Day 10

Saturday, Oct. 18
Josh has been playing soccer in Bountiful since May. We thought it would help make the transition to Davis County a little easier for him in case the move happened. Saturday was the last game of the fall season, which will be a relief in some ways, but sad in others. Four days of soccer a week is a bit much, especially when some weeks included two games in North Ogden, about 55 minutes away, but Josh is always happy to play soccer, and he'll miss it until indoor begins in February. We haven't all made it to all of Josh's games, but Saturday we all went, and brought Will, Abby, and Ezra with us. They stayed with us Friday and most of Saturday while Eric and Christina (and Evy!) were in Seattle. I liked this picture of David and Ben and the way it captures their sweet relationship.

Sunday, Oct. 19
My parents came back to town, just for one night. After church today, I begged everyone to go back to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a walk. I ran there yesterday, so that makes three days in a row for me. I think it's my new happy place, and I have needed one desperately. Gorgeous, peaceful, wonderful. We were the only ones on the trail except for a little snake.

Also, I bought a piano on Saturday. (YES!!!! It's very exciting!!!! Details later...)

Giving Thanks, Day 6

I am grateful for my large, loud Youngberg family. I love laughing with them. They are funny and such good company.

We got together tonight to celebrate my birthday because Mom and Dad are in town. It was amazing to see everyone gathered in my kitchen and realize that this is what we wanted to have in our home...a gathering place. It's still far far far from being finished, but we had so much fun tonight.

And I still love Steven's stories about sneaking out of the house dressed as a ninja, stalking the wilds of Yorba Linda. Steven is awesome.

Also, I'm starting a picture of the day project, thanks to Christina. I'll be trying to post these as well as keeping them in an album.

Giving Thanks, Day 4

I am grateful for the knowledge that one day I will not have boxes all over my house.

One day.

Maybe not one day soon, but one day...

Also, I ate Cocoa Pebbles and strawberries tonight.

Giving Thanks, Day 2

Today I'm grateful that tomorrow is another day.

Also, I got bangs.

Giving Thanks, Early Version

I've been a big fat whiner for too long. I had my knock-upside-the-head on the phone with my mom and sister yesterday. I had been complaining about everything to them on Monday, including the sighting of a deer in our backyard. They were laughing at me because instead of saying how cool it was that there was actually a DEER in my BACKYARD, I was saying, "So now I have to worry about deer eating my garden."

So now I'm worried about possible deer eating a possible garden some time in my future? I think this is ironic, since I've only had one successful garden in my fourteen years of home ownership. Who's to say that I'd actually pull off a garden next year anyway? Complaining about possible problems in my future is NOT where I want my mind to be.

On my run today (I HATE RUNNING HERE. There. I said it. I HATE RUNNING HERE. I have to run ONE MILE STRAIGHT UPHILL before I get to a better path, and even that road is hilly) I saw two deer munching on some homeowner's flowerbeds (SEE? The deer are going to eat my garden!) and stopped. We stared each other down as I moved past them, and I thought, "Oh my heavens, I get to see deer on my morning runs! This is cool." And I realized that my trademark optimism needs some help, because that was just about the first time I was really excited about my neighborhood, and that I've been miring down in some deep gloom.

Yes, November is a month away, but I'm bringing back my giving thanks series. It's not as bad as Christmas carols in September. Giving thanks is never really out of style, right?

Today I'm grateful that my mom and Bri could laugh at me and let me see my whining through their eyes. It wasn't a pretty picture, but it was worth seeing.

Optimistic Kerri may return. We'll see. But I'm still mad at that future deer eating my future green beans.

Giving Thanks, Day 30

I'm grateful for my gratitude posts.

My heart has been softened, my eyes opened to the goodness around me, my responses to hard situations kinder than they might have been. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude is not easy. There are so many struggles in all of our lives that it can be easy to wallow in the muck of it all. I certainly have found myself in many a muck-fest. Having this challenge helped pull me out of a few, and for that I am truly thankful.

I may have to continue to count my blessings on the sidebar of my blog.

And now it's December! Christmas!

It will be the first December in 11 years that I have not had lessons, dress rehearsals, concerts, recording sessions, etc. etc. etc. I hope that I will be able to create a season of peace for myself and for my family that hasn't happened in the past.

Giving Thanks, Day 29

I'm grateful for my good, kind parents.



I've already talked about my dad, but he and mom came up last night to see new baby Evelyn, and we were able to spend a few hours together today. This made me very grateful.

