Service

This morning I met with our RS president to discuss visiting teaching. The more we talked about those who visit and those that don't the more I came to appreciate and be grateful for those sisters who willingly give of their time. Sometimes I have a difficult time with those that don't fulfill their assignments/responsibilities and try not to judge, so in turn I strive to accentuate the positive and just be grateful for those who do...which I am very grateful for.

Sam's family

Last night Rylee decided it was high time we see her new glasses! So, we were able to video chat with Sam's family. She looks adorable in them, of course. She is such a talkative little miss that I wish we lived closer so she could come over and we could chat while making cookies, or doing something fun... maybe shopping or lunch out? Hmmm. Hopefully, someday!

Sadie and Chloe were both sick, but they still managed to give us a cheerful 'hi!', which of course we love. It was fun talking to Sam and Linzi also.

Today, we were able to see the 'new' (not here yet) baby via cell phone and facebook. Yay! We don't know whether this is a boy or girl, but we will sometime early July - when he or she makes their appearance. Oh, the fun of a good mystery!

I am grateful we were able to video chat with Sam's family, and that we could see a picture of our new grandchild. Life is good. :)

Craig's new job

Last week Craig called us with the wonderful news that he's been offered and accepted a great job at EMC in Draper. We are so happy for their family. It's a great company that suits his and their family's needs. I am so grateful that all of his hard work has paid off. We couldn't be happier for them. =D

How they love him...

We video chat pretty regularly with Rach, Amy and Craig (and respective families), and not as often as we'd like with Sam's family. I am grateful that our grandchildren love their grandpa/papa. When he's not in the room they immediately want to know where he is. With Amy's kids it has become somewhat of a game...'where's papa?' and he peeks in, which happens over and over and over again, with peals of laughter coming from the grandkids. So adorable.

I am grateful that they love him so much. I know they love me, but they adore him. It's wonderful.

Les Mis music

The Oscars usually don't hold any appeal for me. I'm not a huge fan of Hollywood, and I rarely see any of the movies in this competition. However, this year I have high hopes of Les Miserables taking many Oscars. So, I tuned in for a bit tonight ...just in time to see and hear the actors/actresses performing Les Mis music. I loved it! I am so grateful for real talent, and a wonderful movie.

Delightful day

We spent most of the day together doing 'stuff' that included trips to Home Depot, Bass Pro, Food 4 Less (where we visited briefly with Rachel's 3rd/4th grade teacher), Costco, and a long drive in the country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time chatting about various things. I am grateful we could spend a delightful day together. :)

Engineers

Last night we had the opportunity of attending the San Joaquin Engineer Council's Annual Banquet. It was held at UOP, where they had everything nicely set up for the dinner. Before we even entered the building people were going out of their way to congratulate Pat and me. Everyone was so kind, speaking so highly of him, praising not only his engineering abilities but also who he is.

The dinner was delicious, the company was great, and the evening a success.

I have attended one of these meetings before. It was years ago, probably in the late 90's. During the banquet they award high school students and college engineering majors with scholarships. We have the opportunity of hearing from them; their hopes, dreams and what brought them to this particular field of study. It is inspiring.

They also award the Distinguished Service Award, which usually goes to a teacher related to engineering.

Last, but not least, they award the Engineer of the Year Award. Pat gave a wonderful talk regarding engineering. He gave counsel to the students, and to the engineers. The counsel I enjoyed best (since it had to do with life, and not engineering) was actually given by Mitt Romney in the late 90's; prior to the Olympics, or him being governor, or his run for the presidency. Pat has been talking to me about this article (BYU Magazine) for the past few weeks, and felt impressed to share these words at the banquet:

"There’s an element of unpredictability, of uncertainty, of lottery, if you will, in the world that has been created for us. If you judge your life’s success by the world’s standards, you may be elated or you may be gravely disappointed.

"That, of course, is the secret to predictably successful living: the choice of standards by which you will judge your life’s success. If you judge by the world’s standards, you may well be disappointed, for too many factors for such success are random or out of your control. But there are other standards of success, where chance is not at play.

"What will you live for? "

He spoke eloquently, and to the point, which I love. But what I was most grateful for was the words of love, and support given to him. He was stunned by it, and once again, humbled. 

I am so grateful for engineers, especially those with high standards. Not just in standards of life, but in their profession. They make a difference in this world. After all, wasn't it an engineer(s) that made so much of what we have in this life possible? Mostly, I am grateful for their giving spirits. Most engineers are not flamboyant people; they just want to do good, and they do.

