Day Twenty-Five - Beauty

I love beautiful things!  This can be anything from fine art to a piece of driftwood.  I love to find the beauty in every situation.  From the beauty of baby being born or the celebration of long full life.

I guess you could call me the aesthete in our little family.  I love to surround myself with beautiful things and beautiful people.  My kind of beauty is not what the world defines as beauty.  A beautiful person to me, is one with a kind and pure heart along with a strong sense of self.  I love seeing what others create.  I love experiencing what my Heavenly Father has created for me.  I love the simplicity of a single letter and the complexity of a great work of architecture.  I just want to drink it all in.

  

Day Twenty-Four - Gadgets

I admit, I am a gadget girl.  I love electronics.  I love how they look, how they feel, and what they do for me.  I especially love my ipod!  The funny thing is that I rarely listen to music on it, I mostly listen to books.  It has opened up a whole new world for me.  I used to think that I was to busy to read, boy was I wrong.  Thanks to my ipod I read more than ever.  I usually have two books going at a time, one on my ipod and the other in written form for when I can sit down and read. 

I also love my cell phone!  As a little girl my favorite picture book was a book called, Busy People.  The reason why I loved it so much, was that it had a section of what “might” happen with phones in the future.  Remember, this was the 1970’s.  It had a picture of a girl riding in a car talking on a phone.  I was fascinated.  The idea of talking on a phone in a car was unbelievable!!  Even as a child I was a wanabe gadgit kid.  Today I talk on my phone in my car (although I probably shouldn’t), at the store, out walking, people can even call me on my own phone number when I am on an island in the south pacific.  The little 1970’s girl in me says, “CRAZY” 

I have a laundry list of all of the cool stuff that I would like to have, but I have to keep myself in check.  First of all, it’s really expensive and do I really need it?  No I don’t but, It would be really cool. 

Day Twenty-Three - Books

I love a great book!  I have a love/hate relationship with the feeling of mourning you get when when you finish a great book.  I love the fact that I have had the experience of reading a great book, but on the other hand I am so sad that the experience has come to an end.  Reading the last few pages of the final Harry Potter book nearly sent me over the edge.  I just didn’t want it to be over. 

I love how a good book can transform any circumstance.  I loved reading “Eat, Pray Love”   while visiting my sister in Atlanta.  It was almost magical.  She had just delivered her first child and I was there as the supportive, “experienced” big sister to help in the transition.  While I was there I took care of the night-time feedings so that she could rest and recover from her c-section. As soon as she would get up in the morning I would go to bed for a few hours.  After my nap I would take long walks in her beautiful  green Atlanta neighborhood and listen to my book.  It was heavenly.

Recently our family has been introduced to a hilarious book entitled, “Skippy John Jones”

 

This is a wonderful children’s book that everyone should read.  It must be read aloud and brush up on your Mexican accent, it’s a must for this one.  It’s a story of a Siamese cat who thinks that he is a Chihuahua, “Holy Frijoles!” This book has provided many belly laughs for our family.  It’s books like these that instill a love of reading for our children.  Today, I am grateful for good books, may we have many more to come!

Day Twenty-Two – Belly Laughs

I love belly laughs!  The kind that produce tears and brief stomachaches.  I believe that they are needed every once in a while to be a truly happy person.  I am grateful that I am married to a man that makes sure I have a good laugh almost everyday.

Day Twenty-One - Gatherings

All right, so I have totally fallen behind on my Thanksgiving blogging goal.  The Holidays can do that to ya.  So, today I need to play catch-up.  For day 21 I am grateful for fun gatherings.  I love gatherings of any kind. Formal, non-formal, impromptu and ones that take months to plan, I love them all.  Nothing beats getting together with good friends.  Some of my favorite are the crazy, giggle filled ones, like the Twilight premiere.

 

Who says at thirty-four you can’t get together with your best girl friends and act like a group of twelve year olds.  O.k. we weren’t that bad, but it was fun to get a little twitterpated over a cute teenage vampire.  It was so much fun we had to do it twice!  The husbands thought we were a little weird when we called to let them know we were heading to a second screening, but who cares.  They will never understand anyway, so why try to explain.

I love the gatherings for Holidays with family and friends.  We don’t have any family in Las Vegas, so generally for thanksgiving we get together with friends who are in the same boat.  This year we spent a lovely, low key day with the Taylor family.  It’s so wonderful to split the work and enjoy new traditions.  It was great.

I could go on and on.  I love the lunch dates at Cafe Rio or gathering at someones home for lunch.  I love playgroup and church gatherings.  I love any kind of party you can throw at me.  So, today I am grateful for fun gatherings big and small.

Day Twenty - Equality

last night I went to book club where we discussed the book “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See.

