Top 10 Things I am Thankful for

The top 10 things I am greatful for. But the way, I know that greatful is actually spelled G-R-A-T-F-U-L. But, I don't care. Because, I Think it is Great and should be spelled as such.

1
Fall Decorations. Love them. (They aren't usually all on my counter)

2

Water! Love it, last year It would have been Diet Coke but,
I have rediscovered my true love

3
A Stocked Party via Coupons!!! Love Coupons

4

Alex's People. Pictured here are Cody & Patricia who have become a part of our extended family. Every day "RiT-a", As Alex calls her, picks him up from schools and takes him to his therapies and droped him of safely at home. Always with a smile on his face.
He has been blessed with amazing teachers, speech, OT and Hab. providers. His people are a blessing to me because I don't have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off anymore.

Okay, so I still do, sometimes, just not nearly as often.5
Crafts with Tyson are so fun. I love how he is impressed with the projects we do. This idea came from my sister Wendy. He loves this Turkey. It goes to bed with him every night.
6
My "Cute room" Thanks to garage selling and a little more time on my hands I finally have a nice quite place to sit. This is my favorite spot in my whole house.

7
Garage Sales. Here's my latest find this fancy stroller 10 bucks ;o)8
Supportive Family. Tons of them are not pictured as I have a huge group of Siblings, In-laws, Aunts, Uncles Gma's and even an adopted Ganny Janny. 9
Matthew, a Man that I am still Silly in Love with.
We have both changed a lot in the past 7 years.
But, he still continues to bless my life every day.

10

The Temple! Love this picture too, a fabulous gift from my Mom for my Birthday this year.
(If you look closely you will notice the image in 3 of my 10 items.)

I took this idea from the inspiring Nie Nie. But, first, a confession. When I first saw her blog, before her accident, I was like, so what. She's cute and talented just like hundreds of other moms.
But, I was wrong. After listening to her post-accident accounts and feeling the spirit of her messages, I have discovered what makes her exceptional.
Her unfailing love for living, God, and family. These attributes have been proven and have strengthened through her experiences. While others may have been destroyed, she contines to thrive. What an amazing example she is !

The reality is, we all have had, or will have our "accidents" in life.
Like it or not, who we really are and will become, is greatly determined by how we choose to handle our part.
Lisa, another amazing woman, reminded me of this very concept. She reciently shared her friends words on her blog,

"When I knew this was our trial, (or accident)
I wanted to make sure I did it well."

I hope that when all is said and done I will be able to run home with open arms to an all knowing and loving Heavenly father and say all in all, I did it well.
Thank you for the blessing each of you have been and continue you to be in my life. There are so many things to count when we really take the time to be GREAT-FUL for all that we have been blesses with.

Loving life

First, I must apologize. I have seriously neglected the responsibility of maintaining this blog.
However, I am happy to say that the fact is, I have been super busy loving and living my life.
With that said, this IS WHAT YOU HAVE MISSED...

We survived a long & Hot Summer.

The boys are back in School. And they are LOVING it!photo from
http://www2.raritanval.edu/planetarium/

Alex had a fabulous 6th Birthday at Bounce U

Tyson had a fun Peter Piper/ Sponge Bob style 4th Birthday party on Saturday, September 26th ( return to see photos on a future post)

Halloween was our BEST EVER!
There photos were taken at my parent's ward's Halloween Block Party.
Special thanks to the Daws for sharing all of these photos.Our FamilyMy beautiful Sister Wendy in here GI Jane CostumeHalf of Matthew, My Dad "Papa", Jake & Jodell
Alex the Devil & Tyson the Angel

And finally, Yesterday, "WalkTober 31st, as my Dad named it, we completed our 1st Autism Speaks Walk with 23 of the most wonderful and supportive family members you could find!

Here's the group Beautiful Wendy with Tyson & JakeAlex, Bekah, Ty, Wendy & Michael w/ Jeffry the Toys R US giraffeAunt Lucy, Jarad & Ian Sweet Westin, Michael, Griffin & LincolnTy & Alex Loving their Aunt DAlex walking with his cousinsLincoln catch a ride from his Dad Brian
Happy Feet love it!

Most of us rode the light Rail to this event. As I waited to get on the train, my eyes teared up. Looking at so many members of my family wearing t-shirts that I had designed.
Shirts that were carefully ironed on by my sweet mother and dear friend Jamie. Finishing at 11 pm the night before.

When my Mom noted the little tears, I told her, this is a dream come true. To feel that kind of love and support from our family was so special.
Autism has been a huge challenge for our family. Walking together chanting Just 4 Feet... JUST 4 FEET.... warmed my heart, as I realized the blessings that have been poured upon us.
From amazing teachers, therapists, respite,& hab workers to family members who have held our crying children when Matthew and I have had nothing left to give.
Thank you for being there and helping us not only get through the walk, but also get through ever single day.
Love you all!
Sarah Foote

Working

This is a picture of Alex "working" at Papa Foote's house. During a visit to Grandpa's, he disappeared, and was found just like this. Maybe he was checking his email.
Tyson Loves taking pictures with my iphone. Here is one of my favorites.

Out of Habit

I've been thinking lately. Ultimately , who we are is determined by our habits. So, what is a habit? It's a simple word we all know, but this definition adds a little depth. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/habit)

hab·it (hbt)

n.

1. a. A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.

b. An established disposition of the mind or character.

2. Customary manner or practice: a person of ascetic habits.

3. An addiction, especially to a narcotic drug.

4. Physical constitution.

5. Characteristic appearance, form, or manner of growth, especially of a plant or crystal.

6.

a. A distinctive dress or costume, especially of a religious order.

b. A riding habit.

I'm not planning on putting on a habit and start dressing like a nun or taking up horse riding however, habits do include the clothes we wear and the way we roll or ride. If we are not careful with our choices, pretty soon, undesirable habits may be taking us for a ride.
It's interesting, never once in my life, did I say, I want to be a big fat lady. However every day my choices and habits have shaped my body, my mind and spirit.

Benjamin Franklin is my hero when it comes to developing character he listed the following habits and character virtues that he was striving to develop.

1. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
11. TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

What an inspired man! I'm going strive to be more like my friend Ben and have the courage to evaluate my flaws and strive to develop into the person I want to be. Making a conscious choice to stop allowing bad habits to choose for me.

2 More Days!

Looking forward to the return of Matty Daddy.

The boys are excited too!

Foote Family Zoo

With Matthew in Seattle for the week, I'm feeling a bit like a lonely giraffe. It's not a huge stretch considering the fact that our house is much like a zoo. I have neglected blogging, so here's what we've been up too.
Alex has been super busy going to Kindergarten. He loves his teachers especially Miss Chris. He is also doing Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, attends the Guthrie Grooves Dance group and Saturday Program. He has been to the Zoo, Bounce-U, museums, movies and many more fun filled adventures with them. Alex still LOVES his puppies. They go with him everywhere and are his very best friends,
Alex Blue Puppy Eat, is his favorite, he also loves Sally(the other blue puppy), Charley Brown and as many other puppy pals as he can carry.
On Sunday, Alex lost his front tooth. Papa Shumway was so kind to pull it for him and he received $4.00 in bravery bucks.
In the past few months, Tyson and I have made several trips to the zoo and played at Peter Piper with quite a few cousins. Ty is still enjoying preschool at Burk.
We have been working on building his vocabulary. He is communicating better every day. Ty's Favorite part of the zoo is feeding & chasing the ducks.
There's lots more to say, but I'm tired so, I'll have to leave that for another day.