Attitude of Gratitude Day2

1. Today I am thankful for the right to vote. This is just one of the many freedoms I take for granted most times. On a day like today though, I will choose to exercise that right.






2. Modern technology. I was reminded this morning how easy it is to stay in touch with people I care about even if that person is clear across the other side of the world.






3. Friends. I am truly grateful for those who know me and like me anyway.









This is not an exclusive rendering of those I consider to be my friends so if I've left anyone out please don't be angry with me.

4. Blessings of the temple. I am eternally grateful for this.




















5. Employment

Attitude of Gratitude Day 1

Several years ago, my daughter Linda had us as a family do this for a month long family activity. Every day for three weeks we were to think of 5 things for which we were grateful. I am going to try and do that here until Thanksgiving. The hard thing about this is limiting it to 5 per day, but I shall try.
1. Family. Our loved ones bring us the most joy and the most sorrow. One can't have one without the other.

























2. The Atonement. I would be completely lost without this wonderful gift. I am and will be eternally grateful for His sacrifice. A portion of the song "This Is the Christ" pops in my head right now. "How many drops of blood were spilt for me?"








3. The Restored Gospel. I wouldn't have the understanding of the atonement without the gospel being restored.










4. Agency. This may seem an odd thing in which to be grateful, but this is the only thing that is truly mine and I cherish it. I hope to be able to use this power in doing what Heavenly Father would want me to do.









5. USA. Even with all the negative things happening in the government these days, this country was founded on correct principles. Without these we wouldn't have the freedom to worship the way we do.

I'm starting with these because they are the basis of everything for which I am thankful. All the rest is just icing on the cake.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Starting in November I'm going to try something. I won't say what it is just in case I forget to do it. I will say this much "A grateful heart . . . comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives." President Thomas S. Monson.

Trunk or Treat 2010

Halloween is such a fun time. I love the creativity that comes through with ideas for costumes and the making of said costumes. This is what some in my family came up with this year.

Laura as a pirate. The single adults had a mystery dinner/dance for their Halloween festivities and Laura participated as part of the cast for the mystery. Afterward, those participating in the production were allowed to pick from some wonderful donated items from Payless Shoe Store. I guess it was the pirate booty. I'm not complaining, I got a new purse out of it.



This year for trunk or treat Linda came up with the very clever idea of making a movie theater. We had a laptop set up to play a movie, little silhouettes portraying the movie goers, and even a concession stand. It was very fun.

What's a movie without some popcorn and candy?




Celeste was the advertisement.



Of course I have to include my two little angels. I love those little girls. I'm going to be very sad when they move. I try not to think about it too much, cause then I start to cry,but I will miss them terribly.

Another Completed Project

I've finally completed a project for one of my little angels. It only took me seven months. Usually it doesn't take me this long to commplete something like this, but for some reason it did.
I would like to say it was because I was working on the doll house for Celeste and while that was part of it, it wasn't the full reason.
It's one of my favorite patterns and it just reminds me of this little angel.

My Little Teddy Bear

And So Begins the Terrible Twos

Yes that's right, the terrible twos have started. Celeste had a good time opening her gifts and then celebrating with her friends at the park the next day.


CTR loves her baby doll.

Gotta love this face.




A beautiful fall day for raking leaves. The rake is bigger than she is.

Call to Serve

My nephew Travis received his mission call today. This is the clip of him opening the big white envelope.

Dancing with the Stars

Big CTR loves to dance to Soul Sister by Train. And yes that's me groovin' in my chair with my feet sticking out. Pay no attention to that, but to the cutie pie getting her groove on and to what she says at the end.

Not Without My Hat

Just random pics of my little CTR in his "Bad Boy" hat. Well he has to have something to cover that bald head doesn't he?
"Aw shucks!!!"

Animal Crackers in My Soup

Okay not really. This is just a little clip of my big CTR's new talent, making animal noises. I just thought it was cute, but I know I'm kind of biased in that.
I had to film this while driving so it's a little hard to hear what she's saying. I think you can get the idea though. I wonder why she's looking at her brother when she's asked to do monkey. Is she implying something? Just saying.

Family and Fun

Joe's brother Steve and two of his kids came for a visit. it was work related, but we were able to get some fun in as well. Steve really wanted to see the temple site so that's what we did.
Oct 2010 A lot changed since I was there about a month ago.
Sept 2010 Usually when I go it's during the week and I'm scared to go on the property when workers are there. We went with Steve, Dan, and KaLee on Sunday after the last session of General Conference and Steve just drove right in. It was great being able to get a little closer than usual.

The gang

Contractor code of conduct. I find this very interesting and so pleased by it. I'm sure it is difficult for a lot of the workers to follow this code, but I for one appreciate the effort that is made to keep the site sacred even during the building process.