Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Homemade Candy

I'm grateful for homemade candy and how in my family, it goes right along with celebrating Thanksgiving. My wonderful little sis suggested we roll caramels in chocolate just like we did when Grandma Callister was still alive. It was a fun experience to create with our kids and in a special way honor my Grandma. I sure miss her.

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tender Mercies

I'm grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in my life. Yesterday I slammed into a parked car and destroyed the side of their car. I felt awful. seriously. awful. Luckily, the children and I were safe, but I've worried about it since the moment it happened. I prayed that they would be forgiving and understanding. Because we only have liability on the van, Wade and I have been freaking out about how much we're going to have to pay of our own money. $1000? $2000? more? Since we hope to move in the spring, we need all our savings intact for the down payment. I was afraid that this and a few other big expenses that have come up may signify another year or two delay in moving. I felt so discouraged until the insurance company called me today and surprised me with the news that they would cover 100% of the damages! What?! I was shocked and immediately called Wade who had me repeat the news a few times till it really sunk in, and we were elated and so grateful!

Remember this talk by Elder David A Bednar? It still humbles me and helps me give God credit for ALL the little miracles that touch my life.

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, November 28, 2011

Teeter Totter Swings

I'm grateful for teeter totter swings. Watching these two cuties swing on this for hours every day over the Thanksgiving holiday reminded me of the teeter totter swings I shared with my cool cousins back in the day. Ah, memories.
What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Pianist in Training

I'm grateful for my little pianist in training (all 3 of them!) I've had pictures of the baby with our old keyboard before, but it's especially fun to see her plunking away on my parent's baby grand in St. George. Music is so important to our family, and I truly look forward to watching my kids develop their music skills through the years. :)

What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Better Than Almost Anything Cake

I'm grateful for Better Than Almost Anything Cake. it. is. heavenly. As I mentioned yesterday, besides THIS beauty, I really prefer pie over cake. You can tell I kind of like it a lot when it's all I asked for my birthday last year. Kim, one my best buddies, came through, and made me some to share at my Girl's Party. Yay! I think I had thirds. Shhh! It was my birthday, don't tell.

Sheesh, now that I've spilled the beans, I better post my favorite healthful recipes next week. hehe I hope you're enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend. :)

What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Pie!

I'm grateful for pie (like REALLY grateful!) Since our first Relief Society Pie Making Marathon in 2009, I practiced and practiced at home and now feel quite comfortable whipping up a pie for dessert. In fact, I'm thinking of going into business to begin selling my pies (totally kidding). I've always preferred a good fruit pie over cake, besides ONE very special cake I'll post about tomorrow. ;) For Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, I made two pumpkin pies and one apple pie. At home in my freezer, I have 3 more homemade pies waiting to be cooked and shared with friends. Anyone want to come over? Johnny, you know we're already saving one for you, buddy.

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving

LinkI'm grateful for Thanksgiving and the chance we have to gather as family and reflect on our many blessings and enjoy yummy food together. The WHY behind this special holiday makes me smile. I love American history. Maybe we could focus on it more rather than this crazy obsession with Black Friday sales the day after. haha ;) It's felt like Thanksgiving EVERYDAY the last 6 months as I've shared thoughts of gratitude daily. This gratitude blog, "Sunshine in My Soul," has been and will continue to be a happy creation that blesses my life is so many ways as it keeps me in a constant space of gratitude. There is soooo much to be grateful for!
What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sonju Girls

I'm grateful for the Sonju girls and how they bring me soooo much joy! I have never met a child with Down Syndrome that didn't bring a smile to my face, but these two in particular are really dear to my heart. I spent some time with Macey, Madi, Halle, and Andie today, and it felt like coming home, just like when I used to nanny them several years ago. This photo was taken in May of 2008, and they have grown up so much since then so I wish I would have brought my camera so I could post a photo of them from today. I love these girls and am grateful to have them as my friends and my teachers.

