Today is the last of the gratitude post for this wonderful month of November. I am so thankful to have shared my gratitude's with all of you and to read all of the gratitude's from so many of you that took the challenge! I'm indeed grateful for the many blessing in which i receive on a daily basics. I'm thankful for a loving Father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ who guide me through life's ups and downs! As we head into the Christmas season may we remember what the true meaning really is. May we focus on our love for the Savior and may we open or hearts to those who are in need this holiday season. I love all of you!

Mamma Mia!

This is a picture of one of the scenes from the show. I absolutely loved this show! I haven't been to a show like this that made me feel really alive and happy for years! I've seen it twice this week and I'm making John go tonight! The music is amazing and you can't help but want to get up and dance! I'm grateful this movie has left a bright spot in my heart! When I grow old I want to be just like these ladies, full of spunk!

Sisters

My sisters are the most wonderful fun loving people I know! We have so much fun when we get together! We laugh non-stop for hours! I love all of them so much! It's so nice to have them close by me!

Siblings

This is a picture of all 9 of us Children! We are not all together very often! We went out to dinner and had a great time.

Black Friday!

This is one of my favorite days! I love to get up early in the morning and go shopping with all the other crazy people out there! We arrived at Kohles at 3:45 A.M! We were laughing at all the people running to get in line! When the doors opened it was a mad house! My sister Karen got pushed by a guy who knocked her into a table of toys and they all fell off! I thought men were supposed to stay home and watch the kids?? We got what we wanted, then headed to get a Dr Pepper at Maverick then off to Walmart, what were we thinking? Talk about a mad house or should I call it a Zoo? We shopped a few more stores then went to IHOP for breakfast. We all had fun and are making plans for, where not to go next year! I took a picture of Shelby and Mandi checking out the adds! They were so excited and talked about what they want from Santa.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents house. There was so many people there! The food was wonderful and of coarse we all ate way to much! It was nice to spend the day with family. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings i have in my life! For family, friends the gospel and for the opportunity we have to live in this amazing country!

My Children made my birthday really special! Jordan surprised me with a beautiful picture of Christ with a sweet little girl sitting on his lap. I was so touched by this gift. Jordan is a wonderful young man and i love him so much! Madison made me the number 40 out of candy bars! She knows the way to her mothers heart!! Shelby and Dakota colored me beautiful pictures! I love them all so much! Thank you kids for the special gifts!

Gratitude day 24

OK, so i am grateful that all day's are not as crappy as today was and also glad i'm not that guy in the picture!

Let me start at the beginning:

I cried over stupid things all morning, at 11:30 Madison calls and Say's " Mom, I was goofing around at lunch and twisted my foot and I cant walk" Crying hysterically!! So i go to the school and she walks to the car with just a little limp, and I'm thinking to myself, it can't be that bad if she's walking. I put an ice pack on it for the afternoon and go on with my day. Dakota goes out to the garage and climbs up on the top shelf and, for some reason, I'll never understand jumps off!! He brakes his toe.. OK, there's more..... I bring in one of my Christmas trees and put it together, only i didn't realize it was our old tree until I was almost done!! So, I take the tree back down and bring in the right tree... I forgot about my visiting teaching appointments starting at 4, i was a little late! I take Jordan to work, go out to dinner with my siblings and then at 8 decide to take Madison to the ER. Well her foot is broken!! And it's a bad one, she has to stay completely off it for 4 weeks! She will see a specialist in 7 day's to see what the next step is. Meanwhile,My sister in law, who is watching Dakota and Shelby, text me that Shelby is shaking and Say's she's going to trow up! So I race to her house and, so far, so good! It's 11 and I'm really tired but can't go to bed because Jordan is at work and needs a ride home!!! And, in one hour i will officially be 40! Yikes, I hope tomorrow is a better day!

This picture is entitled" Walk with me" by Greg Olsen, one of my favorites!
I walked today where Jesus walked,

In days of long ago;

I wandered down each path He knew,

With rev’rent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed—

A sweet peace fills the air.

I walked today where Jesus walked,

And felt His presence there.
My pathway led through Bethlehem,

Ah, mem’ries ever sweet; The little hills of Galilee,

That knew those childish feet;
The Mount of Olives:

hallowed scenes That Jesus knew before.

