I know I am way behind on my gratitude list. So here is the rest of it...

3. Baby gates

Max fell down my mom's stairs this week - I was more shaken than he was.

2. Music

I was with my family this week and it was so fun to gather around the piano and sing while my mom played some of our favorite songs.

1. Smiles

Nothing like the feeling you get when someone smiles.

#4

#4. I am Thankful for nap time.

Need I say more

#5

#5. I am thankful for Dishwashers.

Ours broke about a month ago and we have been washing all of our dishes by hand. I think we buy a bottle of dish soap every time we go to the store. I miss my dishwasher.

#6

#6 I am thankful for humor.

I love to laugh.
I love the holiday season because this is when I get to be with my family...they may be the only people who know I'm funny.

#7

#7: I'm Thankful for people who comment on my blog.

#8

My number 8 might seem a little silly but I really missed it today.

#8. I am Thankful for the Sunshine

Today I spent a lot of time outside. It was a gray and cold day. I missed the sunshine and the warmth it brings. I do love the winter feeling but only for December, snowmobile excursions, sledding, drinking hot chocolate, cute scarfs, sitting by the fireplace...
I will enjoy the cool weather, but me and my tulips will hope for an early spring.

#9

I have already missed a day. I guess I will just have to post two today.

I have been trying to tap into my creative side lately and so my next "Thankful" is..

#9. I am thankful for Inspiration

I have been inspired by so many of my friends. They all seem to have really cute ideas. Recently, I have been inspired to cook with Curtis, make crafty things at work, plant almost 30 tulips in my front yard and to make up new games with Max.

#10

I have been trying to get into the Thanksgiving mood. I Think I skipped it and headed straight for Christmas. I have been listening to Christmas music and watching holliday movies. This week I bought a Sunday paper to look over the adds and get ideas for Christmas gifts.
The younger Collette would have been upset over skipping Thanksgiving. I liked each holliday to have it's spotlight (in order) when I was growing up. Halloween, My Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. A lot of sweets, BIG meals and parties.
I do love Thanksgiving and feel grateful for so many things. We have had a busy year. We live very close to both of our immediate family. Sometimes it feels like we have a family event every week.
We have 10 days left to Thanksgiving. I'm going to try a top 10 things I'm Thankful for. These will be in a random order, however, each thing I list will be special. One each day and ending on Thanksgiving. So...Wait no longer.

#10. I am Thankful for the Gospel.

I have been watching a conference talk every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I love our church leader and know they are inspired men and women. No matter what they chose to speak on or how long ago the session was, I still learn so much.
I have so much I could write on this "Thanksgiving topic" but once I start writing, I don't think I'll be able to stop.
Happy fall/Thanksgiving. I hope you are all getting into the spirit of Thanksgiving. I truly believe it is one of the best times of the year.

The BEST gift ever

Yes, it is true. I am one big fan of Micheal Jackson's music and dancing. For my birthday, Curtis got us tickets to see "This Is It"! I am so excited. I will of course, let you all know how wonderful it was.

* Alright, here is MY REVIEW:

"This Is It" has to be the best documentary I have seen all year. This film is for anyone who loves, adores or admires Micheal Jackson's talent as an artist (or any one who likes his fashion). However, this is not a film for anyone who does not enjoy documentary films. The film lasts two hours and is mostly clips of rehearsals for the concert he was working on and a few interviews with dancers, singers, musicians and others working towards the concert. The film includes all of his most popular songs. The last two songs where my favorite in the film, Billy Jean and Man in the Mirror. These are the only two songs Micheal sang completely. (These songs are not my favorite he has ever done but I think they saved the best of what they had til the last). I found my self bobbing my head along with the songs and really wanting to dance. I am sure that would have been one of the best concerts ever (especially what they had set up for the Thriller song). They used all of the original dance work for Bad and Thriller. Both Curtis and I where glad they kept that.

THE MOST SHOCKING OF ALL (nothing to do with the film)
We did find it interesting that when we arrived at the theater there where no lines to get in - We did go at 5:50 so maybe that is why. Our theater filled in quickly (the whole bottom section was empty) and we where robbed at the concessions stand (over 8 dollars for and 8 oz drink and a "small" bag of pop corn). When the movie ended it was almost 8 and still no lines for anything. This is only the third movie I have been to all year, but when Curtis and I where dating the theater was always full of people and lines.

Party Time

We had Three big parties this weekend. First was the pre-Halloween party with the Finch's on Friday night. Lindsey was the mastermind of dinner. She made swamp water by coloring tapioca (frog eyes), and adding gummy worms and sprite. She also made "Cheesenstein", a Frankenstein cheese ball. We ate biscuts shaped like witches hats and soups with scary names.

After all of the eating, we held a spook alley for the kids. Nothing too scarry. My dad bought some small tents and a tunnel. These lead back to the bedroom. Tyler hid behind the bed and used the vacume hose to make a haunted voice. We set up flash lights to silhouette poo bear and tigger. Other than that, we had a few strans of orange christmas lights up. The Max and Tucker still cried - but I think that is becase they where stuck in the tunnel.

Halloween night we headed to Payson for the big Stevens Party. When we arrived, most of the food was ready. All of the pictures for this post are from this party. I forgot my camera for both of the other ones.

We hit the streets around 6 o'clock to trick or treet with Max. We went to a total of 5 houses. Everyon we went to gave us candy for Max and for us. We had his bucked over half full and figured he won't be eating this candy any way.

Back at the Stevens, Kari and Curtis had made some HOT HOT chilli. We had mummy dogs, chilli in cute pumpkin bread bowls, pop corn, cookies, doghnuts and so much more. For dessert, we had cheese cake with bloody eye balls (Cherry topping). Yummy!

Curtis had downloaded a few scary old time radio shows. After the trick or treater's had died down, we all sat in the light of the fireplace and listened to the frightening stories. I get scared so easy - thus I took over the position of candy giver.

The Stevens had a great party with wonderful food and fantastic decorations.

Sunday night was Bailey's "Burp-Day". This is the half birthday celibration tradition for Tyler and Lindsey's family. Family and friends where invited over for a belching competition. Max got sick so we never got to find out who won.
We had a wonderful weekend. Thanks to everyone who participated.

2009 Costumes

Here are our Fantastic outfits for Halloween. Max was a monkey, Curtis was a huge Banana and I was a Couch potato. I got to wear an authentic "Snuggie", hold a bowl of popcorn and a remote. Best last minute costume yet.

This was at the Stevens home. They has this mask floating around - Kinda scary. By the way...Snuggie should come up with a new and improved line where it fastens in the back and has pockets.

Here is our reason for the season. We have been so excited to introduce him to all of our fun traditions. Especially now that he is old enough to get excited about them.

Maybe a little too excited.