Things I'm Thankful For...

Just 8 more days till Thanksgiving. As I've been pondering over what I'm thankful for this year I thought I'd create a list...And add to it every day as I recollect all the things I have to be grateful for. Here goes (in no particular order)...

• a warm home
• Dylan's giggle
• laughter
• deep breaths
• my mom and dad and the things they've taught me
• happy thoughts
• noise
• sunshine
• cuddles
• hugs
• rainy days
• bubble baths
• online shopping
• online banking
• email to keep in touch with those I love
• Dyl's phrase in every prayer (even when blessing the food) "Thank you for my awesome Mom!"
• PB&J
• green M&M's
• smiles
• security
• stability
• knowledge
• no regrets
• cell phones
• computers
• neices
• nephews
• siblings
• Dyl's art projects
• Dyl's songs...real & made-up
• photographs
• service (both giving & receiving)
• talks w/Dyl
• Sacrifice
• road trips
• Christmas lights
• quiet moments
• people who make a big deal over Dylan
• those who stick by me no matter what
• my pillowcase my mom cross-stitched for me
• a strong work ethic
• independence
• energy
• hot cocoa
• freedom to live how I choose
• Easter candy
• small town folks
• sugar cookies
• towels right out of the dryer
• a healthy child
• bubbles
• fresh air
• baby lotion
• life lessons
• the scent of onions (reminds me of my mom's hands when I was little--She was always cooking!)
• Vicks vapor-rub
• homemade blankies
• wisdom and good advice
• sidewalk chalk
• crazy people...they keep life interesting!
• working from home
• clouds
• people who "understand" me
• Dyl's big, brown, beautiful eyes
• peace
• blogging
• lazy weekends
• fruity candles
• homemade french fries w/Idaho spuds right out of the ground
• Sunday naps...They don't happen often...but, when they do...ahhhh!
• squishy old people
• transportation
• good people with good hearts
• honesty and tranquility
• Christ
• the smell of Thanksgiving dinner
• male role models for Dyl
• teachers
• Dyl's sense of humor
• trust...It was a 4-letter word for a long time!
• Forgiveness
• Water balloons
• snowmen
• campfires
• dates w/Dyl

PB & Mayo Mustard Turkey

So today I was feeling a little tired and didn't feel like cooking dinner...It's a Monday! I asked Dyl what kind of sandwich he wanted ('cuz he's happy with sandwiches). He said, "I think I'll have a potato sandwich--No, wait--What are those red things called?" When I told him tomatoes he decided that's what he'd have. By the time we arrived home Dyl had changed his mind, only he couldn't decide if he wanted turkey or peanut butter. I made myself a turkey sandwich as Dyl insisted he was going to make his own. It started out with peanut butter and then he reached over for the turkey. I told him that whatever he made he was going to eat 'cuz there wasn't any bread left. "I know, Mom...It's good!" After the turkey came the mayo and mustard and a slice of bread on top. Dylan proudly put some chips on his plate and carried it over to the table. After the blessing Dyl started chomping away. After the first bite I thought for sure Dyl was going to say how gross it was...But he loved it and finished the whole thing! Scrumptious!

Happy 4th, Karly!

Today we celebrated Karly's 4th birthday...Can you believe how time flies? Happy Birthday, Kars!

Disney on Ice...Princess Edition!

Princess Disney on Ice is the only Disney on Ice we haven't been to yet...For the simple reason that I assumed Dyl wouldn't be interested in princesses. Little did I know! Dyl was so way excited to chauffeur his 2 little princesses to the show. We brought along Uncle Anthony and his girlfriend, Julie, Karly, Brittany, and Julie's neice, Madison. It was a beautiful day and the weather started out perfect. We rode Trax down to Energy Solutions arena and the show began.

When Disney on Ice was over we looked outside and snow was coming down in white, puffy flakes and the wind was blowing. It was so freezin' cold! The kids were troopers...

And even our little pregnant Brittany didn't whine too much...

The Tobacco Police...

