Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We had the option of going to a big family dinner in Lethbridge, but we opted for a quieter day at home. It was wonderful to have some time to clean house, prepare a great meal, and enjoy each other's company.

I'm sure grateful for my family. I love my husband deeply and am grateful for so many things about him. He is smart and kind and hardworking. He leads our family with confidence and with power that I'm grateful for.

I'm grateful for Jill. She is a bright light in each day. She's positive and happy and sees the best in everyone. 

I'm grateful for Peirce. He has grown so much this past year it's astounding. He's taller than me now and I think the gap will only increase. He is a good kid and while he enjoys his friends immensely, he also loves to have quiet time - he's a guy after my own heart!

Our newest member of the family is Bobby. I was a little nervous to become a guardian to another child, but he has made it easy. He works very hard at school. I can't imagine going to a new country and living with a strange family at such a young age. He's very brave and is working hard at his goals.

I did a gratitude challenge years ago, and I've decided, to prepare for our upcoming RS activity, I will try it again. I'm going to focus on all I'm grateful this week and I will blog about it.

Accepting Life

I decided a while ago to not complain about things I needed to do, no matter how dull or uninspiring they may seem. I used to hate having to make lunches. I decided to try to make lunches more interesting and tastier. I also decided to make them at night before I go to bed. Somehow, those two little things have made it more than something I complain about or endure.

I also decided that I would not complain about all the driving I have to do. There must be some advantage to the time I have in a vehicle. One of the things I do a lot of is read in the van. I know how to get perfectly comfy. I keep a blanket and a pillow in there and when I drop off my kids somewhere I often just go around the corner and hunker down for a good read. And you know what: I love it! Now waiting for my kids is a moot point. I am not just waiting. I am doing something I really love!

This was my scene this morning while I waited for Jill during seminary. I have been reading Somewhere in France (Jennifer Robson). Sitting in the van, with the rain tapping on the windows and the world getting a good cleaning, seemed just the perfect setting for the story.

Bliss!

Why I Write

I have felt a little blue this week. It has been coming on for a while. Different pressures are weighing down on me. I feel discouraged about some things I don't know how to fix and don't really want to deal with. Logically, I realize isn't helping the situation.....but I can't seem to make myself fix it.

Then I decided to write about it.

Suddenly I feel such a relief. I feel a resurgence of energy. Maybe I can handle this!

That is why I write. It brings clarity. It helps me see possibilities. It helped me feel hopeful.

That is why I write. It is therapeutic! 

It is practically a miracle.

Life Changing Moments

 

This morning I almost died. Serious.

I was sitting at a red light. I heard a big crack and looked in my rear view mirror to see a little car flying down the road straight at me. I didn't even really have time to think or do anything. Right as the car got to me it suddenly turned, flew over the median (luckily there was no traffic in the oncoming lanes) and hit a tree dead on.

I drove my vehicle around the corner and then ran out to help. We had our first snowfall last night so the snow is kind of deep. I was slipping and falling and trying to get there as fast as I could....it was surreal. The car was totally wrecked. The driver was probably in his early 20s. My guess is he had a seizure. He kept going in and out of consciousness while I was on with 911.

Once the firetrucks came I left. It was an odd feeling to just walk away - but they said the police have my info from the 911 call so I could leave. That's when the emotions kicked in.

My guess is this is the first seizure this guy has had....his life has changed today.

So has mine.

Grateful to be alive. Grateful to be able to tell the story and not be hurt. I should have been hit. I had actually just turned the radio off a few blocks previous and was talking to God as I drove.

 

Man, did I say a prayer of gratitude after.

Things I Loved About Last Week

It has been a great week.

1. I took my kids to a really fun concert by Rick Scott on Monday. I picked them up at the pool with dinner in hand and persuaded them to go to it with me. They agreed on the condition that I wouldn't stay and talk to people forever after it was over. Deal! It was a lot of fun. Rick Scott is amazing and they recognized that.

2. I got an email from a mom of a child in my class. I had told her how one day her son was calculating how long it was until bed time. I asked if he was tired. He wasn't. He was excited to be able to read our book club book, The Witches, with his mom, as they do every night. She told me she'd been reading it aloud to him and really enjoying it. She also said that she doesn't ever remember reading a book from start to finish in school and wanted to change that for her son.

