I am grateful for Larry and for the relationship we have. I am grateful that he is willing to forgive when needed, that he still loves me despite all the unloving things about me. I am grateful that he is my husband and my friend. I am grateful that he is willing to work so hard for our family, to provide for us, and to take care of us. I am grateful that he is such a wonderful father to our boys.

I am grateful for Dresden and for his tender heart. I am grateful that he was my firstborn. I am grateful that he is healthy and strong. I am glad that he likes to use his brain and hands to figure out how things work. I am grateful that he teaches me how to be patient. I am grateful that he loves me. I am grateful that he wants hugs and kisses before I leave anywhere. I am grateful that he is my Dresden.

I am grateful for Logan and for the smiles he brings to my face. I am grateful that he shows gratitude for everything that he receives. I am grateful that he is healthy. I am grateful that he admires Dresden. I am grateful that he loves to cuddle with me. I am grateful that he wants to learn and try new things. I am grateful that he is energetic and happy. I am grateful that he is my Logan.

I am grateful that my boys have such wonderful Grandparents that love and adore them. I am grateful that Larry's and my parents are willing to help us out when we need it. I am grateful that our boys have the opportunity to know both our parents and are able to share moments with them that will be in their memories forever. I am grateful that I still have my Grandparents in my life. I am grateful that my boys have the opportunity to know and love them.

I am grateful for my sister and brothers. I am grateful that we can plan a vacation together and everyone actually wants to go. I am grateful that they all have jobs that support their families. I am grateful that they have their health. I am grateful that each of them has a wonderful spouse that we all love. I am grateful for my nieces and nephews and the opportunities my boys have to know and love them.

I am grateful for my sisters and brothers-in-law. I am grateful for all the many ways they take care of De and Bertha. I am grateful that they love to get together for family parties. I am grateful that they love my boys. I am grateful that I am a part of their lives. I am grateful that we can spend the holidays with them.

I wouldn’t know any of these blessings if it weren't for my Heavenly Father, whom I will be eternally indebted to. My blessings have been abundant and I am grateful to have such a loving Heavenly Father.

Month of music

Metallica, Jason Mraz, & Coldplay!!! What a fun month it has been. I have sort of been on a binge of treating myself to fun things. I figured, my birthday was this month, I may as well live it up.

Larry's friends all wanted to go to Metallica which was on the 3rd of November. The wives weren't sure if we wanted to attend with our husbands but we decided it would be fun to all hang out. We met for dinner and then headed to the concert. Our first experience after walking into the Energy Solutions was a guy spitting on the ground right in front of us. Yes, Metallica brings out the best in people. We then had some fun people watching. There were plenty of women still dressing like their bodies are that of a 20 year old. Some of the bosoms weren't as perky as I am sure they were 20 years ago and stuffed into shirts that didn't exactly hold them in very well. I just don't think some people will ever grow up. Our seats were in the upper bowl and the sound was terrible. This type of music is meant to be heard from the lower bowl of the arena. We have seen Metallica a couple times and I think I prefer the outdoor shows a little better. We had a lot of fun with our friends and are glad we can enjoy concerts together.

The next concert we went to was Jason Mraz. This has been planned for a couple months and I was eagerly waiting for this trip. For this concert we flew to Vegas for a quick weekend trip. It was just Larry and I that went. We stayed at the Monte Carlo which was just fine as rooms go but the over all ambiance of the hotel and casino was lacking. Let's just say it's no Caesars or Bellagio. Still, the room and service was nice. Saturday night was the concert at the Pearl Theatre. This concert hall was designed and made just for that, concerts. We had such a great time!!! I love how witty and clever and quick talking Jason Mraz is. If any of you have a chance to go see Jason live, DO IT! You won't be disappointed. We sang, we danced, and we had a great time! After the show we had dinner at Little Buddha which was very tasty. This restaurant was not lacking ambiance in the slightest. It was a beautiful restaurant that had a fantastically huge red chandelier, awesome lighting through out the restaurant and a huge golden Buddha sitting above. Our food was delicious our dessert chocolaty and our overall evening worth every penny! I completely enjoyed being with just Larry and we were both in need of the one on one time we got.

The last concert I went to was over the weekend, Coldplay. I had upper bowl tickets for this one as well so I wasn't really looking forward to another concert with horrible sound. After having dinner with some friends we headed over to Enegry Solutions. Natalie and I made our way 16 rows up in the upper bowl and sat down and waited for the bad sound that was sure to make its way to us. We were pleasantly surprised to hear music that was clear and crisp and sounding great. I had a great time and was glad that Natalie was able to come with me. I hope you had fun! I do have to say that I think Chris Martin has ADHD. Seriously, how can one person have so much energy! He was a manic running all over the stage, keeping his feet moving to the beat, playing the guitar and piano, all while singing and sounding good. He wore me out just watching him. He did keep the audience entertained and I would definitely spend the money again to see Coldplay live.

This is completely uncommon to go to so many concerts in such a short time but I have to say, this was the best birthday month, EVER!

Reading

One of the things I have been enjoying lately is watching Dresden read. It started out to be a hardship for him but everyday he has gotten more comfortable with reading. Here are some pictures I got of Dresden and his friend Sophie reading. They read the book out loud and I loved hearing them help each other with the words they didn't know.

This is when they noticed me sneaking around taking pictures of them.

Collin reading to Dresden, Logan, and Sydney.

Willow Canyon Community Council

I wanted to thank everyone in the community that voted for me. I know, it was pretty tough to decide between me and...well, me. The gentleman that was running against me bowed out so it was an easy win for me. Anyway, I appreciate the support and the kind words that have been given to me. I hope to serve my community well.