If you'd like to read the article written about Pat it can be found here:

http://www.sjec-ca.org/assets/pdf/2013-PR-Patrick-Dell-PE-GE_Engineer-of-the-Year.pdf 

(Though they did make one error; he did not complete his graduate studies... he chose to spend time with our family instead. He almost got his Master's, but he didn't, back then they weren't as important.)

Humility

Tonight Pat receives the San Joaquin Chapter's Engineer of the Year Award. He is simply being adorable about it...kind of embarrassed, shy, but definitely humble about it. He's so cute, and I am grateful for his humility. He is a sweetheart.

Happy Birthday baby-girl!

Happy Birthday to our darling Rachel "Fevon"!

We are both so grateful for all the joy you have brought to our lives. You were an unexpected/early surprise and we knew instantly that this is where you chose to be. It was pretty obvious right from the start that you chose to have us as your parents, and you knew the time that you needed to be here...just so that you could have your big sis be your best pal.

We are grateful for Your:
Laughter.
Loyalty.
Fierce testimony...love of God, and Jesus Christ.
Love of family.
Sense of adventure.
Love of others/friends.
Ability to move forward; always learning and growing.
Sense of responsibility.
Joy of life.
Dedication.

At this time you are busy, busy, busy! When you aren't working or at school you are; learning piano, running/walking, visiting with Amy's family (those three little mister's sure love you!), serving in your calling, being with friends, serving in the temple, and occasionally having heart-felt talks with your mom.

We love you, we miss you, we are grateful for you in our lives. No matter how far away you are, or where this life road takes you, you are always and forever...eternally, in our hearts.

Happy Birthday love!

Stew with biscuits...and a semi-rainy day!

One of the things I love about rainy days, or even semi-rainy days, is how our menu adapts to them! I love to make homemade stew, with biscuits, and throughout our married life I have made it for days such as this. Our children love those kinds of days too, especially Rach.

Which brings me to another 'thing' I am grateful for... tomorrow is her birthday! I love and am grateful for our baby girl. She (along with our other children) will always be my baby(s)... always.

President's Day

I confess, I love and am grateful for President's Day for more than just the fact that we celebrate Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays. (though of all the president's to me they are the ones worth celebrating!)

However, for me it symbolizes family time...and Rachel's birthday. No, she wasn't born on President's Day, but her birthday is in two days so we spent several of her birthdays on President's Day. Pat, for years, had this day off (and thanks to working at another company now, does again), which turned it into a day for our family to do something fun together. We would often find ourselves at Yosemite, riding the bus, hiking to Yosemite Falls, Happy Isles, and admiring the snow.

This year we aren't actually going to do something fun. Instead we are finishing up some organizing that needs to be done prior to Rachel, and then Amy, Brad and boys coming for a visit in March. (different times, but nevertheless they will all be here... =)  )

With all that being 'said', isn't it interesting the holidays that cause you to miss your family? At least I can be grateful for some wonderful memories... and Presidents!

Legacy

Today Pat spoke in a ward in Tracy. His subject was the Plan of Salvation, apparently with a focus on temples. He told the story about how his family was sealed in the temple:

They had been converts for about three years, and his dad decided that they needed to be sealed together as a family. They got in their black car (at the end of June, beginning of July), with red vinyl seating, and no air conditioning and drove some 5,000+ miles to Mesa, AZ, where Pat's aunts and uncles lived.

Pat was 13, his brother 14, and Cheryl was 3. During the drive they lost all four tires, and had to have the shocks replaced.

The kids did not enjoy the drive... to say the least. As he tells it they pulled up to the Grand Canyon, he and his brother got out and said, "Yep, that's the Grand Canyon" and turned back to go into the car.

What teenagers!

As he talked about his family, their sacrifices, and the difficult circumstances they endured ('they' meaning his parents), I gained a greater appreciation for what they did, and the impact it has had on our family.

I am so grateful for their courage, their strength, and their determination. Their actions became a legacy for our children to live up to... it has made all the difference for us.

Pat's mom

Today is my mother-in-law, Joann's, 81st birthday. I am grateful for her for the love and support she has shown to Pat throughout his life. I am grateful for the love of family that she instilled in him. I am grateful that she embraced the gospel; and that he followed her and his father's example. I am grateful for the love that she has for God, our Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful that she is patriotic and loves our country. I am grateful that she has been a wonderful example of giving service in her callings and to individuals. I am grateful that she loves our family, and that she gets excited every time she becomes a great grandma again. I am grateful for her sense of humor and her love of life. She is a wonderful woman, and a loving mother and grandma.

