It's been hard to express gratitude lately, but alas, today I am grateful...
1. First and foremost, for my mom. She has provided so much support during the last 2 months. Physical, emotional, monetary. She has offered words of encouragement, helping me through the extended trial of Ben's unemployment. She has bought groceries, gas, and paid the daycare bill after my paycheck money has run out. Her help, sacrifice, and service has meant so much to me and I feel blessed because of her.
2. For my small family at home--Ben, Erich, and Lana. While the challenges that come with Ben out of work have been stressful, we've had some really good family time. Erich and Lana bring me happiness and joy through their giggles, hugs, and energy.
3. For burritos covered in cheese and avocado. Just delicious. In my month of no sugar, it's food like that that helps me. I popped the burritos in the microwave after church today and enjoyed every last bite.
4. For my calling the YW that has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and get to know some great girls and other leaders. My first counselor has become a fast friend, someone who I can confide in and someone whom I feel I have found a forever friend. Through my calling, I've been able to immerse myself in some gospel topics at time when I need them most.
5. For warmth. The warmth provided by the heat in my house, by the heating blanket on my bed. Warmth provided by blankets, warn and soft pajamas and sweatshirts. Warmth provided in the arms of my companion on days when I feel inadequately prepared to deal with life's problems. Warmth I am able to provide for my babies during nighttime cuddles and other positive moments.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
starting up again...
At the urging of my mom.....
Today I am thankful:
1. For my little family & the fun we had together this weekend.
2. For a gospel that teaches love, faith, service, and happiness.
3. For a warm house with the basics.
4. That I have a job that challenges me, exhausts me, and thrills me....every day. (I suppose this could describe both teaching & being a mom)
5. For cold Dr. Pepper, fudge, and other late-night-after-the-kids-go-to-sleep treats.
Today I am thankful:
1. For my little family & the fun we had together this weekend.
2. For a gospel that teaches love, faith, service, and happiness.
3. For a warm house with the basics.
4. That I have a job that challenges me, exhausts me, and thrills me....every day. (I suppose this could describe both teaching & being a mom)
5. For cold Dr. Pepper, fudge, and other late-night-after-the-kids-go-to-sleep treats.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Tonight I ate cereal for breakfast and I'm thankful:
1. For our quick outing to the park today after I picked the kids up from the sitters. Erich was in heaven, Lana slept in my arms, and I enjoyed a moment of relaxation. Erich made some new friends, 4 year old twin boys. The three of them played house (so funny!), raced each other around the park, and called each other "Hey, man!" Erich even asked them, "Hey, mans, d'you wanna be my best friend?" I loved that moment, the whole time, spent at the park because before too long, it's going to be too cold!
2. For my washer and dryer, dishwasher, and microwave. I didn't eat dinner tonight until 9 o'clock, mostly because I was busy with the business of my kiddos. But, if I didn't have those appliances, I would never get anything done. At the moment they all work well and save me a lot of time!
3. For funny people I work with. Sometimes it's good just to have a moment of laughter during stressful situations.
4. For the bright stars in the sky tonight when I took my dog out to go pee. I looked up and saw a million stars, shining bright. It made me think of one of Erich's favorite songs, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." It's the small things.
5. For my grandma, who is willing to help whenever and who loves me & my kids to no end. I love her dearly.
1. For our quick outing to the park today after I picked the kids up from the sitters. Erich was in heaven, Lana slept in my arms, and I enjoyed a moment of relaxation. Erich made some new friends, 4 year old twin boys. The three of them played house (so funny!), raced each other around the park, and called each other "Hey, man!" Erich even asked them, "Hey, mans, d'you wanna be my best friend?" I loved that moment, the whole time, spent at the park because before too long, it's going to be too cold!
2. For my washer and dryer, dishwasher, and microwave. I didn't eat dinner tonight until 9 o'clock, mostly because I was busy with the business of my kiddos. But, if I didn't have those appliances, I would never get anything done. At the moment they all work well and save me a lot of time!
3. For funny people I work with. Sometimes it's good just to have a moment of laughter during stressful situations.
4. For the bright stars in the sky tonight when I took my dog out to go pee. I looked up and saw a million stars, shining bright. It made me think of one of Erich's favorite songs, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." It's the small things.
5. For my grandma, who is willing to help whenever and who loves me & my kids to no end. I love her dearly.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sunday, October 14
Tonight I am enjoying my absolutely silent house and I'm thankful:
1. That Big Man is at work. Not because I don't want him here, but because it means he has a job. I hate being in the house by myself at night, but I'll take that over unemployment. I'm thankful that he's at work because for the first time in a long time, he actually looked and acted excited to go to work when he left tonight at 7:30. I'm thankful that he is happy with his new job.
