2015 Update #3

      October was a fun month.  I took Anna to pick out a pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch.  She loved seeing the tractors and I think she could have picked a hundred pumpkins out.  Instead of carving, we used felt stickers.  I think I'll be getting those for the next couple years.  It was so nice to avoid the mess and the work.  We did lots of fun Halloween activities for preschool.  It might have been my most favorite week.  The day before Halloween, Ty's office let's families come in and the kids can go around to everyone's desk and trick-or-treat.  Anna has been asking to go to Daddy's office every time we need to drop him off at work.  Unfortunately for her, this is the only time they ever allow us to do that.  So she was anxiously awaiting this day and had so much fun.  She came away with so much candy that I was seriously considering say that was it for Halloween.  We did go out for Halloween though, and seriously, her bucket was full for quite awhile.

      November was pretty low key.  We decided to stay in Utah for Thanksgiving since traveling while I was that pregnant didn't sound like a great idea.  We were able to have our Thanksgiving with Ty's brother's family and despite being in charge of the turkey (which I did in the Crockpot and it turned out perfect!), it actually was very relaxing day.  Plenty of delicious food! And great company!

      December, we only did one week of preschool and I'm afraid that I've completely slacked off.  I spent the entire month just focused on Christmas and really trying to relax when I could.  I don't remember feeling that tense when I was pregnant with Anna, but walking around in the cold made my belly tighten. We had fun though with our Ward Christmas Party, St. Nikolaus Tag, seeing Christmas lights, making a gingerbread house, playing in the snow, and visiting Santa.  On Christmas Day we got to Skype with my family and little brother Michael.  It was great to see and talk with everyone.  In a year we'll be able to spend Christmas together.

      Just after Christmas, Ty started getting hip and leg pain that we think is either Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome.  It's been improving a little bit each week, but it's still giving him pain. He's been seeing a chiropractor and doing stretches everyday, but started physical therapy today and hopefully that will really make a difference.  I wish I could say that we've been up to fun things in January, but really it's been all about preparing for Baby Girl's arrival.  Nesting has definitely set in and our condo has probably never looked better.  It's great.  Our house is nice and clean and I'm no longer embarrassed by the state of our home.  Haha.  She'll be here in just a few weeks and I'm starting to feel more prepared. 

The Great Feast and the Day after...

Thanksgiving.
What a glorious day for feasting!

This year we came together with my family and congregated at my parents' home.

Isn't the table lovely?

I could hardly wait to get my hands on one of these.
Grandma's famous rolls. Is there anything better than a good roll?
I don't think so.

We made up a nice little table for the chillins under 12.

I swear I found these like this, but my aunt said that it was a good representation of the day. Hehe.

Prepping food for the masses.

Or is it a mass of food for the people?
I always get it confused.
(Note: I made the two things in the bottom left corner of the first picture. Soooooo good!)

My mommy and I. She so pritty.

Finally, after I gave the prayer of thanks, we dug right on in.
We're still teaching my Dad how to chew his food.
He's learning so fast.

Happy Eaters!

Some were enticed by conversation. While others had one thing on their mind.

Focused Eaters.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Look at all the food!

We were all very happy by the end.

That's when us womenfolk got down to brass-tass.

We take our Black Friday seriously.

A little After-Dinner-Play-With-Your-Food time.
Seriously, this boy is too cute.

After our delightsome dinner, everyone parted ways.

Some of us had to get ready for this!

Note for next year......just wait for Cyber deals.
Moses Lake Wal-mart was a Madhouse.
We drove over to the Ephrata Wal-mart after this and it was in waaay better condition.

The lines alone were enough to send me packing.

But Momma Bear endured and purchased her coveted items.

I'm tired just writing this.

I think I need more pie.

How was your Thanksgiving?
If you're married or in a serious relationship, which family did you get together with?
How do you juggle families and Holidays?
How did you manage on Black Friday?

Count Your Many Blessings...

Today is the day.

Thanksgiving has finally arrived and we can all go about eating turkey, yams, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and all manner of deliciousness.

Today, while we celebrate this holiday, I'm grateful for the things that got me where I am in life.

My Trials.

I'm thankful that I've gone through some hard times.
That I am going through some hard times.
That I will go through some hard times.

It's a never ending cycle of life.

Without these Trials that we experience, how would we appreciate the things we have or love?

I'm thankful to know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me and that plan includes being given tests which are able to make me a stronger and better person.

I'm thankful that our Heavenly Father trusted us enough to know that no matter what Trial we would experience we can handle it.

People are always looking for an easy route out of their problems.
There is one.
It's not always fun and it might take awhile, but it definitely is the best.
Endurance.
Faith.
Hope.

Especially when I'm experiencing a Trial or just a plain difficult time, I like the hymn, "Count Your Blessings."
(When you get to the link, look under Hymns and select Words and Music to hear a choir singing along with music)

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

[Chorus]
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Take a moment today, in amongst all that delectable food, and think of all the things you have been blessed with and be thankful for the Trials that enabled you to have them.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!