It is not Thanksgiving yet, but I am starting early with a family home evening tonight, and so I have been contemplating gratitude. I am so thankful for parents that just were grateful. They lived it and did not teach it with paper and pen. I feel grateful daily for many things, and I hope I am living it. It makes the family home evening matter less. Today is beautiful, and as I stepped out for my run I silently thanked God for lifting me with the beauty of his creation. I ran by the elementary school and heard the principal on the loud speaker defining gratitude at the very moment I was thinking how lucky my kids are to go to beautiful schools with loving teachers. I spent a four day weekend with family and can't express the blessing I feel to be a part of them. I am thankful for my nephew who turned 14 yesterday. He is kind and loving and interested in my younger children. When we went around the table to tell him what we like about him, little Brody said, "I love Justin because I love him." I know exactly what you mean Brody! That is how I feel about all my family here and far away.

This little guy lives in our playhouse. He has been there for a couple of weeks and the thrill has yet to wear off. It is inspiring to witness the amazement small things bring to young children!

Sorry girls I know you will be mortified, but I just had to do it. Arms anyone?!?!

A Week in Photos

Emmie at the Reflections award night

Photo courtesy of Brody Guinn

"Brad finding a perfect scripture"

Davin with his b-ball buddy Luke showing off the new letterman jacket.

The boys playing in the yard.

Josie just before her concert.

Lots of stuff going on around here always. Josie had her first band concert. She looked beautiful, and I am sure she sounded good, but because there were about 5000 people there, we couldn't see or hear her! Her soccer team is in 2nd - Perry's too. Perry made the first cuts of soccer tryouts at her high school. There were 50 girls there not counting returning players!!! Davin took the psat - we'll see how he does soon. He is not with the homecoming princess anymore and has his sights on a cute girl from across town, "just having fun". Basketball starts tomorrow for school - we are so excited!!!! Kellen said Mom yesterday clear as day, but he won't say it again. Brody was the king of reverent on Sunday proudly wearing his crown home from church. He is also getting ready for his Thanksgiving show. Emmie is my buddy. What will I do when she doesn't want to go everywhere with me? She sweetly sobbed the other day because I left the "little" kids with Davin, "Why do you always leave me with all of the boys? I don't want to be with the boys!" What are the chances she will still be singing the same song in another 7 years?

Brad ditched us again - he missed the snow and heard there was going to be some in Utah. Not really. He just got Salt Lake Public Schools for one of his clients. So when he was in Brazil I wanted to make a top ten reasons I miss Brad list, but I didn't have the time. So here it is

1. No one to put the dog in at night.

2. I seriously can't find any of the shows we watch!

3. How the heck am I supposed to get all the kids to their practices?

4. Nobody to eat my dinner meal without complaining. Can't believe you will even gag down the butternut squash!

5. Nobody here to find just the right scripture.

6. Wow, an entire week without anyone criticizing the way I load the dishwasher.

7. Who is going to help me with my computer projects?

8. I have to make the lunches and the bed everyday?

9. You say things like, "Missing you already, love you!" even when I am a miserable partner a lot of the time!

10. My kiss goodnight

Trunk or Treat Fun

I was happy Davin joined the family for the fun. He was so creative with his costume. He was facebook. Brad was even more creative-don't you think?!?!
This is the glow stick dance Emmie and Josie were part of. Emmie is on the end, and Josie is 4th in from the right. They were a big hit!

After 10 minutes of trying valiantly to get the dog costume off, Kellen actually gave up and kept the darn dog costume on his head. Whew!!! I really didn't have a back up plan.

Here is the gang minus Josie who was yet to return home from her soccer game in Santa Barbara. Not too scary this year, but everyone was happy!

Happy 1st Birthday!!!!

It is amazing to me that your first year is gone! On the one hand, it seems like you have been with us forever. While on the other hand, the year slipped away in a flash. We love you to no end little mister. Our lives are brighter because of your smile, laughter, and affection. We are all so pleased with your developing personality. You have helped our home to be filled with joy. Sometimes it might seem tough to be the caboose, but always remember it wasn't until you that our family was finally complete!

Happy birthday Davin!!!

How do I love you? Let me count the ways! Seventeen years ago, you made me a mother. You have blessed our lives ever since. We have found joy in teaching you, playing with you, and learning from you. We are in awe as we see the gifts your Heavenly Father has given you and how you have chosen to use and develop them so far. We see your love for the Savior in the dedication you have to being his disciple. As the time speeds away I want you to know how much I appreciate you, your love for knowledge, goodness, and truth, your dedication to your family, your enthusiasm for basketball, your willingness to be a leader, your willingness to get up for seminary on your own and drive your sister, the way you give everything good your all. Always remember you are smart, talented, kind, and handsome -Your mother says so!

Davin with the boys on his b-day

Davin with the girls on his b-day

Davin with his favorite cookies on his b-day

Davin and the family at Pat and Oscars on his b-day

Crazy Hair Day for Emmie

Another shot of Kellen the climber.

Emmie following in her siblings footsteps. You rock girl - an athlete in the making for sure! (You can still be a dancer if you want to :D !)

Perry had her first choir concert this week. It was beautiful - you were beautiful! You seemed a bit nervous, but you did a great job. Thanks to Nana and Grampy Bear for making the drive out to support the evening.

Here is what Kellen has been "up" to lately!

Kellen, you just think you are big. It is a mistake for you to think this because you are going to get hurt. You are not even one yet, and I keep trying to tell you "no climbing!" You scared me really bad when I looked out the window to the play set and saw you peering out through the open side of the fort which you had climbed up the 5 rung ladder to get to! Crazy fearless boy!