Joslyn's Early Birthday Party

let me explain... My daughter was born on December 22nd... enough explanation right?! Well there is more. So Cory and I are leaving at different times to fly to Oklahoma for the Holidays. This year we are going to spend time with my family. But due to Cory's work schedule and that my mom begged for me to stay for a long time to help her get ready for last minute christmas stuff Cory won't be around on the 22nd when Josie officially turns one. Well because my nature is to please everyone and I feel bad no matter what i do, I wanted to at least celebrate Josie's birth in Idaho so her father can witness the whole opening presents and digging into the cake. SO on December 9th we did a little family get together for Josie's early owl Birthday party.

You see this whole year we kind of did an owl theme for Joslyn, and so we got her a charm to make an owl bracelet (thanks mom), she dressed up as a owl for halloween, I made her an owl beanie to keep her warm, so naturally we had to do an owl birthday. My friend Jen knows how to digital scrapbook and she made jose a cute invitation that I was able to send out to everyone... I attempted making an owl cake and cory frosted the owl cupcakes. we made Josie a birthday owl banner, and owl gift bags for her cousins, and she had a blast.

I want to thank everyone who came to her party. I know its more for me than anything else, but I appreciate all the love and support from everyone. I just love this little girl of mine! enjoy the pictures....

I am Thankful!

Now that I am serving in the YW I get to teach and listen to other lessons that are amazing. Last week was on optimism. After the wonderful lesson that our president gave I decided to be more optimistic and complain less... lets just say that on day 1 I failed that new goal. I had a self-pity moment that lasted about 2 in a half days. Eventually I got through this week and I was able to get last minute items done for Joslyn's early 1 year birthday party (I will post about her party soon).

I'm trying to prepare for this Sunday's lesson for my girls and it's on Gratitude and Appreciation. Perfect.... I failed last weeks lesson so maybe round two I can be better. Well I cam across a wonderful poem from sugardoodle.net and the poem was talking about my house and pathetic trials, but is how I ought to be thinking more. I hope you all enjoy it, it really lifted me spirit up!

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;

We have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;

We have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds;

They were so warm and comfortable last night.

I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,

Complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;

They are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;

It has served us faithfully for many years.

It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today.

It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing,

The lawn that needs raking;

We all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.

My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says

You have richly blessed my family.

I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Josie meeting Santa Claus!