nov. 30

Last day of november. My last thankful post (for now). I'm thankful today for this holiday season we have begun. Oh how I love the holidays. I love all the sights, smells, sounds, traditions, colors, foods, activities... I really try to pack as much as possible in and make the most of my holidays. And let's not forget the true reason to be thankful, the "reason for the season": to remember the humble birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to live our lives the way He lived His, and to spread joy and peace and love wherever possible.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving (I promise the massive posts are coming soon) and are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. We are truly blessed in all aspects of our life, and I will continue to look for all those little ways each day (i just will spare you from writing about them).

nov. 29

Today im grateful for mothers. Today Caitlin was not happy (i think she may have a touch of a cold -- breaks my heart) and at times she would just scream and could not be comforted. There were a few of us holding her, but when i would go to hold her she would calm down. And I could get her to go back to sleep or relax. It was the best feeling in the world to know that she needs me and I can make her feel better. I LOVE being a mom. I'm also so grateful for my own mom whom i get to spend some time with this week! We always have lots of projects to do and things to talk about. And she is obsessed with Caitlin which is fun for both of us. Moms deserve all the thanks in the world.  

nov. 28

Today im grateful for the gospel. Another one of those things that i am grateful for everyday. I am thankful and proud to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am who I am because I'm mormon. The gospel has an amazing power to build, shape and purify us all through the power of Christ's atonement. I know that he died for me and for this I am eternally grateful.

nov. 27

Today im thankful for a loving husband. I am definitely thankful for this everyday as it's something i talk about A LOT on here (what can i say.. he's just awesome) but specifically today I'm thankful for my husband who is an amazing and loving father, my best friend, not afraid to speak his mind, who will defend and protect me always but is not afraid to tell me when I'm wrong and try to teach me a lesson that i need to learn. He helps me keep things in perspective. He is truly my other half. 

nov. 26

today i'm thankful for a good nap. Nothing can cure you like a good snooze on the couch after a big meal or a long day. Same goes for the little munchkin too-- sometimes a nap is all you need to re-charge and face the rest of the day.

nov. 25

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm glad i've been thinking about what i've been thankful for this month, it makes me really think about each day in retrospect and see the smal blessings that appear daily in my life.

This morning we went and took family pictures and Caitlin was such a trooper. Barely fussed and was awake and happy the whole time. We even got a few of her smiling. I'm so thankful for a happy little girl. She has always had a content disposition and I think this will only continue. I'm glad that she seems happy with her life with us, because she is truly our greatest joy and blessing.

nov. 24

today i am so extremely thankful for my family and, more specifically, for their safety and well-being. Some fanily friends had a horrible tragedy happen last night in their family and my heart aches for them. There are definitely little things I can find everyday to be thankful for, but the big and most important things, my family being one, is something we need the appreciate and be so grateful fo each and everyday. Life is so precious.

nov. 23

today i'm thankful for surprises. We just pulled off a huge one: all the siblings surprised Chris and Christine by coming to Austin for Thanksgiving. This has been in the works since early summer and it's been so hard to keep the secret! But it was worth it to be able to surprise them in such a big way. We knew it would be so fun to have us all here and to have all three babies together for the first time!

nov. 22

today im thankful for airplanes. we've been doing a lot of traveling lately and with a baby i really appreciate the speed factor. everyone right now is talking out about all the TSA pat-down business. As long as i get on the plane, it flies and lands and we stay safe the whole time, i don't care who has to pat and prod. I'll take that over 20 hours in a car anyday.

nov. 21

today i'm thankful for the priesthood. we were able to travel to Arizona this weekend to attend the baby blessing of our new niece, Madison. (more pictures and a post to come on that) Jeff gave a wonderful blessing to their sweet little girl and i was once again reminded of how amazing the power of the priesthood is: humble enough to give give a name and blessing to a tiny baby, strong enough to heal the sick and bless lives in so many other ways. I am eternally grateful that i have the priesthood in my home.

nov. 20

today i'm thankful for costco. what an amazing place... where you can find anything from baby clothes to pajamas. I think if i could shop anywhere and get everything free, i would choose costco.

