November Mobile Moments

Beautiful Red leaves.... in November!  Love fall here!

We turned Andrew to forward facing.  He loves it.
I was shown a disturbing video about major injury to
babies who are forward facing and now I'm sick with worry.
Should I turn him back around??

Loves his new wagon!  He calls it a "Wagey".

Great day for a ride with neighbor friends.

Mom, I want to get out!  This is that day he face planted and
got some nice ow-eys on his nose.

Trying to give dad a ride.

Bike ride on a day that reach 70 degrees in November!

Helping stack the cans.

Mmmmm.... Roman noodles.

That little sticker throws his binkys behind his crib (during naps), then goes and
gets them when I'm not looking.  Smarty pants.  He only gets them for nap and bed.

It gets us through lunch and dinner.

Almost time for bed.... tired but still wants to play.

Happy Diwali. I'd never heard of this holiday, it was fun learning about other cultures.

Learning to roll dice for a FHE activity.

Found my sticker collection.  Going to try playing with stickers on our long journey.

We like fun postcards!

Loved getting clean laundry thrown on him.

Playing with a new friend.  They were being so cute face to face, I  was late
getting the picture.... darn!

Trying something new.

He did okay.... he's not one who likes getting his hands dirty with slim.

It somehow ended up on his sock.  I'm trying to get him to stop
putting his feet on the table!

Sorry this is a dark picture. Got a Portable DVD player holder.  Had to test it out. Now we are ready for our trip!

Let the journey begin!  He loves this puppy!

My first time in Ohio.  I missed the sign on the cool arch!

Playing!  Much to our surprise, Andrew did so good in the car.
We only stopped once on the way out to PA.

Columbus, OH

My mom told me to take lots of pictures of the new scenery.
This is what the scenery looked like!

It is really hard to see in the picture, but the bare trees actually looked so beautiful!

Tunnels!!

Briant said we were in the Appalachian Mountains.
 I wasn't that impressed.

 We made it to PA in good time!  About 10 hours and 1452 miles!

Ready for church... playing in the leaves.

The where I actually got him to sit still for me to take a picture.
Maybe he is starting to understand!

Briant was trying to show him the birds.  He was interested in something else.

One happy boy this day... we love good naps!

This carpet feels so nice and soft!

At the Bass Pro Shop.

Went on the escalators with daddy!

Pop pop rode with him like 10 times!

No melt down, I was so proud!  He even said Choo Choo when asked what he wanted.

Carousel with Pop pop.

More leaves!

Chocolate World!  In your dreams Andrew.

Loved the house made of Chocolate!

Playing with Pop Pop never gets old.

Reading doesn't either.

Briant's favorite dessert.

Air Hockey on Thanksgiving.

Teaching him his secrets.

We went to a Giles friends house for Thanksgiving.  Little man didn't sleep so well.
This is where he got most of his rest.

Rest stop on the way home.  Cool chairs for kids.... Andrew wasn't a fan.

West Virginia!

More "scenery"

Columbus again.

Got the sign!

My attempt to get Indiana sign.... fail!

30 Days of Thankfulness

I made this board last year to hang in my house (a friend did the vinyl lettering for me).  It's purpose is to remind me of the season, and help me remember what I am thankful for.  I know that I have been given much.  I am in awe at how much I take for granted.

As I scrolled down on Facebook today, I saw everybody sharing something they are thankful for with the intention to continue with something each day this month.  So I thought I would do it on my blog.  Each day I plan to update, and share what I am thankful for.

Day 1 - Today I am so thankful for my husband.  

What an incredible man.  He is at school right now, working and studying to earn an MBA.  I look up to him for what he is doing & the goals he has for himself and his family.  I have missed him and all the time we used to spend together.  Nobody has been able to take his place in the way we can talk, and his ability to fill in the missing pieces of the day.  He is so supportive & he makes me laugh.  He understands me, and listens.  He is my person.  I love this man more and more everyday.

Day 2 - I am thankful for my sweet boy.

He is so cute and funny.  He teaches me so much & helps me remember who I want to be.  I've never met such innocence.  I've never felt such love.

Day 3 - Today I am thankful for the ability to work & "easy" house work.