2. For Little Man, who has had me laughing all weekend with some pretty silly conversations. Today, for example, we were setting the table for dinner. I've been having him unload and load the silverware from the dishwasher and then he sets his place setting on the table. He got his placed and then went to sit at the piano. He starts having the following conversation while flipping through an old hymn book:
"Well, this is my church book and I'm going to learn about Jesus Christ Amen (he can't say Jesus Christ without adding 'amen' to end) and then learn about the winter solstice." I was giggling at the first part, but when my 3 year old said "winter solstice," my ears perked up and I asked him what the winter solstice was. He said, "Well, it's called, when the rain falls and it starts to turn to snow instead of just being rain." I asked, "Where did you learn about the winter solstice?" He replied, "Well, I learn about the winter solstice at a place with my church book." I again asked him to explain the winter solstice and he said, "Well, mommy, I already did told you what it was and I'm too busy to tell it again." Ha!
One last funny thing he said tonight, as I was shutting his door for bed time: "Mommy, I want you to come sleep with me." "I said, "nope, you are a big boy & can sleep in your bed alone." He cried a little and then mumbled something I couldn't understand. I asked him to say it again and he said, through fake tears," Well, Heavenly Father told me he wanted you to let me sleep in his bed." That kid!!!!
3. For Lana, who smiles make all my worries and stresses go away. She's such a little lady and is so fun to watch. Little Man got her to laugh yesterday for the first time (see video on my naptime blog). After a loooonnnnggg day stuck inside yesterday, those smiles and giggled made my day!
4. For two new beautiful scarfs my mom brought back to me from Washington D.C. I wore one to church today and it is so bright and happy, I hated taking it off tonight. I had lots of nice comments on how pretty it is.
5. For the upcoming short work week. It's Fall recess on Thursday and Friday. I am SO excited to have a few days off to spend with my kiddos. It will be even more fun since Ben won't have to work, we can actually go do something--if the weather cooperates! The long weekend is almost just as good as the short week I have to spend time at work!
1. That Big Man is at work. Not because I don't want him here, but because it means he has a job. I hate being in the house by myself at night, but I'll take that over unemployment. I'm thankful that he's at work because for the first time in a long time, he actually looked and acted excited to go to work when he left tonight at 7:30. I'm thankful that he is happy with his new job.
2. For Little Man, who has had me laughing all weekend with some pretty silly conversations. Today, for example, we were setting the table for dinner. I've been having him unload and load the silverware from the dishwasher and then he sets his place setting on the table. He got his placed and then went to sit at the piano. He starts having the following conversation while flipping through an old hymn book:
"Well, this is my church book and I'm going to learn about Jesus Christ Amen (he can't say Jesus Christ without adding 'amen' to end) and then learn about the winter solstice." I was giggling at the first part, but when my 3 year old said "winter solstice," my ears perked up and I asked him what the winter solstice was. He said, "Well, it's called, when the rain falls and it starts to turn to snow instead of just being rain." I asked, "Where did you learn about the winter solstice?" He replied, "Well, I learn about the winter solstice at a place with my church book." I again asked him to explain the winter solstice and he said, "Well, mommy, I already did told you what it was and I'm too busy to tell it again." Ha!
One last funny thing he said tonight, as I was shutting his door for bed time: "Mommy, I want you to come sleep with me." "I said, "nope, you are a big boy & can sleep in your bed alone." He cried a little and then mumbled something I couldn't understand. I asked him to say it again and he said, through fake tears," Well, Heavenly Father told me he wanted you to let me sleep in his bed." That kid!!!!
3. For Lana, who smiles make all my worries and stresses go away. She's such a little lady and is so fun to watch. Little Man got her to laugh yesterday for the first time (see video on my naptime blog). After a loooonnnnggg day stuck inside yesterday, those smiles and giggled made my day!
4. For two new beautiful scarfs my mom brought back to me from Washington D.C. I wore one to church today and it is so bright and happy, I hated taking it off tonight. I had lots of nice comments on how pretty it is.
5. For the upcoming short work week. It's Fall recess on Thursday and Friday. I am SO excited to have a few days off to spend with my kiddos. It will be even more fun since Ben won't have to work, we can actually go do something--if the weather cooperates! The long weekend is almost just as good as the short week I have to spend time at work!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October 2, 2012
Today I made yummy ham fried rice for dinner and I'm thankful....
