3 Things to be Grateful for, Day 1

Since I have been terrible at blogging this year I'm going to use the Gratitude Challenge as 5 blog posts.  The challenge is to say three things you are thankful for each day for a total of five days.

Each night our family does a gratitude journal, where everyone says one thing they are thankful for.  I love the chance to reflect on the day and the blessings therein.  There is much to be thankful for!

In the April 2014 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk on Gratitude.  He reminds us to be satisfied with our blessings with this humorous story:

 There is an old story of a waiter who asked a customer whether he had enjoyed the meal. The guest replied that everything was fine, but it would have been better if they had served more bread. The next day, when the man returned, the waiter doubled the amount of bread, giving him four slices instead of two, but still the man was not happy. The next day, the waiter doubled the bread again, without success.

On the fourth day, the waiter was really determined to make the man happy. And so he took a nine-foot-long loaf of bread, cut it in half, and with a smile, served that to the customer. The waiter could scarcely wait for the man’s reaction.

 

After the meal, the man looked up and said, “Good as always. But I see you’re back to giving only two slices of bread.”

 

And now, without further ado, here are my 3 things to be thankful for:

 

1)  Beautiful stars in the sky this morning as I went out for my morning walk (yeah, it's dark outside when I go!)  There seemed to be more stars in the sky this morning than I have seen in a long time.  I love star-filled skies, they are beautiful.

 

2) A passionate kiss from my hubby when we came home from running to the grocery store for some after dinner treats. Sigh! :-)

 

3) A letter from my missionary!  Usually we get those on Monday, but this week there was no letter on Monday.  I wasn't sure why we didn't hear from him, but it turns out it was transfer week, and we luckily got a letter today so I didn't have to wait 'til next Monday to hear from him.

 

 

New Art

I was wandering about a local store the other day when a piece of art caught my eye.  I looked at it, walked away from it, then came back and looked at it again.  I picked it up and kept browsing through the store; stopping every few minutes to place the picture down on the floor, step back and study it, and ponder whether I thought it would work in the family room.

I finally decided I would get it, rationalizing that I could always return it if it didn't work.  However, when I got it home and took it into the family room it worked even better than I hoped.  The colors in the picture work perfectly with the colors in that room, and I have decided, even more than when it first caught my eye, that I love my new art.

 

What I love about it, and what drew me to it in the first place, is how it makes me think of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

First, I love the light that seem to be streaming from the left side of the tree.  That makes me think of the First Vision.  In the spring of 1820, as a young teen, Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees to pray to know which church was true.  In answer to that prayer Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared and told him to join none of the churches that existed at that time, as the priesthood authority and Church as Jesus Christ had organized it when He was on the earth had been lost over the centuries. Joseph, in describing his vision said, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"  Can you just see that pillar of light coming down through the tree in this art?

 

The second way that this art makes me think of the gospel is in the way the tree is painted.  The way the artist made the tree leaves gives them a rounded shape, and it is easy for me to start picturing fruits with those rounded shapes.  My eye was drawn to the white "fruits", which made me think of the tree in Lehi's vision in the Book of Mormon.  From 1 Nephi 8:10-11, "And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.  And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen."

 

So there it is, my new art for the family room.  It makes my heart happy!

 

(I don't know who the artist is that painted the picture.  It's not signed at all.  Chances are, given that I bought it at Ross Dress For Less the art is mass produced in China. But, I still love it, and that's all that matters, right?  Well, that and I bought it for $35.  I love a bargain too!)

Hawaiian Cruise

Recently Craig and I celebrated a quarter of a century of marriage.  Sounds like a long time, doesn't it?  It hasn't felt that long, I don't think!  To celebrate that milestone we decided to go on a Hawaiian Island Cruise.

We spent a week in Hawaii, cruising to the following islands: Oahu, The Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.  We sightsaw (sightseed? saw the sights?), shopped, kayaked, snorkeled, biked, hiked, and enjoyed a luau.  It was very relaxing, and very warm.  It was NOT very sunny, however.  Surprisingly that wasn't depressing to me (about this time of year I usually get really antsy to see the sun.) 

It was really nice to spend a week away with my sweetie.  One evening I sat out on our balcony on the ship and pondered just how lucky I am to have such a great husband.  He is loving and kind, and takes great care of me and our family.  He is righteous, and a worthy priesthood holder.  He helps me be more adventurous.  He's patient with my weaknesses.  I am thankful not only for 25 years with him, but the chance for an eternity more through our temple marriage.

Since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I think that I'll just use pictures to tell the rest of the story of our cruise:

Lush and green

A little bit of sun

Toes in the sand!

Cruising around Oahu

Our cabin

Maui jungle area

Iao Valley Needle

Heading out for snorkeling.  We saw sea turtles,
lots of colorful fish, and whales.  We were supposed
to go to the Molokini Crater, but didn't get
there because of the weather.  We just
snorkeled just off the coast of Maui. 

