Merry Christmas Day! I loved waking up and going to church...what a great place to be on the day the Savior was born! Afterwards we came home and opened our presents. It made me laugh to see almost all of us get back into our pjs for opening presents.
We also got to talk to Bradley today, hooray! It was great to talk to him for about an hour and hear more of his mission adventures. So thankful for him and what he's doing!
We talked to my family, and went and spent time with Craig's family. It was a wonderful happy day, and we felt exceedingly blessed. So grateful for all that we have, and expecially grateful for our Savior, whose birth we celebrate!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
And the Crowd Goes Wild!
Today before heading out for my morning walk I took a quick look online. As I opened up my local news site, I saw a video that totally made my day. You can watch it here.
I'm so excited about his choice to serve a mission! As the mom of a missionary, I know that there are great things to come for Elder Archuleta! Some people say that a mission is the best two years OF their life, but more often it's said that a mission is the best two years FOR their life. I love getting letters from my son, and seeing the growth and maturity that is coming to him as he serves his Heavenly Father. I love reading his testimony and knowing he is drawing closer to Christ, like this from his last letter: "I'm enjoying my time and more than anything recognizing more and more every day how much the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ means to me. I wish I could help people know how much their life will be changed just through my words." How awesome is it for a parent to see their child have those feelings?
David breaks down after announcing he has decided to serve a mission. In the comments on the video a few people mention how sad they think he is, but I believe those are not sad tears, but instead tears of joy in the decision he's made to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And speaking of joy, don't you just love how the crowd goes wild at his announcement? They are all so happy for him! Wouldn't it be awesome if every good decision we made were met with the same reaction, that of the crowd going wild? To always know that the good decisions we make are cheered for and that the good things we choose mean something to others would be wonderful.
In further thinking about it, I believe that though we may not hear it as loud as David did when he made his announcement, that there is cheering going on for every good decision we make. First of all, I believe our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ cheer us on. They want us to make it back to them (they want it bad enough that Christ was willing to give His life to ensure it could happen), and every good decision we make gets us closer to that. Secondly, I believe our families and friends cheer us on in the good decisions we make. And thirdly, because of the eternal nature of life, I believe that there are both those who have come before us, and those who are yet to come, that cheer on our good decisions as well. We mean something to them and they want us to succeed!
So the next time you do something good, listen carefully. And maybe, just maybe, you will hear that loving crowd go wild as well!
I'm so excited about his choice to serve a mission! As the mom of a missionary, I know that there are great things to come for Elder Archuleta! Some people say that a mission is the best two years OF their life, but more often it's said that a mission is the best two years FOR their life. I love getting letters from my son, and seeing the growth and maturity that is coming to him as he serves his Heavenly Father. I love reading his testimony and knowing he is drawing closer to Christ, like this from his last letter: "I'm enjoying my time and more than anything recognizing more and more every day how much the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ means to me. I wish I could help people know how much their life will be changed just through my words." How awesome is it for a parent to see their child have those feelings?
David breaks down after announcing he has decided to serve a mission. In the comments on the video a few people mention how sad they think he is, but I believe those are not sad tears, but instead tears of joy in the decision he's made to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And speaking of joy, don't you just love how the crowd goes wild at his announcement? They are all so happy for him! Wouldn't it be awesome if every good decision we made were met with the same reaction, that of the crowd going wild? To always know that the good decisions we make are cheered for and that the good things we choose mean something to others would be wonderful.
In further thinking about it, I believe that though we may not hear it as loud as David did when he made his announcement, that there is cheering going on for every good decision we make. First of all, I believe our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ cheer us on. They want us to make it back to them (they want it bad enough that Christ was willing to give His life to ensure it could happen), and every good decision we make gets us closer to that. Secondly, I believe our families and friends cheer us on in the good decisions we make. And thirdly, because of the eternal nature of life, I believe that there are both those who have come before us, and those who are yet to come, that cheer on our good decisions as well. We mean something to them and they want us to succeed!
So the next time you do something good, listen carefully. And maybe, just maybe, you will hear that loving crowd go wild as well!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thankful #30
This is it...the last day of November, which means the last thankful post. It was fun to do, and think about all the different things I am thankful for. There are many, many things to be thankful for...way more than 30 things!
Today I am thankful for warmth. It was a cold day, but I have cozy sweaters and blankets, a working furnance, and seat warmers in my car that helped keep the chill away. (I personally think seat warmers are one of the greatest inventions ever! Well, you know, besides all those other really important inventions that I think are great as well!) It's wonderful to be able to not be cold!
Today I am thankful for warmth. It was a cold day, but I have cozy sweaters and blankets, a working furnance, and seat warmers in my car that helped keep the chill away. (I personally think seat warmers are one of the greatest inventions ever! Well, you know, besides all those other really important inventions that I think are great as well!) It's wonderful to be able to not be cold!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thankful #29
We are part of a produce co-op. There are a bunch of us that pool our money together and buy produce. For $16 a week we get a pretty good pile of food. This week for instance we got bananas, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, pears, apples, kiwis, mushrooms, green onions, cucumbers, clementines, and green peppers. Although many in the co-op get produce every week, our family chooses to get it once every two weeks, but that seems to be enough for us.
