A Good Year

We finished our mission.

We went on a long trip to the East Coast to visit family and friends.

We worked in the church.

We sent twin grandsons in the mission field.

It was a good year.

I am grateful.

Christmas Gifts...

A numeric keypad; how did I live without it for so long?

Automatic can opener; who knew a can opener could be so easy and so cool?  Makes me want to make everything from cans!

A gift certificate from our kids for maid service!  Now, that is a COOL gift!

Harry & David gift pack from Preston and Janice; man, I LOVE that stuff; the truffles and the pears are simply to die for!  They make a nice little cookie also.  And, chocolate covered cherries; now that's what I call - YUM!

Family portrait from Jenni and Brent.

Book about China, chocolates from Virginia and roasted honey peanuts from Jordan/Janna.

A big variety of gifts from the neighbors and friends......

And, of course, the very thing I am typing on right now.  What an incredible gift....

So, here's the deal...at this moment, there is not one techno gift I need or WANT.  I'm satisfied for two years.

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

Warmer Weather

Across this marvelous country, many people are without heat/electricity in the frigid cold.

We had unseasonably cold weather for about two weeks, but we had heat/electricity.

But, it has finally warmed up somewhat and we are back to normal temps in Southern Utah.

And, I am so grateful.

Internet

Is that story true?

What is this movie about?

When did....event occur?

Who was the.....?

What is the difference between.....?

What are the reviews on this product....?

Okay, I'm officially hooked.

The internet is such a great resource.

And, I am very grateful.

My Husband

He's GOOD.

And, that is a blessing.

I am beyond grateful.

Thanks to Jeremy for getting RAH interested in producing music; it has been a marvelous hobby for him - and ME!

Janessa and Jared..

It's fun to have them come over.

I'm glad they live close.

At least, we have some family here!

A Saviour

Merry CHRISTmas everyone.

I am very grateful for the Saviour; I know that I need one.

I fall short so often.

SO, I am grateful.

THINGS

chairs,
couch,
bed,
stove,
microwave,
eyeglasses,
car,
clothes,
phone,
television,
shoes,
pictures,
books,
tools,

All replaceable,

But, I'm glad I have them.

Thank you very much...oh, yes, I am grateful.

Back to Normal Weather

I love St George weather, so I'm glad it's back to normal.

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

Good Health and Mobility

Allen wrenched his back; it has been very bothersome for a few days.

And, it reminds me what a grew blessing health and mobility are.

I should enjoy it while I can.

And, oh yes, I am grateful.

Living in St George

For over two weeks, a patch of ice was on our driveway;

That is a FIRST for us here in SG.

It totally reminded me of Rexburg...which I was so glad to leave because of its harsh winters.

So, I was very GLAD to be here, with its rare snows and even rarer icy roads/walkways/driveways.

I'm so thankful to live in St George.

I'm grateful every day.

Even in the heat.

Ability to Think

So far,

I can still think.

I like to solve crossword puzzles every day, do a word game on the IPhone, work on finances, etc.

And, I am grateful.

Letters From Long-Ago Friends

We don't correspond on a regular basis; that's for sure.

So, it's so fun to get a letter from someone in the way past.

And, I am grateful.

Warming Up Weather

Last night, I heard a dripping sound - INSIDE the house...

whatever can that be?  I wondered.

It was dripping - inside the house

from the melting snow.

This snow has lasted over a week.

I hate walking/driving on ice and snow.

So, I'm very grateful it is melting!

Oh, yes.

Gardner & Stephanie

Such good, kind, thoughtful folk.

It's a blessing to have them live in the same town;

And, I am grateful.

My good husband

I should say it a lot more than I do;

but I am grateful for Allen;

he's:

kind,
good,
handy,
helpful,
honest,
hard-working,
considerate,
funny,
musical,


And, I am grateful.

The Water is UNFROZEN!

...and I am grateful....

Still so very cold....

Still snow all over....

But, the water unthawed.

And, I am grateful.

My Home

We were gone 24 hours.

Not long at all.

And yet, when I walked through the door.

I was so glad to be home.

I love my home.

And, I am grateful.

People Doing Good

There are so  many in need;

and so many marvelous volunteers who help.

I'm grateful they are willing to give their time and efforts in making our community such a marvelous place.

There are:

arts,
literature,
museums,
homeless,
animal shelter,
civic events,

They all have volunteers, and I benefit from their kindnesses.

I am grateful.

Heat and Water

It's cold.