A hint of Spring!

The past few days have been warmer than usual. That's probably bad for some crop of something, but I'm not sure what. Today it is actually supposed to hit 70 degrees! SEVENTY! That is like my favorite temperature outside! It's not too hot and not too cold... kind of reminds me of that line in "Miss Congeniality."

Stan Fields: "Miss Rhode Island, please describe your idea of a perfect date."
Cheryl, Miss Rhode Island: "That's a tough one, I'd have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket."

Yesterday, when it was in the mid-60's I opened windows and aired out the house! When it hits that temperature today I will do the same! The only downside was that I turned off the heater and forgot to turn it back on. This morning our house was a cool 62 inside! When I got up I was surprised at how 'cold' it felt. Then I remembered to turn the heater back on!

One has to be grateful for the first hints of Spring, when it's not too hot, and not too cold... and all you need is a light jacket. Now I will wait for the flowers to appear...should be soon! :)

P.S. I'm also grateful that we celebrated Valentine's Day by keeping it simple (Pat doesn't believe in the love day)...I made one of his favorite dinners, we had dessert and watched "Skyfall". (which I ended up buying at Costco for just $15!)

You gotta have heart!

Today is Valentine's Day...a day filled with love, and romance. Can you feel it in the air?

While I am grateful for Valentine's Day I am thinking a little bit deeper than that. Those of us who have healthy hearts should be grateful for the genetics we have. My mom is 87 years old, and her heart is still going strong. There is absolutely nothing weak about it! She comes from a long line of strong hearts.

Her father lived until the age of 89. Her mom died in her late 20's, due to an accident, of sorts. Her grandma, my grandma-great, died at age 86. Her mom's sister lived to be 92! From looking at her family history looks like they live into their 80's at least. Not bad!

On my dad's side of the family his mom lived to be 82, while his dad died at the same age my dad died: 64. That was about the typical age of death for my dad's siblings as well. Hopefully, I don't take after that side of the family! ;)

At any rate, today is a great day to be grateful for having a healthy heart, and healthy genetics, in that respect. I'm pretty sure I take after my mom in this area, I do most things, so, why not?

Old Roomies

Thirty-six and a half years ago I walked into my new apartment in Provo, UT. I had no idea what to expect. I hadn't even seen the apartment before, let alone who I would be living with in the coming months. I was the second person to arrive at our six-roommate apartment. I chose the room with the walk-in closet. Not because it had a better closet; it just felt right. (It's not like I had a lot of clothes back then, I've never been like that!)

Soon after arriving I met my first roommate, Elizabeth. Shortly thereafter I met Evelyn. My mom had helped me drive to Provo, and see me safely to my new surroundings, which was really nice. We went out to dinner, and then my mom took us all to Baskin Robbins, where Evelyn had never been before. (she was from New Jersey)

And that is how several life-long friendships began. Elizabeth was from Provo, and she and I roomed together. We also had Gwen, Susan, and Marilyn (Gwen's cousin). Gwen and Evelyn had been roommates their freshman year. Susan and Evelyn were both from the same ward in New Jersey. So, they all had a connection together, one way or another.

Elizabeth and I were definitely the outsiders...but it didn't ever feel that way. We all got along great! During the course of those two semesters together (minus Marilyn, she became homesick and went back to Vernal) Evelyn became engaged to Steven, while Gwen became engaged to Bob (all continue to be happily married).  Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun together. I believe we annoyed the apartment above us several times with all of our laughter and silliness!

I remember one night we were all being ridiculously silly and decided to prank Susan. She had gone in to take a shower, and we decided to put baby powder on her bed. (probably not the nicest thing to do...) She plopped onto her bed and poof! Baby powder all over her! We were in hysterics!

Well, since that time, Susan has passed away. (we all miss her) Gwen lives in the Jordan area, Elizabeth is married to Boyd and lives in SLC, Evelyn is in Texas, and I am here in California.

The following year/semester we (Elizabeth, Susan and I) had new roomies: Shannon, Kathy, and LeeAnn. That was the semester that Pat and I became engaged, so it was my last at that apartment. Elizabeth has recently gotten in touch with Kathy. So, she is now planning a May reunion during Women's Conference at BYU. I am giddy with excitement! I am also hoping that everything works out so that I can go!