I saw the mighty Jordan roll

As in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt,

Where all alone He prayed;

The Garden of Gethsemane—

My heart felt unafraid!
I picked my heavy burden up,

And with Him by my side,

I climbed the Hill of Calvary,

Where on the cross He died!
I walked today where Jesus walked And felt Him close to me!

—Daniel S. Twohig

Today I am grateful for the chance we have to walk where jesus walked. President Monson has said "In a very real sense, all can walk where Jesus walked when, with his words on our lips, his spirit in our hearts, and his teachings in our lives, we journey through mortality.
I would hope that we would walk as he walked—with confidence in the future, with an abiding faith in his Father, and a genuine love for others."

Jesus has walked the paths that we all have taken, dissappointment,pain, temptation, obedience and prayer. May we all remember that he is there to walk with us through our trials in our lives and to help us become more like him!

Gratitude day 20,21 and 22

Last night my husband John put together a 40Th surprise Party! 40!! Where have the years gone? As I was looking at the cake with 40 lit candles i couldn't not reflect on what each of those candles meant. Many years of happiness, some with disappointments and all of them with love! I am so grateful for family and friends that came to the party! I felt so loved by all of you! There are a lot of pictures in this post, and if you don't see yourself it's because you had your eye's closed in the picture!! Thank you John for making my 40Th one to remember!

Long or Short?

Today I told Jordan I needed to take a picture of him for my blog and he told me I could if I made him brownies. So being the wonderful mother that I am (Ha, Ha) i went to the store and bought a brownie mix and made them... So, here is an updated picture of how long his hair is getting! I wonder what I would have had to make him to get a smile? So, whats your vote? Long or Short?

Gratitude day 19

Today I'm so grateful for the scouts who do these amazing projects to earn their Eagle! My nephew is doing the following concert to help stock the food bank for the holiday's. If you have Thursday night open and want to help with this project please come and support the food bank and this amazing young man! Information is as follows:

Musical Eagle Scout Project

What:

My name is Mic Lopp and I am holding a concert for my Eagle Project to help gather food for Holiday Kits for the food bank that I will be putting together. The concert will include various groups from Timpanogos High School among others who will be sharing their talents for the community.

When:
November 20, Concert time 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where:

Orem Junior High School Auditorium (765 N. 600 W. Orem)Admissions: 1 Item from the Holiday Kit listed below ( if you come as a family you can bring a whole kit.). In reality I need 200 food items to complete my kits so feel free to bring extra food. Money donations can also be donated after the additional admissions. All money contributions will be used to buy additional items needed for the Holiday kits.HOLIDAY FOOD KITS: Stuffing Mixed Canned vegetables, Gravy Mix,and Mash potatoes (Instant). Mic will be collecting additional Holiday Kits from, Nov 10-28. Here is a sneak peak of the concert:The Musical Eagle Scout Project Thursday November 20th Introduction: Mic Lopp THS Chamber Choir I’m a Train ,Good King KongParade of the Wooden Soldiers,We Wish You a Merry Christmas,Lex Hatch: SingerMichael Magistro: SingerSongs of Josh Groban THS GUITAR CLUB MEMBERS:Mic Lopp,Nikki Crandall, Katie Fairchild,Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol Mic Lopp: New Age Piano MusicDust in a StormOcean TidePathway to EternityA Blind Dream. Thank you all for coming and donating food and supporting me with my Eagle Scout Project.It's going to be so much fun!

Gratitude day 18

Today I am grateful for feelings. Let me explain, as i watched biggest looser last night and cried like a baby, I realized that crying releases something from within myself and in a way makes me feel better. As I watch the stories of these people trying to loose weight, I can so relate with them and the trials they have to endure being overweight. As i watched each one of them get on the big scale i found myself wanting them to meet their goal and when they did I was excited, but when they fell short i was saddened. I know you may think this is just another reality show but, for me it is real with a real problem that faces our country every day! I feel a lot of things when I watch that show, Happiness, sadness, disappointment, excitement, and even loneliness. For those of you who have not seen the show it is on Tuesdays at 7 on channel 5.

