Thanksgiving

What a great Thanksgiving we had. I have been feeling a little homesick as I think of the holidays approaching, so I didn't have high expectations for the day. We were just going to spend the day home alone, but some great friends from the branch and their families invited us for dinner. John spent the day before making all of the pies and I got to take my Frog eye salad. We spent the entire afternoon and evening there and it was great. We had a great time and the food was delicious. We also got to take food to a single non member lady who has lots going on and needed someone to talk to . It was great to help someone else and to brighten her otherwise bad day. I am grateful that the Fieldings were willing to share their home and family with us. We love you guys, young and old!! The kids had other kids to play with and we just got to relax, eat, and play games. It was fun to see how they made different things and to be around their great family. We survived our first holiday away from family and we loved it! We both commented how it was one of our best Thanksgivings. It is hard to believe that it could be so wonderful since we have such wonderful family and we were away from all of them but I guess it was tender mercy for us. So bring on the holidays!!!

November focuses on gratitude and thanksgiving so I took the time to think of a few of the things I am most grateful for in my life. What a great life I have and so many blessings.

Jesus Christ, my savior. I am grateful that he was born and that he died for me individually as if I was the only one on Earth. I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice which heals me. I am grateful that through the atonement I can give Christ all my pains, sorrows, worries, and disappointments. And in return I can have peace and happiness. I am grateful for his example and his love which I am trying to more fully develop.

A Heavenly Father that loves me, helps me and blesses me. I know he listens to my prayers and answers them. I know he is my Father and just as my earthly Father wants me to be happy and would do anything for me, so is My Heavenly Father. I know he rejoices when I make him proud, and can only imagine his pain and disappointment when I do wrong. I am thankful for a loving, forgiving, and protecting Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the Spirit. What an amazing feeling, I wish I could feel it all the time. I love the peace and complete happiness it gives me.

My parents. I know I am very blessed to have the parents that I have. I like Nephi have been born of goodly parents. Why I was so blessed I don't know, but I am very appreciative of them. I had a great childhood and always knew I was loved. Dad, thanks for the homemade breakfasts everyday. What an example they continue to be to me in my life. I am grateful they taught me the gospel by word and example. I am thankful for their worthiness at all times. How privileged I am to have such great parents for their love, example, teachings, and support. I know everything I am I owe to them. My mom continues to be a strength and example to me as I try to be more like her. She truly taught me that the most important things in life aren't things. And my Dad has given me the example of hard work which has blessed my life as I have tried to have that trait. I am grateful for a Dad who has stepped up and taken the place of Mom and Dad. I am grateful for their testimonies, their sense of humor and their goodness. I am grateful for family traditions and memories. That is all I have left from my mom and I am so grateful for them. I am grateful for all of their sacrifices for our family. I love watching my Dad with my kids and for all of the memories they have with him.

John, what an amazing guy. I am so grateful to be married, especially to such a wonderful guy. He continues to be an example to me everyday. He lives his testimony and I am grateful for that. He respects me and the kids. He is the most amazing father always teaching our kids, playing with them, correcting them with love, and providing opportunities for them to feel the spirit. I am grateful for the priesthood he holds, honors, and uses in our lives. I am grateful that he loves me enough to want me for forever. I am grateful to know he is always there. I may have left everything and everyone, but we are here together and that is all I need. He is the man of my dreams and so much more. He continues to amaze me everyday with his Christlike qualities. I appreciate his thoughtfulness around the house or helping with the kids. I love that we work together to share our duties. I admire how he receives inspiration for our family and truly presides over our family. He knows what he needs to teach for a family home evening lesson, or that he needs to write letters to his children.

Motherhood. What an amazing experience to be a mom. There is nothing better than the love of my children. I am so grateful to be the mom of such great kids and to be able to stay home with them each day. They fill my life with joy. The days can be tiring and challenging but always worth it. Especially when I hear them say they love me or I am the best or to hear them saying their prayers or singing primary songs. They help me want to be better everyday and I learn so much from them. I am grateful for their easiness to forgive me when I do wrong to them. I love their innocence.

Zak-What a tender hearted sweet little boy. I love this kid and am honored to be his mom. I love that he always wants to do what is right and to make me happy. I love his imagination and excitement about things. He loves to learn and I love how he thirsts after any type of information. I am thankful for his example as he reminds me what I need to be, just like him. I am grateful that he is so forgiving and that he is always willing to help his brother and sister. He really is the best example. My favorite things to do with him are to play missionaries and to read books.

Makelle-She has the most beautiful smile and I am grateful to see it many times a day. I am grateful to be a mom to this miniature Ashley. She is so sweet and girlie. I love that she likes to read books, cook, and go shopping with me. I love hearing her sing and to see her dance around the house. I love to see her face light up when she wants to tell me something and to hear her voice. What a beautiful girl to be around.

