Month of Gratitude - Day 21

Okay, caught up.  That was a lot.  Sorry.  Also, today is heavy.  Sorry.  Needed to do this.

Today, November 21st, Justin {my brother} would have turned 33.  He is 1 year and 3 days older than me.  He spent his life in a wheel chair making other people smile.  I aspire to be like him one day.  I don't remember much of life before he died.  I was 7 years old and have blocked out life before 10.  I guess that is my way of coping, but I remember stories.  His favorite color was yellow.  He called me Gigi and whenever my mom entered the room, he would say "Hey kid!"  Yosh {my little brother Josh} was only 5 when Justin passed away.  But the person Justin loved the most is my Dad.  The sun rose and set in my Dad.  This had to be incredibly hard for my mom, but she was always a trooper!

Justin spent most of his life in a nursing home for children.  His physical and mental handicap's never got him down.  He was always happy and was the bright spot in every person's eye he came across.  Today, I am thankful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that I have that I will once again be able to see him.  I find comfort in my belief that he watches over me.  I am sure he comforted my kids as I was being the wild child I was and reassured them that I would make the right choice.  I think he would be so proud of me today.

I learned to serve at a young age as we would go visit him in his nursing home.  I would help feed or play with other children that lived in the nursing home.  Some of the stores I have heard are actually quite impressive.  I think that serving others is a way that today, I can feel close to him.  Even though it has been 24 years since he passed away, I can still feel him.  I can't explain it, but I can feel him.  I know he watches out for me.  {I can} but I can't wait for the day that I get to put my arms around him.  I was so young and didn't know what was going on.  I don't remember saying goodbye to him.  Sometimes, it seems so hard.  Especially on days like today!

My Uncle Bret is a musical person and wrote a song for my parents from my brother.  Below are some of the words.  I honestly can't remember all the words and I don't have a copy, but it is comforting to at least sing the portions of the song that I can remember.  I will also put on the bottom of this post a picture of a picture.  This is all I have of him.  Other than the love for him in my heart!!

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm writing you this letter to try and help you understand.
I just had a talk with Heavenly Father, He says we'll have to do the best we can.
'Cause Mom and Dad, I'm not going to be like other kids, I won't be able to run and jump and play.
My mind will be as clear as any ones, but when it speaks, my body won't obey.
Mom and Dad, don't be upset.  Mom and Dad, try not to forget. 
God is up here watching and helping from above, oh Mom and Dad, I give you all my love.

Happy Birthday buddy!!  I love you!

Month of Gratitude - Day 20

Oh dear.  Home from church with the kids today.  Justin started throwing up late last night so that means mom and kids stay home from church.  Aaron has Bishopric meetings before and after church, so kids can't go with him.  Today I am super thankful for Washing Machines and their ability to get out chuncks without me having to pick them off.  YUCK!!!

Month of Gratitude - Day 19

Costco!!  Need I say more?  I love Costco.  Carne Asada bake.....bulk veggies/fruit....heavy whipping cream.  I know, such random  items.  Samples...smiles and running into friends.  Our membership at Costco pays for itself!!  Love you Costco!

Month of Gratitude - Day 18

Today, we took Aaron's car to get the snow tires on.  The AWESOME shop that we took the cars too are so good.  They could have taken us for more money, but they were very honest and good to work with.  They made sure we didn't pay for anything that could be billed to the insurance.  ANYTHING!!  I am so thankful when we come across good honest people who hold their integrity as highly as I do!!

There are good guys still out there!!  We need to make sure we are being the good guys that we want out there!!

Month of Gratitude - Day 17

Aaron has been sick.  He doesn't get sick often, but they cancelled his clinic Tuesday afternoon and all day yesterday.  I'm super thankful today for his job and the wonderful people {for the most part} that he works with.  That they understand how good of a person Aaron is and his dedication to his job and his patients.  He works so hard day in and day out.  He is dedicated to his patients and the nurses he works with.  Everyone loves Aaron.  He is such a good guy.  Good job for a good guy!  Perfect fit!!

Month of Gratitude - Day 16

Wednesdays.  Oh how I loathe the.  Almost as much as Sundays.  We start our Wednesdays by getting Nate off to school and Kennie of to Ignite.  We head out the door around 12:15 for Maggie's preschool.  Justin starts piano while I pick up Maggie and Hyrum from school and Kennie walks over and gets Nate.  We all meet back at home where Kennie starts his piano lesson while I cook dinner.  We throw food in everyone and send Kennie out the door for scouts.  Add into that getting everything done for school for Kennie and Justin and I am just pooped at the end of a typical Wednesday.

So, tonight, I am thankful for busy days that end.  The chance I have at the end of the day to read my scriptures, conference talks, pray and unwind from the day.  I am thankful that tomorrow is a new day and I don't have to live this day over again!!

Month of Gratitude - Day 15

So, I know I'm a bit behind, but I have been writing things down.  I just haven't been able to get on and take the time. 

