#25

Today I am thankful for light. I am thankful for having electricity, the sun,angels among us *both seen and unseen* and The Son. I am thankful for the light and truth of discernment, prayer, and the scriptures. We see many people in the world crave for the light and truth of why we are here. I am thankful that I can turn to the scriptures or prayer when life around us gets dark. For some odd reason,Last night was kind of a weird night with Trent being gone to St.George. Maybe, it was the book I was reading. Let's just say the song came into my mind "So when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray." I am thankful for the calming peace that can come so quickly when we need it. I am thankful for the light others give off and it makes you feel so much better to be around them.

If anyone is interested, we are trying to get things together to give to the homeless shelter and food bank. Each year Trent's family gives christmas to a another. This year this is the assignment. We are trying to get everything ready by Dec. 13th. So if anyone wants to join in let me know!

#24

I am so thankful for Faith. I knew after I had Austin that there was another little one waiting. I knew it would be a girl and for some odd reason Trent and I both liked the name Faith. We had her name picked out when Austin was a baby. Her pregnancy was VERY hard! I was so anxious for her to be born! Faith is such a cutie pie. I remember seeing her for the first time, she unlike the others was screaming her head off! She looked just like my baby pictures!! I was glad my family came up to see her right after she was born. She was born on 08/08/08 during the Olympic opening ceremony! I just loved her cuddly chubby cheeks! She was our biggest baby weighing in at 7'5. That first night however, her lips were turning blue so she had to go to the special nursery. That was a huge bummer, but she is ok. She was blessed two weeks after she was born in my home. We did it so soon because Trent's parents were here from a break on their mission to see our niece get married. My kids just love Faith. Hannah thinks she is the mom. People would come over and Hannah would be carrying Faith around, it would freak people out. Now Faith is getting too big for Hannah to hold! I remember the first time she made a sound, Hannah had snuck into our room. Faith started making little cooing sounds and Hannah couldn't stop laughing. It was cute! Hannah also liked to pose Faith and give her toys to play with. Faith now looks at me like she knows who I am. She loves to be in my bed and coos when I try to feed her. Must be happy! Faith loves her little boopee chair and smiles all the time. I love this precious little girl and so thankful that she came to us. Her little nickname is Faithy. I love you Faith Sienna!

#23

I am so thankful for my little boy Austin! As I said earlier that Hannah is a daddy's girl, well Austin is a mommy's boy. I guess I treated him like a baby without my knowing because when Faith was born, he had a hard time adjusting. It was quite sad to see. Now he loves his little sister and loves to help out. When I had Austin I remember it was dark outside and we had a little light above me in the hospital room, I felt like my little angel was soon to be in my arms. When he was born I thought "Wow his facial features look just like Hannah's!" He too didn't cry he just looked all around! His aunt Sheryl came and took some pictures of him the next day. He looked like he was smiling in them (they are the pictures on the top right hand side with him in white) The next day he had to go to the NICU. It was so sad to see my little buddy with needles and tubes. Luckily he was fine and got to come home three days later! Austin loves milk more than anyone I know! Austin loves ANYTHING spider man! That kid wears his Halloween costume outside to the park still. I am sure you all see this kid riding around on his spidey bike in his outfit. Trent and I can't wait until that costume happens to get to small. jk Austin loves his sisters. He loves playing with Hannah. He is such a silly boy and says the silliest things. I laugh at him because his laugh is contagious. Some of his favorite things to do are make cookies, play with Hannah and her friends, and ride his bike. He is going through his "terrible twos" late! He has been acting up and loves to tell me "No". Little stinker. When Austin was a baby he weighed 6'5 and looked like a little bird. You can see me holding a doll up to him in these pictures. He lost his hair and reminded me of the little cartoon "Calliou" Austin loves preschool and pizza! His nick names are Austin Boston and Bud. I love you buddy!

#22.

I am so thankful for Hannah. She was the one that made me a mom! I remember being pregnant with her, I was so small that my neighbor didn't know I was expecting until I brought her home from the hospital. I think it was because I wore Trent's shirts as well. In the picture of me 9 months pregnant with her, I am wearing one of my brides maid dresses from my wedding.I remember watching her bounce around in my tummy when I would go swimming. I remember seeing her face for the first time on my stomach after the Dr. delivered her. I kept thinking wow, this is MY kid! She didn't cry she just sat there and looked right up at me. Hannah had this strip of hair on the top of her head that I would always curl with my finger. It feels like yesterday. When Hannah was a baby she would do these cute little faces and go cross eyed. I would always call it her "bird face " Hannah had such a small little nose and today I see Faith doing the same little bird face. Hannah has always been close to Trent. She is his daddy's girl. I think sometimes both Hannah and I are stubborn so we both butt heads until one of us gets our way! LOL. Hannah loves her cousin Brinley. We would always go over to my mom's house and do fun little things with my sister Kelli . Hannah would much rather live at Grandma's house, she is very close to my mom. Hannah loves to call her Nana, she is very close to her as well! She has such a high pain tolerance I never know if she is sick unless she gets a high fever. She once had a fever of almost 106. I had to rush her to the E.R. When she was really little I told the dr. I thought she had strep throat. He told me babies couldn't get it, and it was really rare. I told him to check anyways and sure enough she had strep. Hannah used to have such a spunky attitude it was cute. If you haven't noticed she is very petite, and was walking at 9 months. People would watch her in disbelief to see this little baby walking! Hannah loves playing anything girly. She is a hoarder the older she gets, and loves to stuff all kinds of things under her bed. Hannah loves kids and tries to be a mom to Faith. Hannah loves playing with her brother Austin. Hannah loves reading and doing homework. She truly is my little princess and I do love her!! (sheryl how do you make these pics bigger?)