Our water pipes are frozen in the shower.  So, no shower there.

But, we have another shower AND we have water elsewhere.

Our heater is working, the fireplace is working, we have blankets.

Things are good.

And, I am grateful.

Great neighbors

It is such a blessing to live amongst GOOD women;

I am so very grateful.

Thank you, Heavenly Father.

An Income

I'm always grateful to have some discretionary money each month...

It is a tremendous blessing.

And, I am so very grateful.

Rare Rare Rare Snow Days

Good day to stay hunkered inside and give thanks for all our blessings.

And, oh, yes,

I am grateful.

Thanksgiving Being Last Week...

instead of this week...

It's been VERY cold.  Very very cold for Southern Utah.

So, playing pickelball, sidewalk drawing, cave exploring, shooting; none of it would have been fun or even possible.

So, all this week, I have been so grateful that our family was here LAST week...

when the weather was fantastic!

Oh, Yes, I am grateful.

A Place to Work!

I have a big desk; it's the perfect set-up.

And, I am grateful.

A Warm Home

What a great blessing to have a home that is toasty warm....

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

Chocolate

I likee.

And, I am grateful.

Heated Seats

Have I mentioned this before?

But, I LOVE having heated seats.

And, I am very grateful.

Family Gatherings

Oh, yes.

It was wonderful.

And fun.

And funny.

And joyful.

And, I am grateful.

A BED

For a couple of nights, we slept in the pick=up.  I was glad to do it.

So, now, that we are back to normal,

I'm very thankful for a BED!

Surprises - the GOOD Kind

Breakfast time...

Everyone is milling around, little kids playing, noise, confusion, etc.

Door knocking...

Who COULD that be on the day after Thanksgiving?

Jenni and Brent were standing there after telling us they couldn't come.

What a happy, happy surprise.

Then, we learned that Kristi is getting married!

Oh, happy surprises indeed.

No One Getting Hurt

We did something yesterday that I would not have imagined in 100 years in our family.

We went shooting.

As in GUNS....

as in 2 pistols, a Glock (whatever that is!), a rifle, and an

AR (assault rifle).

I was terrified, BUT everyone had a great time, and no one got hurt.

So, I am very grateful.

Family Sacrifices

For many of them, it's a very LONG drive, flight, ordeal.

But, they came.

And, I am so very grateful.

There is nothing like family.

And, I am grateful for that also.

Thanksgiving

I hope it doesn't take a holiday to make me grateful.

But, I am very grateful for this holiday that does remind me to be

GRATEFUL

for so many things;

RAH,
family,
friends,
home,
car,
eyesight,
mobility,
health,
heat,
water,
food,
income,
rich heritage,
opportunities,
church calling,


Oh, yes, so  many things.

And, I am grateful

Feeling Good

Health is a blessing.

I've had a little cold; I'm still fighting it a little,

but, in general, I feel good.

And, I am VERY grateful.

Lori, Dave, Ryan...

These are the other people in the nursery.

They are pleasant, helpful, and good to the children.

It's a pleasure to work with them each Sunday.

And, I am grateful

Photographs

Seeing pictures from the past, helps me remember events that I otherwise might forget.

I have hundreds of photos stored in albums, on the computer, loose in boxes.

And, I am grateful.

This is a classic picture from our family files; it is in a motel room in Nauvoo, Ohio for Matt and Lisa Gee's wedding.  My brother, Kaey, told Allen that every night he would jump up on the end of the bed for his exercise.  So, Allen tried it.  Jenni, my dad, and I witnessed this amazing, memorable event.

Knowing the Keyboard and How to Type

It is such a blessing to know how to type.

I took a summer typing course in Pocatello, Idaho.

Then, I took typing in high school.  I'm not the best, but certainly to the worst, but I do know how to put my fingers along the home key row.

When we served our first two missions at the family history center, we met so many senior citizens who had not had the opportunity to learn to type - it wasn't so important to everyone many years ago.

At any rate, my father encouraged me to learn to type,

And, I am grateful I know how...it has served me well over the years.

Restaurants

Sometimes I think about the pioneers...

walking all day...

exhausted when they finally camped.

But, there was no take-out pizza, no Golden Arches, no Subway for a quick sandwich.

I love eating out; no mess, no preparation, no thinking, and most of all; no clean-up.

Yes, I am very grateful for a place to eat out.

A Place to Call Home

I'm thinking about the terrible destruction in the Phillipines.

Imagine having ONLY THE CLOTHES ON YOUR BACK......

