Grateful, Thankful, and Incredibly Blessed

It's the last day of November, and I am quite ready to go full speed ahead 'til Christmas. (I've actually been counting down the days until we can begin the countdown until Christmas, if that tells you anything.)

But alas,  I know that I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage now to make special mention of some of the things that I am most grateful for...since November is supposed to be about remembering our blessings and all.

Since there are much too many to count, (like cereal and dishwashers and socks and brownies and electricity and binkies and down comforters and soap) I've narrowed it down to my top ten. (But do you like how I snuck some more in there?) (I'm also grateful for my clever intellect.) Here they are in all their Thanksgiving glory.

1. A religion that keeps me grounded, in-tune, and aware of my blessings.
2. A husband who cracks me up, folds laundry with me, fixes whatever needs fixing, loves the heck out of me, and blesses the lives of our children.
3. Children who are kind, healthy, adventurous, imaginative, affectionate, and loving.
4. Siblings who are supportive, hilarious, and forgiving when needs be.
5. Parents who have taught me so much about which choices to make in my life.
6. In-laws who love me (and spoil me) like I was their own.
7. Friends who constantly amaze me with their love and willingness to serve.
8. School. Though most days it feels like a thorn in my side, I'm grateful for the chance to keep my brain from turning to marshmallows, all from the comfort of my own home. (I should also add that I am quite grateful for a break from school over the holidays. Hallelujah, marshmallow brain, here I come!)
9. All of the people--friends, family, and strangers alike-- that have been a source for good in my life.
10. A loving Father in Heaven who helps me to see and understand the purpose in my life.

Happy Thanks-remembering everyone!

Lunch Break

The Art of Eating Mac & Cheese:

Step 1: Look hungry and cute

Step 2: Dive in

Step 3: Bring hand to mouth.

Step 4: Make sure everything gets in.

Step 5:  Throw your bowl on the floor.

(Don't worry; that nice lady will be happy to clean it up.)

Quote of the Day

Me: Do you know what the number one parenting mistake is?

Craig: Having kids?

Sisterly Love

These two really are Devoted Sisters. But there comes a time in every girl's life when her Big Sis (or Little Sis) is more of a pain than anything else. Like when Vanna's Big Sis "looks dirty eyes" at her. Or when J's Little Sis follows her around making noise when she is on the phone, talking to her aunt about important things like kindergarten.

In the car a few week ago, the girls were arguing about something, and I stopped them and said, "Can you stop arguing, please? I really want you two to be friends." Julia summed things up for me when she answered, "Um, actually, we're not friends...we're sisters." I thought about it for a second and then said, "I'm friends with my sisters. They're my best friends in the whole world." Her reply came in no time: "Yeah, but you don't even live together."

Hmmm...maybe that's why we get along so well.

***In the picture above, the girls are getting into their usual shenanigans: this time they emptied one of the kitchen cupboards to use as a car for a beach trip. They sure love each other, they just forget to act like it sometimes.***

The Swing of Things

Savanna thought it would be a good idea to stick Lex in her swing again, even though we haven't used it in months and she can practically swing herself now. She loved it and actually sat in it for a few minutes basking in the glow of the fancy lights and sounds.

It's just a shame that she doesn't want to nap in it for four straight hours like she did back in her newborn days. But I guess it's an even trade for a smiley baby who crawls around all day saying "momomomomom." I'll take it!