Consider the Blessings

This year has SUCKED! I mean, legitimately, royally blew BIG TIME! 2012 was not kind to Los Schoenys. Pretty much everything bad that can happen or possibly go wrong, did. 

The events of this year have left me saddened, bitter, and empty. Trying to find some solace, I've recently made it a habit of reading the inspirational Daily Messages on the church website every night before bed. 

Just last night, I was reading through these messages and came across a talk given by the president of our church during the most recent session of general conference. President Monson testifies,

"...rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness."

Soooooo, what you're saying is that I shouldn't crawl into a hole and throw myself a pity party, asking everyone to feel sorry for all the bad things that have happened to us this year?? Instead, you want me to not only move on but give thanks for the blessings that did seep through the cracks of this tumultuous year? Focusing on the good rather than the bad will lead to greater happiness, you say???? It doesn't hurt to try...

Amid all the unfortunate, devastating, and down-right bad things that happened this year, there are still many many things for which I am grateful:

volleyball friends

extended family

Goldman Sachs

our new SLC house

the Take Shape for Life program

Little Readers

In the Heights

curvy girl blogs

a new sister-in-law

a new nephew

prayer

the atonement

Of course there are many more things I am grateful for and have been blessed with this year. And it's important to be mindful of those blessings instead of drowning in the sadness of our calamities and trials. While it's not always so easy to see the silver linning when faced with adversity, it is comforting to know that there is a purpose for it all, and that our Savior has already suffered for us and, therefore, understands our pain and can help us through our trials. 

Know thou...that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all..." (Doctrine and Covenants 122: 7-8)

Bad things happen, even when we make good choices. It's part of the plan!

Still, the blessings are there. Help is there. We have to remember to look and be grateful for even the smallest of blessings in our lives. And when we're struggling to see the good or are maybe too overwhelmed by the bad, we can ask our Father for relief and comfort. If we do these things, we can and we will find greater happiness. 

I hope this Thanksgiving finds everyone comforted, fulfilled, and content. 

Gold and Crimson

Fall is the day growing shorter as the sun drifts off to sleep an hour earlier

Fall is placing tulip bulbs into the rich, fresh soil

Fall is a mother carefully sewing each stitch of a homemade Halloween costume for her anxious child

Fall is creating buck-toothed jack-o-lanterns out of a plump orange pumpkin

Fall is a masked child scurrying door to door in hope of some delicious goodies

Fall is a brightly colored leaf dancing swiftly to the ground

Fall is wallowing in a gigantic pile of gold and crimson

Fall is the graceful migration of those flying south

Fall is the cool air kissing a freckled cheek

Fall is the pumpkin spice from inside the kitchen, teasing a hungry belly

Fall is the feeling

the smell

the experience,

that I wait for all year long

So that poem was written by 7th grade me. And while I can't attest to the poetic genius of my 12 year old self, I can vouch for my undying love for fall.

The second September hits,  I'm pulling out my scarves and boots and heading to Barnes & Noble in search of a book and cozy chair.

I can't wait for more stormy days so I can wrap myself in a blanket, grab a mug of steeping tea, and wait for rain. I welcome it!

Thanksgiving will be here in just a few short weeks. Turkey, pie, and BINGO to ensue.

Christmas rushes in too quickly, taking over the golden laziness of autumn.

I beg, WAIT!

Just a few more moments--please!

Dia de Los Padres

In keeping with tradition...

So proud of this guy!!! A master, a GQ model, and the best daddy in the whole wide world!!

Happy Father's Day! We love and stuff!!

Daddy's Homecoming

Lolli sang this song to Ry last year for Father's Day, so why not make it a tradition?

Also, just wanted to post my most favorite picture of my father.

I miss him dearly and am comforted to know that families are forever.

Happy Father's Day to all the great Dads out there!!

Lo Siento

I've been so bad about blogging lately and about getting to my friends' blogs. So so sorry! I promise to get back to it all soon!

I don't have any big vacations, races, or life changing events planned for the next few months, so I should be able to get back into things this week.

Along with jumping back into the blogosphere, I also start running and working out again this week. After last Saturday, it's been WONDERFUL to take the whole week off and not worry about running, lifting weights, or doing a single sit-up. But in place of all the exercise, I've taken up sugar and soda again :( Big Uh-Oh.