Mountain biking at the Kilauea volcano. 
I was on board the ship sick all that day, so I
didn't get a chance to go, but Craig said it was really cool.
 I was just thankful that Iwas only sick one day!

More views from the mountain biking trip

Kona Temple--It was great to get to take in
a session at this sweet little temple.

Our ship, docked at Kona.  We had to tender in on
shuttle boats this day instead of just
pulling up to the pier.

Kauai, if I remember correctly...

At the luau

Yummy dinner.  Although the food
was all good, our favorite of the night
was the dessert: cheesecake and a
kabocha squash and macadamia nut tart
that tasted like pecan pie. 

Fire dancers at the luau show

After our kayaking trip, a hike through
 a jungle-like nature preserve area.

60 foot waterfall on our hike

A little lighthouse, but I don't for sure remember
where.  Kauai maybe?

A Pineapple plant--Dole Plantation, Oahu

Diamond Head Crater

Another view from Diamond Head

Craig's size compared to a Polynesian. 
Just kidding...this is the Hilo Hattie Store's
giant Aloha Shirt.  It's in the
Guinness Book of World Records!

He's Home!

Well, it's true!  After two (that at times seemed like very long) years, our boy is home from his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

Sometimes you hear that a mission is the best two years OF a missionary's life, but others swear that a mission is the best two year FOR a missionary's life.  A boy serving a mission comes home a man; with a greater love for people, a strong work ethic, and most importantly a deeper love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
 

He has learned that obedience to the Lord and his restored gospel brings much happiness and joy.  He has seen what a difference it can make in people's lives, and has let it make a difference in his own life as well.  He now "gets it."  He knows that the path the Lord has laid out for us in His true gospel is the path to "peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." (Book of Mormon introduction)
 

It has been wonderful to have him back.  In some ways those two years have completely melted away, and it seems like he was never gone.  But he did go, and it made him a better man than he otherwise could have been.
 

I'm so thankful for his sacrifice.  In the end, what we have gained is greater than anything we gave up.  Thanks for a great two years, Elder...Welcome Home!

Here he comes!  He flew in with 3 other Elders from his mission. There are a bunch of happy families waiting at the bottom of those stairs!

I'm trying to play it cool...don't want to seem like an over-anxious mom who really missed her boy (even though I was!)  My favorite part of this picture is his feet...they're blurry, because he's on the move to come hug me! :-)








One of the best hugs ever, hugging your boy after two years!  I'm pretty sure we were both crying here. Love him so much, and am so proud of him!











Craig, Bradley and Jacob--3 of my 4 handsome boys!  We miss that OTHER Elder now!

Home at last...NOW WHAT???

My mantra for the next couple of days...

Dear Libby

A little over a year ago I did a 30 day blog post challenge that started with the challenge to write a letter to yourself and answer it a year later. 

Here’s my answer to myself.

Dear Libby,

What a year it’s been! 

The new house is still wonderful.  There are only 2 things that I have discovered are not my favorites about the house, but other than that I still love it.  One is a misplaced light switch that makes it a bit inconvenient to turn the mudroom light on or off. The second is that the dishwasher, sink, and garbage can cabinet are all right next to each other in a corner of the kitchen, and it gets a bit piled up there at meal clean-up time.  I’d definitely rearrange that if I could.  But overall I love my home, and still think it’s beautiful!  We have had a lot of family fun at our house, it is definitely a party house.  I think one of the favorite parts of the house for partying is the gas fire pit out back.  Making s’mores together with friends and family is so fun.

As for what’s new with our family...well, I’ll have to repeat, what a year it’s been!  Mel and John are doing well.  They both graduated from college in May, and John was hired for a job he’s always wanted.  It took them off to the Midwest, which they have seemed to love and enjoy.  Mel was hired as a elementary school aide as well, so they will both be busy with their new jobs and many new adventures to come in a new state!

Are we excited for Bradley to come home?  YES!  It’s been such a good two years for him, but I am so looking forward to having him back home.  He’ll not be home long—off to BYU he’ll head with many new adventures to come for him too, I’m sure.

It is definitely weird to have a 3rd child graduated.  I don’t feel very old in general, but having 3 of my 4 children graduated makes me feel like people look at me as an old person--I'm nearly an empty nester!  This past year brought a major change which affected our family.  In October of 2012, President Thomas S. Monson announced a change in missionary age.  Young men, who could previously serve at age 19, would now be allowed to begin their missionary service at age 18, as long as they had graduated from high school. For Trevor that meant he could leave as early as June (as opposed to November) for his missionary service.  After putting in his papers he was called to serve starting in July.  Sadly, that means he and Bradley will miss each other.  Trevor flies out of the country the day before Bradley flies home.  But, I figure the Lord knew all that when he called Trevor, and so we’ll trust that it is part of his plan.  Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven.

