wow, I almost forgot I had this blog- huge update inside

Its been over a year since I posted on this blog.  Huge things have happened in my life since.
I got a divorce a year ago and am living in a small apartment with my kids :)
I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice
and I have been dating a man for 9 months- A.  He is pretty awesome :)

Conner is getting ready to complete his GED and is considering college.
Kaitlyn is graduating from highschool in May and is applying to Boise State, also to be a criminal justice major!!!  She is finishing up her term as Honored Queen in her bethel and has been dating her boyfriend for over a year.
Noah is a junior and is considering college options as well.  He wants to double major with computer science and criminal justice.
Hannah, Allie, Bella and Harrison are all doing well in school and I cannot believe how they are all growing and changing!  Harrison just turned 7!!!!  and Hannah is 14.  Its crazy how the time flies so fast.  Bella is still doing the gifted and talented program and is excelling in it.

We have had a rough year. But we are starting to come out of it and are doing well.

Some pictures ...

Another new week of meals to try

last post, I had many new recipes to try and they were all winners!  I will say that the Hawaiian marinade would be much better on grilled meat instead of a pan saute.

This week brings more vegan and vegetarian meals to try.  We have several people (myself included) that do not eat much meat at all, so this will be a good week for us.  It is hard to get a balance in a family of 9 with some who eat meat and some who do not!

Several of the recipes are from the Happy Herbivore Cookbook.  I got this book over 6 months ago with the Forks over Knives cookbook and glanced through them both and didn't find anything I liked.  I gave it another chance this week and found about 8 recipes that I want to try immediately, so I am glad I gave it another chance!

• Yellow Dal with either jasmine or brown rice and greens
• Baked Beans with basic muffins or possibly Maple Cornmeal Biscuits

Baking items 

• Apple Crisp Muffins
• Spiced Carrot Muffins
• Maple Muffins

Also on the menu to try this week are:

• Tex Mex Lasagna
• One Pot Wonder pasta dish

Next up I will re-tackle the Forks over Knives and see if I can find anything that sounds worth trying in it!

Recipes on the menu to try this week.....

Crispy Baked Chimichangas

Spicy Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese

Korean Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

Korean Beef

Spiced Applesauce Cake

Pineapple Marinade for chicken

Chocolate Applesauce Cake

Paleo Keema Kari: Curry Hamburger

Double Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake with pumpkin buttercream

So guess what?

I haven't been here in a while...but you already knew that! LOL
There have been a lot of changes since December, and I will make them fast.

I changed my major at college due to a huge snafu with the Social Work department.  I am now back in Criminal Justice and I know it is the right fit.  I have one year left.  Just one year and I will graduate!  What will I do when I am no longer a student?  I have no idea! haha

Kids are good.  We will leave it at that.  Everyone is growing and healthy and loving life.

I am writing.  Yes, writing.  I found an old story I had started writing back in highschool.  Originally a short story and only 10 pages long, we were able to only find 3 of the original pages.  I have edited and added, and now have that 3 pages up to 20 pages!  Hannah has been reading it and loves it.  Even if I never do anything with it, I will feel accomplished for finishing it.  I will keep updates on the blog.

I went to the Imagine Dragons concert Tuesday night.  It was amazing.  I cannot say enough good things about them.  Going was a very important thing for me, for personal reasons that I cannot say here, but it was needed, and it was good.  If you haven't listened to them yet, start with Demons, Radioactive and It's Time. Yes, we were this close to the stage!

That is it.  Off to do research today.  Will update later tonight.

Jessica

The season is in full swing!

Almost all of our decorations are up and the kids are feeling the spirit.  They love the songs and the decorations and the fun we have together during the holidays. They are busy planning their gifts for each other and we will go shopping this weekend.  They all draw names and have $5 to spend on each other, and they get quite crafty!

