Rainy days

Certainly you have guessed by now that today was rainy here...very rainy, in fact. We didn't get quite as much rain as the northern end of the valley, but we still got a good amount. And there is more to come! I am really grateful for these rainy days because it helps the drought situation. We have enough trials in life right now (not us in particular, the human race, or Californian's to be more specific), we do not need a drought on top of it. So, with every drop of rain that falls from the sky I am grateful. It means more water in the reservoirs. That is good.

Hopefully there won't be any serious flooding around here. Sometimes too much of a good thing is, well, too much. ;)

Accepting service

A few days prior to Thanksgiving I was getting out of my car in our garage. Our neighbor, Laura, yelled, "Sandy!" I stopped to listen to what she was saying to me. She came up and told me (knowing that my mom is living with us now) that if I ever needed anything from the store she would be happy to get it for me. All I needed to do was ask. She is a sweetheart, and I can't tell you how that lifted my heart. It made me love and appreciate her all the more.

I am not used to being the one served, and it is never easy for me to say 'yes' to any act of service aimed in my direction. We tend to try to be self-sufficient, to be independent, and strong. We seem to think that if we 'need' someone we are weak. Perhaps we are, for the time being. It's humbling to have others look after you. I see that in my mom every day. She thanks me all the time for taking care of her, she feels badly that I do so much for her, that she can't do for herself. It is difficult for many of us to accept help, assistance, from others.

One of the greatest lessons I ever learned was when I was expecting Rach. I had a pinched nerve and sciatica. My foot was numb, and I could barely walk. I also had varicose veins really badly, and my heart was doing things it shouldn't be doing. I was put on bed rest for several months. We limped along by ourselves for awhile. Pat was staying home from church in order to take care of me. No one really knew what was going on (well, I told my VT, but that was as far as it went, I wasn't expecting any help though). Pat finally realized that he and the kids needed to be at church, that I would be okay on my own (since I was all week long while he was at work! ;) ) So, off they went to church.

The bishop stopped him and told him that he thought that we had moved. (I think we had missed 3 weeks by then) Pat assured him that we hadn't and told him about what was happening. The bishop asked if we needed any assistance, Pat said no.

The thing was, we did, our house was falling apart. I was unable to cook or clean (that was when Pat learned how to make fettuccine - easiest recipe in the world), and Pat was too busy with a full time job, taking a class three times a week at night to get his engineering license, plus studying, plus taking care of our three children. It just wasn't a pretty sight. We were falling apart at the seams.

So when he told me that the bishop offered to send help over I told him that next time he asked he needed to take him up on it. He balked at the thought, but then he conceded that as hard as he was trying to be mom, dad, breadwinner, etc. he just couldn't do everything! So, we decided that we would simply ask for three meals a week, just until Rachel arrived (two months later). Fortunately, the bishop did ask again, and the RS president came over to assess the situation, and to clean my kitchen...bless her heart. The compassionate service leader arranged for a few meals to be brought over, and for another sister to come over and do our laundry. They didn't come often, which was fine, it was so greatly appreciated...and much needed.

Since then I am more in tune with how sensitive others are to receive service. The lesson I learned from this was that those that serve need blessings in their lives also.

A few weeks ago I was talking to a dear friend and told her that my mom had moved in. She said, "Oh, Sandy!" and what she meant was, how will you handle this? I reassured her that we'd be fine. Then I told her that I know that I will get the blessings that I need in order to help my mom, and I know that I will.

I am so grateful for the times in my life where I have needed to accept the service of others, it has made me more sensitive to others and to my mom and her feelings of inadequacy. 

Swiffer supplies

Years ago when I would have to mop the floors I'd either pull out the trusty mop or get down on my hands and knees. I wish I could still mop the floor on my knees but I'm positive that would just hasten knee replacement surgeries ...that does not sound fun! Today I got out my trusty Swiffer supplies and Swiffered (not mopped) our kitchen floor. I'm grateful for my Swiffer! It serves me well. (And I love clean floors!)

