Pages 3-14: Whirlwind anyone?

Pages 3-5: On this Friday, Dustin returned from 4 days away at work. We rushed down to LaVerkin that night to be there for Dustin's Grandpa's funeral the next day. The ride down was so peaceful and filled with love. We really enjoyed each other's company. Thankfully we were able to borrow our friend's vehicle to make the trip! On Saturday we went to the funeral services in Virgin, UT. Grandpa Al was loved by so many and will be missed by all. It did get me thinking though,  how sad it is to come from such a huge family. Most everyone doesn't know each other, because there are so many to count. I mean how lame is it to have so many family members that are actually strangers? I too have this issue with my family. My grandparents also had a bagillion kids, lol ok exaggeration, but the point is, we are just another face in the crowd, so sad really, to feel so alone in such a mass amount of family members. Moving onto Sunday we headed back home to go to the 2nd service for Grandpa Al.  I'm grateful this man lived a life that led to so many people's lives being created. I'm grateful we got to celebrate him and learn more about the man who contributed to my husband's and children's lives. We all shared an ice cream in his honor, since he loved eating ice cream.

Unfortunately we had to leave early from the 2nd service to get Kylie to the airport for her trip back to AZ.

Pages 6-10: I started homeschooling Landyn!! He's loving it so far and so am I. I feel more confident knowing exactly where he is at educationally, than if I send him off to someone else to do it. The K12 program is so perfect and set up so great. On Friday we got to go sledding, unfortunately it didn't last long because Axzona's poor asthma kicked in again:( I'm still getting into the habit of remembering her inhaler.
Pages 11-14: On Saturday I got to take the kids out for free ice skating lessons, they absolutely loved it. I'm hoping to get it so we can put Kaden in lessons soon. He is so talented at all sports, it's been so difficult to put him in anything due to finances. It's finally nice to be able to actually afford putting him into something to grow his skills. Dustin came home on Sunday from being away again for 5 days, it's so difficult. We all miss him so much and sponge every second of his time up. He was able to be home for FHE and so we all went ice skating as a family. I personally am so scared of falling when I skate, I don't really go too fast or stay on the ice for too long. Either way, I'm grateful for the time we got to spend as a family.
Today I woke up at 4:30am to send Dustin off to work again. I'm missing him so much:( It was weird to be on a Marriage mentoring call without my other half. I'm grateful I was on it to take notes and then relay the message to him. I've been strongly considering cutting my hair like this....what do you think?

Page 2: You are Loved

I felt the need to deep clean our fridge and kitchen today. It feels so good to release the old with the new year, still so much more de cluttering and cleaning to do, but I'm taking it one victory at a time.

So I came to realize something powerful today.
My 2 year is 2 and so she has little meltdowns when things don't go her way, or when she can't fully express what's frustrating her. With my eldest daughter I was a much less patient Mom, granted I had an insurmountable amount of stuff on my plate at that time, but it doesn't make it alright. Now that I've been doing this Mom thing for some years, I've picked up a lot of valuable tools and tricks of the trade.
What I realized today was that the following words I tell my little 2 year old daughter during her tough times can be given to all of my children and even me.
Instead of jumping to anger or counting to 10 to "calm",  I've found these words work for everyone. They work to comfort, they work to bring peace and calm, they work to balance and I'm grateful for these words:

I am loved and I am safe.

My mommy loves me.

My daddy loves me.

(own name) loves me.

Heavenly father loves me.

my brother(s) love me.

My sister(s) love me.

I am loved

I am enough

and I am safe.

The sweet thing about the above is it can be modified for whomever is saying it. 
I have my children repeat after me and it literally shifts it every time.

So to you, yes you the reader....see how it works for yourself

You are loved and you are safe

Your mommy loves you

Tour daddy loves you

You love you.

Heavenly Father loves you

Your siblings love you

Your family loves you

Your friends love you

You are loved

You are enough 

and you are safe.

