Day of Gratitude # 30

Well today is my last day of gratitude for November. I have been so grateful for the chance to do this. It has given me a chance to see just how blessed we are.

Day of Gratitude # 29

I am thankful for the wonderful ladies in my ward at church. I am so very blessed and humbled to be able to serve with such excellent ladies. They help me want to be a better person and they truly love and care about James and I.

Day of Gratitude # 28

I know I've said this but I am extremely Thankful for my wonderful husband and all the things he does for our small family. I am thankful for his love, kindness, and humor. Love you Honey! :)

Day of Gratitude # 27

I am Thankful for our two dogs and the love and comfort they bring.

Day of Gratitude # 26

I am Thankful for the wonderful Christmas Spirit that can be felt this time of year.

Day of Gratitude # 25

I am Thankful for Thanksgiving Day and the chance we have to remember all the wonderful blessing we have in our lives and to be extra grateful for them.

Day of Gratitude # 24

I am thankful for Snow days :) and the chance I have to get an extra day off for the holidays to be able to clean my house and get ready for the holiday weekend.

Day of Gratitude # 23

I am thankful for humor. I without it life would be pretty dull.

Weekend

This past week was a busy one for us. Thursday I had some ladies from the Relief Society coming over to help me make french pastries for our R.S.Christmas party coming up. I have helped Mom Armstrong make these quite a few times but this was the first time I have done it on my own. Luckily my Sister in law Lisa came up to help out. With 6 ladies in the kitchen we all fell in a Pattern. Lisa and Marilyn frosting cakes Alice and Sister Walker coating them in sprinkles and putting them in the cupcake papers, Maria and I would frost the tops. We were able to get 90+ pastries done in 2 hours WAHOOOO! :) They looked really good. I have never been able to do those that fast. Friday was just an easy going day. James wasn't feeling very well so we just stayed home and took it easy. Saturday we had a big day. James had his morning class to teach and I had a chance to go to Gardner Village and meet my sisters Kari and Nancy for lunch. It's so good to see them. We had a lot of fun and got to catch up and plan for a family dinner next month. After that our friend Al came up to have dinner with us and visit. I haven't seen him since maybe since I left work at the printing division 4 years ago. So it was really good to see him again. After our dinner with Al we headed over to Nikki's house to pick up our niece Abby for......HARRY POTTER!!! Her and I both have been talking about this movie for a long, long time it only seems right to go opening weekend. :) We got to the theatre good 30 to 40 min before it started and they had potter trivia. Abby got every one right and the people sitting behind us were getting a real kick out of listening to her. We also got to witness something kinda fun. While we were there there was a security guy standing by the door and a guy from the theater came out and asked if there was a...I think her name was Amanda. Anyway asked if there was a certain person, the girl looked kinda scared as she walked down but seemed in good spirits. Then her boyfriend came out of "hiding" and asked her to marry him. It was so cute and neat that we had a chance to witness that. The movie was SO good. I think they did a good job at stopping it in a good place that prepares you for the next but doesn't leave you hanging to bad. There was one scene that I REALLY think they should have left out...but other than that LOVED IT!! :D I actually think I am going to try and figure out a way to go see it again. :) Sunday was laid back as well. After church there was no dinner because of Thanksgiving. So James and I had a nice sit down dinner... then we went up to mom and dad's to work on homework. Great weekend..lots of fun. :)

Day of Gratitude # 22

I am thankful for our living prophet who leads and guides us today and is the mouth piece for the Lord. Just like the prophets of old. I am thankful that we have the chance to read and listen to the prophet message every month and every 6 months for general conference.

Day of Graitude # 21

I am Thankful for my professor Bro. Gough. He has opened my eyes and insight to art like I have never thought of before. I have gained an increase of knowledge and respect in not only art, but the truthfulness of the gospel and the beliefs and culture of other churches and why they believe what they do. I believe that because of Bro Gough I am becoming not only a better person but a better disciple of Christ.