Gratitude day 17

"Portrait of a Friend"
I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,nor the future with its untold stories.But I can be there now when you need me to care.I can't keep your feet from stumbling.I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;Yet I can share in your laughter.Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;I can only support you, encourage you,and help you when you ask.I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me.I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,room to be yourself.I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.I can't tell you who you are.I can only love you and be your friend. --Unknown
Today I am so grateful for all my friends! I could not make it through life without you all! I really liked this poem. This is what true friends are! I love you all!

I am so grateful for the change of the seasons. I had the chance to go to timber lake to clean a cabin and it was snowing there and was absolutely beautiful! There is only one word to express what i feel when I look outside and every tree,bush,road and house is covered with fresh snow. Peace is the feeling i get! One other thing I enjoy about the snow is shoveling it. I know that's weird but i really do !

Gratitude day 15

Today I decided to rake the leaves AGAIN! Mow the lawn , clean off the patio and under the deck. I wanted to get the yard cleaned up and ready for winter. I was just about done and was under the deck, when I hit my head on a beam and ended up in the Emergency room! I have never felt such pain! I hit the beam with such force it knocked me on my butt! I have a terrible headache, jammed my neck and back. I think I'll be in the recliner for the next few days with cold packs and lortabs!! So, for today I'm thankful I didn't break anything, it could have been worse.!!

Gratitude day 14

Hey Clark do you want to see how the dog goes through this small door?? Cola looks on while the two boys figure it out!

The girls sat in the hot tub. And then they got creative with their hair!

Shelby has been playing with her new Polly pockets since 4:00 and it is now 8:00! Ya gotta love when you can find something that will keep a 6 year old busy for more then a minute!


Today I am so grateful to have my children home with me! It's nice to have a house full of kids! Life is never dull, that's for sure!

This is a picture of the Mother-in-law I never had the privilege of meeting! From what i know she was an amazing mother,wife, and friend! I would have loved to get to know her, but she passed away before John and I even met. She did a wonderful job in raising all her 6 children. She is smiling down from heaven at what her kids have accomplished! Now Dad is up there with her and they are watching over our little Jayden, and those other loved ones lost!! We love You Mom and Dad, until we meet again.

Gratitude day 12

I am so grateful for my husband who has been working so hard these past few weeks. He has been getting up early (He doesn't get home from work until 12 or 1 in the morning.)

And helps me get the kids ready for school and I off to work. He has been going with the kids on field trips and just being there for the kids! Sometimes it gets hard when all you do is work and take care of your kids, and we forget about us! We have been trying to go out on date once a week and that is helping us reconnect as husband and wife. Thank you John for all you do! I love you!

Gratitude day 10 and 11

I'm a day behind so I'm doing day 10 and 11 together. These past few days have been very difficult for me at work! I have cleaned so much that i can't even move! So i am grateful i have a home to come home to at the end of a very long day! I'm so grateful for our hot tub too! I would not have made it through Monday night with out it. Sorry such a short, lame post, but I'm so tired!!

Gratitude day 9

Today as I was on my way home from St. George I was listening to some music from various lds artists. Music has always been apart of my life. When i was younger, i was involved in a singing group that traveled around doing firesides and sacrament meetings, oh how i miss that! I love to share music with others! Music rocks my soul. Life is so much better with the sounds of music!

Gratitude day 8

This is my sweet Grandmother, who I am so grateful for! She is an amazing woman! I can remember vividly when i was a child her cooking these wonderful meals. She is the best mashed potato maker in the world! Her and I used to have laughing contest all the time and we would laugh for hours.. I was surprised to see how good she looked after having surgery and going through radiation. She is very tired but in good spirits! She has always been there for me! I love her with all my heart! She is very close to her heavenly father and has always been a great !example of what a Christlike person should be! My kids love to go to great grandmas house! She is so good to them! We all love you Grandma

Gratitude day 7

Who ever invented lounge pants with elastic waist, I am indebted to for life! There is nothing more relaxing then to get out of your tight jeans slip on those lounge pants and let it all hang out! I've always wondered why we all dress up for thanksgiving dinner and then after we have eaten we are so miserable in our tight pants, why not start out in our comfy pants?? makes more sense to me!!

Gratitude day 6

Today i am so grateful for big beds! We arrived in St George very late last night,and to our amazement the condo we are staying in is huge! Karen and i went to check out our room and found we would be sleeping in twin beds!! I haven't slept in one of those since i was young.