Page 1 of 365

Inspired by the picture on the left, I will be writing my 365 page book in my blog. Something I haven't done for 2 years, yes, 2 years!!
Enjoy:) 
Last night was so much fun, even though Dustin was away at work. The kids and I got to celebrate at the Kaysville City NYEve Party. A big shout out to all the volunteers and entertainment for providing a FREE family oriented event. We truly had a blast, especially enjoyed the Magic Show, Mike literally had me stumped and in awe. Once we finished up celebrating New years with the New Yorkers and fellow Kaysvillians, the kids and I headed home for our own fun. We flipped on the telly and hooted and hollered while the ball dropped at midnight. The room was covered in confetti and thoroughly filled with love and fun. 

My first day of the year was spent cleaning house, nothing overly extravagant, but very fulfilling. I got the Christmas tree and decor taken down. The house is beginning to feel lighter again and clean! I'm so grateful for days when I can enjoy a clean home, even if it doesn't happen as often as I'd like. 
I'm grateful I got to talk to Dustin today.
I'm grateful for my Dad and the person he is for my children. He is so loved by them and me.
I'm grateful for my children, they really light up my world. I'm excited to create a 2014 Jar, filled with our most valued memories from this year:)

May your 2014 Jar be filled to the brim with many blessings!

January 2k12

Welcome to 2012!!
I decided to put my blog on hold during the holiday season and now I'm grateful to be back. However, I won't be doing my blog on a daily basis, rather a monthly gratitude blog. I have so much on my plate and get to manage my time responsibly.
I'm so grateful this month for the days my body functions healthily, for seeing KYLIE, and for my new spiritual journey.
It's been an interesting year already; just 9 days in I had a mini-stroke or had signs of a stroke, the doctors are still trying to figure out exactly what's going on with me. As I have woken up nearly every morning with that same feeling, eh. Then on Friday the 13th, I was reunited with my bonus daughter, Kylie, after 2 long, learning, and at times painful years. I'm so grateful for the lessons I learned, for the person it's made me, and for Kylie's unconditional love. She just loved and welcomed me with such open arms, I'm grateful the Lord protected her.
I've been on a lovely journey in my spiritual growth as well. I've been attending church weekly, reading my scriptures/praying daily, and connecting with people in my life. I feel so blessed for the love and support I receive from those around me and from Heavenly Father.

This month I also started a new organization where we as a body of people can have huge effects on our lives, our loved ones lives and even complete strangers. The Butterfly effect is all about doing an inspiring act for another, to change the future. I'm really hoping it takes and people will be inspired to participate and share their experiences.
Check out the site and like it:) https://www.facebook.com/TheButterflyEffect12
~Service to our fellow man is a crucial part to our spiritual journey.~

Love your Light for you=~

The Winner Is!

Talk about falling off the ban wagon....sheesh, I was doing my blog without fail every day.
Holidays and birthdays and all that jazz really throws things, but I'm back and I'm excited to announce the winner of the 100th Day Giveaway today!!

I appreciate everyone who participated in the event and I'm excited for the next time I can do a giveaway!
I'm even more excited that my blog is a book!!
Today I'm grateful for my tradition with my kids; I take them out to a movie the day before their bday, so it's the last movie they at that age....it's really cool. I'm grateful for snuggle time with my snuggle bug, Axzona. I'm grateful for my Dad and Mama, they surprised us with MORE presents for Christmas, how blessed are my kids! I'm grateful for my sis sending me an xmas card, it's so beautiful. I love this time of year.....so excited for tomorrow, it's Axzonas bday!!

Okie dokie and the WINNER is Lili Rhodes!! Congratulations girl and when I get it completed, I'll be mailing it off your way!!

What are you grateful for? Please do share!

Christmas feels lovely

Today has been lovely. I feel so accomplished and we had a fun day.
I moved our living room around and it's given our entire home the shift it needed. I just love the feeling of Christmas in our home. It's really lovely sitting together as a family watching Christmas movies together by the light of our Christmas tree. I'm at such peace.
Grateful for being super silly and fun with Dustin today, we laughed ALOT, hehe. It was lovely.

What's Best

Today I am grateful for my friend bringing over the cutest clippies flower arrangement for the girls. So creative and sweet, I'm grateful she was so thoughtful, to think of me. I felt special hehe.
I'm also grateful for being an honest friend, it took a lot of courage. I didn't just sit back and let this person do something mean and cruel without saying something to stop the choice. This  cost me a friendship, but if that's the type of person they want to be then that's their choice. I then choose not to be friends with that type of character. I'm sad of course because I love this person but enough is enough and this is what's best. I wish you well on your way my friend and hope you find the happiness you so long for.

