a jog. A light jog. Only for 5 minutes! But no. I didn't give in. I just walked. {But I did speed walk!}

* I asked V. this morning if she was getting dressed. She responded," Well, I WAS getting dressed. But then my eyes got stuck. So I stopped."
When I asked her what that meant, she said, with her eyes staring off into space, " You know, my eyes were just like this."
*sigh*

* After yesterdays post I wanted to clarify that yes, I DID watch Downton Abbey to the very end. Yes. I saw what happened. But in yesterday's post I was talking about what I felt and thought during the one happy scene. Before the end happened. I'm sad about the end.


* I also had the thought yesterday about how everyone is always like "I need to find me a Mr. Darcy." or " I wish Mr. Darcy was real." or stuff like that.
And I thought to myself," I don't need a Mr. Darcy. I have a Mr. H.  And he's perfect for me!"
Just thought I would share that thought.....

* This morning while reading my scriptures I came across 3 separate lines that stuck out to me.
The first being found in 2nd Nephi 1: 15 ".......I am encircled about eternally in the arms of His love." I love that scripture. Very comforting.
The second scripture is in 2nd Nephi 1: 21 and 23 "......Arise my sons...be men, and be determined in one mind and one heart, united in all things...", ".....put on the armor of righteousness..."
I wish all young men would read these 2 scriptures and take them to heart. THAT is the definition of a true man!
The last scripture I wanted to share I found in 2nd Nephi 2:4 ".......the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever....and Salvation is free."
Did you hear that? Salvation is FREE! All you have to do is accept Christ and follow Him and His teachings. That's it! As my daughter would say," Easy peasy lemon squeezey!"
* I love listening to Classical music while exercising outdoors. There's just something about feeling your heart pumping, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face and maybe the breeze on your cheek, breathing in fresh air, and listening to Paul Potts sing Nessun Dorma. {Or just any classical music!}
You feel like the heavens have opened and you feel like a chorus is singing "AHHHHHH!!!!!" And life is Beautiful! I can only desrcibe it as a very spiritual feeling!
* I think I'll make a brownie recipe I found on Pinterest today. As well as a Pinterest crockpot recipe.

 

My Happily Ever After

I was watching the season Finale of Downton Abbey. At the end when Mary, Matthew and the baby are together, I thought to myself," They are so happy. They are so in love. Their lives are perfect!"
Then I immediately thought back a few nights ago when Steve and I were having a conversation. And he told me how deeply in love he is with me. How incredibly happy he is with life. How I'm his best friend, he finds me extremely sexy, and how life with V. and I are perfect to him.
Maybe this is a little TMI. But these were things I was needing to hear. I have low self-esteem and am incredibly self-conscious of my body. Like, real self conscious. Yes, I've given birth and been through pregnancy {many times} life takes a toll on ones body. But I think the reason I am so self conscious is that I gained 40 pounds the first 5 months of marriage{from birth control}. So in a way, I feel like I lost my sexy body even before having a child. I shouldn't have lost my figure that quickly. But throughout our marriage Steve has always made me feel beautiful. And has always made me feel loved. But for some reason this last week having him say that I was lovely and sexy and the best thing in the world to happen to him really, really was needed and appreciated.
I also thought back to when V. was born. And how Steve and I were so over-the-moon happy to have her join us. I loved watching Steve with her. He was so gentle and sweet.
I also thought back on all the memories we have made together and/or as a family.
So what I'm getting at here but taking forever to say, is that while watching a fictional couple living their happily ever after, I realized how I am living MY Happily Ever After. I am perfectly content with my life.  Perfectly at peace.  Perfectly happy.