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Footed Pajamas

I'm grateful for the footed pajamas that keep my kiddos toasty warm on cold nights in the winter. I kind of want one for me...what do you think? ;)

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, November 21, 2011

My Sunshine, Brandi Wilcox

I'm grateful for My Sunshine, Brandi Wilcox. There are only a few really special ladies in my life I nicknamed Sunshine, and Brandi is the one who first inspired the idea. Julie Kohler and Lindsay Keith Hamilton are the other two because they also radiate joy whenever I see them, just like Brandi. :) Whenever I travel to St. George to be with my family, often it's a short enough trip that I don't have time to visit many friends, but I always, always stop to see My Sunshine. She's been one of my best friends for 8 years, and she just lifts me up and sees the best in me. I love this girl so much and am very grateful to have her sweet friendship in my life.

What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Ninja kids

I'm grateful for my ninja kids with their wicked awesome moves, thanks to their Ninja Master, Matteo Neil. Who ever would have guessed a teenager would have so much skill, discipline, and positive influence to be a Ninja Master for my kids? Thanks Matteo. You rock my friend.

What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Neighborhood Block Party

I'm grateful for the Neighborhood Block Party we host in our home every fall. As you can see our baby somehow convinced her big brother to share his chocolate cream pie with her at the party, and she was delighted! Oops! Every year, we invite 100 families all along our block, and about 30 - 40 usually make it. It's been a fun tradition for the past 4 years, especially since most of our neighbors on our block aren't members of our faith, so we don't see them every Sunday, and this gives us a chance to meet new neighbors. It's neat to have the diversity that we do so we can connect with and learn from so many different types of people. What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dinner with Dino and Shannon Watt

I'm grateful for our double date dinner with Dino and Shannon Watt at Olive Garden. They invited us to join them and told us more about their amazing Business of Marriage seminar and their one-on-one coaching program that Wade and I have been considering investing in to help us revolutionize our marriage.

After dinner, we gathered with several other couples for the Watt's monthly Date Night where Cassie Howard with Full Circle Connections talked about our different archetypes (inborn energies and personalities). Uplifting, interesting, and memorable evening for sure!

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Taylor's mad skills

I'm grateful for Taylor's mad skills of busting the doorknob apart so he and Kelsey could use their bathroom again. haha Taylor and Kelsey rent our basement apartment and keep us laughing all the time. Unconsciously, Taylor had locked the bathroom door, and we didn't have a key for it, so Kelsey and I had no idea what to do besides pay $100 for a locksmith to come. When Taylor got home from work tonight, he spent almost an hour, but finally demolished the doorknob and broke the lock so we could get in again. We were cracking up, especially at Taylor's serious face posing for this photo.

What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Jump in the leaves

I'm grateful to watch my kids jump in the big pile of leaves just like I did when I was a kid (and when I did it yesterday, too.) haha It's pure joy.

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Haircut

I'm grateful for my little girl's haircut that is cute and stylish, and will be much easier to comb through now!

PS) Her daddy must have taught her to pose like that because it certainly wasn't me! haha

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Power of Our Thoughts!

I'm grateful for the POWER of our THOUGHTS! My daughter has had a picture of a pillow pet on her VISION BOARD for 6 months now. For those of you new to that concept, a vision board is a place on your bedroom wall where you post pictures and words of the things you want most. Sometimes she does chores to earn what she wants and other times, it comes as a hand me down or gift from someone else. As a family, we talk OFTEN about the power of our thoughts and how if you truly focus on what you want, you'll receive it.

When this cuddly pillow pet arrived in the mail as a birthday gift from Grandma a few weeks ago, my daughter exclaimed with enthusiasm, "See mom, it's the POWER of my THOUGHTS that brought me my pillow pet FINALLY!" It totally made me smile to hear these words from her mouth. Our thoughts are powerful! What we focus on ALWAYS expands, whether it's the negative or the positive. It's cool to see my kiddos learning this concept, too.