Day 112

Today I'm grateful Kaden got to go Christmas Caroling with the cub scouts. I'm also grateful Landyn got one on one time with Dustin, it's so lovely to see their relationship grow. I'm grateful Axzona didn't have any meltdowns today and was able to be happy.

Day 109: Thanks Becky, PhotoShoot

Today, December 10th, I am grateful for the family doing the family Christmas Party. Mom had Becky come and take pictures of each individual family and then all of the family together. It was chaotic at some points, fun at others but all very worth it! Thank you BECKY, you rocked!
Had fun playing, singing, and watching the cousins play together. It was a wonderful day!
What are you grateful for? Please do share.

Day 110: Time with Grandpa

Today, December 11th, I'm grateful the kids got to spend some time with their Grandpa. They love playing with him and having a good time. Although he and I don't always meet eye to eye, I will never fault him for being a pretty awesome Grandpa to all of the children. It took a few years for him to accept anyone other than Kaden but he's finally coming around. There is still subtle hints of favoritism for just Kaden but it's probably only noticeable to me and not the kids. So long as the kids don't notice, I don't care, as long as they all feel loved by him then it's all good. I appreciate his willingness to work on it and love all of the kids the same as best as he can.

Day 111: True Meaning of Christmas

Today, Monday, December 12th, I am grateful for Family Home Evening. Tonight was about the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it. Kaden knew the answer, Landyn thought it was about Santa and sissy was asleep the whole time. So she missed out on a pretty important meeting.
Anywho, I explained the birth of Christ and that we celebrate him by giving to others. It's not only about what we receive but the real gifts come from what we're able to give. So with Landyn I asked him, "if you don't get everything or exactly what you want from Santa, are you going to be grateful or sad?' He said "sad" and we then went on to explain that being grateful for everything and anything is the way to be. We also talked about how to be more Christlike, or when you want to be naughty, ask "what would Jesus do?" I explained that's why we give to others is to be like Christ. Anyways, Landyn was kind of getting it but not. So Dustin turned on a video from YouTube about homeless children in Africa and the boys were astonished that kids really had to live like that. We explained that we are so blessed with running water, home, warmth etc and so when they feel like they want to be ungrateful, just think of those who have a lot less. Then we showed a video of homeless children in America and that really got to Landyn. He got really sad and was like, "I want them to have food, clothes and a home. Can I give them some?"
This statement made us realize the lesson was sinking in, that he is very blessed. So we asked again, "if you don't get everything you asked for from Santa, are you still going to be happy?" He answered, "oh yes, because there are some who don't get anything."
I'm grateful Dustin intuitively knew to put the videos on because it really got the message across.
My wish is that this season you find someone outside of your family to give to. A complete stranger, doesn't have to be a grand thing, just something, maybe even something as simple as a smile. It could really brighten their day.

What are you grateful for? Please do Share!

Keep entering to win the 100th Day Giveaway, Goodluck!

100th Day Giveway!!

I apologize for the delay but it is finally here!!

I am so very excited for this Giveaway:)
The big PRIZE is.....are you ready for it?

I have turned my blog into a....BOOK! That's right! You can now purchase it online @ (link coming soon)!!!!

I am just so excited to share my gratitude with the world!!
So the exciting news is: the WINNER of the 100 Day Giveaway will receive this Gratitude Book for FREE! Best Prize ever!
Anyone else may purchase it off of Amazon:)That's right, it's really available for purchase, hehe!!

You can receive an entry for each of the following:

• Leave a comment below about what you are grateful for or email me personally @ kiwibrie22@gmail.com, if it doesn't post.
• Share this Giveaway post to your Facebook wall, blog, or website and comment that you did.
• Add your email to the "Follow by Email" list and comment that you did.
• LIKE the "My Blessed Life of What is" Facebook page and comment that you did, along with what you are grateful for.   
• Copy and Paste Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Blessed-Life-of-What-is/254783417917982?sk=wall
• Become a "Follower" of this blog and comment that you did.

