Road Trips

Although the road trip back home to Sierra Vista was rather long, I am thankful for the chance that I have to spend time in the car with Jared and talk. I am grateful for road trips with my hubby and I am thankful for the safety HF provides us while we are driving.

Thesis

Today I am grateful that I am turning in my THESIS--the last thing I have due in my entire graduate school existence. Woohoo! Feels good!

Holiday Cheer

Today as I look around the base and the neighborhoods, folks have put a lot of time and effort in to decorating for the holidays. Lights are up, trees are trimmed, candles are lit and nativity displays are arranged. I am thankful for the holiday cheer of others and their contributions to the world around them!

IHOP

Compared to the slim pickings we have in Sierra Vista, IHOP is a novelty. Jared treated me to special holiday eggnog pancakes at IHOP for breakfast after his check-up this morning (okay, so I offered to drive--he can't anyways due to his surgery yesterday--and it didn't take much to twist his arm to go). I am grateful for these treats that Jared and I have become accustomed to over the past few years! I hope it won't be too hard to cut back when we have little ones.

Thanksgiving Day!

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving! Yummy food, family, good friends, gratitude and a nap wrapped up all in one day.

LASIK surgery success

Today Jared received successful LASIK surgery at Lackland Air Force Base. Was it a coincidence that the surgeon who worked on Jared is LDS? I don't think so. My confidence in the procedure increased with the knowledge that he (doc) likely said his morning prayers and was sober during the procedure! He was a white guy who spoke fluent Espanol to his staff. It tipped me off, so Jared asked. It turns out that Dr. Brooks served a mission in Spain and went to GWU for med school! I am grateful for such a small world today and the miracle of the human body.

Roach and El

Tonight Jared and I spent time with old friends from Japan. During the course of eating dinner at BWW, I thought about how much I missed the friendships we had made with those living in Okinawa during the same time as us. I am grateful for Roach and Eleanor for treating us some warmly upon our arrival and being excited to see us. We missed them!

Dairy Queen (again)

Today I am grateful for Dairy Queen. We got on the road to San Antonio this afternoon (Jared is getting LASIK surgery this Thursday on the government's dime), but before leaving, I worked really hard to finish up homework assignments for the week early and on time. Jared stopped at DQ to reward me for my hard work and to encourage me to keep going. Less than one week of school left!

Kitty Cats

This morning we woke up and Gidi was sprawled all over us, purring heavily. I am grateful for my kittens and the fun and snuggles they bring into our home.

Japanese Candy

After dinner at CURRY HOUSE, we stumbled across a Japanese food store in downtown San Diego. Jared and I were in heaven--DAR chocolate, Hello Kitty strawberry filled marshmallows, Melon flavored chews, etc...we thought we would never see some of that stuff in America again! Today I am grateful for Japanese candy and the memories it brought back of Okinawa.

San Diego Zoo and Hornblower Dinner Cruise

Jared and I visited the San Diego Zoo with some old friends from Okinawa in the morning, and afterwards we took a San Diego Harbor dinner cruise. It was a good site-seeing day and I am grateful for the money we had to pay for all our adventures today!

San Diego Temple

Jared and I were able to go to the LDS San Diego temple for the first time today, escorted by our friend Angie Briscoe. If you think it looks beautiful from the outside, you must see the inside! I am grateful for the sacredness and beauty of the temple and the refreshed feeling I have after renewing my covenants with my Heavenly Father.

Sick leave

Today I am grateful for my permanent federal job, its stability, and the sick leave that made it possible for me to take off of work today!

Gasoline

Today I am thankful for gasoline and the genius who invented unleaded powered vehicles. Although fuel emissions may not be leaving exceptional carbon foot prints, cars get us from A to B and back again. When I was growing up, I used to love listening to the theme music from Beverly Hillbillies. My dad would sing along to it and fake a nice Southern accent at the same time. Who would have thunk that unrefiined oil would be such a treasure trove?

Luggage

Today I am grateful for luggage and for the opportunity to travel. We can't wait to see our friends in San Diego for Thanksgiving!

YWs lesson

Today I taught all the YW a lesson on the purpose and value of an education. Through my lesson preparation, I was reminded of the importance of learning a variety of things, and that one can gain an education perpetually, and that it doesn't have to stop when you have kids at home. This story reminded me of my mother:

Jeffrey R. Holland, while president of Brigham Young University, told this story:

“I’d like to tell you a true story about a young boy who didn’t have the opportunity of going to school for very long. His father died, leaving little money for the boy’s family. One day the boy became very ill with smallpox and had to miss a lot of school.

