Day 30

Thankful things
1.The ability to play the piano. Let me explain this one. I mentioned yesterday that I had gone to a funeral. I was actually the pianist for it. I felt very inadequate and thought there had to be someone else better fit to it. I was asked so I agreed. I am cheating a little with this grateful moment because it actually occured last night while I was in bed. I've never been one who is good with words. When bad things happen to anyone I never know what to say. So most of the time I just don't say anything. This probably comes across as me being heartless or insensitive. Truly on the inside my heart breaks for people who are going through trials and pain, I just don't have the right words to say. I became grateful thhat I got to play for this funeral and give something to that family that was grieving. Now I realize that the music was nothing they will remember but it meant something to me to be able give of myself for thtem. Does that make any sense? Although I might not of had the right words I gave something to this family. I like to think that made a difference to someone there.
2. My sweet Lexie took the cutest pictures today. I'm always grateful when we have a photo appointment that doesn't include any crying. She did great and of course was adorable.
3. The christmas season is coming. I know silly, but I love it. I love buying gifts, christmas music, the smells, the cookies, family... everything about the holidays I love. It just puts me in s uch a good mood. I am also very grateful to not be on bedrest thsi christmas. Some of you may know that I spend from October till February on bedrest and in and out of the hospital. I didn't get to fully enjoy the holiday season and I am very much looking forward to it this year.

Lexie's newly aquired skill.

Day 29

Thankful things
1. Lexie's cuteness. She has learned to shake her head no. It is very cute! I know the time will quickly come when it will no longer be cute when she tells me no. So for now I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
2. I'm alive. I know that may sound strange. I went to a funeral today (may I add it was a very nice funeral in my opinion). It made me grateful to be alive. It also made me reflect on life and want to become a better person. You start to think what would people say about me at my funeral. That always makes me want to be better.
3. A wonderful life full of blessings. I'm very lucky and haven't had to go through very many awful things. I hear of things others are going through and become grateful for my seemingly easy life.

Last night on Oprah they showed a you tube video called 99 Balloons. I had already seen it once and found it just as toiuching and heart wrenching the second time. If you haven't already seen this grab a box of tissue and watch. She interviewed Eliots parents afterwards and his Mother said something I hope to never forget in the face of adversity. She said she could be sad later. For now she was going to enjoy every moment. They have such strength. I found them to be inspirational.

Day 28

Thankful things
1. I didn't inflict bodily harm on a certain unamed child who wouldn't stop screaming today. I felt much better after she quickly fell asleep in my arms. All bad was forgotten and I snuggled her for a few extra minutes before putting her to bed.
2. I finished all my laundry today. There are a few dirty towels and todays clothes. That's it, I also put almost all of them away! I'm fairly proud of myself. Todays laundry also included Ellie's bedding, washed, dried and back on the bed before bed time.
3. Nick is home tonight to deal with the screaming of another unnamed child who I wish would go to bed this week without having to wake up for "nuggles" it is driving me crazy. Remind me I love her too. Just kidding.

Pictures

I haven't posted many pictures latley. It isn't beacuse we haven't taken any. We have over 200 from the last week and a half! I figured I better share a few.

We went to the pumpkin patch and Ellie got to ride a Pony. She was in HEAVEN!


Sweet little Lexie hung out in the carrier and checked everything out.


Nick told Ellie she could have any pumpkin she could pick up. She tried to pick up a lot of pumpkins.


We set Lexie down to get a picture with the pumpkins. She immediatley picked up stuff off the ground and put it right into her mouth.


Family pic


Helping Dad gut the pumpkin. She wasn't a huge fan of this.


The final product. Obviously Ellie didn't help carve but she did choose to make it a witch. It was funny beacsue she was scared of it when it was done.


Ellie and Kenidee. They weren't posed I just happened to catch this cute moment.


My old roommate Josies wedding with the other roommates. We hadn't seen each other in over two years. It was wonderful to see them.

Day 27

Thankful things
1. Carving pumpkins. Ellie wasn't so sure about it, but in the end her pumpkin was awesome. Nick carved it, I have to give him the credit. I won't touch a pumpkin.
2. Boeing and the union came up with a contract that the union is supporting. Hopefully we will be back at work next week.
3. A fun day, good dinner and great family night.

