Temple Square

We went with the Mitchell family this year to Temple Square to look at the lights. It was a fun (and slightly freezing!) night. It was gorgeous though!

By the fountains at City Creek

Parker had so much fun cuddling with Grandma!

Michelle and Randy

Michelle thought the orange glow was a cool effect.

Colby had the best seat in the house

This is right around the spot where Grant proposed to me over eight years ago.

Cuteness!

Parker loved running around in the lights!

And really really wanted to go swimming.

I love the bond they have. They had some interesting conversations tonight :)

My handsome handsome brother

 

Michelle wanted pretty pictures in front of the temple. It was pretty. However, the people over my shoulder also taking pictures of them was kinda creepy. 

My cute little Colby, always willing for a pic. :)

And if Jerry ever sends me a copy of the big group pic I'll add that too!

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving Dinner with the Pugh family this year! Here's a hodge-podge of pics from that. :)

Cooking is manly when you get to play with fire!

 

One of the best things about going to Grandma and Papa Pugh's is the playroom downstairs!

 

So Mike may or may not have waxed his eyebrows on a dare. And he may or may not have drawn them back in with eyeliner pencil. I'll let you decide. And he will kill me for posting this picture!

Parker and Uncle Chicken-Butt. You can just hear the gales of laughter from this little guy!

 

I think Nate bribed Colby for a kiss. :)

 

Parker was really good at mooching off the kitchen staff. Must be those adorable blue eyes!

 

We are a happy family!

 

Mmmmm its turkey time!

 

Nate got stuck doing the dishes. Doesn't he look thrilled?

Gratitude, Day 8

Ok, Ok, I know I skipped Day 7, but the word was innovation, and what the crap am I supposed to do with that??? So today, Day 8, the word is:

Sleep.

This little mop of curls is a friend's daughter. I've been watching her as her current babysitter is on maternity leave. And I am just so grateful for friends, and being able to help each other out. We really can't do it alone, but with good friends I think we can conquer most of our trials. I'm glad I have good friends, and I'm glad my kiddos have good friends like her too.

Gratitude, Day 6

The word for today is:

Memories

This little figurine brings back a flood of memories. My first semester at college, away from home, I was broke and missing my family a lot. I went home pretty regularly, driving 3 hrs roundtrip to see everyone. Every time I would come down, my grandmother would practically empty her cupboards for me, so that I wouldn't starve while I was away. Then she would slip some cash in my pocket despite my protests. As it was nearing the holiday season, I was looking for the perfect Christmas present for her. I found a beautiful angel figurine that reminded me of her. It sort of looked like her Llardo's that she collected. It was on sale for $14.99, much more affordable than the $200-300 statues like hers. When I brought it to her, and she opened it, she smiled and gave me a great big hug. Next time I came over, it was in her beautiful display case, next to all the much pricier Llardos. It stayed there for 8 years until she passed away. She is much like the dove in this picture, about to spread her wings and fly away. I am so lucky that I got her for as long as I did. This year has been so hard, experiencing all the 'firsts' without her. First time I couldn't take my babies to her house to show off their costumes (and get their tootsie roll treats). First time I didn't get a birthday card saying "Love Grandma Johnson" with the year scribbled at the top. First time I didn't get to go over to her house in the summer and have a Frosty on the swing in the backyard. I guess what I'm saying, is: I'm grateful for Grandmas. Even when they leave us. I am so happy that my boys have such great Grandma's too, so that they can have happy and loving memories as well.

Love you Grandma.

Gratitude, Day 5

Sliding this in under the wire. I still have 15 minutes left, right? Its been a super long day.

The word for today is:

Knowledge

I'm grateful for all the hard work my husband puts in with his schooling. He works full-time and spends all his free time trying to gain more knowledge, experience, and expertise. I'm grateful for his dedication to make a better life for us. Even if it means he's often stuck to a computer at all times of the night.

Gratitude, Day 4

The word for today is:

Clothing

This was the handkerchief that my husband's Grandmother gave to me to use in the temple. I am grateful for the gospel in my life, an eternal marriage, and great examples for me to follow.

Gratitude, Day 3

Today the word is:

Nature

There's nature in this picture, right? Today as I've been so busy with photography sessions (Which is a good thing!) I can't help but think of how lucky I am! I love the job I have. I love that I can do it at home. I love that I get to make precious memories for families! I know that I'm not perfect at it, but I love that I can work hard and become even better. I am very grateful for this :)

Gratitude, Day 2

In case you missed it, I started a Gratitude picture challenge for the month of November. Every day I have a word, and I need to come up with a idea of a picture of something I'm grateful for. Its a bit tougher than average gratitude challenges. Because it was be so easy to just say "I'm grateful for my husband, my kids, etc" but to show it with pictures based on one word? Its difficult. But at the same time, its nice to be doing what I love in honor of what I'm grateful for!

So the word today is:

Technology.

This was a no-brainer. What one item of technology am I the most grateful for?

I am grateful for the piece of technology that keeps my youngest son alive.What technology could possibly compete with this? It kind of breaks my heart seeing his face like this though, he hates his pacemaker checks.

Gratitude, Day One

I am starting a gratitude photo challenge this month. I think this is so important for me right now. Its so easy to get caught up with what I don't have at the moment. I know I am so blessed but I feel discouraged. I need to look up and be grateful instead of looking down and thinking I'm lacking so much. And I've been caught up in the photography busy season, that giving me time to work on my own goals with photography will be a welcome addition.

I'm going to follow this list. (http://www.positivelypresent.com/2012/11/30day-gratitude-photo.html)

The word for today was 

WORDS.

The word that I need most in the world. The reason that I am blessed. I am so loved. And I have so much love to give. Especially to the little boy that asked me to spell this word. Today was a hard day with him, but I worked so hard to show him that I love him. Aren't those chubby, sticky little fingers so adorable? 

I am beyond grateful for my ability to love and be loved in return.