It's been lovely overindulging, but I can definitely feel it now. I feel disgusting, gross, and out of shape. So tomorrow, along with the running and exercising, I go back to my no-soda-and-no-sugar diet. Gonna be hard to ween myself off again. Last time I just quit cold turkey. We'll see if that works this time, too. Be prepared for a very grumpy lady. Though, I'm hoping the endorphins from the exercise will help me through the sugar cravings. I'll keep my fingers crossed...and my fridge stocked with lots of fresh fruit!

Anyways, I miss you all and look forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs. Thanks for your patience as I try and get my life back together!!!!!

Lovey Dovey

February is a busy month for us. We've got Ry's birthday on the 13th, Valentine's Day on the 14th, and our wedding anniversary on the 16th.

With all these lovey dovey events within a week of each other, we usually have one big celebration to honor Birthdavalenersary. This year, however, we opted out of doing anything since, ya know, the whole Euro trip has kinda sucked our funds dry. We figure we'll party enough on that vacay to honor the next 3 Birthdavalenersaries to come.

So in lieu of any fancy dinners, boxes of chocolates, and romantic couples massages, I've simply compiled a rather hackneyed list of some of the reasons why I love, appreciate, am attracted to, and generally like my husband.

In no particular order:

-He knew I was high maintenance and still willingly married me

-He rocks a mohawk

-He buys me anything I want at Victoria's Secret (Though I'm pretty sure this is a selfish gesture on his part)

-He buys me makeup

-He buys me anything I want

-He is an amazing father

-He took me to the temple

-He puts up with my loud and obnoxious family

-He hates cats

-He appreciates fashion and looks amazing in a pinstripe suit

-He lets me wear his hoodies

-He thinks I'm beautiful

-He tells me he loves me every day

-He has supported me through 2 marathons and many more to come

-He ran Redrock with me and looks forward to doing another relay

-He sacrifices snowboarding on Saturdays so that I can attend my team runs

-He's still an awesome snowboarder

-He played rugby in college

-He's educated and motivated

-He has a strong work ethic and continuously strives to provide for his family

-He's a worthy priesthood holder

-He's mine

As unromantic as the two of us are, I think this list has just enough sap in it to appease even the corniest of cheese balls.

So to my husband, thanks for all you do. I love you, and stuff.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Had a wonderful Christmas this year...as if I expected any different.

Lolli got absolutely everything she asked for and is now sleeping soundly amidst all her new dolls, coloring books, and train engines. Tell ya what, she is one spoiled girl. But I'm one to talk. I got everything I wanted for Christmas, as well.

My husband and my family are so good to me. Or maybe they're just scared of my wrath. Either way, I love them and I LOVE presents!!!!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I'm sad that it's over. It exudes such a feeling, ya know? I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that the entire point of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

But regardless of what or who you believe in, you can't deny the fact that the holidays are filled with warmth, love, and joy.

Whether you celebrate Christ's birth or simply the opportunity to come together as friends and family, I hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Until next year...

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

This year is the first year in which Lolli actually understands the concept of Santa and is excited about Christmas.

Last year, we went to visit Santa and she was a bit apprehensive. She didn't scream and cry, but she did get a bit teary eyed and wouldn't really smile for the picture...until Santa shoved a sucker in her hand. But still no smile; she simply frowned less.

This year, I was preparing her for our Santa visit and she recalled last year's incident. She said, "I gon sit on Santa lap an not cry? An he give me a sucker?" She knew the drill.

So we' visited Santa this year not once, but twice. And each time, Lolli cooperated. She told the big man that she's been good all year and that she wants Thomas the Train train tracks for Christmas. She even told him that she'd leave him milk and cookies and for the reindeer, some carrots and water on the porch. So adorable, right?

Now that Lolli and Santa are on a first name basis, Lolli has made him her go-to guy. Watching cartoons, Lolli will see commercials come on advertising new toys and games. Following each commercial, she'll turn to me and say, "Mama, I want that!" I'll respond saying, "No. We don't need to get that. You already have lots of toys." She'll retort, "But I love it! Santa will get it for me."

Really? Santa will get it for you? He's your personal shopper and will just get you every little thing your heart desires with no restraint? Uh, no. No he will not.

Except...he has.

Lolli is so spoiled. She will be getting absolutely every little thing she has asked for this year...and then some.

Santa is a big pushover.