Isn't that awesome?!

3. We had an awesome assembly on Friday. We did the cup song with our own words. Tricky!!

4. I got to volunteer at the football game Friday night ( $ goes to swimming). Peirce loves it. Loves it! He really wants to grow up and get a job and is excited to have something on his résumé (must be his dad's son). I was excited because I got to just sell beer tickets rather than work in the concession - our regular spot. The ticket booth is heated!! Best kept secret!

5. I have the best husband ever. He keeps gas in my van. I hate checking oil, getting gas, etc. I can totally do that. - but he does it for me because he knows I hate it. Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Sunday Seven

Kind Sister In Law
This week Peirce went down to Raymond and got to play with a bunch of cousins - something that he loves to do. He called while he was there and asked if he could stay for a few days. My sister-in-law was coming up later in the week and could bring him back - so it was a go. I'm grateful for her and her kindness and unconditional acceptance. She's always happy to see us, always happy to have our kids spend time with her kids, and always accepting of whatever we do. I want to be more like her.

Good Weather
In December we had a couple weeks of really really cold weather. My walking tends to stop when it gets that cold. I'm so glad to have been back at it this week. Feels so good! It has been perfect walking weather.'

Together Again!
Jill has been gone all through the holidays. I'm so happy to have her home!

Reema
We have a girl named Reema who is renting a room from us.  She is a teacher and I really have enjoyed getting to know her. She went home to Toronto over the break and I'm happy that she will be back this week.

Books on CD
I've been doing a lot of work in the kitchen this week. I have a new plan to always listen to a book on CD while working in the kitchen. I seem to spend hours cooking and cleaning, and if I can couple that with some books, I think it will make it much more enjoyable. This week I've been listening to Inkheart on CD. Love that story!

School
I'm back at it this week! I'm looking forward to being back. I really enjoy the people I work with, and I love the process of teaching and learning.

Flames Work
Jill and I have volunteered with the Flames organization for over a year now. Jill started doing it after the summer once she turned 14. I did it alone for about a year before that. We are called volunteers. The pay from working there goes to her account with the swim club. It's a great way to make money to pay for swimming, and it's a lot of fun too. I worked a few games over the break and plan to do 2 or 3 each month. The goal is to make enough money to pay for swimming up front next year.

Gratitude Challenge - Aug 22, 2012

I think I'm failing the gratitude challenge. I keep missing days! *sigh*

Oh well. Carrying on!

1. Peirce got to go to Lethbridge and have some Grandma/Peirce time. He has been wanting to do that all summer. So glad it worked out!

2. I got to drive to Lethbridge with my friend, Patti. Nothing like an entire day of visiting! We even did our walk in Lethbridge. :)

3. We got to go to Edmonton to wish Jill a happy birthday! It was such a great visit. Virginia and Andy have been so great to her. A great summer indeed! Jill has really enjoyed being there, but she is also quite looking forward to finally being home. It's kind of nice to have her miss us!

4. Only four more days until school starts. I'm a nerd. I know. I miss it!

5. This summer has been the greatest weather! I heard today it has been the warmest summer in years. Nice!

Gratitude - August 17

1. The Library - I sometimes worry that they'll announce that they have a new tiered system for library fees, and since I'm a super-user, I now get to pay some exorbatant fee to use the library. It is the best $12 I spend all year!! I seriously love the library and I go there many times a week. The other day Peirce was off at a friend's house and my walking buddy and I were talking about how I should spend my day since I wouldn't have any kids at home. What could I do that I can't normally do with kids?? I know!! I could go to the library for the ENTIRE day and read! Bliss!!

2. Sinks that drain - We have had a problem with all the bathroom sinks in our house. I fixed the downstairs one a week or so ago (packed with hair....sick!). Today I fixed the one off our bedroom. It was just gummed up (sick again!) I'm so happy to have a sink that drains properly again! It wasn't an easy feat either. I had to loosen this nut down underneath the sink that was really hard to loosen, take out the stopper, clean it all out, then put it all back together. Phew!! I am pretty sure I got it all back together properly. I will have to pay attention for leaks the next few days just to be sure. I felt so good to get that fixed though. It made me think maybe I should try and do something every day to make my house a better place....hmmm.....can I add to my goals??

