My Washer and Dryer

I spent the day doing laundry. I think I counted eight complete loads, washing and drying them, plus I folded three or four previously washed and dried loads.

So today I am thankful for my washer and dryer. It went fairly quickly, even though it took all day.

Friends

Tonight I am thankful for friends, especially friends who let us drop in on a Sunday night just because we haven't seen them in a while.

...and friends who put up with us and our craziness.

Activities

I am thankful for activities.

Living in a small town has been a blessing. The children are able to participate in many activities, they have friends who encourage them, and we really get to know the people they "play" with.

These pictures were taken at the first official Y swim meet this year, the Pumpkin Relay (this is the very last event, and they push pumpkins across the pool). Eli and Caleb decided that they would join the team. The meet was about 4 1/2 hours long. I am thankful for activities that my children love and that help them to be better.

Socks

I am thankful for socks.

Brett and I went to a huge sock sale. We, of course, bought way too many pairs of socks. After the sale, we went to dinner with several of our friends who were there with us. It was a lot of fun.

Socks keep our feet warm, especially in the winter when the temperatures drop and there is frost on the inside of our windows.

Thanksgiving Countdown

I decided today that I would do a thankful countdown to Thanksgiving. These are things I am thankful for... in no particular order.

As Brett walks in after 11:00 p.m. I realize that I am thankful for Hormel Compleats. This brand has been an integral part of our lives for a long time.

Check it Out

Several weeks ago, Brett went to www.mormon.org and registered a profile there. Take a look at it by clicking on the side bar where it says, "I'm a Mormon." It will take you to his profile.

Character Counts...

This week the schools have been talking about the Character Counts Pillars:

Today the children got to dress up by grade level for the different pillars.

They had a lot of fun choosing what to wear. Eli's kept evolving as more and more orange was found around the house. They are definitely my children when it comes to dressing to show spirit!

Why?

This morning I opened my freezer to find this... I am uncertain, however, I think it is Eli's pillow which would mean his big brother is the culprit...AGAIN!

What We've Been Doing

Yesterday the weather was beautiful! We were able to spend some of the day outside at a cross country meet. At the beginning of the season I had a conversation with Caleb and some of his friends that went like this:

Caleb: Cross country is a mental sport.

Me: Yes, you are all mental for doing it.

So, yesterday I saw several people wearing this saying on their shirts, and I told Caleb and his friends, "If it is printed, it must be true!"

at the starting of the jv boys race

look at all the runners - the ground actually shakes as they run by

determination

As it is breast cancer awareness month, they were passing out shoelaces when the athletes got there.

Caleb's finishing time.

There were 244 racers who crossed the finish line. The first number is the overall place he finished, the second number is the scoring place he finished (I think each team can only have 7 runners score), then his name and grade, his time for a 5K, and his school. His goal is to get under 20 minutes. He has a couple more races this season.

I Blame Brett's Sisters

Yes, I do! I blame them all for this (but mostly Natalie).

notice what is on the fan blade

upon close investigation (don't look too closely at the dust).

One may wonder why I blame his sisters, and this is why...

Once upon a time, we were sitting around with Brett's sisters, and they started sharing stories from when they were young. The stories brought many laughs. We were laughing at Brett for the mischievous trouble he got into. We were laughing at his sisters for the crazy things they did to each other. Then, without warning, the stories turned into anecdotes about all of the pranks Brett use to play on his family. I watched the eyes of my children light up and I saw the smoke coming out of their ears as they listened and started scheming. Fortunately, I have been able to intercept any of their dastardly deeds to this point, however, I may not always be as fortunate.

So, to Brett's sisters I say, "Just wait!" and "Thanks a lot, I thought you liked me."

I discovered the cup after all of the children left for school, so I have yet to find the culprit.