Foto Friday

(taken 11.16)

 the other thing caitlin started doing this week was playing with her toys on her playmat. she usually just likes to listen to the music and look at the lights but she somehow scooted over and was hitting the little rattle!

nov. 19

Even after over a year and a half (check out THIS post) I'm still thankful for my dyson vacuum! i love it! it helped me clean up the not-so-thin layer of glitter that covered my house after putting up a few Christmas decorations!

the way she rolls

BIG NEWS: Caitlin rolled over tonight! (11.18) I set her down on her stomach and she rolled over to her back! I kind of couldn't believe it was happening as i just watched the whole thing happen. Of course once I grabbed the camera and everything she didn't do it for the rest of the night but it really did happen! Congrats little one!

nov. 18

Today I'm thankful for good friends. This is a given pretty much any day, but today I really thought about how lucky I am to be surrounded by such great friends. Just in the past couple of days I've had friends offer me dinner, bring over milkshakes, babysit Caitlin when needed, come to check on me at night (Paul's been out of town) and I feel so blessed to know that I always have people to turn to. I really think being a true friend is one of the most important things you can be in life. I try hard everyday to be a good friend in return. Thanks.. love you all!

surprise party

Wednesday night Mike threw a surprise early birthday party for Jenna! It was really fun-- he did a great job planning it. We were there when she got home from class and I think she was really surprised! When she walked in and we all yelled SURPRISE we had little poppers and stuff and it scared Caitlin so bad! She was screaming. Eventually she calmed down and the she was awake until like 11:30 because she just wanted to be part of the party! We all ate delicious food, played minute to win it games, and had a giant cupcake. Happy Birthday Jenna! We love you!

 

nov. 17

Today I'm thankful for prayer. It is such a powerful and necessary tool in my life. I know that when i pray, my Heavenly Father hears me and helps me. I see little prayers answered everyday in my life and i am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that i can turn to through prayer. 

nov. 16

Today I'm grateful for books. I love reading, although sometimes it's hard for me to find the time. But i did recently read the first two books of The Hunger Games trilogy and LOVED them. Also every night we read a story or the scriptures to Caitlin to put her to bed. I love having that special time with her.

 sometimes i set a book up for her to look at when she's on her tummy. So cute.. it looks like she's reading it.

nov. 15

today I'm thankful for: 

-The inventors of hot chocolate. Such a perfect drink for a chilly day. I love Stephen's hot chocolate. 

(They say Mr. Stephen himself lives in Alpine.. I would like to meet him)

-I have a new little obsession this winter which is adding butterscotch chips to my hot chocolate! I'm not a huge butterscotch fan but i love just a hint. I tried this kind at a party and it is an actual butterscotch/chocolate mix and it's DELICIOUS and that's where i got the idea.

 

-And how could i ramble about hot chocolate without stating that I'm also incredibly thankful for the cocomotion. 

My little partner in crime.

featured

Paul's not the only famous one around here :) My friend Shannel and I did holiday decorating last year for this awesome lady that lives in Mapleton, I know her through being a customer at the Gatehouse. They decided to feature the house and our work with an interview and pictures as a spread in the Utah Valley magazine November/December issue:

click HERE to see the online version of the magazine (you have to click to page 48 to get to the "decked halls" feature) or pick one up for yourself and see it in person!