Santa Baby

Dear Santa,

I know it's getting down to the wire and I haven't been to visit you at the mall yet. So, here's a quick...ok, a detailed list of the things I'd like for Christmas this year.

Donations to the LLS
You know the drill by now. I'm raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and running my third marathon with Team in Training. My goal is to raise $1000 by April. Therefore, I am accepting donations as Christmas gifts. Or, make a donation in the name of someone else as a Christmas gift to them. The options are endless! Visit my fundraising website to make a secure online donation using your credit card. And as always, donations are 100% tax deductible. See? It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Makeup
Obsessed right now. Completely. Anything and everything. Love love love.

Riding Boots
Once again, I found a pair of boots that fit my calves. Granted, they are from the plus-size store but hey, I got plus size calves, ok?? Deal with it. Regardless, I love these boots and absolutely have to have them in the camel color.

Copycat Anthropologie Necklace
Darling little Elaine over at Clothed Much has a necklace like this and it's suc a cute and simple way to add pizazz to any outfit. I've been looking all over the world for something similar and not nearly as expensive as the one from Anthro. Plus, I really wanted a pink one just like Elain's. I finally found it on Ebay of all places. Santa, the auction ends in like 5 days. You best get to bidding.

Scarf
I'm kinda infatuated with the infinity scarves right now. I have a cute and trendy striped on but I"d love a knitted one in an oatmeal color. A great neutral...to wear with my new riding boots!

Tanning Pass
Home girl is getting WHITE!!! You'd never guess I was Polynesian...save for the nose...and the dark hair...and the wide shoulders...and the ginormous calves...

So with Christmas a week away, you think you could hook a sista up? Thanks, Santa. You da bomb.

My cup runneth over

2010 has been a big year for me and I have a lot for which to be thankful.

• The Ogden Marathon
• Living rent free...again
• Ward choir
• Tuesday nights
• YouTube makeup tutorials
• The Budos
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• The potty watch
• Lake Powell
• Pittsburgh
• Zumanity
• 10 mile runs with Stephanie
• Carinessa II garments
• Extended calf boots
• Centaurs
• Red Rock Relay
• The BYU math department
• My Taralyn
• Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Sparrows
• Worthy priesthood holders

As always, I have to add a disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list. I'm grateful for so many things but most of all my family, the gospel, and the love of my Father in heaven.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Christmas Shoes

I swear, each year they start playing Christmas music earlier and earlier. The day after Halloween, the non-stop music started on FM 100 and KOSY 1065. I can't really complain, though, 'cause I really enjoy Christmas music. But, I do think it's crazy that we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet and there are already houses displaying Christmas trees in their bay windows. Poor Thanksgiving. Christmas is stealing your thunder!

Anyways, I'm driving home after a run and I tune into KOSY. Through the static of flipping though channels I hear, "Sir, I wanna buy these shoes for my mama, please."

I literally screamed and punched the dial button to off. Not even exaggerating one little bit.

I hate hate HATE that song with the fire of a thousand suns!!! It's so cheesy, corny, and saturated in sap that I wanna throw up just thinking about the ridiculousness of it.

Now, I'm too scared to ever turn the radio back on for fear of that horrible song violating my ears.

~shudder~

Going Green

This year, Lolli and I decided to go as scary witches for Halloween. While I looked über ugly, Lolli looked adorable!

But halfway through the evening, the makeup started smudging and getting all over the place. I was way too impatient to keep touching it up, nor would a 2 year old even take any sort of caution when eating or drinking anyways, so I gave up and just put Lolli in her costume from the year before. She makes and even cuter zebra than a witch!!
And after a long evening of trick-or-treating, the poor little zebra was parched. So, she stopped for a drink at the watering hole.

My sister spent nearly 3 hours on her costume, makeup, and hair, but it sure did turn out great!

Jordan and his friend G decided to channel a little Friday.

"Hey Mrs. Parker!"

And the other twin, Christopher, was a SUP guy. No, not UPS. SUP. It's the gangsta version, K?

Ryan ordered a costume online, but it didn't get here in time. So, he saved it for next year. But in the meantime, he carved himself a cock-o-lantern.

Hope you all had a happy Halloweenie!!!

