Gratitude

It's November...the month of gratitude!  I know that we are thankful all year long, but this month seems to be the month that it is expressed the most.  Hopefully I will be a little more willing to post about the things I am truly grateful for.  I am so thankful for my special husband.  He is one of the greatest examples of loving kindness that I know.  He leaves a glass of water in the mailbox for the mailman.  He gives a dollar to any of those that are begging by the street--he keeps dollar bills on the dashboard to give away.  He does all of the laundry--I would struggle to know how to work the machine any more.
I am so thankful for my special children and their companions.  They are so supportive and loving.  I marvel at how much fun we all have when we get together.  My children are loving, thoughtful, and fun people!  They are my pride and joy!
I am so thankful for my precious grandchildren!  They are such a delight to us!  I love their hugs, jokes, smiles, phone calls, and time together.  We enjoy camping trips, games, movie nights, dinners, and fun little side trips together.  I love to watch them play together.  We seldom have any problems of some one being left out.  They really enjoy being together.  Family is what it is all about!

The Sparkle of Life

Mixed in with the challenges of life are the times that make Life worthwhile.  Those moments that give a delightful sparkle to your day and put a smile on your face,  My sparkly days lately have been: a picnic with neighbors, a gathering for a retirement of a good friend, a Bradford family reunion, a family dinner with hubby's brothers and wives, a get-together of our quilting group, a sleepover of some of the grandkids, a facial and massage, a temple dedication, a luncheon with my favorite ladies, dinner out with friends, a reunion of Ward friends from 55 years ago ( Oh, the memories!), a Relief Society Super Saturday, and a birthday gathering for our grandson.  Each occasion had special stories and gave me a lift from the daily grind.  The best part is that fact that the coming days will bring more sparkle into my life.  I can look forward to more family birthdays this week, two baby showers and time with family, General Conference, more dinners and gatherings with family and friends, the Scarecrow Festival at West Ridge Academy, and Time Out for Women at the end of the month.  AND my decorations are up for Halloween AND I have started playing Christmas music when I travel in my car.  Life is SO good!

Blessings

I am amazed at the many blessings I have.  My precious, loving husband puts up with so many things for me. He is so patient and caring--that makes life worth while.  I have a doctor's appointment for next week--FINALLY!  I have been feeling better, but still don't have much energy.  I have so many dear friends who support me and help me.  I have precious children and grandchildren who are the joy of my life.  I have the Gospel to bring hope and love into my life.  I am thankful that I can attend Sacrament meetings again.  Best part of Sunday.  I have enjoyed the gorgeous weather--now moving into Fall.  Life is Good!

Surprises

I guess my biggest surprise was ending up in the ER with a mini stroke.  My left side went numb and they worried about a stroke.  Fortunately it wasn't as serious, but I still don't have much energy.  The neurologist needed to review my tests before setting an appointment, but I still haven't heard from his office.  I guess I need to be a squeaky wheel.  I enjoyed going to breakfast with my retired Bennion friends on the first day of school.  It's become a fun tradition.  I also enjoyed celebrating our 44th Anniversary.  It's hard to believe that much time has passed.  We went to GMC to visit one of Frank's customers who does quilting.  She has done some amazing things.  She showed me how to do machine quilting and I can't wait to try it,  Then we went to Golden Corral for lunch.  My blood sugars looked good in the late afternoon, so I must have made some good choices.  It was yummy!  I rested in the afternoon.  For dinner I cooked up some Salisbury steaks that we had in the freezer.  Tasty and easy.  We watched "Home Alone 2" and loved it.  Haven't seen it in years.  I chatted with my son this morning and it is looking like our grandson will join us near the end of October.  So exciting!  Now I'm on to more adventures!

Enthusiasm???

I love reading blogs.  But I hate writing my blogs.  Life is good and I just don't record things that would be a fun reminder in the future.  I found some old diaries and loved reading the entries.  I wish I had built-in enthusiasm.  August started very busy.  We cooked breakfast for Relay for Life--early!  We were serving by 7 am.  Later in the day I attended my 50th  High School reunion.  It was FUN!  We had our Mills Family Reunion the following week and it was so good to spend time with family.  The week went way to fast.  We are still keeping busy and enjoying the end of the summer.  I'm not ready for Fall yet.  Hopefull the next few weeks will help me find some writing enthusiasm.

July

Wow!  Where did this month go to?  We have enjoyed time with our children (dinner, games, going to lunch,   family party, and hanging out together), time with friends ( lunch, games, and good visits), and time at West Ridge ( seven new Eagle Scouts, a baptism, ice cream night, getting a new Branch Presidency, and surviving a bomb threat).  I have also had a cousin pass away, as well as a dear friend who lost a valiant battle to cancer.  They leave loving memories.  I enjoyed Quilt Club, the Temple, fireworks, and reading some fun books.  It's been a great month.

God Bless America

I am so thankful to live in this great land!  We have so many opportunities and blessings.  I am thankful that our daughter and her family were spared in one of our state's wildfires last week.  We also had a nephew and my uncle who were evacuated because of fire.  I am thankful that we can worship as we please.  I am thankful that we have the opportunity to serve at West Ridge Academy and also in our home Ward.  I am thankful for dear family and friends who love and support us.  I love to see the flag!  We have three at our house today.  My husband repaired our flagpole, so we have one there.  We also have one that flies on the front of our house, as well as one that the youth in our Ward put up in front of our house.  I am amazed at the sacrifice our leaders and military have given to keep our country free.  God Bless America!!!