Happiness

Jonah is thankful for Chocolate. I am too! At Church today, I heard something neat:  "The difference between Gratitude and being Thankful is the act of showing it." (or something to that effect)- whether it's taking care of the things we have been blessed with, or showing appreciation for acts kindly done. And so, in an effort to be Grateful, I would like to document the things I am thankful for (that's showing, right?). -The realization that health- and not wealth is- the most important thing in life. -The goodness of dear, kind friends who help when help is needed. -Good books to read. -Hot Chocolate -Phone calls from home from Mom or Dad. -A healthy Grandmother and those that care for others -Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays -Comedy videos on Youtube (Ryan Hamilton) -Jimmy Fallon -Temples -Dogs -Jewelry - Neighbors who are kind and loving -Pizza -English Muffin Pizzas -Chocolate Pie -Sea Turtles I'm off to take a ...

And now blogging from Draper, Utah--- October was the kid's Fall Break and we headed out to Southern California (and mid California) to see both sides of our families and Grandparents for the kids. It was the first time Josh's Parents met Declan and it was so good for them to see him! Our first stop was Victorville and after seeing my Parents, we walked to my sister's new house a few blocks away. It was great to see them and we loved Quincy's 2 year old exclamation "We have black widows!" Arthur, Declan's cousin that is 2 month's older- is the same length as Declan! What a tall baby! Fox is teaching 5th grade this year and it keeps him super busy! Amy is home schooling her two little ones and is probably equally as busy!   Arthur and Declan- cousins two months apart.   Aunt Amy and Arthur   We went to this really cool rock shop in Barstow, CA. We bought some metallic rock shavings, tiny geodes and an opaque white rock that shines ligh...

Stuff is scattered all around. Packing things here and there. Old, worn out shoes, letters from two Years past, Lay discarded Ready for a trip to the dumpster Or Goodwill. My head is in a similar state- Dimensions of storage units dance Alongside to do lists of Carpeting cleaning, placing our Dog in a lovely home and Visions of a snowy winter ahead. Life is an adventure.

As most of you know, I've had a chronic headache since Declan was 6 weeks old. After Dr. visits, an MRI, a diagnosis of NDPH and trying many different solutions, we made it a matter of prayer and have decided to move to Utah to be closer to family at the end of November.  We're all excited, nervous, sad,  happy, etc. We really felt that Arizona was to be our home for quite a while so finding out that it isn't has been somewhat of a surprise.  It may have been for a reason that our home in Maryland didn't sell with our very first offer. If we owned a home here, it would be definitely more difficult for us to move, at least for me. A home is my nest and I tend to make lots of plans and dreams and invest time and energy into it. And so..we are leaving. Arizona, you have been wonderful to us. We have enjoyed the warmth, up until the middle of October (and then not so much). We've enjoyed having a pool in our backyard. The people here are very friendly and ...

  Scooting Backwards!   At the Park with Elizabeth   Happy to go on an Outing! Such a happy baby!   Trying out the sink for a bath! Out to Lunch! And just like that, Declan turns 6 months old! At 6 months Declan:           -Rolls over from front to back and back to front and then scoots backwards! No          freeplay on the bed anymore!            -Loves Sadie the Dog. He'll grab her fur and laugh when she tries to lick his face. I don't let that happen too often!           -Loves his sisters and brothers! Elizabeth holds him, changes him, feeds him a bottle, has babysat him for over a half an hour. Each brother has different games they like to play with him. Jonah takes a pillow and tackles him with it and Declan just laughs and laughs! Ethan like pretend to eat him. Asher will tickle him on his ticklish spots (his thigh...

 Birthday Lunch!   Elizabeth's birthday heart attack- she loved it!   The Highlight of September this year was Elizabeth's 12th birthday! She has been looking forward to turning 12 this whole year! When she turned 11, she said "I'm almost 12!" In our Church the youth begin attending Youth classes and activities when they turn 12. The class of 12 and 13 year old girls were so sweet! They made hearts and I put them all over her room for her to see when she got home. Then, they kidnapped her on Mutual night which was also her birthday and had cake and ice cream and games. That was a little hard since we knew they coming to get her and we couldn't do cake and ice cream as well. Luckily, we celebrated her birthday the Sunday before with the family. She requested a pink swirly cake with hot pink and teal cake mix. It was fun! For her birthday she got a new jewelry box (hers was getting old), a necklace with the Gilbert Temple on it,another necklace, a ...

Getting Chubby!   Jonah and his Baritone   Asher and his fake Spider tattoo   Ethan and his rainbow   Elizabeth and her little buddy, helping out! ...and a blurry, happy baby! Headache Update : I still have it. It's been a lot better this past week and a half (knock on wood)- no laying down in a dark room. I'm learning to live admist it and am trying to do everything I normally do. It works pretty well, until around 4 pm and then my day seems to be done. I've learned to rely on the Lord so much more than I have ever before and when I do that, I am strengthened, encouraged, hopeful and at peace.