Being Grateful

Things that my kids are thankful for
(Things that make them happy):

Katelynn 3 yrs and 10 months- Candy, princesses, & mommy's and daddy's.

Mason 2 yrs and 1 month- Trucks, four wheelers, & chocolate milk.

Things that I'm grateful for:

Family-I have a beautiful family who are my world. My husband and kids give me so much joy and I love them so much. I'm also grateful to my dad and Nancy for always being there with open arms. They do so much for all of us. I'm also grateful to my siblings for all good times. It's great that we can all get along.

Sisters- I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have a twin sister and to be able to grow up with a best friend for life. I believe that we were put together for a reason. Since my mother has been gone,we have had to rely on each other for support and it's brought us even closer. I'm also grateful to my other 5 sister in laws and 3 step sisters. They have become a big part of my life and I love them all.

The Gospel- There has been so many times in my life that if I didn't have the church to grasp onto, I would be lost. Life would be so much harder not knowing that we are all children of god and that we are all loved know mater what we do. I'm also grateful for the miracle of forgiveness because I am not perfect.

Freedom- having a chance to live a life of free agency, to speak our minds and the opportunity to be whatever we want to be. I'm also grateful to our troops out there defending our beautiful country.

Home- We just finished moving into a home we just purchased and I'm grateful to finally have my own stuff around me. If the kids make a mess on the carpet, it's my own problem. I'm glad that I can landscape our yard the way we like it and decorate our children's room the way they want it. And finally a home to call my own.

This picture was taken back in october. It was such a cute picture of some of the kids during fall I just had to share it.

Thanksgiving was at my dads this year. We split holidays every other year. One year will spend thanksgiving with one family and then Christmas with the other. Then we switch the next year. We have found that as a family it works out fairly and its easier for everyone. Each year we are able to see our whole family on both sides.
Holidays are there so that you can spend them together as a family.
Thanksgiving was great. We were all there except for Roby, Nancy's son. Heather, Nancy's daughter and her friend were there for the day. Kurt was there with his girlfriend for just a short while as well. It was great to finally meet her. We had our big turkey dinner which was very yummy and we played games after wards. On Friday a few of us went to black Friday at Walmart at 4:00 in the morning. It was so crazy, scary and fun all at the same time. Another thing we do as a family is go to the farm. The kids love to see the animals and to go four wheeling. Thanks Dad and Nancy for putting up with all 28 of us there.

Halloween Fun

For Halloween the kids were scarecrows. Katelynn was able to dress up twice; once for school, and second to go trunk-or-treating. Mason, well, we were not sure if he was going to be a scarecrow or a streaker because he kept taking his clothes off. At the trunk-or-treat all the kids were judged for there costumes and Katelynn won the best girl costume. She was so excited! She won a free desert from McDonald's, a little witch doll and a cute little medal that said spookalushes. After that we went to Grandma and Grandpa Hopes to visit for bit before we went to our Halloween party at Jenn and Zack Barns who are friends of ours. There were five couples with their kids. All of the kids had a ton of fun activities to do. It turned out to be a great party.

Bobbing For Apples.

They say that an apple will keep the Doctor away but it doesn't keep the tooth fairy away.

Donut tied to a string. This was fun. We as couples tried this one. The kids liked watching their parents make a foul of themselves.

Limbo, making hostess spiders, and decorating cookies. While we played games the kids watched movies.

My little girls first day of school...

So I think its pretty bad, that I have not put Katelynns pictures of her first day of school, even though its been a month. So here they are she my little poser buts its so hard to get her to hold steel long enough for me to get her eyes open. I steel cant believe that's she is old enough.







The cutest little Dance class you have ever seen
We have been pretty busy lately with school and getting our house ready to move in to.
We also have had Katelynn in a dance class but she has been out for this month since her teacher has been ill. katelynn has been missing it so here is a little video of her at her class doing part of her dance to "GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN".

In Loving Memory Of My Mother

Carol Elene Jewkes

My mom passed away three years ago today and I'm dedicating this post to her.
I love you, mom, with all my heart. You will always be in my thoughts and I will never forget you. Here is a blog that our family made in her honor along with some poems that speak from my heart. I did not write them, but found them and wanted to share what's in my heart.

http://carol5205.blogspot.com/

Always with you...
Your Mother is always with you.
She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,
she's the smell of certain foods you remember,
flowers you pick and perfume that she wore,
she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well,
she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.
She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep…
the colors of a rainbow,
she is Christmas morning.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter.
And she's crystallized in every teardrop.
A mother shows every emotion...
happiness,sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger,
helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...
and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
She's the place you came from, your first home,
and she's the map you follow with every step you take.
She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy,
but nothing on earth can separate you.
She's always with you...

Your memory will never grow old...
In my home there is a photo,
of a face more precious than gold.
And to those who love and lost you,
your memory will never grow old.
Today I look at your photo,
at your face so loving and true.
No wonder my heart is breaking mom,
losing a mother like you.
But each day you walk beside me,
and when my life is through.
I pray that god will take my hand,
and lead me straight to you.