Thanksgiving

Tis the season of Thanksgiving!!

I am at a point in my life that I feel extrememly blessed. More so than I have ever felt or experienced. I don't think it has as much to do with our circumstances, what we have or don't have, but has to do with perspective. Somehow through life experiences, both easy and hard, my perspective has changed, my sense of self worth increased and eyes have been open to what truly brings happiness and thanksgiving. This is a gift greater than all. It is a gift that ensures happiness in whatever season or experience we are going through.

Danny would always laugh at me when I would express how life will somehow be easier or better when he graduates, we have stable jobs, the kids make it through a hard stage, etc, etc. I admired that Danny always found enjoyment in the present. He reminded me that life will not be any easier or better just different when these things come to pass. It is so true. I think the Lord has ensured I learn this lesson, for when I change my outlook to find complete joy and happiness with my current situation He blesses me with the next stage of life.

One of our church leaders, Elder Wirthlin, said in a General Church Conference,

“If only I had money,” some might say to themselves, “then I could be happy. If only I were better-looking. If only I were smarter. If only I had a new car, a college degree, a job, a wife, hair that wasn’t so frizzy.” (Or, in my case, if only I had more hair or I were 12 inches taller.)

"If we only look around us, there are a thousand reasons for us not to be happy, and it is simplicity itself to blame our unhappiness on the things we lack in life. It doesn’t take any talent at all to find them. The problem is, the more we focus on the things we don’t have, the more unhappy and more resentful we become."

"Over the course of my years, I have met thousands of people. I have dined with the prosperous as well as the poverty-stricken. I have conversed with the mighty and with the meek. I have walked with the famous and the feeble. I have run with outstanding athletes and those who are not athletically inclined. One thing I can tell you with certainty is this: You cannot predict happiness by the amount of money, fame, or power a person has. External conditions do not necessarily make a person happy."

"The Brethren who have had assignments in poorer countries report that despite the abject poverty, the people are very happy. The fact is that the external things so valued by the world are often the cause of a great deal of misery in the world. Those who live in thanksgiving daily, however, are usually among the world’s happiest people. And they make others happy as well."

This Thanksgiving try each day to notice the many blessings you have. It is sure to bring greater happiness and peace into your life.

THE BIG 30!!

Happy Belated Birthday Danny!! Just a few reasons why I love you....

For giving me another wonderful son. For being a man full of faith and being able to bless your children.

For filling our lives with music. For including the kids in all that you do.

For going on daddy and son campouts. For giving me needed breaks.

For trying new things.

For being a kid at heart.

For teaching your boys the essentials of life.

For being such a great role-model to your boys.

For teaching Scott everything about cars, trains and automobiles.

For laughing, having fun, not taking life to serious and being willing to have dance contests

For being a great teacher and loving your job.

For taking risks.

For loving me.

For actually being able to sing.

For doing an amazing job balancing your family, work and church callings. You have always placed us first which I love about you!!

For being so cute.

For showing affection

For being creative and always finding a solution.

For taking amazing pictures.

For being a huge emotional support and filling my life with peace.

For making us smile.

For working so hard. For finding a profession that you come home from fulfilled and excited about. What a blessing to our family!!

For providing for our family.

For having great hobbies.

For not breaking down before your 30th birthday.

I love you!! What a fun year I had with you and look forward to many more to come.

Finally A Saturday Together

Scott wanted to look in every motor possible. "This one daddy, this one," he would plead. Scott isn't too fond of getting his picture taken anymore.
Me and Tyler in front of a '67 GTO with a 400 and four on the floor.
Me trying to take the cutest picture of Danny walking with the boys.

Danny has had the last two Saturdays off in who knows how long. We are taking advantage of having a day off before the Saturdays start up again. I had a meet in Pleasanton in the morning followed by a family outing to the car show. I am not much into cars but it is fun to see Danny and Scott so into them and to be with the family.

Daddy's Hats

So often with two little guys it is the small moments with your family that bring so much joy.

Scott saw Danny's hats in the closet and wanted to try them on.

Like Father Like Son

Scott loves working on the car or motorcycle with his dad. He brings his bike inside, opens up his tool box and tells me how he needs to fix the broken wheels. He will then procede to use his screw driver, saw, wrench and whatever else to fix it. I think we have a mini Danny 0n our hands. It is fun to see. I grew up in a house where my dad did all the fix-it projects and Danny is so eager to include the boys in his projects. Tyler loves to hop on his car and drive it back and forth. I love his smile.

Halloween

Sorry for the lack of posts. I have so much I want to write about: halloween, the boys, our condo, elections, on and on. Here I go. Halloween was great. My 3 boys... Scott as Thomas the tank engine as happy as can be. FUN FUN FUN!! Once we got out and started trick or treating Scott didn't want to stop. It was drizzling but warm. He would say real softly "trick or treat" or "candy please" followed by a real loud "THANK YOU, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!" It was cute. People would ask him if he wanted some for Tyler and he would take one and give it to his brother which was so cute. We had a great time as a family. Both boys are at such a fun age. It is so rewarding seeing your children grow up and enjoy life.
Tyler as an adorable lion.

And Danny with his students being a mechanic/bumb/scary teeth/professor....who know?!?! Having fun at work. He loves teaching at the dental school once a week and does a great job. I bet his students love him and are constantly entertained.