Life's little miracles

Yesterday when I was out grocery shopping I had this nagging thought to get more milk, but I felt like I had just bought a gallon and it was out in the garage fridge. As I went to get my mom her cereal this morning I found that we were just about out of milk (of course Pat making pudding last night didn't help that! ;) )

As a result I found myself at Raley's, once again, to get a few items - milk being the main one. I went out to my car, loaded the few groceries in, but was rather rushed because a driver was waiting for my spot. (which really amazed me because there was a spot just one car over...I don't get it) So I hurriedly got in, pulled out and went to the ATM in the same shopping area, to deposit some checks for my mom. It was then that I discovered that my prescription sunglasses were no where to be found. I checked, and triple-checked my purse. Nope, not there. I drove back over to Raley's, and parked near my former spot. I looked on the ground in that area, and then in the store. Fortunately I didn't do a lot of shopping and knew the route I had gone. Still, no sunglasses.

I went up to one of the assistant managers and explained to him that I had lost my sunglasses, he went to the cashiers. Finally, at the last cashier, there sat my sunglasses! Unharmed! After thanking them profusely, I went out to the car, and thanked Heavenly Father profusely.

Truthfully, I didn't pray to find them, I figured if I had done all that I could then I would ask for help. It was nice to receive the answer I needed without asking, He is so kind, and so are others. I am grateful for that.

Costco, again

Surprisingly I found myself at Costco today. Seriously, I think the guy at the front door practically knows my name! Though sometimes there is a lady there, I think she might know my name too; if nothing else, they certainly know my face!

As I was perusing the aisles today, (because perusing is what everyone should do in Costco) I met up with a person in one of those motorized grocery carts. It was so nice because they had plenty of room to navigate as did I! It's always pleasant when those kinds of things happen, don't you think?

So, I am grateful for Costco, again, for a different reason than I have ever mentioned on here before. :)

(While I am at it, I love Amazon's deals going on right now! I totally scored a stationary recumbent bike for Pat and I for a steal!)

"See Others as They May Become"

In Relief Society today for our lesson we discussed President Monson's talk in the Priesthood Session in October. I had not yet read it. This morning I read it prior to our meeting. Wow. I love President Monson, the way he simplifies everything to make it work for everyone. He just has a knack for doing that, and as far as I can remember (literally) he always has.

As a young girl I remember how excited I would be when he spoke because his stories hit home. I especially loved the Christmas one about his sharing his toy/gift (a train, I believe) with a little boy less fortunate than him. How I loved that story.

Well, here we are, 49 years later (from when he was called as an Apostle) and I continue to be in awe and learn from him. I love that our grandchildren love him, that James thinks he is funny (because, frankly, sometimes he just is!).

However, today, as I read his talk a certain part really struck a chord with me. He shared a story from President Tanner who had just returned from presiding over the missions in Great Britain and Europe, about a missionary that Brother Tanner had interviewed. This particular missionary had great success, and Brother Tanner asked him what was the secret to his success...was it through referrals? The young missionary said in fact that those they baptized they had come in contact with while tracting. (knocking on doors) Brother Tanner asked him why this approach worked for him. The young elder said that if a man came to the door, smoking a cigar and dressed in old clothes and seemed uninterested in anything - particularly religion -the young missionary would picture in his own mind what that man would look like in a different set of circumstances. In his mind he would look at him as clean-shaven, wearing a white shirt, and white trousers. And the missionary could see himself leading him into the waters of baptism. Then he said, "When I look at someone that way, I have the capacity to bear my testimony to him in a way that can touch his heart."

Then President Monson said that we have the responsibility to look at others that way.

So, why am I grateful for this? That missionary could have been talking about my parents. Our missionaries knocked on our door when I was a few months old, my parents listened. My dad, who was an alcoholic, and smoked, turned completely away from that lifestyle and toward the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mom, who smoked a pack and a half of cigarettes daily for fourteen years, quit. Period. They found the truth, they embraced it, repented, and changed for the good.