As for Jacob, he seems to be doing pretty well as the only child left at home.  His first year of high school seemed good, and he was part of the school marching band that got to march in the Rose Parade.  However, as he didn’t love marching band overall he didn’t end up doing it this year.  That’s actually probably ok...it was a very busy summer and the thought of squeezing parades and practices into that sounds like more than we might have wanted to deal with!  He did get his driver’s license, and is hoping that he’ll be able to drive to school this year.  But first we need to get the car he’ll be driving fixed!  Trevor put in his plug before he left that Jacob should have to ride the bus to school instead, but Jacob didn’t really like that idea!

As for where we are and if I feel settled...well, yes and no.  I must say I do NOT miss our old house area.  The people I may miss, but the area not at all.  I think it took Craig a little bit before he always remembered where we live now, but I would never forget.  And, driving over in the old area usually has me muttering to myself, “I am SO glad I don’t live over here anymore.”  It was a very good place for us for a time, but I definitely think it was time for a new place for us.  I have enjoyed the people here, they have all been very nice, and it’s very good that way.  But, at the same time, moving somewhere new after you’ve lived in one place for nearly 15 years is quite a change.  Where you previously knew everyone, you now know no one, and sometimes that’s hard for me to deal with.  I also think I struggle with it because it came at a time of a lot of life changes, and at times I feel like I am not sure who I am and how I fit in anymore.  I’m not sure that I wouldn’t somewhat feel the same way even where I was previously, but I think being the “new kid on the block” adds to my unsettled feeling. 

We've stayed busy with callings.  First we started out as team Primary teachers, but a few months later Craig was called to be High Priest Group Leader and I was moved to be team teachers with another lady for the Sunbeams.  I'm also serving on the Relief Society meeting committee as well.  I think that things have been good for us in our callings, and I’m thankful for the chance to serve.

So, what about the friends I've made? Well, I would say I feel like I have a lot of surface friends, but have not yet felt like I have totally made one of those deep friends that you would call at anytime for anything.  That’s probably what I’ve missed the most about living over here, feeling like I have many “deep level” friends.  Luckily for my sanity my current next door neighbor is a long-time friend who used to live in my old neighborhood, so I at least feel like I have one person I could call at any time for anything.

Overall I would have to say that the past year has been pretty good for us in general, definitely a year of changes and new things, but hopefully a year of good growth and learning.

Here’s hoping for even more good things to come in the next year as well!

Love, Me 

It's Easier the Second Time Around

Just two short weeks ago we dropped Missionary #2 off at the MTC.

Last time it about ripped my heart out.  This time it was much easier. 

First time: They descended on the car like locusts, grabbed the suitcase and the missionary.   "No, we can't take a picture for you," they said, and were gone practically before we knew what happened. Watching my boy walking away, I try to take a final picture and accidentally press the camera off button just as he disappears into the crowd.  I get in the car and start sobbing.

Second time: A single missionary host came to our car.  We got the suitcases out, hugged, and the missionary host asks, "Would you like me to take a picture?"  He takes one, lets us check it and offers to take another one if it's not any good.

 We stand awkwardly around, waiting for him to whisk our missionary off, but he seems content to just let us stand there all day if necessary.  We hug again, and then say, "Well...guess this is it." I might have hugged my missionary one last time.  Then the host missionary and our Elder amble off, and I have plenty of time to get a couple walking away shots.  Get in the car, have the sobbing feeling bubble up, but can't even squeeze a tear out before it calms down and I'm overcome with gratefulness for missionary boys.

Discussing it later, Craig and I decided that the way the drop offs went may have had a lot to do with the feelings we think our missionaries themselves were probably having before they left.  When Missionary #1 left the missionary age was still 19.  He was one of the oldest in his class and the first of his friends to leave.  The rest of the friends were off to start college (for a semester or a full year before leaving on their missions) and we felt he struggled with the idea of leaving when everyone else was still "moving on" with regular life.

Missionary #2 left the first summer after President Monson's announcement that missionaries could start serving at age 18 after they had graduated.  Not only was he NOT the first of his friends to leave (one left the Wednesday after graduation), but most of his friends would be leaving within a month or two.  Going on a mission was what they were ALL doing right then, so it was normal to him to go.

Regardless of the beginning feelings, Missionary #1 has had an awesome mission.  He'll come home in less than a month, and will jump right into regular life.  He says about his missionary service, "I've really loved being a missionary, and it has been something that has changed my life. I'm very grateful for this, every young man needs a mission. My testimony has grown. My confidence has grown. I've learned how to do things. I've learned what is most important in life. I've learned how to deal a lot more with conflicts. I will be sad when I have to come home."

We know Missionary #2 will feel the same.  There's just something about a mission that makes men out of these boys.  While there have been more times than I can count that I have said "I miss that boy!", I wouldn't really want them anywhere else but serving the Lord these two years.  What a blessing to their lives, to our family, and to those they serve so far away.

Adios, Elder!  See you in two!  Love you bunches!