Today is laundry day.  I am grateful I can do my laundry.  I'm grateful for two hands and feet and the knowledge & tools I need to clean.  I'm grateful for clean water, soap, and things like a washing machine.  I know so many don't have these around the world or they spend hours and hours in less than ideal circumstances.  So many times I waste my time and hate that I have to do these things, but today I will be thankful that I indeed have this blessing of "easy" housework (with more than just laundry).  I'm so thankful for clean, fresh, warm clothes.

Day 4 - I'm thankful for those who came before me.

Today I made chocolate chip cookies.  As I stood there washing dishes I thought about the recipe I had used.  It was just the one off the back of the Nestle chocolate chip bag.  Briant had made a comment about how he'd met a guy who worked on that line at Nestle, and said he ate cookies all the time to try out recipes for the back of the package.  Anyway, I thought about how grateful I am for all those people who spent countless hours trying new things to get the perfect recipe that only takes me half an hour to make.  This of course extends to all those people (relatives, forefathers etc.) who worked so hard in the past to make the future I live in so great.  The pioneers who sacrificed so much for religious freedom.  People of all times, generations, and dispensations.  Columbus and the people who landed in America that worked through turmoil and hardship.  All those who have fought in wars past and present for me.  People who invented things.  And personal relatives who worked, farmed, did physical labor, raised children, & gave their all just to put food on the table in times of plenty and of trial.  Without them, I would not be.  So I am thankful for them, and the things I did not go through but for which I have so much.

Day 5 - Today I am thankful for modern technology.

I love that I can get in my heated car and be at the library in 10 minutes all while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I can get on my computer and make cute digital collages for family and friends.  I can upload my pictures and share them.  I can make Christmas Cards and Christmas Presents in Photoshop.  I am thankful that I can make a EASY tasty meal in the crock pot and have it ready hours later.  I am so grateful for all the good modern technology that makes life easier.  I have watched an old stove being used that needs a hot fire burning inside to cook your food... and it takes forever!  I am truly blessed to have such things.

Day 6 - Today I am thankful for the ability and privilege to vote.

I am proud to be an American!  I love this country.  I am thankful to live in a country that lets it's citizens choose.  I'm thankful for religious freedom.  I am grateful that women have a say in this country.  I know that my say is important.  I'm thankful for those forefathers who had a dream and fought for human rights & for freedom.  Because of them I will always exercise my right to vote!

Day 7 - I'm thankful for Second hand, Thrift, and dollar stores!

They sure do help my budget!  I am amazed at how much good stuff you can find there!  No need to spend an arm and a leg for clothes and needed items.  Thank goodness for being able to reuse stuff!

Day 8 - I'm thankful for good health.

I've never had surgery (other than getting my wisdom teeth, if that counts).  I get colds and bugs but nothing too major.  I have glasses, but can see without them.   I can run, jump, play, catch, and walk.  I know this is a huge blessing.  I'm thankful for a working body.

Day 9 - Today I'm thankful to feel at home in my home away from home.

I am actually really loving IN.  It is beautiful here, I love the trees, and the people are really nice.  I didn't love the summer, but the fall has been amazing!  It is November and I walked around in 61 degree weather!  It didn't take long for me to learn how to get around, in fact I feel comfortable going just about anywhere (inside this city).  There is so much to do, and lots of fun place to go.  It's a great place to live.

Day 10 - Today I'm thankful for time I get to spend with my husband.

We had a perfect day today and so we decided to go for a bike ride.  These days, I really don't get to do as much with my husband as I would like.  He is going to school to in the long run to make life better for us, so I won't complain.  But, it truly makes me cherish time spent with him, and remember all the reason why I love him so much and love being with him!

Day 11 - I am thankful for the Veterans of our Nation.

I'm grateful for those who fought for my freedom on all levels.  I'm sure I can not even begin to imagine what they went through or even what my life would be like without their service.  I know that I would never be that brave.  So I am thankful for those who fought, and those who are still fighting for our freedom.  God bless you and your families.

Day 12 - Today I'm thankful for good food.

I love that feeling when you make something great and everyone devours it!  I'm grateful I get to taste a wide variety of food.  I can't afford to buy organic food but I still think we eat great.  I make really cheap and easy meals mostly because it is hard to make something fancy with a toddler.  Most of our veggies come from a can.  So many don't even have that, even in American.  So today, I am grateful for something as simple as Mac and Cheese (we have plenty in our pantry).  I made homemade Mac and Cheese & steamed broccoli  tonight and we all loved it!

