Today I am thankful.......

that the month is over and I don't have to do these thankful posts anymore!! JUST KIDDING.

I have to say that doing these posts have meant a lot to me. I have had my blessings on my mind a lot more than usual and I have found it more of a habit to find the positives in everyday life. I have always known I was blessed but it is sometimes human nature to focus on what we need and want rather than what we have.

I have never in my life been in a position of such uncertainty about the future. How long will take for Matt to find a job in this crazy economy? Where will we have to live while he is studying for the bar exam? Will we have the money we need to take care of our boys? Will we have a car that works?

I sometimes wish I could see the future, but I can't. So today I am thankful that I can rely on the one person that can. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father. I have faith that he loves me and cares about the future of our family. He will not take away all our trials but he will be there for us as we go through them. He has already blessed us more than I could have imagined possible. I know that we must work hard and do our part, but I am thankful for that opportunity. To the world it may seem like we really don't have much. But really we do. We have eternal blessings from a loving Heavenly Father. We know that if we do our part he will do his. We have a looong road ahead of us, but we are excited and grateful for the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father.

Thankful post/ Nov 29th

I love reading. I am thankful that my boys love it too. I never want to miss an opportunity to read them a good book, I really should do it even more often. oh, the things we can learn from reading.

I have been known to read a lot of self help books. Not just because I could use a lot of help:) but because I hope to someday be the one professionally helping others. Human behavior intrigues me. Why people behave the way they do is just so interesting to me, and I never get tired of learning more about psychology. Of all the books I have read the Book of Mormon has meant the most to me and will continue to change my life for the better....FOREVER.

I am thankful for the Book of Mormon. There is NOT another book on the earth that can offer more peace, love, and hope. The most exciting part about it, is the fact that it is true. My answers about life's big and small questions don't come from others thoughts and opinions but straight from my Heavenly Father, found in a little book, that is right now sitting beside my bed. The Book of Mormon. Is there a greater blessing than that?

Thankful post/ nov 28th

On Saturday I was able to take the boys for a walk. It was a little cold but still a beautiful day. I pushed them up and down the hills around my parents neighborhood. At one point the boys wanted out of the stroller. They worked hard pushing the stroller up the hills themselves. We also practiced running backwards and sideways. We jumped over rocks and we even rolled down grassy hills. I was thankful for the nice weather but even more thankful for the health of my sweet boys.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with twins the doctors had me worried. One doctor I remember in particular telling Matthew and I that he would never wish twins upon ANYONE!!....thanks a lot. Mainly because of all the complications that can take place. We had many ultra sounds and prayed continuously that we would deliver the boys full term. We were told that many times multiples have to stay in the hospital a lot longer than the mother does.

My boys were born at 37 weeks, which is full term for twins. They were both healthy and around 6 lbs each. Our prayers were answered, and now whenever I see them running and playing I just can't take it for granted. How grateful I am for two super healthy children, that can do all the things I imagined my little boys would someday do. They can be pretty hyper at times and can make life a little hectic, but really what a blessing that is.

Today I am thankful........

that my Christmas shopping is almost done.

Not so grateful that it meant spending ALL morning in line at Old Navy (the things I will do for a deal:)

Thanksgiving thankful post

Today I am thankful for butternut squash soup and pumpkin pie. Not that I don't LOVE all the food my mom makes for our feast, but these two things have special meaning to me and when I am away for the holidays they are the foods I miss the most.

I don't love pumpkin pie just because it is absolutely delicious but because of what it signifies.......the holidays are here, family is around, cozy sweaters are being worn, snow is falling outside, the fireplace is blazing, visits with friends, and gratitude is in the air.

Today I am thankful for........

my nieces and nephews.

cutest, LOUDEST, funniest, rowdiest, group of kids you will EVER meet. It's been a full year since I have seen these cute kiddos and let me tell you I am quite amazed. Tonight my two oldest nieces are sleeping over and talking about texting boys. Today I went to "new moon" with some of the other grand kids and listened as they talked about the movie being "too cheesy" and not wanting to read the "twilight" books because they don't want to spoil the movies:) My oldest nephew will soon be driving and is quickly catching up to me in height.

I can't believe how fast they have grown. My favorite part of my Utah trip has been seeing my boys bond with their cousins. How special it is to belong to a family that loves each other. My boys receive some attention wherever they go and are loved by many, but it is totally different when it comes to their own cousins. There is an instant love between them that doesn't disappear even if they have spent years and many miles apart. I love watching Nathan and Daniel as they wrestle with their cousins, and kiss and hug them goodbye, holding their hands and playing with their toys together. It's almost like they have a huge group of older brothers and sisters who love them and are looking out for them.

Watching these cute grand kids grow gives me a tiny glimpse of how fast the years really do go. If my kids turn out anything like their older cousins I will be one proud Mommy!

Today I am thankful for..........

my health, and my desire to be healthy. I am forever amazed by the human body. What a blessing to be able to hear and see, run and dance. I am thankful for the Word of Wisdom and believe in it with all my heart. I have always had desire to learn more about health and nutrition. I am certainly not an expert and would probably have many experts who might disagree with me, but there are some things I have learned during my health journey and I thought I might share them with you.

