For Volunteering.

These are the days I will miss once Noah graduates from elementary school! I have always volunteered at all my girls schools, but in all honesty I have spoiled myself with constant volunteering at Noah's school. This time I brought Chelsea with me to do a Thanksgiving craft with the kids, and she had such a great time experiencing working with 20 third graders for an hour. I have so much gratitude for being a room parent, and for the opportunity I have to volunteer at the school when it comes to holiday parties, craft days, picture day, book fair, back to school picnic, and various activities. It brings me such joy knowing that I am doing some good by relieving extra duties from the teachers. 

For Manhattan - FAO Schwarz.

There are many places, and cities in which I am grateful for, but there is a unique, palpable energy in Manhattan that no other city has. A million cultures rolled into one amazing city, and a ton of different things to do, and see. Maybe I'm being bias because I live an hour away from here, but the times we go we never want to leave. It's energetic, and I feel like the energizer bunny from all the walking we do when we come here. 

For Chelsea.

Chelsea...she's the only girl left in the house, and as much as we butt heads we have loads of laughs, and lots of fun. She is my new movie buddy, and is happy to now be the only child who comes home early from school so we can eat at Chick-Fil-A alone together. Our mother and daughter dates have increased, and I am truly grateful to have her in my life, and to have another female in the house for at least another five years to pick on, laugh with, eat out with, shop with, go to concerts with, go to the city with, and just have good ol' fun! So thankful for Chelsea! 

For Miracles.

I know I'm continuing to go backwards here with my blogging, and I certainly hope y'all don't grow weary of my temple posts, but this one is super special because in all honesty, on our way home from Utah, we were not supposed to have driven down the road that led to the temple in Star Valley, Wyoming. Miracles happen, and were waiting for us, and I can't express how grateful I am when they happen! 

For Our Home.

No matter where we have lived we have always managed to make our home a loving, cozy, and safe environment for our kids. We've lived in four different states, and lived in about 14 different apartments  and houses in almost 24 years! Don't ask how or why we do it, but jobs change, and transfers come, landlords sell, and some apartments just got too small for our family. 

For Play - Snowvember.

There are many things in life we take for granted especially when it comes to our kids, but playtime with them is not one. Even at my age I find the will, and strength to go outside with them to play on a hot summer day, or in this case...a snow day.

For Road Trips- Woodstock, Vermont.

Celebrating Noah's birthday all over New England was the icing on the cake, and in all honesty wish we could have spent another week there. America is a road trip, and the east coast has so much for us to do and explore. Noah has developed a penchant for history, and wanted to explore all over New England...again!

For The Scouting Program.

We are now in our second year of scouting and Noah is now a "bear." I will always remember the first time he started as a wolf, and in the past year have seen so much growth and change in him. His relationships with people are so unique. He is the sweetest, most helpful little boy you will ever meet. He loves going to scouts to learn new things as well as meeting up with his friends in working together as a den and pack. I am so thankful for the scouting program, and for what it teaches our kids. It truly shapes our children for them to become better people, and truly brings a special bond in our family as well as in our community. You can see a snippet of his recent activity with scouts learning all about forensics on my Insta stories here. 

For Veterans.

After a long weekend in New England I failed to blog and give thanks on this little corner of the net, but today I want to express my gratitude for all the veterans who have served, and are currently serving. Who put their lives in harms way in order for us to have the freedoms we desire. Who sacrifice all that they have by leaving their families and comforts of home behind. Who go out in unfamiliar territory not knowing what to expect, and how their day is going to end. To each and every one of you, I say thank you! I am so grateful for my citizenship in this land, and for your sacrifice. We pray for you daily, and your service is appreciated!

For Noah.

This past weekend flew by like a leer jet, and I can't believe that my baby boy is NINE! I never thought that I'd have four kids let alone a boy! Three girls was a charm, but this boy is a dream! When this boy came into my world he gave me more than I expected.....

For Cousins.

I didn't take too many photos of the family while I was in Utah which I'm pretty bummed about, but that's okay. The kids were too busy playing and getting to know one another as it should be without a camera shoved in their face! I did manage to capture this photo of one of the cousins with Noah. She kept Noah entertained when she would come over, and I'm so glad they met. Yes, this is the first time that Chelsea and Noah have met their cousins, and uncles, and aunts in real life! Crazy sad, but grateful at the same time!