Give Thanks

Dear Mark,
Thank you for making breakfast.
Thank you for getting the kids ready for church.
Thank you for taking the kids to church.
Thank you for making lunch.
Thank you for patiently handling both bawling children.
Thank you for soothing Wilson after he threw up all over you - twice.
Thank you for cleaning up the spilled applesauce.
Thank you for cleaning up the spilled sugar.
Thank you for cleaning up the spewed throw up.
Thank you for making dinner.
Thank you for calmly and lovingly taking care of us today.
I have the most amazing husband in the world.
Thanks for being you.

Last week during Mark's finals the kids and I took off for Canada. We found $29 flights that we just couldn't pass up! While we missed Mark ALOT we sure did have ALOT of fun!














And now just when the fun with Mark is about to begin we have a yucky flu bug. Bleh. Hopefully it's only 24 hours so the party can begin!

Halloween 2008!

Happy Halloween!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A few weeks ago...

Grandma and Grandpa Thomas came to visit.  We were so excited for visitors!  It was a lot of fun.  We made it to dinner/BYU game for our anniversary. Yes, we are efficient.  Lucky me to have my anniversary fall on the same night that BYU LOST.  So sad.  Mark tried not to be depressed.  No pictures of that night.

Of course we had to hit up as many yard sales as we could - and found a few treasures.  We checked out the farmers market (if it could even be called that- very disappointing).   Chilled at the freezing cold pool.  Time to turn the HEAT on management! I know your all thinking,"but it's still 90 degrees out!"  Just trust me on this one.  

 Zina and Grandma made the most delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with squash instead of pumpkin. 

Yum.

And we made it out to Macayo's Kitchen for some delicious Mexican food. 

This is why we don't eat out very often (well one of the many reasons).  It's just easier at home.

Look how mad she is. 

And of course they filled our fridge with delicous utah apples, peaches, and squash. Thank you thank you Grandma and Grandpa. Come back.  We love your visits!

Outside

It has finally cooled off enough for us to be outside (other than at the pool).  It is really very exciting, which is why I'm blogging about it. 

Here are the kids in my birthday present.  It has changed my life.  Really!  We take it everywhere - grocery store, library, park, runs, MWU - love love love it.

I just really love this picture.

On our way to eat free Pizza at Midwestern for PA recognition day.

And of course, Zina's new bike!!  Wilson graduated to Zina's old bike and here is Mark giving them riding lessons. (And yes, we need to invest in some little helmets.)

a few thoughts...

Thursday was our fourth anniversary and today is my 26th birthday.  I have so enjoyed the week.  As I sat in Sunday School and Relief Society today (thanks to my wonderful husband for chasing Wilson through the meeting house hallways) I felt so grateful for a few specific things.  The first being my Mark.  

Where to begin.  How do you put into words something that just keeps on getting better.   I spent a lot of time fasting and praying to know whether or not I should marry Mark - the Lord blessed me in his infinite mercy with the knowledge that my desires to marry Mark were righteous and good.  I have never regretted that decision and am so grateful for a tender husband who respects me and loves me and supports me.  Since being here in Arizona I have grown to appreciate his efforts to be a good husband and father even more.   He is a complete perfectionist and being a perfectionist in medical school makes for a lot of pressure, but he always makes time to come home to eat dinner as a family and then get down on the floor to play with the kids, and visit with me before hitting the books again.  It is my favorite time of day.  I love to make delicious meals and then hear the words, "Mmmm, this is GOOD Mama!"  

That leads into the second, I have been so blessed to truly love the work in my home.   I love being home with Zina and Wilson - singing, dancing, cooking, cleaning, playing, crying, hugging, teaching, learning, etc. etc. etc.  There is so much to feel and so much room for growth within the walls of my home. 

And thirdly, I am grateful for a tender 3 yr. old who is learning and growing up so quickly.  Today the nursery leader told me a cute story about Zina that made my heart swell with pride.  She said one of the little boys was having a bad day and crying (sobbing) because he didn't want to be in nursery that day.  Zina went over, sat beside him, and held his hand through the whole nursery class to help him feel better.  She has always been concerned when she sees others suffering.  I think she was more upset with Wilson's shots a few weeks ago then he was.  She teaches me so much every day.  I love my Zina Zee.

Last but not least - my rambunctious Wilson Boy.   He is learning to climb and jump faster than I thought possible.  His favorite game is to climb up on the couch and then leap off onto whatever is on the floor.  Yesterday it was just the floor and he did a great big belly flop. Ouch.  He cried for a while and then wanted to do it all over again.  He makes me laugh so many times a day with his big slobbery kisses and toothy grin.  If I'm having a bad day I just need my Wilson Meds.  

Because of all this and so much more, I'm pretty sure that I am the luckiest person alive.