Pretty exciting! I think the pictures turned out great and it's very fun to see. We've both been fortunate enough to have a few more holiday design jobs this year as well. I love decorating for Christmas! It's so fun to use people's existing decorations and put a new spin on them. And especially awesome that I can set my own hours to do it. Here's a few pictures from this year's projects that I've done so far:

nov. 14

Today I'm thankful for a good, reliable, 4 wheel drive car. I went to dinner up in Highland at my Aunt and Uncles house (very fun) and what was some wet little snowflakes on the way had turned into about a half inch of snow and tons more coming when i was leaving. (of course by the time i got back to provo it was just rainy) but you better believe i was on HIGH ALERT while driving in the snow with my precious cargo in the back seat. The toyota highlander handled it all like a champ (shameless plug). So thankful for a good vehicle as we get into the snowy season!

nov. 13

Today I'm thankful for the temple. We were able to go here today: 

 (MUCH thanks to Mike and Jenna for babysitting!) It was good to be there. 

Also today we got a visit from Heather! I'm so glad that she and Kevin were able to stop by for a little bit and see us and of course meet Caitlin. I'm so mad I didn't take a picture!! It was good to chat with them and get caught up.

Foto Friday

when i was posting that picture (below) from photobooth i saw the last two that i had taken and i couldn't believe it. 

This one was probably a few weeks after Caitlin was born, but she's wearing the same outfit and i can't believe how much she has changed!

 and then came this one! oh my goodness! i can't believe i looked like this less than 3 months ago! so crazy.

nov. 12

Today I'm thankful for a good night's sleep. We've been trying to get Caitlin to sleep through the night and our best laid plans weren't working. All 3 of us were getting no sleep and we were all kinda grumpy. so, we switched plans and I'm happy to say last night she slept for 9 hours straight. And we were all much happier this morning. It's amazing what a little rest will do!

everyone was much happier this morning:

so cute. i love them.

nov. 11

today i'm thankful for traditions. I had a really nice chat today about traditions i had growing up and hearing other people's traditions. They add so much to any holiday spirit and now that we have our little family it's fun to decide which ones we will carry on.

nov. 10

today i'm thankful for music. I love how hearing a good song can brighten your day or remind you of things or put a smile on your face. Today i was playing country music and Caitlin was loving it.. glad i have a little Rascal Flatts lover by my side.
I'm also thankful that FM 100.3 is already playing Christmas music! And yes I listen to it every time i'm in my car... without shame. I love it and i love that it puts me in a Christmas-y happy mood.

if you would like to partake, you can listen online: http://fm100.com/

nov. 9

today i'm thankful for technology. we are so lucky to live in a world with cell phones, internet, picture texts, i chats, blogs and emails. It's so nice to be able to keep in contact and share things everyday.

i love this comedian when he talks about the airplane. it's so true!

nov. 8

honestly, it was a little harder for me think of things i'm thankful for today. Obviously there are things i'm thankful for everyday no matter what (family, friends, the gospel) but i've really been trying to think of my specific blessings each day. Today was gloomy outside, I was exhausted from a long night with the little miss, my husband is working a ton, there were spit-ups of epic proportions, pee pee on my bedspread, I have a really busy week ahead of me, etc. etc. So.. today was the exact day that I needed to think: "I'm in a bad mood. What am I thankful for?"

I'm thankful for smiles, and specifically Caitlin's smile. I know that sounds super cheesy but it's true. She's getting to the point that if you smile at her she will smile back, or when she's playing and happy or listening to music she will smile. It melts my heart every time. And it makes me smile. And you can't be in a bad mood when you're smiling. I just love her little face. Thank you Caitlin for being able to smile in between your fussing.

I was trying to take a picture on my phone of her smiling... didn't really work but i got some really funny faces instead and she was cracking me up.

nov. 7

today im thankful for sacrifice. We had a beautiful lesson in church today about sacrifices, their requirements and blessings. It made me thankful for the sacrifices i've made in my life and their associated blessings and lessons learned. We also talked about the sacrifices that mothers make while raising their children. She showed this message from Elder Holland that brought tears to my eyes:

I'm so grateful to be a mother, sacrifices and all.

i'm an aunt x2

Today I'm thankful for my brand new nephew! Christine and Chris had their little boy:

Cason Brock Mead was born November 6th 7lbs. 1 oz and 20 inches long

What a cutie! He came a little sooner than we all thought he would and was a VERY pleasant surprise. I'm so glad I get to be an aunt to a niece and a nephew (one of each please!) I can't wait to meet this little guy! He's going to be such a stud and a little mischief maker among our little girls! Can't wait! CONGRATULATIONS Chris and Christine!