Ramblings

1) Twice this weekend I attempted to run 18 miles. Twice this weekend I have failed. Made it 13.5 today. Not even close! Next weekend I'll try again. But I have to wonder, why do I even bother? I mean, really. Why run marathons? I hate running! It's hard. It's sweaty. It sucks! In all honesty, the only real reason why I won't let myself stop is for bragging rights. I'm pretty vain.

2) I'm so glad my friend Shauna is in town. As much as she hates being in Utah and misses L.A., I'm secretly ecstatic that her week-long trip here has extended into a 3-week trip. I love hanging out with Shauna. She makes me feel normal again. Plus, she sings Broadway duets with me. Best friend ever, right?

PS
You should really check out Shauna's blog. She gets it.

3) Sister Wives is the most disgusting, most revolting, and most barfiest show of all time. I can't stop watching it.

4) My birthday is this week. Only 4 more days. (I know you've been counting down.) I can't wait! I love love LOVE presents 'cause not only am I vain, but I'm also superficial.

5) I've been in a crazy reading mode lately. I want to read anything I can get my hands on. I generally have at least 2 books going at a time plus I'm listening to an audiobook on my iPod while I run. I finally cracked open The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to see what all the fuss was about. So far, I'm not impressed. Rather, I'm bored as hell. Nothing gets me to sleep faster than lame financial talk. Boring. When is this gonna start getting good?

6) Just like my birthday, I can not wait for Christmas. I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet and it's like illegal or something to get into the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving, but I've already started shopping for gifts. As much as I like receiving gifts, I like giving them, too. And of course, I go overboard buying for Lalea. But I think I'm actually just about done buying her gifts and so far I think I've only spent like $25 on her. Not bad! Ryan will be another story. For one, I don't have my own money this year to buy his gift so I'll just be using his credit card to buy his own presents. Not really a present then, is it?

7) I signed up with some friends to play volleyball in Spanish Fork. SF is know to be pretty competitive city league. We've signed up for the A division. We're all awesome volleyball players and we won stake regionals last year, but I really dont' see us winning too many games in the SF league. I'm telling you, this league is legit, especially the A division. We're talking collegiate level play. I'm so excited, though. But I guess this means I'll actually have to start trying in games instead of half-assing it like a usually do. Damn. I like being lazy.

A Great, Big Kiss!!

10K Fun Run in the Sun

While we were in Vegas last weekend, I decided that I might as well sign up for a race and make the most of my holiday weekend. I even talked my brother into running with me.

He had run with me in the past while I was training for my marathon, and it was really fun chatting and running with him along the Provo River Parkway trail. However, Jord was a little worried about the race since it was a 10k, and the farthest Jordan had ever run before was about 4.5 miles.

I assured him that since we'd be in Las Vegas at a lot lower altitude, he'd be golden. I was even stoked about the elevation drop. I signed up for the race thinking I was gonna set a new 10k personal record.

So race day rolls around and we're pumped!

We cruise up to the packet pickup and Jordan looks out along the horizon and notices a few mountains. He asks me, "Are we running out to those?" I take a a glance in the direction of the mountains, snicker a little bit and dismiss his comment by saying, "Yeah right! That's hella far out there."

We grab our bibs, line up at the starting line, and get ready to do work. Gun fires and we're off!

Coming off the starting line, we pound out about half a mile through a straightaway, then we round a corner to the right. As soon as I come around the corner, I'm face to face with a HUGE hill that leads straight up to the base of those very mountains I scoffed at just minutes before.

The entire time I'm thinking, "There's no way we're running all the way up this hill. The course will turn any second...any second now...wait for it...wait for it..."

No, no. It never turned. We went all the way up. I ran a 2 mile, 3.5% grade hill. If you don't know what that means, let me break it down. It was a long-ass, big-ass hill!!!! I was dying!! So much for that personal record. I was just hoping not to fall into an exhausted heap along the side of the road! And to make matters worse, Jordan decides he's gonna show off and run like a freakin' cheetah. So I'm left to suffer all by myself. I didn't even have my iPod to distract me from my misery.

Finally --FINALLY--I crest the hill and the course turns again to the right. And the second I round that corner, I'm met but yet ANOTHER huge hill! At that point, I just wanted to turn around and walk back to the start, get in my car, and drive back home to Utah.

Really, we're gonna run this entire race up hill? 6 miles of hell? REALLY?!? And better yet, this second hill is gonna be a 5% grade?

Why does Baby Jesus hate me so much sometimes???

