Finally...

I am grateful for a few things that I thought I'd share.

First, a show that makes me laugh...hard:

Top Gear UK

Second, TV shows that get me motivated (could use it in buckets!):

Ancestry show 

The Biggest Loser 

Third, good books that make me think:

The Book of Mormon

The Ensign 

My Current read...fiction but thought-provoking 

Inspiration for our marriage

Life is so good.

Only 2 more to go...

Ok, blogging rule number one: should probably not post pictures that are super embarrassing of myself.  However, my sisters will probably be proud.  In sticking with the family theme, I wanted to say I am so grateful for my sisters (Peanut Dog included!) that have been my partners in crime since the beginning.  They may have done "mean" things to me in the past (left permanent scars from scratching, sat on me and tickled me until I couldn't take it any more...you know...things sisters do), but I wouldn't trade them for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G.  We could spend hours on the phone with each other, trading secrets and discussing life...all to do it again just a few days later.  We have been each other's cheerleaders, coaches and friends in the journeys we've taken on in life.

We've laughed together, cried together, chewed each other out, and taken way too many pictures... and continue looking for places to take more.  I love my sisters for the things that make them different and the things we enjoy together.  They bless my life.

My new sisters

Marriage has brought changes to both of our lives..and one of those changes was getting two new sisters.  Because we spend most of our time playing with the kids...they don't get too many photo-op moments...

Reviewing pictures at Thanksgiving, 2010

Unless one of the kids borrows the camera...and then this is what you get...

 Despite the lack of photos they have in our "family adventure" photo file, we usually get lots of time to chat...and I'm so glad.  I am so grateful for them and for their different personalities.  They both have kids (3 each) and have much experience that I want to glean from.  They love "vintage" (oh yea!)   and won't settle for anything less then a good deal.  There are many more sides to "A" and "K"...but we'll leave those for another day.  In the end, though, joining my new family was a blessing because we became immediate friends.  Love you both!

Catching up...

We have been given a calling with the most choice of children anyone could ever ask for.  We are in the Nursery.  This year, we moved ourselves to the youngest class...and that has been an adjustment for us all.  A good adjustment...but an adjustment none-the-less.  Here are some of the bright faces look forward to seeing each week:

They teach us faith, patience, the value of preparation, and the innocence of childhood.  We love the things they say and do...and how we see progress each week.  It is a blessing to work with the Lords youngest spirits, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve them. 

So I'm a little behind...whats new?

I swear, even with the best of intentions I seem to fall a little (and sometimes, a lot) behind.  Nevertheless, we shall pick up where we left off, OK?  :)

My thoughts went next to the three cutest redheads (well, one that will probably be blond now...but still...) I know:

Presenting:

 Harry

Kate

Mitchell

 

These kids belong to my Sister-in-Law Ashley and her husband Jeff.  I love them because of their vibrant personalities and their innocent wisdom.  They make my insides happy just to be around them.  While red-heads can be a bit sassy, I hope we get one in our family!!!

Miss me yesterday?

I'm thinking you probably didn't, and that is OK :)  Still...I missed one of my Valentines notes...so here it is now.

Presenting: 
My sister Logann

 (Aka Logy, sis, bubba, beautiful, silly-pants) 

This beauty is my youngest sister Logann (I have one other beautiful sister...will talk about her soon :).  Here she is at work, teaching her kids how to count, spell, and measure.  I was able to go out and visit her classroom over a year ago and see her in action.  I'm not sure if she was super happy with me taking pictures...maybe a little embarrassing...but that is me.  We get to hear about these most precious of souls every once in a while, so I wanted to have pictures for my memory.  

My little Logy is my idol.  She is such a hard worker.  She knows how to give tough love and is so patient and kind.  More patient and kind then me for sure!  She has been "blessed" with one of the hardest years in her life this past year, and amazes me with the increased strength she shows each and every day.  The beginning was rough, incredibly rough, but she just keeps growing under the intense and painful pressure.

 

Through her trial, she has had a relationship with my parents that I will forever envy (always have to begin with), and be so very grateful for.  Because of the distance between us, we weren't able to help much.  That part was super hard, but I will be forever grateful for the understanding that my parents were able to show that have blessed our whole family through this time.  Life still isn't easy, and the healing will need more time, but this kid, this is one AMAZING kid.  She will bless many because of her life, her spirit, and her strength.

Amanda and the Essential 55

 

Yesterday we didn't get to do an Essential 55 rule for our activity.  I was feeling crummy, so we needed to make it quick.  We were able to go shopping for some Valentine treats with the idea in mind to give out a Valentine a day.  This was for both of us, which meant 14 Valentines each, and one to distribute each day until le jour de la Saint-Valentin.  She got some jelly bracelets and candy, and I did pencils and candy.  I'm excited to stretch my brain and think of others to share some goodies with...and hopefully she will too!