-i have learned to focus more on my health than on my weight
- not all fat is evil
- i would rather eat REAL butter coming from a cow, than from a spray bottle made in a factory, with a whole lot of unknown ingredients
- i believe whole heartedly in organic, but can't always afford it, so I pick and choose which foods I believe are important to be organic.
- no more of the "white" pasta, bread, sugar.
-Always whole wheat, bread, and pasta...for more nutrients, fiber and protein!!
-beans really are a magical fruit!!
-more vegetables and a little less meat.
-eat fresh, local and "close to the farm"
-all things in moderation, all though I have no desire for soda or candy even in moderation.
-exercise has to be a part of my life. Not just for my physical well being but for my mental health as well.

Now don't get me wrong.....Thanksgiving is fast approaching and you will find me eating my moms famous "WHITE" rolls. I will have more than one serving of her perfect pumpkin pie, probably with way to much REAL whipping cream. I won't be eating anything in moderation, and most likely I will not be exercising on that day, and probably not the day after either. I never said I was perfect, I just said I was thankful for my desire to be!!

Thankful post for.......Nov 23rd

I love my mother-in-law! She amazes me, and she would amaze you too, if you knew her. The hardest worker I know, supporting her children for many years on her own. Putting all four through college, making sure they all graduated. Throughout Matthew's life she would wake EVERY morning at 3:00am for her paper route, hurrying home five days a week to be there when her daycare kids would arrive. She would do daycare ALL day, only giving her a few hours in the evening to magnify her church callings(for many years as relief society president.) I can't imagine how she did it. She worked hard for her children and she still does. She seems to live for her children and grandchildren, never worrying about herself.

She is so giving, always wanting to help and serve those around her. She has the strongest testimony of the Gospel, and I'm sure she had to really rely on it quite a bit throughout her life....especially raising Matthew:)

I am so thankful for her. I love when she comes to visit. She spends hours with Nathan and Daniel, she is patient and kind. I love playing Rummikub with her......even if she is a little competitive at times:) When she is around I NEVER have to unload my dishwasher, my laundry is magically always washed and folded. She is always telling me to go and do whatever I need to while she watches the kiddos. She is more excited for me than I am when little things go my way.

People are surprised that my mother-in-law never gets on my nerves after her long visits. And really surprised when I then mention I wish she could stay even longer.....or move in with us if she wants. I am truly blessed to have her for a mother, and my children are blessed to have her for their Grandma.





We love you Grandma Lorz and we are so happy we got to celebrate your birthday with you!

Today I am thankful for.......

Water. I have always been known for drinking A LOT of water! I always have a water bottle with me and I fill it up continuously throughout the day. How great is it to go to your kitchen turn on your faucet and have delicious ice cold water come out. That is not something we were blessed with in Florida and I will never take it for granted again.

Today I am thankful for......

The temple. Matt and I were able to witness the sealing of his best friend Daniel
(who we named our Daniel after.) It was beautiful and I was reminded of my wedding day. How grateful I am to be sealed to my best friend for all eternity. I love the spirit that is inside the temple. How lucky I have always been to live close to the beautiful temple.

Today I am thankful for.......

This season of my life. My circumstances aren't always what I would choose for myself but the Lords plan is SO much greater than my own.

I found this video on another blog. I thought it was fitting for my month of daily thankful posts.



So.....really what ARE you thankful for?

Today I am thankful for........

Nathan.

Today my mom was crawling around on the floor scaring my boys from behind every possible corner. Both the boys were laughing hysterically. Nathan would about jump out of his skin every time my mom would show up from her unsuspected spot. I love this kids excitement for life. His HUGE smile and his deep belly laugh. I love when he randomly just tackles his brother just wanting to tickle and play. I love how close he is to his dad and that he wakes Matt up in the morning by climbing in to his side of the bed instead of mine!! He is super sensitive and super sweet. He has joy just bursting out of him and I am so excited that he is my boy FOREVER!!

Today I am thankful for......

Grandma and Grandpa Noel's house. We have played in the snow, painted pictures, had a tea party and a hat party. We helped Grandpa in his wood shop, and we helped Grandma in her Kitchen, we made play dough and played with it, and we went on a beautiful walk. And it's just our first day here!

Thankful post....Nov 17th

I am thankful to have made it to Utah. I have now flown with my twins eight different stressful times. This time was very different. Almost easy. At one point I actually started to doze off while Daniel looked at the skymall magazine, admiring the toy section. Wow, what a difference from flying last year.

I love Utah. I love the crisp, cold weather. I love the snow covered mountains. I love seeing temples everywhere I go. I love being close to family, and feeling safe when I go to walmart after dark. I love that we are here, but I would love it more if Matt was here with us. He will be here on Friday. YAHOO!!

Today I am thankful for.......

my flip flops. They are comfortable and convenient. I never have the hassle of finding lost socks when doing my washing, because in the Lorz house hold we rarely wash socks. Florida makes us a sandal family all year round and I love it.

