The weeks are flying by!

We've had a good week, although the time seems to go by so fast. Mackenzie had her Thanksgiving feast at preschool last week. Emma and I went to help serve food. The kids enjoyed a turkey dinner then sang and recited poems. I took a little video of her at home singing one of her songs. Emma also wanted to sing so of course I obliged. 

It's been a busy week with work and photo deadlines. Josh and I leave for our trip on Sunday, so I'm trying to get everything organized for us to be gone. I promised the girls we'd decorate for Christmas before we left so that will be fun. Josh put up lights last night and the girls were very excited about that. Even though Christmas will be here before we know it, I'm really trying to take each day as it comes and enjoy all the holiday season brings.

I'm thankful for...

First, just a little belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! 

At this time I've been reflecting on things I'm thankful for. These are in no particular order, just my thoughts as they came. 

I'm thankful for...

A savior who loves me even though I don't deserve it

A husband who comes home every night

Two precious girls who light up my days

A healthy baby growing in my womb

Being able to listen to Mackenzie read books

Emma staying dry for four days and starting to wear big girl panties

Good meals, lots of laughs and time with family this past week

Sharing warm apple pie with Mackenzie and Emma

An upcoming getaway with just my hubby

The beginning of Advent and a time of reflection

Our family and friends across the country

Reading books, the Bible and praying before bed with the girls

Only paying $1.87 for gas this week

Work that Josh and I both enjoy and fits with our family

Living on a ranch and raising our children around agriculture

Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and counted your blessings-both big and small!

Game time

Mackenzie and Josh watching the game. 

Emma can say football, touchdown, cow, Uncle Joe, Papa (Grandpa) and Mama (Grandma). Josh has been working with her on these words lately.

This week

Just a few silly photos of Emma to share. This is how the story goes. Well, you know she loves wearing her Tigger costume, so she was in it yet again. She and Josh were in the playroom closet looking for a hat for him to wear. She kept pointing to a hat and he offered them to her. She said, "No, you." Then, she'd point again. Finally he figured out she wanted to wear his Boise State hat. She came running out of the room showing off her hat and being silly. 

In other news, MJ brought a Dick and Jane book home from preschool that she's been reading. She's doing very well. 

We had a little scare with baby as I had to do the 3-hour glucose test since my levels were elevated on Tuesday. Fortunately, everything came back normal. Each of our babies has given us a little scare, but they have all been delivered healthy and my pregnancies have been quite easy so we're thankful for that. I had to be at the hospital at 8 a.m. for the test so Josh was in charge of the girls. I did get them up and do their hair because it was preschool pictures that day, but he handled the rest. I have to give him kudos as he has been really helpful with the girls and the house lately. That's always appreciated.

Josh said Emma followed MJ around preschool and did everything bib sister did. The photographer's assistant filled out a card and gave it to each of the girls. MJ stood with her hand behind her back. Emma did the same. MJ gave hers Josh to hold so she could go to something. Emma did the same thing. I can only imagine. I'm anxious to see the photos as Emma didn't want to sit with her sister for their together pic, but she did do okay by herself. That girl is definitely independent, but we wouldn't want her any other way! 

Empty bowls

Last night, MJ, Stephanie and I went to Boise to a paint-your-own pottery studio. We made soup bowls to donate to the Idaho Foodbank's Empty Bowls campaign. At the end of the month, area chefs fill the bowls with homemade soup and people in the community come buy them and the money goes to the food bank. Steph and I did it a couple years ago and we thought we'd make it our fall tradition. I felt Mackenzie was old enough to join us and she had such a great time. It's always fun to get the creative juices flowing. We definitely want to go back and paint more pieces. MJ already picked out a horse she wants to do. 

Emma, Josh and Jared hung out and watched football in Nampa. 

Comments anyone?

Hey, just thought I'd put another plea out for comments. I am curious to see who is reading our updates. Thanks!