When I count my blessings, being raised by goodly parents must come in near the top of the list. I have learned many important lessons from these two: that debt is to be avoided, that an education is to be gained, that family is dear, that playing games late at night is memory-making, to never give up, to work hard and play hard, that popcorn and orange frosties are delicious, to encircle yourself with friends who love you, and always to love the Lord. Are my parents perfect? The short answer is, of course, no, but also yes.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all you have done and continue to do for me and my family. I love you.

Giving Thanks, Day 28

I'm grateful that I don't stay up all night shopping any other night of the year.

(Can I just ask, What was I thinking?)

Giving Thanks, Day 27

I'm grateful for a beautiful Thanksgiving day.

Giving Thanks, Day 25 & 26

Day 25

I'm grateful for David's relaxed attitude today.

When he came home from work, David did not even mention how crazy it is that our downstairs is still covered (COVERED.) in papers, pictures, concert programs, childrens' artwork, and I'm not even sure what else. What a good man. What a patient man.

Instead, he made a big deal about how great my grocery shopping bargains were and how much money I saved. This is a man I'll keep. (Oh, and he also said I'm getting skinny...My oh my. I think my brain may explode.)

Day 26

I'm grateful for seeing my family room floor.

I'm getting closer to finishing my organizing. Oh my goodness. I had no idea how long this would take. I pictured ample time pre-Thanksgiving to polish the baseboards, re-cover the kitchen chairs, make new kitchen curtains, and of course by now I was planning on freezing my homemade rolls to pull out of the freezer tomorrow morning, finishing up the final touches on the yams, and making jam to go along with dinner.

Ha ha ha. Did I mention my optimism is sometimes inaccurate as far as results are concerned?

Time to get back to the paper madness...

Giving Thanks, Day 23 & 24

Day 23

I am thankful for Thanksgiving!



I've been planning our feast for this Thursday, and I'm so excited to have some of our family gathered with us to celebrate gratitude. And food.

I love food.

I love sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, pie, stuffing; oh, I'll admit it. I love it all.

And sharing Thanksgiving with people who are dear to me is great, too.

(Have I ever told you about the first Thanksgiving at our house? The one to which my cousin invited a girl suffering from anorexia? Yeah. It's a good story.)

Day 24

I'm grateful for getting to start over every day.



I like to think of the night as my reset button. I seem to need that reset button every single day. Didn't quite help the kids well enough with their practicing. Didn't study my scriptures. Got sidetracked on the computer (what? Who, me?). Didn't spend enough quality time with David. Didn't find someone to do something for. Read too much. Didn't practice. Ate eight cookies. Didn't run. Couldn't get myself focused on organizing the house.

And so, every morning, I get to Try Try Again. That sometimes feels overwhelming, but I am the eternal optimist, after all, so I often think, "TODAY is the day I'm going to get it right!"

Somedays I get pretty close to right. Most times I don't. But every day I get to try again, and that is a blessing.

Giving Thanks, Day 21 & 22

Day 21

I'm grateful for my new niece, Evelyn Rose.





How truly wonderful to have a new baby to love...Evie is a beautiful baby with a beautiful name and a beautiful mom and a beautiful family. I'm so thankful for her safe arrival, and that she's just around the corner when I start needing a baby fix.

Day 22

I'm grateful for David's help organizing our under-the-stairs closet and desk area.

Oh boy. Paper clutter is my nemesis. (So is chocolate milk.) I can't tell you how many preschool pictures, receipts, vacation memorabilia, and just plain junk I have had boxed up under the stairs...it's just too overwhelming. So we've spent all day today cleaning out, and I am at the So Done I Want to Cry stage. Well, maybe not cry, but at least take a hot shower and pretend that my entire family room downstairs is not covered in piles.

Giving Thanks, Day 20

I'm grateful for my dad.

It's his birthday today! Happy birthday, Dad.

My dad gave me more than his white skin and quick temper. He gave me a love of friendly competition, a desire to learn, a loyal heart, and a love of family. I hope I also got my love of a good time from him...my dad plays as hard as he works.

I also learned about sacrificing for the Lord from my dad (my mom, too!). My dad and mom always had callings that often called for much time and effort. I never once heard either of them complain about what they were asked to do. They simply did it. I am grateful for this example, and have come to realize just what an amazing gift that was for me.

So thank you, Dad, for honoring your priesthood, teaching me about working hard, and letting me live to adulthood. I know I tested you. You needed it...life was too easy before me. Ha ha.

Giving Thanks, Day 19

I am grateful for other peoples' talents.

I just tried to sew doll clothes with Kate.

Nuff said.

Giving Thanks, Day 18

I am grateful to be a stay-at-home mom.