I came across an article the other day about Elf on the Shelf.  Now, I know I have friends that do it, and that is fine.  But I hate it.  And this blog really explains why-Leaving out the whole creepy elf being in my house and wandering at night thing..read it, it a good article and has some good points.
Why I hate Elf on the Shelf

A few pictures:

Our special ornament for this year: what we brought out of this year was that our family was more important than anything else...and with Conner turning 18 next year, we thought doing all their fingerprints on the ornament was significant of our WHOLE family

30 days of Thanksgiving- a follow up

It has been 4 years since I started 30 days of Thanksgiving.  Every year I have had more friends join in with me.  This year, I noticed there was some brief media coverage here locally.  I was surprised by the negative comments by people.  Some talked about being grateful all year round.  Some called it superficial.  Some said it was too stressful or that they weren't accountable to others for what they were thankful for.

To those people I say: You missed what this is about. :)

30 days of Thanksgiving is not about showing off.  It isn't about posting for everyone to see.  It isn't about only being thankful for 1 month a year.

30 days of Thanksgiving is a month of thankfulness...to help you look around during this beautiful holiday season and recognize all that you have to be thankful for...no matter how big or how small.  (I mean, sure we all could say we are thankful for our family or friends, but who thinks about how blessed they are to have running water or food in the fridge or the freedom to speak their mind in our country?)

It shouldn't be stressful.  It is ok to miss a day or two, or to even only post one time during the whole month.

The idea is to look at your life and recognize your blessings beyond family, friends and material goods.

I am so glad that friends have joined with me over the years.  It has blessed my life to see what THEY were thankful for.  This experience always makes me feel more at peace.  In a society where we are constantly on the run and trying to buy bigger and better things; it has helped me to be grateful for what I have.

That is what this is about.

Take it or leave it.  Participate or not.  Just be happy with who you are and what you have.

I hope that if you did participate that it helped to enrich your life.

Happy Holidays to all my friends. Much love coming to you!

30 days of Thanksgiving-month of posts

1- Today, I am thankful that I found my biological father 12 years ago. Finding him brought my brother Ronald Dilling into my life. Even though we don't get to see each other in person, we get to talk and text a lot and I am so grateful having him in my life. I do not dwell on missing him my entire life, but embrace what we have now. On his birthday today, I say I LOVE YOU to my big brother!

2- today, I am thankful that I got all the classes I needed for school next semester. I am thankful that I was able to create a schedule that will work better for Harrison's needs and let me spend more time with him. ♥

3- Today, I am thankful for the example of my friend Chris Mecham - one of the 2 organizers behind the Million Muppet/Puppet March to support Public Broadcasting- no matter what people think of him, or his politics--Chris is actually out there DOING something about what he believes in! While the rest of the population sits home and does nothing but complain about political activity...he is actively working for his cause! He is a great example--so on this day..as the march is taking place right NOW...I give thanks for his example to me!

4- Today, I am thankful for waking up to the sound of my children's laughter as they play games together. 7 kids-and they actually do get along great. ♥ ♥

5- Today I am thankful for Harrison. He came into this world 5 years ago today. It was a huge surprise pregnancy and it was hard at first. He has brought so much love and smiles and joy into my life and has also taught me so much. My life would not be the same without him. Happy Birthday Harrison!!!

6-Today, I am thankful for my right to vote . I am thankful for the right to have my own thoughts pertaining to our Government and country-and for the ability to express them freely without fear of reprisal. Some people do not even have that.

7-Today, i am thankful for early morning snuggles with Harrison. I am thankful for a day off from school that I am going to spend knitting and watching movies with him on the couch--full of peace and love on this new day!

8-Today, I am thankful for my artistic nature. My creativity is the one talent I possess and I couldn't ask for a better one (well, I'd love to sing but....) Knitting is a passion and sewing a bit less-but still there. I love color. I love sharpies and doodling all over everything in color. For me, to dye yarn is the ultimate expression of my love of color and art. I would be lost without my creativity and love of color.

9-Today, I am thankful for the close relationship that I have with my children. Even the teenagers :) We can talk, have fun and truly enjoy each other's company. I am thankful for each one of them and their unique personalities, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. They truly brighten my day. ♥ ♥ 

10-Today I am thankful for waking up to the very light dusting of snow on the ground--for the reminder of the beauty that is nature....and the excited squeals of the kids as they see it!