Day 26

Thankful things
1. We survived the day with minimal tears shed. Sundays are so hard.
2. The nursery sang in sacrament meeting. Ellie stood up there so proud with a huge smile and didn't sing one word! She then came running down with the biggest smile yelling Mommy I singing! She was so excited and I was a proud Mama even if she didn't sing. I do need to add, she knows the words she sang them on the bench during the closing hymn.
3. Negotiations between Boeing and the union are stioll going on. I am hoping that is a good sign.

Day 25

Thankful things
1. Bath tubs! I love to take baths and today has been a long but fun day. I am really looking forward to a nice hot bath.
2. We got a good family picture today at the pumkin patch. We now have two family pictures since Lexie was born. We also got some great pics of the girls. I'm always grateful for pictures of my girls. They are growing up so quickly.
3. Spending a day together as a family. I know Ellie loved it and that makes everything worth it.

Day 24

Thankful things
1. We got to go out for dinner without the girls. It was wonderful even if it was only for an hour.
2. Again my girls. I tried to get them to sleep together last night. From the living room I could hear them talking to each other. Then they started laughing hysterically. Lexie would yell, then Ellie would yell, then they would laugh. It was almost 9 so I went in to get Lexie and she was holding on to the rails of her crib with her face pressed up against the side talking to Ellie. it was so sweet and made me smile to see how much fun they were having together.

Gone but not forgotten

So you may think I just gave up on listing my thankful things each day since there hasn't been a post in over a week. I didn't give up I was juist out of town. I'm not going to go back and list for everyday, but I did at the end of each day take time to think of what I was grateful for that day. So even though it didn't make it into a post it wa still done. So to catch up a little here are a few of my thankful things for the last week.
1. My girls slept in the same room as each other for 5 days and didn't wake each other up!
2. My mother-in-law. She allowed us to tag along on a trip to Idaho where Ellie got to play with Kenidee and I got to go to a wedding of an old roomate. I was able to see three of my old roomates who I love dearly.
3. We traveled safely and without many crying fits. It was a wonderful car ride and the girls were on their best behavior.
4. Ellie and Kenidee love each other. When they get otgether it is like no time has past since they saw each other last. I think they mioght be best friends!
5. Robin and Stephenie (brother-in-law and sister-in-law) let us crash at their house while in Idaho. It is a lot to add and second 2 year old and an eight month old. They are wonderful and we love them lots.
6. Being able to use Santa Clause as a way to get Ellie to make good choices. I know it is still early but it is working.
7. Phyllis White. A wonderful friend of my Moms who has moved to Utah. She was gratious enough to share with me some Christmas progmas that she has written. It makes my job of arranging the christmas program for church much easier.
8. There was no snow in Idaho. It was warm and beautiful. I hate the bitter cold of Idaho's winters and was not looking forward to that even fo r a few days. To my surprise it was in the 60's and perfect.
9. Nick. He left the sweetest message on my voicemail. It made me smile. I sure do love him.

Day 14

Thankful things
1. My wonderful girls. I know alot of my thankful things revolve around them. They are the most incredible thing that has every happen to me and I am always grateful for them.
2. Ellie says she is thankful for stickers. Her feet have been covered with them.
3. My home. We only rent but have gotten really lucky. We love it here and it is a great place for us to live.

Day 13

Thankful things
1. Lexie slept all night and then went back to sleep after eating at 7:15 until 9. It was a wonderful morning!
2. My Mother-In-Law is wonderful and letting me tag along on a trip this weekend.
3. It may be silly but today I am thankful for Loft House Iced Sugar cookies. I was having a serious sugar craving and I couldn't find any snacks in my house. Shocking I know. I went to QFC and bought some cookies. They hit the spot and made me feel better.
4. My Dad came over while the girls where napping so I could run to the store without them. I really appreciate any opportunity I have to run to the store without them.

Day 12

Thankful things
1. I got a good nights sleep last night. First one since last Sunday, it was much needed.
2.Lexie's cough is starting to sound better.
3. The girls went to bed without any fight tonight. I'm exhausted today so I'm very grateful they both went down without a single cry.