“Slowly his health improved, and he was glad to be able to go to school again. But he was back in school for just one year, completing the seventh grade, when he had to stop going altogether. He and his brother then had to find jobs to help earn enough money to buy food and clothing the family needed.

“The boy worked very hard, grew up strong, and learned a lot through his experiences. He read books whenever he could, and was interested in learning the things he had missed by not going to school. Often he would say how sad he was not to have had a formal education. He was a wonderful man and worked hard to develop himself. And he kept hoping that someday he could get back to school again. But he never had that chance. This little boy who grew up wanting to continue his schooling was my father.

“Because of my father’s experience, he was very anxious for me to have a good education. When I’d say, ‘But I don’t want to go to school,’ he’d say, ‘Then I’ll go in your place. Do you think the teacher would mind? I wonder if I can fit into the seat at your desk?’

“That always made me laugh because I think it would have frightened my teacher to see a grown man coming to school, and I knew he couldn’t fit into the small seat at my desk. So I would go to school. …

“Later when I had graduated from high school, served a mission, and completed my courses in college, I went on to earn a Ph.D. from a school in New England. …

“When I received my diploma I wanted my father to have it. He had never received a graduation diploma from any school and I thought he deserved this one. I told him that although my name was on it, the diploma should really be awarded to him. I told him they probably just made a mistake in the printing. That made him laugh and then it made him cry. I wasn’t sure then why it made him cry—but I know now” (“Do You Think I Can Fit into Your Seat?” Friend, Sept. 1978, pp. 6–7).

I am thankful for the opportunity to teach the Young Women of my ward this lesson and to have had the opportunity to obtain the secular education that I have gained, thus far!

Hot Air Balloons

Tonight I was able to see some glowing hot air balloons when I walked out our front door and looked towards the mountains. Sierra Vista does a hot air balloon glow once a year. Last year we missed it, so it was nice to catch a glimpse this weekend.

Marine Corps Ball

Today I am grateful for the chance to dress up, do my hair, fix my makeup and enjoy a night out on the town with my handsome hubby. He was the Adjutant for this year's Marine Corps Ball on Ft. Huachuca and I am proud of him--he didn't mess up or anything! ;) The food was so-so (per usual) but I made a few friends and took a few good pictures, so it was worth all the effort!

Ipod Shuffle

Tonight I am thankful for my ipod shuffle. It helps me get through my runs in the morning. I would be lost without it!

Vacuum cleaner

Today I am thankful for my new vacuum cleaner. I am thankful that it almost makes cleaning FUN!

Firesides

Tonight our ward held our quarterly Bishop's Youth Discussion; a.k.a. youth "fireside". We had such an awesome youth turnout! The bishop spoke about leadership traits, tasks, and skills. He also spoke about being morally clean (D&C 121:45). I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know the youth and feel uplifted.

Spudnuts

This morning I baked an apple pie to bring to the annual Stake Fall Fair Day. While on my way to submitting my pie, I spied a booth that looked to be making donuts--similar in shape to Krispy Kreme donuts (my favorite might I add--per my dad, I used to call them "Kispy Keme" donuts). After I dumped off my wares, I stood in line (20 minutes!) for a "spudnut"--a donut made out of potatoes! It was really tasty and had a maple glaze on it. Today I am grateful for the opportunity to try new things!

Chopsticks

Today our office said farewell to the Matthews family, who are currently on their way to Germany. We enjoyed a nice luncheon at Hana Tokyo in their honor. We ate sushi, salad and tempura. I am grateful for chopstick and the opportunity to teach my officemates a thing or two about Japanese traditions.

Internet T.V.

If you know Jared and myself well, you know that we do not have cable television. Not only does it save us $70.00 a month that most "normal" people are spending on the boob toob, it saves a lot of wasted time in our house. However, I have been enjoying some evenings watching A&E shows on the internet. Tonight we watched "Hoarders" after a quick family home evening lesson, and I am thankful for the chance to spend time with Jared doing so.

Clean sheets

Today I am grateful for clean sheets and a wonderful husband who washes the laundry and folds it, too!