No food, no water, no change of clothes, no toothbrush, no pictures, no money.

It's impossible to quantify and think about.

So, I am very grateful for All these THINGS:

Home,
food,
water,
clothes,
money,
electricity,
pictures,
phone,
couch,
bed,
chair,
table,
pencil,
pen,
paper,
eye glasses,
television,
books,
mementos,
family,
streets,

Oh, I am so very very grateful.

A New Day

Rough evening...

A new day brings new:

hope,
start,
possibilities,
chances,
opportunities.

And, I am grateful.

Our Home Teacher

We've had LOTS of home teachers over the years.

They have all been willing to help.

But, we haven't really ever availed ourselves of that help.

Until Brother Olson.

Man, he's awesome.

And helpful.

He got a gun fixed for Allen.

And, yesterday, he installed a new kitchen faucet for us.  Allen, who is very independent and would have tried to do it, could not have done it.  He doesn't have the right tools.

But Brother Olsen showed up, fixed it, and now it's working.

And, I am grateful.

My Church Calling

It's fun to be in the nursery...

Adorable kids,

Marvelous caring parents,

Awesome people to serve with: Dave, Lori, Ryan.

And, I am grateful.

Grandson Missionaries

I'm so proud of Landon and Stockton.

Landon is serving in the Argentine mission

Stockton is in the Chile mission

They are such good, good young men.

And, I am grateful.

Audio Books for FREE!

I am listening to a book right now by Maya Angelou; it is fantastic.  She is also the reader.

It is the story of her life which is just incredible.

I am totally enjoying it, although she has hard things happen to her.

It is FREE.

I listen as I exercise or drive around running errands.

And, I am grateful.

People!

There are so many good, good people in my life.

Neighbors,

Learning about how to make your own trades on trade....too complicated for me, but these great ward members are listening....Tom and Susie Ericcson; Jerri and Mark Jorgensen; Ron Olsen; Jim Dupras, and Bishop Shakespeare.

Friends,

Family,

And, I am grateful.

food food food

Seeing all the devastation in the Phillipines, and hearing their cries for

FOOD,

reminds me how blessed we are to have easy access to food.

And, I am grateful.

Laughter

I love a good story, joke, anecdote.

I just love to laugh.

I need to do it more often.

Laughter, it feels so good.

And, I am grateful.

Available Food and Water

Terrible, terrible typhoon in the Phillipines....

THE WORST STORM IN RECORDED HISTORY.

In the wretched aftermath, people are starving and thirsty, with no electricity or shelter.

And, I sit in my little corner of the world; safe, warm, and with plenty to eat.

Oh, how I am so very grateful.

Beautiful Weather....

...without the threat of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquake, fire.

Just beautiful, sunny days.

What a great blessing.

And, I am grateful.

Neighbors!

We have such great neighbors; all around, we have good, good people.

And, I am grateful.

Water!

Man, it's so easy to walk over to a spigot and turn on the

WATER.

And, I am grateful.

HEALTH...

the recurring theme...

My cousin has cancer that has now gone into his Bones....

totally terrible.

Right now, Allen and I are doing fine.

And, I am so very very grateful.

Machines...

like

Washing Machines...

Ours just went out.  So, rather than revert to washing laundry in the sink or bathtub, we bought a new one.

And, for that, I am grateful.

Mornings!

I get a lot done in the mornings.

It is when I am the most productive, for sure;

laundry,
exercise,
cleaning,
bills,

I just love productive MORNINGS.

And, I am grateful.

So Many THINGS...

RAH,
car,
washing machine,
toilet,
home,
heaters,
money,
eyesight,
mobility,
income,
computers,
phones,
stove,
refrigerator,
bed,
sunshine,
sleep,
food,
shoes,
clothes,
time,
scriptures,


Oh, yes, I am very grateful for all this and much more.

Crossword Puzzles

I love a good crossword puzzle.

I can't always figure out the clues, so I use one across.com (Thanks, Linda, for the tip.)

It's so fun to try to figure out, to ponder, and then to solve it!

I love the challenge of a crossword puzzle,

and I am grateful.

My Mini Tablet

Sitting in front of me before church started one day, I noticed Todd with the new-fangled thing called an IPad.

I asked if I could just hold and look at it.

I was hooked!

A few days later, when I mentioned to Allen that I thought we should get one, he was ANGRY!  We had just purchased two new Toshiba Laptops to take to China, and he could not see ANY reason whatsoever to get an IPad.  (Well, he was probably right about that.)