You have until MIDNIGHT on December 19th to enter up to 6 times! That's just 8 days away!
 The winner will be announced the following day, December 20th.

Have Fun and Goodluck!

What are you grateful for? Please do Share.

Day 106: Layton Hayride thru Xmas Lights

Today I am grateful for Layton City putting up Xmas lights at the park. I'm really grateful they had Santa there, so we could take pics with him, for free! I was so excited to see Amelia with Santa, she's the only one of our kids who sat on Santa for the 1st time and didn't cry! She's such a sweet baby!
It was so fun going on the Hayride, we learned that they use 660,000 lights to make the whole park light up. I loved singing xmas carols with a bunch of strangers, there's just something unifying about it.It was such a lovely family night!
I am also grateful for the Relief Society at my ward providing such a delicious dinner, thank you ladies for your hard work!
What are you grateful for? Please do share!

Day 105

Due to the storm, I will now be revealing the big prize of the 100th day on day 107, so this coming Thursday!!
Today I'm grateful for the magic of Christmas and the kids loving Santa. I love their excitement and anticipation to get presents from him!
I'm also grateful for my dad and mama buying them a trampoline for xmas!! How lucky is that!! We're so excited for them:)
What are you grateful for? Please do share!

Day 104: Cookies n' Milk with Santa

Today, December 5th, I'm grateful for being given the year membership to the Treehouse Museum because we were able to go to an exclusive members only Cookies n Milk with Santa! It was so nice to get ready to see Santa, even though we didn't get to sit on his lap it was such a wonderful visit. Our group of people were given a chance to ask Santa ANYTHING!! So we now know that one of his favorite Reindeer is Lightning? lol and he LOVES Chocolate Chip Cookies....so we're leaving those out. We all sang,"Santa Claus is coming to Town" and "Jingle Bells". I've promised them that we'll be going there again because they wanted to play but because Dustin had to get sleep for work we left. I'm excited to go play with them.

What are you grateful for? Please do Share!

Day 103: Guided Meditation

Today, December 4th, I'm grateful for meditation. I absolutely loved the guided meditation that I was able to participate in. I was able to envision my home, me, my life 20yrs now. She is such a passionate woman! Oh man, and she had this peace about her, she comforted me in saying, "be easy on you, you're doing a better job than you give yourself credit for." Oh how true. I really enjoyed it. The coolest part is I can go back to that home anytime and meet with her (me) for wisdom or whatever I need.
I've received a few lovely meditations in my life and this is my most valued.

What are you grateful for? please do share!

Day 102: Clean Home Time

Today I'm grateful for rest and a clean home! Since we got our power back on I cleaned like cleaning was out of style. It felt so good to get so much done. I appreciate my childrens hands helping, they are awesome!
What are you grateful for? Please Do Share.

Day 101: Let there be LIGHT and HEAT!

Today, December 2nd, we woke up to no power and a VERY chilly home. It was about 45degrees out there and in the room it was at least at 65degrees. Everyone was all bundled in coats, gloves, socks, the whole works; unlike the night before when they were complaining of being too warm. Anywho, I cleaned up the room, the kids read, colored, and played their Gameboys.
It was a chilly day but an adventure none the less.
I'm grateful for the electricity finally coming back on after 31hrs of not having it. There were some people without power for 3 days! We are very blessed to have only gone 1 night without power.  I'm grateful for all the work done by the power company workers, there was a group of them that refused to stop working to sleep or eat for a full 31hrs!!
It was very lovely to connect with our neighbors and take care of each other. I am grateful the kids got to have this experience too, I feel they became more aware of their surroundings and to be grateful for the smallest of things.

What are you grateful for? please do share.

Day 100: Who ordered the Wind?

