Lisa

Our friend Lisa's daughter was killed in an auto accident yesterday. Jennifer was only 22. I am so sad for my dear friend and her family. I have known Lisa for somewhere around fifteen years. I met her when I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. She was a brand new convert, and she welcomed me with open arms. Lisa qualifies as one of my sisters. I have witnessed her spirit grow with a faith I envy. She has had some difficult challenges over the past five years and she has come through those trials admirably. I love Lisa. My heart and prayers go out to her. I loved watching Jennifer grow from a young girl to a beautiful young woman. I am grateful for Lisa and her positive influence in my life. I am grateful that Lisa has the Spirit and the plan of happiness in her life.

Temple Sealing

Today our friend, Becky, was sealed to her new husband, Tim. They met a year and a half ago when she moved to Fresno for a new job.

We have known Becky for 20 & 1/2 years! Amazing, isn't it?

We were invited to her sealing, as was Rach. Amy drove down with Rachel in part to be in attendance also. It wasn't until the very last minute that I knew that I would be staying outside with the three little guys while mom and 'Sissy' went in, to attend the sealing. The boys did pretty good! Thanks to Jenni we were able to go in the tri-stake center's relief society room where other children were being tended. That worked out much better than walking around for an hour!

The girls said the sealing was beautiful. This was Rachel's first time attending a sealing, and the first time since Rach was endowed last year that Amy and Rach were in the temple together. That makes it a pretty spectacular day.

I am so very grateful for the binding powers found in the temple...and that our family can witness others receive those blessings as well. It is wonderful.

Asparagus Pizza

Tonight we had an early celebration of Amy's birthday. Being the awesome mom that I am I only put 27 candles on her cake, instead of the accurate 28! Why not pretend she'll continue being the same age? (If only that were the real reason!) To celebrate we had one of our family's seasonal favorites: asparagus yummy pizza. It's amazing and that is putting it mildly! Hence the "favorite" status. With that being said, as much as I'm grateful for asparagus pizza I'm even more grateful for our Amy.

Happy Smiles!

When Amy, Rach and boys arrived Jack-Jack was not sold on Grandma. He found himself in new surroundings, with a grandma he's only met twice (but has often seen on the computer, which he smiles so much for!) Needless to say it was not love at this sight!

Fortunately, he came around to me, rather quickly. :)

Last night as Amy was getting the boys to bed, Rach was doing other things, and Pat was off at meetings Jack-Jack and I had some one-on-one time. He was one happy boy! Today there was no doubt that he feels happy when I am around.

It may sound simple to you, to win the heart of a five month old, but it sure does make me smile...and him!

Continuation

This is a continuation of yesterday's blog. The girls ran into some nasty weather, so Rach texted us asking us to pray for them. Boy, did we!

A little while later I received a text that they had arrived. Not much later Amy called letting me know that all is well. I kind of doubt she will ever venture to come here again with her three little guys minus Brad. :/ (I don't really blame her)

They will soon be arriving. I am grateful they were watched over and protected from harm.

Let the vacation begin!

cell phones

back in the day...well, not that long ago...if we were traveling and we needed to use a phone we would actually have to stop, find a phone booth, either call collect or use our prepaid phone card, and then we could call our loved ones and update them on how our trip was going, where we were, that sort of thing. (long sentence!)

tonight, yes tonight, the girls are driving down with james, gav and jack-jack from oregon. gratefully they can text me every once in a while and let me know where they are. i am grateful they are spending the night in redding, so they aren't too exhausted by the time they get here tomorrow...which would have been the middle of the night had they continued their drive.

now i anxiously await their safe arrival in redding. i will feel great when i know they are there and settled in for the night.

Forget Me Nots

Today our lesson in RS was on Pres. Uchtdorf's address to the sisters at the General Relief Society meeting in September. His talk was amazing and it was so nice to enjoy going over it again today with our sisters. I noticed what the lesson was so I grabbed my framed forget me not regarding his talk. I didn't know if Sister Moore would want to use it on the table for her lesson.

Before the lesson even began sisters were commenting on the picture. When I told them I got it off of pinterest so many were confused since they'd never heard of pinterest! I tried to explain it, but it wasn't working...they didn't understand what on earth it was! So, I offered to put an order in for the sisters. A few raised their hands that they wanted pictures during RS, then afterwards many came up to me and asked me to order them. So, I am now putting an order in for them.

I love that we can find gospel related themes on pinterest, send pictures into Costco and for a mere 39 cents have a 5x7 print of something we love. Isn't it wonderful!