# 21 Sacrafice

I am thankful for sacrifices. Many people in my life have sacrificed for me so that I could be who I am today. It all starts with my parents. What a sacrifice it was for my mom to stay home with us kids. She could have worked as a teacher like she did before she had kids, but chose not to. I don't know what I would have done without my mom at home. I was one of those shy, needing tender, loving, care that only my mom could give me. I think that is why I chose to stay home with my kids, because of her example. I am so thankful for my dad to take on the load of providing for our family growing up. I know he may think he didn't make enough, or what not but I beg to differ. I had the best childhood and love that any person could ask for. I am so thankful that he allowed my mom to stay home with me. Growing up I saw what a sacrifice it has been on my dad but I am so thankful for his loving example and hard work. I don't know a harder worker. I am thankful for the sacrifice Trent gives for me and my kids. He allows me to stay home and does everything he can so that I can be with the kids. It isn't easy but it's worth it. I know not all families feel the same way and that is fine. I think mothers who have to work are sacrificing a lot to be away from their kids so that they can provide for their children. What a great love those mothers have for their babies and wants whats best for them. Each family is different and has different sacrifices. Then of course there is the biggest sacrifice of our savior, and heavenly Father. We had to give talks a couple weeks ago in church on Charity. I never thought of the hard sacrifice the Father had to go through to see his son go through something no human being ever could. I am sure he feels that way when he sees his other children hurting as well. My heart goes out to the people who had to give up their lives not many years ago during the holocaust, for the sacrifice others had to help save them. The reason of this post is my sister Kelli wrote about my grandma who gave up her life for her daughter. Kelli put it in a way no one else could so I hope she doesn't mind me quoting her


Kelli Said "My Grandparents on their first Anniversary June 15, 1946In my last grandparent post, I only spoke of my Maternal Grandparents, but I am also thankful for my other set of grandparents. Unfortunately, My grandmother was murdered defending her daughter about 8 years before I was born. When I think of my grandmother, I think of the scripture in John, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend" My grandmother gave the ultimate sacrifice, her life. From that act alone, I can determine that she must have been a very selfless person. My grandmother was also beautiful and petite" I still see hurt in my dad from that sacrifice. The nice thing to know is that one day we will all be able to meet or see her again. I truly am thankful for all sacrifices, big or small. I think they bring us closer to God.

Trent's Birthday!

For Trent's birthday we went out with some friends of ours to Tepankaki, and to see the new James Bond movie. *James Bond was WAYYYY better then Twilight!!* It was really fun to have everyone there! Thanks for the m & m's Lyndee, I kept sneaking some LOL It is so fun to hang out with all of you and Trent had a great birthday!

Twilight? What a Joke! I read the books while I was pregnant and for some odd reason couldn't put them down. Except the last one I never finished. My sister in laws bought me a ticket to go see the movie. Really sad! I don't think I have sat through a more slower movie before! It was like a made for tv movie. It was almost comical ,which reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite! I think the same five extras where in each scene. Then there were weird scenes (Baseball scene) that looked like they were trying to be in a photo shoot! The acting, wow talk about monotone the whole time. There was probably three good actors, but the rest made me laugh. I thought that they might have been able to make a good movie from the book, but was very disappointed. However, I was never one of those obsessed women who just really needed more action from their husband in the first place, instead of fantasising and getting my jollies from a fake character. There were plenty of those women in the theater. I could hear them oohing and ahhing throughout the show. The last 15 minutes were ok. This show was just as awkward as this picture! Sad. Sad.

#17

I am thankful to pay for my car registration, because I know I have a car. That car has been so good to us I pray everyday for it's safe return home!

#18
I am thankful to pay for our house taxes, because I know that I have a home. After living in apartments with loud children, I am so grateful to have somewhere to call "ours" well sorta since it really isn't ours until it's all paid off you get what I am saying anyways.

#19
I am thankful for paying bills to my anesthesiologist and hospital because it shows that I was able to have my baby in a safe environment with the best invention of all time- an epidural! Sure comes in handy when your at an 8 and ready for some relief!!

#20
I am grateful for those days when I am sick, because then I know what it is like to be healthy!

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#16

I am thankful for my siblings! We have had some great memories, whether it be sad ones, or joyful ones I am glad I lived my life with my wonderful siblings. I think I am who I am today, because of the household I grew up in!



