In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for many things, but especially this year I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. I took the challenge given to the young women of our church to read the entire Book of Mormon and keep a scripture journal on my feelings or promptings of what I have learned from them. I cannot list all that I have gained from this experience, but I am grateful for those who were inspired by God to write down their experiences and teachings of Christ. That they were worthy to receive the word of God to be written and translated for our time so that we can learn of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To know how He loved and served, the blessings others received by being like Him, and the importance of obeying. I have loved the experiences I have gained from writing down my own feelings and testimony. It definitely was a struggle at times trying to get in a few chapters and then taking the time to write what I learned. Many times I would want to be doing something else while Aliyah napped, like cleaning or sewing. As I developed a habit of sitting down right when she went down for her first nap, I soon became anxious and excited to get to my daily scripture study. These people no longer became characters in a story, but real living heros who lived as I do, believed as I do, and had trials as I do. I am grateful for their courage and faith to follow Christ even when it was risking their lives or reputation. I am grateful for the truth in my life. I know that the Book of Mormon was inspired by God and that by reading it we can know and be like Him.

I am so grateful for my knowledge of my Savior and Heavenly Father, that they live and love me. I am thankful for a husband who has a strong testimony, who is patient with me, who loves our daughter, who makes sure I take the time to focus on what really matters, who is supportive in every way, and always reminds me of who I am. I am thankful for a giggly baby girl who always greets me with a cheesy grin, who teaches me to have the heart of a child, who makes me laugh, who loves taking walks with me to discover a rock or watch squirrels play, who loves to sing and dance, who loves me. I am grateful for family and friends, food for my family, a home that keeps us warm and safe, talents I have been given to share with others, the beauty of our surroundings, our health, the example of the missionaries serving from our families, Jason's job and the wonderful people he works with, for temples, and many more things that make my life wonderful. I have truly been blessed.

Snow and Fall Leaves??

We have had so much snow already this fall. Aliyah has made good use of the warm coat she got from Grammy and Grandpa Winkel for her birthday. I realized that winter is going to be long with a baby who loves being outside.

On a day that it snowed tons we decided to bring the snow indoors and make ourselves a snowman without getting completely cold. Aliyah mostly wanted to eat it!

Showing off her mini snowman.

Once Halloween past we had fall again and have been able to be out at the parks and playing in the leaves.

We recently went to Jason's parents to send Mark off on a mission. I feel sick that I didn't get one picture with him and Aliyah, but we were glad to be there to see him before he left. He is going to make one great missionary!

Aliyah loved being able to see her cousin, Brynlee.

Aliyah has become quite the bully and poor Brynlee was just so patient with her. This picture is a perfect example of their relationship. Aliyah hates wearing bows and made sure Brynlee was in on it with her.


The typical Aliyah face.


The next two are for Brynlee's mom, Laura. Isn't she a doll??



And of course you can never get too many pictures of this cutie. We sure love her...attitude and all!

Halloween

I guess it is better late than never, but Halloween was quite fun here at our home. We had parties, pumpkin carving, and making our child dress up for it all. On the Monday before Halloween we carved our pumpkin.

Daddy is already teaching Aliyah self defense or was it knife safety?


Here is our final product. Jason and I did this same one the first year of our marriage, and we still think it is hilarious.

I know this picture is blurry, but she was just so intrigued with the fire inside.


And here comes the torture but most fun of being a parent.... hey, at least she lasted through our church party.


I know too cute, huh!? What a great garage sale find.