So i spent most of the night thinking i was going to fall off onto the floor.. I need a nap already and it's only 8. Can you tell by the picture i had a ruff night? So I am so grateful for my big comfy king size water bed at home, not only for the room but my kids are able fit with us and we can snuggle!!

Grateful day 5

Today I'm so grateful for friends and family that are helping with my children while i go on a trip to see my grandmother who has breast cancer and is going through radiation. Thank you Missy and Shari for taking my sweet Shelby until the other kids return home from school! Thank you Kathy for spending time with the kids tonight!! They are way excited!

With the passing of John's father a few months ago, I realized how precious life is, and that we must spend every minute we can with those we love! I am very grateful, for the opportunity I have to spend a few day's with my grandmother and help her with her house cleaning and other things she can't get to right now..

Today i want to express my gratitude for my beautiful children! They bring such joy into my life everyday. All 4 of them have different personality's, strengths and bring John and I such happiness! Having children in my life helps me to keep going everyday, i would be nothing without their sweet spirits. I love them with all my heart! I enjoy playing games with them going to all their sport activities, watching movies going on vacations and having them tucked in their beds at night knowing that they are safe home with john and I. They are all adorable, lovable and hugable!

The Great Eight

OK Missy, Your grounded!! I'm going to do this tag, but I'm so tired, so if i say something out of the norm you all will understand!

8 T.V shows I watch
Desperate House Wives(sometimes i feel like one)
Brothers and Sisters
Day's of our Lives( sorry, I'm addicted)
Home Make over
Discovery Health(this drives my husband crazy!)
Deal or no Deal ( why can't they have men holding those cases?)lol
Lifetime(only on Sundays) Sorry
Lost..... where has it gone????

8Restaurants
Bajio's
Chile's
Mimi's
Fudruckers
Cafe Rio
Golden Coral ( for those night when the kids name 5 different things they want)
TGIF Friday's
Rumbi Grill

8 Things that happened yesterday
Slept till 10
gave 3 kids medicine all day
watched a movie with the kids
missed church (due to sick little ones)
Laundry ( 49 loads!) OK it felt like it!!!
Cooked dinner
Read some of my book
Spent time with John in the hot tub:)

8 Things I look forward to
Kids bedtime! (8:30)
John coming home
Christmas morning with my children
The first major snow storm! ( I know I'm crazy)
Jordan getting his licence, so he can be the taxi
Leaving for St George on Wednesday
A vacation with my kids and husband
This tag being over!!! JK

8 Things on my wish list
John to have a day job
No homework
A day with john just watching movies with no kids screaming and yelling!
I didn't have to make dinner for a whole week! (guess I'd better win biggest looser)
Extra time to read my books
Cola to stop barking at everyone who walks by!!
Curtains for my windows (love you Lynda!)
My client would call right now and cancel for tomorrow!!!

8 Words or Phrases i say all the time
What the?
49 everything
Don't be late!
DO you have your bands on?(for Jordan only)
last time i wore it????
EAT YOUR BREAKFAST DAKOTA
I Love You
I'm a little cupcake baked by mommy

8 People I tag
Julie
Jana
Shelley
Lorinda
Karen
Mindy
Shorty
Shari

I'm grateful for ...

I'm so grateful for the beauties in the world! Flowers are used in so many ways. Whether it in your garden for your wedding or just a nice bouquet from your husband telling you that he loves you and is grateful for all that you do!! I was cheered up today with these beautiful Pink roses! Thank you John!

I challenge all of you!

I was looking at a friends blog today and she and her friends were going to post one thing they were grateful for every day in November. I think this is a really great idea for all of us to do! (Thanks Jamie!). So i challenge each of you to do this! We can and will learn a lot from each other! Today as i sit home with sick children, and unable to attend church I can't help but think how grateful i am for the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for the many blessing i have received by being a member of this church. I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father is there to listen to me when I pray, and for the answers i receive when I'm in desperate need for guidance in my life.I'm grateful for the programs in the church and for wonderful leaders who teach my children and help keep them on the straight and narrow path. I'm grateful for a wonderful Prophet who leads us and for his tender love for all of us. Again, I challenge each of you every day to find something you are grateful for, and to share it with all of us!