3. Safety - After the fire yesterday, I'm sure glad that our home was kept safe and that my family is all safe. Poor Peirce was a little traumatized by it all. He had to sleep in our room last night. Hopefully soon he feels comforted and just as safe as I do!

4. Egg McMuffins - I had a coupon for a free one, so this morning I went and got one...free. I like free. And I like Egg McMuffins. Yum!

5. Time - I still have a week! I dropped by the school today. I'm not motivated to do that again too soon. It was a bit of a wreck in there. They've been painting, no bulletin boards are on the walls, there is stuff in my room from the hallways, things were all taken out and then put back (in the wrong spots) .....oh there's some work to do! I think I'll wait a bit before I go back in and maybe someone else will get some of that stuff put where it belongs.

Gratitude Challenge - August 16

1. Today on our bike ride to Park and Play we found an injured dragonfly. Peirce wanted to stop and check it out and ended up taking a picture of it. It is so nice to have summers off to be able to do things with my kids like this. I'm grateful to have time to stop!

2. I'm grateful for bunny songs. I got a call from Jill yesterday that went like this:
J: Mom, what's that bunny song?
M: Bunny song?
J: Ya. Raina and I are singing bunny songs
M: You mean the house in the middle of the woods one?
J: Ya....but how does dad sing it where he kills the bunny?

I had to laugh. What a funny phone call. I sang it for her, plus a few more. While we were talking they must have been bike riding or walking, judging from the side conversation. It was just a fun conversation.

3. I'm grateful for goals! I decided that from now on (like, for the rest of my life!) I have to read my scriptures and exercise before I can get on that time sucker, Facebook. Today I did it! It felt great to get those things done quickly. With Facebook I can stretch out exercise, reading and housework to 1:00 in the afternoon! Time to change that.

4.I'm grateful for rosy cheeks. Yesterday Allen asked me if I have started wearing more make up. I haven't. It's just the exercising. Too funny!

5. I'm grateful for rice flour cookies for my non-wheat eaters. Yum!

Gratitude Challenge - August 15

1. Lazy Days....today has been one of them!
2. Goals....I'm excited to be having a new start this September
3. Getting Set Apart....haven't been set apart for my new calling yet. I should talk to someone about that.
4. Washing machines and dryers...gee they make life easier!
5. Summer holidays.....I can't believe it's almost over! I have 11 days left. Eeeek!

Gratitude Challenge - August 14

1. Shelter from storms! We have had some doozies the past few days...and we have come through them unscathed.

2. Visiting Teaching One of the sisters I visit had a birthday on Saturday. Our Saturday was crazy and I couldn't go see her that day, so today I took her a bowl of sticky popcorn. She was so gracious and so grateful...warmed my heart. I likely would have never got to know her if it wasn't for visiting teaching.

3. Life After Death Today our friend, Pete Estrabrooks, passed away. I was just talking this morning with my walking buddy about how real the plan of salvation has become to me after losing some people close to me - namely Destiny, and my dad. When I learned today that Pete had passed away last night I wondered what he and my dad are doing right now. I'm sure they're debating the score of some team somewhere!

4. Sleepovers Peirce gets to go have a sleepover at a friend's tonight. He has looked forward to it since Sunday. So glad he has such good friends!

5. Bikes Peirce and I have been biking this week to Park and Play. I have had moments where I think it might kill me. Luckily, my exercise goals this summer work well with my reading goals. I go exercise in the morning by walking for an hour and then riding with Peirce, and by the time we're finished I feel as though that is all I can do!! So I shower, and then get into a book. It's perfect!! I just realized today too that I no longer think about how much my bum hurts when I ride. I guess I'm getting tougher!

Gratitude Challenge - August 13

Wow. Missing a day of Gratitude Challenge is like missing a day of exercising. Suddenly one day is three (well, usually with exercise if I miss a day suddenly it seems to become a week...but that's another story)

Time to get back on track!

1. Visits Jill came home this past weekend. It was so fun to see her. She tried to pack in as much as she could in the few days she was home. I'm not sure it was long enough, but I'm grateful for what time we did have!

2. House Parties One of my favorite people, Jenni, had a house-warming/Olympics party. Love!!

3. Interviews Allen has had plenty of people in for interviews. I'm so grateful he has been able to set up those interviews and find some good people. Here's hoping it turns into some new prosperous team mates!

