Quiet time (II)

Today I am thankful for the quiet time in my life--particularly those moments when there is a silent peace, and I have no sense of urgency to complete "just one more thing."  My entire day felt busy and rushed, particularly during my commute (I ran late this morning) and while at home after work while completing Relief Society service through monthly administrative tasks (quarterly attendance, birthday cards, newsletter preparation).  Days like today makes me ever more grateful for down time.

The anticipation of a homecoming

Jared has been gone for nearly 7 months now--and I am anxiously awaiting his arrival in the next few weeks. I am grateful for his safety, growth, and for the opportunity we will soon have to be together again as a little family. I am thankful for the anticipation of a deployment reunion and homecoming!

My sister Emily

Today I am grateful for my sister Emily Claire aka Eclaire aka Goober. See, she is my first sister--the oldest of the four that I was blessed to receive. She was a pretty baby and always was a pretty girl, too. Now, she is a beautiful woman.  Many of my guy friends (yes, including my husband!) comment to me that she is very attractive. She was always the peacemaker of the family and relishes the fact that she is the middle child (of seven). Recently, she has re-activated herself within the LDS community. She has started reading the Book of Mormon daily, attending institute, participating in worship services and dating talented, spiritual, attractive, successful religious guys. And I am very happy for her, and grateful to live vicariously through her! :) I am grateful for her example--an example of how you CAN just pick up living the gospel and do it happily and without questioning. She confided in me that she always knew that the gospel was true, and that Jesus is our Savior, she just didn't always know when she would choose to take the leap of faith and go with God's Will and not her own. I know that she will make the right choices and live in bliss in the future. Love you, Emily.

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.