My father served as Bishop, in several bishoprics, as various presidents of organizations, on the High Council, and as a Seminary teacher. He influenced many for good. My mom, she served as President of each Auxiliary, and served in the Stake Primary Presidency, and she influenced many for good. Mostly, they influenced me, and our family, for good. I will ever be indebted to Elder McNeal Magleby for finding my parents and loving them, and seeing what they could become.

Clam Chowder

Tonight I made homemade clam chowder. I've had this recipe since I was 18! We love it. It's just getting chilly enough here for it to be 'soup season'. (Yay!) I am grateful for this recipe, and the fact that I can make it without hauling out the recipe. It is delicious.

Funny sideline story: I took my mom a bowl of the clam chowder and she happily ate it all up. When I went to get her bowl from her (she eats in her room) she said, "That was really good! Is it from a can?"

Nope. It sure isn't. :)

Online ordering

Last night and today I've been ordering various Christmas gifts for our family. I have gotten much done, and all from the comfort of our home. Oh, and another thing I am grateful for... Amazon Prime. Free 2-day shipping (if you don't count the $79 I paid initially, and will again soon). I use this so much throughout the year that Amazon and I are developing a personal relationship! ;)

Truly, I am really grateful that I could shop from home, and get so much accomplished. In some ways it seems magical, I simply wave my credit card at them, and presto (!) I have Christmas shopping accomplished! Couldn't ask for more... well, maybe I could.

Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am celebrating with my husband and mother...and with what contact we have with our family. I am grateful for this holiday since it causes us to stop and ponder the blessings we have and are grateful for. Here are a few of those blessings I hold dear:

- My family - parents, husband, kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, etc.
- My Heavenly Father, and Savior, Jesus Christ - their love, support, forgiveness, and all the blessings associated with them
- The Holy Ghost - for so many reasons
- Great friends
- The freedom we enjoy in our country
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Being able to share my feelings of gratitude with you
- Our home, the comforts we have, etc.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, however you choose to celebrate.

Fall Colors

There is nothing quite as remarkable to me as the fall colors that explode in October and November. We now have two maple trees in our backyard and they are a sight to behold! They are sitting right outside our great room so I can partake of their beauty daily!

Yesterday I had to go to Stockton to get cortisone shots (one in each knee). While Stockton is far from my favorite place to be I have to admit that the trees in the Kaiser parking lot were breathtaking! I could have sat there in their presence for hours. However, I had places to go and things to do, so I couldn't.

Fall colors remind me of spending time with our kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids...I have to soak up those moments because they don't last long.

I am grateful for the beauty of the earth, it is truly glorious.

Care and concern

After all was said and much was done they determined that my mom did not have a heart attack. They actually don't know what happened. She is now gratefully resting at home. I sm so grateful for the calls, the emails, the texts, and mostly the prayers offered on her behalf.

Doctors and nurses

Today has been a very long, tiring day. My mom had to go to Kaiser for a pulmonary test, lab work, a chest xray and to pick up her diabetes testing equipment. We were going to also take care of a medical release, but she was so worn out that I just got the paper to fill out at home. (Luckily she was in a wheelchair) After that she wanted me to stop and get her some taco bell. (Which I did) We came home she ate lunch and decided to take a much needed nap. Suddenly I heard her and her walker coming toward our room, which never happens. I knew she couldn't talk well since having the pulmonary test so I got up and went over to her, asking what was wrong. I didn't expect her to say these words, "I think I'm having a heart attack." Talk about turning your life upside down! I quickly called Pat, got my mom in the car and drove the three miles to the hospital. We were in the ER for about six hours, then they finally got her settled into a room. Poor woman was exhausted. So, with a grateful heart to all of those Doctors and Nurses that took care of her, and will tonight and tomorrow, I express my deepest appreciation.