4. Movies Peirce got to go to two movies this weekend. On Friday, after the house-warming/Olympics party they went to the drive-in at Deerfoot Mall. Then on Saturday I took Peirce and his friend to McMahon stadium to watch a muppet movie. They had invited everyone who works at the football games to a movie night on the turf. Fun!! It was a great place to watch a movie!!

5. Saying No Sounds weird. But we had someone ask if they could come stay with us. I did not feel good about the prospects at all. So not good in fact that it made me cry almost intantaneously when I talked about it. So weird. I made a few calls and talked to people who knew this person and still didn't feel any better. I'm so grateful for the whisperings of the spirit. I'm grateful I was able to say no and that it was that simple. I'm grateful that Allen was supportive of that! I know...it's a weird thing to be grateful for, but I am!

Gratitude Challenge - August 9

1. Olympics: it's so inspiring to watch these amazing people complete! I love having the time to watch it.

2. Muffins: I made banana chip gluten free muffins today. Yummm!

3. Anthony: Peirce has a really good friend named Anthony. They have played more together this summer than they ever have in the past. Peirce has had a great time with him.

4. Moves: Storybook Theatre Calgary is moving to my community. Yea!! When we go on a Friday after swim practice it is always a stress because there isn't quite enough time. Now that won't be an issue, I'm sure! Plus, they have theatre programs I've always wanted to put Peirce in, but didn't want to drive so far for. Now those programs are more of a possibility in our life!

5. Shakespeare in the Park: So glad to be able to introduce my children to Shakespeare. They have enjoyed it for years! It's just a little toe dip for them, for it is good exposure, and I love the plays too!

Gratitude Challenge - August 8

1. Cousins: Peirce is having a playdate with cousins today. I'm so glad to have some cousins near by. We love them!
2. Facebook: I spend enough time on it. I should express gratitude for it!
3. Freezer meals: I made some this month. I love freezer meal days!
4. Showers. Nothing feels better than a lovely cool shower after a hot walk!
5. Time for housework. During the school year time is short and not as much housework gets done. I'm really glad to be able to spend some time catching up this summer!

Today my note of thanks and appreciation will go to my sister!

Gratitude Challenge - August 7

1. Blueberries. Yum!!
2. Walks. I have been walking in the mornings with a friend, and I think it's making a difference in my life! (In more than one way) :) I appreciate the company, the conversation, and the push to exercise more.
3. Bikes. We found an abandoned bike today! We will do our due diligence to try to find the owner...and if none is found (as I suspect), then we will give Jill a new great bike!
4. Coincidences. Allen was just wishing he had some guy's phone number, and who does he run into in the mall? Yup. Appointment set!
5. Cool evenings. It hasn't been quite as hot in the evening today. Phew!!

And today my little note of thanks shall go to my sister-in-law.

Gratitude Challenge - Aug 5

1. I'm grateful I learned to sew. Today I got some curtain rods from someone on Freecycle. I will make some new curtains for our living room.

2. I am grateful for Sundays. I love having an excuse to take a break from the regular weekly work. I need it, and I'm a bit of a zealot about it because I know what a difference it makes in my life.

3. I am grateful I get to play the organ on Sundays.

4. I am grateful for my SS class. Today there were only 3 kids there. I was a little nervous about how it'd go with such a small crowd - but it was just fine. They're great kids.

5. I'm grateful for the Olympics! We have been having a great time watching.

Today I shall write a note to my son to tell him I great I think he is. He started out shy and quiet, but sure didn't stay that way. He does enjoy a good day of caving though after being out having fun. He is a good boy. He is an amazing reader and writer (writes his own talks!) and very crafty. I think if I can work it right he might turn into someone who is good at fixing stuff and making stuff with tools I can't use. :) Sure do love him! The fact is, I'm plain ol' crazy about him!

Gratitude - Aug 4

I realized today I'm supposed to be listing FIVE things I'm grateful for!! Oops. At least it only took me four days to get on track.


1. I'm grateful for solitude today!! Jill is gone to E-town and Peirce and Allen decided to go camping. They left around 1:00 and will be back early tomorrow so Allen can still get to his meetings and Peirce can give his talk....so in the meantime I'm enjoying the solitude. Some people don't like being alone. Now and then, I relish in it. My normal routine is clean the house and then sit and watch it stay clean!! I also added a bunch of reading to my schedule today, and some work on my SS lesson.

