New Toys...

I must tell you, that the last post was sincere...However, today my new toy was delivered, and G's too. We got each other new toys for Christmas...And it isn't what you think! I got him a dryer, and he got me a washer!
OHHH, they are so wonderful! And QUIET! It just got fun to do the laundry. I have been wanting new ones for about 3 years, and they just kept on giving. But then the washer started to leak, so we decided after about 13 years of a used set, we would get new one. I really didn't realize how loud the old ones were. I don't even have to shut the laundry room door. I can barely hear them with the door open.
And just so you know, I went with the Electrolux.
I really like them so far. I like them enough that I just might start doing my children's laundry again. Just kidding kids! I will share them with you though.

Good Things:
1. Quiet
2. Meaningful gifts
3. A husband who wanted a dryer.

Christmas at the Koenigs

We had a great Christmas season. Here were a few highlights:

• Making a gingerbread house (or castle) with someone else doing the gingerbread making. And yes, it was even homemade. It was so much fun. Thanks Sommer family.
• Caroling with friends. This is my favorite tradition. I grew up doing it, and I just can't stop. We sounded amazing thanks to friends with great voices. Thanks Brummett, Barton, & Sommer families.
• A visit from the Brummett's - to go caroling. So fun to see their cute family grow.
• Christmas Eve with more friends. Yummy food, fun games, and visiting. Thanks Jones and Williams families.
• More Christmas Eve and Christmas with Family. Of course more food and games. Thanks Guisti and Koenig families.
• New Year's Eve blessings we want for the coming year and making new friends. Thanks Lords family.
• Braiden's baptism
• A visit from my parents - even if it was quick and I had meetings all day.

The rest of the time we just relaxed, played more games, and ate more yummy food. As you can see we are so blessed to have so many friends and family to spend time with. We enjoy the time we spent with all of you and appreciate your kindness and friendship. Sometimes we get caught up thinking life is all about things, but it is really about relationships. I love that we had so many opportunities this Christmas season to strengthen friendships with both family and friends, and hope I can be a better friend to all. I learn from all of you and your example.

We are also blessed to understand the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives and the need for the sacrifice he made for us. So silly that we try to give tangible gifts in celebration of what he has done for us, when the gift he has given is so precious.

So...Thank you to all who made our Christmas wonderful.

Baby, it's cold outside!

There are many reasons I live where I live. And although the climate really doesn't factor in, I have become very accustomed to the mild climate. I love the windy springs, the hot summer by the pool, the long indian summers, and the warm winters...or so it was until Sunday! The kids had two snow days this week. Now really, it isn't what you think. There were only 8-10 inches of snow, but, we don't have the equipment or crews to deal with it very efficiently. So, no school. The temperatures then plummeted for a few more days, and yesterday we warmed up to 24 as the high. Let me remind you, we don't like it, aren't used to it, and aren't prepared for it. No snow shovels left in this town. Our poor dog shivers, and even I felt sorry for her. I have coped this week by staying exremely close to my fireplace and lots of hot chocolate. Yes, I will admit that I am a wimp when it comes to cold and snow these days. However, we did take some cute pictures in the snow. Brrrr!

Good Things:

1. hot chocolate

2. fireplaces

3. having an excuse to stay hom

I took this from a blog I read. I thought it was perfect for Thanksgiving. Thanks Wendy. (You always have the best quotes.)
"The unthankful heart...discovers no mercies; but let thankful heart swee[ through day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings."
Henry Ward Beecher

Good Things

I have been thinking of everything I am thankful for. Of course, there is the obvious, family, husband, temple, atonement, home, job, life, prophet, etc. Today, I want to name a few littles things...some of life's simple pleasures. . .

my own bed, games to play with my family, home grown tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, bubble bath, cell phones, soft quality toilet paper, friends, a dishwasher, grapefruit spoons, keyless entry and start on my car, sisters, my camera, hot chocolate with whip cream, my sewing machine, new recipes, counselors, internet, warm fuzzy socks, prayer, gym instructor, zip lock bags, symphony bars, dvr, hand sanitizer, music...

The list could go on and on. So while you are thinking of what you are thankful for, don't forget the little stuff. Yes, we could all do without it if we had too, but it sure makes life a pleasure. Your assignment...name one of your simple pleasures on the comments.
Happy Thanksgiving!

A Tender Mercy

As many of you know, I am not an animal lover by any stretch of the imagination. We have a dog at our house, whom I am not very fond of. She is really D's dog, and he loves her dearly. D seems to get the short end of the stick in many areas because boys are a minority at our house. The dog is truly his, and he takes pretty good care of her. See pees on my grass, digs in my garden, climbs on top of our cars, jumps up on you, and runs away. A few weeks ago, on a very busy day, I received a call from the pound. She had run away yet again, and was found in town roaming the streets. Because I know D loves her, we went and got her and brought her home, with instructions to not let her free. She was to be on a leash or tied up all the time. Which worked well until K let her go yesterday. Of course she ran away, and the kids hollered, and drove around looking for her for a long time. D was very sad, and I really didn't think she would come home. Really, who would if you were tied up all the time.
This morning I kept telling D to eat breakfast, several times, I told him, and was getting a little irritated that he was going to make us late. He finally said, I am fasting! Well, feeling rather foolish for bothering him, I said a quick prayer to please bring Mia home and answer a boy's humble prayer. Needless to say, Mia did come home.
What I have learned is that:
1. I need more faith
2. Fasting and prayer really works
3. Heavenly Father really knows each of us on an individual level, and he knows what is important to us
4. He provides us with experiences that strengthen us
Call it coincidence if you want, but I know, that the faith of an eleven year old boy brought the one thing home that he cares about.

Good Things:
1. Tender mercies
2. Faith of a child
3. D