Gentleman

This morning was a little disappointing for me, so I went on a nice 4-mile run around a trail close to our home. As I rounded a bend that leads to the last leg of the route, I passed a nice elderly couple walking together. I didn't have headphones in my ears, so I loudly said "good morning" to them, and listened to their response. The older man said "Good morning...God bless you today!" He reminded me that Heavenly Father is very mindful of me, personally, and it completely made my day. I am so thankful for good, kind, Christian people, who (although differ in religious specifics) share the same morals and values as myself. I don't think that man realized how much I needed to hear that! Today I am thankful for that man!

Hoses

Today I am grateful for my garden hoses in the front and back yards. I water the flowers and fill up the bird baths nearly every morning, and I am grateful I do not have to haul water up from a well or river!

Missionary Program

Tonight my husband is out spending time with a 19-year old who just got called to serve a 2-year Argentine mission for our church. Jared served in a nearby mission (nearly 12 years ago!) and thought he might have some words of wisdom to share with this young man. I am grateful for the missionary program and how it teaches people to grow physically (in a good way!), intellectually, culturally, and spiritually while serving the Lord. I am also thankful for my husband for setting a good example and serving an honorable mission!

Freezer

Have I mentioned yet that I am grateful for our refrigerator and freezer? I cannot imagine life without the ease of stocking up on food, a glass of cold milk with cookies, and ice (not in block form!).

Fast Sundays

Today is not fast Sunday, but we are fasting. Jared may have the opportunity to be assigned to a billet that would PCS us to another state by the 2nd of November--less than three weeks from today. It is a billet that would allow him to: capitalize on his interests and the ideas/concepts he has studied over the years (undergraduate and graduate degrees), deploy, work a joint-forces tasker, learn a new language, learn a new culture, strengthen our international brother's and sister's military forces and "fight the fight" as a Marine.

Fasting has three purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the conrtibution of fast offerings, it is a benefit to us physically, and it is to increase humility and spirituality individually.

We are fasting today, that J will be selected, and that the selection panel will feel confidence in his credentials and impressed by his desire to serve and volunteer for such a task. We also prayed that if he is selected, we would continue to do what is right--read our scriptures, pray, etc. that we might be a good example to those around us. Finally, we prayed that I would be able to make arrangements as necessary and with ease. Today I feel that H.F. is helping me to feel at peace with the idea, mostly because it would require such a quick move and it is right in the middle of my thesis course (not to mention that J would be gone for more than 12+ months at a time, on and off for three years!). I pray that he will be selected because he has such a desire to be a part of the efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, because this job would be right up his alley and it is one at which he would excel. If you read this, say a prayer for him!

Vehicle

Today I am grateful for our vehicles and how they help tote everything and everyone around. I am grateful for the fact that they are not breaking down or falling apart--and even LOOK sorta well-kept. Today my car carried me to a church activity, to a mall in Tucson and back, and to the grocery store. Life would be so hard without a vehicle.

Big Comfy Bed

Today I am grateful for our big comfy bed. I read, sleep, eat, and do homework all in our bed! I am thankful for our nice home and the comfortable things we have inside of it.

Quiet time

Today I am grateful for enjoying private quiet time. Jared allowed me to take some personal time this evening, in which I had the opportunity to read, to work on my thesis in peace and to reflect upon the business of the day. I am thankful for his thoughtfulness.

Sharing

Today I am grateful for some PCSing friends for sharing their pantry with us (since they can't pack and ship it). We received everything from frozen fruit and veggies, to baking flours and flax seed, to fish sauce and rice vinegar. I am thankful they thought of us and knew that we would use their offering!

Crockpots

Today I am grateful for my crockpots and this yummy BBQ chicken I was able to prepare with them. Notice it is plural: my first crockpot was placed into storage when we moved to Japan. I missed it so much, that a few months in I ordered another crockpot and had it shipped to me in Okinawa! I am grateful for how easy they make dinner and the associated clean up!

Family Night Phantom

Jared and I started a tradition when we were first married, and this is the 5th year we are following through on it. Today I am grateful for the Family Night Phantom.

On the first Monday night in October, we drop 4-6 plates of goodies off to families in our ward. Attached to the plates are the following message:

The Family Night Phantom strikes again

On Family Night, the night for fun.

From us to you we leave this treat

To make your Family Night complete.

Next week's Family Night, it falls on you,

The Family Night Phantom's job to do.

Just pick two families (not on your street)

And leave a treat that's nice to eat.

Deliver the treat with special care;

Run back to your car and into thin air.

With the treat, leave leave this note at the door

So the Family Night Phantom can strike twice more!

