tapioca

i've been sick this past week - no idea what is wrong but this is happening WAY too frequently, in fact it is becoming more common for me to be sick than not. *SIGH*

have i mentioned that i have a wonderful man in my life that also enjoys the title of husband, aka mr. dell? yes, indeed, it is true. and he proves how wonderful he is all the time (not perfect, but wonderful), and this week he did so by making me some tapioca for my poor, poor unsettled and unhappy tummy.

so, this is one of those doubly grateful posts - 1) for a great man that loves me and takes care of me and 2) for the tapioca he made for me because he loves me and takes care of me.

wow --- that is a lot to be grateful for, don't you think?

no where to go

today i had not one single errand to run...i am loving every minute of it. i am grateful to be home today, inside, away from the wind that is being quite blustery.

Not so creepy...

Gavin is crawling and it is oh, so cute! I am grateful he is not a 'creepy crawler' but a cute one!

My Frugal Adventures

One of the little known facts about me is that I absolutely, positively detest shopping! It just is not something I enjoy, it is, in fact, quite boring to me! On the other hand one of the well known facts about me is that I LOVE a good deal! When my friend Dana introduced me to the blog "My Frugal Adventures" I fell in love with it. This is a site where the blogger does couponing in a really positive way and shares all the sales that we 'might' be interested in.

What a great idea!

So, after finding several great deals through this blog I thought you should know that I am grateful for the wonderful items I have been able to purchase through this site. It just makes me smile. So, not only am I grateful for "My Frugal Adventures" - I am also grateful for great deals! =)

Blogging

I like to write, I always have and most probably always will. I will never know why I am compelled to write; it all began at a young age when I started writing stories as soon as I knew that I could. And by 'could' I mean that it was something that one was able to do. Perhaps it is because I tend to be a quiet person (until you get to know me, for the most part). Or maybe it is because I am not great at expressing myself verbally. At any rate, once I discovered that there was a 'new world' out there called "blogging" I felt that I had to be a part of it.

I have come to love blogging. The thing is it isn't like I have a LOT to say. I am in fact a pretty simple person, with few complicated thoughts. Which is probably why no one really actually reads my blogs except for a handful of people, mostly family (thanks supporters!) but that is pretty much it. Oh well.

So, I am grateful that I have a forum to write down my experiences, thoughts and feelings. Whether or not others read them doesn't matter so much (though I would love to know if anyone does). I love to write and so blog I must! I am grateful for blogging!

Home

I am spending much of today looking for a place to live for my mom and sister. After doing research and realizing what there isn't available all I can say is I am so grateful for our home - there is truly no place like it.

He is Risen

Today is Easter.

I am grateful that our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ rose on that Easter morn - giving us more than we can comprehend and much more than we deserve. He is the way, the truth and the life. He has given us everything that is important in this life and throughout the eternities. I am forever and humbly grateful to Him for ALL that He has given me and all the blessings that I continue to receive from His actions that were done simply because He loves me and you. I am forever grateful for that wonderful Easter morning that He did rise and made all the difference for all of us.

MMM - Fresh Herbs!

Last summer the girls and I planted fresh basil - so delicious! This year I had hoped to do the same. Fortunately for me, and by me I mean us, OSH had herbs on sale today! We purchased basil, thyme, peppermint and parsley! I am so excited to have these herbs in our garden! I am grateful that we can have a garden - even an herb one! (of course we will have a veggie and fruit one as well...)

Looking forward to homemade pesto this summer...can you say YUM???!!!

Unexpected kindness

Yesterday when I was talking to Amy she told me that Brad had to let it 'slip' that she was getting kidnapped for a birthday dinner (just 45 minutes prior to it happening), since he was coming home later than expected. She doesn't know this, and I hate to admit it, but when she told me about it I started crying. It took all my energy at that time to not let her know. Yes, I know, it is a bit ridiculous. However, I was so grateful for the kindness shown to her that I simply could not help myself.

So, if you are ever considering doing something kind for someone else keep in mind what Camilla Kimball shared, "Never suppress a generous thought." You just might make someone's mother cry for joy.

I am grateful.

