Day 11
I'm filled with gratitude for those men and women who serve our nation. They are willing to sacrifice their time, time with their families, holidays, and even their lives to protect freedom and liberty for ALL of us. Not just themselves. They do it for every American. Because of those who have fought and died for the important cause of freedom, I have the freedom to live my life the way I want. My daughters can attend school, we can worship God in our own way, we can leave our home without fear. Veterans deserve our praise and thanks for the job they do.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 7, 8, 9, & 10.
As usual, I've fallen behind. But I'm catching up today, because I want to finish this thing! So here it goes:
Day 7
I'm thankful for a car that runs well, is reliable, nice looking, and has plenty of room for my family. It's not brand new, and doesn't have the latest and greatest in technology (although my girls think the digital temperature display is pretty awesome!), but we are comfortable in it and the payment is affordable.
Day 8
I'm grateful for my talents. I'm not going to list them here. I'm thankful that I enjoy doing so many things and that I have skills in so many areas. It makes my life fuller and more fulfilling. I'm thankful for the people in my life who have taught and encouraged me to develop in many directions. Not only have I learned so much, I've made wonderful friends along the way.
Day 9
I feel incredibly grateful for my husband. He works two jobs in order for us to pay our bills and have a little extra for the necessities of life. He listens when I call him with the inane workings of my day, or my stressed-out rants. He supports and encourages me in whatever I do, and always tells me that I'm pretty, that I'm a wonderful mother, a good cook, and an example of service to others. We've been married almost 10 years. Sometimes it feels like much longer, sometimes much shorter. But whatever it feels like, there's always contentment and happiness in knowing we will be together forever.
Day 10
I'm grateful for my faith in God and Jesus Christ. These are turbulent and difficult times for every one. I go from feeling comfort and peace about the future to feeling the need to make preparations for various possible scenarios. Yesterday was a hard day, and I spent most of it depressed. But as I fell asleep last night, these words came to mind: "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30) I read the entire section this morning, and found more understanding and motivation than I've felt in the last few days. This doesn't mean I won't feel moments of panic or negativity. But I can always go back to what I know it true. God and Jesus never change, and they always have our best interests at heart. That is what matters more than any possible catastrophe.
Day 7
I'm thankful for a car that runs well, is reliable, nice looking, and has plenty of room for my family. It's not brand new, and doesn't have the latest and greatest in technology (although my girls think the digital temperature display is pretty awesome!), but we are comfortable in it and the payment is affordable.
Day 8
I'm grateful for my talents. I'm not going to list them here. I'm thankful that I enjoy doing so many things and that I have skills in so many areas. It makes my life fuller and more fulfilling. I'm thankful for the people in my life who have taught and encouraged me to develop in many directions. Not only have I learned so much, I've made wonderful friends along the way.
Day 9
I feel incredibly grateful for my husband. He works two jobs in order for us to pay our bills and have a little extra for the necessities of life. He listens when I call him with the inane workings of my day, or my stressed-out rants. He supports and encourages me in whatever I do, and always tells me that I'm pretty, that I'm a wonderful mother, a good cook, and an example of service to others. We've been married almost 10 years. Sometimes it feels like much longer, sometimes much shorter. But whatever it feels like, there's always contentment and happiness in knowing we will be together forever.
Day 10
I'm grateful for my faith in God and Jesus Christ. These are turbulent and difficult times for every one. I go from feeling comfort and peace about the future to feeling the need to make preparations for various possible scenarios. Yesterday was a hard day, and I spent most of it depressed. But as I fell asleep last night, these words came to mind: "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30) I read the entire section this morning, and found more understanding and motivation than I've felt in the last few days. This doesn't mean I won't feel moments of panic or negativity. But I can always go back to what I know it true. God and Jesus never change, and they always have our best interests at heart. That is what matters more than any possible catastrophe.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 6
Today, I am thankful for grandparents. My daughters have wonderful grandparents. We live with one set, and are only a 30 minute drive from the other. Grandparents can have a very special connection to their grandchildren, and I am grateful for the effort the grandmothers and grandfathers put into the positive relationships with my girls. It's important and necessary.
