I am so Thankful!!

My camera is still on the outs, but I just wanted include a few photos that I love. This week, has been one of really thinking of the upcoming holiday and thinking of what I am truly thankful for.

I think that Heather put it best on her blog, she said that the older she gets it is the little things that make her the happiest and that she is most thankful for. I too, find so much joy in the tiny moments that sometimes you can't put words to.

In any case, my heart is just brimming over with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all the little things and the really big things that he has blessed my life with. Of course family, friends, freedom, the gospel always top the list. But it is the underlying blessings that amaze me this year, the unseen force that connects us all, the wonder of the human body, how music influences us, the miracle of human touch, how a kind word or smile can mean so much, how the simple thought of a memory can make you smile or cry, the ability to see, hear, read, think, feel, move. The opportunity we have everyday to change to be a better person. How a good tight hug can make everything feel a little better.

I could go on and on, as I am sure all of you could too. Aren't we all blessed so much, with so much. What a beautiful time of year to stop and take a step back and realize all that we have and thank Heavenly Father for it. Love you all.

Twilight anyone?....

Okay, okay, despite the not so good reviews and sometimes super corny parts(hold on spider monkey!). I loved this movie! I don't know if it was that I got caught up in the whole high school girl fantasy, but there were seriously parts in this movie where my heart was racing and I was holding my breath. I know, I know it is all pretty silly, but I think deep down even if we don't want to admit it we all have that part of us that loves the fantasy and drama. I thought the music was super good too. Whatever the reason, I got sucked in.(pun not intended)

The Ending of a Wonderful Memory...

Please try to bare with the long blog and lots of pictures, I feel this is worth it. Last week, Cody, Kenzie and Brock finished the Kiln! And last Thursday they lit it. It was an excited day for all of those involved. We gathered at the kiln at 11:oo and Cody gave a little introduction and speech in his historic clothes. After that Kenzie lit it up. I think we were all feeling a little nervous, the wind was blowing so hard. We just wanted everything to turn out well. --The really crummy thing is, I literally took two pictures and my camera just stopped working. Oh, I was so mad! Thanks Kenzie, I had to use your picures. How am I gonna live without a camera?

The wind didn't stop it from it not turning out perfect. It lit up fine and burned beautifully.

View from the top of the kiln. From this point, it burns so hot, you only have a second to look over, it is extremely hot.
It was quite an exciting day, Fox & KSL news showed up to do a story. It was just fun to be in the midst of all of that. The newspaper also wrote a couple great articles. I was just happy the community took such an interest in something these guys have been working on so hard.

Cody doing his little interview. He did a great job!

Even John Hollenhorse came to get in on the action. He even did his 'throw a rock in the kiln while he is talking' to give a little bit more of a drama effect. We all just had to laugh.

Danny & Cody standing on top of the kiln. Great picture.

Sammyman and Cody looking up to the top.

Brock and Cody hanging out inside the kiln.

Cody on top of the kiln. I thought this was a cool picture with all of the smoke.

I had to include this picture of Brock-I think it is a great one.

Kenzie and Cody in front of the Kiln.


What a fantastic day! It has just done my heart happy, just because, Cody is so talented and creative and sometimes I think it goes unnoticed, this was nice to have him in the spotlight for once. He deserves it. I know Cody feels a little sad it's all over, after all he has been working on this project on and off since 2001. Another reason, is he has loved working with his little sis, and good friend Brock. I know they had some great times amidst all the hard work. It is just in his soul to do something as meaningful as this. Cody, Kenzie and Brock you all did an amazing job! We are so proud of you and all of the hard work you put into the kiln-it is beautiful!

Just a few loves lately...

Lately we have been working hard getting our leaves raked up and it has been quite a chore. We have five, yes five 'old English walnut' trees in our yard-they provide beautiful shade in the summer, but their leaves are a nightmare to get raked up in the fall. Not to mention all the walnuts that need to be cleaned up too.It was great to work as a family to get it all done. I love this... working together...outside...as a family. The weather could not have been better for such a thing. Absolutely beautiful day.

The last few blooms of fall, giving it their all before winter comes to take away their color.