I battle up the second hill, give the mountain side the finger, turn around and book it back down. I don't even know where Jordan is at this point. I don't even care. I'm over this stupid race. So pissed! Why the hell didn't I look at the course map before I signed up for the race? There's what? One mountain in Las Vegas and I had to run up it????

I get back down the mountain, cross the finish line at 1 hour and 14 minutes, 5 minutes past my goal time. Lame!!!

And Jordan? Oh yeah, he finished in 55 minutes, earning him the 1st place spot in his division. His first ever 10k, and only his 2nd ever official race and he places first in his division?!? Super show off.

But come to find out, even with my slow time, I actually placed 3rd in my division. Awesome, right??? Too bad they only awarded 1st and 2nd place with a certificate.

Once again I get screwed.

Come on Baby Jesus!!!!

UFC Fan Expo

For the long Memorial Day weekend, we decided to trip it down to Vegas.

My main man and I, along with the masses, went to Mandalay Bay for the UFC Fan Expo.

IT. WAS. SO. COOL.

Seeing all the fighters in person was almost surreal...and in some cases, disappointing.

Tito Ortiz aka The Huntington Beach Badboy aka the love of my life...yeah, not that awesome in person. He was a lot smaller than I imagined him being. He still had a ginormous noggin, but the rest of him was not that impressive. Still, don't think for one second I wouldn't have made out with him right then and there if he'd asked me to! Ryan wouldn't have minded. There was way too much booty meat prancing around in panties and bikini tops for him to even have noticed!

I did, however, enjoy meeting Herb Dean. He's actually a pretty big dude! He was a little pudgy when I put my arm around him to pose for the picture, but I'm sure he was thinking the exact same thing about me!

It was also fun to meet Brandon Vera. He's a fellow Flip but was raised in the states. Still, he's fluent in Tagalog and Ry had a blast chatting it up with him in the native tongue. And I must admit, Brandon Vera was pretty impressed by Ry's Tagolog skills...and mine, too!! What, with like the 3 phrases I know how to say in Tagolog?!?! I even got Lalea to say "mahal kita."

I'm telling you, Lalea was the key to this entire expo. All the fighters thought she was adorable and had us bring her to the front of the line. Roy Nelson even had Ry set her up on the signing table to take a picture with him. She was our all access pass!!! I thought it was gonna be HORRIBLE bringing a 2 year old to an overcrowded expo. But little did we know, she was the secret weapon! Her cuteness got us free shirts, awesome pictures, and even a table out in the crowded foyer during the lunch rush!! Thanks, Lollipop!!

Aside from having to stand in long-ass lines in order to meet the fighters, it was an awesome experience. I'm so mad we didn't go back for the second day of the expo. Next year we'll be sure to go for both days. It was totally worth it. If you're into MMA, I highly recommend attending the UFC Fan Expo.

Go get your fight on!!!

Training Day 16 - Easter

After rolling my ankle and being sick for nearly 2 weeks, I've finally been able to get out and run. I've missed 2 team runs; a 10 mile recovery run as well as a crazy 18 miler. This Saturday, I was all set to get back in the game and head up to the Capitol to do another recovery run with the team. Well, I totally forgot about the holiday weekend. Our ward was doing a big Easter egg hunt on Saturday morning that I was supposed to take Lolli to. So, I ditched out on my team run so I'd be available in the morning to take Lolli over to the park. Ummm...I didn't even wake up 'til about noon. I completely missed the team run and I didn't even wake up in time to go over to the park. Taking a sleeping pill at 11:30pm is NOT recommended! You'll be out cold for at least 9 hours!

When I groggily got myself out of bed, I told myself I'd run the 10 miles around the neighborhood on my own. But another family Easter egg hunt and an entire bag of Cadbury mini eggs later, I was way too lethargic and full to even move. I vowed to run the following day.

Once again, the day started off with sleeping in WAY too late. It wasn't noon, but it was still pretty late. We had to rush over to my mom's house for lunch and another Easter egg hunt with the grand babies. And lemme tell you, by this point, Lolli was an Easter egg hunting queen! She rounded up TONS of eggs. Actually, all of the babies were quite good at it. Though, whenever candy is involved, they're good at anything!