Today I'm thankful for all that delicious food. I'm thankful we are able to get a lot for a little price. I'm thankful that we have had the chance to try new things. I'm thankful that I end up having produce that I can then use for making things for dinner, such as tonight's spinach salad (with mushrooms) side dish. YUM!
Today I'm thankful for all that delicious food. I'm thankful we are able to get a lot for a little price. I'm thankful that we have had the chance to try new things. I'm thankful that I end up having produce that I can then use for making things for dinner, such as tonight's spinach salad (with mushrooms) side dish. YUM!
Thankful #28
Today during family scripture reading I was teasing one of my kids and it ended up that we both kind of got the giggles. I liked that. Sometimes your teenagers act like they are too big and mature for you and your silly mom games, but every so often that teenage aloofness melts away and you think "Hey, maybe this kid still kind of likes me!" That's my favorite, so today I'm thankful for getting the giggles with my big kid and the happiness and feelings of closeness to him it brings to my mom heart.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thankful #27
Today was our first day with new ward boundaries, which were changed last week. Church was packed, and I loved it! It was so nice to have old friends back, and some new people to make friends with there as well. One lady kept saying it made her nervous to have all those people there, but I loved it, it felt like one big happy family. So, I was thankful today for the new ward boundaries and the strength that will come to our ward through the families that were added.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thankful #26
Tonight Craig and I cuddled up on the couch and watched a hokey Hallmark Channel Movie. It's been a really, really long time since we've done that! But it was great, and so today I'm thankful for cuddling up to my sweetie and watching a light-hearted Christmas movie together.
Thankful #25
Today our family went to the new Muppet Movie that recently came out. According to what I've read, it's been a dozen or so years since the Muppets were last seen on screen. My youngest was too young at that time to probably even remember them. It was fun to watch the movie, and then later this evening Jake and I watched some old episodes of the Muppet Show online.
It's fun to look back on old things and remember fun things from the past. There's something somewhat refreshing about going back to things that happened in a different time of you life, and I'm grateful for the chance to have done that today!
It's fun to look back on old things and remember fun things from the past. There's something somewhat refreshing about going back to things that happened in a different time of you life, and I'm grateful for the chance to have done that today!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankful #24
Today I'm thankful for singing. After a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner, a game or two, and a pie or two, all the ladies came and gathered round the piano and sang some hymns.
I love singing, and I'm thankful for the chance to sing hymns of praise to God, especially on this day when we ponder all the wonderful things He give us. I stand all amazed for all my many blessings, to borrow a line from a hymn!
I love singing, and I'm thankful for the chance to sing hymns of praise to God, especially on this day when we ponder all the wonderful things He give us. I stand all amazed for all my many blessings, to borrow a line from a hymn!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful #23
Today I'm thankful for Curtis.
Curtis is Bradley's best friend. He is a crazy kid. Whenever he'd come over and see Bradley before Bradley left, he'd just walk into our house like he lived here too. One day I even found on our job chart that Curtis had added "Curtis' House" to the list for which garbages to take out!
Well, tonight I was in the kitchen talking to Kristin (she and Steven had come over to return our car top carrier) when the garage door opened and Curtis walked in. It was great to see him. He ended up staying and talking to the whole family for I don't even know how long...an hour?...and we laughed the entire time as we talked about good the good old days when Bradley was here, as well as catching up with what's been going on lately with Curtis.
One thing I am thankful for is to see Curtis desiring to serve a mission. He's one of the youngest people in his class, and since Bradley was one of the oldest in his class Bradley is nearly a year older than Curtis meaning Bradley will be about half way done with his mission before Curtis even gets to go. But every time we talk to him he tells us how much he wants to go and wishes he could go now, and I love that! Curtis has such an awesome, friendly, open personality that I am sure he will be a very successful missionary.
Good friends are a precious gift in life, and I'm thankful for the good friends my kids have, including Bradley's good buddy Curtis.
Curtis is Bradley's best friend. He is a crazy kid. Whenever he'd come over and see Bradley before Bradley left, he'd just walk into our house like he lived here too. One day I even found on our job chart that Curtis had added "Curtis' House" to the list for which garbages to take out!
Well, tonight I was in the kitchen talking to Kristin (she and Steven had come over to return our car top carrier) when the garage door opened and Curtis walked in. It was great to see him. He ended up staying and talking to the whole family for I don't even know how long...an hour?...and we laughed the entire time as we talked about good the good old days when Bradley was here, as well as catching up with what's been going on lately with Curtis.
One thing I am thankful for is to see Curtis desiring to serve a mission. He's one of the youngest people in his class, and since Bradley was one of the oldest in his class Bradley is nearly a year older than Curtis meaning Bradley will be about half way done with his mission before Curtis even gets to go. But every time we talk to him he tells us how much he wants to go and wishes he could go now, and I love that! Curtis has such an awesome, friendly, open personality that I am sure he will be a very successful missionary.