11-Today, I am thankful for my freedom.

12-Today I am thankful for the work I am doing at the Refugee Center. Working with these women has been an amazing experience and has given me a greater appreciation for the smaller basic things we take for granted every day. I only have 4 more days and I am going to miss it! The way their faces light up when they finally get something, or when you see the intelligence in their eyes and see how they grasp the idea of concept we are teaching--those are the moments I am going to miss...along with their smiles and laughter. ♥

13-Today, I am thankful for the house in which we live, the car we have, and the food we are able to eat. Even though we may not have much, we still have more than a lot of people in this world - most of all, we have the little things taken for granted every day (like heat, running water, available food sources.)

14-Today, I am thankful for my online friends. Even though I haven't met most of you in person, I enjoy our friendship. I enjoy our talks, our debates and I learn so much from you all. I worry when your kids are sick. I think of you when I am going about my regular day. I talk about you to my hubby and kids. I have known a lot of you online for over 10 years now. ♥ I think that just makes you my friends! ♥

15-Today, I am thankful for all the students "2 strapping it" on campus today. It brought Channing Tatum to mind and a big smile to my face.

16-Today, I am thankful for the education I am receiving. This semester alone has taught me so much about discrimination, racism, and prejudice. It has brought a greater understanding and awareness of the issues still prevalent in our society and I am so grateful for all that I have learned-no matter how sad it makes me to know that people are still being treated so horribly.

17-Today, I am thankful for my unending patience....it serves me well with 7 kids, 3 of whom are teenagers.

18-Today, I am thankful for knitting and my yarn stash...without it my children would not have such cute and warm mama-knitted woolies! ♥

19-Today, I am thankful that my work with clients for the semester has ended. I LOVED working with the refugees-but the time commitment was hard and I am glad to have the time back to just focus on school work and getting this semester ended while maintaining straight A's. whew! I do admit to a great sadness as I drove away from the center for the last time today. :(

20-Today, I am thankful for the kids week long Thanksgiving break....I enjoy spending all this time with them! ♥

21-Today I am thankful for my son Noah who has Aspergers. He has taught me so much about love, patience, and acceptance. He has brought to me the appreciation for the simpleness of a hug or an "I love you" and to recognize that love can be shown from him in many ways, not just the way we expect it! ♥

22-Regardless of how this holiday came about, I am thankful for this day--and the chance to spend it with my husband and children. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends. I hope your day is filled with family, love, thanks and peace.

23-Today, I am thankful for my brothers life. It was 4 years ago today that I got the call that he had a serious car accident and had been found 6 hours after he had been ejected from his car. His body core temp was dangerously low, but that ended up being what saved him as it slowed the bleeding in his brain. Life flight could not transport due to weather so they drove him several hours to get to the hospital. He was in the ICU for many days in a coma. His hospital stay ended up being 2 months with a huge amount of therapy afterwards. He has a traumatic brain injury. They said he would NEVER ride a horse or rodeo again. He proved them wrong. He's a little different, but still my goofy baby brother, and I am so thankful he is alive and with us still.

24-Today, I am thankful for my very large family. There is always someone to give you a hug, always someone to talk to and share with and be a friend. There is also a whole lot of love, fun and craziness going on in my home! LOL and I wouldn't have it any other way. ♥

25-Bella: "whimper..I don't feel good"
me: "RUN!"
Today, I am thankful that she made it to the bathroom before throwing up.

26-Today I am thankful for my son, Conner and for the strength, courage and integrity he has shown this year through some really rough crap. He took a bad situation and rose above it and focused on strengthening himself instead of bringing others down. He is such an inspiration to me and his character shines through. I am so proud of who he is. ♥

27-Today, I am thankful for chocolate, pepsi and midol---and my families patience with my uh...hormonal grouchiness.

28-Today, I am thankful for little boy snuggles that can always brighten my day. For his sweet little voice as he sings "our song" with me-even when he is so sleepy. I am thankful for how much he loves his mom and how his face lights up when he sees me. I am thankful for HIM....Harrison....my *very big surprise* baby.