I am also thinking about my own grandparents. I really knew my mother's parents well. They lived in our neighborhood and I could ride my bike to their house in about 3 minutes. My Grampa, Joe Paron, who would have been 100 years old today. Before he died more than 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to record his life history--an experience I will never forget. I also had the blessing of caring for him for the last few weeks of his life. It was hard to let him go, but I know that there were many people waiting for him, including his loving and devoted wife, my Gramma, Hilda. Not a day goes by that I don't miss them both. I look forward to the day when our family will be reunited for eternity.
Thank you to all of the grandparents I know. You make a difference for your grandchildren, even if you don't realize it.
I am also thinking about my own grandparents. I really knew my mother's parents well. They lived in our neighborhood and I could ride my bike to their house in about 3 minutes. My Grampa, Joe Paron, who would have been 100 years old today. Before he died more than 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to record his life history--an experience I will never forget. I also had the blessing of caring for him for the last few weeks of his life. It was hard to let him go, but I know that there were many people waiting for him, including his loving and devoted wife, my Gramma, Hilda. Not a day goes by that I don't miss them both. I look forward to the day when our family will be reunited for eternity.
Thank you to all of the grandparents I know. You make a difference for your grandchildren, even if you don't realize it.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 5
I'm thankful for my brothers and sister today. As I mentioned before, my brother, Erik, and his girlfriend, Sandy, are visiting for a few days. I had a chance to spend the morning with them. We had pleasant and stimulating conversation and good food. They introduced me to Korean cuisine today. I tried bulgogi, 3 types of kimchi, a bit of fried fish, turnip soup, and bean sprouts. I enjoyed it very much.
I feel very lucky to have this visit with them--they live far away, and their lives are very different from mine, but I feel we have a deep, mutual respect for one another, and value each others' opinions even when we don't agree. I learn a lot from them about music, culture, food, and they have many funny stories about places they've been and people they know. I appreciate the short time we have together.
My brother, Ben, is a very special person in my life. He is funny, gentle, and easy going (a big thing for a guy with Autism!) and out family wouldn't be the same without him. One of my favorite things about him is that he will occasionally spontaneously tell me, "I love you, Gina." It comes from nowhere, and it's very genuine.
Finally, I am grateful for my beautiful sister. We are 10 years apart in age, but I don't really feel it. We help each other as much as we can, and we enjoy spending time together--when we have a moment or two to spare! I love her dearly, and I know she and I have a special bond. We laugh together, cry together, share stories and experiences, and ask each other for advice. No one can break us apart, and she and I both know that there have been people who have tried. Anyone who knows us knows that we are truly sisters by chance, but I know that God planned it this way all along.
I feel very lucky to have this visit with them--they live far away, and their lives are very different from mine, but I feel we have a deep, mutual respect for one another, and value each others' opinions even when we don't agree. I learn a lot from them about music, culture, food, and they have many funny stories about places they've been and people they know. I appreciate the short time we have together.
My brother, Ben, is a very special person in my life. He is funny, gentle, and easy going (a big thing for a guy with Autism!) and out family wouldn't be the same without him. One of my favorite things about him is that he will occasionally spontaneously tell me, "I love you, Gina." It comes from nowhere, and it's very genuine.
Finally, I am grateful for my beautiful sister. We are 10 years apart in age, but I don't really feel it. We help each other as much as we can, and we enjoy spending time together--when we have a moment or two to spare! I love her dearly, and I know she and I have a special bond. We laugh together, cry together, share stories and experiences, and ask each other for advice. No one can break us apart, and she and I both know that there have been people who have tried. Anyone who knows us knows that we are truly sisters by chance, but I know that God planned it this way all along.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 4
I'm grateful for Primary. Primary is the LDS (Mormon) church's name for the children's Sunday school program. Today, there was a meeting that they wanted all of the women to attend. So the dads were recruited to take over for us the final hour of church. As I sat downstairs trying desperately to look like I was paying attention, I was really listening to all of the fun and singing going on right above us in the Primary room, and wishing I could be there instead of stuck in an uncomfortable chair in a room full of grown ups.