Lantz-Perfect, pure, and innocent describe this little guy. I am grateful for this perfect little man and that he loves me the most. I love his big grin when I get him out of his bed in the morning and I love to hear him laugh. He is getting his own personality and he so much fun. I look forward to him growing and getting more of his own personality. I can't get enough of him and I love to kiss his chubby cheeks.

Eternal Families-What good would be the love of my family, my parents, John and my kids if it all ended. I am so grateful for eternal families and the knowledge I have of them. I look forward with much anticipation to introduce my little angels to my mom one day, and then being together with my entire family FOREVER. This is one of the greatest blessings.

Freedom to worship, work, go to school and to have a family. What a blessing it is to live in this land. We can worship, live and be whatever we want.

My own home. After living without my home for two and a half years I am even more appreciative of my own little home. It may be small but it is my own and I love it. My own kitchen and my own little heaven on Earth. A safe warm place for my family.

Good Health is such a blessing for our family. I am so grateful that my children, John and I all have great health. What a great blessing it is. I am grateful for good health for my extended family. What a blessing it is to see my children's faces, the sunset and the beauties of the world. To smell clean, and yummy things, cooking. To hear my children's voices, and run and walk and hug. I am grateful for these simple and wonderful blessings. I am grateful for modern medicine and technology to bless my family. I am grateful that I can take my family to the doctor when I need to.

My family. I have THE best family in the world. I am so grateful that even though I am miles and miles away that we grow closer. I am grateful for siblings who have decided to take me in and be moms to me. I appreciate all they do for me and my family. My siblings and their spouses are truly my best friends and they are always doing things for me. I am grateful for great memories with them and their families and for all of our traditions. I am grateful for Joan and her willingness to be an awesome grandma to my kids and for always being so thoughtful. Johns family has become my own. I am so thankful to have such great in-laws. I am thankful for Johns' great parents teaching him to be what he is and for their example to my children. They are great grandparents and my kids adore them. I am grateful that they are so good to my children and for all they do for us. I am grateful for the relationship my children and I have with his sisters and what I learn from them.

Heritage-John and I have both been blessed with a great heritage. I am grateful to our our grandparents and their lives. They all continue to be examples to us. I am grateful for their testimonies, examples, and optimism. I am grateful for Granny and Gramps allowing us to live with them so that we could make our goal of dental school become a reality. I appreciate their sacrifice in our behalf.

School-What a blessing it is to get an education. Education has been and continues to be a blessing in our lives, as it opens up opportunities. I am thankful we have always been afforded this opportunity and for how it blesses our family.

Temple-I am grateful for temples and the sacred work that goes on there. I am grateful that we still live near a temple and that I can go their to feel peace,to serve, and to learn.

Food-I am grateful we have enough and more. I can't think of anything worse than to send my kids to bed hungry. I am grateful that we always have food to eat.

Friends-I am grateful for friends young and old and for what they do for me. For now friends have to take the place of family and I appreciate their willingness to love us. I feel sad that in four years I will once again leave all my friends here. They make my life happier. I love that they can fill the void of our family. We have so many great friends here and they all mean so much to me. I know I can call on them for anything, and I am grateful for the fun times we have, and for the good friends for my kids. I am grateful for friends far away that mean even more now that I am gone.

Kentuckiana-I love this place and I am so glad I get to live hear. It is so beautiful and I love the parks and fun things to do. It is a great place to live and I love being a part of it. I have come to appreciate all of the beauties God has created. I am grateful to live here. I love my Charlestown Branch family. What a blessing they are to me. I love that they are my family really like a family. I admire all of the sacrifices they make to serve in the church and for their strenghth and courage. I am grateful to be a part of the missionary work going on here. Life is great in Kentuckian and I am so glad I get to be in such a great place for four years. I know Heavenly Father guided us here and I am thankful for him helping us to end up here.

Trials-I am grateful for trials in my life that have helped me to be who I am and to have the testimony I have. The hard times definitely help me to recognize and appreciate the good times.

Cars-This modern day convenience is wonderful and I am glad that we have cars that work good.
Internet-I am grateful for a way to communicate long distance with family and friends. I love this convenience in my home

Mail-I love to get mail, and I am thankful for so many great people in my life who keep it coming. It always bring a smile to my face.

Music-I am grateful for beautiful music and the spirit it brings to me and into our home.

Four Wheeling-I miss it and I am thankful for all of the memories with family and friends. I look forward to it being a part of my life again.

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa and Makelle's Birthday!