29-Today, I am thankful for the men and women who serve our communities: The fire fighters, police officers and paramedics. Today, 3 years after the Lakewood shootings, I am reminded of the risk and sacrifice that comes with these jobs. To all of you that serve, to all that have family members that serve: thank you.

30-Today, I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for this, the last day of the 30 days of Thanksgiving and for all the friends that joined in with me this month to take part in recognizing all the things, no matter how big or small, they had to be thankful for. I am thankful for all that I learned from them. To make it short, I am thankful for all of YOU!

Time for holiday craftiness! subway art

So I found Pinterest last year and I fell in love.  It is awesome for visual people like me! I call it my booksmarks...just with pictures! (hello! preferred way to find things!!)

I have found a lot of crafty ideas on Pinterest.  I have gotten my crafty groove on recently, and I will be updating the blog with things I do.

First...subway art for Christmas and Winter.  I think I will have these all over my house because holy cow they are addicting!

I created these in powerpoint.  I downloaded a bunch of cute fonts, pulled up html color code charts and went to town with customization of words, sizes, colors! It was a lot of fun to do.  I will print them and frame them to put on shelves and the fireplace mantle.
If any of my friends would like a copy, I do have it saved as a pdf and will email it to you upon request...

I have plenty of other crafts planned for the next few weeks....I can't wait to get them all done and put up around the house!  I am really loving all the time I have home with my family to accomplish these things!

It's been a long time!

Holy cow I haven't blogged here forever!  A lot has happened to our family over the last few months and all I can say is we are stronger now than we have ever been!  I am so grateful for my husband and children and the closeness that we share.

So glad about the elections last night.  I don't tend to talk politics with people, and I especially do not do so on my facebook page, but I did post this the other night which I felt was very important....
I am voting for Obama. I believe in WOMEN. I believe women should be able to CHOOSE to have an abortion if they want (even if I personally don’t agree with abortion-we cannot take away CHOICE). I believe women should be able to CHOOSE to get on birth control and have it covered by their insurance like every other medication out there. I believe that Planned Parenthood provides vital medical attention that women need (not only birth control, but testing for STD and access to mammograms) I believe women should be paid EQUALLY to men in the same job…not .72 cents for every $1 that men make. I believe gay people should have EQUAL rights to marriage and adoption like every other person in our country. Regardless of what either candidate has done over the last 4 years-whether you don’t like what Obama has/hasn’t done…those are the most IMPORTANT issues to ME. THAT is why I will vote for Obama.
Whomever you like or don't like...make sure you get out there and vote tomorrow. Even if you are like me, and live in an "always red state" still cast your vote so the numbers can be seen and heard. Don't lose your voice...get out there tomorrow and make it be heard!

I am thrilled to see the states that approved gay marriage last night.  What a beautiful time to see more equality coming to our people.

soo...its November...30 days of Thanksgiving!!  4th year running...are you doing it?  I am!!!  I will have my month of posts to get up at the end of the month.  I hope you are participating!
What is 30 days of Thanksgiving for those that do not know?
Everyday you post one thing that you are thankful for. It can be big or small. What matters is that it is important to YOU. Myself, I post it everyday on facebook, and then compile them all here in one post at the end of the month. You can do it whatever way you wish, but the purpose it to just recognize all the things we are thankful for that we don't think about. There is so much negativity in the world. Lets focus on the positive!

"what do you eat?" and other food misconceptions

So there have been times when I went completely vegetarian, and others when I allowed some meat.  One of the most common questions/responses I got was:

"what do you eat??!!"   A lot of food actually!  You are amazed at the different types of foods you end up eating and serving.  My kids eat cabbage, bok choy, peppers, onions, carrots, asparagus, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, tofu -as long as it is marinated or in smoothie!!  They eat curry, sushi, and exotic sounding things like adzuki and quinoa.  They love fruits and veggies.  Does it mean that they are committed to being vegetarian 100%  no, not yet.  But that is their choice - but they do eat a huge variety of foods that a lot of people do not.

"I could never eat like that"  like what?  without meat?  I don't understand why that is so weird-except for the fact that we have been trained to look at a normal dinner as this:

a slab of meat.  potatoes.  and a small veggie.