We usually do a bunch of plates so that things get shaking and moving, so that by the end of October, when people get tired of it (or get hit weekly) and it dies off, most families with kids have had a chance to participate. So, tonight I am grateful for the opportunity to participate once more!

General Conference

Today I am grateful for the truthfulness of the Savior's gospel, and the leadership of the Latter-day Saint church. I am thankful for the leader's testimonies, their inspiration and their examples. I am grateful for the opportunity to watch conference in my home.

Rainy Days

Today was a rainy day. All day. I am grateful for rainy days and the excuse to do nothing on days like today!

BBQ Grill

Today I am grateful for our barbeque grill and the opportunity we had to enjoy dinner with friends. We all enjoyed some yummy steaks and some baked sweet potatoes. I am grateful for a peaceful Spirit in our home and the opportunity we have to share that Spirit with others!

Ice Cream

Today and yesterday I visited one-on-one with a few of the Beehives (12/13 year old girls at church), whom I serve. We were able to enjoy Dairy Queen Blizzards. Today I am grateful for ice cream and the opportunity to get to know those lovely little ladies!

Pay Day

I am thankful for PAY DAY! I love working on our budget and paying for things out-of-pocket, not on credit. Jared and I have been credit-card debt free for several months now, and I am thankful (after a few setbacks--including necessary car repairs and funeral expenses for a friend who recently passed away) we have been able to stay on track. Every payday means we are a pay day closer to being 100% debt free! Woohoo!

Rosetta Stone

I've been working on Rosetta Stone this past week, and I am excited that I am taking my first steps towards learning Spanish. I am thankful for the chance to learn and hope that I can become semi-fluent, especially with the help of Jared and his current fluency in the language.

Parents

Today I am grateful for goodly parents. I have been volunteering as a CASA over the last few months, and it is (unforunately) overwhelming how ignorant and selfish some adults/parents exert themselves to be. Because of this, I now have an even greater appreciation for my parents and their good example to myself and my many siblings. I hope that Jared and I can instill good values in our own children!

Physical health

Today the lesson in YW's was on Caring for Our Physical Bodies. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a healthy, shapely (Jared likes to say that "round is a shape!") body. Knowledge, exercise, rest, grooming, nutrition are all requirements of taking care of our body. I am trying my hardest to maintain balance in taking care of my body, and I am thankful that H.F. has blessed me with a desire to maintain the health of my physical temple.

Running with Jared

Today I am grateful for Jared running with me. We only went 4 miles this morning, but he tagged along and was excited to spend time with me. Thus, the day is already off to a great start. I am grateful for the opportunity to take care of my body. We are taking the plunge and trying to conceive, so I am grateful that I am in shape (and can continue to run in the event I get pregnant) since I am already on an exercise regiment.

Cinnamon rolls

Today I am grateful for homemade cinnamon rolls, and the bread machine that makes them easy to make.

Bishop

This month a new bishop was called to serve our ward. He is young, energetic, technologically savvy, and eager to serve. Today, I am grateful for his counsel, knowledge, and the time he donates to us as members of his ward.

I was reflecting upon a short lesson he shared with the youth this week at mutual: doing anything 15 minutes a day, turns in to 90 minutes a week, which turns in to 5 hours a month, which turns in to 60 hours a year. 60 hours a year of practicing the piano, reading scriptures, or learning a new language means that you could get pretty darn good at one of those things! He has inspired me to start learning Spanish (Jared knows it and I would like us to try and speak it to our children), practice my instrument (clarinet/piano) again, and spend more time during the day studying/reading the scriptures. Thank you bishop!

Budget

Today I am thankful for our cash budget. We've been living off a cash budget for over two years (I was looking back to the original computer file and it is dated June of 2007) and we are in a great spot for sticking with it. I am grateful for my great grandma Evelyn, who used a cash envelope system her entire life, and her example of staying out of debt! In addition to having a nice cushion of savings and investments, Jared and I are (and have been) credit card debt free, almost car debt free, and soon-to-be student loan debt free. I am grateful for the ability to stick to our budget!

Fall!

Today is the first day of Fall, and I am grateful for that. Although no leaves are swirling down to the ground around us, the temperature is already more pleasant than a month ago, and a breeze has picked up. I am greatful for four distinct seasons! I missed that while living in Japan!

