Nov 30 - Grateful for traditions

Today I am grateful for family traditions.

It is important to have family traditions. I know that Wendy and I feel it is important to carry on some of our parents traditions. A few days ago I mentioned my family's tradition of "Grandma's Noodles" and today I am grateful for the tradition we have of giving Christmas ornaments to our children and my parents. Each one has a special meaning or memory, like a family vacation or the first Christmas for a new member to the family.

Start a new tradition this year!

Nov 29 - Grateful for when this will be done

Putting up Christmas decorations is always fun and always a chore.

I love it when the house is all decorated, but I am not sure that I like putting everything up. As you can see we have collected a few items over the years. It is always fun to go through the boxes, as each item brings back different memories.

Nov 28 - Grateful for Turkey Sandwiches

Today I am grateful for turkey sandwiches.

As we did not cook a turkey at home for Thanksgiving, we decided to cook a turkey breast yesterday. Which of course means ....... TURKEY SANDWICHES! I think I like the sandwiches more then I do the turkey.

Thanks Wendy for cooking the turkey so we can have sandwiches.

Nov 27 - Grateful for Christmas Lights

As of yesterday, I can say that I am grateful for Christmas lights.

To me there should be a law that you can't display Christmas lights on a house until after Thanksgiving. We had some houses in the neighborhood who turned on their lights the day after Halloween. That to me is just too early. It is fine to turn them on the day after Thanksgiving, and that is what we have done. We don't get too fancy but we like the blue and white lights.

Nov 26 - Grateful for not shopping and Christmas Trees

Today I am grateful to not be shopping.

Wendy got up this morning around 7:00 AM and headed out to do some shopping. She missed most of the crazy shoppers who got up early for the "door buster" savings. She was able to get most of what she was looking for (I am waiting for the new pickup truck to show up, so I will let you know when it gets here).

While Wendy was shopping, the kids and I put up the rest of our Christmas lights and we got our tree put up. We also got all the decorations out of storage so we are all ready to start decorating. We usually do this on a Monday night, so maybe in a few days it will have decorations on the tree.

Nov 25 - Thanksgiving and Grandma's Noodles

Today was Thanksgiving.

I am grateful that we got to spend the day with family in Sugar City. The weather caused many families in the area to stay home and they did not have any family near them so they had to spend it at home. We are lucky enough to have family close.

Thanksgiving would not be the same without my Grandma's Noodles. I look forward to this more then I do the turkey and other traditional foods served. It reminds me of Thanksgiving when I was in Denver. I wish we could have been there this year, but at least I got to have the taste of Grandma's Noodles.

I am grateful for Wendy cooking them. Thanks Wendy! It meant the world to me.

Nov 24 - Grateful for no snow

After two days of snow, today I am grateful for no snow.

As you can see, we had quite a lot of snow. This is the drift out front of our house after two days of heavy wet snow.

Nov 23 - Grateful for family helping with snow removal

Today we had to remove more snow. Today Micah, Tyler and Micah helped me remove the snow. As you can see we had a lot to remove.

I am grateful for their help.

Nov 22- Grateful for the Internet (but not the weather)

Today I am grateful for the Internet, but not the weather.

Today we wanted to go to Denver, but the weather did not corporate with us. We wanted to spend Thanksgiving with our Denver family. We had big hopes and dreams, however the weather wanted us to stay in Idaho.

We got up this morning hoping to go, but when we checked the Internet it showed road closers all over Utah and Wyoming. Without the Internet we might have risked it, but modern technology gave us an up to date picture of the conditions and, after praying about it, we made the decision to stay home.

Our hearts wanted us to go, but our decision was to stay and it appears as if we made the right one. The picture below shows the snow we had in the morning.

Nov 21 - Grateful for Tithing

Today I am grateful for Tithing.

There are not may commandments I am "perfect" at, but paying my tithing is one of them. I have a testimony of the power of paying tithing and the impact it can have on our blessings. The blessings are always not physical ones, but they always do come.

Today our Ward had its first Sunday tithing settlement. We started last Thursday, but today is our first Sunday. We have about 100 families come in to see the bishop. I have been helping with Tithing Settlement for about 6 of the last 8 years and I love it.

Please make sure to pay your tithing and see your bishop this time of year.

Nov 20 - Grateful for New Dryer

Today I am grateful for a new dryer.