2. Freecycle!! I love freecycle. Today I got rid of two bikes in our garage, and have two potential takers for our big big big TV!

3. I'm grateful for books. So grateful! Today I spent HOURS reading. I haven't done that for a long time. It does something good to my soul. So grateful for time to read!!!

4. I'm grateful for fans.....love reading while lying on the couch with the fan blowing on me.

5. I'm grateful for hot weather! The last two days have been rather cool and rainy. I almost considered putting on long pants...but the hot weather is back. Phew! Love it!

And today, my note will go to my own dear husband. Who could ask for a better man?! He is such a good dad. Our kids really love him and have a special relationship with him. I love that. And I am crazy about him!! I hope he is having fun in the mountains. I am so grateful for all he does to be a great husband and great dad. I admire how he is always trying to do better. He has big goals, and works hard. I love him to bits!

Gratitude Challenge - Aug 3

1. Laughs with my husband. Tonight we were in our parked car about to drive away when a car parallel parked in front of us. Allen suddenly said, "Wow! Did you see that?!" the car suddenly lifted up about 3 inches." We thought it was a cool feature of that vehicle....that is, until the overweight woman that had just exited the vehicle walked around the back where we could see her. We laughed and laughed. Oops!! I love having a good belly laugh with Allen....and it is something that happens often!

2. I am grateful my kids are good friends. Today Jill called. We talked for quite a while, then she asked to talk to Peirce. They talked for an hour! I thought it was so cute. They really miss each other.

3. I am grateful for easy to live with kids. Peirce and Jill are both very independent and trustworthy. I can go out on a moment's notice and not worry about what will happen while I am gone.

Today I will write a note to Jill.....she can't hear often enough what a great kid I think she is. I admire her for the great people skills she has. Everyone seems to love Jill, and Jill really does love everyone around her. She looks for the good in people. She is a wonderful big sister. She tries to always be kind to Peirce and shows that she cares. I also really admire her for how disciplined she is. I don't know if I could work as hard as she does at swimming. She is my hero!

Gratitude Challenge - Aug 2

1. I'm thankful for impromptu free nights. Usually Thursday are our crazy night - swimming, cubs, YW, Opp night, Bishopric meeting - but tonight all there is an Opp Night at the office! Allen suggested we go to a movie after - so we did: Allen, Peirce and I. Love being able to do things together on the spur of the moment like that!

2. I'm thankful for good friends. Tonight I got to go see a friend from school and have a good visit. It was so great! I really love the people that I work with.

3. I'm grateful Jill is making some friends in Edmonton. She said she went to mutual and it was a great time and by the end of the night they all were hugging each other to say good bye. Yea!

I sent a note to my friend who I got to visit with tonight to thank her and tell her how great I think she is. She is one of those people who approaches everything with a smile. She is great to work with because while she maintains high standards, she is realistic and so helpful in helping me become a better teacher. I think she is great!

Gratitude Aug 1

Today I am grateful for:

1. Good neighbors. I was trying to mow the lawn today. The mower was out of gas so I put some in...well, I thought I had put some in. Turned out I put in the mixed oil/gas stuff that is for the snow blower. Our neighbor saw me trying and trying to start out lawn mower (which now I now would have never started) and said, "Would you like to use mine?!" He is always friendly and generous like that. Great guy!

2. Summer. I have not been very good at having time off. I rarely have taken vacations or had unstructured time, well, most of my life! This life of going back to teaching and having summers off have been an adjustment. I am starting to really love the down time though and the time to catch up in my house. And most of all, the reading time. Life is good!

3. Jobs. I'm grateful that Jill is able to have a job of sorts this summer. She is in Edmonton for the month of August and I miss her a lot - but I'm grateful she can have a chance to earn some money. I pray for her every day!

Today I am grateful for my friend, Colleen. We got to know each other when she was in my ward and serving in primary. She was soon called to work in the primary presidency with me and I always admired her for her willingness to do anything. She has gone through a lot in her life, especially this last year, and somehow was always able to stand tall and take on the challenges that came her way. She is one of my heros! And not only that, she gives a great hair cut. :) Thanks Colleen!!