Day 20

Today I am grateful for:
1. Microwaves. Leftovers for lunch are so fast and easy!
2. Kadri's words. She calls her brother Grantie, markers are markies, then there's blankies, doggies, you get the idea. And no one else outside our family would understand her word for popcorn, and I definitely can't spell it, but she uses the same funny word each time.
3. Spiritual thoughts, like this quote given by a speaker during our church meeting:

“Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”

—President David O. McKay

Day 19

I am grateful for:
1. Shopping, eating, and laughing with my sister
2. My husband who watched the kids so I could do the above.
3. Primary music. I have been lucky enough to be the song leader for the children in our church. (It's called Primary.) Music is powerful- it can teach truth, and children singing truth goes straight to your heart. Beautiful......And I am preparing the night before. Better than Sunday morning, right?

Day 18

I am grateful for:
1. My dad. It was his birthday today. He is a great example to me. I love him!!
2. Moments in parenting where I can laugh at myself. Grant was micromanaging Kadri- telling her to chew her food, do this, do that. I kept getting after him for being bossy. And I realized- I was micromanaging him. That's probably where he gets it from. Ha!
3. Tender mercies from the Lord that remind that He cares very much about me and my family.

Festival of the Trees

 Grant and I played a couple of Christmas duets at The Festival of the Trees, a local fundraiser. It was his first time playing somewhere besides a recital. We played:  "March" from the Nutcracker, and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas."

Day 12-17

Ha! I got a little behind. Here's some catch-up. I am grateful for:

1. Last weekend! Tyson and I went to Utah. It was our first overnight trip without kids, and it was so fun. The kids stayed at my in-laws house and loved it. I don't think they missed us at all. We visited the LDS temple in Salt Lake City. Even though all temples serve the same purpose, it was extra special to be in the one that was such a part of the early pioneers' lives. We met up with my sister, Lindsey, ate good food and laughed a lot. Then we went to the BYU game. It was a blow-out, so excitement ended with the first quarter.  But it was so fun to be there! Cold, but fun. We had great seats. Thanks Reeds!

2. Grant's prayers. He always thinks of the simplest and best things to express thanks about in his prayers. Playing hide-n-seek made the list earlier this week. I should be more willing to do simple things with him because they really mean a lot to him!
3. The couple who spoke in our church last week. They talked about gratitude, and how we tend to forget how blessed we are.  So true.
4. Music, again. I'll post a video of Grant and I playing some duets. I also played some with Tyson and my mother-in-law. We get to play again at the Museum of Idaho when their Christmas display is up.
5. Oreo truffles. I will have self-control. I will have self-control...
6. Family around the holidays. Well I'm always grateful for family, but even more so around the holidays.
7. Sisters who can cook and share their recipes with me. I'll let you know how the pork turns out, Brooke!
8. Is anyone still reading this? If you are, I am grateful for you.
9. Magic Eraser. That thing sure comes in handy around here!!
Have a great weekend! Maybe I will even remember to post.

Day 11

Today I am so grateful for:
1. All those who have served or are currently serving our country. Living in a free country is something I often take for granted. I truly am grateful for those who make this possible, and for the families who support those who serve.
2. I am grateful for the chance to reflect on the influence that veterans have had on my life. Many grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, and cousins have served. Thank you!!!
3. Today's date. 11/11/11. And it will be extra awesome this morning at 11:11.

Day 9-10

Today (and yesterday, oops) I am grateful for:
1. Play-dough. Lots of entertainment for both kids. And me too.
2. An awesome younger sister. She is my hero. And I can't wait to see her this weekend! And eat good food, too! "I'd rather have good food than bad food any old day of the week."
3. Speaking of that movie, I might as well mention it. I am grateful for the "Ghost and Mr. Chicken." It's classic. Don Knotts at his best. When Tyson and I found out on our first (blind) date that it was both of our family's favorite movie, we knew we were meant to be! :)