Gratitude List

Sharing moment: I was shocked the other day when I was asked to blurt out a "Gratitude List" on the spot and my mind went blank. I really hope this was due to the fact that my brain is on overload setting and not because I am so blind to the great blessings that surround me.

I have been thinking about my impromptu list ever since and I keep adding bullet points in my mind (some big items, some small).......so I thought I would share some of them on the blog so it goes into a journal format.

I am thankful for: (in no particular order)

* The knowledge I have gained through prayer and scripture study of the restored gospel on this earth today and that I have gained a testimony that it is true

*My husband who was able to take me to the temple and the two little girls that have blessed our family

*My extended family and friends and their welcomed friendships

*My health and my families health

*The fact that there is a temple in Denver that I am able to attend with my husband

*My calling in the Young Women

*The ability to get down on my knees and pray anytime

*My Saviour, Our Father in Heaven and the Holy Ghost

*Our home and our ward family

*This free country we live in and the troops that have helped maintain it

*The fact that Adam works outside all day in the snow and when he arrives home, he comments on how good it feels to take an extra long hot shower in order to get warm again. This made me tear up.

now some small things (but also still super important)

*The ability to sew (Not perfectly, but good enough to get by)....and that I have a sewing machine

*The internet and my phone so I can keep in touch with my family and friends since they are scattered about this country

*our camera and video camera, to capture some great moments for the kids that they might not remember or that they want to share with others in the future......so basically, technology

*To not be pregnant (LOL....sorry, I still hate that I am sick the whole time I am preggo)

*The crib my Mom and Ginger bought for Char that we are now using for Sav.

*Vitamins-(I have taken these all semester and have not once gotten sick....even when my kids bring germs home from their school)...I believe in supplements/vitamins

*My new hair color (practical and cute)

*The ability to be able to study music for the past three years. My voice and my knowledge of music has blossomed. (and for years I thought I had lost the ability to gain this dream)

*Deer burger....I actually cooked it the other night and did not GAG. Thanks for the free meat Grant.

Gosh, now that I have had time to think about it, this list could go on and on and on. But I will stop and save the rest for my daughters journals and my on going thoughts through out this next year. I really hope I can keep a more thankful heart the whole year and not just during this season.

Happy Veterans Day

Take time out of your day to honor and remember those who served and especially those lost in battle. Today I will remember my grandfather Edmund P. Ingram. He passed away October 22, 2007 and he served in the Navy. I will also honor my father. Colonel Kevin P. Hughes who served two terms in Iraq so far. He is a wonderful grandfather to my girls and he has always been a stand up Marine. Lastly, I will remember a schoolmate of mine, Mark Daily. He was killed in Iraq from a car bomb. I am so proud of those who serve our country so we can live free.

The Artist

For a long time I have felt like Adam and I have nothing in common but quoting movies lines and being silly. After years I have finally realized that while I am an artist with my music, Adam is an artist with his hands (in a modern sense). He loves to create. He has created numerous things through out his life. I thought I would post his latest art work/creation. It is a nice piece of wood made into a kitchen utensil. It is for rice (my plastic one melted) and it will come in very handy. Plus, it is super cute don't you think? I feel like he could design and create his own line at Crate & Barrel or something. Way to go hubby!

Boo

We, like every family, are so busy that we could have easily skipped over this weekends festivities and still been swamped. But we are grateful for traditions and holidays. They create memories and provide that bonding time families need together. We carved pumpkins, baked the seeds, participated in numerous Halloween parties (trunk-or-treat, preschool party, Wal Mart, etc.) and we tried not to freeze over in the process. We also pressed and dried some of Janna's roses that she left from her birthday celebration (thanks Janna) and hung them up in our dining room for decor. Adam called it a "grandma" decoration. :) But we kept it simple and sweet and it was mostly about the time we spent together doing the craft. Adam is a wonderful husband and person, but those of you who know him, know that he has no sentimentality when it comes to decor. (Super opposite from me) I am not sure where this stems from but I suppose he's too manly to admit he has a sentimental bone with interior design. When all is said and done, I know deep down he appreciates all our decor. It makes our home come alive.

So for now, he will have to live with the roses. Marriage is not about thinking alike it is about thinking together. (I don't fully appreciate his tools/bolts/nuts/screws all over the house....but we give and take) :)