My I am thankful for. November 2012

Every year people post their thank yous on Facebook so I need to catch up on my blog.
November 1, 2012

I am thankful for my hubby Patrick  for giving me the opportunity to stay at home with my boys while they are young. They grow so fast.

November 2, 2012
I am so thankful that I am a mom. Gabriel and Foster complete my life! I thank god everyday that he let Patrick and I have these wonderful little boys. even the challenging moments they are worth all the fun special moments

November 3, 2012
Today I am thankful that my hubby Patrick  is home with us with only a scratch, a bruise, and a small burn from the airbags. I am so thankful that he had someone watching over him. I am so thankful for everything that he does for the boys and me. I Love You Patrick  more then you will ever know.

November 4, 2012
I am thankful for my mom! She is my best friend and my hero. She is supportive in any decision I make but will also help me with other options to think about. she loves my kids and spoils them rotten. I love you Mom Ruth  you are the best mom/Nana a could could have.

November 5, 2012

I am thankful for my sister Jamie. She is also my best friend she encourages me and loves me and my family. We love being able to spend time with her and her family and have such a close relationship. I love you Jamie.

November 6, 2012
I am thankful for the man that took the role of Dad in my life Tom. He has always been there when needed. He took Jamie and I in to his home and treated us as if we were is own Children when he married my mom. He is great with my children and they love him dearly. I love you Dad Thank you for being there.

November 7, 2012

I am thankful I live in America. The UNITED States of America.

November 8, 2012
I am Thankful for my Father-in-law. Barry  He comes and helps me at my home with my projects that I can not do myself. He is kind and caring. He spoils me and my boys rotten. Gabriel and Foster just love their Grandpa Braley.

November 9,2012
I am thankful to live in a day and age that has technology where I am able to talk to, see , communicate, keep track of, all the fun things that my friends and family are up to. It sure would be sad to not to have the ability to keep in contact with my family and friends that are hundreds of miles away.

November 10, 2012
I am thankful for my family not only am I thankful for the ones everyone thinks of but I am thankful for ALL my family. My Family in SLC, my family in Idaho, my family in St. George and my family that I married into. All my Aunts, Uncles, Cousin, Grandparent, Nieces and Nephews, As well as ALL my MOMS and DADS, and my sisters and brothers. You all touch my life in ways that only I know and am very thankful for all of you. I would not be me without you. Even though we do not see each other enough. I love ALL of you!

November 11, 2012
I am thankful for all the men and women who have chosen and are yet to choose to serve our country. I am thankful that some one is brave enough to help defend our country. Thank you all the service men and women. And their families that make the sacrifices.

November 12, 2012
I am thankful for snuggle time, the ability to start a fire to keep my home warm and cozy. To have my little family to share my life with. I love you Patrick, Gabriel and Foster.

November 13, 2012
I am thankful for my home. It is not the newest or the best but it keeps us safe and warm, it is cozy and a place of our own that we are able to call home.

November 14, 2012
I am thankful for the furry family that we have my dog Katie, my cat Pawdashaw. They keep us warm at night. Tubby my mom and dads dog he loves to come visit. The deck meows they are the cats that we inherit because our house is cool I let them live on the deck not in the house. and my sisters dog chip and kittens sporty and sticky. Our family would not be complete with out these spirits in our life.

November 15, 2012
I know I have already said it before but the truth is I am extremely thankful for my Husband Patrick Braley. On his birthday I feel it is appropriate to say I am thankful for him again. He loves me unconditionally. He is the father of my children, my best friend, my lover, my one and only. I am more thankful for him as time goes on he will never know the love I have for him. I LOVE YOU PATRICK!

November 16, 2012
I am thankful for my education. As for now I have it and I only use it occasionally but I am very thankful that I have it and I will always have the memories made and experiences I have from school. I am thankful with the education I acquired a skill and with this skill I have meet so many neat individuals that have helped me grow personally. I miss the time with people. Even though it is hard some times I am glad I am home with my boys and one day I will return to work and be able to do so easily because I have an education that has given me a good skill. I love to learn, and grow my horizon.

