1. Toddler Talk-Is there seriously anything cuter than listening to an almost 2 year old talk? Some of my favorite words that come out of Simon's mouth are: "Shpikey" for when he wants his hair spiked, "Jojo" who is Lexi's pet rat, and "Peeeeaaaasssseeee" please.

2. Music-One of my favorite sayings, and also a sign I have on my piano, is "Where words fail, Music speaks." My father has always said that there is a song for everything and he hasn't failed to find one yet! Music also speaks to me in a way nothing else can. It influences my moods and how I deal in daily life. I love music and couldn't imagine life without it. My favorite scripture even talks about the importance of music to our Heavenly Father. Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 For my soul adelighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. So true and so wonderful!

3. Service-I am grateful that I am fortunate enough in life to be able to offer service to those around me. It has been one of my goals to never back down when I think of a service I should do for someone else. I really, really want to accomplish this goal. I was sitting in Relief Society one week and the teacher told us a story that ended with, "Never supress the urge to do a kind deed." It has been my mantra this year and I know that I supress those urges way to often.

1. Clutter-Until it is all gone I am thankful that I have a "busy task" at home. It makes me feel useful getting rid of all the clutter at home. No one else wants to do it so as long as it is there I know my family will definitely want me around!

2. Frozen Meals-I LOVE my meal group. It is so nice to go once a month and exchange frozen homemade meals with the other girls. They have been saving my life lately as I am still trying to adjust to working part time. It sure does cut down on the eating out expense!

3. Diet Dr. Pepper-I don't always have to have one but on those days.....lets just say I am glad to have something to help me be happy!

1. Jack Frost-This time of year can be so miserable and cold. I sometimes sink into the doldrums and forget that there is so much around me that is beautiful and wonderful. As I was driving into town this week I looked around me and I noticed how beautiful the trees are with all the frost making them white and sparkly. It reminded me of a conversation I had with Lexi a couple of weeks ago when she noticed the frosty trees. Lexi was so cute when she told me Jack Frost had visited Smithfield that morning because he had breathed on all the trees and made them sparkle. I loved the assurance in her voice that she knew exactly why it was cold and beautiful out at the same time. Thank you Jack Frost for giving us something beautiful to look at.

2.A Plan-I really enjoy when I have a plan and I see it to fruition. I find myself constantly wanting to get things done but than falling short of my goal. I am not going to think of those times (or try not to anyway) and be extremely thankful for the times everything goes according to plan.

1. Wrestling-No, not the fake tv kind. I think the most fun my kids have is when Dad starts to wrestle them up. Within a couple of minutes Mom is pulled into the fray and we are all all over the floor laughing more than anything.

2. A Week off-I sloughed work this week and spent all my time with the kids. It has been great getting to play with them with their new toys and watching them bond with one another. My kids each have such different personalities and I've enjoyed watching them blossom. We are all so glad to have Dad home for his second 4 day weekend and are really looking forward to celebrating the New Year!

3. Resolutions-I don't normally make lists but last week for Singing Time in Primary I made Party Poppers for the kids to open up. Inside was a scripture to read that gave us an idea of a resolution we could make for 2010. The kids than sang a song that went with it. It has made me think more of what I want to improve this next year. I haven't written them down but I am definitely going into this new year ready to improve mine and my families lives for the better.

Shooting Stars-As I was driving to my sister's house, the other night, to pick up the munchkins I happened to look up into the sky at just the right moment to see a shooting star. I promptly made a wish. I hope it comes true! I remember wishing on shooting stars as a child and I love the innocence that those memories remind me of. How wonderful it was to be a child and to believe that a shooting star holds magic. I am thankful that I get the chance to share the magic with my little ones, and here is to hoping that the magic lasts for many years to come!

Dimples-My kids all have the cutes dimples! They just light up their faces whenever they smile. I just want to eat them up! I don't think there is anything cuter than dimples in a child's smile.

. Veterans/Active Duty-This last week my sister has been out of town for business. I've been helping get her 4 year old to and from his preschool at the university. Tuesday as I was picking him up I noticed to military officers in their dress uniforms placing the American Flag and the MIA Flag out in the middle of the Quad. I was touched by their complete respect for the flags. I am so thankful for all of our brave men and women who serve our country. Today I honor them.

2. No Cooking-This week I haven't had to cook all that much. My mom watched my sister's kids and mine while I did the running around. I was so glad that when all the kids had gotten to where they needed to be and home again that my mom had a hot meal waiting for all of us. It eased a lot of stress off of me and they were delish!

3. Fall Weather-I am thankful my kids were able to be outside and enjoy this cooler weather. It has been cool but not cold. So they have been playing in leaves and running all over the place. I hope they get lots of energy out for the long winter ahead!