1. For my monthly paycheck, despite how small it is. With Ben not working for the last 3 weeks, we've been holding out for my check. We were able to pay all of our bills, plus a little extra on one of my hospital bills and still have a little left to use for gas and groceries. It's been tight and we've been OK (with some gracious help from my mom), but I suppose things could be worse if I didn't have a job, either. (Note: I am thankful for my paycheck, but the job I do to earn that paycheck sure is hard this year! Today I vowed that I just have to 'leave work at work' and not bring any of those stresses home!)
2. For Ben. We've had a challenging few months and I've probably been a beast to be around most days, but today when I came home from a horrible day at work, he grabbed all my bags from my hands, took off my lanyard of school keys, and sat me on the couch and just hugged me while I calmed down. He knows how to calm me down, can make me laugh, and has been so sweet tonight.
3. For the Snickers bar I found in my teacher box at school today. I paid part of my faculty dues and my 'reward' was that chocolate treat! I put it in my drawer, instead of devouring right there, to save for another day. I'm so excited to indulge a little bit!
4. For a good friend who called to check up on me on Sunday & left a sweet message. She and her family moved shortly after we both had our first babies. I've only seen her a few times since, but it was such a nice surprise to get her voice mail message. Thanks, T!
5. For fall. I love October. I love the leaves changing. I love Halloween. I love the cool mornings. It is my favorite season.
1. For my monthly paycheck, despite how small it is. With Ben not working for the last 3 weeks, we've been holding out for my check. We were able to pay all of our bills, plus a little extra on one of my hospital bills and still have a little left to use for gas and groceries. It's been tight and we've been OK (with some gracious help from my mom), but I suppose things could be worse if I didn't have a job, either. (Note: I am thankful for my paycheck, but the job I do to earn that paycheck sure is hard this year! Today I vowed that I just have to 'leave work at work' and not bring any of those stresses home!)
2. For Ben. We've had a challenging few months and I've probably been a beast to be around most days, but today when I came home from a horrible day at work, he grabbed all my bags from my hands, took off my lanyard of school keys, and sat me on the couch and just hugged me while I calmed down. He knows how to calm me down, can make me laugh, and has been so sweet tonight.
3. For the Snickers bar I found in my teacher box at school today. I paid part of my faculty dues and my 'reward' was that chocolate treat! I put it in my drawer, instead of devouring right there, to save for another day. I'm so excited to indulge a little bit!
4. For a good friend who called to check up on me on Sunday & left a sweet message. She and her family moved shortly after we both had our first babies. I've only seen her a few times since, but it was such a nice surprise to get her voice mail message. Thanks, T!
5. For fall. I love October. I love the leaves changing. I love Halloween. I love the cool mornings. It is my favorite season.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
September 30, 2012
Today my entire family slept in until 9:00am!!!!!....and I'm thankful....
1. For my awesome brother-in-law and father-in-law who came to my rescue on Wednesday when my truck broke down while Ben was hunting. Even though I had to walk home from where the truck died--with two kids in tow--Johnny came over later that night to diagnose (bad fuel pump). Then, he took me to my mom's house for the night and then went back with my FIL to tow the truck to my house. Thursday night, they both came out late, with a new fuel pump, and stayed until it was fixed. Not only am I thankful that they were able to help while my husband wasn't, I'm thankful that we didn't have to fork out the money for the pump (it'll be an early Christmas present!)
2. For a day off. Well, if I'm being technical, 3 days off. For some reason, the district gave us the Friday before parent teacher conference off instead of the Friday after (lame), so I got to stay home on Friday with my cute kids. Erich came to snuggle with me early in the morning (Ben was still hunting), Lana woke only once at 5am and went right back to sleep. None of us woke up again until 8:30. That was so heavenly! After taking our time getting ready and finishing some housework, I packed us all up and went to the zoo. It was a lovely day, made even lovelier when Ben got home and I didn't have to sleep another night alone in my house (I hate sleeping here alone!).
3. For my mom....again. She's so generous, supportive, and has helped me survive this last month. I partly feel embarrassed that I have to use her help for just about everything right now, but mostly I'm just so grateful that she's willing to help. I love you, mom!
4. For the General Relief Society conference last night. Ben's aunt, Linda, got tickets from her stake this year and invited a bunch of the girls in the family to go. I went down with my cute sister-in-law, Trina, and met everyone for lunch before going to the Conference Center. It was not only a much needed 'girls night out,' but I was utterly amazed at how each talk seemed to apply to my current situation and I was deeply spiritually fed & uplifted. We were able to sit quite close to the front. It made me look even more forward to conference weekend!
