2013

Our family has a tradition. At the end of each year we write down the things that happened, and then we write down the things we expect and/or hope to happen in the coming year. So, today I thought I'd share a few things that I am grateful for that happened in our family in 2013.

1.  Maci Jane was born into our family - can't go wrong when another little one joins your family! She was the tie-breaker - now we have 5 granddaughters, and 4 grandsons. She is adorable to boot! :)

2.  Linzi graduated from BYU-I with her BS. Yay!

3.  Craig graduated from UVU and immediately began work at EMC, a great company to work for. He is excelling and loving it! Hooray!!!

4.  Brad received a promotion, which allowed their family to purchase a home; single level, with a back yard!! Yippee!!

5.  Rach returned to school. She now is attending OSU, home of the Beavers. She is going for her Dietetics degree. She is also in a great relationship... double Yay!!

6.  Pat received the Engineer of the Year award for the San Joaquin Chapter of Engineers. So deserving!

7.  Sandy was able to play grandma several times this year, which is what she truly loves to do. We love our grandchildren SO much!

8.  We were able to travel to see family and to go to Hawaii for a few days. :)

9.  We just had half of our children home for Christmas... that was super fun!

10. I've been able to get help from the Chiropractor for my back, which was out of alignment due to my knee being in terrible condition. Luckily my back isn't nearly as bad! I can walk! Yay!!

11. Rach and I were able to go on a road-trip up to Vancouver, BC. Such beautiful country! I can hardly wait to take Pat up there!

All in all, I am grateful for 2013. Like any other year there were good times and bad times. Fortunately the bad were doable, and we have peace in our family and in our home.

Top things I am grateful for: our family, the gospel of Jesus Christ; my relationship with my Savior, and Father, and the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for friends, near and far. I am grateful that we are all here still, as too many that we have known have passed away unexpectedly this year. I am grateful for the good health we do have. I am grateful to live in the United States of America; for the freedom we enjoy, for the right that we have to voice our opinion, and to practice our beliefs. I am grateful for the beauty that we've been blessed with - my personal favorites - the mountains and the ocean. I am grateful that Pat has a good job, and that his dedication to being a good worker affords us the comforts of life. I am grateful for the happiness of our children, children-in-law, and grandchildren. On that note, I am grateful for words of love, hugs, snuggles and kisses.

There truly is so much to be thankful for.

Paper Products

Never have I been a fan of doing dishes; that is especially true when it comes to having a houseful of people! This past week Dixie paper plates have been my friend, in the truest sense of the word. They kept me from having to slave over dishwasher full, after dishwasher full, of plates and cups to wash! Instead of doing four loads of dishes per day we whittled it down to just two! Yay!

Christmas was a different story. We have to use nice plates then! Still, rather than break out the china that isn't dishwasherable (like my 'new' word?) we used our Christmas plates! Not only are they festive and cute, I don't have to wash them by hand! (nor does anyone else...you can thank me now! ;) )

Father's blessings

Having a faithful Priesthood holder in our home is always a blessing. One of my favorite experiences is when Pat gives one of our children a Father's blessing. It is, quite simply, a choice experience. This morning was one of those times. Pat gave both Amy and Rachel a blessing. The Spirit was present, and this mother felt tremendous gratitude.

Happy 5th James!

Today we celebrated James' 5th birthday. We are grateful for him in our lives. He loves anything superhero related, his brothers, his mommy and daddy, and being adventurous. James is funny, smart, and cute. We love him and are grateful for him. Happy birthday James!

Monterey Bay

We were able to go to Monterey today. It's definitely one of my favorite places. Only stands to reason that I'm grateful for it!

Muir Woods

Today we ventured to Muir Woods, to show Rachel's friend, who had never been there before, the area. It was unusually warm (67) for this time of year. Her friend loved it, and so did we! We are all grateful for the beauty that Muir Woods holds for all to see. Certainly one of God's greatest earthly creations.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is today! I'm grateful for this chosen day to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for ALL that He has done for us. One of the specific to today blessings that I am grateful for is our family - near and far. I'm grateful that we could celebrate with our family members that are here. It's the way Christmas is meant to be. :)