I am also grateful that I can share with others something that is so inspiring to me. It's odd to think that something sitting in my great room does make a difference in my life. I am glad it can help others too.

the things we do for love!

Rach, Amy and the boys are coming to visit for Becky Gay's wedding. (also, Amy felt sorry for me since Sam and Linzi had to cancel their trip...:( ) Which leads me to this --- the boys (James and Gav) need the 'study' all to themselves. That prompted us to remove the desk and computer miscellany and move them into our bedroom. We also put the Toy Story sheets on for James to sleep on. :)

When our kids, kids-in-law and grandkids visit this is what we do. We rearrange our lives so they will fit comfortably in our home. It's a bit of work, but they are so worth it!

I am so grateful we love them, and that they love us enough to visit! Yay for visits!

minor miracles

yesterday i was getting ready to meet my friend for lunch. i decided i didn't want to bring my big black purse and opted for my middleish size one instead. as i was transferring my belongings from one bag to another i noticed that i couldn't find my blue tooth. mind you, this is my third blue tooth and i was not happy with the thought that i could have lost it. i also could not figure out how that could have happened. i went through my black purse multiple times, even turning it upside down and shaking out all the left-over contents...but to no avail. i felt frustrated, and a little sad (my bluetooth is fairly new), so i decided to say a prayer and ask for help in finding my bluetooth.

i was going to check one more place, i don't remember what that place was now. but i went to get my blue purse since it was time for me to leave, and sitting on top of my cell phone was my bluetooth.

how in the world did that happen? there's only one explanation - a prayer was kindly answered, and i experienced a minor miracle.

don't you just love Heavenly Father? He sure does love us.

i am so grateful for Him, and the many 'minor' miracles we experience in our lives that continually testify of His presence in our lives.

Lucas is three! Yippee!

I am so grateful for our little Lucas! He is three years old today! Wow! He is such a sweetheart, talented, funny, and lovable boy. He is just a joy in our lives. Our lives would not be complete without him in it.

Happy Birthday Lucas! We love you! We are grateful for you.

Warmth

This has not been a long winter, in fact it's been very, very brief. It's like one of those towns that people make fun of...'if you blink as you drive through, you'll miss it.' That defines our winter this year, I blinked and nearly missed it. It hasn't been terribly cold, except for a few days. It certainly hasn't been super rainy, and when it is everyone is happy about it because we need the moisture. Yet, today I find myself grateful for the warmth we are experiencing today. As I ran errands a little bit ago my temperature gauge for outside hit a pleasant 69 degrees. Yes, it feels great!

I do feel badly for those who have been hit with snow today...wish you were visiting us here! :)

Inspiration

Last week Sadie had her tonsils out. Afterwards Linzi decided that she would have their doctor look at Rylee's tonsils...just to see how they are. Turns out they are worse than Sadie's! Rylee will be having surgery on April 4th. Originally they were going to be visiting here, with us, that day. Unfortunately, Sam couldn't get the time off. (It's always interesting how the Lord works in mysterious ways.)While we are very disappointed they can't come, I am very grateful for Linzi having the inspiration to have Rylee's tonsils looked at. Plus I am very, very grateful that she didn't have to have tonsillitis to determine that it was needed.

Well done!

Today I worked at various things around our house; something I haven't done since last week sometime. I am grateful that I love to work, to feel that wonderful sense of a job well done. It's great!

Roses

Yesterday was our anniversary. We don't really get each other gifts for our anniversary since we have gotten to the point where we get what we need when we need it (and occasionally what we want). Yesterday morning Pat ran errands while I was getting other things done. When he came home he brought me two dozen red roses. I am grateful for his sentimental and romantic spirit! I love them!

Beyond Grateful

This

+ This

= SO much to be grateful for.

Happy 34th Honey! I love you more than I can say.

Doctrine and Covenants

This year I've been reading/studying the Doctrine and Covenants. These are scriptures that contain revelations given to modern day Prophets. I cannot even imagine some of the amazing experiences they had, especially when they were re-establishing the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. It only makes sense that they had visitations from angels, former Prophets, etc. After all, if it is a man-made church they could just conjure up whatever strikes their fancy. But not in this case...because this IS the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. They needed that heavenly guidance, otherwise what would they do? It always amazes me when other people think we are 'crazy' to consider that we would have revelation today. God, our Father, has not stopped caring about His children; He knows we need His guidance and He has lovingly provided us with such, in the forms of personal revelation, prayer, scriptures and church leaders.

He sure must love us so very much. I am so grateful that He does, and for all that He does for us, all the time, that shows that love. I love Him.

Coupons

As some of you may know I follow the blog 'My Frugal Adventures'. Sometimes I think I might spend more money because I follow her blog, but I know I have saved a ton because of following her blog.

