The month of Thanks

It's very natural for each of us to think about the things we are greatful for this time of year. I am one of those. However, for the past several months I have been full of gratitude and have been reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. The most obvious blessing are my wonderful husband, beautiful daughters, family (both my immediate family and in-laws). I have a beautiful home. My family is healthy. We are happy. However, today I thought of an additional blessing that we all have, we just don't know it, or pay attention. Personal revelation. Some may call it instinct or vision, however you refer to it, to me it's all the same. What I receive personal revelation about is usually personal and some people won't understand so it's not worth sharing, but I am very greatful that I have that gift. My family is usually the focus of those. They are what I care most about. Many people focus on education, jobs, friends, personal life. None of that is bad. Sometimes I wish I had more friends, but then my sweet Madison randomly yells "Mom, I love you" from across the room and I remember that she's one of my friends. I sometimes think I wish I had a job and then after I am done nursing Mallory and she falls asleep in my arms, or gives me the biggest, sweetest smile while I'm changing her diaper reminds me that I LOVE my job, as a mom. I'm not rich, but when it comes to staying at home with my girls there's nothing I'd rather do.
I try to keep this on my mind, but until my 'Things to complain about' list is longer than my 'Things to be thankful for' list, I have to be thankful and not complain!

Happy Anniversary

On October 14th, Matt and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. I still have so many clear memories from the day we got married. One of the best decisions I ever made. We have been together for 10 years and had plenty of ups and downs, but everything has been worth it to be to where we are today. He is my best friend. I love having him by my side. He is such an amazing person, husband, and father. I am so blessed to have him in my life. I am so excited to grow old together!!

Happy Halloween

This Halloween was so much fun. Madison dressed up as a bumblebee and Mallory a Ladybug. Cutest bugs in town! Madison loved her costume. She never complained putting it on. In fact she got very excited. She was even adorable at 'stinging people.' She would grab her stinger and say "buzzzz" as she backed up toward the person. Hilarious!! This was her 3rd halloween, but the first where she actually understood how the whole trick-or-treating things goes. Once she caught on though...there was no stopping her. :) We ended up with way too much candy. Most will make for great church treats though!!

Mallory Jade Dixon

In November of 2010, Matt and I were getting ready to have company stay at our house for Thanksgiving. I told Matt, "I think I'm pregnant". It was quite a shock since I was on birth control and we weren't planning on another baby at the time, obviously. So we snuck off to Walmart without family and bought a test. Positive!! That same weekend my sister, Kristin, had her first baby boy, Felix. It kind of made me excited, but also really hard to keep my mouth shut. I had only taken a home pregnancy test. For Christmas we told the family. We used onesies from when Madison was a baby and wrote "Coming soon 8/1/2011". They were of course excited. Well, 9 months later we had a beautiful baby girl. We named her Mallory Jade. She weighed 7lbs. and 18 1/2 inches long. She was a BIG surprise in more than one way. We didn't find out her gender, but Matt and I were just sure we were having a boy. In fact we barely thought of girl names (more 'justincase'). So after she was delivered I asked what it was....it was a Girl. I practically jumped up. What???? I was shocked. Now 3 months later of full bliss I am so happy we have 2 girls. They are just so sweet and precious. They sure have a done a number on their daddy. His heart gets bigger everyday for them. Madison is such a good big sister. She just loves "Peanut" (that's the nickname she gave her) :)

Update on our clan

I was re-reading my previous posts. Some were how we were looking for a house. That sure brought back some emotions. That was a very stressful time. Something I am glad I am no longer doing. Matt bought our first home in June of 2010. I can't believe we have already been in it for a year. We love it. I am so grateful for the home we found. I sure put my foot in my mouth a lot though. I remember being so frustrated that other houses didn't work out. Thinking we would never buy a house, etc. The house we ended up in cost less than most we looked at, already had a finished basement, has a great ward/neighbor (which helped me become active in the church again), and we love the area. It helped me remember to be a little more patient with big decisions and let God do his thing :)