Today, I am grateful for many, many things. First of all, I am thankful that Ryan could stay home to work and that he didn't have to go out in all of the snow to uncover his car and go to work. I am also extremely grateful for our landlords for not only shovelling/snowblowing the snow off of our driveway, sidewalks, and parking lot, but also for getting the snow off of our cars. That was a little surprise when we went outside to get in the car - how nice! I also have to note that both Chris and Max took naps today at the same time, so I was able to lie down for a few minutes. I am so grateful that I got to sleep some today because the last few nights have not been so good with Max's feedings. Most of all, I am grateful that Ryan received news that he has been accepted to two different MBA programs, one with a $20,000/year scholarship. I'm so proud of him and all of the hard work that he's put into his work and into doing all of his applications. I am so excited for him and for our family to start planning on the next steps in our future.

I am very grateful that our horrendous storm didn't start until AFTER Ryan got home. Ryan is thankfully home with us after his business trip, and I'm very grateful that he didn't get stranded in Detroit or in New York. I really like having him home with me and the kids.

Yesterday, Max did not spit up very much - only 10-12 times. Woohoo! Hopefully it's a sign that things are getting better.

Today, I am grateful that I could listen and participate in some of the Institute lesson and did't have to be in the nursery the whole time.

I am thankful that we have had such great home teachers while we've been in Madison. I feel that it contributes to the sense of community we have here. Plus, they said they would give us a ride to the airport, which is a huge thing in my book.

Today, we went and got family pictures taken. I love having current family pictures, and smoe of these turned out really well. was worried about taking pictures with such a small baby and such a wild toddler, but everything went really well and the people at Portrait Innovations did a really great job.

I threw a Christmas party for Chris yesterday, and it was really fun. I am so glad that he liked the cupcakes that I made. At least he liked the frosting and M&Ms on the cupcakes I made.

Today, we went to the mall to buy Ryan some shoes with his birthday money. We stopped by the play area, and I saw 2 different families that I know. I love going out and seeing people I know. I feel old when it happens because it reminds me of my parents seeing people around town, but it also makes me feel really happy.

I am also especially grateful that Ryan was home and got Chris to take a nap today - his first all week. He is so much more pleasant when he gets a nap, and I'm really glad he had one today.

I am also grateful that Max ate some solids today. Woohoo! For breakfast, I fed him some scrambled egg yolk, and he was so excited his little body was shaking with excitement. I also gave him some banana while I was trying to make Christmas cookies. I think it was really fun for him, and I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to wait until after Christmas to consistently feed him solids.

Chris picked up all of his trains today without being asked. It was great. At least I know that something that I've been trying to teach him is rubbing off.

I am so grateful that Ryan has some interviews lined up. Hopefully, this means that we will get some scholarship/fellowship offers for school.

I am also very grateful that I have visiting teachers who are so diligent. It feels wonderful to have people who are concerned about you and who come to visit just to see how you are. I really enjoy my visiting teachers' visits.

I am thankful that Chris has started to try to sound out words and has started to play games like Uno (with some help). I am also thankful that Ryan and I got to play a game tongiht. We played Scrabble, and I was able to play some good words: antacid, quoit, and gnomes.It had been a long time since we had played, so I was proud of myself getting any word over 4 letters.

Last night we decorated for Christmas. I am so thankful that we have so many Christmas decorations from our wedding. All of the decorations and ornaments are beautiful, and I love seeing our tree all gussied up with sentimental ornaments. It always reminds me of our first Christmas married. I always think it is so fun to reminisce as we put each ornament on the tree. It was especially fun to see Chris's excitement to put the ornaments on the tree.

Today, I am grateful that my sweet little Christopher and how he wants me to cuddle with him as he falls asleep. It is so hard to resist his sweet request for me to stay with him "for just a little while". With such an energetic hurricane of destruction (especially with all the new Christmas stuff up) running around, it is so nice to snuggle with him as he is calm and quiet. He really is a loving, sweet boy.

It's been a while since I've posted on this (or any) blog, and I need to get back into it. In honor of Thanksgiving, I wanted to write a general gratitude post for the things that I am most grateful for.

1. I am so lucky to have amazing parents who have taught me so many things. They have taught me how to speak up, take phone messages, look someone in the eye when talking, organize kitchen cupboards, pray, laugh at myself, drive a stick, say "I'm sorry", be a good friend, shop for sales, and a billion other things. I have they best parents in the world.

2. I love my husband. Ryan is so considerate of me and my feelings, and he always has my well-being in mind. I love the fact that he likes sports and can memorize just about anything in half a second. I am so lucky to have someone who will answer all of my stupid and/or embarrassing questions and who likes to have fun. He even indulges my chick-flick desires. What a man!

3. I love my two boys. They make me laugh and smile in adoration almost all day long. Chris has grown up to be such a bright, funny, loving little boy. I love that he likes to make me laugh. Max is turning into a cheerful chunk of a baby, and I love, love, love to hear him laugh and see him grin.

4. I am so grateful to have a knowledge and testimony of the gospel of Christ and of the Latter-day prophets, including the current prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that he speaks for my Savior and I feel safe knowing that I will follow his counsel.

5. I am very grateful for wonderful in-laws. I married into a wonderful, fun-loving, spirited family, and they have graciously welcomed me into their lives. I love them and love spending time with them.

6. I love my friends, new and old. I have been so blessed to have so many close friends.

7. I am grateful for my temple marriage. I am so happy that my family will be my family forever and that I will always be with them. I love them so much, and Ican't imagine any sort of life without them.

8. I am grateful for food. I love almost all food, and I love to taste all the wonderful flavors that this world has to offer.

9. I am grateful for technology and the ability I have to talk to family members even though we live far away.

10. I am grateful for change. I am very grateful that I am able to change qualities and characteristics in myself and that other people can change as well. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for his wisdom in letting us change ourselves and letting us make our own choices and mistakes. I am so grateful that I understand that I can be better every day if I choose to be.