Forgiveness

Pat had to speak in another ward today. His assigned topic was forgiveness. We attended our ward first where our Patriarch spoke (love that man!) and then another High Councilor spoke. When Pat spoke he mentioned our friends whose daughter was hit by a car years ago and killed instantly. The man that hit her had to go to court and was sentenced to several years in prison. Mike went to court, sat with this man's brother to lend his support, having forgiven his brother for killing their daughter. As we have talked since that awful experience they have been an amazing example to both of us in what it takes and means to forgive one who has hurt you so deeply. I have had to do some serious forgiving in my life, but nothing that compares to that. How grateful I am for our greatest example, found in the life of Jesus Christ. How grateful I am that through His Atonement that real, permanent, forgiveness is possible.

Heating up

A few days ago I noticed electric heaters at Costco. I asked my mom if she'd like one for her room, she said 'no!' Several days later I was at Costco again and noticed that there were just a few left, so I grabbed one and brought it home. Later I told my mom that I got it for her, explaining that I knew she didn't want it but that as things go at Costco if you don't get it while the getting's good you probably won't get it! Then I asked her why she didn't want the heater. She said she thought they weren't safe. Then I told her how they have improved through the years and that if she changes her mind we have it and to let me know. As I write this post my mom is enjoying the new heater in her room...and I am grateful for that.

Snicker.Doodles.

Yum. I have always loved Snickerdoodles. I remember making them when I was a kid. When we got married we did not have much money, so baking cookies became a way to save our budget. (Sorry Hostess, sad to see your demise, but you were just too much for us! ...seriously, no more snowballs? My dad's fave. He would be sad. Good thing I snagged the Green Lantern ones last year, they will definitely be my last memory of Hostess.)

Seeing as how I have a new Kitchen Aid and today was supposed to be rainy (slightly) I opted to make my husband's favorite cookie - Snickerdoodles. My, how he loves them and their cinnamony goodness. I figured if he could happily agree to my purchase I can certainly happily make him cookies. He will have a smile on his cute face tonight. :)

I guess I should have just titled my post 'cookies', because really, who doesn't love them? And who isn't grateful when some kind friend drops off a few of the unexpected treats? Our family favorites through the years have been; Chocolate Chip, Cowboy cookies, Snickerdoodles, Oatmeal, and for some Peanut Butter.

Yes, I am grateful for Snickerdoodles... they are yummy.

Baking/therapy

One of my best ways of relieving stress is through baking, another one is cleaning. Our house doesn't get that dirty (not like it did when the kids were home, and little) so cleaning therapy isn't an option like it once was. However, I haven't really been baking much. Some time ago I told Rach that when she moved into her own place she could have my stand mixer (which she did in August) and that I'd get a new Kitchenaid mixer for my birthday, which was also in August. Due to circumstances at the time I didn't get a new mixer. (I don't remember why.) So, I've been doing without a stand mixer for several months, and haven't been baking much, at all. Since I enjoy getting bargains I've been doing my research, the mixer I wanted was at least $330. Then a few things happened, a) Craig got Angie one as an early Christmas gift at Costco, b) Costco had them go on sale ($250 - great price), c) Amy was having a difficult time and Angie kindly shared her cookie/therapy with her (which got me to thinking about my stress lately), and d) tomorrow is going to be a rainy stay-at-home kind of day. All of that combined to motivate me to go to Costco today and purchase a brand-spanking new Kitchenaid mixer! Yippeeee! I can hardly wait to use it! I am grateful for baking therapy! It's much less expensive than a therapist, and much more fun!

Smile that frown away

Admittedly I've been struggling a bit lately. I know part of it is post-election blues, and the thought of Thanksgiving and Christmas without any of our kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids around, and not being able to go and visit any of them does bother me. Oh well.

