Oh so warm

Once again I am left with sore muscles, but tonight I am using the amazing (#90) heating pad my roommate Emily made for me. She let me borrow hers one day when I had cramps and I loved it. She was then nice enough to make me one for Christmas. You would not believe how wonderfully well this thing works. Half an hour of the heating pad and I am feeling good as new. Thanks Emily for the great gift, it will be used again and again.

Have you seen my beach ball?

I am thankful for (#89) muscles. Not the rippling ones you find on guys at the gym, though those aren't bad. I am grateful to have muscles that move me all over the place. Can you imagine not being able to move when you wanted,  or to walk around with ease? I don't think about these things as often as I should.

Today my legs have been really sore from exercise and work. I spent much of the evening cursing my sore muscles. But a momentary thought of my life without them quickly changed my mind. If they are sore it means I can feel them and that they work. I am so grateful to move with the ease and comfort that I can.

No more wii for me

Today we finally had to give up a treasured member of our apartment. The (#88) Wii went back to it's rightful owner today. I am glad that Sarah let us babysit it for so long. The Wii was a wonderful thing to have. We used it mostly for the Netflix, ok only for the Netflix, but it was great. I love great inventions such as these and will miss having it in our apartment.

All day.....at the dentist?

I learned something new today, apparently I have amazing teeth. The dentist and dental assistant could not stop raving about what great teeth I have. I would like to give a special thanks to all the fluoride running through the water in Colorado, you made me who I am today.

But my awesome teeth aside, I am very thankful for the (#87) dentist. I haven't been for an embarrassing long amount of time. Although I did have a few cavities it was still a very pleasant experience. My roommate Angela recommended her dentist who she happens to be quite fond of. It turned out to be a good choice and the dentist will have me all patched up in no time. I am grateful for people who spend all that time studying teeth. My teeth feel really smooth and I will no longer have to worry about sugar sending pain waves through my mouth. It was a very good day for sure.

Wait for me

Time to play catch-up. Here we go.

(#84) Dumb movies- I love a good movie, but sometimes a bad movie is even better. I saw The Eagle with my friend Mellissia on Friday night. Now it wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen, but it was nowhere near the top. Dumb movies are great because you get to spend most of the time making fun of them. Although the people  behind us may not have appreciated it, we had a great time poking fun at Channing Tatum and the rest of the Romans.

(#85) Trades-I have discovered the best thing ever, training my roommates in the art of massage so that we can trade. I feel dumb that it took me so long to realize the potential here, but better late than never. Now I get to have free massages as they practice on me and I feel super smart passing on all my wisdom.

(#86)  Fasting- I realize that this sounds like a weird thing to be thankful for, but I really am thankful for fasting. I feel like it's a good exercise in gaining control. My blogs may have already given this away but I love food. It is a passion and also a weakness. Giving up food for a long period of time is really hard, not only because I'm hungry but I also just enjoy eating. Going without makes me feel really in control, like I am truly giving up something by choice and not because I am forced to. I am also much more thankful for my food once the fasting is over. I really appreciate the full stomach and the satisfied appetite.

Short and sweet

(#83) Chocolate. No explanation needed.

Grab the doggie-bag

Work really wiped me out today. I was so out of it that I came into the break room and sat down on a glass plate without even realizing it. Imagine my happiness when I came home and found that I had a large container of (#82) leftovers in the fridge. This is a true blessing. Without leftovers tonight would have definitely been a cruise through the drive-thru type of night. I am thankful for leftovers, no effort required and I am guaranteed to like it. Sometimes the food is even better the second time around. Thank you leftovers, you have saved me once again.

A pinch of salt

I love it when I try a (#81) new recipe and it actually turns out tasting good. I really enjoy cooking, but nothing is worse than spending all evening trying something new only to have it suck. Tonight I made Sheppard's Pie courtesy of my sister Becca. Everyone who partook of the meal was pleasantly surprised and I will definitely be making it again. I am grateful for awesome recipes that guide me in my quest for delicious food. Any other recipe ideas out there? I'm always on the lookout for a sure-fire hit.

