Thankful for Birthdays?

This post isn't actually about being thankful for birthdays, but it is about being thankful and about a birthday. We'll start with the birthday. Cole turned 12 on the 11th. This was a very big milestone for him. He now can go places such as movies and the swimming pool without adult supervision. He get's to carry "pocket cash" and most importantly he received the Aaronic Priesthood. This event brought my family to town, which was a great birthday present for Cole. The thing he wanted most for his birthday was a new suit. Now that he holds the Priesthood, he feels that he should wear a suit. Well I must admit it looked good on him.




We are extremely proud of him and the young man that he is becoming. So here are 12 things about Cole at 12
1. He is very tall. 5'8" right now, and he's showing no signs of stopping.
2. He loves soda. For his birthday Grandma got him his own 12 pack of Caffeine free Mountain
Dew. He is in heaven.
3. He still loves to torment his siblings, and he's showing no signs of stopping
4. He loves to perform. He just finished a production of Annie and can't wait for the next one.
5. He tries very hard to do the right thing.
6. He is getting quite good at the piano
7. He enjoys making people laugh. He has a great sense of humour
8. He talks very loudly and quickly. Half the time Nate and I have no idea what he is saying
9. He loves babies. When his little cousins come he can't get enough of holding them
10. He loves to argue, even when he knows he's wrong, it doesn't matter he just wants to argue
11. He is a great friend. I am often told by other adults how great they think Cole is.
12. His voice is changing and somedays sounds like a man and others like a little girl.

We love Cole and I am so priviledged to have him as my son.

Now for the thankful part. I came across a 30 days of Gratitude photo challenge this past week, and while Imissed the first few days, I have been taking a picture daily to show gratitude.

The first one is a picture of a smile

This is one of my favorite smiles. And I am so thankful that I get to spend so much time with her.

I cheated for the next picture and covered two days with one photo.

The topics were leaves and favorite color, mine just happens to be yellow. These are from one of our Aspen trees out front. I love those trees.

Movement was the next category





Saturday afternoon, the kids played soccer with Uncle Bern's. I am thankful for wonderful Uncles who genuinely love to play with my kids

The last topic of this week was Happiness










Nothing makes me or my family happier then having extended family visiting. Izzy cried and cried this morning when Grandma left and the kids are counting down the days til Christmas when everyone comes back.

I hope that you are all finding things to be grateful for this month. I will update next weekend with the next 7 days of Gratitude photos, until then, take some of your own and we can compare notes.