It’s a fascinating  and tragic book about women in 19th century  China.  This was and is a society that regards women as second class citizens.  To be born as a female and to give birth to one was a total disgrace.  Men completely dominated the society by using fear and violence to degrade the women so much that they ultimately submit to their will, and believe they are nothing.  Today I am grateful that I live in a society that for the most part this has been eradicated.   I have never been treated as a second class citizen.  I have never been made to feel like a worthless human merely because of  my gender.  I am grateful that I grew up in a house that valued women and engrained in me a sense of worth because I know that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father.  I am grateful that I have a husband that treats me as an equal and builds me up, rather than tear me down.  So many women around the world even today, grow up in a brutal and violent world.  Girls in Africa are still suffering with the barbaric tradition of female circumcision.  Women in the middle east are walking ghosts under their berka.Woman in some parts of the world have been grotesquely mutilated with being burned or acid thrown in their face, for infractions as little as looking at the wrong man.  These crimes against woman are perpetrated by the very people who should love and protect them, their own families.  I know that the United States is not perfect.  I know that women all over this country are also barbarically ravaged both physically and emotionally by ignorant people.  So, today I am grateful that I am not one of them. 

Day Nineteen – Healthcare

Yesterday I had my semi-annual visit to the dentist (no cavities Mom) and on my way home I got to thinking about how lucky we are to have wonderful Doctors and Dentist.  Let’s just set aside the disastrous state that the healthcare system, in general is in, I am talking about the wonderful men and women who take care of us and our families.  I am grateful that they took the time to complete all of the schooling, usually with great sacrifice by them and their families.  I am grateful for the hours they spend perfecting their skills and knowledge.  I am grateful that we live in a country that has an abundance of these educated people.  If I have a sore tooth or a bad cough all I need to do is make a phone call and an office visit and then I have the necessary medication to take care of my problem.   This doesn’t even touch the catastrophic accidents and illness that some people have to deal with.  Imagine living in Africa and having breast cancer.  Here in the U.S. you would have a team of healthcare professionals taking care of you and you would have a rather positive prognosis.  In rural Africa you would, die.   So today, I am grateful for our healthcare system, no matter how broken it is.  At least we have one.

Day Eighteen - Callings

I love being able to serve in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Right now I am serving in the Stake Primary Presidency, working with and supporting each wards Primary program.  It’s rather new, but I am loving it so far.  I have worked with the women in the church in Relief Society and with the Young Women as well, and have loved them all.  I love having a purpose. 

Day Seventeen - Bedtime

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, but one of my favorite parts of the day is bedtime.  It’s so nice to have a little bit of time to yourself.  I love the quite, being able to read or write.  I love watching my favorite T.V. shows without anyone bugging me.  I love being able to snuggle with my honey while we rehashing the day.  You know that wonderful pillow talk that comes right before you drift off.  It’s so nice to wind down after a day full of accomplishments and conquests, crawl in-between the sheets and drift off to sleep.

Day Sixteen – The Fall

I love the fall.  I love the cool weather, the smell of the earth going to sleep for the winter.  I love the colors.  I love the warm hoodies and cozy socks.  I love warm hot chocolate or warm cider or Choffy (you pick, I love them all) while snuggled up with your honey watching a great movie.  I love soup or stew or chili, all of the wonderful comfort foods that come with the slightest chill in the air.  I think I get into my soup mood around the 1st of September when it is still in the 100’s around here.  I love the anticipation for the Holidays.

This year has been a little disappointing here in Vegas when it comes to the Fall.  Thanksgiving is next week and we are still in the 80’s.  I know, I know, anyone who is already ankle deep in snow thinks I am crazy at this point, but I am not.  It’s almost depressing when you can still wear shorts and flip-flops at Thanksgiving.  I am ready for the chill, so let’s get the show on the road!!

Day Fifteen - Weekends

I love the weekend!  It doesn’t matter what kind.  Lazy, busy, productive, not productive, I don’t care, I love them.  This last weekend was one of those rare weekends that we didn’t have anything that we needed to do or go to.  It was a combination lazy, yet productive weekend.  It was nice to stay in my jammies past 8:00 am and work on projects that I have had on my “To Do List” for ages.  Life just seems easier when everything is organized!  Mike and I even had a lovely date with some wonderful friends on Saturday night.  Now that’s what I call a great weekend.  It’s so nice to have a change of scenery from the normal everyday schedule.

Day Fourteen – Travel

I grew up with a mother who traveled the world before she turned 25.  I remember being fascinated with her glamorous stories of voyages on the sea with handsome ships officers. Invitations to sit at the Captain’s table every night, all in the age of pill box hats and   Jackie O dresses. Her tales of India, Japan, South America, Australia, the South Pacific and Europe were epic.  I have never been jealous of her life, but I have looked forward to being able to see for myself the pictures of her stories.  When I got married, I never thought that my husband would have the same experience, for the most part without me!  The green eyed monster started to creep in when he would tell me his tales of Turkey, Japan and Germany, not to mention all over the United States.  What I am grateful for, are the opportunities I have had to see a few places around this wonderful country of ours.  I have loved going to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, California, Virginia, Georgia, South Dakota and Idaho.  I love seeing new country and learning about the locals and their fun spots to experience.  I  am also incredibly grateful for the chance that we have to travel to Germany in a few weeks as a family.   Mike is being sent there for a few weeks for work, so we thought we would tag along.  We are so excited to spend most of December there, being able to celebrate the holidays, German style.  It seems that my ship has finally come in!  Now, if I could just figure out where to buy a pill box hat.  Just kidding!  I am so blessed to have this opportunity and to be able to share it with my family is priceless!