Good friends are a precious gift in life, and I'm thankful for the good friends my kids have, including Bradley's good buddy Curtis.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thankful #22
Today is ending in a grumpy manner for me. Sometimes life is very tiring and hard. But, they say that we must taste the bitter that we might know the sweet, so I guess I am thankful (somewhat, I grumpily clarify) for bitter times that help the sweet be that much better.
I'm also thankful that tomorrow is another day that will hopefully be better!
I'm also thankful that tomorrow is another day that will hopefully be better!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thankful #21
A few things I'm thankful for today...
First of all, talking to Melanie and hearing the first happy tone to her voice in awhile! She's had a few school related stresses and I've heard it in her voice when we've talked the past few times. But today she sounded quite happy, and I was so thankful for that.
Secondly, today I went to work at Craig's business, which I do every so often when things get extra busy. I'm thankful that Craig owns his own business, it's been a blessing in our lives. It has been successful and growing, and I'm grateful for that. It's given Craig the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, and I'm thankful that he's been able to have that at times when the kids had things they needed their dad to support them in (parent teacher conferences, track meets, etc.) It was a blessing when he served as bishop, he was able to go visit people at times he might not have been able to if he worked a strict schedule.
Thirdly, I'm thankful for a nice after school talk with Trevor. He was gone all weekend, and it was nice to catch up with him.
Fourth, I'm thankful for Family Home Evening and the chance for our family to be together. Tonight we made cookies for our new bishopric, and wrote them notes letting them know we support them and then took the time to deliver those to these men who are called to serve.
It was a good day!
First of all, talking to Melanie and hearing the first happy tone to her voice in awhile! She's had a few school related stresses and I've heard it in her voice when we've talked the past few times. But today she sounded quite happy, and I was so thankful for that.
Secondly, today I went to work at Craig's business, which I do every so often when things get extra busy. I'm thankful that Craig owns his own business, it's been a blessing in our lives. It has been successful and growing, and I'm grateful for that. It's given Craig the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, and I'm thankful that he's been able to have that at times when the kids had things they needed their dad to support them in (parent teacher conferences, track meets, etc.) It was a blessing when he served as bishop, he was able to go visit people at times he might not have been able to if he worked a strict schedule.
Thirdly, I'm thankful for a nice after school talk with Trevor. He was gone all weekend, and it was nice to catch up with him.
Fourth, I'm thankful for Family Home Evening and the chance for our family to be together. Tonight we made cookies for our new bishopric, and wrote them notes letting them know we support them and then took the time to deliver those to these men who are called to serve.
It was a good day!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thankful #20
Today my hubby was released from being bishop in our ward. And, then they made changes in our ward boundaries and put a new bishop in! It was a day to be thankful for many reasons.
First of all, I'm thankful Craig had a chance to serve as bishop. It has strengthened him and our relationship. It has gotten him involved in things which is sometimes out of his comfort zone. It has been an honor to have a husband who is faithful to God and therefore was entrusted with the opportunity to serve as our bishop.
I'm thankful for the good people he has served with in our ward. Not only his counselors and other ward leaders, but all ward members who faithfully serve in our ward in whatever capacity.
I'm thankful for a new bishop and counselors to sustain and support. I think they will do a great job, and will make a difference to people.
I'm thankful for ward boundary changes that give us a chance to enlarge our circle of friends. I'm thankful for some "old" members of our ward being back that we lost in the last boundary change, and I'm thankful for new members of our ward to get to know.
It was a good day, with much to be thankful for.
First of all, I'm thankful Craig had a chance to serve as bishop. It has strengthened him and our relationship. It has gotten him involved in things which is sometimes out of his comfort zone. It has been an honor to have a husband who is faithful to God and therefore was entrusted with the opportunity to serve as our bishop.
I'm thankful for the good people he has served with in our ward. Not only his counselors and other ward leaders, but all ward members who faithfully serve in our ward in whatever capacity.
I'm thankful for a new bishop and counselors to sustain and support. I think they will do a great job, and will make a difference to people.
I'm thankful for ward boundary changes that give us a chance to enlarge our circle of friends. I'm thankful for some "old" members of our ward being back that we lost in the last boundary change, and I'm thankful for new members of our ward to get to know.
It was a good day, with much to be thankful for.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thankful #19
Today is my parent's 45th Wedding Anniversary. I read an article in the paper this week that said that only 45.8 percent of American children at age 17 live in intact married families. Not that I'm living with my parents anymore, but I can only wonder how many "children" my age still have intact married parents.
So, with those downer statistics on the state of marriage, today I am most definitely thankful that for 45 years my mom and dad have worked together and lived and loved and sacrificed...and all those things we must do in order to be one of those intact married families. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Thanks for loving each other for ever and ever and one day more!
So, with those downer statistics on the state of marriage, today I am most definitely thankful that for 45 years my mom and dad have worked together and lived and loved and sacrificed...and all those things we must do in order to be one of those intact married families. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Thanks for loving each other for ever and ever and one day more!
Thankful #18
Whoops, another day of forgetting to write before bed! I think I have a good excuse, though. The kids were all gone and Craig and I had a "dinner and two movies" (one in the theater, one on dvd at home) date.
However, day #18 really wouldn't be complete without being thankful for my kids. Especially since it was Trevor's birthday...Happy Birthday!