Vegetarians/vegans are not limited to just a salad.  Or a plate as pictured above minus the meat.  I think that is one of the biggest mistakes a person makes when wanting to become a veg*n....they try to make a plate as above and fill it with a meat substitute or limit themselves to salad.   They fail rather quickly because that is boring and hardly fulfilling.

One of the first books I read that really hit home to me was the Vegan Lunchbox.  It taught me a new and exciting way to look at meal structure.  I learned that a plate doesn't have to be a slab of meat, veggies and potato.  But that you could combine items such as a sliced banana bread with a smoothie for lunch.  (Yes, that is one of Harrison's favorites!)  That a corn muffin filled with beans and a side of collard greens can be taken in a lunch box to school.  I don't have the time to sit and think of all the combinations, but the main point is, I learned there was a different way to make a meal plate.  And it was empowering! Yes, you can serve muffins with soup for dinner.   And that eating more whole foods type of meals will fill you up more and cut down on your constant rummaging for food!


"aren't those meat substitutes gross?"
Yes, they are.  And NO, you don't have to eat them!  We hardly ever use them in our meals.  I figure vegetarian is to eat no meat.  That doesn't mean you just substitute meat with a fake substance to stand in.  Instead of using "meat" crumbles for tacos, find a recipe with veggies and rice instead..and so on.
If you try to replace all the meat in your diet with substitutes you will find yourself failing.  You have to adjust your way of thinking of what a meal plate is. 

harrisons favorite meal:

bananas and strawberries, a small scoop of homemade macaroni and cheese-and yes, an oreo for dessert.  Not pictured was his cup of soy milk to drink. We actually didn't have any veggies that day for lunch-and that is ok too!  He snacks throughout the day on carrots and edamame :)
But he doesn't like meat.  Not sure if it is texture thing with him or what, but for now, he doesn't eat meat but a very small amount once in a blue moon!

Aren't your kids unhealthy without meat?  How do they get enough protein?
We eat beans, we eat legumes, we eat nuts, nut butters, alternative milks, grains, eggs etc.  they all have protein.  The "vegetarians are deprived of protein" is a myth...and if you eat a well balanced meal, you will be good.  Now, of course that are exceptions to that rule, just like there would be with an non-vegetarian diet.  The point is, if you eat healthy and pay attention to your foods, you are most likely going to be fine.

So yes, that is my experience.  I learned recently that Harvard did a study and revamped the food "pyramid"
I have to admit it looks a lot better than it used to, and finally addresses that milk is not healthy for our bodies!  but that is a different day, different post! LOL

Meal Plan Monday

I got a new cookbook this last week.  Sat down and read it cover to cover.  It totally inspired me.  this is the first meal plan I have made in a long time, and i can't wait to go to the store to get all the food!

Breakfasts:
variety of smoothies, oatmeals, bagels etc

Lunch/brunch:
Pinwheel wraps with tempeh, spinach and apple
Apple Cinnamon pancakes
Oatbran cereal with pumpkin
"margarita" smoothie with zucchini bread
fruit, cheesecake dip and....
salad available everyday.

Dinner:
Spicy macaroni and cheese
Cashew carrot ginger soup with bread
Curry in a hurry
Lemon Lentil soup and sourdough bread with salad
Indian shepherds pie
leftover night

This cookbook looks great! There were so many things I wanted to try that I had to cut things out of the list for this one week.   I will let you know how the recipes turn out!

christmas quiz!

I haven't done one of these in years! So much fun :)

You Love the Holidays More than Anyone

The holidays are a special time for you, and you try to keep the holiday spirit going all year long. You believe that this season is all about giving, and you love the chance to practice generosity. Whether you're making someone smile with the perfect gift or feeding everyone cookies, the holidays always elevate your mood. Just putting on your favorite holiday song always warms your heart. Even if it's July!