Pat and I are celebrating our 34th anniversary this coming Saturday. Originally it was going to be spent going to the temple, then changing our clothes and driving to beautiful Half Moon Bay. We love it there. I have been craving seafood for a while, fresh seafood, that is. Amazingly enough they have it there - and it is wonderful. (just ask almost anyone in our family, they know...not Sam, he hates seafood)

The problem is that I have not been feeling well...at all. I have either been having stomach or headaches for several weeks now. (I was fine in Oregon, maybe I'm allergic to Manteca?) (can I just say I am tired of not feeling well, and it gives me great sympathy for those who are in much worse condition than I am?)

So, we have altered our plans. Instead we are going to go to Outback for dinner on Saturday. How, you ask, does that relate to "My Frugal Adventures?" It just so happens that Outback is having a coupon special...like them on facebook, fill out their form, and they email you a $10 off 2 entrees coupon.

I love coupons and am grateful for them. Yes, we would have gone there anyway, but why not save some money while doing so? It makes me smile! =D

One on One

Amy called a little while ago and wondered if I was busy, or could I Skype with her? Of course I could! :)

We talked for somewhere around an hour, never wanting for anything to discuss. I am grateful for the times I can have some one-on-one time with each of my kids. I love talking to them together (and with spouses and children) also, but one-on-one, well, there's just something special about it.

Thanks Ame, for the time today, and the chat. I am grateful for it.

I loved seeing the boys too! (I could say 'two', since Jack was napping...;) )

Also, it's national pie day...3.14. Celebrate math by making yourself a pie, or go buy one, just eat one already! :)

Doppler

Being out in the rain is something I'm not a huge fan of, unless it's going for a walk. So, when the weather guys start telling us that a big storm is a-brewing, I take action! My grocery shopping is completed, and I run any necessary errands that I foresee that need taking care of. So, today I am grateful for Doppler, and the weather guys and gals who call the storm...especially when done so accurately. :)

There is a storm definitely on it's way here! Time to cuddle up!

St. Patrick's Day

I love mischief! That is what St. Patrick's day is about to me...well, the holiday, that is...not the anniversary part. Though I do think it is kind of fun that we were married on St. Patrick's Day...the running joke is that Pat can never forget it! I have to say that 'joke' is a bit old, since we will be celebrating 34 years this Saturday! Luckily we are both Irish. :)

For reals, though, I do love the holiday. Not the green beer, or the pinching part, but the mischief. When my kids were little (hide your eyes, guys, this might hurt - truth is sometimes painful) I would make them green pancakes for breakfast, and their rooms would get a tad messy during the middle of the night, but they would be rewarded with a candy bar from the wee folk. We also had pistachio cake, which Pat and I are fans of, but I don't think they are so much.

At any rate, I enjoy St. Patty's Day - and am grateful for the fun of it!

Sunday dinners

Lately I have not been cooking as much as I usually do. I find that we have leftovers that need to be eaten, or we just aren't in the mood for certain foods. As a result when Sunday rolls around I can be found happily and contentedly cooking a nice dinner. Nothing fancy, mind you, but a nice homemade dinner. Today's was oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. We are also having yummy strawberry shortcake for dessert.

I am grateful for Sunday dinners; for their wonderful tastiness, and the joy I feel when cooking them. :)

"Frosty" weather

Pat and I went to Sacramento today to clean my mom's apartment, and visit for a bit. When we were finished we were feeling a little warm, which was compounded by the heat from the sun beating down on the car. A few minutes later we found ourselves at Wendy's...eating frosty's. I am grateful we had frosty inspired weather. :)

Fund Raisers

Tonight was our ward's Scout fund raiser. Scout camp has become extremely expensive! I can't believe the cost of it these days. I am grateful that the Scouts have delicious fund raisers consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, homemade potato salad, baked beans, and then they top it off with a cookie. Delicious, I tell you...de-li-cious! Yum!