I have worked part time my entire adult life. I wasn't sure if I could give up my profession and still feel like myself. I have identified myself as a musician for as long as I can remember, and that label seemed to be my biggest identifier. I also have a great affinity for teaching and grow to truly love each of my students and their families. I care about their progress as people as well as musicians, and have enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of a child's growth from early in their educational lives until graduation. There aren't many professions that enjoy those kind of long term relationships, and I loved that part of teaching piano.

I was also happy to be an accompanist for Viva Voce, a women's choir that I have been a part of since January of 1997. I had the opportunity to perform and record in many different venues, and it helped keep up my reading and playing chops. I loved the women I worked with and, again, especially was thankful for long term relationships that often buoyed my spirits. (And to be quite honest, it was nice to be appreciated. Moms don't get the same kinds of acclaim as women can in the workplace.)

But it all got to be too much. Too much time focusing on other peoples' children. Too much time worrying about what I needed to do to become an even better teacher, an even better pianist. Too much stress, trying to figure out how to get my kids where they needed to go, how to help them finish their homework, how to get dinner ready after hours of teaching, how to be unfrazzled in the evening so that we all could feel peace in our home, how to get my OWN kids to practice after trying to convince all my STUDENTS to practice. It became clear that something had to change.

So after months of agonizing, praying, fasting, and worrying, David and I made the Big Decision.

And now it's done. And life is beautiful.

Well, a lot of the time it is.

The house isn't always clean. But it's cleaner. Dinners aren't always fancy. But we have dinner on time almost every night. I'm not always a paragon of peace and tranquility. But the kids are happier. Much happier. I don't know how we would have survived this year if I were still trying to keep all the balls in the air. I am truly truly grateful.

We couldn't have made this decision too many years ago. My income was vital for a long time. I have so much empathy for moms who work, and I'm downright blown away by those who work full-time. It's HARD. I respect moms everywhere who are trying to do the best they can with whatever hands they've been dealt. But I'm grateful that I was in a position where sacrifices could be made so that our family could be in a better situation than we were.

Am I still a musician? Yes. But I'm a mom. For now, that's my priority. And, surprisingly (to me, anyway), I love it.

Giving Thanks, Day 17

I am thankful for Family Home Evening.


No, really, I am.

Disclaimer: We are not great about having FHE. We go in phases. Sometimes we do a story and a game. Sometimes we just have a treat. But since I quit teaching, we've had many more "typical" Family Home Evenings than ever before.

I even made an FHE chart. I'm so home-makery, it kills me. (But I just made it out of badly cut pieces of cardstock stuck together with a push pin. It's a 1 (lame) on the crafty meter.)

Tonight was a SUCCESSFUL evening. My sweet kids, my sweet husband, ALL of us participated, and voices were only raised once or twice. Hooray for mostly happy family time. Josh taught us from the Doctrine and Covenants, we read a story to Ben, the girls sang a song together, we talked more about gratitude, we had pumpkin shakes, and we played Modified Boggle. Whew. (I love Modified Boggle. Experts have to find words with 4+ letters, intermediate players find words of 3+ letters, and Kate can make any word she wants with any letters she sees. Good times.)

Giving Thanks, Day 16

I am grateful that my parents are safe and that their house didn't burn down yesterday.



Yorba Linda was on fire yesterday, did you hear? Scared me. Scared me more today when I couldn't reach my parents on the phone and worried that they might have been evacuated, like so many thousands were. Every time the answering machine answered, I was grateful, though, because I figured if the answering machine was still working, the house must still be there.

My heart aches for my family's friends who have lost homes. I hope they had time to get important things out of the house. I am so grateful for my safety, and I guess this a good reminder to get my house in order just in case something tragic happens. Pictures on DVDs, important papers in a fireproof safe, maybe..., oh, and make sure our 72-hour kits are updated.

Giving Thanks, Day 15

I'm grateful for date night!

Woohoo!!! 007 and Citris Grill and happy kids with our wonderful babysitter, Katee...

I love date night! We need to do it more often.

Giving Thanks, Day 14

I am grateful for grace.

I need it daily. I don't ask for it as often as I should. I'm afraid that I can't do the topic justice in a short little gratitude post, but suffice it to say that I have felt the power of Christ's grace, and I know it has changed me for the better.

I know God offers it to me with open hands. It's for me to decide whether or not I can accept it.

Giving Thanks, Day 13

I am grateful for my Nana Paullin.



It's her birthday today.

She is an amazing example to me of kindness, generosity, graciousness, hospitality, intelligence, dedication, service, and love.

She's a California girl through and through, and still can't quite believe I consider myself a Utahn.

She has passed to me her love of reading, her sweet tooth, and her tendency to think liberally, along with her respect for people of all faiths.

She loves me, she loves my family, and we all love her back.

Happy birthday, Nana.