family photos and good samaritans

Today I am thankful that after almost 11 years of marriage and 4 children, we finally got some family pictures taken. The fact that we haven't done it until now is pretty ridiculous. We had a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see if our photographer got some good shots (we are kind of notorious for being unphotogenic people).

After our pictures were taken, our car wouldn't start. But I am thankful for all of the nice people who stopped to help us, including a neighbor who was passing by and gave me and the kids a ride home. People are good, I tell you, and because of their kindness we were on our way in no time.

I'm a little bit sad to see my month of Thanksgiving posts come to an end. They have been so much fun, and such a great exercise in focusing on the good things in my life. This is what I have learned: money might be tight, and things might not always go like I've planned, but I have so so much to be thankful for.

And now I think I am officially ready for Christmas. Yay.

our town

Elliot and I went antiquing yesterday. Should I have been doing laundry, or sewing dresses, or getting over my cold in bed instead? Probably. But the Antique Plaza was calling my name. I didn't find what I was looking for, but we had a good time anyway. Which brings me to my gratitude post for the day. I am thankful for our town, for the small bit of history here, for the good and diverse people, and that even though I didn't grow up here, it feels like home.

health

There's nothing like getting sick to make you appreciate your health. My low-grade cold turned nasty yesterday and I spent most of the day in bed (p.s. I am thankful for my bed). I am very thankful for a strong, healthy body that usually does everything I need it to.

home again

We had such a fun weekend in California, but I am very thankful to be home. I'm thankful that our drive went quickly yesterday, and that we didn't run out of gas in the middle of the desert, because we kind of almost did. I am thankful that the ocean isn't more than half a day away, and I'm thankful that on day 27 of my month of Thanksgiving I can still find lots of things to be thankful for.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

grandparents, the ocean, and a veggie burger

This morning we went to the beach to look at the ocean and feel the cool breeze on our faces (also so my brothers could surf). Then we spent the afternoon at my grandparents' house looking through old family photos and drinking lemonade. Then burgers and shakes at Ruby's! This might have been my most perfect day. I am thankful for ocean air and the feeling I get when I walk into my Grammy's house. I'm thankful for banana cream dream shakes and veggie burgers. Mostly though, I'm thankful for a day spent with my favorite people.

food and family

We had some serious turkey preparation discussions around here yesterday. It was pretty funny. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love spending time with family and eating yummy food, and not feeling pressure to do anything but count my blessings and eat more pie. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope yours was, too! Today I am thankful that my brother Matthew, and his wife, Katie, opened their beautiful home to us this weekend. I don't think my kids ever want to leave.

safe travels

We arrived at my brother's house safely last night and my kids are in heaven. I am thankful for a safe arrival (and a pretty view of the distant ocean!) and for cousins who are so much more than best friends.

I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving!

laundry

I did a lot of laundry yesterday. I think I washed Elliot's entire wardrobe. But you know what? It was easy. All I had to do was move one load from the washer to the drier and over again a few times. I am so thankful that I didn't have to go to a laundromat, or beat the clothes on a rock in a river, or stir them in a big pot of boiling water and wring them out by hand. I have it easy, and I am just so grateful.

beauty

Early yesterday morning, I woke up to a whopper of a storm. When the sun came out, the world was scrubbed clean and sparkly. I never thought the desert was beautiful, but these past six years here have taught me that beauty is everywhere. I am so thankful for it.

teeny babies

Mike's sisters both gave birth to a baby girl last month. They are so sweet. Last night I got to snuggle baby Mary for a bit. I am awfully thankful for new babies to hold. Each one is such a little miracle.

the weekend

You know you're having a good weekend when you find yourself out to breakfast on Saturday morning. Mike and I had so much fun at the Giant Hamburger on our date Friday night, that we went back the next morning with our boys. I'm so thankful for the weekend. We get to spend lots of time together, and no one has to go to school or work. Oh, I love it! Did you do anything fun?

freshly lightenend locks

I got my hair done yesterday. It was so nice to wake up this morning with blond roots! As shallow as this may sound, I am thankful for whoever discovered partial weaves, and for a talented hairdresser who makes my hair the color it was meant to be.

I hope you are having a nice weekend!

date night

When Mike asked me to marry him, I felt like I had won some sort of humongous grand prize. I still feel that way. He is the best guy I know, and I am so thankful that he's mine. I'm thankful for date nights, too. Tonight we ate burgers and fries and then headed to the temple. It was a much needed break for both of us, and it just felt really great to be together.

little things

Today I am grateful for good mascara days and jeans that fit. I am thankful that Stella had a fun birthday (see here) and for leftover cake. I am thankful that the sun is shining and that Mike is home. I am thankful for texting conversations with my sisters and smiling, happy babies. And I am very thankful that I sold something on Craigslist this morning, because sometimes you list things and they never ever sell.

Sometimes it feels really good to be thankful for all of the little things.

Stella

Oh my Stella! She turns four years old today. I am so thankful for her happy, chatty, stubborn little self. Our family would not be the same without her. I asked her if she wanted her three best cousins over for a party and she said she wanted everyone over instead. So, we are having all of her cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents who live in town over for cake tonight. It should be a good time.

winter grass

Every time I drive up to my house these days, I smile. Our winter grass is in full effect and it is beautiful. Mike's hard work has totally paid off. It is thick and lush and so green. I love our winter rye! I know it sounds silly, but I am thankful for it. When I feel it's soft coolness between my toes, I forget for a minute that I live in the middle of the desert.

sunday dinners

My kids live for Sunday nights spent at Mike's parents' house. I'm pretty sure it's the highlight of their week. I am thankful that we live close and are able to see them often. I'm thankful that they are willing to feed us each week, and let us make a big mess in their playroom. I'm thankful for good food and good company. Mostly I'm just so grateful to be part of their family.