Makelle's birthday was this week. My beautiful little girl is three! It is hard for me to believe it. She is getting so big and so beautiful. Her smile melts me it lights up her whole face and I love her dimples. She is going to be hard to resist when she gets older. She is such a girly girl she loves shopping, makeup, singing, dancing, dolls, cute clothes, jewelry, shoes, beautiful nails, and beautiful hair. And she gets her love of candy from me. She is such a joy and makes me laugh every single day. She is stubborn and has a mind of her own but she is very sweet and cute. I love it when she says "Mom you are so cute and I love you." She didn't do anything exciting for her birthday, but she had a great day. John's parents came late the night before so the kids were excited to see them. Zak wanted to eat Makelle's cake for breakfast but we were able to hold off until evening. We did have to open presents first thing. Grandma and Grandpa came with a hole suitcase full of gifts from her aunts so Makelle was one lucky girl. She was so happy and loved everything. I made her a pink and purple princess cake. It was my first cake and I was so proud of myself. Makelle and Zak both loved it and said it was so pretty and that I did a good job. They are so sweet to me.

Mostly the week was full of playing and visiting with Grandma and Grandpa. We enjoyed nice sunny days for the first of the visit and ended with rain. We had a great time, thanks for the fun, the stories and the memories. We love you guys!

Now enjoy the cute but random out of order pictures.
One of the favorites to do with Grandma Valynn is to make cookies. Grandma and Grandpa got Makelle her own rolling pin and hot pad to use.
Grandpa David and Zak being penguins together.
Makelle and her matching doll, a gift from Granny. She had to take her matching doll to church with her.
Singing with her new microphone from her Madsen cousins.
Makelle's new birthday vest and her favorite book.
For my first cake did I do good or what?
Grandpa racing Makelle on the slide.
We have never taken the kids to the temple before so we took Grandma and Grandpa and the kids to the temple. They were surprised at how small it was.
What handsome and cute kids in their new church outfits from Granny.
Makelle loves her new Dora Jammies from Anna.
What a cute birthday girl!
Makelle relearned how to ride her bike on her birthday. What a big girl, now that is all she wants us to go do, and now it is raining.
Kid train!
Just hanging out.

Birthday picnic at the park.
Zak fell off his toy car onto his face on the cement and had a big fat bloody lip.
Makelle wearing her new hat and mittens from Grandma Joan and Grandpa Bagley. It was about 68 degrees so she did need them on outside.
Makelle playing with her new doll from Becca. Take a look at her hair, I am really trying harder to do it cute, or to just do it. She also has a face full of makeup, thanks to Emy, and so did the rest of us for the whole week.

Zak got Makelle Cheetos and she is enjoying her new chair from Mom and Dad.
Makelle was excited to get Mary Poppins from Lindsey, but I am not so happy. THANKS A LOT!

Thanks everyone for her presents she loved them all! I promise more pictures from the rest of the family next time.

What we've been doing!

Update on the last few weeks!
First of all we have a new tradition for Halloween. Have the kids stock up on candy from previous Halloween parties and trunk-or-treats and then on Halloween stay home and let the kids hand out their own candy to get rid of it. That's what we did and the kids loved it. They were supposed to be babysat so I could go to the adult session of stake conference but Lantz was sick so we were home, but I didn't have any Halloween candy. Now I am glad I know about this new way to celebrate Halloween.

Lantz was sick last week. He had a fever of 104 one day but we were able to get it down and keep it down most of the time during the next few days. For being sick he still is a great baby, he doesn't cry much, but he does want me to hold him or let him go to bed.

Stake Conference was awesome. I felt bad missing the adult session because it is always the best, but Sunday session was still good. The kids were amazing, they make me so proud. I went to conference about twenty minutes early with Zak and Makelle. John stayed home with Lantz. We usually go about an hour early to get a good seat, but I didn't want to go to early with the kids. Well we got there and the chapel was mostly empty. I went around talking to the few friends there telling them how we usually have to go to conference an hour early to get a good spot, but that I didn't want to bring my kids early this time. I also said I was so glad that I didn't come any earlier because I could have any seat in the house. Well, I started getting anxious for things to start as it approached ten. The chapel was still mostly empty and the stake presidency wasn't even there. I was talking to someone when it was mentioned that it was only nine. Imagine my stupidity as I realized the time had changed and I had no clue at all. I was completely oblivious, and to add to my embarrassment I had talked to several people telling them how I didn't want to bring my kids too early and here I had brought them an hour and twenty minutes early. Thankfully my kids did great and it was a wonderful meeting,I just felt like an idiot. Goes to show how much I get out and have contact with the outside world.