Day of Gratitude # 20

I am Thankful for simple but Precious moments that we get to enjoy and hold on to. I know that I have only experienced a few in my life and that there are more to come. Especially when James and I will be blessed with children. But those moments when the whole world seems to slow down just so you can enjoy that moment. Like sitting on the couch with my hubby watching the snow fall with a warm crackling fire in the background. Again the quote from the Scottish poet comes to mind and once again I am truly thankful for my "June Roses" in the Decembers of my life.

Day of Gratitude #19

I know that I have already said I was thankful for the amazing family I married into but I wanted to thank them again. Mom and Lisa really helped save my sanity this week with the french pastry's and making them at my house with the Relief Society Ladies last night. Nikki is so sweet and kind with the phone call I got last night from her. I feel completely and utterly loved with them. I don't even think of them as in laws they are just family. I also wanted to say I am thankful for the wonderful Relief Society ladies who also took time out to come over and help me make over 90 french pastry's last night for our Relief Society Christmas party in 2 weeks.

Day of Gratitude #18

I am thankful for the holiday season that we have coming up. It always brings families closer together and everyone seems a little kinder and gentler around the holiday season. There's a general sense of well being and happiness and it's a time when people reach out to each other and forget themselves. I am thankful for this.

Day of Gratitude # 17

I am thankful for the chance I have to go back to school and get my degree. I have been eanting to go back from awhile now and we decided to take the plung. Jame snad I are doing great. James is on his 2nd semester and I am still on my first. We are thankful for this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow and to better our lives.

Day of Gratitude #16

I am Thankful for technology and it's continuing advancements. Especially in the medical field. There are so many wonderful people who I love dearly that wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for this technology. I am also assured of this because the future looks pretty dang bright. :)

By Popular Demand

Well when I mentioned the bad bruise on my ankle. I received some requests to post pictures of them...so for those who asked here you go. :) For those who may get queasy at stuff like this i apologize. :) These pictures are a good week after it happened so the bruises have already healed quite a bit...just so you know.Outside of ankleInside of Ankle Arm

Day of Gratitude # 15

I am Thankful for the rain and snow. I know it can be annoying and cold but I really am thankful for the moisture so that we can refill our aquifers in order for us to have water to use as well to help keep everything green and beautiful.

Day of Gratitude #14

I am thankful for the chance I had to experience the joys of being pregnant...even if it was for a short while. I am thankful to that little baby that we had a chance to be excited for and to plan for. It brought us so much joy and it really got us thinking about parenting. It also brought James and I that much closer together. Through everything...including the miscarriage and D&C. Yes it was and sometimes still is hard. But I am thankful to that precious little soul that we get to look forward to meeting someday and making our family complete. We love you little bean and are excited to know we have you in our lives.

Day of Gratitude # 13

I am thankful for all the talents I have and for the many more I hope to acquire. I think I take my talents for granted sometimes or I compare them to others talents and feel they aren't as good. But I am very grateful for my talents and love sharing them.

Day of Gratitude # 12

I am thankful for Music. I am not musical talented other than whistling but I am still grateful for it. :) Music moves people and effects them so deeply. I love being able to put on some good relaxing music and feel the calming effect it has on me.