Today, I am thankful for down days.  It seems in life we go and go.  Tuesdays are usually our down days.  No preschool, no special classes.  It's a day to spend in our PJ's reading our History and Science.  Spending time doing art projects and just enjoying each other's company.  Honestly, I get very little housework done, but I do spend quality time with the kids that prepare me for Wednesdays.  Ug, Wednesdays are very difficult.

Month of Gratitude - Day 14

Today, I am thankful for our transportation.  With the van in the shop, I have realized how much I really depend on my car.  I will be so thankful when I get my van back.  Hoping it will be this week!!

Month of Gratitude - Day 13

After a day such as today, I am super grateful for a home to snuggle in and a bed to crawl into.  Pull the covers up to my chin and drift peacefully into slumber.  Sunday's are going to be the end of me....

Month of Gratitude - Day 12

I know, I'm a bit behind.  Crazy weekend!

Day 12 happened to be my sweet husband's birthday.  So, on this day, I am SO thankful for the man that I have chosen to spend all of eternity with.  I can honestly say that it hasn't been easy, but I wouldn't want to share this ride with anyone but my best friend by my side.  He makes every day worth living!

Month of Gratitude -- Day 11

Today is supposed to be a lucky day.  So, at 11:11 on 11/11/11, here is 11 things I am thankful for!

1. First and for most - I am thankful for all the men and women who past and present have served our country.  Supported our right to freedoms that we enjoy!  I am thankful for those who will serve our country in the future.  I know first hand that it is not an easy sacrifice, but know it is done with humility and love.  I am THANKFUL for my husband and all he does - but look to tomorrow's post for more on that.
2. I am thankful to live in a free country!  Freedom of religion, fredom to teach my children, freedom to choose my life partner and all the other freedoms I enjoy! 
3. I am thankful that I have been able to enjoy the  joys of motherhood.  I have several friends that have struggled with this for many years.  I love my children and am thankful for the lessons I have learned from them.  I pray that all those who desire will be given the chance to experience the joys of motherhood.
4. Pinterest - how sad is it that this even ranks in my top 24 let alone in the first 11 days.  Pinterest is so addicting and I LOVE it.  I have found so many useful/practical tips and a never-ending list of crafts on my to-do list!!
5. DVR - Since I was introduced to DVR, my life is changed.  I no longer have to run on my TV's time.  I can record my show and watch it later.  Or, watch it again.  LOVE my DVR!!
6. Facebook - Unlike my children, I can say that I remember life before Facebook.  HA!  Because of this, it has made moving to far away places a lot easier.  I can keep in touch with family and friends near and far by simply posting what I am doing now.  I fell more a part of people's lives.  I know, this is weird!
7. I am thankful my kids have pet allergies.  For this reason - I will not ever have to take care of a cat or dog.  I can't ever help someone take care of their pets.  BEAUTIFUL!!!
8. Dishwashers - Need I say more?
9. Paint - I am thankful for the ability to change my current surroundings and making my home feel like home.  Not just another house. 
10. Make-up - again, the ability to change my current...haha.  Just Kidding!  I like getting dressed up - I like the feeling that I look good.
11. I am thankful for sexy beast clothing.  Haha!  It's late.  I am thankful that there are clothes that make me feel hot!!  Feeling like you look like a million dollars is sometimes better than actually looking like a million dollars. 

Month of Gratitude - Day 10

Today I am thankful for the Scriptures.  We have been given such an amazing tool to draw us closer to our Heavenly Father.  Anytime we have a problem, we can get on our knees and then turn to the Scriptures to help find our answers.  We are shown so much love by our Heavenly Father and the Scriptures is just one of the many things he does for us. 

Month of Gratitude - Day 9

Today is one of those days that I wish I would have stayed in bed.  Slept the day away.  A wise woman once said that it is better to pass through sorrow that we may know Joy.  Ya, not so sure about that one.  I feel like garbage today.  We have had the sick bug circulating our house since Aaron left for San Antonio 1 1/2 weeks ago.  Last night and today my stomach has been unsettled.  My world is spinning and my head is pounding.  What I have been able to swallow down today came right back up.  I hear each foot on ever stair and every syllable uttered. 

So, today, in my 9th day of my month of gratitude, I am thankful for my health.  It takes these sick days for me to be even more grateful! 

Signing off now.

Month of Gratitude - Day 8

 We are told to avoid the natural man.  Today's thankful moment might go against that.  Not sure. 

Today, I am thankful for some of my human desires.  Not all of them.  Chocolate is going to be the death of me.... haha!

I am thankful for my desire to better myself.  I am speaking mostly of running.  I want to be better.  I want to run faster and longer.  I want to increase my stamina and be able to do more.  I like to think this helps me in other areas.  I push myself.  I accomplish what I set to accomplish.  I have learned my limits are just that.  MY LIMITS.  I don't have limits, only the ones I place on myself.