After so many years I am still so very grateful for my old roomies. They may not realize it but they played an important role in my life. Elizabeth is one of my best friends. Shannon and Evelyn I keep in touch with on Facebook  Gwen is in touch with me also, a little. So, it will be great to see all of them, and to spend time catching up on their lives. I won't mind being at Women's Conference either! I love the Spirit that is present there.

Doers of the word

Don't you love hearing about others going out of their way to give service to those in need? Sometimes they don't even know why they are going and doing, they just do. They end up blessing those they serve as well as themselves.

Recently a sister in our ward (who has four children and her husband is serving in Kosovo) has had a sick little family. The baby, who is six months old, has bronchitis and RSV. She attended Stake Conference (just before he became sick), and while walking to her car was answering someone else who was talking to her in the parking lot and ended up tripping and falling, with the baby in her arms. Knowing she couldn't break her fall, she just did the best she could trying to protect him. Obviously she was injured, becoming all scraped up. Then she became sick as well. Her two year old also became ill.

When I found out I went over to check on her and we chatted for a while. Later, that evening, Pat and I were going out to get our food for dinner and he suggested we find out if she had any dinner plans. I did, and she got right back to me telling me that another sister was going to pick up dinner for them.

Our RS president bore her testimony in Sacrament meeting and shared an experience that she was prompted to go and visit a sister she visit teaches. She thought it an odd prompting, especially since it was so early in the month. She went anyway. When she got there she discovered that their house had been broken into. Of course that sister needed someone to talk to.

I love that I know so many people that are 'doers'. You find out someone is having a difficult time and you go and do. You listen to the promptings of the spirit, and you go and do. Sometimes we don't know why we were prompted; perhaps the person wasn't willing to share that reason, or we are just being tested to see if we will be obedient. Whatever the reason, I am grateful that we are doers of the word, and I'm grateful that we aren't alone in that. There are many, many, people who give of their time and talents to enrich the lives of others. I am so grateful for them.

Shout Hooray! Sadie is FIVE!

You have "a birthday, shout hooray!

We want to sing to you today!

One year older, and wiser, too,

Happy Birthday to you!"

We are grateful for Sadie in our life,

and this is why:

She is funny, smart, kind, helpful, loving, learning, adventurous, and...

just plain wonderful.

We love you Sadie Mae!

Happy Fifth Birthday!

Happy birthday Sammy J!!!

Sam is 34 today. I am grateful for: his adventurous spirit, the joy of learning he had while growing up, his amazing artistic talent, his complete faith he shared with us, his love of nature, his love of family, his sense of humor, his desire to improve, and his willingness to do so. I love visiting with and talking to Sam. It doesn't happen often enough...which truly makes me miss him. Happy birthday to our firstborn!! We are grateful for all the joy you have brought into our lives. We love you.

34 years ago

I was just in the kitchen making some dessert to take to our ward potluck tonight. As I was working, and cleaning my mind wandered to 34 years ago tonight. There wasn't anything unusual about that night. Pat and I had gone to do our laundry at the Wash Hut in Provo. Afterwards we came home and had grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. What was unusual was that I was 9 months + 9 days pregnant. To say that I was anxious to have our baby is putting it mildly. I had gone into the hospital on February 1st, in labor, and they sent me home, after having given me some sort of shot to stop my contractions. They said I would be back within hours.

They lied.

That is not nice to do to a nine month pregnant woman...at all!

We expected to have our baby sooner than we did. When I finally did go into labor 34 years ago tonight I wouldn't let Pat bring in my overnight case. I was positive they would send me home and I would never have our baby! Never.

(I can be dramatic at times, in case you didn't know)

After getting checked in they took me up and prepped me for delivery. Before long it was evident that he was not going to make an entrance on his own. Pat was scared; I was calm. I'd had a blessing and I knew that all would be well. And it was...minus the whole c-section part, and the cord being wrapped around his neck twice.

The point is, it's amazing with how much clarity I can remember that eventful evening. I remember the Dr's discussing the BYU basketball game during Sam's delivery. I remember when I finally was able to hold him... our little (well, not little, 9 lbs. 6 oz) bundle of joy. I remember the love I felt for him. It was a quiet, peaceful, enduring love.

Yes, that love continues to endure, and to grow.

I am grateful for our Sam. I am grateful for all the wonder he has brought to our lives. I am grateful for his personality, his talents, his love for his family (ours included), for his sense of humor, for the memories he has helped to create over all of these thirty-four years.

While his birthday is tomorrow (born at 1:34 AM), I just want him to know how grateful I am for him. I just can't believe that I have known and loved him for this long. It just plain amazes me.

