Colorado Springs, Again...

My sister-in-law just sent me these pictures that were taken with her camera while we were visiting my sister and her family in Colorado Springs.

Mom, Leisel (sister), Aliya (niece), Andrea (sister-in-law), Adelyn (niece), me

I know this picture is cheesy, but we found it so funny that the gas station we happened to find to fill the rental car would be called Tara Marts. I even thought of going in and asking for royalties for them using my name. HaHa.

Austin's Christmas Wish List

Austin was so excited last week when the Wal-Mart Kid's Holiday Book arrived. He spent several hours on Friday night searching the pages and circling all the items he wants for Christmas. He even circled items that he felt his cousin, Addy, would want for Christmas. He had so much fun. So, if you are wondering what Austin wants for Christmas here is his list. Warning: It is long, but then what can you expect from a kid? (The bold items are $10 or less)

1. Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet

2. The Force Action Lightsaber

3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars Video Game Nintendo DS

4. Star Wars Digital Camera Set

5. Star Wars T-shirt (long-sleeved, black and gray)

6. Transformers Universe Voyager Figure

7. Transformers Power Bots Bumblebee

8. Transformers Animated Deluxe Figure

9. Transformers Animated Rollout Command Optimus Prime

10. Mutt Williams Sound FX Sword (Indiana Jones)

11. Indiana Jones Sound Effects Whip

12. Indiana Jones Video Game Nintendo DS

13. Power Rangers Deluxe Megazord

14. Power Rangers Basic Figure (Red, Purple, Green)

15. Power Rangers Deluxe Vehicle Assortment

16. Ben Ten Alien Creature Chamber

17. Ben Ten Deluxe Omnitrix Watch (he has the older version)

18. Ben Ten 4-pack with Bonus DVD

19. Bakugan DEKA Starter Kit

20. Bakugan Travel Arena

21. Pokemon Electronic Pokeball

22. Pokemon Region Playset

23. Pokemon Basic Figure Multipack

24. Hot Wheels T-Rex Rampage Playset

25. Hot Wheels Volcano Shoot-out Playset

26. Matchbox Power Scouts Skull's Challenge Adventure System Playset

27. Tyco RC Turbo Street Wheelie Cycle Assortment

28. Flytech Bladestar

29. Wii Console

30. Wii Remote and Nunchuck

31. DeBlob Video Game Wii

32. Lego Batman Video Game Wii

33. Super Mario Sluggers Video Game Wii

34. Super Smash Bros. Brawl Video Game Wii

35. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Video Game DS

36. Spore Creatures Video Game DS

37. Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise Video Game DS

38. Playstation 3 System

39. Sonic Unleashed Video Game PS3

40. PSP 3000 Hardware

41. Ben Ten Alien Force PSP

42. My Sims Kingdom Video Game Wii

43. Sponge Bob Square Pants, Glob of Doom Video Game Wii

44. Guiness World Records Video Game Wii

45. Funkeys Dream State Singles Case

46. Funkeys Dream State Starter Kit

47. Eye Clops Night Vision Goggles

48. Eye Clops Bionicam

49. Digi-you Personal Video Cartoon Maker

50. Slime Super Slime

51. Shrek the Halls DVD Widescreen

52. Stars Wars:The Clone Wars Graphic Light-up Tee (short-sleeve, black)

53. Kids Bop CD (the one with Pocket Full of Sunshine)

I said that it was long, but at least it gives options. :)

Thankful For....

With this being the month of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a great time to list all of the things I am most thankful for in my life. This idea came to me after attending my grandma Nielsen's church service last Sunday. The sister that taught the lesson in Relief Society expressed how often in our busy and hectic lives we forget to focus on the things that matter the most. In my life, all to often, I am boggled down with the day to day activities and lists of things that must be completed that I forget to focus on the things that are truly important. Today, I will focus on those things instead of putting them on the back burner as I so often do.

What I am truly thankful for:

1. My husband, Travis

2. My son, Austin

(He is truly a miracle.)

3. My extended family- parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews,

grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

(I am lucky to have three extended families.)

4. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ

5. My friends (I have some great ones.)

6. My health

7. Our home

8. My job

9. The right to worship and believe what I choose

10. The right to vote and have that vote make a difference

A Forever Family

Yesterday I attended the sealing of my cousin, Heather, to her husband, Brian, in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful experience. The spirit in the room was so strong. The sealing became even more special as Elizabeth was sealed to them.

Congratulations and thank you for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful occasion.