November 17, 2012
I am thankful to be active. I just love doing 5Ks! I am thankful that I can do this and that I am always improving with it. I am thankful that my mom and my sister enjoy doing this with me as well.

tutu made as turkey tail feathers

November 18, 2012
I am thankful that my boys are individuals! They were born as twins. Or as I say brothers born on the same day. They are so different they do not look like each other and they have their own interests. Own personalities. They will never be the other they will always be them self. I love watching their interests. Gabriel is active moving non-stop til he sleeps. He love dancing, jumping, doing flips and playing superman with Dad. Foster is into the Video games (Kindle) YouTube, cars and trains he likes playing superman with Dad too. We are so blessed. And they are not even 3 yet.

Foster playing on the Kindle

November 19, 2012
I am thankful I live in the country. I live close to family so we are able to enjoy each others company here in the country. I really love the space, quiet and beauty of the nature. I love the views I have of the mountains. I love the trees that surround me and that I can do and change what I want at my home. I love the areas for the gardens and  all the places I can put animals even thought they are just a thought.

November 20, 2012
I am thankful for transportation in all forms. I am so grateful that we are able to own a car of our own and it able to get Patrick back and forth to work. I am thankful we have a family vehicle that we all are able to get into and get around safely.

November 21, 2012
I am thankful for paint. It makes old things look new again. I love the transformation it can make to a home a piece of furniture and even old toys.

November 22, 2012
THANKSGIVING DAY!  I am thankful my Husband can cook a good turkey. I am thankful for days we can get together with family and enjoy each others company and eat good food. I am thankful we are able to see family even if it is not ALL the family. I am thankful that the relationships we have are good so that there is no drama during theses days and I am thankful that there is a Holiday called Thanksgiving so that I can remember why I am thankful. AND eat good food. BEST HOLIDAY EVER!

November 23, 2012
I am thankful for all the modern convinces. Like running water, flush able toilets, electricity, cars, ovens, computers, TVs you know the things that make life a little easier.

November 24, 2012 
I am thankful for family and nature. Jamie and her family invited us to go cut down their Christmas tree. We were able to spend time with family in nature. I just love hiking around with the boys and look at all the pretty trees even though we were cutting one down for it just to die. The good thing about trees is that they seed and grow new ones.

November 25, 2012
I am thankful for a good night sleep. I do not think I have slept that good in about 4 years. Before I got pregnant is for sure.

November 26, 2012
I am thankful that I am able to go do little things with my mom.

November 27, 2012
I am thankful for modern medicine and for alternative medicine. My arm/hand has been hurting so bad lately I took my sisters advice and went to see a Dr. she gave me a shot of an anti inflammatory and told me to go to the chiropractor. So did my mom. I went and by the end of the day I was feeling better.

November 28, 2012
I am thankful for a routine. Even though I need to change it up by exercising more. Like 5 days a week because a Dr. recommended it. I am thankful that I have  a routine to keep me moving daily.

November 29, 2012
I am thankful for my spirituality. fully believing in the power of prayer and when asked God will help show you the right path. I fully respect every ones beliefs even if they are not the same as mine.

November 30, 2012
I am thankful that we have time in our life to think about what we are thankful for all the big and little things. It all counts I am very thankful for the life I have and that I have such a wonderful family. I am thankful for everything that makes me me!

I hope it has been a great November for everyone.

A day of Doctors

On November 27, 2012
I had a Doctor appointment to make sure the pain in my had and arm would get better soon it has been bugging me for about 2 weeks now. I went to a new Dr that my sister recommend. She was very kind and listened to me and my woes. She then sent in her Medical Assistant who proceeded to give me a shot of an anti-inflammatory. Come to find out the medical assistant use to work with me at the salon doing nails. She was almost unrecognizable because she had lost weight and grew her hair long.  It was interesting to be able to ask her a few questions about her new job vs her old one. It got me thinking maybe I should look into becoming a medical assistant.