So, rather than be down about all of these things which are completely out of my control, I am, instead, going to focus on the things that make me happy (and grateful) at this time of year. There are several ways I have decided to tackle this -

1) Don't watch the news. Period. If I want to know what the weather is going to be like I'll look on  my phone or go to weather.com. I don't need to hear about politics, or murders, or anything negative, so I won't.
2) Focus on the real reason for the season. First, we are celebrating all that we have been blessed with. (So very much, which, by the way isn't really ours, it all belongs to Heavenly Father, He is just kind enough to allow us to use what belongs to Him) Second, we celebrate the greatest blessing we have been given in celebrating the birth, the life, the Atonement, and the resurrection of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. (That thought entails so much more, but that is the simple version of it.)
3) Giving service. When we are in the service of our fellow men/women, we truly are in the service of our God. When we give of our time, talents, energy, to others, we are happier.
4) Appreciation for others - while we may not be able to be with our family on these holidays, and sending gifts is a minor way of expressing love, I count my greatest blessings in knowing and loving the family that we have... as well as others that aren't in our family, that we love deeply.

Having just made that list I discovered that the 'burdens' of life already feel a bit lighter. What I am also reminded of is that what truly matters to me is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our family, and all the other people that I love, and that love me in return.

I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in my life, and how He helps me, through the Spirit, to focus on what matters; and as a result feel genuine happiness and joy.

Kaiser

Never, ever, thought I'd say that I'm grateful for Kaiser! Truthfully, sometimes I am, and sometimes I am not. Today is one that I am. I had to go to my Dr. since my knees are giving me fits. In order to get x-rays, then see my orthopedist, I needed to go in for an appointment today. (tomorrow I take my mom, it'a a Kaiser kind of week, well, perhaps month)

After coming home, running limping to the grocery store, I came home and was able to make an appointment with my orthopedist for next Tuesday...Yay! I am grateful I was able to get in to see my primary physician, and now my specialist, plus I got a flu shot! (and I didn't even feel it!)

Life is good.

P.S. I took my mom to the Dr. today, my Dr. at Kaiser. He spent nearly an hour and a half with her, and he was so patient. I was exhausted by the time we were done, so I can only imagine how he felt! And an added bonus - he sent my physical therapist in to visit with me for a few minutes and help me with a problem I am having. So sweet.

Pick Me Up

Nothing like a 2 hour phone call with someone you love to pick you up! Thanks Amers! I am quite grateful! :)

Holiday Season

Did you realize that Thanksgiving is a mere eleven days away?! ELEVEN DAYS!! Unbelievable! Pat and I have been 'discussing' our menu. Unfortunately it will be only him, me, and my mom here for dinner. Since it's only the three of us we will be keeping it simple...no turkey for us! Nope. I am just going to make harvest chicken bake, it's very yummy and Thanksgiving-ish, so it works! (And we won't have a ton of leftovers!) Simplicity will be the word that defines my approach to this year's holiday season, which will make me happy. (Normally I'd begin a new paragraph about now, but I'm on my kindle, so you get what you get.) Back to the holiday season ...I am grateful for this season of gratitude, of kindness, love, giving and reflection. We are all so very blessed, temporally and spiritually. While we will miss Sam, Linzi, Rylee, Sadie, Chloe, Craig, Angie, Lucas, Darci, Amy, Brad, James, Gavin, Jack, and Rachel, we will do our best to find joy in this holiday season.

A full pantry

Pat and I went shopping for a freezer and generator this morning. My mom wasn't up when we left so I didn't get her any breakfast. We came home around 11 AM. I went in and saw her as soon as we got home, and she said she was just going to go in and make herself a Pb&j and some hot chocolate. She was happy that I was willing to do that for her. When I finished taking her food to her I figured I should probably eat also (since I hadn't yet.) As I was contemplating what to eat it struck me how blessed we are to have such a full pantry (two actually). So full, in fact, that I purchased more storage containers so that I can organize the food even better. During this month of Thanksgiving, this is truly something to be grateful for.

Sweaters

The weather has changed, it's cold outside, and a little inside. I am grateful for warm, cozy sweaters - they're the best!

