Sleep!

I am grateful for Sleep!!!
The past few nights I have gotten precious little of it so I am grateful for it!!

Health

I am grateful for health.
1. The past two days I have been sick, so I am more grateful for the times I feel well.
2. I am grateful for medicines that help us get well.
3. I am grateful for a healthy little one, since I have been laying down so much I have felt him move more often.

Christmas Eve

I haven't been too good about writing this week, but I am grateful.
1. I am grateful for traditions, today we are planning on decorating cookies, putting stockings out, and getting Christmas Eve PJ's.
2. I am grateful Kyle is home today and all next week. I hope we can get some things done in the house.l

No more YW!

Well, I have been released as YW President. It is amazing that I will not be associating with the girls or the leaders any longer, especially since that has been all I've known in this ward. So
1. I am grateful for the associations I made in the YW.
2. I am grateful for all I learned from the leaders with whom I served.
3. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend a few weeks in Relief Society now.

The right to Choose!

I am in the midst of preparing what will most likely be my last YW lesson. I get to choose the topic and the thing that keeps coming to mind is agency. So
1. I am grateful for the right to choose.
2. I am grateful for living in a land that allows this type of freedom.
3. I am grateful for a church that teaches the importance of choice and the necessity of consequences.

Hubby

I am grateful for a husband who
1. Comes home when the re-bath guy is coming to talk about our concerns,
2. Went and walked around temple sqare even when he was freezing and his leg hurt, just to please me.
3. Wants me to be happy!!

Hugging and Loving

I am grateful for:
1. "I love you" from Zachary and Eric.
2. A little girl who wants to give hugs.

Creativity

I am grateful that we are creative beings.
1. I was able to compose a Christmas letter in rhyme.
2. I enjoy sewing.
3. The Kids learn so much as they create.

A lot!

I am grateful for. . .
1. Ward Christmas parties.
2. A boy who is not afraid to dance in front of people. (Zachary)
3. Having had the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities.
4. The sacrament.
5. A husband who has the same values as mine.

Hard day!

I am grateful for a new bathroom.
I am grateful for a family.

Kids

I am grateful for
1. Boys who were very cooperative and played well today while I cleaned.
2. Wendy's smile!

Birthday pampering.

I am grateful for a husband who wants to, and I think in a way enjoys, pampering me. Here is an example.
1. A 1 hour surprise massage for my birthday.
2. Entertaining the kids while I lounged in bed reading and resting.
3. Watching a movie of my choice with me, even when he was tired.
4. Making dinner, a birthday cake, and helping the kids present presents.

My birthday was a huge success. Thanks mostly to a husband who pampered.

Hecticness

Well a lot has been going on lately, a lot of it in my mind. I am constantly thinking about moving to Mississippi, selling our home, Christmas, finances, Young Women's, etc. So with all this I am grateful for. . .
1. Sleep
2. Reading
Both these activities stop the hecticness from getting out of control. Or at least I hope they do.

Home

Last week we went to my parents. I am grateful for. .
1. A family that laughs with each other.
2. Safe travel, we had a flat tire and some snowy weather, but we made it safe both directions.
3. A play room, Zachary and Eric played nicely with one another and with their cousins.

Random

Today I am grateful for. . .
1. Having a clean house when we leave for vacation. Unfortunately this seldom happens.
2. Finding out how my newest little one is doing. I have an ultra-sound today!

House

We have a Realtor coming tonight to walk through the house and let us know what he thinks we should fix and what we could expect to list the house for. I know Kyle is a little upset that we put so much money in, but will get so little out with how the housing market has gone, it is a little disappointing. I know I am having a hard time with thinking about the actual logistics, cleaning, fixing stuff, etc. However, even with all that, here are a few things we can be grateful for.
1. We have a house to shelter, keep us warm, and clean.
2. We paid off our loan fast enough that we are not upside down, in other words we should be able to sell the house for what we still owe.
3. I guess we can look upon this endeavor as an adventure, what a lot of things we will learn.

Who

I am grateful for. . .
1. Children who take naps.
2. Family who enjoy one another's company.
3. A Preschool teacher who has patience with Zachary.