I am thankful for my sister Kelli. I remember so many memories growing up with Kelli. I shared a room with her my whole life. I enjoyed the games we would play together growing up. I always looked up to Kelli and wanted to hang out with her and her friends all the time. When Kelli was a young teenager I was locked out of my room many times when she had her friends over. I also got the blame for when neighbors would tell on Kelli and her friends for watching " 90210". As we got older we became closer. I loved coming to visit Kelli when she was at Ricks college. When I was a teenager I loved hanging out with her and her Trent. We both married Trents. When I had kids we always went to fun places with our kids and mom. I miss that. Kelli is very smart and funny. When I was pregnant with Faith, we all went to a funeral for our neighbor. Every time I looked at Kelli I would start to cry, then it would make her cry and make me laugh and cry even more. Finally I just couldn't look at her anymore. Kelli is a great mom with her kids. She is a very nurturing person and always has been. Maybe that is why she is so good at her job- a nurse. One of my favorite memories, (besides all the jokes we would play on people)is going on a cruise with her and her co workers back in 2004. It was a blast!



I am thankful for my older brother Chad (Kelli's Twin). I think each girl needs an older brother! Growing up Chad was a punk! He liked to tease us so much. He would always bug Kelli and I as we were eating breakfast before school. I remember in first grade I liked this kid and Chad and Kelli started singing in front of the whole school "Jamie and Andrew sitting in a tree..." I don't know how I survived growing up with the twins! I remember Chad would try to run around the house with the toilet plunger and brush and brush my hair with it. We had some pretty good fights. He would make you laugh out of pure frustration! I remember playing sports with Chad in the street with other neighborhood kids. I remember when Chad came home off his mission he didn't even recognize me. We became good friends after that and I loved hanging out with his friends. I think he might have had a hard time at first when I started going on dates with some of his friends (probably because they had no one else to go with) I enjoyed all the fun things we would do and all his friends that would come with us. This is why every girl needs a big brother, so she can flirt with all his friends. We would always go play volleyball at Barnes Park on the weekends. I always would ride with Chad in his car and listen to his awesome Spanish music. Chad is now almost done with Med School and has accomplished many things in life. Number one is getting married. We were worried with all his teasing who would be able to handle him. Thankfully a cute Russian girl came along! She keeps him in line. jk. They will soon have their first baby in two weeks, I am so excited! Chad will be a good dad, he really does care for people


I am thankful for my brother Scott. Scott and I used to fight a lot. I remember the day we became friends. He was fighting with my mom about a mission and ran downstairs all huffy and puffy. I had a wedding to go to and wanted to tell him to just stop arguing with mom and just do what he thinks is best for him. ( I knew he would come around) I went downstairs and asked if he wanted to go with me to a wedding. He was all raunchy until I told him he could stay home with mom and keep fighting or come with me to a wedding. He decided to go. We had a good discussion on the way there and finally he started to grow up LOL *he thinks I became cool, I told him it was him that changed, I always was.* That was March 12, 2005. I remember Scott would love to make funny faces in all of our wedding pictures! Just wait until you get married Scott. He also thought it would be funny to say " Jamie has Hemorrhoids" on my wedding video. The videographer must have thought that was so hilarious because he added it in! Like I said, Just wait until you get married. I remember at my brothers wedding, my dad dared Scott to go get in some wedding party's picture at the temple. I wonder to this day if they think " who the heck is that kid?" I enjoyed all our talks and that he would confide in me. I enjoyed meeting his dates. Scott is so fun to be around and is SO funny. He has a very quick wit and I enjoy being in his presence. He is almost done serving his mission in Florida and we can't wait for him to come home! I have many memories with Scott, but my favorite ones are the ones right before he left on his mission. I think Scott and I see eye to eye on a lot of things. When Kelli and Chad start yakking away on who knows more *remember ones a nurse the other in med school* Scott and I would turn and start talking to each other. I laugh thinking about the funny things he used to do. Scott is very smart at history and such a great guy! Can't wait for you to come home!

I am thankful for my little sister Erin! Erin is a very generous sister! She also shared a room with me! Erin has always been a very loving, outgoing person. I remember playing dress up and barbies with her. Now that we are older I love doing her hair and make up when she has a dance or play to go to. She is a very hard worker and my kids love her! If you ever want to hear some embarrassing stories, Erin is the person to go to! That girl has had her fair share of stories! One of my favorite stories was at my grandparents house on thanksgiving probably ten years ago. My grandma had spilt the whipping cream all over the floor and it splattered EVERYWHERE. It splattered all over the cupboards and ceiling. Everyone yelled, "ERIN!" when it spilt. Poor Erin it wasn't even her that did it. I will always remember taking Erin driving since my mom wouldn't. Let's just say thankfully she became a better driver then when I first took her. It was fun though, why go to Lagoon when all you needed to do was let Erin drive your car! jk. I am grateful for having a little sister!