Next I went to the chiropractor. On my way to the chiropractor I got a call from my ob/gyn that they needed to see me about my blood test. So I made an appointment  at 4. I was not planning on see all the Doctors I see in one day. but oh well.

The chiropractor is a big man. When I say big I mean big he is tall and has a belly on him. He has an accent. I started seeing him because my the guy i was seeing before retired and someone sent me to another guy that hurt me. SO I ask him not to hurt me every time I see him. He is big and gentle when needed but he can adjust big people too. the best of both worlds. It did give my arm some relief. I am sure it was the combination of the shot in my bum and his work on my bones and muscles.

I took the boys to the park to play. I think I picked the one most secluded park in the area. NOT one other kid on the playground. I choose it because it was close to my Dr. I had to see at 4pm and the play ground was not close to a busy road. The boys did not seem to mind they played by themselves on the play ground. We waited for Patrick to get the boys so that I could have no distractions while talking to the Dr.

So I headed to the Doctor knowing full well he was going to tell me my cholesterol is high. I asked to get my blood drawn to make sure everything was in order. I have a huge family history. Both sides. My Mom and Dad have high cholesterol and both my grandmas have had open heart surgery and both my grandpas died of heart disease. The thing I have not been ready for is the last 3 times I went to the Dr. my blood pressure has been elevated. The Dr. recommended I exercise 5 times a week and eat a better diet. BUT concentrate on the exercise it will help most. If I can not get it down in a year then meds for me. Let me tell you I am not a fan of pills I would prefer to try to do this naturally. So I pray that I have the strength to get on top of this problem and I am able to right the problems. I need to run daily. The treadmill is boring so I guess I need some music to motivate me and when the weather is good and my hubby is home running outside. Maybe it is time to set a new goal of signing up for a 10K and running it with out stopping or slowing for a walk break. That could be the motivation I need.

My numbers are overall cholesterol is 230
blood pressure 130/85

Gabriel wants to type some thing.
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 He is such a cute boy always wanting to try what mom is doing.

Christmas Tree Hunting

On November 24, 2012

Jamie and her family invited us to go get their Christmas tree up on cedar mountain. Now mind you I am a false tree kind of girl I found my tree on Black Friday on sale for $79 prelit. Yup I am a lazy butt. Truthfully I tried the real tree thing and we are just not a good fit.
9am we left the house to get headed up to Cedar of course we had to go feed animals and get gas so we did not get out of Veyo until about 915am, but Patrick knows some shortcuts to get to Cedar quicker. We headed to Parawan stopped at the Maverick. I bought the boys some suckers because that is their reward for going pee. I also found some really cool toys that they boys will love I decided to save for their Christmas.

Gabriel, Foster and Korbin

Playing with sticks

We headed up the mountain. It was a beautiful day. We only needed light jackets and thin gloves. We hiked up the boys are very slow but that was part of the fun. We were not there to find a tree we were there just to enjoy the nature. The Mathews did not like what was in the first area so we all piled in the back of Marty's truck and went all the way up the mountain to a half frozen lake. It was too far so we turned around and found a good spot. We all got out and started hiking. Patrick and Marty went with the older kids and found a tree while Jamie and I stayed back with the 3 younger kids. We were able to look at all the aspens and talk about the different kind of pine trees. The boys all collected sticks and pretend they were shot guns. Gabriel and Foster do not know what a shot gun is but they knew that when their older cousin Korbin is doing it then it must be cool. 


