Attitude of Gratitude - Week #3 (Belated)

I didn't manage to post my grateful things on Friday when I was in Colorado, but I definitely didn't want to skip it altogether because I have a lot to be grateful for this week!

1. Jamie's return home! It was so wonderful to be all together as a family again. It's been a very long time since we've been able to spend time all together. The only people missing were the husbands (we missed you Paul and Brian!), but they get to come for Christmas! I can't wait!

2. My supportive husband. Thank you once again for letting me go to Colorado for the week, Paul! I know it was hard being alone at home, and I missed you terribly, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me to be able to be with my family and see Jamie.

3. A happy, healthy (mostly) baby. Poor little Becca and James got colds while we were in Colorado. It was the first time James has been sick! And he was amazing. He was happy and active still--just a little more clingy than normal. He didn't like it when we kept having to wipe his nose, but he was such a trooper. I'm grateful that he is so healthy and strong.

4. My daddy. Even though he is currently in the busiest time of year at work, he took lots of time to be with us at home last week. I'm so grateful for all his hard work for our family, and for his love and support. Plus, he makes AMAZING food. Those waffles we had on Sunday night were pretty much the best I've ever eaten.

5. Eternal perspective. There are so many negative things that happen in this world, and it's hard not to let them get you down--especially when the bad things are happening to close friends and family members. I'm grateful for the testimony I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy it brings to my life. Without the perspective the doctrines of the church add to my outlook towards trials and challenges, I wouldn't be able to be truly happy.

What are you thankful for this week? :)

WW - Together Again!

Attitude of Gratitude - Week #2

Thanks to all who commented last week with things you are grateful for. :) It was really nice to see what you had to say.

Here's what I'm grateful for this week:

1. New friends here in Oregon. I finally feel like I'm starting to make friends and not just acquaintances. It's a good feeling.

2. An understanding husband. He's so willing to support me as I head off to enrichment activities, presidency meetings, or whatever else that comes up. He stays home with James without complaint. :)

3. Cheap plane tickets. I'm so excited to go home and visit my family next week! If it weren't for the reasonable ticket price, I wouldn't be able to do it.

4. New books by my favorite authors. This week it's Ender in Exile, by Orson Scott Card. I'm just over halfway through, and it's tons of fun! I keep thinking that he needs to leave the Enderverse behind and write new stories...but heck, every time he writes a new Ender book I run out and buy it! And he has yet to disappoint.

5. Good pediatricians. I'm so glad we found a good doctor for James right away. It's nice to look forward to James' check ups and not dread them.

Your turn! What are you grateful for this week? :)

Short, small, and on the go!

James had his 9 month doctor's appointment this week! I can't believe that his next doctor's appointment is 1 year! Time really has flown by. Anyway, James is a little guy, but he's perfectly healthy according to the pediatrician. :) Here are the stats:

Weight: 18 lbs (8th percentile!)
Height: 27 3/4 inches (26th percentile)
Head: 46 cm (64th percentile)

Yep, he' still a big headed skinny boy. ;) I asked if I should be concerned about his weight, and the doctor said definitely not. He's so active, he eats well and sleeps well, and he did gain a little over 2 pounds in the last three months. Nothing to worry about! If he would just sit still for more than two seconds he could probably pack on a little weight. Ha ha.


James just keeps me happy every day. If it weren't for him, I would be going crazy sitting at home by myself everyday. He is so joyful and loving! Lately he has started giving "hugs". He'll put his arms around my shoulders or Paul's shoulders and hold on tight. It's so cute. He also really loves playing around on the floor with us. He scrambles all over us and tries to grab our noses, and we make him fly around like a little airplane. Oh the joys of playing with babies!


I didn't have any good pictures for this entry, so I took these yesterday. James was trying to climb over my knees to get to the camera the whole time. :)

WW- A Different Use for the Cow

Attitude of Gratitude

A couple years ago, back in my livejournal days, I posted three things I was grateful for every day during the month of November. It was an idea I got from one of my roommates at the time. I recently read through some of those entries, and I briefly considered doing the same thing on this blog this year. I decided posting every day was a little much (and, let's be honest, I was also worried that I'd lose all five of my Loyal Readers who only come here to see the cute pictures of James).

I do like the idea of pointing out things I'm grateful for, and November is the perfect month for it. I have decided to post five things I'm grateful for every Friday for the month of November (well, who knows, I may enjoy it so much I will continue past November). They can be specific to the week, or just general. And you (my Loyal Readers ;) ) should, too! Each week when I post my five, you should post five of your own in the comments. Then we can all be grateful together! I really hope you decide to join with me, because I'm excited at the prospect of hearing the things you have to say.

Five things I am grateful for this week:

1. The Oregon weather. I know I'll probably get tired of it by the time it's been like this for five months, but right now it is gorgeous. Rainy, cool, and beautiful.

2. Gmail chat. I love that I can keep in touch with people so easily. I can ask Paul a quick question whenever I need to. I can commiserate with Paula about whatever annoying thing our children are doing at the time. I can make exciting plans and brainstorm ideas with Lisa. Oh the joy it brings! :)

3. The democratic process. I have rather successfully avoided talking about controversial topics very much this election, but I am indeed grateful for the freedom that we have in this country and the ability we have to vote on issues and representatives.

4. Rewritable DVDs. Paul and I don't have a DVR or Tivo, so we use rewritable DVDs to watch our tv shows that we can't catch when they are on. It's a beautiful thing.

5. James' laugh. He never fails to brighten my day. Babies can be so annoying ("I swear! I just changed your stinky diaper FIVE MINUTES ago!") sometimes, but that sweet laugh erases all the bad.

Your turn! What are you grateful for this week? (Mom, I think you'd better swallow your fears and finally comment. :) )

A Ticklish Neck

Yesterday, I had a laughing session with James. :) For some reason, his neck was so ticklish that he would burst out laughing when I came anywhere near it. I caught the tail end of the laughing on video:

It's a tad long, but he was just cracking me up! I wanted to see how long he would do it.

WW - Ridin' a cow...

Where's Baby Waldo?

Over the past couple days, our little Baby Waldo has had quite a few adventures! He has been spotted in several locations in the Beaverton area.


First, he decided to do some shopping.


He almost got lost a couple of places along the way. Can you find him?


I'm pretty sure those clothes are too big for you, little Waldo!


Someone almost tried to buy him at one point. Baby Waldo is NOT for sale!


After the shopping, it was time for some chores around the house.


Chores left little Waldo kinda hungry...


After his snack, he decided it was time to go outside and play!


After all these adventures, Baby Waldo was tuckered out. He needed some quality cuddle time.


For more pictures of Baby Waldo's adventures, click here!

Happy Halloween!