I am thankful for my little brother Sean! Sean has a very big heart! He loves to play with my kids and is such a cute boy. I keep thinking of the little boys still as if they were 3 and 6. I remember when Ryan was born, we would be reading Scriptures and poor Sean would get mad and run out of the room. I see Austin had done the same thing when faith was born. I guess they got kicked out of their place! Sean is a funny guy and loves to share his stuff with me. He always asks me if I want some gum or candy. If I say no thanks, Ryan says he wants some, but Sean will say no. LOL He just wanted to share with me. He does what I tell him to and that is nice as well ! jk. My kids always want to talk to Sean and Ryan on the phone. He is a very generous guy and does so well with little kids. You are going to be a great dad one day Sean! I love his contagious laugh, I may not know why he is laughing but when I hear it, I start laughing too.

I am thankful for my little brother Ryan. Ryan was my little buddy. He was born when I was 14. I loved taking care of him. He would come to me and I liked to think of myself as his second mom. I remember going off to college and seeing his sad little face. He was not happy that I was leaving him. When I brought Trent home to meet the family, Ryan did not like that Trent was taking me away! Ryan is a very handy guy and likes to fix things. When my family has a problem, Trent always says to tell my mom to get Ryan on the phone, so Ryan can go fix it. He also loves the little kids, but he really does love to tease them like they are his siblings!



I also have an angel sister Chelsea. I am sad to think she wasn't able to grow up with us kids, but I look forward to the day when I can put my arms around her and enjoy her as my sister!

#15

I AM SO, SO, SO THANKFUL FOR TRENT!!!
Words can't express how much I love him. How better my life has become since I have met him. The person I am because of him. Trent is such a great dad, husband, and friend. I remember the first time he held Hannah. Hannah and Trent have always been close. Trent would let Hannah play the computer, or xbox with him. He loved to push her out in the swing in our back yard in Ogden. He loved her little spunky attitude as a small girl. Trent has gets a kick out of Austin. He loves that Austin tries to dress up as Trent (He has to wear a work shirt like his dad and a hat) Trent likes taking Austin for rides in his truck. He really is a little Mini Trent. Trent like kids when they hit about two years old. I have caught him playing and smiling with Faith. He loves her so much. Faith loves it when Trent will hold her, it makes her calm down. Trent loves his family, computer games, movies, friends, games, good food, xbox games, that he provides for us, four wheeling, motorcycling, and so much more. Trent is a wonderful father and I am so proud of him. I am so thankful that he allows me to stay home, and does everything in his power to allow that. I am so thankful that he is such a handy guy and is good at his job. I love our "love story" of meeting. I loved being around Trent. He was the only person I felt really safe and could trust while dating. I loved the fun "brownie" sides he would have, the pool parties we did, and all the fun shooting/caving/ four wheeling we did. I love all the creative dates he would do for us. I love being his wife. Trent is easy going and doesn't treat me like I am his mom or he is my dad. I love that we treat each other as we would want the other half to be treated. He respects me. I respect him. I love that he isn't bossy, or annoying to me LOL. I love that we can joke around and that we have the same sarcastic sense of humor. I love WHEN he writes me love letters. I love little surprises for him. I hate to clean but I love to have him come home to a clean house. I love being in his arms. I love that we tell each other everything and that we are best friends. I am glad he wants me to go have fun with friends. I am glad he is willing to let me do whatever I want LOL. I am glad he wants me to have a good relationship with my family. There are so many memories Have with Trent. My favorite thing about Trent besides all the wonderful things he does for our little family, is that he is mine forever. God must really love me because he sent me the perfect man for me. I love You Trent!! Happy 30th Birthday!!!!

#14 What's in a kiss?

I am thankful for hugs and kisses, even the choclate kind!
I love the kisses my mom would give me when I would fall and scrape my knee.
I am thankful to give kisses to my children as they scrape theirs.
I am glad I was never embarrassed to hug and kiss my parents in front of the school as they dropped me off, even up until high school. (on the cheek of course)
I am grateful for the hug I was able to give my dying grandma in the hospital that night. I am glad my sister Kelli was with me and that we both witnessed my grandma giving my grandpa one last hug.
I am thankful for the hugs we receive when those we love pass away.
I will always remember the hugs I gave a family when their 20 year old daughter died. I have never been hugged like that before. They were desperately needed and given.
I will always remember the hug I gave my dad when he came back from the war.
I am thankful for the hugs I gave the men in my life when I was baptised and confirmed
I will always remember the hug I gave my brother as he came home from his mission. Something magical happened... he grew up and we were actually friends!
I will remember the hugs I gave and received from my best friends growing up when hard times hit.
I will always remember my first kiss in a movie theater LOL
I will always cherish the first hug Trent gave me as a friend. I felt secure and always wanted to be in his arms. I remember the first time I KISSED HIM. Our first kiss. I will remember more than anything the first time I saw Trent after a couple months of being away, and how that hug meant more to me then anything. I wonder if that is how it will be when I see him again after we die. I look forward to those hugs.
I am thankful for seeing my parents hug and kiss when I was little. I knew they loved each other.
I am thankful for the sloppy, slobbery kisses my little kids give me, that make my cheek all wet.
I am thankful for the quick goodbye kisses Trent and I give each other, before he goes to work each day.
I am thankful for the goodnight kisses I give my children after I sing them to sleep.
I am thankful for the hugs friends give when trouble arises.
I was never a huggy person unlike Trent. I will always remember the hugs he gave all the girls in college before we were dating LOL. JK
I will always remember the first hug and kiss as husband and wife.
I will remember the hug *and the advice* my sister Kelli gave me as Trent and I were leaving the reception center to go on our honeymoon!
I enjoy hugs from the elderly people I visit.
I miss the hugs the first kids I taught in St.George would give.
I will always remember the hugs given from my siblings.
I look forward to the hugs and kisses of my future children and/ or grandchildren.
I am thankful for this gesture of love, happiness, and brightness during times of joy, or sadness a hug always makes it better!

