Gratitude

My last post was kind of a downer, so I deleted it; and although I do want to keep this blog "real," maybe I don't need to be that real. I'm feeling much better today and am able to look at the bright side. I guess maybe this is the problem with using a blog instead of a journal to document ones life. On sunday I was thinking that I should take the advice I've dished out for years- (isn't that always the hardest advice to take, ones own?) On my mission I learned the power of writing gratitude lists or keeping a gratitude journal. It helps keep your mind on what's right in your life and helps you identify Gods hand. So here goes.

I am grateful for:
My amazing husband who supports me no matter what
Jackson's excitement over bugs and bikes and dirt
Charlie is learning to sign more, and he uses it all the time
Three sets of grandparents to love and spoil my boys
My sister who is my best friend and a huge support to me and for her example of Christlike living
I am greatful for our home, that we have lots of room and that we can personalize it
that Adam can crank up his home theatre as loud as he wants in this house
our new fire pit and all the work Adam has put in on it
I am grateful I have an education and a job that will support us well during this time so that we don't go into alot of debt
Memories of good friends and family that we don't get to see anymore
Friends that we are able to see and who make our lives happier
Parents and In-laws who are willing to watch the boys and give us much needed breaks
My big bathtub
Adam's tickles
Charlies giggles
Jackson makes me feel so special when he calls me "princess Mommy"
I am grateful for the stars
trees
spring flowers
warm sunshine
a strong body that can birth children and finish triathlons
a husband that is really good wih babies and wakes up in the middle of the night with them
Four Grandparents who are still alive and very much a blessing in our lives
Doctors and treatments that we have today to keep us living longer healthier lives
that I have a flexible job and I can set up my own schedule
for the opportunity to serve people in my job and really make a difference in their quality of life
that I have a relatively easy church calling so I can juggle the other important things in my life
I am grateful to be a mother and to be part of such an amazing group of women
I am grateful to be a member of the gospel and to know whereI can turn for peace
for the opportunity I had to be a missionary
that Adam is in his play right now and has a creative outlet
that Charlie is sleeping through the night most of the time (and Jack to)
that Jack is potty trained and for his cuteness as he calls down the stairs, "I need somebunny to wipe my bum bum"

I'm feeling much better already- why didn't I think of this sooner? Gratitude is a wonderful thing.

My Beautiful Boys

(If you're interested, these pictures were taken by Teddybear portraits)

Uncle Robby and a weekend to remember

When robby comes to town, it's usually a party and this last time was no exception. In one weekend, we biked, hiked, skied, ate sushi, ate Mexican, and went four wheeling. What a way to start out the spring!

We now are "roadies." In preparation for my triathlon next month, and so that I wouldn't leave Adam in the dust, Adam and I invested in two new (well, new to us) road bikes. We have taken the boys out in the trailor and they love it! And I love the exercise.

This was St Patricks day. We went on a Lepricaun hunt, ate green eggs, green pancakes with green milk, and wore green knee highs with clovers on them. Charlie is wearing his wicked shirt that says, "green babies rule."

Skiing at Dear Valley- it was beautiful

Every year we try and ski at least once, afterall, it was our first date. Every year we also take a picture like this one with goofy grins squinting into the camara, hoping we're in the frame. Every year, we remember that first time and the duct tape that sealed our fates.

Robby and my mom with Charlie hiking up Millcreek Canyon- Im so glad Robby was able to get to know Charlie better and Jack just adores Robby. He talks about him for weeks and is excited we get to go visit him in Oregon for hus graduation in June.

Fourwheeling with Adam's dad in some foresaken desert. He said he was taking us to a waterfall which we never ended up finding. The wind was so bad, it just blew so much sand in our faces the whole time. Charlie was a good sport, and yes that is a carseat strapped to the fourwheeler... Im not sure what I was thinking. I think that the best part was the ice cream on the way home and the shower to clean sand from every crevice. Next time we've got to find some shade and less wind.

Boy it's been a while since I updated. We recently took a quick trip down to Saint George and Las Vegas to get some much needed R & R and family time. Adam said it was the longest time we've had where I didnt have to work and there was no house cleaning involved in a really long time. We stayed at the "Castle" Excalibur and ate dinner with knights. Our favorite memory of that night was when the knights were teaching us a cheer where everyone was to toast with their goblets, drink and then say, "ahhhh." As he came around to give people cheers, Jack held his sippy cup up and the knight got a kick out of it. We went to the M & M factory and ate all you can eat sushi- yummy! We also got to spend some fun time with family and I even got a pedicure. It was a fun trip but I do think Vegas is better as a pass through than as an end location- especially with young children.

we dressed in shorts and t-shirts but then had to cover up because it was so windy!

Boys and Toys! I thought this was a better picture than the girls in minis claiming that they were "Easter Bunnies"- Thankfully I didn't have to explain that one...

Jack with the Blue Knight

Hanging out with cousins Vincent and Brennan Garcia

Cheering for Laura in her triathlon in American Fork on our way down. Im so proud of her. It was the first time she's EVER run. I have tried for years to teach her, and all it took was a boy...