Grateful #20

Excuse my absence.  I've been partying in AZ for the holidays.

Back to real life now....

Grateful #20

This is the Gila Valley Temple.

It is built on what used to be my grandparents cotton fields.

It is perfect.

I know my Granny would be delirious to have a temple,

literally, in her backyard.  

So bitter-sweet to visit these lovely grounds.

LOVE the temple.  MISS my Granny.

Grateful #19

Again, sorry for the absence of photo quality.

Today I'm grateful for all you can eat breakfasts.

This is Tyler's breakfast at the hotel this morning.

Yes, he ate it all.

Grateful #18

My poor phone doesn't take very good pics,

but I'm so glad I caught this moment.

I'm grateful today for 18 hour car trips when

my kids are forced to get along.

Even if it is when they are sleeping.

Grateful #17

I'm am so grateful for this beautiful girl!

She is the newest "Lady Warrior"...

LOVE IT! 

And how 'bout those contacts????

I haven't seen my Lulu without glasses since she was two.

She's gorgeous!

Maddie has her first basketball game tonight.

This morning she said, "I have butterflies in my tummy.

I think I have butterflies laying eggs in my tummy, making more butterflies."

She's a tad nervous.

She makes me smile, she makes me laugh, she helps me love.

Grateful for you today, sweet Madd.

Grateful #16

Today and everyday I am grateful for naps.  

I will take one any place, any time!

LOVE me a good nap!

Grateful #15

I'm so grateful I am able to start each day reading words directly from the mouths of our latter-day prophets. 

Grateful #13 & #14

Today I'm grateful (huge gulp) to have all FOUR of my critters playing basketball.

Tyler is playing JV, Kyle 8th grade A-team, and my little Lulu made the 7th grade girls team. The Rydgit is playing league ball.  Hooorrrrraaaaayyyyyyyy for us!

#14

I'm also so so grateful for my kids' friends.  All four have been blessed with buddies that bring out the best in them and I'm so grateful as their momma bear that I can trust the kiddos that are hanging out with my peeps!

There is a HUGE GULP inserted here, too.  Pictures below are of one of Ty's best buds, and his latest contribution to our decor.  

Correct - he bench pressed the weights right through our front window.  Did I mention how much I love my kids' friends?

That's right, buddy.  Keep smilin'.

The bill's in the mail.

Grateful #12

Today I am grateful to be married to a Christmas lovin' man.

Yes - this is our tree up on November 12.

Grateful #11

First of all, how awesome is the date today?

11/11/11

Seriously awesome.

I'm so grateful I was born and and raised in the USA.

I'm grateful I can fly an American flag outside my house.

I'm grateful to be able to worship how I want.

I'm grateful TX still says prayers at their school functions.

I'm eternally grateful for my family and friends that serve or have served in the Armed Forces.

I'm especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.

Thank you, veterans and all who serve.

Grateful #10

Today and am very grateful for

this little miracle.

I would be one grumpy momma without it.

Grateful #9

I'm so grateful for this guy.  Today he turned 38 big ones.  We have had so many private jokes and times where we've laughed till I thought I would die.  He is such an amazing brother, a great husband and father, and just a genuinely wonderful man.  He has the kindest heart of anyone I know. My kids ADORE him. Probably 'cause he is still a kid himself.  I love you, Shelm.  Happy b-day, little brother.

Grateful #8

We've had a lot of this.......

and this today.

And I am SO thankful for it!

Grateful #7

My, oh my! What did I ever do without this little jewel?

How did I survive texting on a flip-phone?

How did I ever know where my kids were?

How did I breathe without being able to check my emails...

whenever and wherever I want?

Without this baby, 

I would never look at facebook.

Thanks for being there for me.

I love you little red.

Grateful #6

 I have truly been born of goodly

...the absolute goodliest parents.

I love them with all of my heart.

They have exemplified all that I want to be. 

I love my brothers, sister, and their families.

I can seriously feel my heart swelling up as I 

look at them and think of each one of them.

I love you Elmer crew!!!!!!

Grateful #5

This chilly morning I am supremely grateful

for this sweet boy. 

As I was snuggled all warm in my bed,

he walked to Dunn Bros. and bought me....

 ...the most DELICIOUS hot cocoa.

What a wonderful way to wake up!

Thanks, Kyle-boy!