#13

I am thankful for music!



Weezer!- (I really like "My name is Jonas" but I like this one as well, and the video is cool!)


Smashing Pumpkins!-(reminds me of high school, the music not the video LOL)


Linkin Park ( I like this video)


Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies:


Cuppy Cake




and many, many more! Each song to me brings back a memory

#12 Movies

I am thankful for fun movies!! Trent and I love to watch movies together. Here are some of the movies that stick out right now.

For some odd reason this makes me laugh. About A Boy:

First movie that made me cry. My Girl.(maybe because I was in love with Macaulay Culkin, why I have no idea! )


All time favorite movie. Vertigo ( LOVE Alfred Hitchock & James Stewart)

Favorite Movie Singer
Doris Day in "The man who knew too much"( I want this played at my funeral~)
Favorite Holiday movie: (It's a Wonderful Life)

Favorite Scary Movie: The Changeling *not Changeling*

Favorite Romantic Movie The Notebook:

I could go on and on listing favorite movies but those where the ones that came up in my mind first. I love a good movie!

Movie that gives me the chills every time I hear the opening song: World Trade Center

#11

Today is a perfect time to say how thankful I am for the service men and women who are both living and dead that fight for our freedoms. My family has always been very patriotic people. We loved hearing the stories our grandpa’s would tell us about fighting in WWII. I loved reading books about history. I think my little brother Scott may just be one of the smartest history buffs there are. My sister Kelli did a report once on my grandparents and their service. My grandpa DeYoung didn’t want his life to be remembered by just that time, but instead of the other wonderful things in his life, like his family. I also loved watching a documentary on Trent’s grandpa who served on the USS Murphy. When I worked at a nursing home there was a man who told me to come listen to his story. (I loved asking to see all the cool pictures the old people had when they were younger. The era just looked so cool to me with the fancy hairdo’s and service outfits!) This guy was in a TIME magazine picture back in the day for one of his courage stories. It was really neat to see the original photo he had, and then the TIME magazine with the same picture. My heart goes out to all the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms, they give up theirs so that we can be safe. I won a scholarship for college one year because talking about my patriotism, I had the guy crying and lucky enough he gave me the scholarship. I think the reason we are so appreciative for those who fought is because when I was eight years old my dad left for Desert Storm. I didn’t understand what “war” meant. I thought there was a “Bad Dad” who was Saddam that my Dad had to go fight. Little did I know he was going to “Baghdad”. I remember the fun activities that the national guard would put on for the families. I remember the day my dad left, the letters he would send, and the night phone calls when he would get a chance to call. I remember playing tic tack toe through letters and sending tapes to him. I waited to be baptized because I wanted my dad to do the honor. Luckily they came home early ! I remember seeing the buses leave as we frantically tried to find which one my dad was on. Then I remember being in the airport as my dad came home. It was very crowded ! We finally ran up to my dad and I remember everyone crying in tears of joy. I remember all the yellow ribbons we put on our trees for his homecoming. Every night *Even when I was in high school sometimes jk LOL* I loved him to sing me this song before I went to bed “Around her hair she wore a yellow ribbon, she wore a yellow ribbon in the very month of may, and if you ask her why she wore that ribbon she wore it for her soldier who was far far away! Far Away, Far Away. She wore it for her solider who was far far away.” I even sing that to my kids now. My family loves history and I do think we get that from my dad. When 9/11 happened it pierced my heart so bad that I am even a little obsessed with it that I get chills everytime I hear about it. The first song on my blog reminds me of that day. It takes a lot to make me angry, but I can't stand it when people don't stand and put their hand over their hearts for the flag out of pure ignorance. I am so thankful for all the veterans out there!

Life in a Jar

This is why you should visit the old folks all alone in the nursing homes, their stories are incredible and their halls are full of angelic hero's. If you let them they will teach you something. I have had many wonderful experiences and stories told to me by the people who touched my heart as a teenager.