    

Day Thirteen - Computer

For anyone who knows me, they know I am a total computer geek!  I love my computer.  What can I say, I probably spend more time with it than with my husband.  That’s sad to say, I know.   If he is home he is generally right next to me on his, so it’s not that strange.  I have a strong need to create and I love what I can do with this thing.  I have learned so much just in the last year with blogging, and I think it’s great.  I really don’t know what I would do without the thing!

(Now, if I only looked like that while working on my computer.  My life would be completely perfect then!)

Day Twelve – In-Laws

I have been blessed to have married into Mike’s wonderful family.  His parents and siblings have been wonderful to me from the minute Mike and I started dating.  And they had every reason to tell him to put on the breaks and go find someone else a little less complicated.  They didn’t, and for that I am eternally grateful.  I have never had to worry about family drama, because there isn’t any!  They love and respect us, and we love and respect them in return.  So to Earl, Marilyn, Grammy, David, Jim, Amy, Brady, Aubrey, Marie, Gabrielle, Joe & the newest member Kirsten, I love you guys!!  And on a side note, to Kirsten, who recently married Mike’s younger brother Joe, you married into a wonderful family and we are excited to get to know and love you as well!

Day Eleven – Katie

I am grateful for my sister Katie and her vivacious, independent spirit.  I am grateful that she has found someone to love.  Katie got engaged this last weekend to Perry.  I wish them all the happiness in the world.

Day Ten - Elizabeth

I am grateful for my sister Elizabeth and her cute little family.  They came to visit last month, and it was wonderful to get reacquainted with them.  It’s wonderful to have nieces and nephews.  For so long my children were the only children on either side of the family.  We are finally getting some cousins and it’s wonderful to get to know these precious spirits.  Elizabeth and her husband James live in Atlanta with their two kids Evan and Emma.  I love the fun talks that Elizabeth and I have on the phone, we can talk for hours.  I’m sure than neither one of our husbands love that aspect of our relationship.  I know I don’t say it often enough, but I love you guys!!

Day Nine - Home

I am so grateful for our home.  Our home is not only a house, a structure to live in, it’s a place full of love and laughter.  Many families this day live in uncertain times.  People are losing their homes right and left.  I am grateful that we have a home that we have purchased in a smart way so that we can keep it.  It may not be perfect at times, but it’s ours and I love it!!

Day Eight - Friends

Friends are a life saver for me.  With a husband who travel frequently and living away from family, friends are priceless.  I have been blessed with some of the most wonderful friends in my life, who have really become like sisters to me.  When I am down and out, or totally elated I know that I always have someone to call.

I only wish I had pictures of all of you, but you know who you are!  I send my love to all of you!!

Day Seven – Our Job

I am sooooooo grateful for our job.  With the down turn in the economy in the last little while, jobs have become a priceless commodity.  My heart aches for those who are struggling in this area.  Mike and I both work for a company that has blessed us in so many ways.  When Mike and I met, he had only been home from his mission for a year and only had a little bit of college under his belt.  We were blessed to have some wonderful friends who Mike met while he was on his mission, who took us under their wings.  They not only provided an income for our new little family, but they have in turn become part of our family.  Thank you, Unique Communication Solutions!

Day Six - Emily

Emily is my total spitfire!!  This girl is a ball of energy and smarter than she should be at this age.  From the minute she joined our family she has been giving us a run for our money.  You name it, if the other girls avoided problems as toddlers, she found them.  She is a loving spirit that loves people.  Once she knows your name she will never forget it.  This girl is never going to lack for friends, I only hope she can use her powers for good.  I am so thankful we have been blessed to be energized by this little spirit. 

Day Five - Hannah

Hannah is my sweetie, and I am thankful that I have been blessed to be her mother.  She is so happy and content with life.  She also has a spunky side that sometimes takes us a little off guard.   She is a wonderful friend and is always trying to find ways to include others.  She is my little dancer.  She has been blessed with natural grace and athleticism .  The girl just loves to run and play and ride her bike.  I am so grateful to have her in our life.

Day Four – Haley

Haley is my spunky first born.  I am so grateful for her in my life.  She has helped to shape me as a mother and as a person.  She is sweet and kind (when she wants to be) and loves to help out.  She is full of life, and is working hard to make good choices in this life which she has been given.  She is a hard worker and has set a goal to have straight “A’s” this year.  So far she is right on track.  She loves organization and is constantly organizing herself and us as a family.  She is my sweetheart and I am grateful to have her in my life.