Another great love...Grandma Jean, who could not adore her the minute they meet her. She just draws you in and loves you like she has known you forever, and she has, and you can truly feel that from her. This last weekend we got to go visit her and have Sunday dinner at her house, like we always used to. That felt so nice.
While there we dug up some peonies and iris' to transplant to our yard. These flowers, we figured have been in the family for over 120 years. Starting at Grandma Lindsay's beautiful yard, then moving twice with Grandma Jean and now to our house. I think they will fit our old house perfectly--I am so excited for this project this week.
Also while at Grandma's, Heather took some pictures of the kids of course-I couldn't help but to gush. You did great Heather---Sweet Sadiebug

Thoughtful Abigail.
Peaceful Emma.
Adorable Sam.

Another silly love lately-is my herbs drying by the old cook stove. They make our house smell so wonderful. Just to see them hanging there...it just makes me happy. I know, I'm a nerd. Growing/dryin herbs=happiness...I know. I can't help myself.

Another Birthday Shout out!!!

This one goes out to Kenzie; Happy, Happy Day!!! I hope this is a great one Kenz!

You are such a fun, creative, adventurous, talented, caring, wonderful, silly, smart, special person. Thanks for being such a good work partner for Cody and such a good friend to me. You are definitely one of the greatest people I know.

Happy Birthday Kenzie!!! We love you!!!

VOTE!!

Okay, I just have to put my two cents in today; Go Vote! I have been sad and dissapppointed lately when I have talked to people that are not registered or are just not voting for some reason or another; the silliest I think, is that they just don't agree with any of the candidates that are running. Well, I just have to say, choose the one that most closely represents your beliefs and standards and go for that. There is not going to be one that fits you 100%, but make your vote count. Whoever you vote for, let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made in our behalf(especially us women), so we can conveniently drive down to our local buildings and vote. We are so, so blessed in this country to have this opportunity, don't let yours slip by. Make time to go vote!--Okay that's all. I just love this country and I love you! so get out there and do it!

Celebrations all weekend...

What a crazy, fun, happy weekend we were able to have. We had a great November Birthday party at Grandad & Grammie's house. It was a party to Celebrate Kenzie, Christian and Grandad's birthdays.

It was a mystery theme, so Cody got to pull out all his old magic tricks and put on a little 'magic show' for us. The kids loved it and so did Cody. It brought back some memories for him. He was telling me when he was 7, he did a magic show in his school's talent show, and he was the winner.

I just had to laugh a little thinking of little Cody-Boy standing up on stage doing his little bag of tricks. So Cute!

Grammie had some fun games planned for the kids. A mystery game where the kids had to taste different foods while blindfolded and then guess what they were. And another game where the kids had to try and guess their mom/dad's hands & feet without seeing their faces.

We had a great time laughing, eating, opening presents and just being together. Thanks again Grandad & Grammie for the fun party, we loved it!

Also this weekend, Robert & Ashely's little girl, Maili was baptized. We were able to go to her baptism and spend some time with family. Congratulations Maili, we are all so proud of you!

While at the baptism, I was able to take a few pictures of these two monkeys: Tehani & Sadie.
They are not ones to hold still for long, so it was quite an accomplishment.

They are both so cute and spunky.

Sitting still just long enough to have a treat.

Also Saturday was Danny & Karen's 37th wedding anniversary! What wonderful in-laws they are, I could not ask or wish for any better. You guys are such a great examples to me-Love you!

Happy Halloween! The weather was so dreamy for a Halloween night in our area. It sprinkled a little, but other than that the kids could just go without their coats. Because it was so warm, we just let the kids keep going and going, we stayed out late and had so much fun.

Abigail was a little Chinese girl, Emma was Nancy Drew, Sam was Spider man, and Sadie was about four different things this year; but on Halloween she decided on Cinderella. It was so fun walking around the neighborhood with them and just watching them run from house to house.

We ended the night going over to some of our friends home for homemade doughnuts and hot cider. We had a simple Halloween with friends & family this year and it was wonderful.

I had to take pictures of these costumes that my friend Sandy made. I thought they were so, so cute. The pictures are blurry, but the costumes were about the cutest things you've every seen. I couldn't get Annabell to hold still long enough for a picture.

This is Sammy's friend Ben in his fish costume. So cute!