Technology

There are few things in life that I have as much mixed feelings as I do technology. There are so many blessings in my life due to this wonderful invention. Today I focus only on the positive! Since becoming a grandma the blessings have become even more obvious. For through technological advances I can see my grandchildren as often as their parents allow! And they can see us, and come to know us better. That is a huge blessing. Of course there are times when I wish we were advanced enough that I could reach through the screen and bring them into our home - just to love them and spend some time with them, perhaps giving mommy and daddy a much needed break. I guess we can't have everything, can we!?!

I am also grateful for video texts I receive on a regular basis - seeing precious moments; snowball throwing, babies giggling or making silly noises - exploring all that they can do! Or I can get birthday and holiday greetings from our wonderful grandkids!

Another blessing is family history. Recently I went on the New Family Search site and found that part of Pat's family goes back to the 1400's - what an unexpected and wonderful surprise that was for us! Without the convenience of technology I would not have known...

All in all, for me, technology is truly a blessing- because it keeps me close to those I love. :) I am so very grateful for that.

Testimonies

Today our sweet granddaughter, Rylee, bore her testimony for the first time in church. She did this without any prompting from anyone else. Rylee was born with a sweet spirit - it is just who she is. I am grateful for her testimony, and the testimonies of her parents, her grandparents, her uncles and aunts, and her great-grandparents. Those are the testimonies that she can have as a foundation as hers begins to grow and find it's own foundation. Rylee, I am grateful for you. I love you.

Accomplishments

Today was amazing. This will be counted among one of the greatest, happiest days of my life. Our youngest child was able to receive her endowment in the Oakland Temple this morning. That means each of our children are endowed. I am so grateful that they each are, and that they are faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is one of those days as a mother there are no words to express the depth of gratitude I feel.

Storms

I love storms. They bring a smile to my face. Today it was storming this morning with dark clouds and much needed rain. The best part is that the mountains are getting snow and while I can enjoy 'the view' of said snow on the TV I am grateful I don't have to drive in it, shovel it, or live in it! But we do get to reap the blessings from it - filled reservoirs. I am grateful for storms and the blessings we receive from them.

Propel

Rach was going to Target today, while I stayed behind, continuing to recuperate from being sick. She brought me back a Propel, which made me happy and grateful. I have been drinking herbal teas for the past few days and was so ready for a break! Thanks Rach for my Propel. :)

Comfort

I am sick. So, today, after going to the dentist I came home, exhausted. I am grateful for the comforts of home - comfy bed, warm blankets, pillows, TV in my room and anything else that makes me feel snug and content when I don't feel well. I have much to be grateful for even though I feel not so good.

Thoughtfulness

Tonight Pat went to Costco to fill his car up with gas. I was willing to go with him but since I have a slight cold he thought it was best for me to stay home, so I did. :)

After a while he returned home - with a beautiful spring bouquet of flowers...

I love it when he is thoughtful, just because. It lets me know he loves me.

For Monday...Presidents!

It was President's day on Monday, and I forgot to post anything! Oh well...

I am grateful for the Presidents of the USA. Some of them have been heaven sent - others not so much. I am grateful especially for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. They are my favorites. I think that when people ask the question "who would you go back and interview in time if you could?" Those two would definitely be in my top ten.

So, now for a telling story about who I am ---
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I love our Prophet, who also is the President of our church. When I was eight years old (3rd grade) I went out on the playground and there was a great deal of commotion. Everyone was discussing something important. Finally I asked someone what happened. They said, "The President was killed."

I asked, "Which one?"

To which they replied...(as in 'you dummy!') "President Kennedy!"

And how did I react? I was relieved that it wasn't David O. McKay, our prophet, president of the church.

Yeah, I know, sounds kind of heartless. But, I had a great love for our Prophet and not for President Kennedy. Later I was sad that someone had done such a horrible thing, but I would have been even more sad had it been the prophet, truth be told.

Rachel

Today is Rachel's 25th birthday. I am so grateful for her.

She was definitely sent to our family - we hadn't planned on her joining us for another year so she was a welcome surprise! I think that her big sister, Amy, wanted her here to be her built-in best friend...and that she just couldn't wait to join our family any longer, so she decided to come when she did!

