Grateful Thursday- I'm back!

Okay I'll skip the "I want to be better at blogging again, blah blah blah" pep talk, but I feel now that I am private I can share more about my fam and get a little more personal. So time to snuggle up to an old friend and listen to her heart! Remember grateful Sunday posts? Ya those were the times. So without making any promises I am hopefully back.

Grateful Thursday-

Today I am grateful for my life! The good, the bad, the mistakes, the blessings, just life. As the news of the devastation in Haiti spread, I was saddened. It is one of those times where you feel helpless. Not knowing how to help other than the small donation you give through a text or via the church website, what is there else to do? It is hard because we are relatively unaffected. I am here in my house, with my children, warm, fed and to be honest sometimes I wonder why. I feel really blessed to live in America with all of the blessings we have, and even though sometimes I do, today I do not take them for granted. Not one. So for those with family members, friends, etc. devastated by the Earthquake, I am sorry. But my hope is that we can all use it as an opportunity to look outwards and to feel grateful for our life, our problems, our trials, and our joys....cause we are so blessed.

Firestation No.3

Blake had his field trip to the fire station with his preschool class today and he LOVED it! I mean what kid wouldn't? He learned about safety all while looking at the super cool trucks, tools and "costumes". When they starting talking about fires, Blake leaned over and said "I'm scared". It was sweet to be there and talk it through with him. It was so good to have a refresher course on safety and to have him hear from someone besides me that he needs to wear a helmet even on his trike :) Blake is such a happy kid. He is always smiling and making jokes. I don't think that is something you can teach a child, but I am so happy that I get to benefit from his innate little gift!

Blakey's preschool buddies!

All buckled up in the truck!

Seriously love him....

Listening to the firefighter and watching try on all his gear...
Lining up at the end because the alarm went off for them to leave! The kids loved watching the real life emergency!

And so it begins...

My life of a scouting mom has just begun! I am pretty sure through the next 15 years of scouting 3 boys I may just get a hang of this program I have no clue about! Austin has been in cub scouts for about 2 weeks and has already earned his bobcat, 2 belt loops and one arrow! Don't worry those words meant nothing to me 2 weeks ago either. It is so sweet that he is so excited about scouting (it is contagious)! Good job little bobcat!

Smile!

While Addi is trying to figure out her best smile for the camera, she does what she always makes me do... Smile. I'm pretty darn lucky to be her mommy! Keep smilin' lovey!

10 Amazing Years...

We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary, and all I can say is can I have 10 more please? ( I mean 100, but 10 just sounded so poetic)!
Oh have we had an amazing ride these last 10 years! We have had our ups and yes our downs. But Dave and I make a fabulous team and I don't know anyone I would rather have on my side. I love him so much. He makes me so happy. And even when it is hard we make it work. And he makes me laugh everyday. (This could go on forever!)

These last ten years we have:
-Had 4 children
-Learned to rely on faith when we thought one was so sick with meningitis that he was going to die
-Learned (and continue to learn) to have faith that we are capable of raising these amazing children and rearing them into who they need to be
-Moved 8 times
-Learned to rely on the Holy Ghost to guide us where we needed to be
-Learned that living away from family (while scary) makes you grow so much as a couple
-Made many dear friends (whom we love dearly) in the different states we have lived in
-Attended 16 1/2 years of school (post high school) combined
-Learned the real meaning of poverty (being in school for so long) and appreciating everything we have
-Learned the happiness and fulfillment that comes from hard work
-Learned that marriage isn't always easy
-Learned a lot about the difference between selfishness and selflessness
-Gained strong testimonies about the power of prayer and daily scripture study
-Mourned the loss of Dave's father and learned to seek comfort from the Holy Ghost
-Mourned again as we lost his sister-in-law to cancer
-Learned the blessings that come from having parents serve a mission (twice!)
-Felt utter joy as we have seen testimonies develop in our children
-Learned that the church is SO stinkin' true
-And last that I am married to the most amazing man in the entire world!

Austin's Baptism

On January 9, 2010 our Austin turned 8 and had the privilege of being baptized on his birthday! All I can honestly say was that it was perfect. Not because anything I did, it just was the most amazing experience. I am so proud of him and his choice to be baptized, and so proud of who he is becoming. I just can't believe he is so big. Thank you to all who came, to all who helped me get it all together, and for those who participated. We are so stinkin blessed!

Austin's so excited to have a CTR ring that doesn't turn his finger green!
The family ready for the big event!
Aunt Shauna (and yes there were so many other people there we didn't get pics of.... sorry and love you anyway!)
Grandma and Grandpa Stephenson (Grandma spoke and Grandpa was a witness)
The baptism feast with friends and family... hot soup and rolls (and plenty of treats!)What a happy and perfect day for little Austin!

Sunrise Snowboarding

We went snowboarding New Year's Eve day and it was sooo much fun! We went with the Smith's and Goodman's to Sunrise. It was seriously the perfect day! Amazing company and fabulous snow. Thanks to the Smith's and Goodman's we left at 7:15 am and made it back by 6:15 that night. It is always a little scary to fly in a small plane, but I totally trust our super awesome pilots! Thanks guys! We love you tons! Also thanks to little Steph and Nate for keeping our kids! So nice to leave them with people we love and trust so much!

The gang...

Riding to the top with the gals...
Dave and I strapping our bindings at the top of the hill together- How romantic! LOL
We made it to the bottom! Love you baby!

To be baptized....

No matter what I say or do to try to stop it, my kids keep growing up. I am so proud of our little guy and his choice to be baptized (even if it hurts a little to let him be so big)!