I have the greatest kids! They are smart, funny, and each of them have their own unique talents and abilities.
The older I get the more I realize how true Psalms 127 is---"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..."
Love you, kids! I'm so thankful you are a part of our family!
I have the greatest kids! They are smart, funny, and each of them have their own unique talents and abilities.
The older I get the more I realize how true Psalms 127 is---"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..."
Love you, kids! I'm so thankful you are a part of our family!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thankful #17
So, I sprayed and wiped and sprayed and wiped and sprayed and wiped some more until finally it was crystal clear.
How much did I love looking through that clean, clear window today? It was so great! Instead of thinking every time I saw it, "Wow, that's dsigustingly filthy, I really should clean it!" I thought "Look how totally awesome that window looks!" It made me want to look out it more and enjoy the beauties outside.
Isn't a new view, a clean look at things a great thing? It is, and that's what I'm thankful for today!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thankful #16
There are soooooooo many things to be thankful for and when you take time to think about it you start to realize how nearly everything is something to be thankful for.
You can be thankful for your home, your car (and the heated seats in it), the beautiful weather, a good home cooked meals, brownies for dessert, a wonderful husband and children, challenges that help us grow, and on and on and on...!
I'm thankful to be able to take time this month to try and recognize all the things that make my life wonderful!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thankful #15
Today started out with some service, as I spent four hours working at the cannery putting raw ingredients in cans to be made into beef stew. The cannery I volunteered at is one belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where food is processed for welfare and humanitarian needs throughout the world.
Today I'm thankful for the chance to be able to serve those who are in need. I am also thankful for the many blessings I have, and hope that serving helps show my gratitude to Heavenly Father for the things He's given me.
Today I'm thankful for the chance to be able to serve those who are in need. I am also thankful for the many blessings I have, and hope that serving helps show my gratitude to Heavenly Father for the things He's given me.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thankful #14
Today I am thankful for a sunny day with a beautiful blue sky!
My walking partner and I didn't go this morning walking, but instead went for a walk in the early afternoon. It was a little cool, yet the sun warmed things up nicely, and the sky was such a beautiful blue color. It was a far cry from our usual dark morning walks, and it really perked me up.
Thankful #13
(It's said that 13 is an unlucky number, and I guess it was unlucky in that I didn't even think about writing my thankful thoughts yesterday. Whoops. So...again....I'll write a day later.)
Tonight our Stake had it's Standards Night. This is a night where we get parents and teenagers together and go over standards that we hope we are all keeping. This is one of my favorite nights of the year, because I love the feeling I get from this night. Feelings of "YES! I will do it! I will be who I'm supposed to be!" Feelings that the kids that who have been sent to earth at this time are valiant warriors who can stand tall for Jesus Christ. Feelings that our church leaders are faithful, inspired people. It's a great evening.
1) Scriptures (read them!)
Tonight our Stake had it's Standards Night. This is a night where we get parents and teenagers together and go over standards that we hope we are all keeping. This is one of my favorite nights of the year, because I love the feeling I get from this night. Feelings of "YES! I will do it! I will be who I'm supposed to be!" Feelings that the kids that who have been sent to earth at this time are valiant warriors who can stand tall for Jesus Christ. Feelings that our church leaders are faithful, inspired people. It's a great evening.
Tonight we learned from our Stake President about 5 things we could do to keep us close to the Savior. They were:
1) Scriptures (read them!)
2) Say Prayers
3) Standards (keep them!)
4) Smile
5) Service
He pointed out to us that each of those things started with an "S". That of course made me think of SUPERMAN, and I realized that as we do each of those 5 things, we will be come a super man or woman.
So, today, I'm thankful for Stake Standards Night. I'm thankful for the inspiration and the vision of who I am and who I need to be. I'm SUPER...a child of God, with a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how living it will bring me back to the presence of Heavenly Father!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thankful #12
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thankful #11
Today is Veteran's Day, which means that the day wouldn't be complete without being thankful for those who faithfully and valiantly serve in our Armed Forces.
Thank you for your sacrifice. You often leave your families for many months at a time to serve in dangerous areas throughout the world, helping keep our country free and safe.
At times, you may end up giving your life for our freedoms. Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Thank you for your great love of our country and all it stands for.
I salute you for all you do for America!
At times, you may end up giving your life for our freedoms. Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Thank you for your great love of our country and all it stands for.
I salute you for all you do for America!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thankful #10
Today I am thankful for afternoon naps. I love the chance to squeeze in an afternoon nap on those days when I feel incredibly drained and exhausted. I love wrapping up in a blanket, pulling it up around my ear, closing my eyes and feeling myself slowly drift off to sleep, breathing deeply while feeling the tenseness of the day drain away.
Zzzzzz.....
Zzzzzz.....
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thankful #9
Today I am thankful that time seemed to go slowly. That made for a wonderful day, because I felt like I got a lot done! Usually time seems to fly by during the day and by the end of the day I'm scratching my head wondering where all the time went, but today I'd look at the clock and think, "What? It's ONLY (fill in the blank with current time). Awesome, I have time to (fill in the blank with next activity.)" It made for a great day!