I'm so thankful that I get to work with the children and learn the gospel, sing the songs, and be with my own children at the same time. I come home tired most Sundays, but I wouldn't trade working in Primary for any other job in my church.
I'm so thankful that I get to work with the children and learn the gospel, sing the songs, and be with my own children at the same time. I come home tired most Sundays, but I wouldn't trade working in Primary for any other job in my church.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 3
Today I am thankful for family and good friends. For the last four years, my mom and I have planned a Dia De Los Muertos or Samhain dinner party near Halloween and All Saints Day. This year was a DDLM year, and it was wonderful. The food was delicious, and the company was stimulating. It was even more special because my brother, Erik, and his girlfriend, Sandy, are here visiting. We ate dinner, then each of us shared a funny or poignant memory of someone we knew who has passed away. I really enjoyed myself, and am grateful for the people I have met while living here who have enriched my life in many different but important ways.
Afterward, I laid in bed with my girls and read a Mr. Putter and Tabby book we've never read before. It doesn't get much better than this.
Afterward, I laid in bed with my girls and read a Mr. Putter and Tabby book we've never read before. It doesn't get much better than this.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Gratitude Challenge: Day 1 & 2
I've noticed that many of my Facebook friends are listing one thing every day for which they are thankful. This is a good idea, but I'm going to do it here instead because 1. It's been far too long since I've posted on my blog--and I really miss it, and 2. Facebook is a much more public forum than this blog. I have readers (thanks to both of you) who will see this, but it's really mainly for me. Unfortunately I'm already behind, so today's post will be a double dose of gratitude.
Day 1:
I am thankful to live in such a beautiful part of the greatest nation on the earth. In the morning, I look out the window and I can see bright orange and yellow leaves against a steel grey sky. Yes, it rains a lot, but it makes everything so green and verdant, even in the darkest months of the year. If I listen closely throughout the day, I can hear my next door neighbor's chickens clucking. I am able to go to the water, to the mountains, to a big city, to a farm, to visit most of my family, all within an hour's drive from where I live.
Day 2:
I'm thankful for the good health that we have as a family. My girls are very healthy most of the time, and they are healthy eaters. David and I are also rarely sick, and none of us have thus far had any accidents or serious illnesses. I am also grateful for access to good medical care when we need it. I really like my daughters' pediatrician, and I feel like he takes a personal interest in their overall health and well being even though he doesn't see them often because they are so healthy. Does this count as 2 things I am thankful for? It doesn't matter. There's no such thing as an overabundance of gratitude, in my opinion.
Day 1:
I am thankful to live in such a beautiful part of the greatest nation on the earth. In the morning, I look out the window and I can see bright orange and yellow leaves against a steel grey sky. Yes, it rains a lot, but it makes everything so green and verdant, even in the darkest months of the year. If I listen closely throughout the day, I can hear my next door neighbor's chickens clucking. I am able to go to the water, to the mountains, to a big city, to a farm, to visit most of my family, all within an hour's drive from where I live.
Day 2:
I'm thankful for the good health that we have as a family. My girls are very healthy most of the time, and they are healthy eaters. David and I are also rarely sick, and none of us have thus far had any accidents or serious illnesses. I am also grateful for access to good medical care when we need it. I really like my daughters' pediatrician, and I feel like he takes a personal interest in their overall health and well being even though he doesn't see them often because they are so healthy. Does this count as 2 things I am thankful for? It doesn't matter. There's no such thing as an overabundance of gratitude, in my opinion.
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