Joe's List of Thanksgiving

1.  I am thankful for Linda. I love all those linda-isms... they make me laugh.  I don't think there ever was a truer friend than she.   I am thankful that we were able to meet, that Providence stepped in and made my life oh so much better because of her.
2.  I am thankful for Zachary, my firstborn.   His feet are bigger than mine now.  Soon he will pass me in height, the years just move all too quickly.  Only five years until he leaves on his mission.  I too love to see him sign me I love you when I take him to school.
3.  I am thankful for Kaija, my little girl growing up so fast.  She has so many talents, and so many good aspirations.  I love to make her laugh uncontrollably, it is amusing, you'll have to try it.
4.  I am thankful for my little Bella, who loves for Dad to take her up to bed every night.  Those puppy dog eyes, and sad face make me melt.  I love her clever way of making ordinary stuff into little rooms for all those pollys and littlest pet shop critters.
5.  I am thankful for Eli, who wants to be called Eli Joe, because his Dad is Joe.  Who wants me to sit by him at every meal, and likes every thing I like- including gjetost (norwegian goat cheese).  Try it, you might like it too.
6.  I am thankful for little Spencer, who totally proves to me that we come with more knowledge and understanding of life than we know.  He is a great gift given to us, and I thank my God for his precious little soul.
7. I am thankful for goodly parents who love the Gospel, and love me.  They have given all so that I might have all.  What better examples of Christ can there be than parents who sacrifice their lives for us?  I hope that one day, my children will rise up and call me blessed.
8.   I am thankful for the God of my soul, that he knows who I am, and has shown great patience on my behalf.  I am thankful that he sent his Son to earth and gave us a gift that allows us to be like him.  I am thankful for the Savior.

11.22

Well this morning when I dropped off Zach and Kaija for school, I started forming another list of things I am thankful for:

• a 14 year old boy who still gives the "I love you" sign when we drop him off
• a wonderful weekend with Grandma- all to ourselves! It doesn't happen very often but we sure love it when we get to spend time with our parents/grandparents 
• for a balmy 66 degrees this morning- a perfect day for a walk
• the anticipation of getting out Christmas decorations... I think I will start today!
• our amazing church family- I love that no matter where we have lived or visited, there are always wonderful people who have become our dear friends 
• being able to enjoy the bird migrations- I love hearing them and watching them fly in formation, I think it is just fascinating

Gearing up for Thanksgiving

So for Eli's homework we had to create a story together as a family and decorate Tom Turkey so he was incognito- we had way too much fun with this one! 

Obviously for our family there just had to be an organ involved; I particularly love Eli's special attention to the eyes!

11.15

Today I am thankful for:

• payday- I just love when it comes on time and without worry
• my awesome family- we are so fortunate to have excellent families and people who we feel are just like family!
• personal revelation- there is just nothing better than getting those quiet assurances and needed direction in your life
• cinnamon rolls- obviously someone has begun to bake again.... this could actually be a problem!
• beautiful music- I love having Joseph play the piano all the time (and the kids too, with their perspective instruments)
• good conversations with our kids

11.6

Today I am thankful for:

• Joe teaching the kids Norwegian again
• a nice warm fireplace that made our house toasty last night
• elderly couples walking hand in hand eating lollipops (that is just how I want to be!)
• yummy cheesy biscuits
• a baby who giggles in his sleep and while he is awake
• better yet, is a baby who has been sleeping through the night

November= Thanksgiving

I want to have that feeling of Thanksgiving all month!
Today I am thankful for:

• a very nice checker at Wal-mart who unloaded my cart onto the check stand while I held sad Spencer, not only that but bagged my groceries very conscientiously
• children being motivated to be on time to school
• a wonderful husband who laid the baby back in his crib when I was too tired to do it and then brought him to me again a couple of hours later
• down comforters to snuggle in as the temperature drops
• gorgeous awe inspiring autumn leaves
• walking with a friend on a beautiful day, to go and vote

Halloweening

We had a perfectly lovely time this year with just enough Halloweening, I hauled Spencer into Bella's and Eli's class parties on Friday, then by the time we got everyone home we opted out of the downtown businesses trick or treat (though we have enjoyed it in the past).
We went on Saturday night to the ward party at the church with lots of yummy soup and bread and happy people in costumes and trunk or treating, my idea of a perfect Halloween party!

Zachary as the jailbird who stole The Scream!! His own creation!

Kaija and Grace and Kate at the church party

Bella and Eli after all the good fun. Did the Knight capture the fairy or put her in a trance?
Not sure!

Mr Money Bags, Himself!

Well now we can move on, but it always cracks me up that my kids are always talking about what they are going to be next year whilst they are still dressed up for this year!