November Birthday's

November 6 I know this Birthday has already passed and I am sorry Brie for taking so long to post. This is our Niece Brieanna. she celebrated her birthday last Saturday. Brie is the mother of 2 cute little girls. She loves to play with her daughters and spend time with them but she also likes to get out with friends and family to have fun as well. She is very energetic and outgoing and can makes friends with anyone. SO here's to you Brie...I hope you had a good day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 15 My sister Denese gets to celebrate her birthday this month as well. Denese is getting ready fro her oldest daughters wedding and I think she has a lot of mixed emotions about it. Denese is such a wonderful mother. She has helped teach me a lot about parenting and I hope she knows how thankful I am for that. Denese had the chance to recently complete her Associates and is now a certified radiologist. She gets to take pictures of peoples bones. :p She loves to travel when she can and she loves spending time with her family. Here's to you on your birthday Denese...take a break and relax. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 21 First off...to all my siblings and to my parents..LOOK EVERYONE YOU CAN SEE PRESTONS TEETH!. Hee Hee Just kidding Preston. My brothers birthday is this month...I had to give him a hard time. He is currently living in the Philippines with his fiance Mina (so jealous, I miss the Philippines.) Preston Loves to have fun and be with family. He puts up a tough guy act, but deep inside he's nottin but a big softy...sorry Preston...but it's true. Preston loves to travel and explore new areas, he was a truck driver for awhile so he could do just that. Enjoy the Sun Shine and warm weather Preston and have a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 23 This is Justin. Justin is my sister in laws husband...so I think that would make him my brother in law...? This is Justin :) he is a devoted Father, Loving Husband, American Soldier and James' "Family Guy" watching buddy. :p He loves to spend time with his family, have fun and joke around. Justin is definitely a work hard play hard type of guy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 25 I know you cant see his face very well but this pictures displays his personality so perfectly. This is my Dad... Vern M Earl. :) As you can see my Dad is a Total prankster and goof. He loves teasing and joking around. He loves to laugh and make people laugh. He is a fisherman through and through doesn't matter the weather he'll go. He loves to be with his family and have fun. Him and my Mom are currently serving an LDS Mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador at the Temple. He is loving it there and learning a lot. With the help of a security guard he is also learning Spanish and doing very well from what my Mom says. So here's to you...you goofy guy. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 28 This fun little guy gets to celebrate his birthday this month as well. This is our nephew Nate. Nate loves sports so far he has tried his hand at Soccer, Baseball, Basketball and Tae Kwon Do. He is a sweet little boy with a heart of gold. He makes friends so easily. I really admire his courage. We had the chance to go with them to Frightmare at Lagoon this fall. ( Lagoon is an amusement park here in Utah) I had the chance to take him and his brother Gavin around and was amazed to see that almost in every line he would just start talking and by the time he was next in line he would have 1 or 2 friends all laughing and joking and getting each other excited. He's going to make such a good little missionary some day. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

November 29- This is my friend Dawn, she's going to kill me for doing this and posting this picture but sorry Dawn. :) Dawn my best friend at the Business College (well besides James but you know what I mean. :p) She loves to do crafty things, bake and have fun with friends. She is one of the sweetest kindest people I know...which she would disagree with. :) i am so glad that we became as good of friends as we are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Day of Gratitude # 11

I am so very thankful to all the men and women have have served our country and who are currently serving. I know that we wouldn't be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have if it wasn't for the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces. I cant express enough gratitude for what you have done for The United States and it's people.

Day of Gratitiude # 10

Today I am thankful for bright sunny days. The literal ones and the figurative ones. I have a saying in my scriptures by James Barrie a Scottish poet that says "God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives" I love my June roses and I am very Thankful for them.

Dat of Gratitude # 9

I am thankful for everyday miracles and for blessings that the Lord gives to us. I know that the Lord knows our hearts better than we do as well as our needs. I am thankful for that and for those blessings and miracles he gives us to show us his love for us. I forget that every blessing he gives is to show us his love for us. I always just accept them as another things I need. But I need to remember that they are more than that.

Day of Gratitude # 8

I am thankful for all my friends (including my family) through out my life. I can remember every one of them and they all hold a special place in my heart. My friends have helped make me the person I am today and I don't have enough words to express my gratitude and love for them...so if your my friend (which if your reading this means yes. :p) know that you are loved!

Day of Gratitiude # 7

I am so very thankful to have the gospel in my life. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father and I don't know what I would do without them in my life. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of Christ restored to the earth in this day in age. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth to guide and direct us in this world of sin and confusion. I know that my Savior lives and that he loves each and everyone of us. I know and can testify of all these things to be true.

