Thankful Thursdays

The past week has reminded me that looking for things to be grateful for gets easier when we try every day. Today I am thankful:

1. That we can always start over tomorrow and be better; that we can improve and change as people

2. To live near family, and that they are willing to help my family make it through the school-work-school-church routine each week

3. For Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk ice cream - if you haven't had it before, don't start. I want to make sure there are plenty at the store anytime I need some.

4. That I received a much needed apology from someone at work - it was just eating at me and now it feels resolved.

5. That today is Veteran's Day and for the military and patriotic heritage that my children will inherit from both sides of their family.

Family Double Date to GVR

We had perfect weather this weekend at Green Valley Ranch for our double date with the Askeroths. We had a great dinner at Lucille's BBQ and then went over to the carousel. Miles wasn't so sure about it at first, but he was waiting at the gate anxious to go in with the big kids.

Then we told him we had to leave the carousel... I felt mean (for a second) for snapping this picture instead of comforting him - he seemed so heartbroken!

We distracted him with the huge Christmas decorations that are already out - running around the tree and presents, and just generally running everywhere! It was a fun night with perfect weather - low 70s, nice cool breeze. One of those nights where you remember that Vegas eventually pays you back for making it through the summer temps.

First Ballerina Class

Claire started her first ballet class today - it is a 3 to 5 year old class so she is one of the youngest ones. They are practicing for a recital in December so they go over their 3 routines and then class is over - Claire just kind of swayed along and tried to follow the girls around her (there are 16 girls in the class). She definitely had one of the puffiest tutus - I think we need to tone it down a bit. But it sure is cute!

Thankful Thursdays

I have been keeping a gratitude journal for a few months now - I write down five things a day that I am thankful for and I have found that it really helps me find perspective on my challenges and day-to-day gripes. Some days it is easy to come up with five things, even more than five. Other days I stare at the page and it takes me awhile to come up with something. So for the month of November, I am going to have Thankful Thursdays, an idea I totally stole from a friend but that goes right along with my gratitude journal.

Today I am thankful for:

1. Getting a huge hug from Miles today; he uses both arms to squeeze my neck and face, and it is the most precious feeling in the world.

2. The fact that I can still run up and down a basketball court on Thursday nights.

3. Working from home two days a week to be with my kids, and having an employer that will let me have a flex schedule

4. Eyeliner - I look really scary without it.

5. My 80-year-old grandma, who is willing to travel alone from Kansas to come and see us this month

Only in Las Vegas...

...Would my kids be able to wear these summer clothes in November and not freeze (Matt dressed them, I have to add...):


...Would we see two wild burros on the side of the road on our way out to Red Rock:


...Would we find a stagecoach, snake and lizard as playground equipment:

Still Can't Leave Her Alone...

... Because this is what happens when Claire brushes her teeth by herself - an impromptu shower.

Halloween Haul

We took most of this candy to Wagner Dental where Claire got $1 a pound for her Halloween loot - she felt rich!