Day 13 - I'm thankful for clothes and especially today warm clothes.

It's getting colder.  I'm thankful for warm clothes today because without them, Andrew and I could not 

have gone out to play.  I played outside alot as a child and I want Andrew to have that same option.  He 

loves being outside and I know that it is good for him.  I know we won't be able to go out as long in the 

coming months, but we still plan to go out even for just a little bit each day.  To compensate and pass the 

time, we have play dates and play groups planned weekly, library visits, and mall walking.  It will help to 

go somewhere instead of just staying inside all day.... otherwise I think we would go crazy.  But for know 

we are going to bundle up in warm clothes and try to play hard and tough it out.

Day 14 - Today I'm thankful for forgiveness, lessons learned, and the ability to try again.

I make plenty of mistakes.  I have days that I feel like I'm doing well and I feel wonderful, and then I 

have days that help me remember that I'm not perfect at all.  Far from it.  I had a great day today, but 

made a simple choice tonight that I regret.  As I thought about it, I listed all the reasons why I knew what

I did was wrong.  And then I thought about how I can keep myself from doing it again.  I'm thankful for 

that quiet time I had tonight to ponder about how I can be better.  I know that it's important to do that.

I'm thankful for the ability to repent.  I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me no matter what I 

do.  I'm glad tomorrow is a new day.

Day 15 - I'm thankful for my Dad.

What a wonderful man.  For a long time out of high school and even after I moved out of my parents house I 

didn't have the best relationship with him.  It wasn't until I read the "Memories of Home" my mom has worked

years to make.  As I read my Dad's journal entrys I began to respect him so much more than I ever had.  He

worked so hard for me and my family.  His line of work was hard, dangerous, and strenuous. 

He taught me so many good lessons as I grew up.  He has taught me many more since then. 

 He made me a better person.

Day 16 -  I'm thankful for my Mom.

I think I call her everyday.  She is one of my first resources in all that I do, and who can blame me, she is a 

great example.  She raised 6 kids and she survived!  She knows me so well.  I really miss her hugs.  She is one

of the few people who knows exactly what I need to hear when I'm having a bad day.  She gets my teasing and 

I can be honest with her.  I love my mom, she is one of my best friends now as a mother and homemaker. 

Day 17 - Today I'm thankful for a good car.

We spent a good amount of time in the car today.  I'm thankful for a fast, comfortable, and reliable way to

 travel every day.

Day 18 - I'm grateful for great in-laws.

I giggles plenty today watching Andrew play with his buddy Pop-pop.  He loves reading with him and rolling 

around wrestling with him on the floor. 

He knows exactly who to go to when he wants a snack too, GG to the rescue!

  I'm thankful for their wisdom.  They raised some pretty incredible children.  I feel so blessed to have such

 thoughtful and helpful people in my life.'

Day 19 - Today I am thankful for free stuff.

Free ride and chocolate, free carousel, and a free picture with Santa!  Love having fun for FREE!

I was shocked that he didn't freak out!  And when Briant told Andrew to tell Santa
something he wanted he said "Choo Choo!"

Day 20 - I'm thankful for time to relax.

Briant is off this week and we are at his parents home.  It is nice to not be the only entertainer for 

Andrew.  I actually was bored at times, and I had time to do what I wanted and not feel guilty.

Day 21 - I'm thankful for my scriptures.

I know that when I read I am more devoted to who I want to be.  They help me remember

what is most important.  I'm thankful for those people and the commandment they obeyed to 

share their story so we could learn from them.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I have felt it's truthfulness

 in my heart.  Somethings can only be felt (and not seen) and I know that 

that is the Holy Ghost testifying to my soul.  How thankful I am to have this direction in my life. 

Day 22 - Today I  am thankful for my family.

I miss them today.  This is the first Thanksgiving I have spent away from Idaho.  I called my mom and

everyone was there.  My nieces are growing up way too fast!  I've only got to hold my youngest niece once.

It would have been fun for Andrew to play with his cousins today.  He's old enough to run around

with the other kids now.  Don't get me wrong we had a terrific Thanksgiving.  I'm also thankful for people

who willing welcome us into their homes for a wonderful feast.  Some of them I've never met, and they were 

so kind to me.  I'm thankful I got to hold Andrew today for most of his nap.  It's difficult to nap in a different place.