So Grandpa Findlay thinks that smoking is the most disgusting habit there is. In an effort to freak them out, Grandpa gathered all 7 grandkids (who are 5 and younger) around to view the "Totally Disgusting Gross-out Smoking Video"---Which is technically reserved for 4th graders. That was about a year ago and ever since then Dyl has been on a mission to warn the world about the dangers of smoking. Grandpa Bates got a lecture when he was out for a visit this summer. Dyl told the neighbor that if she doesn't quit smoking her fingers are going to fall off...And tonight at the store, a young kid was standing in the aisle reaking of smoke---Dyl told him he'd lend him his smoking video so he can quit before he talks like a robot. You'd think a mother would be a little embarrassed...But heck---He's standing up for something he believes in! Conviction, baby!

How Sad!!!

Today Dyl went to a new babysitter for the first time. Joy is going to watch Dyl on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from the time he's out of preschool till the time I get off work. Anyways, I drove up and went to get out of the car to take Dylan to the door, thinking he might be a little scared on his first day. He goes, "Geez, Mom...you don't have to treat me like a baby! I can go by myself!" Well alrighty then!!!!

Playin' dress-up

Dyl and Shaylee always find a way to entertain themselves!

The Princess has entered the room!

My neice, Shaylee changes her clothes 50 times a day...While I had the camera out I figured I'd capture it on camera! So cute!

Love/Hate Relationship

Meet my terrific 2-year-old neice and nephew...

This is Shaylee...
And this is Payton...
So the way the story goes...Shay and Payton had a fantastic weekend. They played and laughed together the whole time...They pretended like they were sleeping...
And Shaylee began to tell Payton a story about the 3 Bears. Shay told Payton he couldn't lay in the bed 'cuz it was Goldilock's bed. That didn't really sit too well with Payton so he whopped her in the nose. Shaylee began to cry. Payton looked at Shay and then looked at me and, afraid he was going to get in trouble, began crying, too...
...And they lived happily ever after!

The Dashing Deckers...

My baby sister, Ashley, and her adorable boys came down to hang out this weekend. We decided to take some family pictures and here are the results...Fabulous!

Dylan to the Rescue!

A couple of days ago Dyl was talking on the phone to Grandpa and Grandpa told him there's an owl goin' around the farm and it's killing his kittens. Dyl told Grandpa not to worry 'cuz he and Chase are coming up there and trapping that owl so they can "shoot it." Tomorrow Aunt Tracy is going to take Chase and Dyl to Grandma & Grandpa's and the owl is the only thing Dyl's been talking about. He's such an owl hunter expert but he's a little nervous 'cuz he wants to make sure before he totally commits to this project that the owl won't be able to come and attack him...Dyl's always brave till it actually comes around to getting close to animals...He's terrified of them all!

Freak Out!

Dyl hopped out of the bathtub and yelled, "Mom...you are gonna FREAK OUT!" A couple of minutes later this is what entered the room..Not sure if it's the choice of pj's or the Joker that was supposed to make me freak!

Burgers and Ponies...

Astro Burger Dude: Hi! Welcome to Astro Burger! May I please take your order?
Dylan: Ya...I'd like a pony please.

I LOVE Beautiful!

Every night after we read books I lay in Dyl's bed with him for a few minutes and just talk about the day. I hold Dylan's hand and, as I fold each finger down, I name off one reason I love Dylan today...Till we count all fingers on the hand. Dyl has been wanting to participate and he does really well for the first couple. Then it ends up with, "I love my mom 'cuz she's beautiful...I love my mom 'cuz she has beautiful hair...I love my mom 'cuz she has beautiful feet." Really--It's a great self-esteem builder!

Sidewalk Graffiti...

This is why I absolutely adore this little guy! Dyl's sidewalk graffiti totally melts my heart! It was so nice today to just stay home and hang out with Dyl. We didn't have a darn thing to do. We just hung out in the backyard...Being silly, drawing, and throwing the football back and forth.

Mom & Dyl just hangin' out...

Spongebob Squarepants
The busy little bumble bee...
The cow on Grandpa's farm...
A scary monster...
The praying mantis that was hangin' out on our front doorstep this summer...
Dyl showing off his best side...

Little Ham!