Rachel has been a joy to raise. She joined our family on a historical day in Sacramento (where she was born). It was the day of the big flood in Sacramento and our house was only 1/2 mile away from the river! We were blessed though, no flooding for us, though it did make for an interesting drive for grandma and the kids going up to Paradise! She had to take all kinds of detours.

Rachel was the only baby I was able to have with me in recovery (all of them were c-section). I also had glasses on and could see her turn pink - it was truly amazing to see her little body change colors like that! Still amazes me. All the kids were able to come in and meet her right away also, along with Grandma and Grandpa Breed.

Through the years Rachel has always striven to be obedient, kind and thoughtful. She is a good sister, daughter, aunt and granddaughter. You will never find a truer friend. She loves others and is happy for them when they are happy. She has a deep love for her nieces and nephews. She has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and loves Him, and God, our Father. 

There are many other things that I could share about her, but let's just leave it at this: She has many qualities that I hope to incorporate in my life when I grow up! She is a blessing to each of us. :)

Happy Birthday Rachel Fevon Dell! We love you!

Friendship

Today we visited with our friends Kim and Mike Higgins. Kim and I met in freshman seminary, attended different schools, but became best friends. When my family moved away from HB to Paradise, we kinda, sorta, kept in touch. Years later we found ourselves getting married within two months of one another. Then, they moved to Sacramento while we lived there, we helped them find their first home. Soon we were off to BYU so that Pat could get his degree. When we returned to Sacramento a few years later it was just nine days after Craig was born, and they let us stay in their brand new home, Pat for 3 weeks, the kids and me for 2. Our kids are all near the same ages, but they don't really know each other, though they played together when they were small.
Now, here we are, having been friends for over 40 years (and our parents knew each other even longer), picking up right where we left off. Friendship is certainly something to be grateful for...lasting friendships are the kind you can really be grateful for...there just aren't that many of them.

Rain!

I love rain! Our children used to run outside as soon as the rain would start just to dance in it! They always enjoyed their soaking! Afterwards hot chocolate or spiced apple cider was definitely in order. Stormy days can be so welcoming! Today is one of those days where you just want to start a fire in the fireplace, put your feet up on the sofa, and either read a really good book or watch a really fun movie! I am grateful that even though I was out and about in our storm this morning I am now at home...enjoying the warmth of our home.

I am also grateful that this will help the drought situation here in Northern California - this rain is an answer to prayer - I am grateful.

Safety

Today I drove to Sacramento to visit with my mom, sister and whatever other family members were available. I knew it was going to be a stormy day and was it ever! The storm was fierce, so much so that the California drivers that never slow down for ANYTHING did! At one point I felt my car begin to hydroplane (and I wasn't even going that fast) so I turned off the power steering and allowed the car to slow down, which made everything better, no more hydroplaning! On my way home there were 3 accidents going north, thankfully I wasn't behind any of them.

I am grateful for the safety I had today; and I hope that everyone else I know is enjoying the same...and those I don't know also!

Shopping Success!

I am grateful for those times, like today, when you go shopping for a certain something and voila! It appears! And not only does it appear, but it is on sale at Dillards! Happy shopping for Rachel today! A new dress for the temple! :)

Temples

These are just a few of the temples we have been to in the past few years. Today I had the opportunity to go to the Oakland Temple with sisters from our stake. We had a wonderful turnout, my heart was full of gratitude to see all of the sisters that were there. I am especially grateful that I could take my good friend, LeAnn, with me today; it has been a long time since she could attend due to family circumstances.

I am also very grateful that I will be in the Oakland temple again with our daughter Rachel, as she receives her endowment, in a few weeks. We will be joined by my husband and several of Rachel's good friends. 

How I love the temple.

Idaho Falls Temple

Palmyra Temple

Rexburg Idaho Temple

Salt Lake City Temple

Change

I have decided to change how I use this blog. It is too much for me to go into any kind of philosophical thoughts so I am simplifying. I just don't have the time to do anything else... I hope to write one thing per day that I am grateful for; short, sweet and to the point. It works for me, kind of who I am, really. :)