Today was INSANE!!! What a way to start out Day 100!
I woke up at 6:50am to some wind outside, louder than normal. I just so happened to have watched the news the night before, so I knew it was going to be a windy day. They mentioned it would be about 80mph, so I was already not sending the kids to school, no joke, didn't want Kaden to blow away.
Anywho, for some odd reason the kids woke up at that time too, actually not so odd, it was because the wind was loud. I went looking for Dustin and found that he was out at the gym!! What the poo? Who goes to the gym in this weather? Well naturally Dustin went when it was a mere gust of wind, nothing serious and now...it's serious...while looking outside for the car, the dang cat ran out.
Well when we looked out the window we saw Cooper running across the window sill, trying not to be blown away! Poor guy and I quickly got him in. I then started thinking "oh I better get stuff put up and brought inside." So I ran around like a madman getting everything pulled in from the carport, including Dustin's 200+lb motorcycle. I ended up enrolling my neighbors to move it because it fell on me (the wind was that strong) and gave me a massive bruise on my leg.
After the motorcycle incident, I was blown nearly off my feet, my neighbor had to grab me haha, and I'm not a heavy woman but I'm not a light feather either. Anyways, I was working on moving our BBQer and next thing I know a gutter comes flying within 2inches of my head!! After that I was like, "screw the crap, I'm going in!."
Oh I forgot to mention we'd already lost power at 7am and by the time I was done, it was about 8:30am.
I had all the kids huddle in the one room to conserve as much heat as possible, fortunately our room is normally a sauna b/c of the bathroom, so we had a lot of heat to conserve for the day.
Dustin wanted to leave and go to his moms but I felt really strongly that it best for us to stay home and just hunker down. I'm VERY grateful for this choice. I felt really unsafe and stressed with the thought of leaving our home because of how crazy the roads were. Trees, crashes, semis toppled over and so much chaos, the best place to be was safe in our home.
I brought the kids tent into our bedroom and covered it with a blanket to insulate it and capture the heat, made a bed in there for them and they loved it! Camping. hehe
Dustin and I ran around the house covering windows, hallways, doorways with sheets/blankets, to at least attempt another level of insulation. We pulled out the flashlights, candles and lighters, food and drinks for the bedroom.
I learned so much about that day. The kids, Dustin and I all got really close and played games, colored more, and it was lovely to not have any sort of technology interfering. Hence why this post is coming almost a week later. I've minimized my computer time to just an hour or so in the day. I'll work it out to make sure I get back in the rhythm of writing my blog. I love doing it!
I'm very grateful for the fun and playful time we all had. Most importantly we stayed warm with blankets galore. I mean we probably could have warmed an army. This is when I'm most grateful for Dustin and I being blanket addicts. When I say addicts, I mean, we LOVE blankets and have a rediculous amount of blankets, lol. But man they were the perfect amount, so grateful for them!

What are you grateful for? Please do Share!

Day 99: Landyn Curtis-James

Today, November 30th, I am grateful for my son. He is a beacon of light, laughter, fun, joy, gentleness, love and passion. I love his energy of healing and play, he has SO many gifts and I am so grateful I get to experience them daily. I'm grateful I'm blessed to be his mom to learn and teach with him. He always says, "you're the best mommy of all time" or my most favorite one is: "mom, you're my best friend!"
How honored I feel to be his best friend, such a privilege.
Today I'm grateful we gave him such a wonderful full 5th birthday! He got a Jeep, toys, homemade cake, and an outing to Nicklecade, so fun!

This is for you sweetheart:

Dear Landyn,

Whatever age you are, I pray this finds you with the same joy and passion you have for life now. I want you to always remember the unity and love you bring to this world is a peace that we are blessed with daily. It is truly an honor to watch you grow, to learn from you and to teach you about life. I pray that you forgive me for any of my mistakes, which I know you will because it's just who you are. You get that from me. I also want you to know I'm doing my best with the tools I was given from my parents and those I've picked up throughout life. I hope I make you proud and inspire you to live life to it's fullest. I see you taking on this world with zest, love, and drive. You are the most unique of my children when it comes to money. I know you will do well in life and be very successful. I just hope I do a good enough job that you know to be of service to others, to be giving and not greedy, to remain your authentic self; a gentle, loving, passionate, joyful young boy and to always watch out for your brother and sisters.
I look forward to many more years of being your best friends.

Landyn I love you more than any words could ever say, so.....I say.....I AXZONAFIR ZED you my sweet gentle boy, throughout the eternities!

 ~your best friend, Mom~