Grateful Sunday

Neal tying Parker's tie after we got to church. I can't do it, we have to go find Dad in the clerk's office before Parker is considered "dressed."

Today, I'm grateful for:

• my wonderful friends and family, who made me feel so special on my 34th birthday last week. My birthdays always seem like a good time to reflect on how blessed I am, and this one was no exception. The very first thing that happened that day was that Miles bounded out of his room at 6:45 to give me the card he had made for me and the biggest hug ever. It was so sweet, I love that dude. After school started, I had breakfast with Neal's sister, Martha, and my friends. Next, Martha and I visited Neal at his office and were off to the airport. I stopped at Chipotle for lunch by myself (love that place), and had just settled down when my dear friend, Rebecca, tapped me on the shoulder. We ended up eating together and having a great time. I picked up the kids and went home to open the gifts my friends had brought, and once Neal was home, we went to dinner at our favorite hibachi restaurant. Sprinkle in a few phone calls from people very dear to me, and all in all, it was a wonderful day. Hooray for birthdays!
• Martha, for coming to see us and for spending such quality time with all of us, but especially with Miles. He had so much fun with Aunt Martha (and got all of his homework done)!
• Audrey and Parker's wonderful piano teacher, Miss Ruby. She gives so much of herself to her students, and is so delightful. We had their recital tonight, I'll try to post video tomorrow.
• our wonderful ward, we had a great time with our church friends at our ward party on Saturday night. We left feeling so blessed to live where we do. 
• a fun night decorating gingerbread houses with our friends, the Wrights. Lots of laughs and lots of candy all over the place meant that we had lots of fun.