In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Since it's Thanksgiving time I figure I'd write a few things I'm grateful for.

The biggest blessing in my life this year was being sealed my best friend. I knew I could be happy if I married Lance but now that we're actually married and starting our life together, I never imagined I would have been this happy and in love as I am. I'm grateful that he treats me with respect and would never hurt me intentionally or unintentionally. Elbowing me in the face almost every night doesn't count. When Orion's on the bed there's not much room to move.

I came from such an amazing family and I always knew my parents raised my siblings and me the best anyone could raise children. I have never really thought of this until I began thinking about my future family but I am so grateful that my parents taught me what was right and what was wrong and stepped back to let me decide for myself. I could have gone off the path if I had wanted but I always had their righteous example to look up to and knew I wanted to be like them. I can only hope my children see the same in Lance and me. I'm also thankful for my brothers and sister. I've had a strong relationship with each during different times in my life and I feel like I needed their friendship at those times to develop who I am today. And along with my family, I'm thankful for the family that I married into. They are the funniest group of people to be around with everyone bringing a different sense of humor to the table. I'm so grateful that they accepted me with open arms.

I'm thankful to have the knowledge of the Lord's church. I'm amazed at the perfection within it. I love sweet feeling that comes with the spirit and that I get when I'm in the temple. I love being in primary to witness the pure and innocent testimonies of the children.

I'm grateful for the jobs that Lance and I both have. We are so fortunate to be newlyweds without being the poor newlyweds. It really has made the early months much less stressful.

Here's a list of other things I'm thankful for but I don't feel like explaining each.

• Orion
• my friends
• my health
• two working cars
• the opportunity to visit Brazil
• family that lives close by
• my cute little house
• our country
• publix cake

I may or may not have been eating a huge peice of publix cake when I was writing this. But either way, I'm thinkful for everything in my life.

Advice Wanted!

Being a newly married couple with both families in the same town and the holidays around the corner have made me stress a bit.

What family gets us at what time?! Assuming they both want us...

How have you dealt with sharing holiday times with both sides of the family?

I want to make it as fair as I can and not favor one side. Luckily we were able to set both Thanksgiving dinners apart from each other, BUT I worry more about Christmas morning.

What to do...?!

The Joys of Winter Time.

I hate the cold. If you know me, you know that.

One winter I found these amazing slippers/shoes/moccasins from Target.

I wore them all the freaking time. Around the house, to the grocery store, to school, or right after I got out of the shower. I pretty much wore them everywhere but church. You better believe I was tempted to a few times.

I wore them all year round. It'd be 100 degrees and I'd have those bad boys on.

One day I walk into my living room to find the fuzzy insides all torn out. I'm sure Orion's butt and my hand was sore that whole night.

A week or two ago I was walking in Target and found the same exact shoes!

And the last 10 that they had. Does anyone in this world wear a size 6 because Target has rows full of size 6 and no ones buying them.

I showed Lance my find and warned him that they will be worn in public frequently. Luckily, he didn't care.

The first time I caught Orion sniffing at them, I told him no in my sternest voice. Hopefully that'll keep that sole ripping dog away from my shoes.

By the way, I think Orion is strangely addicted to the smell of juicy fruit gum. His snout becomes like a magnet to any mouth that chews it. If they make juicy fruit flavored treats, please let me know.

We've been working on Orion's smile for pictures. I think he's getting the hang of it. Also, please ignore the different outfits and adornments. I'm not a psycho pet owner.

The making of a good day.

Just like every morning, I gave Lance and kiss goodbye this morning.

He told me I looked pretty and I kissed him again.

On my way to work he texted me many pictures of him and Orion laying on the bed.
One was of Orion under the sheets, which isn't allowed because the sheets were cleaned just last night. A black dog and white sheets don't mix well.

At about 10 I get a call from the front desk saying I have a delivery. But as a secretary I didn't think anything of it as I pick up deliveries up often.

The elevator doors open and a huge bouquet of roses were on the counter. I never imagined they'd be for me. But sure enough they were!

I'm impressed because:
1) The only time I've ever gotten a flower from Lance was last Valentines day and I got one rose. 2) He picked the most perfect morning that I needed a pick me up.

All the ladies at work are jealous and all the men are asking what he did to be in the dog house.

I love him.

I worry if my blog is too mushy. Should I stop writing about my love life? Don't wanna be boring people.

Cereal Goodness

Fruit Loops with Lucky Charm Marshmallows? Yes, please.