Happy 11th Anniversary!

I can't believe it has been 11 years--it doens't seem like less,... but that just sounds too long for 2 as young as us (especially one as young as I).

I am so grateful for my David. To describe him is impossible--he is beyond words, but I just call him "Mr. Poppins" --go watch Mary Poppins (one more time never hurts) and you will see that she measures up just like David, "Practically Perfect in Every Way"!!

My David knows how to love me, how to comfort me, how to make me smile, and how to put up with my moods (wow, that is a lot to learn, even in 11 years).

The other day the boys and I were discussing an article in The Friend we had just read. I was telling them that when we make others happy we will, in return, be truly happy ourselves. That we shouldn't focus on our own happiness, but look at others and think of way to make them happy. Eli replied, so sincerely, "You mean like Dad does for you?"

I was blown away by his instant reply and was reminded of what a great husband I have and what he is teaching his boys!

I love you, Mr. Poppins!

*David cut my hair this morning--just another sign that he will do just about anything to make me happy.

Isaac turns 1 year old!!

Isaac seems to think he is big--

I often tell him that he's just little and that he should stop trying to grow up!

Well, On December 4th, 2008, he woke up all adorable...

...and turned ONE! Doesn't that just sound to big for a baby like him?

He enjoyed opening presents (lots of help from brothers and cousins), the traditional first- birthday, chocolate-frosted cake (though he added a twist and tried to choke on one of the Necco dots mom missed when she gave him his top section--hanging upside-down and being pounded on the back isn't the best new first-birthday tradition), and finished the day off with a nice bubble bath (I think this was his personal favorite part of the whole day!).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISAAC-A-LOLLA!

We sure are glad you are a part of our family!

The First Thanksgiving, Moss style

Squanto and the chief

Pilgrim

Yeah, inspiring, isn't it?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving blessings 2008

I know it is a bit late, but I just wanted to say a few of the things that I am grateful for this year.


Thanksgiving day here in Cesena, Italy was a very pretty day and as I looked out my back window that morning I was once again reminded of the reason I love living here--there are many good things, but my very favorite is the beauty and peace that surrounds our house. I have seen this view many times since moving in over 2 years ago, but it just never gets old! I am so grateful for the beauties of nature.

What a fun thing to have Josh and Deena's family out here. Thanksgiving really does just seem to be the prefect time to spend with extended family. It is so much more enjoyable to do all the prep for the big meal when there is family to chat with while you do it!

We are also grateful to good friends here from church and also the MacDonald family. I don't know what I would do without them while we are living here.

This Thanksgiving I was reminded how important it is to show love to our families. Angie MacDonald lost her 28 year old son just over a week before Thankgiving and as I heard and felt some of her pain, I looked at my own children. There are times they drive me crazy, but each one adds so much joy and interest into our lives. I pondered each individual boy and the roll they play. There would be such a cavity in our family at the loss of any of them. But I also felt a greater level of gratitude for my knowledge of The Plan of Salvation and the idea of Eternal Families. I am so grateful to know that these boys are mine forever!

Our family is so blessed!