Mr. Postman look and see, is there a letter in your bag for me

We got a notice in the mail that there was a package waiting for us at the post office. I decided to walk over there and pick it up. The post office is basically next door to us so it seemed like a simple trip. What I did not realize is that this would be somewhat of a large package. The return trip took about five minutes, but it felt even longer with the package weighing down my arms. This is one of those rare occasions that I really would have accepted help from anyone who had walked by. Can I just say that I am so thankful for (#80) mailmen/mailwomen. I am so thankful that I am not normally in charge of picking up my own mail. Sure they have a truck to drive around in, but it's still a lot of delivering every day. Thank you postal workers for dropping the mail in my box every day. My arms appreciate it.

W-I-N spells WIN

I am thankful for my (#79) VICTORY today during our annual round of Mexican Train. I feel as if I haven't won in a very long time, and the scoreboard can confirm that assumption. I know it's ridiculous to get upset about losing a silly game, but I can't help it. Failing over and over again is just not something I enjoy. I am glad I could put an end to the horror for now. On our last round today I was able to play the winning tile. Applause was heard all though out the complex. You know you're doing pretty bad when everyone else at the table is happy you finally won too.

Superior Earlobes

Bah! I was once again foiled by the internet in my attempt to be thankful last night. I guess that means I am extra thankful today that the (#77) internet is working. I don't realize how much I depend on the world wide web until it is out of my reach. I am grateful to have all the information in the world right at my fingertips. This blog is coming to you thanks to the internet so that is another reason for everyone to be very thankful.

The other thing I am very grateful for are my (#78) ears and the wonderful hearing capabilities they posses. The other day I did a massage on a deaf client. It was an interesting situation because I had to make up my own signs to try and help them understand what we were doing. It made me so thankful that I can hear people speak, listen to music, talk, sing-I can do all these things and I am so thankful.

I am also really grateful for my earlobes. There is an on-going debate in my family over which type of earlobe is superior, those that dangle or those that are connected. I happen to be in the dangling group. Sorry Dad, but they are superior. I get them from my mother and think they look quite fantastic.

Down with commercials

I am so grateful for the new addition to my exercise regiment, that would be none other than the (#76) Cardio Cinema at Gold's Gym. Previously I had sworn that I would never again enter the Cardio Cinema. The one at the Gold's in Provo always smelled like sweat and half the machines never worked. But yesterday I was at the AF Gold's and desperate for a distraction while I trudged away on the treadmill.

I was very hesitant to enter the cinema room but was greatly surprised. No stinky sweat smell, it actually smelled quite pleasant and there was even a good breeze flowing around the room. I am now very thankful for this revelation. The giant screen kept my attention for the entire run. Plus, I didn't loose momentum during the stupid commercials because as we all know, movies don't have commercials. I think that's why I love movies so much.

The final highlight of the cinema room is that it's completely dark. No one has to see the awkward way I run or look at my red sweaty face. It's a win-win-win situation.

Twist and shout

I am thankful for the generic (#75) double stuffed Oreos I got at the store the other day. I am so grateful for them that I had to give most of them away to my roommates so I wouldn't eat the whole package on my own.

Poster Power

I really respect all of my roommates' jobs, but very rarely do their daily activities effect me personally. That all changed today. I am so thankful for Angela's TA job and the awesome (#74) BYU Men's Basketball poster she brought home. This beautiful work of art is signed by all the players and hanging in a place of respect in our apartment. As a TA Angela gets to spend quality time with a few of the players on the team. Her job has blessed the rest of the apartment as we are now able to gaze at the team whenever we desire. A+ for Angela.

Save some for the fishes

Oh boy do I love (#73) hot showers. There is something wonderful about hot water covering you from head to toe. I am so grateful to live in an apartment where hot showers are possible. I know that in some places that's just not a possibility. Showers are the best, preferably ones that last forever.

There is a rumor floating around the apartment that the hot water seems to disappear each time I get in. This story started after I may or may not have spent 40 minutes in the shower one day. I honestly don't make a habit of it, but once in a while you need to take your time and enjoy the goodness of your shower. I come out feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and squeaky clean. I recommend it to everyone looking for a good pick-me-up.

Spring Forward

Good-bye winter, hello Spring! (#72) Daylight Savings is the best. I feel like it is bringing me one step closer to hot days and warm nights. No more darkness at 6 p.m. Although we lost an hour of sleep I am still so thankful to have it light outside. At 7:30 p.m. there was still some resemblance of daylight. I feel like the days are longer and I have more time to do stuff. Plus it isn't completely dark when I get out of work every night. I love it!

