Splurges

I was pondering splurges today. You know, adding up the little things I do for myself. I don't view myself as selfish really (but then, do you know a selfish person who does?-so, I'm hoping I'm not just deluding myself), but I have a few luxuries I allow myself. To start, I adore paper plates. I know, I know...I'm killing the world single-handedly with my splurge, but I don't have a dishwasher. Not an excuse, but I ABHOR dishes. Truly, it is my most hated chore and I would rather mop floors, do laundry and clean toilets than wash as many dishes as we produce by hand 3 times a day. Which brings me to my next splurge-bleach tablets for the toilets. Fabulous! I love the smell of bleach every time the toilet is flushed AND how easy the toilet is to clean. I also love color catchers for the laundry. They are my peace of mind in case of color mishaps. Love 'em!

I splurge on my appearance, too. I love the look of my nails being done, but cannot afford the upkeep. To keep my man-hands from looking so manly, I splurge and buy fake nails and apply them myself once a week or so. Ahhh, well manicured hands for a fraction of the cost. I'm going gray(blehhh!!!) and I am so not okay with it! So, to combat the old-tired mommy creeping in, I dye. I {{heart}} those little boxes. Phew, keep that gray away!

I also keep easy foods on hand for my beasties' lunches. Ramen and chicken nuggets have a continual place here in my home. I love the convenience of the quick fix for their hunger. Saves time; makes me smile!

Are you as selfish as I am? Or, am I telling you all my deep, dark secrets? I love hearing about other people's favorites and can't-do-withouts.

Thankful

Today I am thankful for the Thanksgiving break we were able to enjoy in a beach house with my in-laws. We had such a fun time and I love spending time with my sisters-in-laws and their families. I love how we've gotten closer over the years and they are such strong women. Every time I am around them I learn so much. Sydnee has older children than mine and I love listening to her experience raising them and being a stay-at-home mom. Her opinions on literature, the world and the gospel are invaluable to me. I love being with Ashlee and sharing the experiences we are having with our 2 year olds and being preggo together. She is so strong- working and having her sweetie gone often.

My little beasties had a blast! Picture scrawny little white boys in their boxer briefs, which somehow are still baggy on them, frolicking multiple times a day in the sand and water. I don't know how they didn't turn into little red-headed popsicles in view of the cooler weather and water, but they survived and thrived with enough energy to run in circles around the house.

I am also thankful for my brother, Mack. He was such a help on this trip! He was everywhere lending a helping hand with the kids, dishes and excitement :) ! I'm glad he survived to tell tales!

I am also thankful for the Thanksgiving season and for the segway it lends to put us in the right state of mind for the Christmas season. May my family remember the true reason for Christmas and be filled with love for our Savior.

Thankful for Primary Programs

Today I am thankful for Primary Programs. I don't know another time when you can watch children roll around, pick their noses, make odd faces and sing in funny voices and still feel the spirit so strongly. The children's sweet spirits come through and the Holy Ghost testifies of the truthfulness. Beautiful. Hilarious. I had the best seat in the house today (up by the podium) and had to laugh at a first for me. I got to witness a little boy pretending to be a beaver (thankfully NOT one of mine) and lick and gnaw on the seats. No means of persuasion could get him to stop. Truly funny, a little gross, but very, very funny.

Thankful for Freedom

Today I am so very thankful (as many of you are) for the wonderful country we live in. I am thankful for those who have fought and died to protect the rights of men and those who have fought and lived to stand as testimony to our need to protect those rights. I am also so very thankful for the fathers, mothers, wives and children who let their loved ones go with their support. How blessed we are!!

Thankful for Wal-mart

Wal-mart? I know...but when you practically live there, you gotta be thankful for it sometime. Despite often having limp produce, too little parking and WAY too many people, it fits my needs. I adore the fact I have one less than 2 minutes away and on a whim I can drive there for WHATEVER I might need. (Not to mention the quick little time-out I can give myself for these quick little errands!) Fabulous, let me tell you!

Thankful for Time-Outs

I'm thankful for time-outs. Not the times when I put my beasties in them, but the ones I occasionally allow myself. I was able to go out with a few of my sweet friends for an afternoon. I love how being with close girl-friends gives me a moment to rant, relax and laugh so hard my belly hurts (and shake like an enormous jello-mold). I love being uplifted and the feeling of the weight of life and mother-hood being released like helium-filled balloons. I definitely need time-outs more often!

Thankful for Returns

Tonight I am thankful for my husband's return home.