Another 'Thankful List'

I've been meaning to post this since we came home from vacation but haven't sat down long enough to do it!

I was really overwhelmed with things to be thankful for while we were away.

First and foremost, the chance we had to go on vacation! I had been planning this trip for many months and had no idea that it would be so needed when it finally arrived! We all needed that break from 'reality' for awhile and being forced to hang out with each other was really wonderful!

I'm also thankful for my wonderful friend, Mindy, and her kids for taking care of our house and dog for us while we were gone. Max was well taken care of and didn't suffer at all for us being away because Joseph and Emily were very attentive to him!

One thing that I didn't expect to be thankful for is the kindness of strangers. We new this could really be a difficult trip because we had to take a double stroller and a wheelchair with us. In Disneyland itself that wasn't such a big deal, but getting them on and off of the bus was a real pain. Luckily there were many wonderful people who always offered to help carry them or gave up their seats to us when the bus was crowded.

We met many new 'friends' on this trip. Andraia is so outgoing that she would say "Hi" to just about anyone and always had a kind word and a smile for them. Being the introvert that I am, I always get a little embarrassed when she is so outgoing, but I really tried to just go with the flow this time. I didn't discourage her from being so friendly, and it was really great to see peoples' reactions! Of course, there were those who just said "Hi" and didn't answer any other questions, but most everyone would chat with her, answer her questions, and some even remembered her from day to day on the bus or at the hotel pool. It was really sweet!

“It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.”

Conference Weekend

We had a great conference weekend! We really enjoyed all of the talks, and I can't wait for the Ensign to come so I can start reading and highlighting them. We don't get to pay attention to much of it, but the bits and pieces we catch are so worth the effort. The kids were great to be in on the action through most of it. We do let Spencer escape to another room to watch because the younger kids get pretty noisy, but most of the time we watch it in the family room together. Brayden spends his time cruising the house and taking pit stops with us every once in awhile. Andraia and Chloe were so cute this year. They were always singing along with the choir. Chloe dances to the music just like it is the latest Top 40 song on the radio.

The highlight of the weekend for me was Andraia's reaction to finding out that it was time for the Saturday AM session to start.

Andraia: Can I watch Jon and Kate? (Her favorite show from TLC!)
Mom: No, honey, Conference is getting ready to start.
Andraia: Conference! Conference! Conference!! It's time for Conference!! (running, jumping, and laughing throughout the house!)

It was awesome. I wish everyone was that excited!

Another highlight:
Spencer attended Priesthood Session with my bros, bro-in-law, my dad and Earl. He'll be twelve in January. All the guys were so excited to have him come along!

Can't wait until April. Although, I have tons to contemplate and implement in my life before then!

100th Post

I just realized that last post was number 100!!! How exciting. No '100 things about me' post. It would take me forever to get that list compiled!

Disney 2008

Which Floor Do You Like Better!?!

 

 

I know! Silly question!! I am putting the new floor in myself. Can't wait til its all done. The 80s linoleum is really getting to me.

Other Things We've Been Up To....Losing Teeth and Mini Golf!!

 

We're Back!!!

Happy to be home, but already planning our next Disneyland escape. Brayden has such a great time and they are so 'disability-friendly' that it is hard to convince us to go anywhere else.

All the details and pics coming soon!!!