"To the world you may be one, to one you may be the world"

#10

Yesterday at church my kids were being wild and I couldn't hear the speakers. I used Faith as an excuse and took her into the mothers room to feed her, and to have some peace and quite so I could hear the talks~! (Don't tell Trent that he was flustered with the other two)While I was alone in the mothers room with Faith, I looked at her cooing and smiling up at me. I couldn't help but smile back, I turned the chair and looked up at a painting of Mary with Jesus. This was a picture of her holding or kissing her newborn Jesus close to her face. At that moment a flood of emotion came running to me as I imagined myself back in the presence of Christs birth. I could almost sense the love Mary had for her baby, even though she wasn't sure of what the future would hold I am sure she knew her son would be put through more than any being who walked this earth. But at that moment after giving birth to her child she could hold him in her arms and protect him from whatever would soon come. I remember the moments after I gave birth to all three of my children as I held them and kissed them close to me. I can't imagine the pain that Mary went through when she saw her son hurt, beat, and finally crucified. As a mother I can't even fathom my son or child being treated that way. You tear up when you see your child sick, or when people are not being nice to them. You cry when they scrape their knee or get a sore tummy. But there is nothing in this world more dreadful then that of loosing a child. Not being able to hold your little one in your arms to comfort would be the worse pain there could ever be. To see your child treated in the way that Mary had to watch her son be murdered and not being able to stop it. I just can't even picture her wailing and wanting to save her boy at that moment. I can only imagine the wailing of tears streaming down her face, her whole body shaking at the pain of having to watch her son pay the price for all of us that day. I am thankful that she was his mother, that she loved him and taught him what was right. Life is really only for a moment, and looking into that picture yesterday I could see that my life is only here for a moment. Before we know it our children will be grown up, our lives will be over so enjoy the moments we have now. Take the time to be with family and those you love. Cuddle your children, tell your husband how much you appreciate him. Remember that Mary lost her life the day her baby boy lost his, and how wonderful we can rejoice that he does live. I wonder what that meeting was like when he came back to his mother and gave her a hug. Reminds me of the song "Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that youve delivered Will soon deliver you Mary, did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little you've kissed the face of god Mary, did you know? The blind will seethe deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the lamb
Mary, did you know That your baby boy is lord of all creation? Did you know That your baby boy will one day rules the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb? This sleeping child youre holding Is the great I am" I am thankful for the example of motherhood from Mary. As a young woman I wonder if she knew the example she would be for all. We like to hold our fresh newborns and think of them as perfect, but I can imagine in my mind after giving birth, her arms reached out to hold for the first time a "perfect" child. I am thankful for the moments we have NOW, Let's not waste it!

#9

I am so thankful for temples. This past Friday Trent and I were able to attend the Temple. I was surprised how busy it was, maybe people are worried about the economy and need all the help they can get. That or it was just a Friday night and everyone had the same idea! When I was younger, we went through the Bountiful Temple and Timp Temple open house. The Ogden temple was the first temple I went in to do baptisms at 12. I loved the feeling there. The first time I went through the temple was March 2002. This was a week before I was to be married. I remember my mouth was full of sores and I was so worried that for my wedding I wasn't going to be able to talk. We went through the bountiful temple, and I remember seeing Trent for the first time all in white. I wonder if that is how it will be when we die. I then remember my wedding day and sitting inside the Salt Lake Temple with Trent minutes before we were sealed for time and all eternity. I have many wonderful memories and feelings when I step inside and all my troubles seem to leave. I am so grateful for temples so that my family can be a forever family, and when times get tough I can always go somewhere for peace.

#8

I am thankful for a wonderful neighborhood!! We moved out here almost two years ago! It is crazy how fast time goes by. At first when we came out here we didn't like the layout of the house and thought it was way too far from the freeway. However, things worked out and I do believe for a reason! This neighborhood is like walking into a neighborhood you would see in the 80's. We actually get trick or treaters, kids play outside, and neighbors are friendly. Ever since Trent and I got married, we became pretty unsociable. Which is sad because when we were dating we WERE fun!! jk. Then when I was pregnant with Faith I was miserable and became pretty much inactive in everything. Trent can attest to that one! I guess you don't realize how much you are inactive in church until you go back and think what was I missing!? In that same sense I was missing not only church but the wonderful friendships we have made out here! We love playing games with our neighbors and so on. I am grateful for good friends where I can be myself and it be a real friendship. I am glad that my kids have friends out here! I am thankful for all the loving people out here!

Someone has too much time on their hands ! lol

#7

I am so thankful for my childhood. A couple years ago I sat down and for hours wrote about everything I remembered about my childhood. I wrote down the wonderful neighbors, the neighborhood activities we used to do. We made a huge dinosaur out of snow and dyed it green for a family home evening for the neighborhood. Or the time on the 4th of July we had a huge breakfast in our backyard. Each holiday was so fun! We used to project movies on our house, play sports in the street, night games, sleepovers outside,and way too many fun things to name on this blog. I had pages written about each person that was my friend, or example to me from my childhood. There is a song from the Beatles about the old times of a neighborhood and it fits my memory just the way I liked it. I had so many fun things written, but sadly it got erased!!! I need to sit back down and write about it all, so one day my kids can look back on how I was as a child. I could go on and on about how there wasn't many girls in my neighborhood when I was little, so a lot of my friends were boys. I had a good friend named Clint, I would make him play Barbies and watch "Super Girl"! He was a good sport. We took swimming lessons together,and played all the time. If you look in some of the pictures you will see him in it. We used to go around the neighborhood when we were small and not worry about if someone was going to hurt us. I could go on about the activities I liked, then I could go on about each year of my life and the friends I had at that point. I could go on about my best friend Kim and Crystal as a teenager *That would go on forever, we did so many fun things, and wonderful chats*! Maybe in my journal I will have to write each year out and what I remember from that age. However, I don't have alot of time or space to write it all out. To be brief, the reason I am so thankful for my wonderful childhood is becasue I hear of all the abuse that little innocent children are faced with. I hear about the abandonment that many children are used to. I hear about the drug addictions many kids parents have,or the comforting they have to give to their siblings or mother after being beat. I am SO thankful that I had good parents, that I was never hurt or abused in any way or form. My neighborhood and neighbors were great, and there will always be a place in my heart from the time I was really little until now. Many people impacted my life as a child and teenager, and my friends made a huge impact on my actions. I was a good kid and I can look back and say that. But none of that would have mattered if I was in a home where abuse happened. I thank God for a wonderful mom and wonderful dad who loved me and wanted what was best for me. I don't care if we didn't have big toys,fancy vacations every year, or a lot of money growing up. We made our own fun with our imaginations. I would rather be poor yet healthy in all aspects of life anyday. I have too many stories to write down but all I can say is that I am glad I am who I am today becasue of a good childhood. The sad thing is not everyone was able to have that.I am thankful that the only "abuse" that went on in my family was that of the siblings teasing each other with toilet plungers. I can't imagine how my life would have turned out otherwise. I pray for children everywhere that they can have a good happy and innocent childhood.