Ordering out, eating in

Tonight we had planned on going out to dinner. The more I thought about it the less appealing that became. So, we are going to pick up our dinner, bring it home, and relax together. I am grateful that we have the option of eating out at home. Life is good!

Putting my shoulder to the wheel.

Yesterday, well, before I tell you about yesterday, let me tell you what took place before that...

Awhile ago I mentioned that I've been organizing Pat's church stuff. Since I've organized what I could he has decided that he wanted that stuff in the study (actually, now that I think of it I remember that I suggested it). At any rate, we've been discussing how it would work better for him in this room since he makes phone calls privately in here, and would have everything at his disposal instead of running from one side of the house to the other when he's discussing church matters. We had plans to take care of it...someday. Well, someday was not coming soon enough for me. When he's home he is either busy with church, doing yard work, running errands, or relaxing after a hard day of work. So, I decided to take care of it myself, to 'put my shoulder to the wheel', so to speak.

I actually organize better by myself, I can concentrate better and move things where I want them to be. If anyone wants to change it later, that is up to them. I'm okay with that. You would think that a job like that wouldn't take that long, but it does. The problem is it involves papers, pictures, family history, etc. Lots of different categories of things that have been stashed away and needed attention.

So, I got to work. I transferred books from one room to another. I transferred the children's books that are in the house, from my mom's room to the study. (believe me, she won't miss them!) I moved containers that store simple things (like maps, or craft supplies) from one shelf to another. I brought Pat's notebooks and church papers that aren't organized yet to the study where they have their own shelf. And, as mentioned before, I went through all the papers; he has some purging to do!

I am grateful that I was able to organize things for us, yet again. I know that I write on here about being organized frequently, but it makes me happy, which makes me grateful that I can be organized.

The secret is out!

I am really, really, good at keeping secrets. Really. About a month ago Linzi sent me a text with a picture of each of the girls, and a sonogram of a new addition to our family that will be here in July sometime. However, Linzi is having pregnancy problems so they wanted to keep it quiet for awhile. I just didn't realize it was going to be such a long while! ;) I even visited with the girls in Oregon, skyped with Craig and Angie, and still couldn't say anything! Not a word. At one point in time Rach and I were talking and she said something to the effect of, "Do we know anyone who is pregnant right now?" Somehow I steered her away from the topic so that I wouldn't have to lie! It was not easy!

So, today, Linzi saw the doctor, and heard the baby's heartbeat again. Everything looks promising. She has to rest during the coming months, and is carrying the baby very low, so there are some concerns. We are keeping them in our prayers, like always, but even more now. Then she called and told me that she texted everyone and now they know and I can talk about it.

Phew!

I may be good at keeping secrets, but it doesn't mean that I like to keep them! I am grateful that this secret is out, and that we are going to be welcoming grandbaby #9 into our family. I would love it if he/she came on July 7th, my dad's birthday. I think Sam would like that as well. :)

Good people

This morning when I was talking with Linzi on the phone I was also putting gas in my car. While we were talking a man that was getting gas in his car caught my attention to tell me that my front right tire was flat. (I had noticed a few days ago that it looked a little less perky, but forgot to mention anything to Pat.) Since I was talking I thanked him and then continued to talk with Linzi.

My plan was to go to Costco and get gas and then shop. By the time I finished talking I had forgotten to look at my tire. The thought did occur to me to go over and talk to the people at the tire store and see what they could do for me. (we purchased the car used, from our neighbor's mom, and they had the tires put on from Costco, so I wasn't really sure how Costco could help me) But, I figured that I was only going to get a few things (right) so it would be no big deal to ask them afterwards.

At this point in time I had not seen my tire. Oh well.

After shopping ($130 later) I drove over to the tire area and then took a look at my tire. Not good. Definitely FLAT. I had forgotten that their office was inside which meant that I had to walk back to where I had just been.

*sigh*

A man and his wife were in front of me. Apparently they had ordered tires six weeks ago and one of them had not yet arrived. That man was not happy. I don't blame him. The manager got on the phone for him, ordered the new tire, and the man was still not happy, but was hopeful that things would be taken care of.

At any rate, that took over ten minutes. (and all I could think was... if I had just stopped here when I had finished shopping that would have been so much better) My knees were killing me. Finally I stepped over to the counter and leaned against it. (I know, it's ridiculous that I can't stand for that long any longer. See why I need to do my exercises?)