What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, November 13, 2011

New Hats

I'm grateful for new hats. They are sensational on bad hair days and are just fun to wear. :)

What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

When Grandma and Papa come to town

I'm grateful when Grandma and Papa Lang come to town. We always find something extra fun to do. They took us all to see Puss in Boots, which kept us laughing for 2 hours straight! Hilarious! Even my baby kept pointing to the big screen and saying, "Kitty!"over and over.
The next morning, my mom and I went shopping for birthday and Christmas presents while my dad was at the Republican Convention in Ogden. Thanks Grandma and Papa for spending time with us and bringing a smile to all our faces. We love you!

What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, November 11, 2011

Girls Night with Cynthia

I'm grateful for my Girls Night with Cynthia tonight. We ate Papa Murphey's pizza and watched While You Were Sleeping just like we used to when we were teenagers. We missed having Katie there, and it wasn't quite the same without her, but we still had had a great time. Katie, next time will you bring the game of Life and some churros? That would really make it like old times. :)

Cynthia has been one of the most loyal and understanding friends I've ever had. She just gets me and has always seen the best in me. Since the day we first met in our 7th grade PE class, where we became instant best friends, to the late night sleepovers writing in the little black and white notebook, riding bikes to the "park with the birds and the trees" and the "park with the birds and the bees," liking the same boy at one time, performing in the high school musicals together, singing in the Madrigals choir with "the beard" (Mr Moore), hanging out with the same AWESOME group of friends, attending the singles ward together where she KNEW Wade and I were perfect for one another, and I kept saying, "No, we're just friends," throwing bridal showers for one another, having our first 2 babies just weeks apart, both of us moving from St. George to Salt Lake and watching our kids play together, to this stage in our life now where we are both LOVING the Prosperity Tribe networking group and having the courage to think differently, to think positive. Thanks Cynth for the laughs tonight and for always being there for me.

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Halloween year round!

I'm grateful for Halloween year round at my house thanks to my imaginative son. If he's not dressing up in a dozen different costumes, then he's dressing down to just his underwear, running around the house as Tarzan or a tiger. He's always playing pretend, and I can't help but wonder what he's going to come up with next. This photo was taken this morning when his best friend came over to play. Then he changed into his Batman costume for our Mommy and Me Music Class. It was there that another mom asked him if he thought it was still Halloween. Yep! ALL YEAR ROUND! And I wouldn't have it any other way.



What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Homeless Shelter

I'm grateful to have spent an hour with the children at the homeless shelter tonight. I don't think ANYTHING humbles me more and helps me recognize my many blessings than spending time with kids like that. They have so little and are cold and hungry so much of the time, yet their spirits are pure and beautiful. While the young women of our church group played games with the majority of the children, I noticed a shy little girl in the corner. She resembled the very essence of her name, "Angel." She and I spent most of the time together pretending to cook at the play kitchen, eat a banquet of delicious food, and care for her baby doll. Angel and I became instant friends, as I often do with children, and I magically brought a smile to her lovely face with my silliness. She magically brought a smile to mine, as well. It was precious to share my joyful energy and gifts with her and receives her unique gifts likewise. I didn't want to go when it was time to leave my new friend. When I met her mother, I took her hand in mine, and said, "Thank you for sharing your daughter with us tonight. She is so special." The mother teared up and Angel just beamed up at me.

My cup overfloweth tonight.

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Fall!

I'm grateful for fall! The colorful leaves, pumpkins, fun home decor, stylish boots, pies, candles, Christmas music, family and birthday celebrations, and newly sharpened pencils (name the movie anyone?) all remind me of my favorite season, fall! Ironically, just as our delightful yellow leaves fell to the ground and covered our entire backyard, it snowed here days later. Such typical, crazy Salt Lake weather! At least I appreciate both fall and winter, so bring it on, as long as I have my cozy slippers, hot chocolate, and It's a Wonderful Life. :)

On another note, the WINNERS of the NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY are Melody, Kit, and Darcy!!!

