Best Family Night!

Friday night was the best family night! 

Confession: We don't have a ton of "planned" family nights. Our family time usually consists of McD's or a movie before bed. But that's just the business of life right now. So when we do have a planned event, I get a little excited.

Friday was the day we went to see Santa! It's kind of our family Christmas tradition now.{ I guess if you do it the same way three years in a row, it's tradition, right?!} 

First, we visited Santa at Bass Pro Shop ... aka ... the fish store. He is the cutest Santa and they always do such a great job with pics! No one complains if you take your own pictures and they still give you a freebie! And he really listens to what the kids have to say....always a big plus!

Aren't they the CUTEST kids ever?? Or maybe I'm just a little biased!

Then, of course, we visit the fish!

And after all of that excitement, we eat dinner at Steak and Shake! That's how I convince my hubby to going out on a Friday at Christmas time. {He really dislikes traffic and huge crowds of people} 

We finished the night with a trip to the Dollar Store! Maecie found everything princess, Clayton found everything Superhero, and Mom got great stocking stuffers while Dad and Lucie perused the aisles. And of course, Clayton entertained all of the workers with his stories and explanations of everything he was purchasing.

We went early {right at 4:30pm or so}, made sure everyone had eaten, and had many distractions {fish, rides on daddy's shoulders, taking pictures with mom's phone, and straws!} It was a fabulous night. My favorite family tradition!

Gratitude Wrap-Up

So I dropped the ball on my 30 days of gratitude posts. Things got busy and a little out of control (so to say). But I thought about all that I was thankful for on a daily basis! Some of the highlights:

1. My children - Clayton who bring laughter and excitement to our home on a daily basis. Maecie who is teaching me all about how to be a princess. Lucie who is the sweetest, most cuddly baby ever!
2. My family who loves me unconditionally.
3. My parents, grandparents, and in-laws who have loved, taught and supported me in every endeavor.
4. My home and  the shelter it provides our family from the elements. It may not always be in pristine condition, but we feel safe here.
5. My gift of baking. I really enjoy baking and I love even more when my baking can bring comfort to others.
6. My large suburban that is able to carry my children, luggage when needed, a trip home from Costco and more, yet still keep my family and I safe from any crazies on the road.
7. Family togetherness ... when I was 16 years old and my aunt and uncle and grandparents moved into the same town my family and I lived in, I thought we had too much family together time. Now, I wish there could be more!
8. The gifts God has blessed me with - music, food, desire to serve others - and how they bring me closer to my Heavenly Father, my children, my husband, my extended family and my church family.

I guess all in all, you can say my family - far and near - and my blessings from God are the things I am most thankful for. Whether I accomplish all on my to-do list or not, whether I have the latest and greatest or not, I am blessed beyond measure!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 7

Today I'm thankful for my job. Yes, technically I am a stay-at-home-mom and am so lucky to have that job. But this year I picked up something a little more my musical style.

I have the opportunity to teach music to preschoolers (ages 1-5) two times a week. They even help take care of my girls while I am there, allowing me some time doing something I love.

Music has always been a love of mine. I've sung in choirs and such since I was 10 years old. And there is something magical about seeing a two year old with a big smile on their face while they are bobbing their head in rhythm to "Old McDonald Had a Farm'"

And somehow, these children are teaching me. You see, the preschool is at a church and during the time I am there, I get to share a little spiritual message with the kids. They may not be the same denomination as I am, and they may not be the same denomination as the preschool. Yet, we are learning about God and His love for each one of us.

Last month we talked about the love Jesus Christ has for us. I told the kids I was going to show them a picture of someone Jesus loves. I then passed around a mirror and asked the kids who was in the picture. The smiles on their faces was priceless! And each child knew that they were loved.

Not long after I began these lessons, I realized I needed to be doing that same thing for my children. So of course, I implemented a little spiritual message in our home on a daily basis (well, that's my intentions anyway!). I feel like it has truly made a difference in our home.

It may not pay the bills .... it may not be the highest caliber of learning .... however, I love my job and am thankful for the things I learn from these kids daily!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 6

I think I'm supposed to be grateful for the freedom to vote today .... and don't get me wrong, I totally am! I went and voted to voice my opinion. I would say I waited in lines forever, but I think everyone around me waited in line for early voting. So for me, I was in and out and on my way! 

Therefore, between stressing over the election (my anxiety is about to get the best of me!), the time change (yes, Maecie is still waking up an hour early!), and no school for kids, my gratitude comes in the form of caffeine!

My favorites, my vices ... Diet Coke and Chocolate!

Ahhhhh.....that's better! Yes, a Diet Coke and some chocolate is all it took to get me over the hump and through the day! 

30 Days of Gratitude - Days 4 & 5

I figured that at least once or twice during this 30 days of gratitude I would have to double up on my posts because of time constraints. (Did you know there are only 24 hours in a day?! Good grief!) But I didn't think it would be this early in the month....

Day 4: I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a Mormon). I am a Christian. I read my scriptures and pray. And I am SO incredibly thankful that I live in a country where I can worship God freely, and in the way I desire. When I hear of other countries who are thrown in prison for praying or worse, I can barely fathom it. How blessed and lucky are we to be a part of a country where freedom is actually practiced!

Day 5: I am incredibly thankful for my siblings! Today is my oldest sister's birthday and it served as a reminder that I have awesome siblings. My sisters and brother and I have always been able to spend time with one another, laughing and generally having fun. In spite of our disagreements at times, we know that we can count on one another. Love them all!

My sisters and I two Christmases ago ... missing my brother...

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 3

I have such a handy hubby! And I am so grateful for all the work he does and is able to do. Because of him, our 1965 house now has a laundry room! The finishing touches are happening still, but a separate room with cabinets and laundry baskets... I'm almost giddy! Here's to hoping the laundry stays in the laundry room!

Thank you to my handy, helpful husband!!

Another Thankful Blogger:
Where Is My Instruction Manual

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 2

Whether it's the funny things they say, like the following exchange:

Clayton: I love you, Lucie!

Maecie: No! I wove yucie! You no wove yucie!

Clayton: No! I love Lucie the mostest!

Ignore the mess on the floor ... yes, my house always has toys and paper everywhere!

Or the way all three have to find a way on my lap during bedtime stories on our 1 person sized rocking chair ....

These little people bring a light to my life that I could not find anywhere else! I am so thankful for these cuties in my life! I love them a whole lotta bit!