Thankful #8
Ok, technically this is written on day number 9, but let's just pretend I wrote it last night on day number eight instead of going to choir practice, afterwards going to a meeting, and after that having a big discussion with my hubby before heading off to bed, ok?
Today (remember we're pretending it's day #8) I got started on Christmas shopping. What I am thankful for today is that I have a PLAN for Christmas shopping this year. Although I'm still working out the fine details, I know how I'm gonna tackle gift buying this year and that is WONDERFUL. For the past few years I have pretty much been a Christmas hater because of present buying. Buying presents has been a horrible, awful, stressful thing. And that made me super cranky because there is no way that Christmas should be ruined because of present buying! For goodness sake, it's not even about the presents, right?
Well, this year I can look forward to less stress, I've got a present plan! And I cannot even tell you how thankful I am for that, and look forward to a wonderful Christmas this year!
Today (remember we're pretending it's day #8) I got started on Christmas shopping. What I am thankful for today is that I have a PLAN for Christmas shopping this year. Although I'm still working out the fine details, I know how I'm gonna tackle gift buying this year and that is WONDERFUL. For the past few years I have pretty much been a Christmas hater because of present buying. Buying presents has been a horrible, awful, stressful thing. And that made me super cranky because there is no way that Christmas should be ruined because of present buying! For goodness sake, it's not even about the presents, right?
Well, this year I can look forward to less stress, I've got a present plan! And I cannot even tell you how thankful I am for that, and look forward to a wonderful Christmas this year!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thankful #7
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Thankful #6
Today I'm thankful that my Sunday School lesson went well.
I have been teaching Sunday School for about a year and a half, and while I enjoy it, I must admit that I am not doing as well preparing for my lessons as I used to. Part of it is that in order to prepare so I feel as comfortable with the lesson as I want to be, it often takes a whole bunch of hours of not only reading chapters in the scriptures, but also looking up numerous references. And sometimes (often?) life has a way of crowding out extra hours during the week that I could have/should have used for preparing, and before I know it, it's Saturday and I'm facing a whole day of studying in order to feel ready for Sunday's lesson.
So, feeling a bit overwhelmed yesterday with the thought of spending hours and hours on my lesson, I prayed that I would be able to quickly get a feel for the lesson and know how to teach it.
And, it happened. The lesson came together easily, and all seemed to go well today in presenting it. So thank you, Heavenly Father, for that blessing which gave peace to my slightly overwhelmed soul.
I have been teaching Sunday School for about a year and a half, and while I enjoy it, I must admit that I am not doing as well preparing for my lessons as I used to. Part of it is that in order to prepare so I feel as comfortable with the lesson as I want to be, it often takes a whole bunch of hours of not only reading chapters in the scriptures, but also looking up numerous references. And sometimes (often?) life has a way of crowding out extra hours during the week that I could have/should have used for preparing, and before I know it, it's Saturday and I'm facing a whole day of studying in order to feel ready for Sunday's lesson.
So, feeling a bit overwhelmed yesterday with the thought of spending hours and hours on my lesson, I prayed that I would be able to quickly get a feel for the lesson and know how to teach it.
And, it happened. The lesson came together easily, and all seemed to go well today in presenting it. So thank you, Heavenly Father, for that blessing which gave peace to my slightly overwhelmed soul.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thankful #5
Today my hubby performed a marriage with his duties as bishop of our ward. I went with him as a support, and enjoyed listening to his counsel for this couple. Within the past few days Craig and I also talked about marriage with a friend whose son is probably getting a divorce. With these marriage experiences on my brain, today's thankful thought is that I am thankful for my marriage. I am thankful that even though at times it has not been as easy or romantic as my "and they lived happily ever after" thinking would have it be, that it has been a good marriage and that we have accomplished much and grown much together. Craig has many qualities and strengths I don't have and together we make a good whole. He is good to me and to our kids, and provides well for us. I love to talk to him and be with him, and I am thankful and happy that we are eternal sweethearts.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thankful #4
Tomorrow there is nothing pressing in the morning. No 5:30 A.M. walk. No specific activity I have to attend. So tonight I have turned my alarm clock off. My plan is to wake when I wake, not when the CD-playing alarm clock noisily settles on the proper track and starts playing the opening strains of "The Logical Song".
So today, I'm thankful for crawling into bed and cuddling up to the deliciously wonderful thought that I get to sleep in.
So today, I'm thankful for crawling into bed and cuddling up to the deliciously wonderful thought that I get to sleep in.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thankful #3
It's late. I should be going to bed. But I am gonna say what I'm thankful for.
Today I am thankful for friends that strengthen and uplift me. Friends I can go to the temple with (thanks Stefanie and Julie...I got to go twice this week!) Friends I can have deep gospel discussions with at 5:30 in the morning (thanks Jessica!).
Did you get that last one? Discussions at 5:30 in the morning? Yeah, that's what time I get up to walk. Even more reason to go to bed...so....Goodnight!
Today I am thankful for friends that strengthen and uplift me. Friends I can go to the temple with (thanks Stefanie and Julie...I got to go twice this week!) Friends I can have deep gospel discussions with at 5:30 in the morning (thanks Jessica!).