Organizing

I am grateful that I enjoy organizing, why?
1. It is one of the only ways I actually get any cleaning done.
2. It makes me feel like I'm doing something productive.

Abilities

I am grateful for. . .
1. Zachary's ability to play and pretend.
2. Wendy's ability to go to sleep quickly and quietly.
3. Eric's ability to go potty in the toilet.
4. Kyle's ability to work and love me.
5. My ability to see good things in my family.

Mississsippi???

Well, notice has been posted that Fast won the bid pending negotiations. It is pretty exciting.
1. I'm grateful that Kyle is so excited to have change.
2. I'm grateful Kyle does such a great job at his work.
3. I'm grateful we will be able to travel home sometimes.

Kyle's love and respect

I am grateful that although I do not understand myself, and Kyle definitely doesn't get why I sometimes feel like intimacy and other times not he still loves and respects me. So I am grateful for 1. LOVE 2. RESPECT

What children say.

I am grateful for my children.
1. Zachary is always asking the funniest questions or saying the funniest things.
2. Eric still gives wonderful hugs and likes to talk in gibberish when he is excited or angry.
3. Wendy is learning new words each day. Today she has learned 'bird'.

Rain

We woke up to rain this morning so I am grateful for. . .
1. Rain that helps things grow and keeps things green.
2. Rainy days that I can cuddle inside with a good book (although this doesn't happen as much with children)

Hugs

I am grateful for
1. Christmas lights starting to go up
2. Children who hug me.

Provider and Family Man

1. A husband who wants to do things as a family.
2. Having plenty for our needs and our wants, even excess.

Shelter

I am grateful for
1. Our home
2. My bed
3. I slept in today

My Country

Yesterday I had the opportunity to vote so, I am grateful for. . .
1. Living in a country where I am allowed an opinion and the avenue to express it.
2. God inspiring our founding fathers.

Ultra-Sounds

So I just rescheduled my ultra-sound for the week of Thanksgiving.
1. I am grateful that modern technology allows us to see our little ones before they get here.
2. I am grateful I will get to share some fun news at Thanksgiving.

Holidays

What am I grateful for today, I'll tell you,
1. Halloween went well despite the weather.
2. We live in a community that it was almost expected to celebrate on Saturday the 30th rather than Sunday the 31st.
3. Now that Halloween is past the Christmas season will start.

Warmth

I am grateful for
1. Warmer weather today. I was able to walk to the library with the kids and mow the lawn.
2. That tomorrow is the day to celebrate Halloween.

People

I am grateful for
1. Sara helping with the activity yesterday.
2. A husband who is currently busy at work.
3. Children who played nicely with each other for almost 2 hours.

The Weekend

Why am I grateful for the weekend:
1. I got to see my parents and Tammie and Rob.
2. I got to spend alone time with the love of my life, Kyle.
3. The lesson in YW was on gratitude.
4. Sister Russon was called as the Mia Maid/Laural adviser.

The escape

Tonight my parents are staying with the kids and Kyle and I are going for a little birthday bash for Kyle. I am surprising him with reservations at the Providence Bed and Breakfast, and dinner at Hamilton's in Logan. I know he likes the area and hopefully on our drive we will see some autumn leaves. So this leads me to my gratefuls for today.
1. I am grateful for parents who are willing to be stuck with my kids all evening, night, and morning.
2. I am grateful for Kyle and the love we share.
3. I am grateful for people who provide good food, and accommodations.

Change

I am grateful for
1. Fall weather.
2. That my pregnancy is getting to the point I notice.
3. Wendy is saying new words weekly.
4. Kyle might have something to do at work now.

Semi-Surprises

I am planning an evening out with Kyle. It is to celebrate his birthday. Originally I was going to make it a surprise, but I couldn't make the decisions without Kyle. So now he know we are going and helped make some of the decisions, but he doesn't know where. So
1. I am grateful Kyle loves me despite my indecisiveness.
2. I am grateful that there is still some element of surprise.

ME!

I am grateful that
1. Heavenly Father created me as who I am.
2. I am mostly an optimist.
3. I am able to serve.
4. I am able to bear children.

Books

1. I am grateful that I can and enjoy reading.
2. I am grateful reading can help calm wild children.
3. I am grateful there are multiple libraries close to us.

