Now that Thanksgiving is over

It looks like the last time I blogged was on the 11th. I am not really good at being a consecutive daily blogger. Maybe one day?! Anyway, on the 15th I turned 26! My inlaws came down here the Sunday before and threw me a nice birthday party. I was very surprised. My MIL called to tell me she was on her way and I called Phil and asked him if he knew she was coming down and of course he did. After they arrived we started eating and slowly other family would walk right in, I had no idea and Phil was very good at keeping it all a secret. I have such loving inlaws! Anyway, Phil gave me an iPad and the book Crossed for my birthday. Am I spoiled or what? The kids gave me a barbie, a spatula, and a blue car. And since I am such a good mom I let each of the kids take a present they gave to me to play with.

For Thanksgiving we headed to Payson and Phil and I ran in our very first Turkey Trot 5k! It was nice to get out and run! We had a good time visiting with Phils family and afterwards we headed down to my uncles house.

Anyway, here are some pics of the kids. I just think they are so cute! Most of the time anyway! Do you think Emmett needs a haircut!? I am not sure I am ready to give him his first haircut and turn this cute baby faced toddler into a big boy!

November- Month of Gratitude day 11

Today being Veterans Day I am grateful for all those who have served, are serving, and who will serve this country! I am extremely grateful to my father and my grandfather for doing their duty to this country.

these are pics of my father during the Vietnam War

November- Month of Gratitude day 10

I am grateful that Drezden is able to attend preschool. She loves her teachers and all her friends she has made. She is learning her letters and how to spell simple words. I am grateful that preschool is only a couple times a week! I don't know if I am ready for everyday kindergarden for next year but I know Drezden will LOVE it!

This is Drezden all ready for preschool today... She keeps asking if it is time to go :)

November- Month of Gratitude day 9

I am grateful for my camera! Without it I wouldn't be able to record moments in time! I want to be able to remember what my children looked like when they were little, and be able to look back and remember things we wore, or how we styled our hair.

here are some pics I was able to get by the front door earlier this afternoon! The kids do not care for me taking there pic, but I am glad I am able to capture their little faces!

November- Month of Gratitude day 8

I missed a day, but sometimes it is nice to have a day off! Today I am grateful for TV. Sometimes it is nice to unwind from all the stresses and immerse myself in a story. :)

November- Month of Gratitude day 6

I am grateful for transportation! I am grateful that if I want to go anywhere I can just grab the kids, strap them in the car and go. I am grateful that I have a car when Phil is at work. I know there are some families that are a 1 car only family, and I am so grateful that we are not one! Even though I mostly stay home it is nice to be able to have that option of being able to go somewhere. I love my home, but without a car I wouldn't be able to have as many little adventures away from home with my family.

November- Month of Gratitude day 5

I am grateful for my bed. I am grateful that after a long day I have a place I can lay my head. I am grateful that even though I would prefer my kids didn't come into my bed every night that they are able to. Sometimes I wake up to find two kids in the middle of my bed, and although it is not the most comfortable thing in the world I am grateful that they feel safe enough and love me enough to join me.

Thats right! I am officially crazy!!!

28 weeks

notice the ticker doesn't say "half"

Thats right! I am going to do my first full marathon on May 19, 2012

I gotta start training! Now to find a good training program or two!

My Uncle and his family

This last Sunday I went to visit my uncle and his family and we took some family pictures of them near a bank close to there home. The waterfall was turned off so we had to make do with the lighting and location. I think these turned out well. I love my uncle and his family. He has the sweetest wife Fu Yao and his children are so giving! We love Raven and Brandon and love having them as family! These were some of my favorite shots of the evening!

November- Month of Gratitude day 4

I am grateful for my home. That I have a place that I can call my own. A yard that my children can run and play in! A place that my family can gather together and enjoy one another, and make memories in.

Justin-

This here is my baby brother. 21 years old. He has been in jail for a few months waiting to go to prison. He had the option this week to take a deal for 14 years or go to jury trial that would most likely give him 25 to life. He took the deal. 14 years sounds like a lot right now, but I know that it will pass quicker then anyone would like. I hope he knows he is loved and that his Savior loves him. I hope he never gives up on himself and becomes someone he is not meant to be. Life won't be easy for him, but I think God has a plan for him. I am sure of it, I don't think He wants this kind of life for any of His children. I know as long as Michael allows Him into his heart He will be with him always. I love my baby brother and I hope he knows how much I care for him and how I want the best for him. Even now that he will be in prison for the next 14 years.

Engagement photo session

I was able to take some photos of this cute couple last night. They will be getting married in January! Here are some of my favs! I will get the opportunity to take some more later this week!

November- Month of Gratitude day 3

I am grateful for my beautiful and healthy children. They may drive me crazy and some days I may refer to them as monsters, but they are my monsters! They fill may days with joy, love, routine, purpose, chaos, stress and many many other things.

I am blessed to be the mother of these 3 special spirits

Drezden

Sullivan

Emmett

Carving Pumpkins

This year for Halloween we let the kids carve their own pumpkins! I am bummed we have not taken any pics of the finished result but I thought I would share what pics I had of them. They did extremely well for a 3 and 4 yr old! They loved it! We have to thank the grandparents for providing the pumpkins! And we had a wonderful Halloween Holiday!

November- Month of Gratitude day 2

I am grateful for my husband, who works hard to provide for all my needs as well as the children's. Who has patience with me and who loves me and the children unconditionally. I love how he will spend time with the children and let me pursue my hobbies without any complaining. Every now and then I am told how lucky I am to have such a good man... I am not lucky I am blessed to have him in my life. What a great father and husband he is.

Professional photos of kids

I had some pictures taken of my kids back in August and I am now getting around to them to share! Here are my cute cute kids!

November- Month of gratitude

This month I am going to try and post every day one thing that I am grateful for being that Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away.

To start off I am grateful for my health. I am grateful for my healthy pregnancies and being able to run and play with my family! I am grateful I am able to walk every day without hurting. I am grateful for the strength to be able to run.

This is me crossing the finish line at my 2nd half marathon!