Did you get that last one? Discussions at 5:30 in the morning? Yeah, that's what time I get up to walk. Even more reason to go to bed...so....Goodnight!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thankful 1 and 2
Over on Facebook people are posting what they are thankful for every day of November for their statuses. I decided to blog it instead...I needed to up my number of posts for the year, I guess!
#1--I am thankful for new sweaters! I bought two yesterday. One is a dark charcoal gray, the other is a fushia-y-purple color. They were on sale, which is another thing to be thankful for as well! And, since I got cash back from a previous purchase it almost felt as if they were free since I just gave the store back the same money they had just barely given me. And today is kind of cold, so a new sweater feels feels great!
Since today is November 2, that means you'll get two for the price of one, today only! (Or at least I hope. Conceiveably I could miss a day sometime during the month and need to catch up again, but my plan is to blog about what I'm thankful for every day this month!)
So...here goes:
 |
| Wearing my new sweater |
#2--I am thankful to hear from Bradley's mission president's wife, Sister Cotterell, and hear that Elder Fry made it to North Carolina ok! And, extra thankfulness...she sent pictures too! One of Elder Fry and his trainer, Elder Reimann; and one of Elder Fry with her and her husband. I am, of course, thankful for Bradley's desire and ability to serve a mission...I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth! (3 John 1:4)
And that's what I'm thankful for the first two days of November!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Trick or Treat!
This morning the phone rang at 5:30 a.m. Doesn't a 5:30 a.m. phone call sound like an awful trick? Well, today it was a great treat!
On the other end of the line was Elder Fry, who was in the airport ready to catch an early plane to North Carolina. Finally he gets to be a real live, door knocking, people teaching (not class sitting) missionary! It was wonderful to say hello and hear his voice, and wish him well on this new phase of his missionary adventure. He's ready, and he'll do a great job!
A little later this morning (I waited until a "more reasonable" time of 7:15 a.m. to call) I got a hold of Melanie, and was able to chat with her for nearly an hour before she headed off to her first day of practicum teaching 3rd graders. I got caught up on her life, which (to borrow from the way she tells it) MAY have included hearing about a boy she MAY be enjoying getting to know, which so far sounds like it MAY be a fun treat for her.
It was also a day off from school for both Trev and Jacob, another good treat as well! However, they had a few tricks later in the day, which included a mole removal and a trip to the dentist.
And now, I'm sitting on the couch in the living room, waiting for the doorbell to ring, passing out treats to the cutely costumed little kids....one for you, one for me (yum, yum)...a good way to end this Halloween Day!
On the other end of the line was Elder Fry, who was in the airport ready to catch an early plane to North Carolina. Finally he gets to be a real live, door knocking, people teaching (not class sitting) missionary! It was wonderful to say hello and hear his voice, and wish him well on this new phase of his missionary adventure. He's ready, and he'll do a great job!
A little later this morning (I waited until a "more reasonable" time of 7:15 a.m. to call) I got a hold of Melanie, and was able to chat with her for nearly an hour before she headed off to her first day of practicum teaching 3rd graders. I got caught up on her life, which (to borrow from the way she tells it) MAY have included hearing about a boy she MAY be enjoying getting to know, which so far sounds like it MAY be a fun treat for her.
It was also a day off from school for both Trev and Jacob, another good treat as well! However, they had a few tricks later in the day, which included a mole removal and a trip to the dentist.
And now, I'm sitting on the couch in the living room, waiting for the doorbell to ring, passing out treats to the cutely costumed little kids....one for you, one for me (yum, yum)...a good way to end this Halloween Day!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Empty...See?
Things were pretty good around our house until about a day before, at which time everyone suddenly seemed hit with a bad case of "what have we gotten ourselves into!?!" This day is something we've planned for the past 19 years. This is a priesthood responsibility, for young men to go and spend two years serving the Lord. As a small child we teach them songs that say "I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two..." We save money for missions, we talk of missions often. But, like many things, no matter how well you've planned and prepared, when you get right down to it, the butterflies set in.
But, butterflies or not, the day came, and we said good-bye to Bradley for two years. And even though I feel 100% completely sure that we will all be blessed by his service; that he will grow and become more of a man than he ever could be otherwise; that this is EXACTLY what he should be doing right now and EXACTLY what I want him to be doing right now---when he turned and walked away I felt as if someone were taking a piece of my heart away. So, there, on the sidewalk outside the MTC, even though it was overflowing with joy for my son's choice to serve a mission, my heart also felt just a little empty...see?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Graduating Eagles Go Home and are Called to Serve in the Pacific Northwest...or in other words, a quick rundown of our life lately!
Ok, so since I have done a terrible job blogging lately, I will write a four in one post about some of the stuff that has been going on this summer with us!