How Much Do You Love the Holidays?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

30 days of Thanksgiving - Thankful Posts 2011

1-Today, I am thankful for this 30 day challenge. There is so much negativity around me that it is easy to forget the good that surrounds me too. I am thankful for this opportunity to spend the next 30 days looking at all the blessings in my life-to bring me peace and happiness-and to help me realize what is important and what can be done without. ♥

2-Today, I am thankful for my children's different personalities. They are all so unique and bring something special to our family. Each one teaches me something new and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. ♥

3-Today I am thankful for the toy set I found for $5 at the thrift store months ago for Harrison that has already inspired playtime for an hour this morning.

4-Today I am thankful for my awesome kids. They bring me so much happiness everyday and I enjoy just sitting and talking to them. I value our closeness and love our time together. They teach me just as I teach them-and have proven to me that yes, you can be a parent AND a friend


5-Today, I am thankful for my "baby" boy Harrison who is 4 years old today! It was a shock when I found out I pregnant with him, and I was hesitant at first-but couldn't imagine my life without him now! Through his tics and quirks I have learned even more patience, love and acceptance. Happy Birthday Harrison Parker Gibbons!!!


6-Today I am thankful for modern medicine. I don't use it very often, but I am glad it is there when I need it.


7-Today I am thankful for a moment of peace


8-Today, in honor of Dad Land, I am thankful for the Order of DeMolay. I am thankful for the chance to work with these wonderful young men. I am thankful that my son Conner-as Master Councilor -has had a chance to lead and grow this year. I am thankful for DeMolay's teachings and for the friendships and precepts that Conner and Noah both have learned. The teachings are wonderful and it has been an awesome opportunity to be involved with them.


9-Today I am thankful for cable tv. It has kept Harrison occupied (mostly) this morning and I needed to just sit on the couch and rest. I can feel guilty about it later! HAHA


10-Today, I am thankful for friends, for Danny and Bear who are trying to fix our car. I am thankful to know mechanics that I can trust to not steer me wrong. Thank you Dan Sager and Bear!!!!


11- facebook ate it

12-Today, I am thankful for my family. For my husband who I know will always be there for me. I am thankful for our great relationship and for the way he treats me and looks out for me always. I am thankful for my 7 kids and the love and light they bring to my life.


13-Today I am thankful for the roof over my head, the food in my fridge and the heat in my home. I know sometimes things get very overwhelming and I wonder what else can go wrong, and then I have to remember that at least we have the basic necessities above that so many do not have. ♥


14-disappeared off my page

15-Today, I am thankful for my yarn stash. Being able to go in and KNOW I will have a skein of yarn for my project is something I'd not want to be without! YAY for yarn and being able to knit my son a hat when he needs one!


16-Today, I am thankful for Isabella and her excitement at school. She is doing wonderful things in the gifted program that keep her occupied more during the day. Tomorrow is her Thanksgiving feast and I cannot wait to go surprise her by showing up! ♥


17-Today, I am thankful for my unending patience. It serves me well.


18-Today, I am thankful for Thanksgiving break! All the kids are home starting today..(even though the oldest 2 are only home today because they are sick!!) But I am thankful they are home. I love spending time with them and miss them when they are at school. And I am thankful that Harrison has someone to play with and keep him occupied so I can get some cleaning done!


19-just the way I wanted to wake up....the sound of feet running across the floor...followed by puking ugh. .......Today, I am thankful that she made it to the garbage can.


20-Today, I am thankful that our car is running!!!! YES!!!! It did turn out to be the computer "brain" of the car, and our awesome mechanic fixed it and we picked it up today! WOOT!!!!


21-Today, I am thankful for steroids-and my ability to breathe a little easier with their usage!


22-Today (a little late in the day!) I am thankful for the wonderful friends that my kids have! I am thankful for the wonderful organizations (DeMolay and Job's Daughters) that have brought those friends into our lives!


23-Today, I am thankful for my brothers life. It was 3 years ago today that I got the call that he had a serious car accident and had been found 6 hours after he had been ejected from his car. His body core temp was dangerously low, but ended up being the thing that saved him as it slowed the bleeding in his brain. Life flight could not transport due to weather. He was in the ICU for many days in a coma. His hospital stay ended up being almost 2 months. He has a traumatic brain injury. They said he would NEVER ride a horse or rodeo again. He proved them wrong. He's a little different, but still my goofy baby brother, and I am so thankful he is alive and with us still.