Pumpkin Carving Upcoming??

Yesterday Brother Neville invited us to go to his pumpkin patch nd pick pumpkins. We got some big ones and had a great time. So I am thankful for. . .
1. Good neighbors.
2. The excitement of Halloween.

Now all I have to decide is if we will carve them or paint them.

Productive

1. Having a counselor that is willing to give the lesson tomorrow. It means I didn't have to put it on my to do list.
2. Being productive today, I was able to attend the temple, clean the basement, and bring stuff to D.I. and the storage unit.

Children's Museum

I am grateful for the Children's Museum here in Salt Lake City.
1. Today the whole family was able to go together.
2. The kids all played well with one another and with other children.
3. They all actually ate some to the dinner I packed.

Kyle

I am grateful. . .
1. Kyle comes home today. He should arrive at 2:00 and I am excited.
2. Kyle feels good about how the presentation went, particularly his part in it.
3. Kyle had an enjoyable time last night, after at first not knowing exactly how to fit in. Way to go KYLE

Again one more time. I AM GRATEFUL KYLE IS COMING HOME!!!!

Random again.

I am grateful. . .
1. The Flamm side of the family has seen the announcement of our newest arrival.
2. The sickness seems to have run its course no one threw-up today, hopefully tonight will be a bit more restful.
3. Zachary was able to play at the Green's home for a couple of hours.
4. I was able to find the DVD's that were overdue at the library.

Conference

I think if I kept this journal for years every six months a similar entry would appear. I am grateful for conference. Why???
1. It always seems so directed to me personally.
2. It is so applicable to our times.
3. I love to feel the spirit.
And why this particular conference?
1. The speakers all seemed so optimistic, President Monson in particular whose entire talk was on gratitude and keeping a positive attitude.
2. The themes of this conference, faith, trust, choice, and following the prophet are all applicable to me.

Sick!!

We are going to my parents house for the weekend, I hope. Zachary was throwing up last night so we'll see how he is feeling latter.
1. I am grateful Zachary has learned how to use a bowl or the toilet to throw-up in. After the first time he did not make a mess.
2. I am grateful the other 2 are not showing any signs of sickness, yet?!?!?

Home

I am grateful for:
1. A home, even though it may be a mess.
2. My parents and their willingness to welcome us always.

It is over!

"It's Great Being a Girl" activity was a huge success. We had almost all the girls there with their mothers. It was a wonderful evening, for which I am grateful I am also grateful. . .
1. The YM and their leaders helped serve, and clean up.
2. The Staten's again watched my children while the event happened.
3. It's OVER!!

To hear or not to hear a heartbeat.

I am grateful for. . .
1. Hearing my little ones heartbeat today. 178 bpm.
2. My husband, unfortunately I cannot hear his heartbeat because he is in Denver. I miss him, and am more grateful for all he does around home.

My Presidency

I am grateful for my YW Presidency!
1. They are so flexible and willing to work their schedules so we can do our assignments.
2. They are so creative and have such wonderful ideas.
3. They love the girls they are working with.

Random

I am grateful for:
1. Neighbors who are giving, both of tomatoes (the Stenquists) and time (Jenny Staten agreed to watch my kids while Kyle is gone for YW.)
2. Visiting Teaching; I like visiting with women.
3. A handsome husband, Kyle got professional photos done and he looked dashing. What a catch I got.
4. The ability to sew; I finally started the boys orange shirts.

Dates

I am grateful to
1. Have a permanent dating partner.
2. Go on a date tonight, The food was wonderful the company even better, and the lack of children grand.

A movie I made myself!!

This really is a must see video. The storyline created by me!!

Young Women

I am thankful for serving in with the Young Women.
1. Participating in the Personal Progress program; I received my medallion today.
2. Having wonderful counselors who at least try to keep me in line.
3. Seeing progress and responsibility develop in the girls; Sara has been to church all but one week since she was put in as Laurel President. This is more than the past 2 years. YA!!!

Water!!

I am thankful for
1. Children who at least want to be good.
2. Swimming, and that all my children enjoy it as well as myself.