First up, we have CALLED TO SERVE! That's right ladies and gentlemen, Bradley has his mission call! He'll be spending the next two years of his life in Raleigh North Carolina, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Spanish language! It was fun to have his call come and find out where he's going...I was so unsure what to imagine in terms of where he might go! Nothing quite felt really "right" to me when I thought of places. But, now that he has his call, I must say that North Carolina really does feel right. Bradley himself had a guess of SOUTH Carolina, so he was pretty darn close! Anyway, part of why I have done a terrible job blogging lately includes all the hustle and bustle of trying to get him ready: shopping for stuff, getting him to the temple, and the like. But with a little over a month before he heads to the MTC, I think we have him all set to go! (Cross fingers)
A few days after Bradley got his mission call he GRADUATED with High Honors from dear old Davis High School! Hooray Bradley! We're now two down, two to go on the kids graduating...ack! Where does the time go!?! Besides being supported at graduation with the immediate family, Grandma and Grandpa, and Heather and her kids, we also had Grammy and Grandad got to come out from Iowa to show their support for Bradley, which was great as well.
Next up is EAGLES...I have TWO Eagle scouts now! Although Bradley and Trevor finished their Eagle Projects about 6-9 months ago, we actually tried to plan ahead and have their Eagle Court of Honor while my Mom and Dad were here for Bradley's graduation, and when (we hoped) to have three Eagles! But alas, Jacob was not quite finished with his project, so we had to go with just a double Court of Honor, and we'll have another when Jacob officially finishes. Hmm...maybe Jacob just didn't want to share his special day with his older brothers!
As for the GO HOME part, we had Melanie decide to come home this summer after the job hunt did not produce the desired job..or any summer job at all, desired or not! It's a lot cheaper to live at home for free than it is to rent an apartment in a town where you have no job. And, lucky break for her, she was actually able to find a job down here, so it all worked out perfectly...free rent AND a job! It's been great to have her home, especially since Bradley will be leaving soon, it feels good to have everyone here together!
First up, we have CALLED TO SERVE! That's right ladies and gentlemen, Bradley has his mission call! He'll be spending the next two years of his life in Raleigh North Carolina, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Spanish language! It was fun to have his call come and find out where he's going...I was so unsure what to imagine in terms of where he might go! Nothing quite felt really "right" to me when I thought of places. But, now that he has his call, I must say that North Carolina really does feel right. Bradley himself had a guess of SOUTH Carolina, so he was pretty darn close! Anyway, part of why I have done a terrible job blogging lately includes all the hustle and bustle of trying to get him ready: shopping for stuff, getting him to the temple, and the like. But with a little over a month before he heads to the MTC, I think we have him all set to go! (Cross fingers)
A few days after Bradley got his mission call he GRADUATED with High Honors from dear old Davis High School! Hooray Bradley! We're now two down, two to go on the kids graduating...ack! Where does the time go!?! Besides being supported at graduation with the immediate family, Grandma and Grandpa, and Heather and her kids, we also had Grammy and Grandad got to come out from Iowa to show their support for Bradley, which was great as well. 
Next up is EAGLES...I have TWO Eagle scouts now! Although Bradley and Trevor finished their Eagle Projects about 6-9 months ago, we actually tried to plan ahead and have their Eagle Court of Honor while my Mom and Dad were here for Bradley's graduation, and when (we hoped) to have three Eagles! But alas, Jacob was not quite finished with his project, so we had to go with just a double Court of Honor, and we'll have another when Jacob officially finishes. Hmm...maybe Jacob just didn't want to share his special day with his older brothers!
As for the GO HOME part, we had Melanie decide to come home this summer after the job hunt did not produce the desired job..or any summer job at all, desired or not! It's a lot cheaper to live at home for free than it is to rent an apartment in a town where you have no job. And, lucky break for her, she was actually able to find a job down here, so it all worked out perfectly...free rent AND a job! It's been great to have her home, especially since Bradley will be leaving soon, it feels good to have everyone here together! Finally, we have the PACIFIC NORTHWEST, which is where we spent our last hoorah family vacation before Bradley leaves. We drove up, stopping along the way in Boise Idaho, Hood River Oregon, a quick stop in Portland, and then finally arriving in Seattle Washington. Some of the things we enjoyed on our trip included watching part of the Iron Man Triathalon in Boise; kayaking and hiking in Hood River; getting big bad Voodoo Donuts in Portland as well as trying desperately to find a Nike Store; the City Pass in Seattle (which allowed us for one price to go to museums, the aquarium, the top of the Space Needle, and a cruise of Elliott Bay); a Mariner's Game (they won and we got free souvenir Ichiro jerseys!); a day trip to Bremerton to see Dee and Judy; and seeing and taking pictures at 3 temples: Boise, Portland, and Seattle. The weather on our trip was great, and we didn't hardly see more than a drop or two until the day we left Seattle. It was a really fun vacation, and we had plenty of fun and plenty to do!
And there you go...that's how our summer's been!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Keep Strong and Pray On
As we've mentioned here before, I'm a bit addicted to the remodeling blogs. As I've perused them lately, I have noticed a whole lot of people are using a certain poster in their decorating. According to Wikipedia, the poster originated in World War II time to keep up the morale of the British people in case of an invasion, a message from the king to his people. Here's the poster:
Good advice, eh?