Oh, the irony

So after having my back pain increase quite a bit in just a couple of days, my chiropractor { whom I love by the way} put me on more restrictions. So not only can I not lift the laundry, push the vacuum, etc. I now can not llft over 10 pounds. And no more running or zumba. At least for 2 months. We hope that by taking it real easy for a few weeks it will allow my back to heal some. I'm pretty bummed. But, my back is not too bad and it will heal if I Iet it.I CAN still walk. And maybe try yoga? Which I'm grateful for.
I find it extremely funny and ironic that I'm always encouraging{ nagging} Steve to eat better, cut back on soda and come exercise with me. I'm always telling him I want to enjoy our golden years and not be pushing him around in a wheelchair.
And now here we are. I'm a stay at home housewife who has to sit around and wait for my husband to come home to do my housework for me! I can't even go grocery shopping without him because I need him to carry them in for me!
Me! The one who runs{ I did 7 races last year}, I don't drink pop, I eat my fruits and veggi's daily.
Then there's Steve. Sits in front of the t.v.  drinking pop and eating potato chips.
Oh the irony just about kills me!  ;)
{ even more ironic? Steve WAS going to get me new running shoes for Valentine's Day! I guess we'll put that on hold for a bit.}

No Housework

So for the past few months my back has been hurting. The pain finally got bad enough I went to the chiropractor. After talking to me and doing some tests, he is 80% certain I have a bulging disk. :(
Don't I feel old now!
Anyway, I've had 4 visits with him so far. I did think I was feeling better, but today my back was really, really hurting. When I went in to the chiropractor today he told me to really be careful with my lifting. No lifting laundry baskets, he even said no vacuuming. That pushing motion does put strain on your back.
So, sorry honey! Doctor's orders are no housework!   Mwah-hahahaha!

My Thankful November

Day 1} I am so thankful for a husband who does so much for us, for me.
Day 2} I am Thankful V. has been out of school the last 2 days. I've enjoyed not having anything to do but sleep in, hang out and just being together!
Day 3} I am Thankful for a lovely daughter who has taught me every aspect there is to Motherhood.
Day 4} I am Thankful for the opportunity V. and I had to listen to a beautiful violinist last night.{ Jenny Oakes Baker} I'm grateful we had the means to attend, grateful we have the gift of hearing so we could enjoy the music, grateful for the gift of music, and grateful for a wonderful person who is a great example to my young daughter and young ladies everywhere!
Day 5}  I am Thankful for my crockpot. We had a busy evening but it was nice to come home to a yummy smelling home and a delicious hot meal!
Day 6} Today I am Thankful I have the right to vote! I love this country I live in!
Day 7} I am Thankful for the opportunity I had to go to the Temple today. And I'm Thankful we have one so close to us.
Day 8} I am Thankful for the wonderful sisters in my ward!
Day 9} I am Thankful for beautiful snow!
Day 10} Even though it was freezing cold, I am Thankful I had the health and ability to run a 10k this morning.
Day 11} I am so, so Thankful for Steve working hard to provide for us and enabling me to stay at home with V.
Day 12} I am Thankful for movie nights with my hubbie!
Day 13} I am Thankful that I can help in V's classroom every week. I absolutely love it!
Day 14} I am Thankful for the opportunity to serve others.
Day 15} I am Thankful that my daughter has a teacher who loves and cares for her. V. loves school and is just soaking it all up!
Day 16} I am Thankful for modern transportation.
Day 17} I am Thankful for wonderful extended family members!
Day 18} I am Thankful for gospel doctrine/teachings discussion moments with my little girl.
Day 19} I am Thankful for the beauty of Nature and the sound of rain!
Day 20} Today I am Thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who is always there, just a prayer away.
Day 21} I am Thankful for the love of my family.
Day 22} Today I am Thankful for all the many blessings in my life. I am honestly so blessed!
Day 23} I am Thankful I was able to take a little bit of time for myself today!
Day 24} I am Thankful we live close to my parents and could come over to help them put up Christmas!
Day 25} I am Thankful for the sweet innocence and simplicity of my daughter's faith in Heavenly Father.
Day 26} I am Thankful for whoever took the time to answer V.'s letter to Santa. They help make this time of year so magical!
Day 27} Have I already said this? I am so Thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that families are forever. I LOVE my family and am Thankful we will be together always!
Day 28} I am Thankful for my wonderful parents!
Day 29} I am Thankful for the sound of laughter in my home!
Day 30} I am Thankful for the wonderful friends I have in my life!

Happy independance Day weekend!

Look at what I made!

{I'm so proud of myself}

Happy Independance Day weekend everyone!!!!

Gee. Thanks sweetie!

A conversation I just had with my daughter~
"Do you know what Mom?"
 "What?"
"You have some white hairs."
" I know. I'm getting older."
*gasp!*
 "But I don't want an old mom!"