5. For the fall season of leaves changing and cooling temperatures. I love driving in the valley and looking at the beautiful leaves. If possible, I'm trying to convince Ben that we should take a drive up the canyon this afternoon to soak in some of the beauty before the crazy start of a new & busy week. I'm thankful to live in this beautiful state, especially at this beautiful time of year.
1. For my awesome brother-in-law and father-in-law who came to my rescue on Wednesday when my truck broke down while Ben was hunting. Even though I had to walk home from where the truck died--with two kids in tow--Johnny came over later that night to diagnose (bad fuel pump). Then, he took me to my mom's house for the night and then went back with my FIL to tow the truck to my house. Thursday night, they both came out late, with a new fuel pump, and stayed until it was fixed. Not only am I thankful that they were able to help while my husband wasn't, I'm thankful that we didn't have to fork out the money for the pump (it'll be an early Christmas present!)
2. For a day off. Well, if I'm being technical, 3 days off. For some reason, the district gave us the Friday before parent teacher conference off instead of the Friday after (lame), so I got to stay home on Friday with my cute kids. Erich came to snuggle with me early in the morning (Ben was still hunting), Lana woke only once at 5am and went right back to sleep. None of us woke up again until 8:30. That was so heavenly! After taking our time getting ready and finishing some housework, I packed us all up and went to the zoo. It was a lovely day, made even lovelier when Ben got home and I didn't have to sleep another night alone in my house (I hate sleeping here alone!).
4. For the General Relief Society conference last night. Ben's aunt, Linda, got tickets from her stake this year and invited a bunch of the girls in the family to go. I went down with my cute sister-in-law, Trina, and met everyone for lunch before going to the Conference Center. It was not only a much needed 'girls night out,' but I was utterly amazed at how each talk seemed to apply to my current situation and I was deeply spiritually fed & uplifted. We were able to sit quite close to the front. It made me look even more forward to conference weekend!
Friday, September 21, 2012
September 21, 2012
Today I'm not proud to admit that I ate 3 brownies, an ice cream sandwich, and a Pop Tart AND I'm thankful...
1. For my rediscovery of non-maternity clothes, namely pants I haven't worn since last fall, pre-pregnancy. I can't even tell you how excited and giddy I was this week when I put on a favorite pair of brown slacks; they fit, they didn't have annoying elastic, and dangit, I felt really good wearing them!
2. For Lana's smiles. She's smiling more and more, including during her middle-of-the-night feeding. I'm convinced she was sent here, at this time, to be my little silver-lining, my precious gift during stressful times. I literally could just gobble her up. Or put her in my pocket. I just love her.
3. That my blisters are healing. What is it with getting blisters from shoes you've worn over and over? At any rate, I've put those darn Crocs aside for now and am looking forward to wearing the new shoes my dad got me. I wore them around the house tonight and they are super comfy!
4. For friends. I don't have many, but I feel like I'm lucky to not only have good colleagues, but that many of them I consider friends.
5. That I forced myself to clean the kids' rooms, the bathroom, the kitchen AND finish Lana's laundry today when I got home. Ben had been home sick with both kids and didn't get much done. I haven't done much myself this week (since he's been home), and it felt nice to get it all done tonight, one less thing to do tomorrow.
Tomorrow we're blessing Lana at my mom's house & having a family celebration. Sunday is Ben's birthday. A busy weekend here!
1. For my rediscovery of non-maternity clothes, namely pants I haven't worn since last fall, pre-pregnancy. I can't even tell you how excited and giddy I was this week when I put on a favorite pair of brown slacks; they fit, they didn't have annoying elastic, and dangit, I felt really good wearing them!
2. For Lana's smiles. She's smiling more and more, including during her middle-of-the-night feeding. I'm convinced she was sent here, at this time, to be my little silver-lining, my precious gift during stressful times. I literally could just gobble her up. Or put her in my pocket. I just love her.
3. That my blisters are healing. What is it with getting blisters from shoes you've worn over and over? At any rate, I've put those darn Crocs aside for now and am looking forward to wearing the new shoes my dad got me. I wore them around the house tonight and they are super comfy!
4. For friends. I don't have many, but I feel like I'm lucky to not only have good colleagues, but that many of them I consider friends.
5. That I forced myself to clean the kids' rooms, the bathroom, the kitchen AND finish Lana's laundry today when I got home. Ben had been home sick with both kids and didn't get much done. I haven't done much myself this week (since he's been home), and it felt nice to get it all done tonight, one less thing to do tomorrow.
Tomorrow we're blessing Lana at my mom's house & having a family celebration. Sunday is Ben's birthday. A busy weekend here!
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