Foto Friday

Caitlin and London

only true best friends wear matching onesie jammies.

nov. 5

Today I'm thankful for a very hard working husband. Paul is one of the most driven and business-savvy people i know. I am so thankful that he is such a hard worker and i will never have to worry about him providing for our family.
Last year, Paul and Taylor placed #1 in the Utah Student 25 competition as the top student entrepreneurs of Utah. Last night we went to the 2010 awards Gala and Paul and Taylor spoke about their past year's successes before the awards were presented to the new 2010 winners. It was fun to go back and remember our excitement from last year and now be on the other side of things this year. It was a fun night at the Grand America with great food and company.

... kind of a big deal

Next time you're driving south on I-15, between Lehi and Thanksgiving Point, keep an eye out for this bad boy:

Yes, that is my husband. On a billboard. This one has been in the works over the past year after they won the Utah Student 25 competition. Better late than never. Afterall, how often do you get to be on a billboard?! Good job boys!

nov. 4

today i'm thankful for talents. if you know me, you can probably tell that i have really talented friends. from crafts to cooking to health and fitness, sewing, spiritual talents, photography, fashion and more. everyone brings many things to the table and I'm so thankful that i have such great friends that i can learn from an be blessed by their talents and abilities. I'm also thankful for my own talents that i can share. 

nov. 3

today is national housewife's day! (at least that's what i heard on good things utah this morning) I'm so grateful to be a housewife! I love just hanging out with my little girl all day and getting to do projects and crafts and run errands and cooking. I was seriously made to me a stay at home mom. Not that i mind working, but this is way more fun.. just living off your own schedule and watching your baby grow more everyday. I'm also so thankful that Paul is so supportive.
I'm also thankful for my own stay at home mom! She has always been such a great homemaker for our family and is so incredibly talented in so many ways but chose to stay home and devote her time to us kids. I remember a few years ago i was with my mom in the car and we got sideswiped as we were pulling out and turning by another car. It wasn't a huge thing, but a police came and during his report he asked my mom what her profession was and she said "well, I'm a homemaker if that counts." and the police replied "well.. that's a whole 'nother question." I was so outraged!! He was so rude! of course that counts! It's one of the hardest and worst-paid professions out there! Anyways, thanks mom for being an awesome  homemaker.    

nov. 2

today i'm thankful for sweater weather! I have really enjoyed this fall and i'm so glad the snow has basically held off! Whitney, Caitlin and I went on a walk this morning (thankful for Whitney too! so nice to have a good friend to walk and talk with) and the weather was perfect. the sun was shining and the beautiful fall leaves were everywhere. 

thankful

November is the month of thanks. Really every month should be the month of thanks, but November gets the spotlight for it. So, in an effort to be more thankful, I want to post something i'm thankful for everyday. One time when I was a teenager, during one of my greater moments no doubt, my mom made me write down 100 things i was thankful for. There is nothing like realizing how blessed you are to settle a sour mood. I'm thankful for my mom for teaching me that lesson that i still think about today.

Also, on today November 1, I am thankful for baby wipes! I would have done so much laundry today if not for them. So useful in so many ways. practical? yes. a little thing? yes. grateful? definitely.

hallow's eve

On October 30th we had a little Halloween costume party at our place. We ate, talked, and played games and of course admired eachother's costumes. It was a fun night. 

the bumblebee, the "queen bee" and our big honey!

Uncle Mike made this cute pumpkin for Caitlin with her initials and birthday.