The Tree

Patrick helping Madi cut her tree she got scared

Marty, Patrick, Jordan, Madison and Jordan's friend Preston found The Tree. and Madi found a small one for herself. Marty cut it down with Patricks chain saw.  Patrick cut the little stump that was left I asked him if I could have the piece he cut he handed it to me and because I wanted it all the kids needed one. I just love the smell of fresh cut wood.

our wood chips

As we were hiking back to the truck I thought is would be a good idea that when we get together we could make the little stumps into a Christmas decoration. We could paint them and use our wood burners and carve our names and date into it. That is going to be so fun.

On our way back we noticed some neat things under a fallen tree was a huge mushroom. I had to take a picture. Madi thought it was neat that bugs eat wood and it made a really cool design on the wood so she took a picture of that too.

When we were done with getting the tree we headed to a campground and roasted hot dog and marshmallows. The kids played and the boys ate their giant suckers.

Foster and Gabriel playing at the campground

The boys were exhausted the slept most of the way home.

Thanksgiving 2012

Some times I wish I was a better story teller. I have always wanted to be that lady that tells the stories of her life. Well here is my story of Thanksgiving 2012.

I just love Thanksgiving. It is my most favorite holiday. I just love getting together with family and friends to cook a huge meal and eat too much food and talk about the things we are thankful for. So fun.

On November 22, 2012

I woke up early before anyone else made me some coffee to enjoy in the quiet morning before my boys got up. I was so excited to get the day going and of course I had some serious cleaning to do. Who would not have that kind of cleaning with 2 1/2 year old twins. I have serious cleaning daily. but oh well I love them.

First we had my Mom and Dads dog Tubby over for the weekend. The night before he had a hard time getting comfortable. You know how it is staying over at someones home. I voiced my concern to Patrick and he said he will figure it out. Thanksgiving morning I found him in bed with the boys. He is a huge tubby black lab I think he took up 2/3rds of the bed. The boys were squished up top but did not seem to mind.

The second thing that happened and was fun to watch, the neighbors whom have a billion horses. Had a break out 4 horses running free as the wind right through our front yard. It is great to see horses in full gallop. I watched for a bit to see if neighbors  knew they were out and no movement and the horses made it back to there home to eat the food that was out for them. I got dressed and headed out in the blistery cold and windy morning. Well as windy as it gets in our little town and really it is never too cold the snow only stays for a day, but if I want to be a good story teller I am going to have to exaggerate a little. Right?

Third Mom and Dad were out of town for Thanksgiving this year so I had to take care of her animals so I headed down to their house to feed. things were good there. Except that they were not home oh and the  fridge stunk like who knows what and there  was nothing in it to skife witch is part of the fun when taking care of the animals.

When I got back home I got started on my cleaning project to get ready for when everyone was coming over. In the process of cleaning the bathroom I realized that the spare bath toilet did not flush well. Now at this time I have to give you a back story so that you understand my demise when finding a slow toilet. The week before Thanksgiving we has the same problem but it was little worse the tub was backing up and so was the sink. Yuck and it stunk too. Well we had the idea to snake the pipe and when we did this it caused both the bathrooms to have this problem. So the next day I had my father-in-law come and help me and with brain storming and process of elimination we decided we needed to cut a pipe under the house because snaking was making the problem worse. Well you know how little kids are when your potty training they just love to flush the toilet and see the water go down. Then they figure out all the things they should not be flushing down the toilet. well after having my husband and father-in-law crawl under the house to decide where to cut the pipe and get the clog out. Yep you guessed it it had a wad of treasure's that do not belong in the toilet. I was worried that we were going to have to do this all over again on my favorite holiday Thanksgiving day. Well my husband came to the rescue and took the toilet off and started to dig in the toilet itself we found a toy train, a sock, a half used bar of soap and of course the things that come out of our rear ends and what you use to clean your rear end. Oh what a fun way to start thanksgiving.

Turkey turned out beautiful so I had to take a picture.