We have had this on our list for some time. Our old dryer has been on its last legs for about 6 months. I am grateful for the technology that we have to wash our clothes and dry them in the comfort of our home. I know that Wendy is happy for the new dryer (notice this was not on the Nov 17 Christmas list).

Nov 19 - Grateful for Midnight Movies

Today I am grateful for Midnight movies, and that I am now too old to go to them.

This is a picture of Mariah waiting in line to see the new Harry Potter movie. The movie starts at 12:01 AM on Friday. She got in line about 5:30 (so about a 6 1/2 hour wait). She went with some of her friends who are also big Harry Potter fans. It was a long day for her. She got up at 6:00 AM to go to a morning side (seminary testimony meeting) and did not get home until 3:30. She then had to get up and go to school, then she had to work right after that. Awe, the life of a teenager.

Nov 18 - Grateful for Wendy!

Today (and every day) I am grateful for Wendy.

She is my best friend and I truly do love her. She is a great mother and is always willing to look out for our family. I am also glad that she is keeping up her skills as a teacher. She does not need to work, but I am glad that she is willing to work part time. It is very comforting to me to know that if something happens to me, that she has the skills to help support our family.

In the below picture we see Micah at a monthly "Parents as Teachers (PAT)" meeting. Wendy helps run these work shops that helps new parents learn to skills to raise their children. I could not think of anyone more qualified.

Nov 17 - Grateful for good friends who buy me Christmas gifts

I am grateful for good friends who buy me Christmas gifts

Because you are reading this blog, you are a close friend of mine. And because of this, I want to make your Christmas shopping easier. Here is my Christmas list, feel free to get me more then one gift.

60 inch plasma TV screen
Ford F150 Fully loaded (of course), any color will do
14 x16 foot shed (for my workshop)
New woodworking tool to go in shop
Entertainment center (for the 60 inch plasma)
Gift certificate for our kitchen expansion (around $30,000)
5 Cruise tickets to Hawaii and Alaska (the Fire and Ice Tour)
New computer, with a professional photo printer (must have PhotoShop on Computer)
New Side-by-side 4 wheeler with trailer (see below picture). Which will be pulled by the new pickup truck

This is just a partial list so if you need more ideas, please give me a call!

Nov 16 - Grateful for YW Program

Today I am grateful for the Young Women Program.

Tonight was "Night of Excellence", which is where the YW in our ward celebrate their success. Tonight's theme was "Be Who You Will Become". Each YW made a sash of what they want to be when they grow up. Mariah's sash said "First Female MBL Broadcaster". I think that is a great goal. The below picture has some of Mariah's closest friends.

Nov 15 - Grateful for Sunsets

Today I am grateful for sunsets.

Got to love a good sunset. I snapped these pictures in the park next to work. I had to get these pictures right when I left work. It gets darker quicker every day. The colors that come with the sun setting are always beautiful. Hopefully you will take the time to watch the sunset, it will make you grateful for this beautiful Earth.

Nov 14 - Grateful for Home Teachers

Today I am grateful for faithful home teachers.


We had our home teachers stop by after Stake Conference today. We love our home teachers. They are faithful and always bring the spirit into our home. They always share an important message with us and are always willing to help us in any way we need. They are good examples to me. They set the "bar" really high when we talk about what a home teacher should be like. Our family loves them.

Nov 13 - Grateful for Scouts

Today I am grateful for the scouting program.


The scouting program has taught Tyler a lot about our country and about being a outstanding citizen of our community, country and world. Today Tyler attended a merit badge pow wow at BYU-Idaho. He completed his Citizenship in the World merit badge today (pictured below). This marks his last official merit badge needed for his Eagle award. He now has earned all the required merit badges. He just has his Eagle Service Project left, which he plans to start in a couple of months.


I am grateful for Tyler and his love of scouting.

Nov 12 - Grateful for the Book of Mormon

Today I am grateful for the Book of Mormon.

This past summer our young women took the challenge to read the Book of Mormon over a four month period (the same time frame that President Hinckley used when he ask members of the church to read it a few years ago). The YW had three mile markers along the way to track and celebrate success. Tonight was the party for those that completed the challenge. They went swimming at a member's house tonight. Below we see Mariah all ready to go.

The YW also asked the Bishopric to take on this challenge. I am happy to report that I also completed the challenge. I love the Book of Mormon. Every time I read it I gain a deeper understanding of the love our Savior has for me. I am truly grateful for the scriptures.

