November Gratitude Challenge Day 7: Being Healthy

Being Healthy

My family has been blessed so much with good health that the only pills we have to take are just vitamins. I hope that we can continue to enjoy healthy lives and always remember how blessed we are to be in such good health so we don't take this time for granted.

  

November Gratitude Challenge Day 6: Long Days Full of Fun and Friends

A Long Day Full of Fun and Friends

Today we had a full day of fun and Friends. I love days so full of fun that by the end of the day Jack is tired enough to just sit and watch a show with me. If you haven't watched The Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Cild they are really cute short movies that I enjoyed very much. 

This morning we meat up with my friend Jamie and her son at Springs Preserve for story time and a sack lunch. Jamie has been such a good friend to Jack and Me. She is always inviting us to fun activities. Springs preserve has a lot going on for kids and Jack loved craft time and seeing the gofers. We can't wait to go back again.

Jack also attended his first birthday party tonight. It was for a little girl in Jack's nursery. I am also grateful for her mom Janna. She has reached out to me and a bunch of mom's in the ward creating a play group so we can get together during the week. It's been a blessing to me to be able to get to know a lot more people in my ward. It's sometimes hard for me be outgoing and make friends so this gives me an outlet.

There are also a handful of other ladies in my ward who have befriended me throughout the time I have lived here and I am very grateful for all of them. It really has made all the difference in my life. Thanks Ladies!

November Gratitude Challenge Day 5: Vegas

VEGAS

Brady and I have lived in Las Vegas going on 3 years now. It's taking me a while to warm up to living here and getting used to the heat. I pine for Salt Lake City and all it has to offer: Family, friends... seasons :). I have learned I love Salt Lake by living in Vegas. But I am still very grateful for the life we have in Vegas. 

First of all we have Brady's wonderful family here for support. We lived with Brady's parents for the first year and a half after Brady started law school and they were there for us in so many ways. They made us feel welcome and loved in their home. They really help us through the first few months of Brady starting school and then us finding out we were going to have Jack at the end of his first year. And they continually share there love and kindness with us. They are very selfless and I am grateful we live in Vegas to be near them. It's nice having parents close by to take care of you even when your all grown up. Along with Brady's parents he has several siblings living here. It's been such a blessing to be close to them to get to know them better. I love seeing my nieces and nephews growing up. 

I am also grateful that I get to be able to live and learn about a new place. It did take me a while to really jump in but I have been having fun exploring the city and surrounding recreational areas. Jack and I frequent parks and I try and find different ones to try now and again. As a family we have visited Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam. I am also finding that there are a lot of family friendly things to do around Vegas if you dig a little. I also have a friend who invites Jack and I to a lot of fun activities so we get to know more about Vegas that way too. I am grateful for the people in our ward we have come to know. All in all I am grateful I live in Vegas even if it is hard for me to admit sometimes. 

Oh and did I mention we have an amazing view from our condo? Yeah, that makes living here even better. 

November Gratitude Challenge Day 4: A Relaxing Bath After a LONG Day

A Relaxing Bath After a LONG Day

I have been baby sitting a little 2 year old boy a lot in the past week and they were really LONG days. When Brady got home I told him I was feeling tired and stressed and he suggested I take a bath and relax. Such a great suggestion! He took care of Jack and put him to bed and I got together my essential oils and made an amazing smelling bath. Just what I needed today. I am so grateful for an amazing husband who even after having long day at school gives me the night off.  

November Gratitude Challenge Day 3: My Job

My Job

I am extremely grateful that I get to stay home and raise my son. I know it's not always an option for many moms and I have the utmost respect for moms who also have a job outside of the home. I don't want people to take this post as me saying that one way is better than another in terms of mothers working or not working. I know that being home with my son works me and for our family and there are sacrifices all moms have to make to create the best situation for their families.

The things I love about being home is that I get to be with Jack and see him learning a growing. I get to see the world through his curious eyes and it has made me see the little things in life I have grown to forget. I get to master my skills of meal planning and cooking. I get to be Jack's teacher and friend. There is no end or beginning to my day because I am always on call but I also have a lot of flexibility and time to pursue my interests (if I am strategic).  I am also grateful for a husband who supports me and values my contribution even through I am not bringing in the big bucks. I am a beginner and I am learning daily. I love being a stay at home mom.

November Gratitude Challenge Day 2: Fall Weather

FALL

It was like clockwork. November 1st happens and then it suddenly feels like fall! Up until today it was still getting up to the high 80's here in Vegas. I love that I can wear my long sleeve shirts and cardigans. Also Jack can start wearing all his cute fall clothes that he's almost too big for. I loved keeping the window open all night to let all the cool and fresh air fill the house. I slept so well and it was nice being to cuddle up under the covers all snug. I am excited to wear boots and scarves. I am also excited to be able to take Jack outside any time of the day and not worry about it being too hot. We're ready to play all day! 

Happy Fall!

November Gratitude Challenge Day 1: Jack

JACK

This happy little 17 month old (in a few days) is one of the best parts of my life. He is such a smart boy who loves being outside and playing with kids. He's always giving hugs and kisses and knows how to have a good time wherever he is. There are so many good things to say about this little guy I could go on forever. 

He is such a blessing to me and my husband and a long awaited one at that. Jack came into our lives after 5 long years of trying to get pregnant and unsuccessful fertility treatments. Brady and I were pretty discouraged but when we found out we were going to have a baby it was like a weight was lifted. We were now going to have a family. I am grateful that I was given such a wonderful boy. I have enjoyed the time he has been in my life better than any other time in my life. I am grateful that I get to be his mother. 

I love you Bubba!