 

 

We got the turkey in and things were going good we were getting the food out and moving in good time as if we do this daily, it was moving so smooth. Patrick turned on the kitchen sink to wash off his hands and asked if we had water on somewhere. I told him no. He headed off to get in the shower. And would you know it my father-in-law comes in the house to tell me we have a broken pipe. I headed out to investigate. You remember the beautiful horses. Yup they broke a pipe and we did not realise it until it was just about time to eat. I told Patrick as he was getting out of the shower so off went the water in the middle of cooking. Now how inconvenient is that?

Well while Patrick and his dad were fixing the pipe he needed to go to my Mom and Dads house to borrow pipe glue. He took Gabriel, Katie and Tubby with him. They got it done and we had dinner done by the time they were finished. We all sat down and ate yummy food and talked about what we were thankful for. I am thankful for so much I have to do a whole other post for that. I was wondering where the dogs were while we were eating out yummy dinner and why they were not right there with us. Well my nephew Jordan pointed out that Katie was hanging out under the table. Where was tubby? I was so stressed because my Mom just lost a dog not long ago that just wandered off. So I finished my candy yams and headed off to find him. I walk out hollered for him. There was no sign so I got the keys to the car and was headed down to my Moms to see if he was there. I got in the car rolled down the window. Put the car in reverse to back out a looked over my shoulder to make sure I did not hit anything and there he was napping in the back seat of the car. He informed me the best way a dog knows how that Patrick did not open the door for him and let him out when they got home. He came right into the house and joined in on the festivities.

I do have to say it was a great and memorable Thanksgiving. THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER!

Save-A-Sister

Another 5K. We did The Save-a-Sister 5K last year and it was fun but kinda hard. This year it was so fun and I am so glad we did it again. This year Jamie had a headache. I am pretty sure she had one last year too. But last year we walked it. We were given a tag that states who you run for. We ran for Great Aunt Donna, she passed away from breast cancer. 2 survivors Aunt Colleen and my Step-Mom Bonnie.

Before. Todd, Jamie, Mom, Me and Julie.

During our run my friend Todd Wilson was there. We saw him last year also. He is a funny man. He did pretty good at running the save-a-sister. He won his entry on the radio. When we finished we looked to see how we did and he came in 3rd for the 10k. Too funny he only ran the 5k so he had to go tell them he did not win. But we had fun joking about a fit young guy being mad that a FAT guy beat him in the 10K.

after, Jamie, Mom, Me, Todd and Julie

This year not a lot of people ran it. I sure enjoyed it. Jamie has been running and she is quite competitive even though she says she is not. Well she ran and was doing well she was way ahead of me. When I got toward the end I got a second wind. I saw her ahead of me and I thought I can do this. So I caught  her and PASSED her right before the finish. I yelled WAHOOOOOOO!!!! as I passed her and laughed. I loved it. I would share that picture if I could figure how to rotate them.

Color Me Rad

Oh my this was such a fun run. I do have to say I made my goal I ran the whole thing. Very slow! We started the race in white shirts and clean and when we were done we were covered with color. It was so fun. AND I DID IT! I made my new years resolution for 2012. I ran without taking a walk break a full 5K. I think this was a good one to do this on because I will not for get it because it is a different one. I will always remember the first 5K I ran from start to finish was this VERY RAD race!

Ginny, Emily, Jamie, Ruth, ?, Janet, Heidi, Me and up front Madi

Halloween 2012

The weekend before Halloween Patrick helped the boys carve the pumpkins. The boys colored on them first. Patrick cut the tops off and the boys helped get all the inners out out. I roasted the seeds for the first time. They turned out good and the boys loved eating them.

 

This year we decided that we would use the costumes we already owned and  borrow some from Jamie. It was so fun taking the boys trick-or-treating with Jamie and her family. At first Gabriel did not want to get all dressed up. It took some convincing but he finally put on the costume. Foster costume was a little small but cute anyway. They quickly got the hang of it. I took the opportunity to have them say thank you to everyone and learn to only take one. When it started to get dark Gabriel was afraid. He did not like the Halloween decorations. We went for about an hour then the boys were done.