Television

I am grateful for television. I know this is weird coming from me, but here are 2 reasons why.
1. It allows me to take a much needed nap.
2. It does have some programing that teaches.

Thank-you Jenny!

I am grateful today for. . .
1. Jenny Staten, our neighbor who is willing to have all the children over at her home for hours. Zachary and Eric played there from 3 til 6 today.
2. The opportunity having the boys gone gave me to clean.

Worried!

I titled this post worried, now how could that fit into a gratitude journal. It doesn't really, but for some reason lately I have been worried. Worried that Kyle's job will change, as we expect, but that I won't be ready. Worried that things will not go smoothly with this pregnancy. Worried that Zachary will not behave appropriately in preschool. Worried that Eric will never be potty trained, because of my lack of commitment. Worried that I am not giving sufficient time to YW. So now how can I turn this into thanksgiving, here is my take. . .
1. I am grateful Kyle is happy at his job and that it is stable.
2. I am grateful that I get pregnant so easily.
3. I am grateful Zachary has the energy he has, and that he is growing.
4. I am grateful Eric is becoming more independent.
5. I am grateful for my Savior, he loves me even when I do not quite make the cut.

Today I am grateful for
1. Getting the material that has been sitting in the hallway for 2 months to D.I.
2. The ability to read.

Wonderful Weekend!

Wow, this weekend was full of things that made me grateful so here comes the list.
1. Being in the temple with all my siblings and their spouses for Todd's wedding.
2. Having parents who willingly open their home to us.
3. The ability Zachary has to make friends with everyone, he made friends at the reception and camping.
4. Having Zachary cuddle with me last night before we went to bed; it has not happened in a long while.
5. Church being very near our campground, and feeling welcomed.
6. The sound of running water, our campsite was right next to the Cub River.
7. Eric and Zachary's desire to explore, play 'Pooh Sticks', hike, and watch the fire.
8. Warm sleeping bags and a warm husband.
9. All my children coming willingly to the car when I asked tonight, even though they did not want to.
10. Wendy not being hurt when she fell down the stairs.
11. Dancing with Kyle.
12. Finding out Shanalee will have a little one just 3 weeks before me.
13. Hiking up, up, up and seeing the whole valley and the beauty God made.

I can...

I am grateful for the ability to do many things.
1. I can walk to the park with my children.
2. I can speak Russian, sort of.
3. I can find joy in reading outside in the sun.
4. I can taste cheese crackers, and cake mix cookies.

The Internet

I am grateful for the Internet. . .
1. We found a great deal on a camera for Zachary's birthday through the KSL Classifieds
2. I love seeing what is going on in people's lives through their blogs.
3. I enjoy doing my own blogs.

Personal Progress

I had my interview with the bishop today for my Young Womanhood Award. So I am grateful for. . .
1. The Personal Progress Program.
2. The opportunity to remember how important the values taught in YW are.
3. The addition of virtue and the value project of reading the Book of Mormon, which is true!
4. That the medallion now comes in silver.

Good People, Good Things

Again I have missed a few days. However I am still grateful for many things.
1. Seeing a heartbeat during the ultrasound.
2. Meeting with Sara and feeling her genuine desire to succeed and be an example
3. Having all 3 kids play for the last 30 min together in the sandbox kindly
4. Having Kyle home early multiple days this week.
5. Enjoying flying the airplane Kyle bought.
6. Books.

Young Women

I am grateful for YW. . .
1. Coming on time to church.
2. Being willing to serve.
3. Smiles

In Sickness and Health.

There are things you can be grateful for even when you have sore throat and feel yucky.
1. That I was ill on a Saturday, when Kyle was home and I could truly rest.
2. Kyle supports me when I am ill. He truly tries to make my life easier.
3. That I have a body that can get ill.

Random gratitude

It has been a few days oops. However, I have still been thinking of things for which I am grateful.
1. Thunder storms; I just love the sound of rain on the roof, and the power of lightening and thunder.
2. Kyle's job; I am grateful that Kyle has work, works with good people, and for the most part enjoys it.
3. Zachary's willingness to help clean today. He helped in the basement without even complaining.
4. My sister Tammie, and her family visiting spur of the moment. I love seeing family.