I was happy to hold him, he is so quick to shake his head and squirm away from me these days before

I've had my fill of his sweet smell and squishy cheeks. I soaked up every minute he slept in my arms,

just like he used to.

Day 23 - Today I am thankful for people who are willing to help me.

I've been doing a lot of reading and researching for a Christmas Present and when I got 

overwhelmed and stressed about it I knew who the person to call who would know

 the answers and help make a good choice.  I find that with every situation in any category, I know of

someone to call who is willing to help.  When I have a building/house problem, I know who to call.  When

I have a health question I know who to call.  When I am frustrated about my kid and 

the weird things he is doing I call someone.  When I need a good craft idea I call someone.  Or

if I just need someone to talk to... I have plenty of support to call.  I'm thankful for my connections.

Day 24 - I thankful for the beginning to the Christmas season.

This is my favorite season.  I listened to Christmas music today.  I love the special Spirit that lingers everywhere.  

I'm turning to that lady who gets choked up at Walmart when I hear a special line in a Christmas song.  

I love the anticipation in the air, and the anxiousness I feel for what the people faces will 

look like when they open up what I'm getting them.

I love the special stories.  I love the miracles that happen.  I love to decorate.  I am soaking up 

my Christmas season's again.  I used to wish them away when I made mountains of Pumpkin Rolls, but 

now I'm enjoying them.

Day 25 - Today I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement.

We had a pretty amazing Sacrament Meeting at church today.  I felt the Spirit and love for my Savior.

I'm still learning, but I'm gaining a stronger testimony every day of his love for me.  I'm thankful for him as my

friend, my brother, my Savior, and my example.

Day 26 - I'm thankful for a meal plan.

 Planning ahead saves my bacon every night.  I love not having to think about dinner every night.  I've already 

done it and I know there is stuff to make it.  It also helps me save money.  Even though we had hot dogs,

& grapes tonight for dinner.... I planned for us to have that.  

Day 27 - Today I'm thankful for play dates!

They aren't just for the kids!  They are for mommy's too!

Day 28 - Today I'm thankful for a thermometer & health knowledge. 

Andrew's temp at it's highest today was 103.7.  Not really sure what he's got... some virus.  No puking (although I've been preparing myself for it all day), no runny nose, little cough, and still eats and drinks (in smaller per-portions, but still).  The nurse said it could be Roseola.  But I'm doing all that I can do and I'm thankful I already knew everything she told me.  I know my boy has to get sick sometimes.  I dread it, but know it is essential for his little body to have to fight off stuff to be strong and healthy.  I am grateful his body does produce a fever to fight off infection and I know it isn't a bad thing.  I have an ear thermometer and I love how easy it is to check his temp.  I know the basil temp is more accurate but I'm so glad I don't have to keep him still & calm for that long... thank you modern medicine!

Day 29 - I am thankful today for fresh air.
Andrew is still recovering from the high fever.  He still has a mild one, but is acting like himself more.
I think after a day of not leaving the house at all, the air in our home was getting stale.  Or in other words
I was sick of being inside.  I felt like I had a tiny headache and I wasn't sure if it was because I was 
getting something, I was dehydrated, or I just haven't been able to be as active lately.  Exercising has
proven to be a challenge lately because Andrew isn't content to sit in his stroller for long anymore, he
wants to be out and walking-- thus my pace is slower.  My brisk walk has turned into baby steps.  I 
guess we will start doing dancing and Zumba inside more.  Anyway, even though we aren't all better, we 
had to go outside today.  Then we went for a drive, which was very nice too.  I love fresh air and
the good it does for me and for my son!

Day 30 - Today I'm so thankful for NAPS!!!

Andrew has had a really hard time taking a nap the last couple days.  I don't know if it is because he is 
getting over something (go figure-- you'd think  he would want more sleep to recover) or because I need
 to start pushing his nap back some more.  HHHhhhhh!  This makes me very grateful for naps.
I'm also very grateful for a husband who knows when I'm at my whits end and I need a break... even
when he is very busy!

It has been fun to look back every day at those thankful moments.  I have a few everyday.  I thank
God for even the little thinks he has blessed me with.