Later that week, we happened to be in Best Buy for something we needed to take to China, and Allen saw the displays.  He went over, looked at it, played with it a little, and said to the salesman, "We'll take one, in fact, do we need two?"

While in China, I also bought an IPod Touch in the spring of 2011, which I have absolutely loved having...I use it almost every day when I head to the gym to either read a book or listen to an audio book on it.

So, when a new version of an IPad came out in 2012, I wanted- nay convinced myself that I NEEDED one.  Allen was again upset - we already had one, why would we need another one.  But, I used some money from my father's inheritance and bought the most expensive, highest memory IPad.  I have loved it.  Allen uses the old one, I used the new one.

Fast forward to 2013, the mini IPad came out.

You guessed it, I convinced myself that I MUST HAVE A MINI!  Because, you see, the original was not conducive to holding just for reading...it was great, but just too big for holding in the hand to read.

So, I bought one at Wal*Mart for $125.00....(actually, I bought a mini IPad, but never unboxed it because it was over $400 and I didn't need the expensive IPad since I had an IPhone and IPad.)

Oh, yes, I love it.  I use it every day.  I read on it, watch Netflix on it, play a few games on it.

And, I am grateful.

Moments of Happiness

Last night,
Jared,
Janessa,
Sean
came for dinner...they were here so briefly because they were headed out for fun.

But, it reminded me how much I love my family; my dear grandchildren, and how I wish I lived closer to the rest.

Being together made me so happy.

And, I am grateful.

Extended Family

I love my family.

Both close and near-related.

They are awesome and I'm enormously proud of them.

They are good, good, good people.

And, I am grateful.

Little Children

Today is Halloween....

(a day I think is perfectly AWFUL for a variety of reasons!)

BUT, I do love seeing the little children as they come so excitedly to the door.

Gardner's children model their Halloween costumes for me
Aren't they just the cutest little kids EVER?!?!?!?!??

I love their enthusiasm, their laughter, their sparkle.

I am grateful for little children.

Scanners

Tons of pictures....

How to process them and get them on familytree????

Well, a scanner, of course.

Now, the pictures will be saved forever out in the big wide world.

And, I am grateful.

Sunset

RAH called to me to come look at the setting sun...

It was very unusual.

And striking.

I was grateful for that one and many others.

So gorgeous.

I'm grateful I can see them.

Sunrise

They are so fleeting...

And so stunningly beautiful.

When I can catch one in the mornings,

I am grateful.

Experts

I love to be helped by people who know what they are doing...

I so often do not know what I am doing, so it's good when people who are experts can give me some help and advise.

And, I am grateful.

Oh I Hate to Say It!

Television.

I have a couple of favorite programs...

Last Man Standing with Tim Allen is the only comedy we watch on a regular basis; it's fun, but I always wish for old-fashioned values, like marriage before living together....AH, those were the days!

Television is often relaxing, fun, entertaining,

And, I am grateful.

Freedom

Listening to an audio book about WWII, reminds me of what a great blessing it is to be free.

To not have enemies taking over our country (although I sometimes think we have some of that in our own government!)

But, to be abel to drive where and when you want,

Buy what you want,

Live in our own home;

What a great blessing freedom is...

And, I am grateful!

Music

I love music.

I love to sing along sometimes.

I love musicals; church music, my children and husband's music.

It brings me joy to listen to music.

And, I am grateful.

Direct Deposits

When I was teaching school, all those years ago,

Mrs. S would come to the school promptly on pay day, pick up her husband's check and head to the bank (I presume).

Those days are long gone.

I just get up on the last day of the month, check the internet and presto; there is the money in the bank.  No need to wait for the mail, go to the office to pick it up,  because, as if my magic, it just appears in the bank account faithfully each month.

And, I am grateful.

Potato Chips

my absolute favorite snack.

I eat way too many.

But, I do love me some Lay's potato chips.

And, I am grateful.

Recurring Theme

....an income.

Some of my children live on the edge; not because they are wasteful, but because of their situations.

I want to bail them out.

That's not the prudent thing to do.

Allen and I struggled on our own, so they must do so also.

It worries me; causes me concern and despair at times.

But, most of all, it makes me grateful that Allen worked for 32 years, day in, day out...plugging along.

And, because of it, we have a modest, but adequate

INCOME.

And, I am grateful.

Photos

It's so fun to see a picture from long ago.

This is a picture of Allen's mother.

