Today and always I am grateful for...

* My husband-- my patient, caring, loving, smart, modest, funny, sometimes silly, other times serious, positive, confident, compassionate, God fearing, always willing to land a hand... Brett. I admire this man for many reasons and I am grateful to the Lord for making him my husband. I always learn new things about Brett who never fails to surprise me with his witt.
* My children -- my heart is filled with joy as I say the words "my children"! I love these little people to pieces! Kylie's intelligence and caring spirit, always asking questions well beyond her age. Brayden, my spirited, loving, huggable, energetic, handsome son. Colton, oh my baby Colton...his smile could cure a broken heart or any other kinds of hurts. He is the most expressive baby and the most stubborn as well. I am grateful to the Lord for entrusting them to me, for keeping them healthy, and for helping them know HIM.
* Grandparents -- my children have the most amazing grandparents. They spoil them, they build them up, they always do fun things with them, they shape them, they LOVE them!!! My parents(the other set of gparents) don't live close but I know how much they brag about them and how much they love them.
* Aunts and uncles-- again, my children have the most incredible aunts and uncles, who never fail to show them affection and how important they are to them.
*Great grandparents-- not many children are lucky enough to meet and know their great grandparents. Ggma Dodie and Ggpa Bill are patient and loving. They are involved in my childrens' lives and I know they are making an impact every time they spend time with them or talk on the phone.
* My grandparents --They were my rock as I was growing up. They have offered me comfort and showed me what love means, and for that I will always remain in love with them and forever grateful. I miss you mamaie si tataie!
* People who made a lasting impact --This list will most definitely start with my grandparents and could include many, many people but I am going to just mention the ones that first come to mind. My aunt and uncle in California for giving me a chance at a new beginning. The Neitring family, for taking me into your home and welcoming me into your lives. Mrs. Weigert for being a mentor. My best friend growing up and always (Alina) for always being there(even when distance could have been an issue--US and Switzerland) and for being a strong, no beating around the bushes kinda' woman.
* Last but not least - Thank you LORD for giving me a future and a hope. For saving my soul and for blessing me abundantly. I LOVE YOU!

The list could be endless but I will stop here. Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that we all find the things we are most grateful for, today and always....

Little artist..

She may not be working on a painting for Queen Elizabeth, like child prodigy Alexandra Nechita http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE_eoOPWwqc ... but in my book, at almost 5 years of age, she is my prodigy... :)

Date night!

Brett took me on a surprise date last night!!! ...And by surprise I mean that I didn't know where he was taking me. I was really excited and insisted we pretended we were on our first date ever...and had random conversations that any normal people would NOT have on their first date!! It was funny!
We went to Iowa's oldest restaurant..."Breitbach's Country Dining". I remember reading in the paper last year, that this restaurant caught fire 2 years in a row and both times was in October. I am betting the owner was relieved when October was over this year, and we were glad we went there in November.

My grandparents used to have one of these in their home. We used it to cook food in the winter and to warm up the kitchen. I feel really ancient as I write that I used to cook food on a stove similar to this one....

I am betting Nicole would have loved this!

ME, all nervous on a first date...

Brett telling me what to order ( a DON'T on 1st dates, or any dates for that matter).

Fun filled Fall days...

Fall Festival

Kylie's preschool class had a fall/Halloween party last week. It was a lot of fun for the little munchkins! The festivities started with a game of trick-or treat...

...and continued with games like: "pin the heart on the skeleton" and bean toss.

Halloween 2009

For Halloween, Kylie was Belle, Brayden was a pirate, Colton was a bee (this is my baby Halloween custome, all my kids wore it!), I was a cat, and after the big win on Saturday, Brett was the #1 Iowa fan, wearing a big Iowa sweatshirt ;).

Trick AND treat!

Now, it"s time to get tricked playing a round of: "who's who".

Picture 1: Colton(10&1/2mo.) Picture 2: Kylie (10 mo.) Picture 3:Colton

And this is why I call them "my twins"!!! What a treat!!!