Azalea

For the last two years I have brought this potted Azalea in from the patio, just before the frost would get it. It always blooms about a month after I bring it in the house. This year is the best ever. I love it!

The Saturday After Thanksgiving 2010

Dave's dad held his annual "Saturday After Thanksgiving" event at his church. Most of his offspring were there. Later that evening Dave, Alex and I went to the "Electric Parade" downtown.

We ate dinner at Beto's afterwards. Alex hadn't had their carne asada fries for over two years. He says he and his friend Nate would eat them quite a bit. They always said it took a year off of their lives every time they ate an order of them. He's probably not far off on that estimate. They are LOADed with fat and calories. Yikes. The burrito I had there tonight probably took 6 months off of my lifespan.

Thanksgiving 2010

This year Thanksgiving dinner was pretty laid back. We just had the twelve of us. We were missing Steph, Jared and Andrew. We did eat the best turkey I have ever eaten. Ashley let me borrow her rotisserie oven and it only took 2 hours and 20 minutes. It was so moist and tasty. I will cook it that way again for sure.

After dinner activities included a game of Risk,

playing, napping,

watching a movie,

being sweet,

and, after jammies were on that evening, making our traditional gingerbread houses.

I'm oh so very thankful for it all.

Gratitude - Day 24

Honestly, what would I do without a way to contact my family instantly?

Gratitude - Day 23

This tacky ceiling fan has made for many comfortable summer nights while we slept.

Gratitude - Day 22

Our furnace.

Gratitude - Day 21

The mountains and amazing recreation choices are only minutes away. Here are some of our 2010 mountain trips.

Gratitude - Day 20

I can travel out of the state or out of the country, with no restrictions. (This collage is from the places, outside of Utah, we have traveled to in 2010)

Gratitude - Day 19

Books. And it is a blessing that I can choose what I want to read.

Gratitude - Day 18

There's nothing nicer than a thick, warm towel when you hop out of the shower.

Gratitude - Day 17

Indoor plumbing. Need I say more?

Gratitude - Day 16

The word of God.

Gratitude - Day 15

It may be starting to look a bit beat-up. But this old leather chair and ottoman just keep getting more comfy with age. Many a book has been read here.

A "Grand" little get-away

We have had tickets since June to go to Tuacahn in St. George and see ABBA Mania. In spite of the fact that the temperatures were in the 40's that night, it totally rocked! Our seats were on the FRONT row!! Front and center, in fact. Sweet. I kept warm by jumping around and dancing every now and again. (It was extra fun to embarass Dave and Alex, hee hee)

The next day we drove 2 1/2 hours to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. None of us had ever been there before.

We practically had the entire canyon to ourselves. The ride home that night was beautiful as the sun set over the desert.

Then, on Sunday we went to church and had a tour of the Brigham Young home in St. George before driving the 5 hours back home. It was a very fun little weekend trip. The scenery and the company couldn't be better, either!

Gratitude - Day 14

With the click of a switch I can have a nice, cozy fire to curl up next to on a chilly day.

Gratitude - Day 13

Sons who love the Lord so much that they are willing to give up two years of their lives to serve Him.

Gratitude - Day 12

Music.

Gratitude - Day 11

This blueberry herbal tea is the best I've ever had. Add some honey and lemon and you're in for a soothing sip of sweetness. (alliteration haha)

Gratitude - Day 10

The holidays. From Halloween to New Year's Day we seem to "hunker down" with the fam. We eat loads of comfort food, play games and celebrate together. I love it.

Gratitude - Day 9

Everbearing Raspberries - we got one last picking three days ago, just before the snow hit.

Gratitude - Day 8

My automatic dishwasher.

Gratitude - Day 7

Time.

Lily's birthday date

I finally had a free afternoon so I could take Lily on her "birthday date with Grandma." We went to the Tree House Museum.

Then over to Farr's for ice cream.

We had a blast. Now I need to take Jack on his and a re-do for James and Logan.

Gratitude - Day 6

My very adorable grandchildren

Gratitutde - Day 5

"We're pretty much soul mates"

Gratitude - Day 4

For the beauty of the earth . . .