Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. We've had a lot of big events this year, a baptism, new kindergartner, a move, a baby, a job loss a new ward..and many more.All of which come with an adjustment period. Its really the happiest year of our lives so far and we have the Lord to thank for that. No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, I know that as long as we remember our blessings, we will always be happy. We started our day with home made cinnamon rolls, then the kids played outside. When it got too cold, Bella, the ultimate mini mom helped peel the apples for our pie and set the table with Grandma's China. The worlds most picky eater was even excited about his drumstick, couldn't believe it. It would be just like me to either burn the bird, or undercook it, so luckily, technology was on my side and I kept in texting reach.  When Buddy got off work at 330, we ate hors D'ouveurs, toasted with apple cider and ate our meal. It was gone in 10 min of course. I love thanksgiving, and this year, it was peaceful and beautiful. I hope every year can be a repeat.

Blessed.

Rosey was blessed. It was a beautiful blessing and she is sweet as ever. This is my last girl to wear this precious dress. I have to admit, I was a little bit sad getting her dressed this morning when I realized it, but yet so thankful to have her as mine.

The talker

Isabella, I love you so much! Today started off awesome with some beautiful notes to your teacher. Its just too bad I cant keep them for myself, they would go in a special book for sure. Keepers kid. I was a helper on a field trip today to the theater to watch a dance performance. 100 3rd graders on one bus. Lets just say if I was ever wondering if every 3rd grader was as excitable as you...that question is now put to rest. Seriously though, I love spending time with you. You just make me smile. If I was 8, I would SO want to be your bff.

Although you werent really feeling the BFF vibe when I asked you to look at me on our way in to school this morning. Ha, I love your expression.

A long with the notes you wrote, you also stayed up way too late no doubt to do some math facts.

Im so lucky to get to be your mom.

bits and pieces

Is there anything better in life than just living it, good bad and ugly? We havnt had any ugly, thank goodness, mostly good. We are still trying to find a full time job, meanwhile, he is able to pick up some shifts at the hospital. We are thankful for the shifts, but its hard not knowing where your next paycheck will come from or what shifts will be offered. Having said that... I LOVE not working right now :)  I love all of the little daily happenings that make me a mom.  I love being at home. I love trying to be resourcefull with a very small budget, I love being a taxi driver, doctor, secretary, room mom, plumber, organizer, foodbag (thanks rose) counselor and referee.  At a time in our life that would seem really difficult, no job, no insurance, new place, big rent payment, yada yada yada, its acutally the best time. I have come to realize, in the last few weeks especially, that there is nothing that can stand in my way of happiness except myself, no matter the circumstances. 

These are my random photos of what has been making me happy as of late.

Moses photographing GREAT grandma with Rose. Thats my boy. (I love that lady) 

Bella getting Rosey dressed every day.  Shes pretty adorable about it, and Rosey rocks everything.

Bellas first Late-over with some  friends in the neighborhood. They watched Ramona and Beezus and were totally embarrased by me taking this picture.

you should have seen this dresser a few weeks ago. Ghastly. I saw the potential, primed and painted it and put it at the top of the stairs.  Storage is a problem here and this little sucker gives us 9 more drawers in which to put our crap.  Never mind the missing pull in the middle, I need to fix that.

working on this wall, It looks much different now. I have been collecting old frames, glass or not from thift stores, I knew they would come in handy someday. We've filled them with quotes and photographs. I love walking upstairs.

a trip to portland to visit and introduce Rose to more family and friends. We had a great time. I dont think however, that I will be attempting another trip on my own without buddy and with 3 kids. Little did I know how much extra stuff a baby would impact our normal routine through the airport. It was a little nutso,

halloween

We had 2 little witches and Flash. I love that Moses wanted to be an old school super hero. No one knew who he was except for the Dads our age, we had fun with it and most importantly Moses chose it and loved it. Before we went out we filled up with yummy chili and bone breadsticks. I tried to make things fun this year at the table, but with Buddy still looking for work, I felt discouraged at the lack of funds to pull off what I really wanted to. What ended up happening was I improvised with what we already had in the pantry, food and a glue gun, and it ended up being perfect. The family loved it, so my frusteration quickly faded away. My favorite surprise was the gumballs at the bottom of the glasses, once sparkly water was poured in, they bounce up and down in the water with the carbonation. Magical. Who knew? (not to mention the ghoulish green color it tinted the water..yay)



the Appetizer