Yesterday, I didn't feel well so I decided to just walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes.  Do you think I did it?  NOPE!  One of my running songs came on and for the life of me, I COULDN'T walk.  I had to run.  My legs and brain just started going.  It was such a weird feeling.  My walking for 20 minutes turned into 2.6 miles in 30 minutes.  Yep, super good.  And guess what?  I felt so much better the whole rest of the day.  That right there is a huge lesson to all of us.  Sometimes, those human desires we have can do us good.  I crave the feeling after I run.  The self satisfaction and success of completing yet another running session.  I can't wait for the feeling after Carli and I run our 1/2 marathon in May.  I am so super excited.  Really?  One year ago, if you would have told me I would be training for a 1/2 marathon I would have told you that you were NUTS. 

Because I know myself, I know it will not stop at a 1/2 marathon.  I will need to train and run a full marathon.  For now, I am extremely happy working for my 1/2.  Set a goal today that you don't think you can do.  Then, amaze yourself by doing it!!

Month of Gratitude - day 7

Today, I am thankful for Heavenly Father's timing.  I know - that sounds really weird.  There are times when I think, "What the heck?"  There are times when I can not speak but wonder seriously about the Lord's timing.  Then, something happens and I am reminded that there is a plan for all of us. 

When Aaron was called into our Bishopric a few weeks ago, it was one of those "What the heck?" moments.  He is only 33.  He is a physician in the Air Force who has recently been asked to see more patients.  He has applied for a fellowship that would start next year which would require us to leave Alaska in May.  The Stake Presidency still felt strongly about Aaron being in the Bishopric - even if for a short time.  I felt peace with the calling and knew that things would work out and this was for the best, but I couldn't help but wonder about the timing of all of this.

Fast forward to this last Saturday.  I was helping a friend at the DMV and got a call from Aaron.  Only he couldn't hear me, and I had a strange buzzing in my ear.  Super annoying.  I turned my phone off and on again and it still didn't work.  Everything else worked on my phone, but the actual phone.  We just happen to be near an AT&T store and so I stopped in.  They looked up my phone info and while I wasn't due for an upgrade until December 7th, my phone was still under the 1 year Apple warranty and told me to go to Apple.  There just happened to be an Apple store in the mall as well.  They just happened to have an appointment with a tech guy available right then.  Within 2 minutes, he asked me how I felt about getting a new phone.  Just like that, I had a new phone.  Even though I am not up for a new phone for another month, I still got a new phone.  Problem fixed.  All is well with the world.  My cell phone works.

Bishopric vs. new phone?  Not really a comparison.  However, the timing with the warranty and the phone issue reminded me that Heavenly Father is aware of each of us and he has a bigger plan.  So while I still at times question the whole Bishopric thing (not Aaron, just my ability to handle it), it's the little things that remind me that we are not running on our time.  We run on the Lord's time.

Month of Gratitude - Day 6

Today I am thankful for Inspiration.  It comes in all forms.  I receive Inspiration as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter, as a friend and for our Primary.  I have been able to answer many prayers by listening and acting upon the inspiration that I receive.  I have also been the recipient of others inspirations.  We are all answers to others prayers - If we only act!

Month of Gratitude - Day 5

Today, I am so very thankful for music.  In all forms.  My ability sit down at my piano and play until I feel calm again.  The chance I get to sit on the couch with my eyes closed as Aaron plays the piano.  Sometimes, I even get to sing along.  In my opinion, nothing brings the spirit in faster than music.  I love plugging the earphones in and listening to a variety of music that I love and that I choose! 

Month of Gratitude - Day 4

I never ever thought I would be grateful for what I am grateful for today.  For day 4 - I am grateful for the ability I have to home school my kids.  That we live in a land that allows me to stay home with my kids and teach them.  I get to be the one constant in their lives.  The one that they talk to and play with. At times it is very trying, but we get through those times  For the most part, we all really enjoy this time we have been giving.

Month of Gratitude Thanks - Day 3

This is such a crazy world we live in.  So much going on and so many people and responsibilities pulling us in so many directions.  Today, I am grateful for the knowledge I have of my role in this life.  As a wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend.  I am especially grateful for my role as a Daughter of God.  I know my individual worth and my Divine Calling.  My knowledge of my roles gives me direction and purpose.

Month of Gratitude Thanks - Day 2

Today, I am so very grateful for Prayer.  My ability to speak with my Heavenly Father.  Feel of his love and know of his plan for me.  There are times in my life when I do better with prayer than others, but I know that at anytime I can go to my Heavenly Father no matter how long it has been!  he sure whew what he was doing when he put us on the Earth.

Month of Gratitude Thanks - Day 1

It is November.  I am not feeling very grateful for my life right now so I am going to be doing a month of giving thanks.  I a not just going to list the ones most common used.  My desire is to realize how much I really have, and I'm not talking $$.  Having said that...

Day 1 - I am so very thankful for my eyes. 

Even though I complain about my eyes a lot because of the constant need of assistance from glasses or contacts, I am still able to see.  While taking Kennie & Justin on an overnight field trip to the Seward Sea Life Center last month, I was in awe the entire 2 hour drive down of the beauty around me.  I snapped a picture. 

Can you see all those different colors?  Amazing.  I am so grateful for my ability to see all that is around me.