Happy Turkey Day.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to all of you in blog-land! (And Happy Bday tomorrow, CL...) I hope the holiday finds all of you well, surrounded by people you love, full of delicious edibles, and SO tired that you decide NOT to get up at 4am to go shopping, because my homies (fellow shopping ninjas) and I will be out there, taking no prisoners in our efforts to acquire cheap stuff. Please sleep in if you're tired. Leave the shopping to the pros.- or, do it at your own risk, as the case may be. I'm just sayin'...

In the interest of ending this post on a good, non-threatening note, I want to give you a quick list of things I am thankful for...

Right now, I'm thankful for health, for kids that are healthy enough to be WHINING non-stop, waiting for their turn at the yearly Playstation fest (yes, we only take it out one day a year). I am glad they are healthy enough that I can hear them whine, that I have them near me, even if they are noisy.

I am thankful for Jim- for all that he does for our family. I am glad he has found a creative outlet in his blog and I'm seeing, again, glimmers of the pre-law school man that I married. I love you, Shum. Thanks for your constant, amazing support and patience.

I am thankful for my adorable, sneaky, messy, silly, children- for each of their unique personalities, for their snotty noses, for the precious things they make for me, for their efforts to help out and countless other things. Even when they're crazy and loud I am so glad that they are here. I am grateful that they have the ability to do all that they do- even if it's naughty sometimes.

I am thankful for my amazing parents- for their support in all ways. I truly don't know what I would do without them nearby. I know that moving was a sacrifice for them, but I'm so (selfishly) glad that they did. I truly cannot count the number of times they have bailed me out with child care, cleaning abhorrent messes, sneaking in to clean my house when we're gone, building me FURNITURE!, painting, building shelving and fences, basically clothing my children, and the list goes ON... I am so grateful for all they do in our behalf. They are truly amazing.

I am blessed to have really outstanding friends. I won't list you all, you know who you are. From the ones I grew up with, to the college roomies, to the Valpo buddies, to our newer friends in Washington and B-L, I have laughed and cried and shared countless moments with all of you. Thanks for listening to me whine, for watching my kids, for tolerating the messes they make in your houses (sorry about the fingernail polish, Brooke...), for buying my bows, for just listening in general. You are all hot mamas and deserve to win the lottery. Yes, you too.

Okay, I'm also grateful for the hot chocolate I scrubbed out of my newly cleaned carpet (thanks Dad!) this morning. Having hot chocolate to clean means that we have food to eat, and a house to live in, which are both wonderful things.

And, of course, I am grateful for the Gospel in my life, for my Savior and a Heavenly Father who is constantly mindful of my needs and considerate of my pleas for help.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Don't forget to sleep in. More bargains for me. :)

Cute Charlie.

So, I was driving back from taking Annie to school this morning with the other 4 in the car, when we passed a doctor's office. The conversation went thusly:

Charlie: "Mom, did you know Jesus is a doctor?"

Me: "Hmmm? What did you say buddy?"

Charlie: (louder- noisy car) "Jesus is a special kind of doctor mom."

Me: "Really? Where did you learn that?"

Charlie: "From my head. He is, Mom. He's a special doctor. "

Sophie: "Mom! Charlie's telling big whoppers again! "

(screaming ensues)

Charlie: "He is Mom. He makes people better when they're sick or they get dead. See, he's a doctor"

Me: (smiling) "I suppose you're right buddy."

(Conversation about the priesthood follows, Charlie still insisting on doctor status, etc.)

I love that kid.

Big Thanks from Tallulah.

Thanks so much to EVERYONE who came to the Tallulah Twinkletoes Open House last night! It was a success- and I'm so excited about it! If anyone was unable to attend, but is interested in ordering anything, please let me know! Orders will be done within a week so you'll have cute stuff for Christmas pictures! Yay! Thanks again for those who came by!

Happy (belated) Bday Annie!

I can't believe I'm the mother of a seven year old. I have been so blessed to have my vivacious, sweet and loving little Annie in my life. She is funny, super-creative and sensitive and I can't imagine our family without her! Her bday was on the 16th and we celebrated by going to Rainforest Cafe for dinner, then "High School Musical- The Ice Tour" at Key arena. It was a BLAST.

Seven Things I Adore about Annie: (please indulge me a moment of bragging...)

1. Her SMILE. Annie is such a happy girl! She always has something exciting to tell me! She is beautiful!

2. Her "IDEAS". She is pretty much the most creative child I know- always coming up with inventions or really well-thought out suggestions about how to do things. (I really loved the underpants sling-shot, by the way, A...)

3. Her PASSION for learning. Annie LOVES to read- always has. In fact, some of her favorite pasttimes are reading, listening to audio books, and learning about history or science. She knows her scriptures and gives lots of lessons at family home evening. She has a broad knowledge base of so many things- I'm so pleased that she has developed this love.

4. Her ART. Annie has a stunning ability to notice and recall details. She draws beautiful pictures and always amazes me with her "fashion" creations and other things.

5. Her SENSE OF HUMOR. Oh, she didn't stand a chance with two crazy people as her parents. She's a hoot. I love how she makes me laugh.

6. Her COMPASSION. I love watching Annie "play" soccer. She spends the whole time helping kids up when they fall down- no matter what team they are on. It's so sweet. She has the same love for her siblings (though they do make her nuts more often than not) and she always wants to make breakfast for Jim and I and do whatever she can to help.

7. Her desire to do what's RIGHT. Annie is a good girl. She is very concerned about justice- about fairness and kindness. (Maybe she'll be a lawyer someday...)

I love you, Annie. My life is so much better for having you in it. I thank Heavenly Father every day that He thought me worthy to be your mommy. You are an amazing big sister and daughter and I'm so grateful we have your personality in our home! Happy Birthday!

For anyone local who follows my blog...

Don't forget... those of you who are Twilight readers and fans...Twilight Movie party- meet at Sarah V.'s house FRIDAY at 8:30- bring an appetizer or dessert to share. We'll get sugared up and go see the movie (YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!) at 10:30. If you HAVEN'T purchased your ticket yet- get on it, lady! :) Try www.fandango.com . Remember, 10:30pm show!!!!

Tallulah Twinkletoes!

Hey Everyone- sorry I've been out of it for a while- I have, however been busy. I have a new business venture that I want to share with you. A website is in the works, but until it's finished, here is my blog: www.tallulahtwinkletoes.blogspot.com . Go check it out!