Target's customer service desk

This morning I had several errands to run. First, there was Raley's (even though they are on strike, yes, I went there; I don't care about unions, go figure) Second, I had to go to Target. Before I did I decided I needed to record some VT numbers I had received through an email. As I was putting back the supervisor's record I noticed that there were two supervisor's that didn't have their recording sheet. (they have been either out of town or not at church) So, I decided that I would go and drop them off at their homes. (Why is the song, "Taking care of business" suddenly in my head? Hmmm.)

One of the supervisor's is someone that I visit teach. My visit with her turned into a visiting teaching visit. I was there for at least an hour. I hadn't expected to be gone that long!

I still had my Target run to go on. I hurried over to Target, quickly shopping for the supplies I needed (perhaps a few extras... sales that I couldn't resist). As I was coming closer to the checkout area I noticed there were five or six carts in front of me, with much merchandise being bought. Being on the shorter side I did my best to see if there was a line at the customer service desk. There was not.

I hightailed it over there and the clerk kindly waited on me. I was done in no time at all. (way before the others in front of me!)

Last time I was at Target the same thing was happening. (they really should hire more people) I went over to the customer service desk then as well. The cashier was super nice and friendly, and commented on how she doesn't understand why people don't use them  more often to pay for things. I told her I think it's a well kept secret. And it will continue to be, since not many people read my blog. But you do! So, hey, next time you are at Target and the lines are ridiculously long, go to the customer service desk...they'll check you out, in a good way!

(I am grateful I know about their policy!)

Happier Camper

My last post was posted early, early this morning. I couldn't sleep due to the election. Amy said I sounded depressed. Probably because I was.

I'm grateful for the difference a day makes. There are still some things I cannot stomach, and don't want to  hear, but I am fine...as long as I stay away from the lefties. I also couldn't face facebook, even though nothing major was being posted, other than a lovely message from the First Presidency. I'll go back to facebook, someday, when I am ready. :)

I also have a wonderful husband, who was also feeling a bit down, but was still kind enough to go out of his way to bring me flowers to cheer me up this evening. What a sweetheart.

Confession: one of the major reasons I was down (other than the obvious one - Mitt losing) was due to my lack of faith in myself. I had experienced multiple times when I felt the Spirit was telling me that he would win, that things would eventually be alright. Turns out I was wrong, and I puzzled about the feelings I had felt. What I have come to realize through the course of this day was that the Spirit was telling me that things were going to be alright, that things were in the Lord's hands, that I need not fear.

Not only am I grateful for that reassurance, that comfort, but I am also grateful for the understanding I've been given of what I felt, and that I don't have to doubt myself. That means the world to me. You can take away a lot of things from me, they might upset me, even make me sad, but the one thing you can't take away from me without devastating me is my faith in my ability to recognize the Spirit. Sometimes I just interpret what I am feeling wrong. I'm not perfect, so that's okay, I can live with that. I just can't live with being devastated.

Not a happy camper

Tonight the unexpected happened, Obama was reelected as President of the United States. That is all I am going to say about it. I, along with millions of other voters am not happy about it, and that will suffice.

This morning I took my mom to get a pedicure. As we were driving through town she commented on how much she likes Manteca. Then she asked me if I liked it as much as Ripon. I said 'no'. Since she can't hear well I didn't go into detail, like how high the crime rate has become here, or how much I dislike politics in California (even though Ripon is in CA, that doesn't matter...). I just let it go.

Then she proceeded to tell me that she hopes that I appreciate the blessings I have. That we have such a nice home, and we have been blessed far more than she and my dad ever were.

What? Really? Seriously. I kindly explained to her that Pat doesn't make nearly as much money as my dad did. That yes, they had to pay more in taxes, but we really don't make that kind of money. If Pat were making what my dad did (comparatively) in the 70's and 80's he would be making five times more than what we make, at least.