24-Regardless of how this holiday came about, I am thankful for this day--and the chance to spend it with my husband and children (and friends!!). And I am very thankful that Shawn took over the cooking of the meal since I am still not close to being 100% yet! Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family!


25-no idea where this one went!

26-Today, I am thankful for my creative nature. My love of color. My ability to take yarn and make it beautiful by adding colors. My (limited) ability to take a piece of fabric and make what I want or need. My artistic nature helps me to see the world in different ways. I wouldn't be the same without it.


27-Today, I am thankful for my little boy...and his world that I am the center of. ♥


28-Today, I am thankful for a friend-who helped me out when I needed it. ♥


29-Today, I am thankful for the ability to speak my mind and to not have my opinions repressed by the country we live in. I am thankful for a President, who right or wrong, works to run our country. I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the luxuries we have. And I wish that everyone had those same benefits.

30-Today, I am thankful for the 30 days of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all of my friends that stuck it out the whole month with me! I am thankful for the gratitude they shared, and what I learned from their posts. I am thankful for how this challenge has once again touched my life. I hope everyone joins me again next year!

30 days of Thanksgiving-2009

So I found my old posts (almost all of them anyway) from 2009, the first year I did this.  Sharing them now!

10

Today I am thankful for my good friends. You know who you are. I appreciate you and value our friendships

11

Today, I am thankful that i do not have cancer. I am thankful for my family and friends that stood by me the last 2 months-the ones that called and wrote and offered there support and love. I am thankful that life is returning to normal and look forward to the day that this is a distant memory. I am thankful that I do not have to worry about still being here for my husband and children. I am thankful for my LIFE

12

Today, I am thankful for my artistic nature. My creativity is the one talent I possess and I couldn't ask for a better one. I love sharpies and doodling. Knitting is a passion and sewing a bit less-but still there. I love color. To dye yarn is the ultimate expression of my love of color and art. I would be lost without my creativity

13

Today, I am thankful for a roof over my head, food in our cupboards, dh's employment and clothing for us all. So many do not even have these basic needs

14

late in the day--Today I am thankful for the church's teachings of eternal family. For the solace and peace that it brings to those mourning the passing of a loved one. Especially today for Jessica and the loss of her love Jason. Peace and love to you sweet cousin

15

"Today, I am thankful for the good nights sleep I had. I have not slept so long or so well in a long time

16

Today I am thankful for my son with aspergers. He has taught me so much about love and has brought to me the appreciation for the simpleness of a hug or an "I love you"

17

Today, I am thankful for homeschooling Kaitlyn. We have enjoyed our time together so much, and I would not have that if she were sitting in school all day. I love my daughter. ♥

18

Today, I am thankful for my fabric stash. It is serving me well today.

19

Today, I am thankful that I get to go out with my 2 oldest kids tonight to the movies. Thankful that they are good kids that I enjoy being around. We have a great relationship and I couldn't ask for better children

20

today I am thankful for knitting. To be able to take some yarn and needles and create a beautiful handcrafted piece of clothing is a wonderful feeling. Each stitch is filled with love-except those that get messed up and have a few snarly words involved too!

21

Today, i am thankful for my local group of girlfriends. Looking forward to our day of crafting together

22

Today, I am thankful for the Food Network. No really. I know it is silly-but growing up and not learning to cook, well--the food network inspires me and teaches me to cook more great foods!

23

Today, I am thankful that my brother is alive. It has been one year today since his car accident and subsequent 2 months in the hospital. He shouldn't have made it. he shouldn't be doing so well with his brain injury. But he is. He is working, he is engaged, he is living!

24

Today, I am thankful that I will have my children home for 5 days. I miss seeing them so much ♥

25

Today I am thankful for the moments I have with the kids today-preparing our holiday dinner together and making christmas presents for swaps. ♥

26

Today I am thankful for the life I am living. I have a wonderful husband who is there through thick and think. Great kids who teach me something new every day and show me how much love one person can have. I have caring friends who are there when I am down to lift me up, and to laugh with through the good. We have what we need, and I thankful for that. Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and loved ones!"