I dedicate this post to my flip flops because it will be a long time before I will see them again.

Watch out Utah we are on our way!!

Today I am thankful for.........

Daniel. Sometimes he cries out in the middle of the night. When I go in to check on him he wraps his little arm tightly around mine and says, still half asleep "momma?" He continues to hold me as tight as he possibly can. Whenever I sneeze he is the first to say, "bless you momma." He gives me hugs and kisses randomly throughout the day and he always climbs in on my side of the bed when he wakes up in the morning.

Daniel and I have always had a special bond. I feel like we relate and understand each other. He is super smart and he really does listen and understand when I explain things to him. He has always been a mommy's boy.

I love to kiss his chubby cheeks, and listen to him laugh as I chase him around the house. I love to tickle him especially his little neck. I love what a tease he is and his great sense of humor. He is so cuddly and so sweet. He is EVERYTHING I dreamed of when I dreamed of having a little boy.

I have to admit his need to be my constant shadow has been frustrating and overwhelming at times especially being that he is a twin and could never have my undevided attention. But really I wouldn't want it any differently and I have come to realize that I need him even more than he needs me.

His need to wrap his little arms around mine in the middle of the night won't last forever. My love for him will. Don't worry, I'm not playing favorites. I have the whole month of November to finish all my "thankful posts."

Today I am thankful for.......

Friends. When I was on my mission I had the most faithful friend writers EVER. It made the mission a little easier. During our first year of Law school when Southwest airlines lost ALL our luggage, some of my great friends pitched in and sent us American Express Gift cards so we could purchase some much needed items. I also had a wonderful friend send a Walmart gift card that was worth quite a bit that was lost in the mail, so what did she do? She bought me another one and sent it again. Recently I was informed by my friend Katy that quite a sum of money was donated so that I could go shopping at her Etsy shop....I think I might know who had a hand in that:) My friend Susie read my "content" post and I guess felt sorry for me, which really was NOT my intention. However, she took me today to get a pedicure, the first one in a loooong time. It was so fun but may not have been a good idea because now I don't know how I am going to live without them on a regular basis.

Thank you Susie for being so generous and kind to me. You have been an example to me of pure grace from the moment I met you. I feel like you have been my adopted mom out here in Florida and our boys adopted grandma. I have been blessed by having you in my life.

I have been reminded by my friends that you really don't have to have a lot to do a lot. Your kind acts of service have meant so much as well as your quiet examples. I only hope to be the kind of friend to you all that you have all meant to me.

Today I am thankful for.....

a TWO hour nap!!

Today I am thankful for........

the internet. It is 11:00pm and I was just informed by my husband that we are going to lay in bed and watch a conference talk. We don't get to hear all the talks on conference Sunday because it is overpowered by two toddlers. I am tired, it is late, but how blessed we are to hear the words of the prophet WHENEVER we want.

I have washed, dried, ironed, folded, and put away ALL my laundry. I have done my grocery shopping and made a trip to the bank. I did my visiting teaching, and finished my sharing time for Sunday. I ran Matt to school and back, and went to the gym. How is this possible? Because I have a sweet mother-in-law who is willing to spend hours happily playing outside with her grandsons. For this I am grateful!

Today I am thankful for.......

A peaceful dinner. We didn't have to inhale our food. We weren't interrupted over and over again during our conversations. There was no mention of choo, choo's or potty training. We sure love our boys, but I think a little absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Today I am thankful for.........

My sweet husband. Tonight he got home at 10:00pm after a loooong STRESSFUL day at school. The first thing he did when he walked in the door was give me and his mother a kiss. He then told us he loved us and how we were the best mothers in the world. Those are the simple things that make everything worthwhile. He is a wonderful husband and a great example to his two little boys.

DisneyWorld highlights.

-Disney movie themed hotel, our section was "the Love Bug," and the boys loved the Herbie car.
-transportation from hotel to Disney world(bus, tram, monorail,ferry boat,) was as exciting as the actual rides in the park for Nathan and Daniel.
-the boys went on their first fast roller coaster, and LOVED it!
-the firework show was amaaaazing, especially seeing Tinkerbell float across the sky.
-the boys were in love with all the fast rides and spin rides, but were FREAKED out by "it's a small world," and "Pooh's great adventure." (Seriously almost brought them to tears)
-the park was decorated for Christmas.
-I got to wear a "happy birthday Marianne," pin all day and had employees and strangers wishing me a happy birthday.
-I got in free because of my birthday, the boys were free as well.
-we were able to spend time as a family and with Grandma Lorz.
-we were able to ride the boys favorite Goofy's roller coaster ride, over and over again because the lines weren't very long.
-the weather was PERFECT.
-the boys got their first souvenirs. Pressed pennies of Mickey Mouse.
-I felt that excited child like feeling that I haven't had for a loooong time.
-on the way home Nathan started to wake up when pulling into our neighborhood, still half asleep he saw were we were and said...."no go home!"

Nathan summed up how we all felt. So sad to see our little vacation over so quickly.