Day of Gratitude # 6

I know this may sound silly but I am so thankful for animals especially my animals. I am a huge animal person and have always had a soft spot for them. I love being able to work with them and just being around them.

Day of Gratitude # 5

Today I would like to express my gratitude for my family. Both my Mother and Father Earl and my siblings as well as my Mother and Father Armstrong and my siblings. I am so very blessed with such a large family.

Day of Gratitude # 4

I am thankful for my body! I know this sounds like an unusual thing to be thankful for, but with my recent foot injury I have gained a deeper gratitude for my ability to use my limbs. I always take them for granted. But as soon as something happens (like a sprained ankle) and I see just how much I need them and how my whole daily routine has changed because of it. It makes me once again appreciate my body and being healthy and how wonderful it is not to be limited.

30 days of Gratitiude

I have a lot of friends and family on Facebook doing the 30 days of gratitude and I thought it was a great idea. But because I don't get on Facebook half as much as my blog I am going to post them here. I know I missed one so I want to post 2. One for yesterday and one for today.

So for November 1 I am grateful for a loving and caring husband who is my world and who I love very much. He is such a blessing in my life and I don't know what I would do without him. He is such a wonderful husband and human being all around. There is no doubt in my mind that he is also going to be a wonderful father when that time comes.

November 2- I am thankful for a wonderful job and the best boss ever. I believe I was lead to the LDS Business College for many reasons and I know that because of all the trials that James and I have been facing this year any other job would have kicked me to the curb. But my boss understands that life happens.

November 3- I am thankful for the beauty of the earth. Especially this time of year when the leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp and cool. LOVE IT!

Weekend Fun

First off I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween, we sure did. :D Ok so here's what we did.

Friday Oct 29- One of the other wards in our building was having their trunk or treat and because I had a doctors appointment we missed the one we were going to go to in South Ogden but Gavin really wanted to go so we decided to take him to the other wards trunk or treat. He had so much fun, winning prizes at the carnival and seeing all the fun costumes. The trunk or treat was a lot of fun too. After that we decided since we missed the pooch parade that South Ogden was doing with their trunk or treat to take the dogs trick or treating at Petco. Turns out that we were a day early for that so we just go them treats. Next was the Spirit store that has a small spook alley in the back. On our way into the store a guy dressed like Jack Sparrow was going in behind us. He called out to Gavin (who was dressed like Dracula) and said "Hey Dracula say trick or treat." Gavin laughed as he said trick or treat. The guy handed him a dollar. James and I couldn't believe it. It was a Sacajawea dollar so I don't think Gavin really knew what he had. We went in and Gavin and James took off to the spook alley. It took me awhile to get there but when I did it was a funny sight. Gavin was loving it. He kept running to all the different spooky looking statues and mirrors and pushing the buttons to start them up again and again. After a while my foot was really hurting so we took Gavin home and headed to dinner. When we finally got home it was so nice to put my foot up.

Saturday Oct 30- We had 3 parties today but I was in a lot of pain from my foot and multiple bruises from the fall and the crutches. So we canceled them all and went out to James parents house. Nikki and the kids were there already back from trick or treating. We had a chance to eat dinner then Nate and Gavin wanted to go back out. So James and I got in the car and followed the two boys and Nikki while they went from house to house. Occasionally getting to cold they would pile into the car to get warm as we drove to another part of the subdivision. It was a lot of fun watching them go from house to house. after awhile they started to get tired so we went back to mom and dad's. Shortly after we came back Nikki and the kids went home. James was working on some homework and I had brought some supplies to try my hand at caramelized apples with mom's help I think I did an ok job but overall I think I am going to leave the caramelized apple making to the pros. :p unless I get ambitious again.

Sunday Oct 31- Every year the Sunday before Halloween we have family dinner at our house and do a Halloween party. Since Halloween was on Sunday this year our party was on Halloween day. It was a lot of fun, everyone dressed up and we gave out prizes, had dinner and played some rock band.It was a really fun night. :) But I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. :)