Reasons to be Thankful

Over the past few months Ganon has been lamenting our lack of a piano. While neither of us are concert pianists, we both like to practice on occasion. We had decided to try using a piano keyboard instead, but we were worried about the kids around such an electronic/ expensive piece. Somehow, Heavenly Father always knows the righteous desires of our hearts and makes a way for some of them happen. One of my good friends was given a piano, but it didn't fit into her new house. She lovingly offered it to us. With a little bit of coordinating and a lot of strength from friends we moved it to our house. Now I have a perfect place to set up my nativity scene (generously left in the house when we moved in). The piano is definitely the best Christmas gift I've ever given Ganon-- he is so happy. Another Reason to be Thankful.

As we celebrated Thanksgiving at home this weekend, Ganon helped me with some nesting issues. I wanted to rearrange some furniture and some rooms (this usually happens when I am 20 weeks pregnant). We set up a bunkbed in the girls' room. We made David's room the Play Room. The kids love it. David was so excited to have his train table back in the house (it's been in the garage since we moved in). Rebecca even joined in when she was feeling up to it (she has been sick which is why we stayed home for T-day). I am thankful that the children choose to play with each other in the Play Room instead of using the computer or making messes elsewhere. Our house already feels more peaceful and organized. I am thankful for Ganon's patience with me during this whole process-- working with an emotional pregnant woman cannot be easy.


I am also thankful for generous friends and family. One of Ganon's friends (the same who helped with moving the piano) gave us some coupons for free stuff from McDonald's. These have been a life-saver over the past few weeks. I was especially grateful for them at the end of our ward party last week. Ganon had class so I took the kids by myself. They ran out of peanut-free desserts while I was waiting in line. Of course right then David ran up and announced that he had eaten the required number of bites of scary-looking real food so he had earned his dessert. Thankfully, I was able to use my last coupons to get a dessert for my kiddos and make the night less of a tragedy. I know this doesn't sound like much, but for a pregnant mom with three sad children it was a gift from heaven. I know that Heavenly Father watches out for us. He knows what we are going through. He doesn't always make our trials (big or small) go away, but he can make them more bearable.

Our Developing Story

So, for those of you who haven't heard, we are looking forward the Stork making a delivery at our house in April. Today we went to the Doctor for our 20 week ultrasound and we thought some of you might like to see a few pictures that developed. The baby is measuring right on schedule to arrive on (but hopefully before) April 15th. For those interested in knowing the gender of our little one feel free to email or call. We would like to allow those interested in the surprise (definitely not me) to remain in the dark (until I accidentally slip...sorry).

Halloween Fun

Our neighborhood had a trunk-or-treat this year on the 31st. David dressed up as a train engineer. He pulled his "train" (the bike trailer)all the way to the church and around the neighborhood on the way home. Rebecca was a care bear and Sarah was Minnie Mouse (or a caterpillar without her hood on). They enjoyed stopping at the different trunks and getting candy. Ganon and I had to hold Sarah's bag because she kept eating all of the candy (including the wrapper). The kids really got into it on the way home when we stopped at a few homes of elderly couples who didn't make it out to the party. They kept running from house to house. Luckily it wasn't too cold outside either. Overall, I think it was a successful night.

Isn't that a great face?

This was just a cute fall pic from last week. Sometimes the kiddos are helpful. Too bad it is the neighbor's yard.

The Pumpkin Patch

I took the girls to Pumpkinland on Monday. They had fun and enjoyed the nice weather. BYU has an MBA Spouses Association (MBASA) that sponsors activities throughout the year. They get everyone a discount so we were able to get in and buy a pumpkin for the price of my regular admission.

They had ropes that surrounded the garden patches. The girls had fun holding on and swinging them as we walked.

Rebecca's best friend Emma was there too. They had fun playing at the park area together.

Thanks Mom & Dad...

You always know how to make me smile and remember to be grateful for what I have. I love you.

The more things change...

Today we made our first attempt to hike the "Y" since Heidi and I took our engagement photo. We didn't quite make it all the way up but we did see a familiar looking rock formation. We agreed that we'll have to make another attempt before the snow flies.

Two-Dollar-Tuesday: ROAR!!

During the month of August Thanksgiving Point has each of their venues open for only $2 per person. I had heard wonderful things about their Dinosaur Museum, but I wasn't willing to pay the $36 for our family to go. So last Tuesday I took the kids. It was worth the $6, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price. Of course the line to get in was crazy (I'm not the only one who loves a good deal). We got there 45 minutes before it opened and there was already a line of about 30 people. The line probably had a couple hundred people in it before the doors even opened.

Anyhow, all three kids loved it. Some of the dinosaurs were HUGE!! The kids took turns posing for pictures in front of the different dinosaurs. Sarah got excited every time I let her out of the stroller to take her picture.

Advice for next time: 1. Take the kids to go potty at the gas station nearby if you are going to wait outside a locked bldg for 45 minutes; 2.don't take any food or drink- they make you dump out your baby's bottle too; 3. try using a baby carrier instead of a stroller if it's going to be crowded; 4. don't go with a big group of friends/ family and expect to stick together-- there is just too much to see and do and not enough room; 5. warn David that they will want to stamp his wrist so he doesn't freak out; 6. Be okay with not seeing everything and going home after only an hour.