Last week was full of appointments. Makelle's tooth was turning brown, she must have bumped it so I took her to a pediodontist. It was a great experience, all of the kids were good for me and Makelle wasn't even scared. They told her she had princess teeth and they were great. Makelle and Lantz had check ups this week. Makelle is 29 pounds and Lantz is 20. When it was Makelle's turn to get weighted they said they wanted to see how big she was so she stretched her hands high. We all started to laugh. She was showing them how big she is! Then we had to take Lantz for a testicular ultrasound, and once again my kids were all great. They make me so proud. I am always so worried to have to take them all with me to appointments, but they do so good. We have one more appointment on the 19th for Zak with a cardiologist. He has had a heart murmur since he was born, and they are just going to check it out and make sure it is innocent. We weren't going to get the kids much for Christmas, but now they all got to have Doctors appointments and tests for their gifts!

Last week the weather was beautiful and we took advantage. We went to a different park to play at everyday last week and we loved it. There is nothing better than playing with the three best kids at the park in the sunshine on a nice fall day. We found a new park back in the forest and it was sooo pretty with the sun shining thru the leaves and the trees. One of the favor ties for the kids was playing in all of the leaves at the park. We also went to the zoo. It was my first time by myself with all of the kids and we did great. One afternoon we were at the river swinging together on a big swing and Zak said, "Mom, this is one of the bestest days ever. I could just sit here and swing with you and play with you all day. This is one of the greatest days, thanks mom." Now that is what life is all about right there. So we had a great week (exhausting, but great)! I have really been trying to learn from the last conference talks and have the spirit with me and not get angry. Also at our stake conference our Stake President said to find out our purpose in life and make it a priority. Well my family and raising these kids is my purpose so I am trying to make it my priority. It is amazing how just trying and praying to be better at not getting angry and use a quiet voice has helped us all. It helps to get out of the house away from distractions of things I need to do and just play with my kids. I haven't been as good as i should, and it feels good to get back to where I want to be. I was feeling a little bit depressed this past week. But as I have tried to be a better mom and looked for ways to maybe brighten someone else's day it has made a difference.

Zak had his first primary program Sunday. He has been so excited and he had his whole part memorized. I was so excited to see him. He looked super handsome and he sang loud and good. He looked extra smart when he gave his part because he had it all memorized. Makelle is excited to do it next year, is that crazy?! John needed a partner to go teach someone the new member discussions and he couldn't get anyone so he took Zak. Zak was so excited and had his scriptures all ready. He shared his lesson about Jesus teaching in the temple that he gave to us last week for Family Home Evening. At the end he had his finger on a scripture and he read it to everyone. What a big kid already being a missionary.

A few months ago John went home teaching and he went to a lady's house and who hadn't had home teachers or been to church in years. She said she wasn't interested in having home teachers so the next month he sent her a letter with the first presidency message and numbers of people to call if she needed help. Imagine our shock when she called this morning to find out what time church is so that she could come. She sat by us and stayed for all three meetings with her four year old boy, so hopefully she will come again. It was so exciting, way to go Johnny!!

Here is one more thing to add to John's long list of incredible talents. He cut my hair!! Crazy I know but he did an awesome job and he is feeling a little proud about it himself. I got my hair cut at just a cheap hair place instead of the salon. Well, it was a bit of a disaster. After complaining about it for a few days John once again offered to cut my hair for me. He has offered lots of times but I have never been brave enough to take him up on the offer. I figured my hair couldn't get much worse so I let him. I was scared as I could feel the clippers going half way up my head I may have even started to cry once as I realized he has never been with me when I have gotten my hair cut so what would he know about this. Once again I was amazed by his talents as he shaved about an inch off and cut some more with scissors. The back looks awesome I am going to go to him for now on! Hopefully he won't decided to quite dental school and go into cosmetology!

And now for the pictures, sorry not to many of us actually playing it is way to hard to capture all of the fun cute moments when my hands are full and we are having fun at the park.
Zak spotted a bear on our way to feed the ducks!
Just Enjoying the park!





Makelle found a little umbrella and she was keeping the rain away for her and her daddy.
Zak playing after a long day of church and home teaching.
Lantz checking out the fridge.
Lantz is so fun these days, besides the getting into everything. He loves to play games and have you chase him or hide from him. He has quite the fun personality and he gets bigger by the day.
Lantz is always wanting to play whatever Zak is doing. Zak gets so bothered and wants him to stay away from his toys, hopefully they will be buds one day.
Cutest kid ever!
Nightly scripture reading and Zak's medicine.
Crazy #1 My little princess with her special tooth.
Crazy #2 Makelle took this picture, didn't she do a good job?
Reading to themselves! They both memorize their books and love to read them to themselves and each other. They are too big!

There you have it life is great!