Cream of Wheat

Silly, I know, but I love cream of wheat. It has been my breakfast of choice this week (sometimes I eat the same thing 4 or 5 mornings in a row). I feel healthy when I eat it for breakfast--that or fresh oatmeal with brown sugar. Perhaps I feel this way because the Lord gave us THIS? As an aside, we've been limiting our red meat intake, and not only has the grocery bill gone down, we've been able to try a whole lot of new fish and chicken recipes. Anyways, I am grateful for warm cream of wheat for breakfast.

Water

Today I am grateful for clean water that gives life to creatures, plants, and the Earth.

Pioneer Heritage

Jared and I chaperoned the Sierra Vista Stake Youth Conference today. We participated in a pioneer handcart trek along the San Pedro Riverbed, one of the historic trails that the men of the Mormon Battalion traveled along, after Brigham Young called them to serve their country. Today, I am thankful for pioneer heritage, and although I am not related to any famous pioneers, I am grateful for the Mormon pioneers and others who trekked West in order to establish religious freedom. I am further grateful for the heritage of my own family, and those who willingly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ; this provided me with the opportunity to accept its truth.

Alarm System

Today we had our alarm system re-installed in the new home. After two months of living here (and two months of paying for monitoring despite NOT receivng services!), installation was a great accomplishment! I am grateful for the alarm system, and the sense of safety that it brings to our home.

Automobile

I found myself running a lot of errands today, going back and forth from post and home (several times due to cat vet appointments, work, lunch etc...). Today I am thankful for my vehicle and for the places it brings me to. This Thanksgiving we will be spending time with some of our most favorite people, and I am grateful to have an automobile to drive and visit them.

Microwave

Today I am thankful for the microwave. Although there is some debate regarding the safety of their use (the whole breaking down a cell thing), I love microwaves! Every meal I consumed today required use of a microwave. Thank goodness for that invention.

Grocery Store

Despite previously mentioning that I love our food storage, I also love the grocery store and the easy convenience it provides. I am grateful for the ability to pick up nearly any ingredient in a location, and if need be, zipping out the door of the store in less than 5 minutes time thanks to speedy checkers. The next time I am in a long line at he grocery store, I will remind myself that I am not plowing, seeding, weeding, watering, or growing all my food. Or ringing anything's neck, for that matter.

Nice Neighbors

Today I am grateful for neighbors. We were able to spend a few minutes chatting with some of our favorite neighbors. They are the type of neighbors who let us borrow things from them, help kill our weeds, and accept our baked goods despite being on diets. They particiapate in garage sales with us, volunteer with us, listen to us moan about bad neighbors, and grill out with us. I love good neighbors!

Constitutional Rights

Today I am thankful for our Constitutional rights, including our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. Jared and I sat through an Arizona carry/conceal weapon course yesterday, and I learned a lot about gun safety and gun owner rights and responsibilities. I am grateful that we have that right to have that protection in our home!  I’m also grateful for speech and religious freedoms.

Computer

Tonight I am thankful for my laptop computer and the ability it gives me to complete my long-distance education, keep in touch with faraway family and friends, organize photos, play games, and balance the checkbook accurately!

First-responders

Today I am thankful to first-responders (Soldiers, Marines, Policemen, Firemen, etc.) who assist during tradegies and emergencies. I am thankful to those kind strangers (to me) who lost their lives on 9/11 for a good cause. I pray and hope the surviving family members of those volunteers feel peace and understanding, knowing that their family members sacrificed for the noble cause of saving lives.

Music

Today I am thankful for GOOD music. I am grateful to the Lord for giving people musical gift/genius for creating symphonic arrangements and musical works/hymns that uplift and bring peace to our hearts. This week I will "sing unto Him a new song" and "play skillfully with a loud voice" in sacrament meeting! Psalms 33:3

Healthcare

Today I am thankful for my inexpensive, comprehensive dental and medical care, thanks to Tricare and my hardworking Marine Corps husband. I am grateful that for medicine, allergy pills, and the like that allow me to live in comfort on a daily basis.

Moon

Today on my early morning run I was able to see the moon set behind the Huachuca Mountains, and the sun rise from the West. I wonder how many people can say the same? For this, I am grateful.

Sewing Machine

I am SO grateful for my sewing machine. I can only imagine how it would have been back in the "old days" to sew things by hand, and do a good job! How time intensive that must have been, too. In order to more thoroughly participate in the upcoming Pioneer Trek (with Jared as a chaperone "Ma" and "Pa"), I have sewn a slat-bonnet and matching apron. It took me over 4 hours to do both--and that was with an electric machine. I am thankful that Jared bought it for me as a Christmas gift a few years back...