They melt in your mouth, not in your hand

I am truly grateful to Kim and the (#71) Peanut M&Ms she brought to work today. They are the only reason I made it through my entire shift.

Bahaha

I have heard horror stories about in-laws and the drama they can cause. I am so thankful for (#70) Scotty, my brother-in-law, and his laid back ways. He joined the family about 10 months ago and has been a great addition. Sometimes it seems like people are more excited to see him then Becca.

One thing I love about Scotty is that he laughs out loud when things are funny. We always watch A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve and usually I am the only one who ever laughs out loud. But with Scotty around I am not alone, he laughs along with me. I like that. Another thing I am thankful for is that he didn't run away screaming when he met our family. Things can get really crazy around our house but he jumps right in and takes part in the craziness. I don't think we could have found a better in-law.

Bananas anyone?

(#69) Hannah is the last of the Schwab gang. I don't think there ever was a more strong headed girl. Telling Hannah she can't do something because she is too little just doesn't count as an answer. She wants to do whatever the rest of the family is doing. I love this girl because she is fearless. Any trick she sees my brothers do she wants to try it as well.

Hannah is the biggest sweetie ever. She loves everyone in our family so much. I think some of her best times are when we are all together and she can just bounce from one sibling to the next. I'm so thankful for her happy spirit. She knows how to get on people's good side and butter them up. Hannah has a great talent for making people happy and I love to be around her.

Random Memories:
~Her nickname is Hannah Banana
~Hannah used to recite a little story about all the common sayings for each member of our family
~She loves to go around asking people who their favorite sister is

Who took the cookie from the cookie jar?

After three boys in a row I was so grateful to have (#68) Olivia born into our family. She is the sweetest girl. Olivia is always giving complements to people around her. She really knows how to make people feel good. There have been multiple times where she said something that just made me smile on the inside.

Olivia is so talented. She plays the violin and is a whiz in the kitchen or with a sewing machine. I think it's great that she is practicing all these activities. She just keeps getting better and better. Olivia is a quiet person, but I think that is what makes her such a good listener. I know that I can talk to her and she will listen to what I have to say. Even as a much younger sister I feel like we can talk about serious stuff together. She is just such an awesome girl.

Random memories:
~Preston made her a red wagon for Christmas one year and she loved to ride around in it
~She makes some of the best chocolate chip cookies ever!
~Olivia always gives up her room to me when I come to visit, I am so thankful for her and her bed

T is for trouble

(#67) Tanner is last of the boys in the family, but he is definitely not the least. Tanner is an individual and does what he wants. With three older brothers who wrestle you would think that Tanner would follow in their footsteps, not so. He decided he wanted to play basketball instead. Turns out he made the right choice because he is really good at it. I really admire him for making that choice, even though the older boys still give him a hard time he follows his own path.

Tanner is always ready to play. When I am home he is ready to play any new game I throw at him. I love his excitement for things and it rubs off on the rest of us. Tanner is a great leader and I know that a lot of people look up to him. He may be shorter than me, but I really look up to him for his out-going and happy personality. Love that boy!

Random memories:
~Tanner will ballroom dance with me in the kitchen whenever we have music on, he's pretty good
~Multiple times he has been mistake for Cami's twin
~He loved to swing from hoses that had been tied to our willow tree outside

Wodney Wabbit

I am so so thankful for my brother (#66) Cami. Ok, his real name is Cameron, but one of the great things about him is that he lets me call him Cami. Not many 16 year old boys would allow you to do that. But he does.

I think Cami and I are very similar which is why I love him so much. He is much more mellow than the rest of the boys in the family. While all the other brothers are dancing around, always the center of attention, Cami is just hanging out on the edges. It's there that he is cracking jokes and making me laugh. He just says the funniest things. It's this low-key, funny sense of humor, always willing to hang-out with me personality that I love.

Cami is such a hard worker and very dedicated. I admire his ability to continue working towards something that require a lot of physical sacrifice. He is just an awesome brother.