Day 11

Thankful things
1.Priesthood blessings.
2.Lexie is no longer afraid of the vacuum.
3. Being able to nurse Lexie. It is an experience that I love being able to share with her. It took us time to be able to nurse since she was preemie, once she figured it out she never looked back. I love having that special time with her. I love that I can provide for her nutritional needs. I didn't do a very good job of growing big and strong while I was pregnant, at least I can help her grow now. She is a little butterball so obviously I'm feeding her well. Did I mention I just love it!


Ellie was "talking" on my cell phone today. She was having pretend conversations with her Nanny and Aunty Sarah. It makes me laugh evertime she does this because she always holds the phone to her ear with her arm. I don't do this so I'm not sure where she got that from, but it sure is cute. The phone is also always backwards when she "talks" on it.

Day 10

Thankful things
1. Ellie didn't have to go to any time outs today! YEA
2. Nick's Mom came and got this afternoon so I got a little free time.
3. Lexie has become more verbal. I just love listening to her "talk" it makes me smile everytime I hear her.

Day 9

Thankful things
1. Ellie was an angel today. it was a very pleasant change from the rest of the weeks behavior.
2. It is finally cold enough for me to wear a hoodie and be just the right temperature. This is my favorite time of the year weather wise.
3. I used restraint today when a lady was making comments about my baby loud enough for me to hear. It may not be that big of a deal but after yesterdays experience with her I was really annoyed. Yesterday we went to play at a place called Evergreen Community Center. This lady told Ellie that she couldn't play with some toys because she would just dump them out and make a mess, she then told me that she had already taken it away from Ellie once. Excuse me! Who cares if she dumps a small container of alphabet magnets on a table to play with them. So today while we were there Lexie coughed a few times. She has a pretty nasty cough but doesn't have the cold anymore. No runny nose, no fever for over three weeks now. I thought most people knew that a cough doesn't necessarily mean you are contagious now. After she coughed she said loud enough for me to hear, if that baby has a cold we are leaving, all of us are leaving. I was so annoyed. It's one thing to make a comment that I won't hear, but I really hate it when people say things just loud enough to be heard. I'm not the kind of parent who is going to take my sick baby out to play. I wanted to yell across the room at her to go ahead and leave no one cares! I have lots of great descriptive words to use to describe her and I'm really not the kind of person who says anything in a situation like tat. I really had to hold back today, I guess when it comes to my kids a different side of me comes out. Anyway a little vent with my gratitude today. After she left I wanted to tell everyone what happened, but then I wouldn't be any better than her. So I took the high road, and I shared we you, since you don't know who she is!

Tag, I'm it

I've been tagged by Rachel. Thanks I'm excited to share a few things.
1. I have webbed toes. Only two of them on my left foot. I really wanted one of our girls to get them too, but neither one did.
2. I actually enjoy doing laundry. I don't know why but it seems to relax me. I also really enjoy the smell of my clothes after they've been washed.
3. I was in the Marching Band in high school. I did it for two years and then quit. Honestly I was pretty embrassed being seen at football games in my uniform. Not that I was propular by any means, I'm sure this didn't help.
4. Nick and I dated twice. We met when we were 16 and dated for a few months. We then didn't speak to each othe for 7 years. We couldn't stand each other. Explains alot huh?
5. I have hypothyroidism. Which means my thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. I was diagnosed in 5 grade which is pretty young.
6. I HATE green beans! In fact I strongly dislike all vegetables, especially green ones.
7. I am addicted to Diet Coke and peppermint chapstick. Not together. I always have a chapstick in my pocket and I think Diet Coke might run through my veins I drink that much.

I tag:
Lindsey W.
Tami C.
Melissa R.
Mike R.
Shauntel H.
Sunny T.
Rachel S.

Day 8

Thankful things
1. Boeing and IAM are going back to the table. Hopefully this strike will end soon.
2. Lexie didn't get hurt when a picture frame fell off the wall and the corner of it hit her on the top of te head. (Picture below)
3. Both of my bath tubs are clean. Not something I planned on doing today but Ellie left a nice "present" in the tub so it required disinfecting.