Finally, Bill, the manager, was able to assist me, once he figured out that I was not with the other man (his wife had gone out to shop by then, again, I don't blame her!) I explained the situation and he said he technically couldn't help me, since we hadn't purchased the tires. I kind of expected that. His implication was that I would have to purchase a new tire in order for them to help me. While I understood I felt a bit deflated. I've been sick off and on the past week with either a cold or stomach bug, take your pick. So, I am not yet up to par and get worn out much quicker than usual. I don't know if he could tell I wasn't taking the news well, but he said, "tell me where your car is and I'll go have a look at it."

When he returned he said, "yeah, it's flat alright." Then he proceeded to tell me that even though he's not supposed to help me, he would see what he could do. He had me sign a paper, took my keys and walked out. I put my head down while leaning against the counter because I was beginning to be overcome with emotion - I was so grateful. I cannot even tell you how such a simple act of kindness meant so much to me, but it certainly did.

An hour later when the tire was fixed (had a nail in it), he pulled it out of the garage and said, "it's all yours." I was shocked that he wasn't charging me to fix the flat.

While driving away I said a prayer of gratitude, for the man that pointed out my flat, and for Bill the manager, who took the time to take care of someone he wasn't supposed to take care of. I am so grateful.

Exercise

In case you haven't noticed I am quite imperfect. Shocker ...I know. :) One of my basic struggles is that I fail to exercise as often as I should. Obviously I am not alone. One of the (many) reasons I miss Rach is that she helps to motivate me. I keep thinking and planning to exercise (especially for the sake of my knees and back), and somehow I manage to forget. Why do we forget to take care of ourselves? Today I am grateful that I remembered! Yay!!! Have I mentioned how much I really do love to exercise? I always have, it just makes me feel good. I have hopes that as I become stronger through daily exercise I will be able to do so more and more.

Scheduling

In our family we've always taken time to make sure we knew everyone's schedule. Usually our scheduling sessions would take place at Family Home Evening; a time when we knew everyone would be present! (physically, if not otherwise) Not too long ago Pat suggested we schedule things for the upcoming year, as well as we can. So, today, he took out the Stake calendar and we got busy, scheduling all of his known meetings and talks throughout the year.

On a personal note, there's not much going on. We are looking forward to a visit from Rach at some point in time. Amy, Brad and their little misters will be visiting around Easter for his family reunion. (we get to steal them away for a few days too!) And there is the hope that we will make it out to Utah/Idaho at some point in time. Other than that...nada...well, except for the Engineer of the Year award thing, that's something, right?

Now that I'm 'talking' about our scheduling we seem pretty mundane. Oh well. Regardless, I am grateful we try to know one another's schedule, and that we have a few things to look forward to this year. :)

The best gift ever!

This afternoon Pat and I attended a baptism for one of our friend's granddaughters. Her mom was one of my girls in Primary at age 11, right along with Rachel and 14 other girls! And her mom was one of my favorite friends to visit teach. Ever. Seriously. We are still close, we just don't see each other often enough. This has been a tough year for them since Lisa's other daughter, Jennifer, was killed in a car accident back in March 2012.

Back to the subject...

If you have ever attended an LDS baptism you know that one person speaks on baptism, while another speaks on the Holy Ghost. I have been to many baptisms in my time, given a few of those talks myself. But, today, when Taylor's Primary teacher was speaking to her on how she would be receiving the gift of the  Holy Ghost she mentioned how it is the best gift ever. She said, 'It doesn't require batteries, is there for you when you need it, wherever you are, and never breaks.'

Her teacher also mentioned some of the gifts that come from having the Holy Ghost with you. One of those gifts mentioned was courage. Then she told how she is a shy person, and that it is hard for her to get in front of everyone and give a talk. She related that the Holy Ghost gives you courage to do those things. I can attest to that. Taylor is also shy. She explained that in Primary when she is asked to give a talk, or say a prayer, or read a scripture, that the Holy Ghost will give her the courage to do so.

I thought her Primary teacher did an awesome job. What a great way to explain to a child the amazing gift received when confirmed a member of the church. I am so very grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my life...I love him.

Rest

This week I've been semi-battling a cold. As a result I haven't been sleeping well. Finally, last night, I was able to get a good night's sleep. I felt pretty good this morning, got up and did multiple tasks, and then the energy wore off. Completely. Before I knew it I was resting lazily, I didn't actually have much of a choice. So, today I am grateful for rest, which I've always found odd that 'rest' is sorely lacking when I am sick.

I guess that is just one of life's trials.