My children

Today I am grateful for my children.
1. They can settle down. This morning started out rough, but the entire middle part of the day the boys played well together.
2. My children forgive readily, find little things exciting, and express love often.
3. Zachary is excited about preschool.
4. Eric still takes an afternoon nap.
5. Wendy loves to babble.

Brush and Mow

1. I am grateful for good dental hygienists. The boys went to the dentist today and she allowed them to help one another, ask all sorts of questions, and have fun at the dentist, what a new concept.
2. I am grateful for neighbors allowing us to borrow their lawn mowers. Last week the Rasmussen's and this week the Staten's.

Temple

Either Kyle or I needed to attend the temple today. When were discussing who should go, Kyle said he thought I should because I seemed stressed and needed it. In my head I argued with him, that I was fine; however, I did attend and he was right. I needed the quiet of the temple and the feeling of peace. So today I am grateful for. . .
1. Having a temple so close.
2. Having a husband who listens to the Spirit and who supports me in attending.
3. The feeling of peace that is within the walls of the temple.

Eric

I am grateful for Eric!!
1. Eric has the best little smile. There are a few different ones, the one when he laughs, the mischievous one, and the one he shares because he loves you. I love them all.
2. Eric's desire to be independent, but he still comes back to mom for reassurance. This happened today at the park. He climbed to a steep slide, took one look down and turned around. When he got back to solid ground he came and found me, verified that all was well, and then went on playing.

Weather

I am grateful for beautiful, not too hot, weather. Why?
1. My children are willing to spend time outdoors, when it is not too hot or too cold. It has been just right today, and they have played well with one another.
2. Inside it remains cool for the majority of the day, so I feel like I can get things done.
3. If I look out the window I feel happy and content, it really is a beautiful world we live in.

Time, and Good Kids

Today I am grateful for. . .
1. People who desire to be on time.
2. Simple meals, such as Spaghetti, PB & J, and Macaroni.
3. Sufficient amount of time to accomplish what needs to be done; however, not always what should be. :)
4. Children who were so good at Dylan's during lunch, to elicit a comment about how well behaved they were. YAY!!

Moments of patience!

I wish that I had more patience. I sometimes feel so inadequate as a mother, but I am grateful for:
1. The moments when I catch myself before I loose it, rather than apologizing afterward.
2. The moments when my children do not even try my patience.
3. The moments when I can actually see my children grasp a concept.

Choice and Accountability

Today I am grateful for
1. The understanding of responsibility. My parents taught me and I have learned through experience that we must be responsible for that which is under our stewardship. We must be accountable. Today I have had that lesson again hit home and I am grateful for the understanding of this important principle.

2. The United Sates of America, our YW lesson was on honoring the laws of the land. I am grateful to live in a land that allows me such freedom to choose my own path.

Family & Computers

O-kay so another few days have past, why have I not written every day? The following points of gratitude may help explain.
1. I am grateful for a computer that works. Last week our computer just died. We received our new one when we got home today.
2. I am grateful for my parents and siblings. We just got back from the David Schwieder Reunion. I love who my family is and how they show their love for me.

Utah!!

Today I am grateful to live in UTAH. Why?
1. The amount of humidity or lack thereof.
2. I am surrounded by wonderful people, although I'm sure this would be the case almost anywhere I lived it is absolutely, positively true here.

Flamm Reunion

Well, this past week we were in Park City at the Flamm Family Reunion, hence I did not post daily, but here are a few things that I realized I am thankful for.
1. A husband who values my opinion and listens to it.
2. Zachary who knows how to have fun, and is so social.
3. Eric who has such a great hug.
4. A family that has the same set of standards.
5. The smell of rain, and the sound of it.
6. The ability to swim.
7. Old game shows, because for some strange reason they entertain me.
8. The Zoo, because no matter how many times I go it interests me.
9. The good feeling you get when you are honest.

The beginning. . .

I have decided to start a gratitude blog. My intent is that every day I will post at least 2 things that I am grateful for that day. I hope it goes well.

So here is what I am grateful for today.

1. A husband who tries so hard to please me and often succeeds. Today although he was functioning of very little sleep he helped me get to church early to set up chairs.

2. A little girl who will still cuddle.