WinCo

When we were living in Idaho Falls I discovered a wonderfully amazing grocery store...WinCo! They have one in Chico, CA, and my mom used to shop there, but I never understood why, until we moved to Idaho.  They have the absolute best prices there compared to other grocery stores, plenty of options, and they carry some items that other stores don't that we actually use. I don't go there often since it is located in Modesto and Stockton, but when I am in the area I find myself picking up several items.

I have to say it is a lot like shopping at Costco in the fact that when you go there you can expect to spend a lot - the deals are that good!

I am grateful for WinCo and the few items we picked up today that we cannot find anywhere else! Such a good store...if you haven't tried it I highly recommend it! During these tough economic times it is the wise thing do to! Enjoy your shopping! 

Amy-kins

I am grateful for my daughter Amy. For all the love, laughter and joy she has brought into my life. She has enriched it in ways she will never know. I am so grateful for her and the love she has for me and for our 

family.

Happy 27th Amers! I love you.

Counting blessings

Years ago I was feeling somewhat down. It wasn't as though life wasn't good for me, it was; it was simply that I didn't appreciate what I had. One day I decided to write down all the blessings that I could think of on a full sheet of notebook paper. I was determined to write on both sides, filling it up all the way. That I did.

Once I did this exercise I came to realize how truly blessed I am - not just for the big things but for the little ones as well. We need to all consider what our blessings are - they can be as simple as appreciating the air that we breathe, or that our body works decently well, or for the beauty that surrounds us. It can be as simple as the laughter of a child, a hug from someone that loves you. Or it can be as eternal as forever families; our Savior and Brother, Jesus Christ; or that fact that we are always loved whether we are deserving or not by our Heavenly Father.

That exercise taught me much and that lesson has stayed with me throughout the years. I am grateful that I can count my blessings and name them one by one.

These guys plus one more make seven!!

If you know me you know that I am in love with each of my grandchildren. Each one has their own unique personality and I appreciate all that they bring to my life. They make me smile and laugh whenever they are around. I am one lucky grandma to have such adorable and amazing grandchildren! I am grateful.

 The small picture is recent of James and Gavin, the large is from Christmas (doubtful you needed that pointed out to you). However, the recent one is tiny since I copied it from Amy's facebook account, so you get two of them!

 Rylee with Lavender - her seahorse from Monterey Bay Aquarium. She LOVES purple!

 Lucas at Monterey Bay Aquarium - sheepish little guy!

Best picture of Sadie smiling - it is a wonder we snapped it while she sat still!

Then, of course there is Chloe Bear - she is a sweetheart.

I am GRATEFUL for our grandchildren!

I am GRATEFUL for all the joy they bring into our lives.

I am GRATEFUL for the new granddaughter that will be joining our family in August!

There is so much to be grateful for.

Stake Family

Today Tracy Ward had their ward conference. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to attend all the ward conferences in our stake. They are so uplifting and motivating. I am grateful for all those in our stake and the wonderful spirits they have. What a blessing it is to belong to a great stake family.

Job complete!

In October we painted our great room. Then the weather began changing and it became colder. We thought it wouldn't last that long, because it usually doesn't, but it did. Today we completed the project and painted our hallways - which look so much lighter now! I am grateful for projects, especially when they are completed.

freedom!

No, not the kind of freedom that inspires patriotism, which of course we are all very grateful for... this freedom comes from warmer weather. As of a few minutes ago the socks I had on are now off. My feet are enjoying the freedom of being stripped naked (in the best sense of the phrase)! I am very grateful! :)

Strawberries!

I  purchased some seasonal deliciousness for our enjoyment! 

Would love to share with you...sorry I can't.

I am grateful for strawberries - oh, how I love them!

GOOD NEWS!

Craig and Angie found out what they are having today! I won't reveal, yet, what the gender is, but I am SO, SO grateful! Yay! Our 7th grandchild - our little tie breaker! Must be a good luck baby!

a day off

i took a day off of life today - due to a migraine. i am grateful i can do that once in a while, especially when it is needed. =)

Tom, our tax man

Today we paid a visit to Tom, our tax guy. He has been doing our taxes for the past six years. We need him. I am grateful that he knows his way around the ins and outs of taxes way better than we do. I don't like that we have to pay him, because who would? But, I am grateful for him, and not just for how he helps us out, but because he is honest and has become our friend. I am grateful for Tom, the tax man.