Rain

Today I am thankful for the much needed rain/thunderstorms that have been rolling in throughout the morning and afternoon. The storms sound peaceful, the lightning is amazing and the cool air feels wonderful.

America

Today I am thankful that I am an American and that I was born a free citizen in a democratic country. We had quite a few Mexicans drive up to buy things at our yard sale today--what a rough life! I almost wanted to hand things over to them for free!

Shooting Range

Jared and I went shooting this afternoon.  Out of 50 shells, 31 of them are accounted for on my target! Woohoo!  I’m thankful for something to do in this small desert town.

Paper Shredders

I am thankful for paper shredders and how they minimize the hassle of disposing of old bills, new receipts and daily junk mail. A paper shredder at the Office of the SJA makes light work for me when I shred old client files. Additionally, I am thankful that the city of Tucson recycles shredded paper (and many other things of course) and that we can travel up there and dump our recycling off on the way to the mall or cannery.

Sushi

Today I enjoyed lunch with girlfriend at Hanna Tokyo. I love sushi! I miss the fresh "stuff" from Japan, but some of the local restaurants come pretty darn close. I am grateful that Heavenly Father placed so many things on the Earth for us to eat and enjoy!

Tissues

Today I am thankful for tissues and the fact that they clean boogers outta your nose and wipe tears outta your eyes (in a sanitary manner).

Education

Today I am grateful for my education. Several of my girlfriends have decided to go back to school or take classes--and I am really proud of them. Women need to be educated! Personally, I am so thankful for the opportunity to complete my undergraduate and graduate (14 weeks from today I'll be done!) degrees sans children pulling me in every which direction. Furthermore, I have a wonderfully supportive husband who encourages me to be a lifelong learner, and who is able to support me financially in those goals.

Sleeping In

Sleeping in is a luxury for me since I have to be to work by 7:30 A.M. Monday through Friday, and running on Saturday morning means I can't sleep in since it is too hot to do so anytime after 8:00 A.M. Usually on Sundays mornings, I have meetings or other church obligations to prepare for, but not today! Jared and I were both able to get a refreshing night's sleep last night, thus waking up happy and recharged this morning. I am thankful for a chance to sleep in.

Food Storage

Today Jared and I went to the cannery in Tucson. We learned about the ordering process, as well as how to work on the line and clean up after we serve. We budgeted, ordered, and finally picked up/canned a large order (4+ month plus) of bulk-food storage so we are feeling really good about where we are at with things. Jared even had to buy another 6-shelf unit at Home Depot to hold it all (our 3rd one)! It is a great blessing to be prepared because you can feel at peace with what it to come...

Quality Time

I am grateful for quality time with my husband. I love Friday nights (nearly our only evening during the week with no obligations) when I can eat dinner in peace and enjoy snuggling on the couch with him watching a movie.

Girlfriends

Tonight I am thankful for girlfriends and for the opportunity to spend time with them and socialize with them. I am thankful for their good advice, their laughter and their friendship!

Mailman

Today I am thankful for the mailman and the goodies we get thanks to the U.S. Postal Service--letters, cards, packages, transcripts, DVDs, paychecks and even bills. We are so lucky to have mail transported safely across the North American continent. If we didn't have the mailman, I think we would have an expensive, privatized mail system.

Left-overs

Tonight I am thankful for left-overs so I do not have to cook dinner. We are so blessed to have food storage, food on our shelves and food in our 'fridge!

Feet

Yesterday, as I was wheeling a borrowed T.V. back to the church library (we watched a movie on morality in Young Women's), I nipped the back of my heel on the cart. Not only did it rip heel skin, it drew blood--and plenty of it. This morning, I woke up early, dressed my wound with a bandaid goop-full of Neosporin (reinforced by Moleskin), and tried to go on my usual run, to no avail; the pressure of my sneakers simply hurt. Thus, today I am grateful for healthy feet (past and future) that give me the opportunity to exercise and stay fit.

Temple Work

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to do temple work and to learn more about the Lord and his Plan of Salvation, in so doing. I am thankful that we had enough money to fill our truck up with gasoline and that we did not have any flat tires or engine trouble. I am thankful that the temple is less than a 3 hour drive, and that it was cloudy/overcast so Jared and I were not sunburned while driving in the truck to Mesa! I am also thankful for the quality time I was able to spend with my husband.