Ha!  Ha! She is so cute; I think Lois looks just like this.

Pictures; there is nothing like them.

And, I am grateful.

A Mind That Works (So Far, at Least!)

Some of my relatives have suffered from dementia....it's a terrible disease.

I am definitely forgetful...oh yes.

But basically, I'm still functioning alright mentally.

And, for that, I am grateful.

A New Day...

I din't get the windows washed,

so I will do it today.

A new day...

what a blessing....

and I am grateful.

Good Good People

waiting for an oil change...

waiting, waiting, waiting....

then Dr. Howe came in.

We talked, he told me about himself.

And, I learned that he used to take Ethan Bundy for a ride every Thursday.

That was so marvelous to hear.

And, I was struck - again - with what wonderful, good, unselfish people there are in the world.

And, in my little corner of the big world.  They inspire me....and

I am grateful.

The Sense of Taste

I eat a lot of popcorn.

I like its salty crunchiness.

I eat a lot of bananas.

I like their sweetness.

I love the taste of pizza, bean burritos, potato chips; it all TASTES so good to me.

And, I am grateful.

Eyesight

What a great blessing...

to

SEE.

And, I am grateful!

Reading the Scriptures with Allen

So far we have read the Book of Mormon,

the D & C,

most of the New Testament.

Now, we are back with the Book of Mormon.

It's good to share it with each other.

And, I am grateful.

The World Wide Web

I love the internet...

I can:

do family history,
google anything,
find answers on wikipedia,
connect with former friends on Facebook,
post pictures,
get recipes,
read the scriptures,
etc., etc., etc.

I use the internet every day.

And, I am grateful.

Kristi

She's often had bad luck.

I don't understand it.

But, her car was stolen on Friday from a parking lot.

I can't even imagine the SHOCK of that happening.

But, I know that I am very thankful for that dear wonderful daughter of mine.

Shoes

Eli's day to give me an idea of what to be grateful for.

He said, "Shoes."

It's sort of ironic as I just wrote a very long blog post on SHOES (expensive shoes, in fact).

But, I had never written SHOES in my thankful journal.

And, it IS true.

For shoes, I am very thankful.

IPad

Miles is sitting on my lap.

I asked him what I should be grateful for today and he immediately said,

"IPad."

Miles likes to play games, especially, Mine Craft.

I use it for scriptures, and a few games also.  And, for watching some fun shows.

It's true.

I really like my IPad - just like Miles likes his.

And, I am grateful.

RAH

I don't say it often enough.

But, he is a good husband....a good man.

And, I am grateful!

General Conference

It's always inspiring.

And, now, we can LISTEN to the speakers almost immediately.

What a great blessing to listen and then relisten.

And, I am grateful.

Mission Monday

No, we are not still on our mission.

BUT, today, I went to the LDS Employment Center to see our old friends...

it was so awesome to see:

Ron and Sharon
Sister McMichael,
Sister Fehye,
Brother Clayton,
Elder Bryd,
Bishop and Sister Schmitt.

I realized what marvelous and GOOD people they are.  I feel so blessed to have served with them.

And, I am grateful.

Autumn

It's such a stunning time of year;

the weather has cooled off,

the leaves are changing,

the roses are in bloom again,

the pomegranates are ready to eat,

oh, yes,

it's a wonderful time of the year.

and, I am grateful.

Modern Technology

Year ago, I was watching a movie where the character took her car keys in a crowded parking garage, pushed a button, and the lights on her car came on, so she could easily find her misplaced car.

I'd never seen that before; it was amazing.

I love what is happening with modern techno stuff;

 like my back-up camera in the car,
a built-in GPS,
automatic door unlock without using a key...

it all makes life much easier; and

I am grateful.

Nieces and Nephews

I have a bundle of them.

They are remarkable, talented, good, thoughtful, kind, humble, and did I mention talented?

I love it when they WANT to come and visit.

I love RAH's nieces and nephews also.  They, too, are good, fun, happy, thoughtful folk.

And, I am grateful.

It's a Recurring Theme!

Freedom.

I am reminded over and over again what an incredible blessing...

FREEDOM is...

And, I am grateful!

Teachers!

Over the years, I've had some great teachers...

Secular,
Gospel,
Outside the classroom,
Inside the classroom,

Some were funny,
some were knowledgable,
some inspiring,
most were devoted to their calling/job.

I have indeed been richly blessed by many many teachers.

And, I am grateful.

Musicals!