Congrats ladies! Contact Harmony at harmonyflooring@yahoo.com to schedule your powerful one-on-one coaching session. I'm stoked for you because Harmony is so awesome! Looking forward to another giveaway I'll announce on December 1st. :)

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, November 7, 2011

Manic Mondays

I'm grateful for Manic Mondays that help me DEEPLY appreciate the other days of the week. It's not like every Monday is a Manic Monday where I want to pull my hair out. But today was, and I'm ready for it to be over. Catch you tomorrow, my friends! Hopefully, I'll have a better attitude then. ;)

You have until Midnight tonight to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Daylight Savings Time

I'm grateful for Daylight Savings Time. I know it can be obnoxious when our clocks spring forward in the spring, but when they fall back in the fall....ahhh, so nice...one more blessed hour of sleep! And I adore the sunshine in the mornings now! It felt so dark before. Maybe it is a good idea. What do you think?

Only 2 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Exersaucer

I'm grateful for our exersaucer that was given to us 6 years ago as a hand-me-down and has provided hours of entertainment for our babies through the years (not to mention an opportunity for mommy to finally get some chores done while they're occupied for 15 minutes!) The other day, I got the exersaucer out to let my sister borrow it. And it was hilarious to put my one year old in it just for fun. I couldn't help but remember her enjoying it earlier this year when she still looked like a baby and not a growing toddler like she is now.
Only 3 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Basketball

I'm grateful for my little basketball star, with his own unique skills and definitely his own unique look. He's just an awesome kid. He wanted to look like Troy from High School Musical so he found his sister's headband, and check him out! I laugh every time I see this picture. :)

Only 4 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Motherly Instinct

LinkI'm grateful to watch both my daughters develop the innate motherly instinct within them. I found my baby the other day holding this baby doll in her arms and giving her a bottle to drink. It was so adorable! And I've mentioned before how she takes good care of our kitty, giving her lots of gentle "pat, pats" on the back. Two thoughts came to my mind: One, that these little children truly do watch us all the time, modeling our actions and words. And two, there is an undeniable motherly and fatherly instinct within all of us, even when we're young, to care for one another. This continued caring is what I think makes the world go round.

Only 5 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

My son's ability to bring joy

I'm grateful for my son's ability to bring joy to others. He is just a ball of energy and happiness and can make anyone smile within minutes of being around him. One afternoon, he was making his baby cousin laugh out loud for longer than my sister has ever seen him laugh. It was precious!

Only 6 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

GIVEAWAY!!! A BONUS for my peeps!

It's time for another GIVEAWAY!!!

Everyone had so much fun with my last giveaway (especially the 3 WINNERS, woo woo!) that I'm going to have a GIVEAWAY on the FIRST day of the EVERY month! Because who doesn't love winning free stuff right? :)
I'm grateful for my friend, Harmony Williams, and how she motivates me to live a healthy and active lifestyle. And since it's the FIRST day of November, Harmony is sponsoring the GIVEAWAY this month!

3 lucky winners will receive a one-on-one coaching session with personal trainer, Harmony Williams. This woman will help you create your IDEAL BODY and LIFE where you will see incredible results fast! She can either work with you in person, do a workout over skpe, or have the coaching session over the phone, if you don't live close by. It's YOUR choice!

You can receive an entry for each of the following:


  • Leave a comment below.

  • Add your email to the "Follow by Email" list and comment that you did.

  • LIKE the "Sunshine in my Soul" Facebook page and comment that you did.

  • Become a "Follower" of this blog and comment that you did.

  • Share this Giveaway post to your blog, website, and/or Facebook wall and comment that you did.

You have until MIDNIGHT on November 7th to enter up to 5 times! That's just 7 days away. The winner will be announced the following morning, November 8th.



Ready, Set, Share (and comment)!

What are YOU grateful for?