If you keep an eye out, you find it everywhere. In comes in every color under the sun, and is even tweaked for every occasion, such as "Keep Calm and Turkey On" (for Thanksgiving, with a little turkey image at the top) or "Keep Calm and Rock On" (with crossed guitar images for the musicians out there). There's ones that tweak the saying even more, for example one that has the phrase "Now Panic and Freak Out" (with the crown upside down on that one).
This afternoon I was inspired to make my own version. Here it is:
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Motherhood
Here's a little shout out to all you mothers for Mother's Day...
First, a funny conversation I read about on Facebook. A child is bothered because every day he has to get his own yogurt and bowl. He thinks this is NOT FAIR and complains to his mother about it. His mother says, "Well, just stop and think of all the things that I do for our family." After a long pause the child the child replies, "Wow. It's almost like you're a slave."
In other Mother News, today is my first born's 21st birthday! Happy Birthday to my one and only adorable daughter! Thanks for being the one that introduced me to Motherhood!
First, a funny conversation I read about on Facebook. A child is bothered because every day he has to get his own yogurt and bowl. He thinks this is NOT FAIR and complains to his mother about it. His mother says, "Well, just stop and think of all the things that I do for our family." After a long pause the child the child replies, "Wow. It's almost like you're a slave."
And second, a little musical entertainment for your viewing pleasure:
In other Mother News, today is my first born's 21st birthday! Happy Birthday to my one and only adorable daughter! Thanks for being the one that introduced me to Motherhood!
And Happy Mother's Day to the rest of you Mothers out there! It's tough, but know we're doing the greatest job on earth!
“There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood.
The influence of a mother in the lives of her children
is beyond calculation.”
President James E. Faust
Friday, February 25, 2011
Might as well JUMP!
Last weekend we went to hear Larissa speak in church after coming home from her mission. Afterwards we headed to her house for a potluck lunch, which is always a good time to catch up with family and what's going on with their lives.
I told Craig later that I would classify our family "theme" based on the things we talked about that afternoon as CHANGE. It seemed as if nearly everyone in the family had changes ahead. For example there are the brother-in-laws that are looking for a change in their work. There are the pregnant ladies with all the change that entails: a new body, and soon a new baby. There are the graduating nephews looking forward to the change from full-time student to full-time worker. There are those that are facing changes of either heading off to college, coming home from a mission, or leaving for a mission. There are college students in the family with questions of whether to change majors or whether to change apartments. Everywhere you look in our family there are changes coming up.
With all these changes coming it feels (to me, anyway) like we're all standing on the edge of a cliff ready to jump off to new and different things. The question is, how do we feel about jumping? Are we excited, ready to go....WHEE!...we just leap? Or are we timid, wanting to ease our way off that cliff, not sure we really want to do it until we make sure we know exactly where we'll land? Maybe we don't even want to jump off that cliff at all: we'd rather just stay right where we currently are!
But, change is inevitable. It happens, and there's no getting around it. It tests our faith at times in not only Heavenly Father and the paths He's leading us down, but also our faith in ourselves as well.
Change is often very good for us, regardless of how challenging it may be. It's a chance to grow and stretch and become something more than we have been before. I have tried lately, as I have pondered on change, to remember that Heavenly Father is watching out for me, and He will be there for me as I go through changes. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." That scripture helps me to be brave in the face of change. Those changes we face shouldn't be thought to be "of evil", but rather something that will lead us to an expected end that Father has in store for us. An end that brings us peace. That brings us closer to Him. That brings us greater joy. That brings growth and maturing that can come no other way.
So, take a deep breath, get your toes right up to the edge of that cliff and JUMP!
I told Craig later that I would classify our family "theme" based on the things we talked about that afternoon as CHANGE. It seemed as if nearly everyone in the family had changes ahead. For example there are the brother-in-laws that are looking for a change in their work. There are the pregnant ladies with all the change that entails: a new body, and soon a new baby. There are the graduating nephews looking forward to the change from full-time student to full-time worker. There are those that are facing changes of either heading off to college, coming home from a mission, or leaving for a mission. There are college students in the family with questions of whether to change majors or whether to change apartments. Everywhere you look in our family there are changes coming up.
With all these changes coming it feels (to me, anyway) like we're all standing on the edge of a cliff ready to jump off to new and different things. The question is, how do we feel about jumping? Are we excited, ready to go....WHEE!...we just leap? Or are we timid, wanting to ease our way off that cliff, not sure we really want to do it until we make sure we know exactly where we'll land? Maybe we don't even want to jump off that cliff at all: we'd rather just stay right where we currently are!
But, change is inevitable. It happens, and there's no getting around it. It tests our faith at times in not only Heavenly Father and the paths He's leading us down, but also our faith in ourselves as well.
Change is often very good for us, regardless of how challenging it may be. It's a chance to grow and stretch and become something more than we have been before. I have tried lately, as I have pondered on change, to remember that Heavenly Father is watching out for me, and He will be there for me as I go through changes. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." That scripture helps me to be brave in the face of change. Those changes we face shouldn't be thought to be "of evil", but rather something that will lead us to an expected end that Father has in store for us. An end that brings us peace. That brings us closer to Him. That brings us greater joy. That brings growth and maturing that can come no other way.
So, take a deep breath, get your toes right up to the edge of that cliff and JUMP!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)