Trimming the Tree

The last few days have been crazy, but great at the same time.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend a lot of time with family.  As I type this entry I am sitting by the light of our Christmas tree, watching an ABC Family Christmas movie (they are ALMOST as cheesy as the Hallmark channel, but I love them).  I love this time of year...and since I neglected to post my last entry of Gratitude I want to include that in this post. 

Day Five:  Christmas.

This year I may be especially excited for the holiday's because Andy will be home for Christmas (flies in Christmas Eve none the less).  I love the music, the gifts, the decorations and just the feeling in general.  I can't wait to share our old family traditions with Noah, and to start some of our own.  What a special time of year. 

But I am especially grateful the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  To him I owe all I have.



Regardless of your faith, I hope you all can be touched by Christmas this year.

This year will be Noah's first Christmas...and since I failed in taking pictures at Thanksgiving, I promised Andy that I would redeem myself and take plenty of pictures of us 'trimming the tree' - or decorating, if you will.  Noah loves lights, and the lights on the Christmas tree were no exception.  He was so cute and curious...and I think he is just as excited for Christmas as his mom.

I love decorating for Christmas.  Noah even put an ornament on the tree...but he was sure to slobber all over it before hand.  Next year we will be able to share this special tradition with Andy.  So here's to a Merry Christmas to all of you, only 25 days til Christmas Eve!

PS. Something FUN and random...I ran across this little gem on YouTube the other night.  Can you say flashback?? I watched every one...well, almost.  Click HERE.

Attitude of Gratitude: Days Three and Four

So last night I didn't have a chance to post for day three, I was exhausted and decided to go to bed instead (who can blame me?).  That means I am clumping days three and four together...you don't mind do you??

Day Three:  Simple Pleasures

I thought I would list some of the simple pleasures in my life...things I love, and enjoy.  These are things I am grateful for...for the freedom to enjoy them, and the means as well.

Yes that's right, cereal.  I love cold cereal, and on occasion have eaten it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I had to get the food out of the way so I could move on to other things!  Of course I would put this - Frozen Yogurt.  If I didn't include this little gem I am sure many of you would wonder what was wrong with me- so here it is.  I LOVE frozen yogurt.  This is one of the greatest simple pleasures.

Cleaning.  I love to clean, organize, vacuum and even fold laundry (I just hate putting it away!).  I wasn't always like this, but over the years it has become real enjoyable to me.  There is something about the finished product that makes me feel awesome. 

Our camera!  Recently (back in August) I picked up one of these babies at a local jewelry/electronic store.  The best part is, I got free photography classes with the purchase of the camera.  I have really enjoyed learning how to use it.  I love taking pictures (especially of Noah).

Sewing.  This is recent passion, but one I feel I may have a knack for.  I love sewing and have spent a lot of time sewing for this Christmas.  Thanks to the mad skills of my Mom- I have been able to learn and sew a lot while living in Idaho (a goal I wanted to accomplish before I even moved here).  I love trying new things and am slowly gaining more confidence.  Maybe when Andy gets home I can get my own Machine!

This is a passion that Andy and I share a love for.  Traveling.  We love taking trips (even if they are small) and have dreams of taking many family vacations.  I love to travel...and love even more the stories I can tell about my travels.  Like the one about the one armed, toothless man in Jamaica (seriously)...right Chels?  We will save that for another post I guess :)

Just a few others to mention:  Shopping, eating out with Andy, running and an occasional road trip.

Hopefully we can all appreciate more of the simple things we are blessed with. 

Day Four:  The Temple

When Andy left for Afghanistan I made a personal goal to attend the temple each week.  This has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and I am so grateful to have a temple so close.  I know that Andy's life is being blessed by my temple attendance as well, and for that I am most grateful. 

Attitude of Gratitude - Day Two

Day Two: Our service men and women

A friend of ours from Fort Leonard Wood sent Noah this special little 'Miss You' doll.  It's an army guy and you can slip a picture in to make it personal.  You can see that Noah is 'hangin with his Dad' and LOVES his doll (it's a very manly doll). 

For day number two I had to express thanks for something that is really close to me at the moment - the men and women who serve our country and fight to keep it safe.  It is something I think we all take for granted sometimes- and this deployment experience has made me appreciate not only those who serve, but also the families who support them.  I am grateful to live in a country that is free.  If it weren't for their service so many more of our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons would be required to.  So I say THANK YOU, and express my gratitude to all those who give their lives, so I can live mine. 

Want to show your support for our troops this Christmas (or anytime)? 

Click for information on how to help.

http://www.uso.com/

What are YOU thankful for? 

Checkout a neat video HERE on Mormon Messages.

Attitude of Gratitude: Day One

Today in church, my oh so talented little brother Mike and his wife Megan gave talks about Gratitude and Thankfulness.  Megan made me cry several times as she expressed her gratitude for the men and women who serve our country.  I would like to echo their thoughts, as well as add my own.   In honor of Thanksgiving I wanted to post each day something that I am grateful for. 

Day One:  My Eternal Family

I am grateful to have a knowledge of Eternal Families...and know that Andy, Noah and I (and all our future little Stockhoffs) are sealed together for all eternity.  I am so lucky to have them in my life and am so glad they are mine forever.  I am grateful to my Savior, who made this possible.

Learn more about Eternal Families HERE.