Amy, Eli, Miles are here.

We went to see Mary Poppins.

Fantastic!
Great music,
incredible dancing,

fun times with the Hackworths

And, I am grateful.

People and Their Interesting Stories

At the bank being helped by Mr. Nice Guy.

WOW!  What stories.

What a family!

So inspiring.

I loved listening to his stories...and it reminded me how we are all so different and unique.

And, I am grateful.

Flowers

I love the variety, the colors, the uniqueness, the beauty of

FLOWERS.

In our yard now, the roses are blooming, we have some fall flowers and it's all beautiful.

And, I am grateful.

My Mother's Paintings

My beautiful mother was so talented in many ways.

Later in her life, she took up painting.

She was very good at it.

I have several of her paintings, including one of pansies in the office; they are so real looking.

And, I am grateful.

Stockton and Landon; the Elders Fisher

Their letters are inspiring;

they have always been good, kind boys.

And, now, they are awesome young men.

Doing just what they should be doing.

Serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel of Christ.

And, I am thankful.

Coming Home!

Truly,

there is no place like home.

Ours is lovely, clean, organized, suits us...

And, I am grateful.

Spotify - Music on the Go!

Texas music in Texas...

Cajun music in Louisiana...

Country music in Alabama...

Civil war music in South Carolina....

Golden Oldies music at Donna's while playing a game.....

It's all possible because of Spotify...

And, I am grateful.

Phones on the Go....

I have just one question....

HOW DID WE SURVIVE WITHOUT CELL PHONES?

Yesterday, Allen and I got separated in the big city of Nashville.

He called to find me.  Man, I was so glad I had my phone.

Calling from the car is so helpful.

And, I am grateful.

A Place to Sleep

Sleeping in a car is not very comfortable....

So, I like - even though it costs money -

to sleep in a regular bed.

And, when we do, I am grateful!

A Car That Works....

I caused the battery on our car to run down.

OOPS!

It makes me appreciate a working, reliable car.

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

variety

Whether it's people, food, weather, conversations, interests;

Variety in life is good.

I have that in my life, and I am grateful.

safe travels

So fast, we have been safe, and I am grateful.

L, A, I, O

They are fun,

And, I am grateful.

Anna, Imogen, Lucy put together a set of LEGOS for girls!  Aren't they adorable?  The girls, not the LEGOS....

Sleep

It's 3 a.m.

I'm wide awake.

It reminds me that when I can sleep through the night... I am grateful!

Heat!

Cold night...

No extra blanket...

Middle of the night searching....

Ah, yes....

A thermostat...

Which means...

There is HEAT...

and I am grateful!

TIME

They say time heals all wounds,

So I'm grateful for time.....

Maybe it will heal this wound...

Bill and Donna Simmons

Bill and Donna in Pagoda Park?  Can you guess why it is called Pagoda Park?

WOW!  Bill and Donna are such great hosts! 

They have fixed marvelous meals; taken us with them to church and to a missionary party.

They are just so congenial and pleasant; it's a J.O.Y to be around them.

And, I am grateful!

Being Around Missionaries

It was a beautiful day.

The park was the perfect place to gather.

So, gather they did...about 10 or so missionary couples...

It was a thrill to be there; to meet these marvelous unselfish folk ready to serve wherever the Lord sent them. 

As I looked around, they were all so very happy, so pleasant, so interesting, so Christ-like.

And, I was grateful.

Abraham Limcoln

Today we went to a museum where we learned about the Civil War.

It was difficult to see the exhibits, read the stories, and learn the honest truth.

It. Was.  Painful.

to know that our country had such a bloody past as we fought each other...

But, what a remarkable man President Lincoln was.  A man of courage and integrity and love of country.  What he chose to do was not easy, but it was right!

And, I am grateful!

Travel!

Wht a great blessing to be able to travel...

To meet different people....

To see parts of this beautiful country...


And I am grateful!

Good people

Southern hospitality is definitely Not overrated...

And I am grateful for the good, good people who open their homes and hearts!

the South family of Italy' Texas

They are wonderful, happy, supportive of one another, positive.  There was such a feeling of love in that home.

It's so wonderful to know they are related.

And, I am grateful....

Happy People

Sharon is always happy, smiling; she's a joy to be around.

Eldon and Doug are just eternal optimists.

I enjoy being with happy people...

And I am grateful when I can be with people of joy.

Peace

We went to a war museum today.

War is terrible!

No one wins!

There are wars going on all around the globe right now, but in my little corner of the world, there is peace.

