I am Thankful for Bedtime Reading

Recently I decided to start reading chapter books to the boys.  I thought that 6 was a good age to do this.  I wanted a book that would keep the attention of the boys and be simple enough for them to follow.  We found a great series called The Magic Tree House. We read picture books with the kids, but reading these read aloud chapter books helps them with reading skills.  We can talk about predictions and what happened yesterday, etc.  Lil' E loves them and can't wait to read them.  Even Doble sits interested.  His eyes are always wide as I read the storiese of Jack and Annie. So far we have only read the first two in the series and my kids, and myself are hooked.  They are a wonderful book that gets the imagination running as you wonder "what is going to happen next."  If you are looking for a good series to read with your kids, I recommend this series.  What fun memories I will have laying in bed with my kids as we read these fun books.

I am Thankful for Spontaneity

It started snowing today while we were in church. After church JBody took the kids home while I stayed and went to choir.  An hour later I got home and the kids had eaten and JBody told me that the kids really wanted to play in the snow (it was more of a film).  We got the sleds out and the riding mower out and went "sledding" with the kids.  JBody figured we better take advantage of the time and just do it.  Who knows this may be all the snow we will get.  I doubt it, I think we will get some more.  I am glad that we took the time to share in a little fun with kids tonight. 

The boys looked so cute hanging onto thier sister.

See what I mean by film.  Any amount of snow is worth playing to kids.

Wait dad!

 I was suprised when the boys stood up and "surfed". 

The actually kept thier balance pretty good.

I haven't been a fan of snow.  I think it takes forever to get the kids all suited up and they only last for a short amount of time.  However, I am a little excited to get a good snow!!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

I am Thankful for a Central Air

Last year at this time our pellet stove went out on us.  We made the decision to install central air.  The fact that we didn't have to worry about the baseboard heating starting a fire from loose bed blankets, clothes, or curtains was a huge decision maker.  I love have a constant temperature and not having crank the heat up to get the chill out of the house.  There is also the benefit that JBody doesn't have to load those heavy pellet bags from the garage into the house in the cold.  Yeah for warmth...and for air conditioning in the heat.

I am Thankful for Babysitters

It has taken me quite sometime to actually feel comfortable with babysitters.  Not because I don't trust them, but because I am cheap when it comes to a babysitter.  I just don't like going out and spending a bunch of money on dinner and a movie and then turning around and slapping another 10, 15, 20 dollars down for a babysitter. I never know how much to pay and actually have been told I pay too much.  That all aside...I am thankful that there are young women in whom I can trust my children with who actually want to come back and babysit my children.  I am slowly getting over the paying thing too.  It is totally worth the money to go out alone with my hubby and enjoy dinner without sharing my food or making sure the kids aren't overly loud.  It is worth it to have some adult talk even if alot of it has to do about our children.  And tonight it was completely worth it to walk the eisles of the store looking for christmas presents without kids asking for every toy they saw or running up and down the eisles.  Thank you Miss B for watching our kiddos tonight!!

By the way I am just wondering what people pay thier sitters if you are willing to share that info.

I am Thankful for My Savior Jesus Christ

I am so thankful for my Savior.  I know that he loves me and that he KNOWS me.  He knows my fears.  He knows my wants.  He knows my heart.  I know that my Savior lives!  I love Christmastime.  I love how it brings people together.  This year we really want to remind our children what Christmas really is. We have done a pretty good job in years past, but this year we want to give them an every day reminder that the Savior was born to bring peace and love.  We want them to remember that the greatest gift they have and ever will receive is that of everlasting life.  It is only through our Savior Jesus Christ that we may obtain it.  May we all remember this this Christmastime.  I know it is early, but may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas surrounded by those you love most. 

I am Thankful for Beautiful Sunsets

As I was going through my memory cards I came across some pictures of a sunset we had this summer.  It made me miss those summer nights being outside with the kids watching them play soccer and baseball.  It made me miss swinging on the swings with them.  I love this time of year with the holidays, but along with winter brings shorter days and that means it gets darker earlier.  I don't even realize when it gets dark because it is about the time I am making dinner.  Are there even beautiful sunsets in the winter?  I don't think I have ever been able to see one.  My challenge for myself this week is to see a fall/winter sunset.