Catching up on my Gratitude...

Day 23: I'm not Grateful that the stores are ruining Thanksgiving by opening at 5:00 on Thanksgiving Day.

Day 24: I'm grateful Dale has some time off.

Day 25: I'm grateful for My sister Kim who turned 18 today!

Day 26: I'm grateful my kids went back to school after being home for 1 week. :)

Day 22: I'm Grateful for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving with the Finan's and Annette was so great. Loved being with loved ones and of course missed the family that we couldn't be with like crazy.

Christmas Tradition

Every year we take the kids to hunt for each of them a new Christmas ornament and to ice cream at our favorite Braums restaurant. This year Annette was here for the fun tradition. Madi's was my favorite, it looks just like her. We also have a tradition to put up all the Christmas decorations on Thanksgiving break. It was fun to do that with Annette too. The tree in the picture use to be my Grandma and Grandpa Moon's tree. They gave it to me years ago. Mickayla at some point has taken it over as her tree. It is so fun to have something that reminds me of my grandparents.

Day 21: Time with Annette

Today Anette arrived at 5:30 AM. Because she flew all night when she got to our house she wen to bed. When Ben woke up at 6:30 he was anxious to see her, he had to wait until noon when she woke up. Just about killed him. He kept telling me, "I just want to know what she looks like.". It was very cute. Mickayla went and got us all drinks, Annette had no idea she was getting a 60 oz. drink, it was fun to see her face when she saw her drink! We had such a great day of visiting and hanging out with the kids. I love having her here.

Day 20: Grandma Jan's Caramel Popcorn

Today I am grateful for Grandma Jan's popcorn. I guess I am grateful for all popcorn in general. I grew up eating popcorn on Sunday nights. I do love my Mom's caramel popcorn best but I only make it about twice a year. Last night my girls begged to have it. So I taught Mickayla how to make it. Having her know how to make it could be dangerous. ;)

Day 19: Annette

Today I am grateful Annette is coming to visit! This will be her first visit to Texas. I'm so looking forward to spending time with her and watching my children fall in love with her. It is going to be a great Thanksgiving.

We spent last night in the ER with Hannah. We were so worried she had a problem with her appendix. They couldn't find anything so we think she just needs to have a bowel movement. ;)

Day 18: Mom and Dad

Today I am grateful for awesome parents. The older I get the more I appreciate who they are. I truly am blessed.

Day 17: Finished Project

Today I am grateful that the my dining room is done. I started on Thursday in the morning thinking we would just give the room a fresh coat of paint. By the end of the day we had painted the walls, made new curtains, covered the chair pads, painted the shelf. I went to bed at 3 in the morning. I am going to redo my little lamp shades on my chandelier and look for some fun accessories but overall it's done!

Day 16: Friends

I have been so blessed with good friends in Texas. When you don't live by family you really need great friends. One of my good friends Kari surprised me today with this.

Day 15: Pilgrims

I'm grateful for Pilgrims.

Day 14 My Dad

Today I am grateful for my Dad. I always think of him whenever I paint so of course I've thought about him a lot these past few days. I grew up painting with him at his rentals. I always loved spending time with my Dad while I would work with him at his different projects and work sites.

Things I love about my Dad...

He is an awesome grandfather.
He is fair.
He is a great listener.
He can fix anything around the house.
He serves others more than anyone I know.
He is quick to give a compliment.
He loves the scriptures.
He loves the Savior and it shows by the way he lives his life.

I LOVE YOU DAD

Mickayla is home!!!

Mickayla is home from Arizona, she gets to spend 2 months with us before she heads to BYUI.

  I am going to enjoy every minute she is home.

 We went to Pei Wei for lunch and this is what her fortune said...I'm pretty sure it will come true.

Day 13: Mickayla's Spunk

I'm grateful for Mickayla and her awesome attitude to jump into a project. My family room is now painted because she inspired me and helped me get it done. Pictures to come....

Day 12: Cheesy Smile

I'm grateful for Sam and his cheesy camera smile. Cracks me up every time!

Day 11: My Girls

Today I am grateful for my 4 girls. They are beautiful, faithful, strong, and I just love being their mom. Yesterday they had a sister date. I wasn't invited, sometimes I wish I was a sister too. :)

Day 10: Fake Camping

Today I am grateful for camping, Braunersrither style. That would be camping outside in our backyard. We have tried and planned many camping trips this fall and all have fallen through. So Dale and I decided to camp tonight in the backyard for probably what will be our last warm night we will have this fall. Camp fire dinners, marshmallows, tent, and a fire. That's all you need for camping, even in your backyard. :)

Day 9 My Boys

I'm grateful for my boys. I sure love being the mom to these two little guys. :)

Day 8: Pumpkin Pie

I am grateful for pumpkin pie!

 My whole family is grateful for pumpkin pie! I grew up only liking my Mom's pumpkin pie, yes I was a pumpkin pie snob, but I've lived away from home so long that I don't remember what hers taste like so now I'll eat any pumpkin pie. I'm not picky, so you can only imagine how excited I was yesterday when I found this at Walmart.

   

 

 

 

Day 7: Mickayla is Home!

I'm grateful that Mickayla is home from Arizona. I am hoping that the next two months goes by slow. It will be the last time I have all my kids home for a long time.
My kids were so excited all day yesterday anticipating Mickayla's arrival. It was a super fun reunion!

Day 6: Our Country

Today I'm grateful for the privilege of being able to vote. I actually voted early! I tell my girls all the time that it is like they won the lottery. To be born in America, a woman, and with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are so blessed.

Day 5: Russ and Trea

I'm so grateful this happened! Russ and Trea were our dearest friends when we lived McKinney. I got to see them 3 weeks ago and Dale got to see them while he has been in Arizona. Oh how I miss living by them.

Day 4: Fasting

I'm grateful for fasting. So glad the Lord gives us an avenue to draw on the powers of heaven when we need it.
Fasting is truly a blessing.

Sam got my iPhone during sacrament and took some pictures today.  At least he was being quiet. :/

Day 3 HuluPlus

I'm grateful for HuluPlus 1 week free trial. With Dale gone and it was Race weekend (we live by Texas Motor Speedway, on Race weekends you have to be really desperate to leave your house and brave the traffic) I had lots of time on my hands. I've been having friends and family tell me I need to watch Dowton Abbey. I started it Friday night and finished season 1 and wanted to start season 2 but only could get it on HuluPlus. So I'm grateful they offer a one week free trial. Yep, 15 episodes in 2 days!!!

I give Downton Abbey an A+.

Don't judge I did clean the house, did yard work, and cooked meals for my kids too! :)

Day 2 Prayer

I'm grateful for prayer. I can't imagine my life without it!

Dale is in Arizona staying with Todd and Annette.
 He is going to bring Mickayla home!

Day 1 The Book of Mormon

I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and the feeling that it brings into our home as we read it as a family.

A month of Thanksgiving...

My goal is to share with you something I am grateful for everyday in this month of Thanksgiving.  :)