And, I am grateful!

The End of a COLD!

I've been battling a very bad cold for about 10 days; it just lingered longer. 

So, today, I finally feel the runny nose, etc are on the downward side. 

And for that I am very thankful.

(I'm dealing with some other issues - nerves, infection, etc., but at least the cold is on the mend.)

A Safe Arrival...

on the first leg of our journey...

Saturday, Aug 31; the parking lot of Lynn's in Hurricane.  Off to Las Cruces.

 

Allen and Jenni in the woods by Jacob Lake.

 

I'm grateful for arriving in safety; late, but safe.

 

 

New Adventures on the Horizon!

We finished our third part-time service mission.

We sent to California.

And, now it't time to head the other direction:

South and East - here we come.

Traveling is such an adventure.

It's an opportunity to meet new people; see new places.

And, I am grateful.

The Beauty of Early Mornings

I'm not sure when I started getting up early.  Many, many years ago.

I've been an early riser for lots and lots of years.

And, I love it.

The mornings are so clear, fresh, clean, beautiful, pristine actually; with such promise.

It's all rather exciting...a NEW DAY...a clean slate, a fresh start.

And, I am so very very grateful.

WORDS!

I love the power and majesty of words.

I love how some people use words to create word pictures.

Instead of saying; the sky is BLUE....some writers use some unique descriptive words.

I'm not good at it.

My vocabulary consists of: awesome, great, cool, amazing, etc.

So, while I can't do it myself, I love reading the WORDS of very talented and creative word lovers.

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

Extended Family

Picture this:

early morning walk along the shore of Coronado Island.

Sitting down on a slightly damp bench to enjoy the view, scenery, moment.

The morning ferry picks up commuters from Coronado Island to take to San Diego...

An  older lady is standing nearby, so I strike up a conversation.

She tells me that she is originally from Manhattan.

I remark that that San Diego is quite a long way from New York.

And, then she makes this astonishing statement:

"I have only two living relatives and I figure one of them will have to bury me!"

TWO LIVING RELATIVES!!!!!!!????!???!???

Truly, I cannot wrap my mind around that incredible statement.  

Last night, 6 relatives came over for a short visit.

Over the weekend, there were 18 of us gathered for a significant event.

This morning, I will be with 4 relatives to bid farewell to the "other missionary."

I cannot even imagine having only TWO LIVING relatives.

I have so many living relatives that we could populate a small state.

And, I am grateful!

ITouch and Arm holder

I have a neat gadget.

Well, actually two; well three with the headset:

I strap one gadget on my arm.  And I listen to books on tape while exercising or walking.

I have listened to: scriptures, stories of people.  I have heard some great stories over the years.  I have been totally inspired over the years, astonished, amused, amazed, awakened.  Oh, yes, it has been good to LISTEN.

It is just so awesome, easy, and wonderful.

I am grateful.

a TONGUE

Miles is sitting on my lap this early Monday morning.

I showed him my thankful list.

He suggested I write - T.O.N.G.U.E..

What a great idea!

I am so thankful for a tongue; it helps me talk, it helps me chew; it helps me taste my food, it helps me sing, it helps me smile.

Thanks, Miles, for that great suggestion.  I would not have thought of it, but I'm glad you did.

Oh, yes, for my TONGUE, I am thankful!

Missionary Farewells

They are joyous occasions...lots of good food,

good music,

laughter,

family.

And, most of all, inspiring talks by soon-to-be-missionaries.

This is the Perfect Day!

And, I am thankful.

The Fisher Grandsons

They leave in about five days.

They will be fantastic missionaries.

They are good, good young men.

And, I am grateful.

Books on Tape

Over the years, I've listened to some really great books while I walk:

the scriptures - those are always good, right?

I prefer listening to non-fiction and I've heard some good ones.

I love that I can borrow an audio book from the library, listen to it on my ITouch, then return it -

all for FREE!

And, I am grateful.

A Good Night's Sleep

I haven't been sleeping too well lately.

The last two nights hardly all.

So, it totally makes me appreciate a really good night's rest.

Oh, yes, for a warm, comfortable bed and a sleep through the night,

I'm grateful.

HOME!

We just returned from a trip.

And, it makes me grateful to have such a lovely home to return to.

I had cleaned it before we left, so it was great to walk in a clean inviting home.

And, I am grateful!

Health!

It really is a recurring theme.

But, right now, Allen and I are mobile, have good health.