30 days of Thanksgiving 2011

30 days of Thanksgiving starts today!  What is 30 days of Thanksgiving?  Everyday you post one thing that you are thankful for.  It can be big or small.  What matters is that it is important to YOU.   Myself, I post it everyday on facebook, and then compile them all here in one post at the end of the month (last years post).  You can do it whatever way you wish, but the purpose it to just recognize all the things we are thankful for that we don't think about.  There is so much negativity in the world.  Lets focus on the positive!

I started this 3 years ago.    Last year a few friends joined in.  This year there are even more! I hope that you will join me for the 30 days of Thanksgiving too!  You won't regret it!

If you take the challenge, post a comment and link me to your blog, twitter, wherever you are posting so I can keep up!

The simple things

that make your day


and a CHRISTMAS water cup!! (perfect timing since my other broke)

 Pretty yarn

 and a beautiful and extremely happy girl-who doesn't care what other people think! LOL

Hope your Thursday is a great one!

Pumpkin Chili-details

Yesterday I saw that the weather today was going to be cold and rainy.  I LOVE IT!  So I decided a nice warm comforting meal was in order for the menu tonight.
Yes, it is autumn...so what could be better than pumpkin chili?!!!

Adapted from this recipe

I added 1lb extra hamburger, a 64 oz container of v-8, extra spices and beans and did a whole can of pumpkin instead of half.

So kind of funny,  I went to the store to get bell pepper and onion because somehow I was actually out! *gasp*

While there I realized no cans of beans - well they wanted $1.50 for 1 can of beans!  yes, so at 1am I was starting a pot of beans last night.

Then today, I realized, no pumpkin pie spice! LOL  so I made some up from this recipe here

the only thing not from scratch was canned tomatoes and the canned pumpkin...maybe next time I should remedy that!

Looks great and smells divine!  I can't wait to taste it.

Brown 3 lbs hamburger

Add 2 Tbsp of Pumpkin Pie spice...I made my own

Place hamburger and 1lb cooked beans in your pot/crockpot depending on your method of cooking

Add 2 cans diced tomatoes, or more if desired. and 1 1/2-2 Tbsp Chili powder

1 29oz can of pumpkin puree and 1/2 cup sugar

Sautee 2 green bell peppers and 2 onions

Add to mixture

64oz of V-8 or other vegetable juice

Cook/simmer on stove top for 1 hour

or 8 hours on low in the crockpo

cool days makes me long

for a sweater!  I wonder how many years it will take me to actually knit myself a sweater.  or a cardigan.  or something wooly just for me!  I always knit for everyone else, but I tell you, the thought of a sweater for myself is daunting.

The days are turning cool-wonderful days for curling up on the couch with my down comforter and book.  cool days that bring big pots of chicken noodle soup for the family (yes, with joyous cries of excitement!!)  this is truly my favorite time of year, and I hate how quickly each day passes.  why can't it be October for 2 months or more? lol

things are crazy it seems.  7 kids means everything is insane.  Kaitlyn started highschool this year and it is weird having 2 of them there! Next year Noah will start.  And the fees for highschool are insane! Holy cow!  Even just to be in men's choir cost Conner $75 on top of supplies.

Speaking of Conner, he gave his first speech as a DeMolay state officer a few weeks ago.  He did a great job!  I was so proud of him. 

Homecoming 2011- Conner and Tiffany!

Homecoming 2011-Kaitlyn and Will

Kaitlyn and Conner

Speaking of Conner, I forgot to mention-he broke his arm in July.  And not just a break, he broke it good!  Was going down hill on a little razor scooter, got going too fast (paramedics estimate about 30 mph) lost control and fell forward.  His arm snapped on impact, then his head hit and he was knocked unconscious.  They said it was good his arm hit first or he might not have made it with the impact to his head-  He had a compound break of both arms in his bone and had to have surgery.  2 plates were put in his arm and he was in the hospital for several days.  Here are his incision and the area where the bone broke through the skin.

pretty gnarly scars he has now!