Nov 11 - Grateful for Veterans and Good Grades

Today I have two things to be grateful for. I am grateful for Veterans and their service. I am also grateful for good grades.

I love my country and I am grateful for all the men and women who have served the USA. I am also grateful for the families of these individuals who allow them to protect our freedom. We have one member of our ward who just left for another tour of duty in Iraq. My thoughts are prayers are with him and his family.

Today was also the second day of parent teacher conference (we love going to three schools in two nights). All three of my kids are having a great year in school. I hope they keep it up! Good job kids!

Nov 10 - Grateful for Work

Today I am grateful for work.

I am grateful to have a job that I enjoy. I feel like the work we are doing at the INL is important and I feel that I am helping solve the world's energy problems. I may not be doing the "science" but I do try to make sure that I do my job so the scientist can focus on their main job.

I know that several people do not like going to work, or they may not even have a job at all. I am grateful for the employment I have.

The picture below was taken when I got home for work, or maybe it was taken when I left for work. I can't remember as it is dark when I leave and dark when I get home. Got to love the time change!

Nov 9 - Grateful for Pets!

Today I am grateful for pets!

This is a common site when I come home from work. Bogey greets me at the door and is looking for food. The second I come in he thinks it is dinner time. He has not quite adjusted to the change in daylight saving, so his internal clock is off by an hour. However he is slowing making the adjustment.

Bogey is a good dog who we are grateful to have in our home. He is a good companion and is great with the kids.

Nov 8 - Grateful for Snow?

Grateful for Snow!


Today I was reminded that it is November. It snowed about 3 inches. It was hard to believe that just yesterday it was 60+ degrees. I wish I would have put up more Christmas lights! Oh well, I do love snow and I am grateful for the water it brings.

Nov 7 - Grateful for the Priesthood

Today is a day to be grateful for the Priesthood.

Today I got to participate in the blessing of Ashlyn Bates, a new born baby girl in the Lance Bates family. It is always quite the honor to use the Priesthood and I am always grateful that a loving Heavenly Father has entrusted me with that responsibility. It is a blessing to have it in my home. It is AWESOME to think of the power that Heavenly Father has entrusted upon those that hold this sacred responsibility.

Nov 6 - Grateful for Good Weather!

Today I am grateful for good weather!




This past week's weather in Idaho has been fantastic! It has been high 60's and the low is in the 40's. There has been no wind. Perfect weather! I know that winter is coming so today I thought I would put up some of my Christmas lights. I did get some of them up, but not all. I hope the good weather holds out for a few more days!

Nov 5 - Grateful for Good Times

Today I am grateful for good times.

The kids bought a new dance game for the Wii today. Mariah, Tyler and Micah are having a blast having dance-offs. It is really funny to watch so it is a good thing that we are amongst family. Wendy and I have also given it a shot. I must say that I still have my world famous dance moves (not that anyone outside of my kids will see them)!

Nov 4 - Grateful for Red Heads!

Today I am grateful for red hair. Below is a picture of Micah and her beautiful red hair. I am also just plan grateful for hair. I wish I had more hair on the top of my head (I would take any color).

Nov 3 - Grateful for Technology

Today I am grateful for technology.


Technology allows us to stay in touch with our family and friends. It allows conversations to happen over many miles. It allows us to stream movies to our handheld devices (see picture below). It allows us to be in closer contact with our church leaders (check out the LDS web site http://new.lds.org/?lang=eng).


The only thing that drives me crazy about technology is keeping up on this blog. It is always in the back of my mind (what am I going to write about today or what picture am I going to put on the blog). I guess I keep doing this because I like to read the other blogs.

Nov 2 - Grateful for Puzzles

Today I am grateful for puzzles.


Puzzles are something that I have always enjoyed doing. Whenever I do them I am reminded of my mother and I working on them. We would spend time putting puzzles together and this was "my time" with her. I am glad that puzzles created a bond between us. I also enjoy doing puzzles with my children and now I get to give back some of that time with them.

Nov 1 - Grateful for Baseball

Seeing as this is November, I will post things this month that I am grateful for.

I am grateful for Baseball.

Today the Giants won the world series. I am not really grateful for this, but I am grateful for the bond that baseball has created between Mariah and I. We both love to talk about how the Rockies are doing and how great it is to go to Denver and watch them play. We both also enjoy watching their games on television. Baseball has brought us closer together and I am grateful for this.