After the hunt, I continued to stuff my face with egg salad sandwiches, See's chocolate eggs, and Reese's bunnies. By the time we left my mom's house, I was crying for my stretchy pants! And even worse? We were due at Ry's mom's house in less than 2 hours for another Easter feast! (Having lots of family around is fun, but it sure gets busy and tiresome and can cause you to gain a few pounds.)

So when we got home, instead of lazing around and watching trashy T.V. or crawling into bed to take a nap like I wanted to, I threw on my workout gear and hit the pavement.

The first 5 miles were cake. I had adrenaline coursing through my veins and was starting to feel the effects of the carb BOOM! i had downed just prior to leaving mi casa.

I get to about 5.5 miles and stop to grab a swig of water and throw back another gel. Waiting for the gel to kick in, I take off again for another lap around the neighborhood. Dunno what happened but it was all I could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other for the next 3 miles. My body felt SOOOO heavy. Maybe I should have held off on eating that 2nd helping of baked beans at my mom's. Or maybe it was that handful of Swedish fish in between the bite-size Milky Way and Snicker's that I inhaled??? Whatever the reason, those 3 miles were killer!!

But then, an Easter miracle! My iPod, which was on shuffle, started kicking out songs with raging beats. I felt the adrenaline rush back in and noticed my stride started to synch with the beat of the music. And before I knew it, I was off again! I finished the last 2.5 miles in record time.

My husband picked me up and we headed over to my in-laws where I consumed 23 slices of glazed ham and about 19 pounds of funeral potatoes. Good thing I did run those 10 miles because I may have helped myself to a little too much cream for my bowl of strawberries.

I could never be anorexic. I love food.

Things That Must Go: Christmas Edition

Being broke

Cheesy Christmas movies on Lifetime

Car wreaths

Traffic

Crowds

Inflatable yard decorations

Trees covered with globs of tinsel

The "Christmas Shoes" song

Obligatory gift exchanges

Egg nog

Being broke

The hassle of writing and mailing out Christmas cards

Insomnia on Christmas Eve

Sluzzy girls who think it's cute and clever to dress up as "Santa's Sexy Helpers"

Being broke

All I want for Christmas is...

It's shaping up to be a pretty sporty Christmas.

First and foremost, I'm hoping for donations to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphma Society. Your tax deductible donation can be made onlne, easily and securely, by visiting my fundraising page:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ut/ogden10/cschoenroc

Thanks in advance for any and all donations! Each contribution, no matter how small, has life saving potential.

And the meat of my Christmas list looks like this...

Winter running tights so I'll look like a legit runner ; ) and so my buns will stay roasty toasty during frigid temperatures

2Toms BlisterShield powder so I don't develop nasty blisters and bunions...sick!

Calf/shin compression sleeves to aid in recovery after shin splints threaten to burn my legs right off

Gu Energy Gel that I'll pound back every 45 minutes during my run to stay energized and hydrated so I don't die...like I almost did yesterday cuz I didn't eat or drink anything before I ran

Wind and water resistant jacket cuz I'm not about to get rained on

A high impact, full support, encapsulated sports bra to hold my boobies down so they don't bounce around and hit me in my face or cause men to get in car wrecks - I ain't no home wrecker.

A subscription to Health Magazine so I can keep both my body and mind fit...and so I can keep up on diet and fitness trends

Running shoes, which my wonderful husband already bought me. Aren't they beautiful?! Tell ya what, they feel like heaven!

And for the record, Santa, I've been an awefully good girl! So hurry down my chimney tonight!

Attitude of Gratitude

And in no particular order, I am thankful for:

• My health
• H1N1 vaccine
• A supportive husband
• A beautiful and happy daughter
• Pain killers
• The farmer's market
• All-wheel drive
• Bedtime singing sessions with Lolli
• Photography & Photoshop
• Opportunities to share my talents
• Supportive friends
• Sports
• Music class
• Social networking sites
• Asian pears
• iPhone apps
• Novocaine
• Low-brow literature
• The Pink Lady
• TJ Maxx
• Cuddling
• Caramel cookie bars
• Down comforters
• Plumerias
• Memories of my father
• Layaway
• Team in Training
• Thai food
• WIC
• Nerts
• Good gas mileage
• The Camelot community
• A living prophet
• Late night bike rides with Tara ;)
• Family prayer
• Vacations spent on Coronado

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list and I tried not to repeat things from last year. But as always, I'm thankful for my family, the Gospel, and the love of my Heavenly Father.