He is home!

It may seem redundant to some for me to post about his coming home now that he is home...but I don't really care. Truly, I am so grateful he is home - all is right with my world now. =) I don't want him to leave again!

Coming home!

Pat has been in Buffalo visiting with his mom for the past six days. He is coming home tonight! I am so grateful! My, how I have missed him! I am grateful he was able to visit with his family in Buffalo, but I am even more grateful he is coming home to me! I am a bit selfish that way...I like him... a LOT! :)

Ooh La La!

Tonight we are watching 'An American In Paris', which I am pretty sure I have never seen before, maybe. It is a girl's movie night which works since Pat is out of town. So, we are having homemade crepes and Costco cream puffs...or should I say creme puffs? :)

At any rate, I am grateful for our French themed evening - such fun!

Thunderstorms!!

Today we had thunderstorms here in Manteca. There is something about a thunderstorm that just makes you feel alive. They are a rarity here, so I am very grateful we had one today...I only wish Pat could have been here for it.

Prayer roll

I am grateful we can put names of those we love who are struggling or have needs that are important on the prayer roll at the temple. So grateful to know they are then prayed for for two weeks. What a blessing.

Cleanliness

Whenever our kids come to visit I clean our floors, along with other areas of the house, but today I am discussing floors! So, last night when I couldn't sleep I thought of things I need to do around the house. This morning after going to get my haircut I decided I would clean our kitchen and entry floors. Thinking I had done them two weeks ago after the kids had left I realized that I hadn't! Shame, shame on me! As I inspected them briefly I realized that they needed to be more than 'swiffered' (in my home that is a word). I decided that I would do a deep clean, one that I usually don't do since I have bad knees and a bad back.

I found my Murphy's Oil Soap, put it in a bucket with very warm water, got out a trusty scrubby-sponge and went to work. By the time I was 1/3 of the way through with just the kitchen floor my knees were hurting. So, I sat down and scrubbed for a while. I altered between the two for a while. After finishing the kitchen floor I took a break... I needed it.

Then I proceeded to scrub the entry/tile floor.

All this work made a difference. My floors look so clean and I am very grateful on many levels. :)

Today while the sun shines...

We have had really great weather lately - sunny days with blue skies. I am grateful for the change in weather and all the things it allows me to do that I am also grateful for!

Abelskivers!

When I was growing up and living in Huntington Beach we would often go and visit the town of Solvang, CA. Solvang is a Danish town - with lots of bakeries filled with wonderfully delightful goodies. One of the standard items sold in their bakeries for breakfast is abelskivers. I used to dream of abelskivers when I was young - well, maybe not dream, but certainly desire them!

When I was all grown up a friend gave me an abelskiver pan. Since then (about 1992-3) I have been making our own abelskivers. While they are probably not AS good as the ones in Solvang, my, they are certainly delicious!

We began having them on General Conference morning when the kids were growing up - so they are somewhat of a tradition for us now. And what a wonderful tradition they are!

Cooking on the stovetop

 So much deliciousness on one plate... it's almost sinful!

I am grateful for Conference, and a great excuse to make abelskivers! :)

General Conference

Today begins General Conference weekend for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This conference occurs twice a year - the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October. I am so grateful that we can listen to our Prophet's, Apostles and church leader's voices and hear the word of God. We are truly blessed. I always feel like it's the closest thing to sitting at the feet of the Savior and listening to Him. Truly, I am grateful.

Tulips, part 2

This past fall we wanted to plant some bulbs. I chose tulips, 1)because I love them and 2) because my niece Donna loved them and I wanted to honor her. At the time we knew she wouldn't be with us much longer.

We planted around 60 bulbs and here are some of the results. I am certain that Donna is happy with them, enjoying them on the other side of the veil. I am grateful for that and that they remind me of her. I think I shall always have tulips because they make me grateful for life in general, and for hers.