Organizing

Very, very slowly, but very, very surely I am getting more organized. Some might argue that they think I am pretty organized already. To some I am, to me, not so much. I will finally feel organized when there is truly a place for everything and everything is in said place. It seems a constant battle. It doesn't help that I've had to adapt these past 34 years to Pat's rat-pack ways, and our children's who have inherited that trait from him. Some have grown out of it, one never owned it. (I love them all, just the same, but it has been an adjustment) So, little by little, day by day, I am tackling my disorganization. When I have completed one project it's time to move on to the next! And when I complete each project I declare what I just organized 'happy'. I don't actually say, "I declare you happy!" No, it's just an inward, sometimes spoken...'you look happy now.' Because as those who know me best know that when some inanimate object is clean/organized to me it instantly becomes happy. I guess what I am really feeling is happiness in me - because I am grateful for organization.

tonsilectomy

When I was four I had my tonsils and adenoids removed, but prior to that I had a high fever due to tonsilitis, which resulted in me losing 80% of my hearing in my left ear. So, last week when Linzi informed me that Sadie's Dr decided she should have her tonsils and adenoids removed (she is 4), I was grateful that the Dr is taking this seriously. This morning Sadie had surgery. They discovered that her adenoids were blocking her air passage 80%!!! I am so grateful that the surgery went well, and for a wise Dr that chose to not wait for Sadie to have a problem and took care of her the best he could. =D

Shelter

Today is a very blustery day! I am grateful for the comfort of our home which provides shelter from the wind... rain, or heat, as the case may be.

Easy dinners!

Tonight we are having one of my favorite dinners - French Dip Sandwiches. I have loved them since I was a young girl; not exactly sure how old I was when I first had one, but I can tell you it was love at first bite! As a result we have them at least once a month, sometimes twice, but not very often. About a year and a half ago Pat and I were in the bay area taking Sam, and other students to Dream Works. They had something like a two hour tour scheduled, and Pat and I were not able to join them. (that was okay, they were the ones that needed to go in, not us) While we waited we went to a little restaurant nearby for lunch. I don't have any recollection of what Pat ordered, but I ordered French Dip, and I was not disappointed!

It used to be that when I made French Dip sandwiches I would make the au jus, then add my deli sliced roast beef (thank you Raley's), to the bread, with the addition of our desired cheese. (usually swiss or provolone) So, imagine my delight when the sandwich came (at the restaurant we were eating at) with the crust all hot and crust(ier) than usual. Yep, they had heated the sandwich in the oven, then served it!

Now, when I make FD sandwiches I do my normal au jus with the roast beef, then I put it on the sandwich roll, with the cheese, and then stick it in the oven for ten minutes. Oh my goodness! It has taken what I love to a whole new wonderful level.

I am grateful for French Dip sandwiches, both the before and after, but especially the after!

Little Talkers

I love that each of our grandchildren love to talk! They have the cutest sounds, the cutest ways of saying things that just fill my heart with delight! Even though they are all unique, they share this common trait...they are each talkers! I am grateful for all their little noises, from the youngest to the oldest!

Old Friends

Today I was able to go to a bridal shower for one of Rachel's best friends. It was so fun to be there, to catch up with friends I've known for 20+ years! It was also great to see Becky so happy...glowing, as a bride should.

I am grateful for old friends, and for celebrations that honor right choices, and happiness.

New comb

Last Friday when I was getting ready to leave Amy's I thought I had left my comb there. As I checked in the bathroom I couldn't find it. When I got home and unpacked I realized my intuition was right...I had left it there.

The thing is that I am very particular about the comb I use. This comb I had had for a very long time, and it was still in really great condition. I knew that I'd have to go and find another one that is similar to it, if I could.

I went to Target, not once, but twice. The first time their stock was out (I should probably note that Walmart is not exactly an option for me - we have a hate/hate relationship). The second time I didn't like what they had to offer.

This morning I had to run errands, like send Rachel's passport to her in Oregon. One of the post offices in our town is located near Sally's (which is also near Walmart, but that doesn't matter). I quickly ran into Sally's found the comb of my desires and purchased it, all for a mere $1.99 + tax. Yay me!

While I miss my old comb, oddly enough, I am grateful for the new blue one that I have. It's quite similar, but I don't think it's as sturdy. Time will tell.

Quotes

One of my favorite finds on Pinterest are quotes. I love the various 'sayings' that other share on there. This is one I pinned recently. I thought it fitting for my blog! So, I figured I should share.

There is a great deal of truth to this quote. Don't you find that you are happiest when you dwell on the blessings you have in your life rather than those that you feel are missing? This morning when I found I was unable to sleep I decided to pray and to thank Heavenly Father for the best blessings I recognize in my life. I went over them line by line. Then I thanked Him for the blessings of comfort in my life - the temporal things. I stopped and thought about all the items that make my life easier; our dishwasher, stove, fridge, microwave, oven, air conditioner and heater; well, you get my drift.

I am grateful for my life. Sure, it has it's challenges, but isn't that how we grow? I am grateful for so many of the blessings I do have in my life - mainly the gospel, my testimony of it's truthfulness, and the people I love...of which I am grateful to say there are many. Thanks for being one of them - I am grateful for you.