Random Thoughts

I have so many things to be grateful for. Today I'm listing random things that I can think of that I am thankful for--they make me happy! I am thankful for: holidays that add a little bit of fun and spice to life; technology--even though I have been reluctant to use some of it; medical advances that help me feel better; mail that brightens/frustrates my day; clean sheets; bouquets of flowers my hubby often buys me; seasonal decorations to brighten up the drab; frozen veggies; laughter; family pictures; lotions to soften my rough skin; scriptures!; and communication with loved ones. Maybe I'll make a new list tomorrow!

life is good....

Life is good because: We are getting into our new calling; We had a delightful Sabbath day; I am working on quilts; we are enjoying picture puzzles and Wii games (especially Toy Story Mania); I am reading fun books on my Kindle; we have almost made it through the long month of January; we are enjoying time together and both of us can't wait to get out in the motorhome; We are enjoying family when possible; we both have a good attitude; and therefore, LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Hobbies

Yes, I am thankful for hobbies. I'm thankful my husband has a few to help fill the empty times too. I love to read and I'm thankful for my Kindle that has half a dozen books I can read. I enjoyed "A Christmas Carol", "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and a few Christmas stories. I loved "Pollyanna Grows Up" and didn't even know there was a sequel to "Pollyanna". I have two Church books I'm working on, and I've been reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln for a month. I'm finally half way through it. I have Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and The Scarlet Letter waiting for me.
I have also started sewing quilts and I have six waiting for me in various stages. I'm eager to go to Quilt Club Monday and get more information to help in my quest. By the end of the year, or hopefully sooner, I will have made a quilt for each of my children.
I enjoy picture puzzles too. I received a set of ten for Christmas. So far I have completed three. I am eager to start another one with the Disney princesses. I love to do Sudoku puzzles and play games with my family. We have lots of fun playing Pinochle to Scene It games. I'm glad we're a game playing family!

It's Time for.....

I am thankful for snow...but I personally don't enjoy it. I always worry about falling on ice. But I am thankful for hot chocolate, gloves, warm hats and coats, pretty views of snow (I don't have to go out in it!), furnaces, rice and corn bags heated in the microwave, warm blankets, fireplaces, a pot of stew or chili, soups and muffins, and cuddling with my hubby. I guess winter is worth it!

Rebellious

Yes! I am sometimes rebellious. I am not always into the right mood to list my blessings on my blog. I recite my blessings to myself every night as I prepare to sleep, but I have had a hard time putting them on paper. Sometimes we have to stand back and look at things a little differently, I guess. I have so many blessings each day, and I love recalling some of the Lord's tender mercies in my life. Therefore, I must persevere and catch up to date. I am so thankful for my special family--their kindnesses, their laughter, their sharing and their love. We are enjoying our new family picture for the first time in nine years. I have so many special friends who listen to my ramblings and love me still. I love the games, the visits, the laughter, and the wonderful hugs. I love our Ward family, who also love and supports us. The smiles and hugs make a great start to each week. That's my new start for this week. I hope you enjoy your week too.

January 5th

Things I'm grateful for: hair dressers, crockpots, a husband that does dishes after you cook a couple of meals at one time, people that still have Christmas trees and lights up, a chance to kick back and relax after a busy day, and studying the scriptures with hubby. Things that make me happy: pictures of my family, beautiful music, laughter, smiles, and good news.

January 4, 2012

Housework has been a priority lately because I tend to let a lot of it go during the holidays. Today was cleaning my kitchen. It felt good to see the improvement. I also put out my January decorations--Snowmen. It always helps to have things still decorated after Christmas to help eliminate the after-holiday blues. I had other plans for the afternoon, but hubby suggested we go to the Temple. It was a perfect afternoon as we were on a small session. The parking lot was not very full. Hopefully the evening hours brought more people to enjoy the spirit of the Temple. We also received a new calling, and I am thankful for this opportunity. All of these experiences are things I am thankful for. It also made me happy to see the fruits of my labors. It has been a lovely day!

January 3rd

Today I am thankful for the ability to work. We put all of our Christmas decorations away today. It takes about three days to put it all up, but it comes down quickly. I also cleaned the stove and the microwave, which were major disasters after the holidays. I am also thankful for the scriptures. I am thankful for the reminders that we all go through challenges, and Heavenly Father will help us through it. I am thankful for wonderful, uplifting reading material that enriches my life in so many ways.
The things that made me happy today were forgiveness, laughter, delightful holiday memories, Christmas music for one last time this season, and hugs from hubby. Its been a pretty good day.

Reflection

This time of year is a reflection period as we face the challenges of a New Year and set goals for the coming year. I just have to reflect on the month of December. We were so fortunate to have our daughter and her family come for Christmas. We hadn't seen them for 2 1/2 years! The little boys were such a joy to have in our home and brought a renewed love of the Christmas holiday. We had all of our family here for my birthday and celebrated by getting family pictures for the first time in almost 9 years. It was GREAT!!! Christmas also brought all of the family and it was a time to treasure. I am so blessed!!!
During the coming year I'm going to do a happiness and gratitude journal. I am so thankful for the opportunity of living at this time and having the gospel in my life. Our New Year was spent with special people. Our grandson was a joy to have here for the weekend. He helped with projects and house cleaning too. I feel so complete with love in my life.
January 2nd: I have enjoyed organizing a few projects. The new 2012 calendars are now in place. I exercised this morning. I am preparing our course of study for family home evening. I am also planning what we need to read to prepare for our classes on Sunday. I attended a BYU Religion class on the Life of Christ. I gained a new appreciation for Joseph Smith's translation of Matthew 24. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend that class. This enthusiasm will keep me going through out the coming year. I am trying to act on the priorities of life this year. That makes me HAPPY!!!