This is not an abortion debate. I am just confused why people over the age of 18 would vote to allow minors terminate without parent's permission. Prop 4 in California. http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/map190000000004.htm This website is the results from all of California's propsitions including prop 8

#6

I am so glad to be a teacher. During high school I was in a lot of child development classes. I used to work at an elementary school to tutor the kids. I love the teacher Mrs. Legget that allowed me to do a lot with her class! I always thought I would love to teach the older kids around 10 years old. Then I moved to St.George and didn't have a car! I had to find a place to work close to my apartment. I don't think it was by chance that I got a job at the daycare across the street. At first I didn't think I would like working at a daycare, but boy was I wrong! I was a teacher of 8-10 one year olds! They would sit down and listen to the little lesson I prepared for their age. They would sing the songs *or try anyways* I knew what they wanted even though they couldn't talk much. If they could it was a foreign language but I still understood. I tried to do sign language with them and some of them got it. It was easier to understand them that way. I loved those kids so much! I loved the people I worked with and they taught me a lot of things that I use as a mother today. You would think working at a daycare would be the best birth control there is, but after I was married and still working there I would come home MISSING Those kids! I would ask Trent if I could call their parents to tell them I would babysit for them. Not many people that work at daycares care about the kids. There was this one lady who watched the newborns who truly loved each child there. Because of working there I learned to love the younger group of children. Three year olds are big and know a lot! I am so thankful that now I can teach preschool in my home! I absolutely love it to pieces. I was thankful to be put in the nursery before I had Faith. I love that age group. Maybe one day when my kids are grown I will go back to school to get my elementary teaching degree. But first and foremost the children that need me most in their lives right now are my own. I am grateful they can participate in the preschool I teach! I love teaching children new things, there is no greater joy.

#5

I am thankful for motherhood (By the way these thankful posts are in no particular order!) I am so thankful for the chance to be a mother. My heart aches for those who struggle with desperately wanting to be a mother and for some reason can't. My heart also goes out to the women who abuse their blessing as a mother and hurt their children. I will always have a place in my heart for the memories of each of my children's birth, and the first time I saw their face. I will cherish their little hands as I see them getting into things they shouldn't be, like the toilet paper or markers. They grow up too fast. I am learning that I don't have time to get upset with a messy house because before I know it my kids will be grown and gone. The thing I love about Hannah, is she loves to do homework! She begs to do homework and read. She is very creative and gets into all my preschool stuff to make things of her own and hang them up. Hannah loves getting up every morning around 5 a.m. Hannah is very creative and is already boy crazy. She loves Derrick on Dancing with the Stars and thinks she will one day marry him. Hannah is also a hoarder, I find all these little knick knacks under her bed. Everytime we get into the car Hannah wants to listen to her favorite songs. At the moment her favorite song is an old unpopular one by Brittany Spears. Last year it was one by the Dixie Chicks. Hannah knows too much for her own good. We only get this split second of a chance at motherhood so we learn from our mistakes and I am trying the best I can. I need to be more patient and easy going with Hannah. Austin loves anything spider man. He pretends to be him pretty much everyday. Now that he has a costume of spider man he hasn't taken it off. Austin used to be my baby and has had some adjusting since Faith has stolen his spot. I now realize how big he is. He sometimes asks me why I am so mean now. Sad huh? Austin also likes hanging pictures up, but he glues them to my wall! Austin loves playing with Hannah and her friends. He loves playing at the park. Austin loves to help Faith by tearing off her long nails. Poor Faith. Hannah and Austin are both big siblings that think they know whats best for their little sister. Austin is a silly boy and tries to make people laugh. Hannah and Austin love making cookies with me. They run in when they hear me making them, and they want to sit by me. He has grown up so fast! My brother on his mission won't even recognize him. Then we have little Faith. Faith smiles a big smile when she sees me. She doesn't have stranger anxiety yet, but she is starting to know who I am! Half way through her feeding she stops to stare up at me to smile and coo. She loves taking baths. I love it that when she is laying down she tries to lift her head because she wants to sit up. She thinks she is much older then a three month old! Faith loves to cuddle next to me, like her siblings do. They get that from their dad. I am not a cuddly person, but they have changed my heart! Faith makes me laugh when I lift her up to sit up she does a little bird face that Hannah used to do as a baby. I am so grateful for them in my life. I am also thankful for the other many people who help them grow up to be good people.