But I couldn't explain that to my mom. All I could say was that we are really careful with our money, and that is why we are comfortable. Then she told me what a blessing it is that we are able to budget so well. (sigh) I explained that I believe it is because we pay tithing that I have been able to learn to budget so well, and that we have been able to distinguish between wants and needs, due to tithing also.

I love my mom. I am grateful that she is happy that we are doing well. I am grateful for the blessings we do have. I just wish, and hoped, that Romney had won... I'd feel a whole lot better tonight if he had.

Election Day

Today is election day in the USA. I know I posted on here about voting last week, but it is certainly worth repeating. Today I am filled with gratitude that each and every American (18 and over) has the privilege of going to the polls and voicing who they want to lead our country, or their local leaders, and what they want to take place as far as propositions go. We don't have anyone telling us what to do, we vote with OUR conscience! This is our right. This is our voice. I am praying for America and confident that this election is in the Lord's hands.

"Indian" Summer

It's 80 degrees outside right now, and the leaves are turning into their beautiful fall colors. What a lovely day! I am grateful that our "Indian" Summer is mild, and not HOT!

Enthusiasm!

In our ward I serve as the visiting teaching coordinator. That means that I help our Relief Society President figure out who visits whom, get reports on who actually visited whom, and make sure that any 'problems' are reported to our president.

One of the sisters in our ward bore her testimony today. I went up to her to express my appreciation for her words. Before I could say anything she threw her arms around me, and thanked me profusely for assigning her the sisters that she visit teaches. She expressed to me that they are all the same age, and that they have much in common. She also said that finally she loves visiting teaching!

I am so grateful that this sister is gaining a testimony of the importance of the friendships that are formed, and the love that is developed, through visiting teaching. I am also grateful that she is taking it even further, she doesn't just see her sisters once a month, nope, she sees them at least once a week. Now that is enthusiasm!

Voting

One of the many, amazing, freedoms we enjoy here in the USA is the right and privilege to vote for who we choose to have in office. Honestly, here in California, rarely am I in the majority...sadly enough. However, I still hold dear that right. My parents taught me to honor our country, and our freedom; by saluting the flag, singing the national anthem, doing simple things like not littering, and just plain being respectful of the values our country holds dear. One of those patriotic duties is to vote.

For several years now Pat and I have chosen to vote absentee. It's nice, for us, to be able to sit at our kitchen table, thoughtfully go over the choices we have, mark our choices, sign and seal them up and send them in. We both did that the other day. The feeling it gives me is akin to being spiritual. I know that within that envelope contains rights that were fought for, and freedom that we enjoy.

How grateful I am for the right, privilege, and opportunity to vote.

Four more days!

While it's true that I am somewhat of a political junkie, I have to admit that I am grateful the election takes place in a mere four days. You can't watch anything on TV, or listen to the radio, without a negative political ad popping up! I'm quite tired of those! Living in California we don't see nearly as many as other States do... which I am also grateful for! (I'm also grateful for Mitt Romney, our next President!)

The BEST waffles

Amy has motivated me to be more organized regarding dinners, purely by example. I can tell you it takes a lot of guess work out of the age old question, "What's for dinner?"

Thursdays are breakfast food night, since we enjoy breakfast foods for dinner in our family. Don't you? Tonight I decided to make waffles. This recipe is from my old roommate, Elizabeth. Years ago when our family was visiting she made these and our family has loved them ever since. They are as easy as any other waffle recipe (except Krusteaz, since there is not a smidgen of thought to those!)

Every time I make these, it makes me happy. They are lighter than your average waffle. (though I must admit that 'off the waffle' in Eugene has the best waffles anywhere, hands down, well, at least to my experience!)

So, yes, I am grateful for these waffles, because they are delicious. So grateful I am sharing the recipe!

Lizzy's Waffles

2 cups Bisquick
1 egg
1/2 cup oil (I use canola, since that is what we always use)
10 club soda

Mix together, cook on waffle iron, and enjoy!

You can freeze them and heat them up in the toaster for later if you want.