Random memories:
~Cami had a hard time saying his "r" sound as a kid. When he would read the rabbit book we couldn't help but laugh.  "Wodney Wabbit waked the weaves". We got a kick out of that and would make him say it all the time.
~Cami was the cutest little boy, the best looking kid out of all the brothers.
~He took 6th at State Wrestling Tournament this year, what a stud

Spence-man

What is there to say about (#65) Spencer? I am so thankful for this kid and the example he sets for me. On the 15th of this month he leaves for South Africa where he will be serving a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is giving up so much to go teach people about our Savior Jesus Christ. It just doesn't get more impressive than that.

Spencer does have other awesome qualities as well. He is one of the most out-going people I have ever met. I don't think you could put him in an awkward situation. He has a great air of confidence about him and is able to adapt to any circumstance while continuing to enjoy himself. Spencer is also one of my most loving brothers. Even as a teenager he was always open for hugs and talking to me on the phone. I just love this kid. Even though we don't see each other much I am going to really miss him for the next two years. But I know he will be an amazing missionary and have an awesome time doing it.

Random memories
~We dressed Spencer up like a girl one afternoon for fun, Dad did not appreciate that.
~When he was a toddler Spencer would stand really close to the speakers and bounce up and down in a weird sort of dance.
~I'm pretty sure he spent the first two years of his life with a bottle in his mouth. I think that carried over with him because he always seems to be eating something.

I wanna be called Sharon

Ok, I am back on track to my gratefulness for my siblings. Today I am here to spout my thankfulness for my sister (#64) Becca. One of the best things about Becca is that I actually consider her one of my close friends. Anyone who knew us as kids would realize that this is a small miracle.

My sister is one of the most dedicated people I know. If she decides to do something she sticks to it, nothing will get in her way. I really admire that about her. She is also a very compassionate person and takes really good care of our other siblings. Becca is a great cook and loves all things food just like me. It's funny that we really have more in common than we ever realized. She is an awesome sister and I am grateful we can actually tolerate and enjoy spending time with one another.

Random memories:
~ After a big fight Becca would make me little "I'm sorry" notes that had pictures and hearts all over them and leave them on my bed.
~Becca and Preston tried to dig a hole to China in our backyard.
~I ended up sharing my bed with her for months after Preston told her spiders were going to crawl out of the hole in her room. Thanks Preston.

Rub-a-dub-dub

I am so so thankful for the (#63) hot tub! I know I am supposed to be thankful for my next sibling today but I am postponing that until tomorrow. We are siblings for all eternity so it's ok. But today I needed the hot tub so badly and it was there for me. I went cross-country skiing for the first time today. It was so much fun! But I biffed it quite a few times. Then I got to go massage people for a few hours at work. Oh how I needed relaxation. I think hot tubs are the best thing ever and am so grateful to have one right outside my door. We will definitely be spending more quality time together in the future.

Hi Laura, Got any cheese

My brother (#62) Preston is a stud. Of course I would never say this to his face, wouldn't want to make his head any bigger. But he really is. Luckily I am pretty sure he would never read mine, or any other blog for that matter. So there is no threat of his ego taking over completely.

Preston is the comic relief of the family. He knows how to put people at ease and can always crack a joke. I am thankful for his humor, it can be very helpful in stressful situations. He is also laid back, I hardly see him get bothered by annoying people or stupid things. One of things I really admire about Preston is that he stands up for what he believes in, even if his friends don't feel the same way. He goes with the flow, yet he won't let other people just push him into something he doesn't want to do.

Random memories:
~Preston did the best Steve Urkel impressions as a kid.
~He had a care bear blanket that he could not live without
~Preston went through a phase where he got mad if you didn't call him by his real first name, so cute

Pulling together we can work it out

I realized during my brief stay at home that I really like my (#61) siblings. Of course I love them, that's a given, you have to love your siblings. But lately I have learned that I like them as well. Somewhere along the way everyone has started to grow up and gain their own personality. It makes visiting much more enjoyable, especially since I don't have many friends left at home. I am thankful for my siblings, and so I will now embark on my week long brag-fest about their awesomeness. You don't want to miss it so stay tuned.

What's the thread count?

Let's hear three cheers for (#60) clean sheets! There is something wonderful about crawling in between fresh sheets and drifting off to sleep. I enjoyed this luxury last night. If it was possible I'd wash my sheets every night right before going to bed. Oh what a treat that would be.