Hannah wanted Trent to dance with me while she sang a song. We couldn't dance long since we were laughing at her song. It went like this " Shat and pat are rhyming words, rhyming words, rhyming words, Shatty and patty are rhyming words!!"

Today I took the kids with me to vote before I dropped Hannah off at school. Luckily the lines were short! When I was the first one in line, Austin turns to me and says, " Mommy, I need to go potty." I told him he was just going to have to wait. Then he wanted to hold the card and when I told him no, he started flipping out. He thought he was so funny to touch the screen so I would mess up my vote. Who knows who I voted for now~! jk. At the end he hit the screen and was so proud, even though I had told him not to touch anything! I decided to give him my sticker since it was him who pretty much voted for me!

#4

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to vote. I wonder what this next presidency will bring and if we will look back and say "What was I thinking?" All I can do is follow my gut. I am surprised at how many people freak out if you are not voting the way they are. I guess it's true what they say, politics is like religion- you don't ask. Well I do! I am a very open person for those of you who know me, I do ask whatever the heck I feel like. Probably too much, so you can always tell me to shut it if I get too personal. I am the type that likes to debate without getting my feelings hurt and I guess not everyone is like that. Here are some thoughts that I have thought of this election. Notice how "Obama Biden" sounds so much like "Osama Bin Laden" or should we call him "Robin Hood" -steal from the rich to give to the poor. Then we have the crypt keeper in the next corner. McCain. A name with "Cain" in it makes me a little nervous! JK I guess it isn't very nice to make fun of a person who is going to be leading our country. I think the media is portraying what people want to see, I wonder if mainstream Americana's really agree with it. It's not a popularity contest and I hope the hearts of all of us remember that. I heard that a lady wouldn't pass out trick or treat candy to anyone whose parents were voting for Obama?? That's just plain rude! Another funny story is I saw on the news this couple ws sick of their sign being stolen, so they put an electric wire on it. They caught a video of a 9 year old boy trying to tear off his "McCain/Palin" sign and got the "Shock" Of his life! He ran home and they called the cops, but the cops could do nothing about it. I laughed. In California you see people being vandalized for their freedom. Many people have signs that say "Vote YES On proposition 8" only to be left with spray painted houses, cars, and garages with peace sign. Hmm peaceful alright! Anyways that's my tangent about the election, but in reality I am grateful that WE all have the RIGHTS to do as others, no matter what our status is.
- Due to the long lines today, Obama voters are asked to vote on wed. JK I got that on my phone and thought it was pretty funny~

#3

I guess it's Nov. 3rd so I need to post another reason what I am thankful for! I am thankful to be a woman! Some may laugh, but I am dead serious! I am so grateful that I come from a lineage of great wonderful women. My grandma's to start. I have yet been able to meet my Grandma Turner, she was killed before I was even born. I see her beautiful pictures and I know her children's funny sense of humor and I get a glimpse of what this wonderful, loving woman was. I made a movie a while back with a bunch of my dad's ancestor pictures. It was so fun getting to see the beauty of family that I haven't' met. There were many wonderful women on my dad's side that I can't wait to meet in the next life. I think I may have gotten my sick, warped sense of humor from his side. Next, my mom's mom! Growing up I loved sleeping over at her house and playing with her dress-ups. Each time we had a sleep over my grandparents would let me chose my favorite cereal. My grandma was a wonderful mom and must have installed that into my own mother. Words can't express the love I have for my mom. I think sometimes I give her a shock when I joke about things. I loved growing up playing outside while she did the garden. That is one talent I did not acquire- cooking or gardening. Poor Trent. I do remember all the fun little things we did growing up, like making cookies (This is something I do with my children, probably too much)and enjoying each of the holidays. My mom says they didn't have much money when I was growing up, but we made our own fun and I would have never known. I was a very happy child. All the loved ones in my life has made me who I am today, but I must give it to Trent for showing me who I was meant to be. He opens my eyes and listens to my complaints, or debates. He knew the woman I was before I could even recognize her myself. I do like her. I am grateful that being a woman, I have a love for children, not just my own but all children. I hope that I can be a good enough mom and woman to my family that my children will grow up even better than I could teach them. Some may say that being a woman is no different than that of a man. I beg to differ. We are made to be different for a reason. I love being a woman in America where I can utilize my divine nature without being punished, killed, or treated in a way God never intended. I am grateful for being a woman in this generation where I have the opportunity to do things those in my family tree couldn't. There are many women in my life that I look up to: my mother in law, sisters, sister in laws, cousins, aunts, and many friends!

We had an awesome ward Fall Festival~! Here are some of the pictures!