The red circle is where the corner hit her, she has a nice indent in her head. Poor kid cried so hard!

I love their tired little faces and how comfy they both look all ready for bed.

Day 7

Thankful things
1. Nicks old job for letting him come back and work while he is on strike.
2. Aunty Stehpenie for sending us cute hairbows.
3. Gospel.

8 Months

Yesterday was Lexie's 8 month birthday. She weighs a little over 14 pounds and 23 1/2 inches. She is so short! She is scooting/crawling all over the place. Her current favorite place is the entry way where she can chew on shoelaces. Gross I know. She starting to do some babbling and I'm pretty sure that she is going to say DaDa soon. She enjoys playing with Ellie and loves to eat.

Thanks Aunty Stephy

Aunty Stephenie sent us some new bows and headbands (www.cuteasabugbows.com). She wanted a fashion show of them. Lexie was feeling very cooperative and happy so we got some great pictures of her. Thanks Aunty Stepy (not a typo that's what Ellie calls her).

Day 6

Thankful things
1. Lexie is finally sleeping better and only has me up once a night. Not that I'm grateful to have to be woken up, but I'm grateful it isn't three or four times a night. She has also started sleeping in till about 8:30. For that I am thankful!
2. Good friends who help me keep my sanity!
3. Beautiful Christmas music, especially, "The Forgotten Carols" we listened to some today and it lifted my spirits and gave a teaching opportunity with Ellie. I was able to tell her about Christmas music and she is getting excited to celebrate Jesus' birthday. (anyone who has talked to her lately will know she is now obsessed with birthdays. She walks around telling me it is her birthday today. Needless to say she is excited that it will be Jesus' birthday)

Day 5

Thankful things
1. Computer which allowed me to listen to conference from my own home while my girls peacefully napped. What a joy to get to listen and not have to worry about keeping them quiet.
2. Getting to listen to wonderful speakers who said exactly what I needed to hear.
3. Toys that kept my girls occupied and happy for hours on end today. It was wonderful I was able to sit a scrapbook while they played in the living room, literally for hours.

Ellie called me out of the kitchen while they were playing. When I went out this is what I found. Ellie told me she was sitting on Lexie's lap. I would have stopped it but Lexie wrapped her arms around Ellie and was smiling so big. It was a priceless moment.

Day 4

Thankful things, I must be really thankful today I have quite a few,
1. Being the Mom of two beautiful, strong willed, opinionated, wonderful, and amazing little girls.

2. Makeup (silly I know) it gives me eye brows that are actually visible.
3. Family that lives close by, cousins that love each other.

He's giving her hug, he doesn't have her in a headlock although that is how it looks.
4. Tide Lavendar vanilla and comfort laundry soap. I love the smell so much I want to do laundry every day so my clothes always smell like it.
5. Mam pacifiers. Lexie almost always has one in her mouth and it provides me with a break from the crying. She sleeps great beacuse of them.
6. On demand that allows me to put on Ellie's favorite TV shows whenever I need them. We use this ALOT. (Embarassing to admit but she does watch more TV than she probaby should)
7. The book, "The Five Little Firefighters" this book is Ellie's current favorite and has gotten her more interseted in reading.
8. Delsym Cough syrup. It has given Ellie a good night sleep for the last several nights and we haven't had any coughing fits that end in throw up since she started taking it. And it tastes great.
I have to add an extra picture. Ellie and Carson emptied out the toy box, took the lid and were playing in it. They both got in it all the way and you couldn't see them from the outside.

Day 3

Thankful things
1. My girls love baths and when we are having a rough night it always calms us down.
2. Ellie got a good night sleep last night so she was really good today.
3. The rain. I love it!

Day 2

Thankful things-
1. A flexible job that I can choose when and where I work.
2. My Mom (Nanny) who watches the girls for me when I do work.
3. My Grandma Ellie who always helps us out when we need it.

Grateful Things

In order to make myself into a more grateful person I decided that everyday for the month of October I am going to post at least one thing I am thankful for.
I am thankful for
1. My sweet girls. They are the light of my life.
2. Nick. He is working so hard lately to be able to pay our bills while he is on strike.
3. Ellie didn't cough so hard that she threw up today.