Veterans

We were able to go to Washington D.C. and visit all of these monuments and memorial which pay tribute to those who have fought in wars. It was a very awe inspiring as we read about those who have served, saw statues of "babies" carrying guns, viewed names of those who passed, and take in the magnitude of those who have gone before us who allow us to be here today doing whatever we want to do.

World War I - local District of Columbia

Ceremonial Entry Shield

Freedom Wall - featuring the field of stars (1 star represents 100 people who died in the war)

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

Vietnam Veteran paying tribute.

THANK YOU to ALL who have served!

Beautiful Weather

As one of my friends put it, "It is a jackets are optional today in Minnesota." I was able to open my windows and get some fresh air.

I am grateful for beautiful weather that allows me to open the windows and air out my house. I am grateful that I could wear my flip flops today. I am grateful that it was a gorgeous day.

Fresh, Clean Sheets

Today was beautiful. After doing too many loads of laundry yesterday, I decided to wash and hang out my sheets.

Today I am thankful for clean sheets and the way they feel and smell. I cannot wait to go to bed.

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!