Christmas Card PDF style

For those without emails (or at least emails in my contact list), I'm not sure you'll see this anyway. But I guess it's worth a shot. If you didn't get a copy of our Christmas card and would like one, just leave your email in the comment section and we'll shoot you a PDF. You can print it yourself and hang it on your fridge. If that sounds a tad tacky or lazy... we might send you one anyway. Merry Christmas.

Tree Toppers

A few nights ago we were at my cousin's place. Brother was staring at the figurine atop her Christmas tree- an angel in a blue dress. I asked him what that was. He thought for a moment and then looked at me and said, "Cinderella."
Close. Very Close.

Snow... and family.

Is it cheating if you write how thankful you are for your family every. single. day.?
No? Great. Because I find new reasons to be grateful for them every. single day.
Why? Who else calls when they are on VACATION and cheers you up? Lets you sound ideas off of them? Gives advice? Tells you about free deals on KSL (yes, Mom checks KSL from Indiana). Who calls the car dealership when you lock THEIR keys out of their car (that you're borrowing)? That would be parents.
Who takes time off work to help you, helps with the kids, lets you have a break, and takes kids wen you run out of patience? Who cheers you up and gives you hugs? Wonderful husbands - that's who.
Who helps with sick kids, helps with grocery shopping, is patient and understanding when you're not? In-laws. Got to love them.
Don't forget the nieces and nephews. They've been incredible troopers- forgiving, helpful, and hard workers. I'm so glad they're here!
So yes- I am grateful for my family.
Just to give you a break, we'll talk about snow. I love snow. If its going to be cold, there'd better be snow. Lucky for me we're having a blizzard. Yes, blizzard. 3-8 inches of snow tonight. Yippee!! The kids are all excited as well. Too bad the temperature won't reach 20 degrees tomorrow.... brr!!!

Double Dip

Can I be thankful for friends twice in a row? Tough. I am. My friends, Brother's friends, King's friends.... love them all. I just spent 20 minutes catching up on blogs and sure miss a whole bunch of them. Good thing I can still be grateful for them anyway.

Runner up for the day is technology.

How else would I stay close to my friends?

Goals, Friends, and Family

I'm a little behind. More than three, but we'll leave it at that.

I am grateful for goals.

I stink at them- my husband can attest. We're currently starting a health/food challenge with my brother in law and his wife. 8 weeks. One treat day a week. 5 fruits and veggies a day (more points for more veggies). 30-45 min of exercise five days a week. No eating after 9 pm. It might kill me to give up my sweets and not eat after nine. I guess we'll find out. Still, I'm grateful for things that push me- husband's motivation included.

Friends- are of course always at the top of my list. High school, college, other friends have always been there to see me through. Recently- more than ever- I am grateful for my mom as my friend. She has been wonderful to talk to, do projects with, bounce ideas off of, and just to be around.

Family. This ties into the last one. We have the opportunity to have family near by right now. I am SO grateful for the good people they are. They are kind. They are motivating. THey are good examples. They are helpful. And I love them so much!!

2nd Chances

I needed about 400 of these today. Man, I couldn't keep my impatience or temper in check (yes, those are different things). So I'm grateful that both King and Brother let me try, try, try, try, and try again. I guess that means I'm most grateful for King and Brother in general. They are very forgiving and kind.

Naps

This just might rank #2 on my "Grateful For" list most days.
I. LOVE. NAP TIME.
LOVE it.
Now that we have that squared away. Here's why.

1) I get some quiet time. This does wonders for my sanity.
2) I get SOMETHING done. Even if that something is just checking emails. (Don't knock it- usually its housework... but sometimes not...)
3) I can focus on what I'm working on.
4) I get a chance to think back on how the day's gone and what I can work on- good time to make adjustments to what I can do better- as well as a few adjustments to my attitude.
5) My children (usually) wake up happier!

Unique

Some baby's coo. Others babble.
Lady does both, but thanks to Brother, she also does something more unique.
She growls.
That's right.
growls.
Brother is constantly imitating animals- and every animal he doesn't know the sound for just growls.
So now sister does too.
We've yet to get it on video, but I promise to post it when we do.

My Favorite

Thanks Kristin! You're amazing.
On a side, somewhat related note... somewhat...
Last year a sister's sister in law (yes, I know my sister's in laws- and happen to adore them to boot) motivated/inspired me to write something I'm grateful for each day of November. I loved it. Being grateful wasn't a one day thing in November. It was something that became part of my day and part of my attitude. I started looking around for things I loved and things I was grateful for. So, albeit early- but knowing I'll not post every day anyhow, I'm going to name my number one. The people in this picture. My family.

I am thankful for my family. King, Brother, Sister, and ALL of my extended families. They mean the world to me. Believe me, before the month is out you'll hear about many of them and why, but for now. I'm just grateful to have them. I love them. And I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Especially to have these three.

Hooray!

New niece! New niece!! Wahoo! Way to go A! Way to be born E! Sorry, if you don't know them already, you don't get to know their names!