And, I am beyond grateful.

Mission Mondays....

but this is our last.

I will miss going each Monday and Tuesday mornings.  It has been a great, great blessing for us.

And, I am grateful.

TEXTING!

My two daughters don't much like to talk on the phone.

But, they will text.

Texting was invented by a German engineer in 1985 and it originally encountered problems.   It took some years for it to catch on, but within a decade, people were texting more than they were phoning!

And now, for me, because my daughters and I don't talk on the phone much, texting is often how I find out about what is happening in their lives.

And, I am grateful.

the Music from Les Miserables

The music is absolutely soul-stirring and inspiring.  

It is a religious experience for me to hear it being performed.

I love the music, the words, the emotions.

And, I am grateful.

Clean Water

In China, we had to boil all our water....

we could never drink from a fountain (not that there were any anywhere), but drinking water was a problem.  It always made me nervous to eat at restaurants because what about washing their dishes?

I NEVER even think of unsafe and unclean water here in America.

I just always assume it will be clean and drinkable.

And, I am grateful.

Our Home

I'm grateful to live in a beautiful home.

Allen keeps the yard so neat and tidy.

The home is orderly and suits our need.

And, I am very grateful.

Teeth!

Man, we see some people with

REALLY

REALLY

BAD teeth!

It makes me so grateful for my teeth.

Computer Knowledge

Many, many years ago, RAH bought a "computer."  He wanted me to learn how to program it.  Which I thought was really stupid.

He was one of the very first in our community to sign up for the "Internet." One morning - very early - he came in and woke me up to say excitedly, "Loni, I just got into some documents at the University of Virginia."

I thought that was ludicrous and ridiculous...who cares about some old documents in the University of Virginia?!?!??!?!  How did that apply to MY life?

Well, how things have changed.  I LOVE the computer.; I'm crazy about the INTERNET....in fact, I can't live without it!

I love knowing how to do things on the computer.

All three of our missions have been computer related.

I see many many people in our generation who don't know how to use the computer and honestly, everything is computer based these days.

I am so grateful RAH encouraged computer knowledge very early on.

Oh, yes, I'm grateful.

Grandkids

This is just a very small handful of the MANY, MANY, MANY!  But, aren't they adorable?
Jeremy & Carisa's kids heading out somewhere!

We have a dang lot of them.

They are all so very different; artists, guitar player, techno geeks, basketball players, princesses, swimmers, soccer players. a violin player, piano players, etc.

Spanish speakers and a French speaker.

All say - "Gimme my gadgets!"

All are noisy, happy, fun, unique, different, interesting.

And, I'm grateful.

Sunrise!

Pink appears so subtly....

then it spreads across the far horizon.  The clouds up high have a pink tinge.

QUICKLY!  Take a peek because in just a matter of minute/seconds it will be gone.

But the whole sky will be suffused with light...a new day has begun.

And, I am grateful.

Gas Stations

Now, this might seem like a strange thing to be grateful for,

BUT, I am grateful for gas stations.

I don't have to walk to get gas.

I don't  ave to wait in long lines because of rationing.

I don't have to wonder if there will be any gas (so far, at least.)

And, it's just easy to pull up and get gas.

Oh, yes, I am grateful.

the Ability to Exercise

Let's be honest here.

I do NOT like to exercise.

It's not fun; it's hard work.

SO, I'd much rather be reading a good book.

BUT, I am physically able to exercise, so I try to do it regularly.

And, for that, I am grateful.

Fingers

I'm so very grateful for my fingers.

They might be wrinkled with age, but oh they are so useful.

And, I am very grateful.

The Marvelous Missionaries We Serve With

Elder Clayton, Doug Mainord - Center Director, Elder Tripp

Elder Hackworth, Elder Crown, Sister Crown

Elder Clayton

Sister Schmitt

Sister McMichael

Elder Tripp

Sister Tripp

Elder Bryd

 I will be forever grateful for these inspiring, marvelous men and women.

Doug Mainord

I don't know where to begin.

Today was his last day of his employment after 33 years working for the church.

So, let me just say this.  I will be forever thankful for knowing and serving with Doug Mainord; he is as close to the Saviour as any person I have ever met or worked with.

I have NEVER met anyone like Doug.  Linda Ricks and LuJean Spencer come close.  Janet Barlow is up there as is Eunice Merrill and Donna Baker.

But, Doug is the penultimate.

And, I was able to serve with him for 10 months.

And, for that I will be eternally GRATEFUL!