My contribution to last night's dinner were these brownies. Oh dear. I don't think I'll ever use a brownie mix again.

original art

I found this picture taped to my bedroom wall, up "high" so Elliot couldn't reach it. It is the latest in a series of drawings by my Stella. It is a picture of the two of us, which seems to be her favorite subject these days. I am thankful for kids who love to create, and for the sweet pictures and notes and stories they leave for me to find.

biscuits and forever families

Yesterday found us with too much buttermilk and not enough syrup. So pancakes were out the window for breakfast. Instead, I made a batch of my Grandma B's buttermilk biscuits. As I was mixing the butter into the dough with my fingers, I started to think about my grandma. Her bright red hair, and the way she wore pantyhose with her old green bathing suit, her strong arms and slender frame. Her happy smile and tender hugs. I am so thankful to have known her. I believe that families can be sealed together forever, and that I will see my Grandma B again someday, along with all of the others who came before me. I will see them and I will know them, and that makes me feel very grateful.


Grandma B's Buttermilk Biscuits

2 2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4-5 tablespoons Crisco (this time I used butter instead)
1 cup buttermilk

Sift dry ingredients. Cut in Crisco. (You can use two knives, or a food processor, but I just use my fingers.) Stir in milk quickly with a fork. Knead for about 20 seconds, then roll out and cut. Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes.

I think baking biscuits is an art, one that I haven't quite mastered. But this much I know: don't overwork the dough, be quick when mixing and rolling or patting into shape. I use a drinking glass to cut out my biscuits because that's what my grandma did. And I like to serve them straight from the oven with a bowl full of molasses for dipping.

Here is a great biscuit tutorial.

sisters

A few days ago, my sister-in-law, Lindsi, and I met at the park behind my house. We had a nice visit while our kids played in the warm autumn sun. Yesterday, I loaded Stella and Elliot up in the Grand Wagoneer to spend the morning at Ginger's house. While I was there, I chatted with Leslie on the phone for a minute. I am completely surrounded by wonderful women in my sisters, and I am so very thankful for each one of them! We all get along so well, and they are my closest friends.

early morning light

The sun rises right outside my kitchen window. I love the way the light streams in. It immediately boosts my spirit and starts my day on a happy note, even when it is so intense that I have to close my eyes while I wash the breakfast dishes. I am so thankful for it!

sewing

When I was about 10, my mother sent me to sewing classes at our local fabric store. I am so glad that she did! I love seeing the possibility in a bolt of pretty fabric. Or creating something special from nothing, or mending something that is broken. I am thankful to have a skill that I really enjoy doing, and a teeny little space to call my own.

practice practice practice

I love our pretty old piano a lot. Last year it even made it onto my thankful list. This year, I am grateful that Mabel and Oliver are able to take piano lessons. Playing the piano is something I've never been able to do, so I am extra thankful that my kids are willing to give it a try.

old friends

When I went away to college, I found some pretty great life-long friends. I am so thankful for them! We are spread across the western states now, but sometimes we are really lucky and we get to see each other in person. I love when that happens. I am grateful that Lindsey was at my house this weekend with her little family. We picked up right where we left off, just like I knew we would.

He even wore a tie.

Today was Elliot's first time attending nursery at church. I am pretty sure he loved it. I am so thankful for people, like his sweet nursery leaders, who faithfully fulfill their callings. It takes so many people, freely giving their time, to make a ward run smoothly. I am thankful for my own calling (I get to teach the New Testament to a rambunctious group of 10 year olds), for the things those children teach me, and for the opportunity I have to focus on the simple truths of the gospel.

big hugs and happy kids

Now that the weather is nice, Elliot and I sit outside and wait for Mabel and Oliver to get home from school. I think it might be his favorite moment of the day. As soon as he sees them near the tangerine tree, he starts running. It makes all of us so happy! I am thankful for children who love each other, and are kind to one another. I know they have their moments, but on the whole, they are a very pleasant bunch, and I am just so glad.

Because babies don't keep.

I am a firm believer in rocking babies to sleep. I think it's good for the babies and good for the mamas, too. I am thankful for a baby who still requires lots of rocking, because he is most likely our last, and I'm not quite ready to give this habit up.

p.s. I can't read the verse at the end of this post by my sister without tearing up. It gets me every single time.

a quiet life

This month of thanksgiving is all about finding gratitude in the everyday, small moments of my life. I like the challenge of snapping a picture sometime during my day that represents my feelings in that moment. It is so satisfying. Are you doing it, too?

After I sent my kids to school yesterday, and Elliot was taking his morning nap, I looked around my silent house and felt immensely grateful for this quiet little life of mine. I am living the life I always imagined for myself. I realize that this is a great blessing. I am thankful that Mike so willingly carries the burden of providing for our family, so that I can stay home full time. He works hard to create our life, and I am grateful for his sacrifice.

A special bonus gratitude for today: a happy marriage. I posted a little bit of our love story a few weeks ago. Beautiful Senja has posted more here.

home

I knew this house was where we'd raise our children the moment I stepped in the front door. Our home is far from perfect, but it is just right for us. I am so thankful to have a bright and happy place to keep my family safe.

a month of Thanksgiving

Last November, I posted something I was grateful for every day, all month long. I loved it so much, that I am doing it again this year. I hope you'll play along! Today I am thankful for this autumn season. I like the cooler weather, and feeling cozy and being a homebody, but mostly I like the focus on counting blessings and feeling thankful. It makes me a better person, I think.