21st

21) Today I am thankful for diversions. Genius golfer took The Boy and The Girl and Me to the movies. We saw the new Twilight movie, New Moon. Cheesy, yes, but better than the first. But sometimes it is just nice to veg-out and not think about real life. I probably need it a little more often, but I'll take what I can get when it comes to diversions.

20-ith

20) I am thankful today that I have the privilege of being a "stay-at-home" mom. There was a time I remember that I wouldn't have called it a privilege, but I see the wisdom in being here and raising my kids. I also have gained a greater sense of worth in doing that job. I am grateful to be the one who teaches, encourages, disciplines and corrects my own kids. I am grateful that I have the chance to help at their school and have worked in their classes. I am thankful to know many of their friends this way and have been able to get a sense of what is happening in their school life. Even though I seem to be rarely "home" I am available to my kids and make it a point to be home with them when they are here. Much like the army, this is toughest job I'll ever love. And I am very grateful for that.

The Final Teenth

19) I am grateful to be of service to Dear Friend Tammy and her husband, Mr. Rick. I go again today to spend the day with her and help her to be comfortable. I am thankful I have time to to do this. I am thankful for our friendship over the two decades or so I have know them. I am thankful for the trust this put in me to keep her safe and comfortable while Mr. Rick goes to the office for his job. I am grateful for the medical advances that they are utilizing and the additional time they have bought her. I am thankful that my capacity for compassion has increased in proportion to my need. Almost two years ago, I didn't think I had patience to do this, at least for this long. But when you care for someone, you find the ability and the motivation. I am thankful for all I am learning about myself through this experience. I am thankful I am on the giving end of this service, rather than in Tammy's place. Does that make me rude, to write that out loud? I hope not, but I a certainly am grateful for that.

18th

18th) I am thankful today for missionaries. Somewhere, for almost all of us, there was a missionary who introduced the Gospel to our family. For some, that happened a hundred years or more ago. For some of ,a bit more recently.

This weekend three just returned missioanries will be speaking in their sacrament meetings in our stake. I'll get to hear two of them. I am excited to see how they have matured and how they have internalized the Gospel and what expereiences they will share. This morning I wrote to one from our stake that just left. I know the newbie a little better than the two retruning I get to hear, but the expereiences will be life altering, regardless.

Thanks to all your have served, who are serving, and those prepring to serve someday. What a remarkable difference the Gospel makes in my life. Thank you.

17th

17) Today I am grateful that we are scaling down Christmas this year. By mutual consent, Genius Golfer and I decided on and budgeted for a much lower key Christmas. I have been working on things for a while, and upon checking my list today I have only two more items to pick up. I goal was to be done by Thanksgiving so I could enjoy the season without giving in the the "last minute" and "in case you forgot" purchasing. If we hadn't scaled back this year I'd not be anywhere close to being done. My holiday stress offers thanks in advance.

The 16th

16) Today I am thankful for a car that works when I need it and is as reliable as I could ask. I visited three different chapels yesterday in a three hour time period. I was so glad to have a car that starts when I get in it and runs when I drive it and goes where I need it to go. I saw a nail int eh right front tire this past week and had it pulled out on Friday at the Les Schwab near us. The nail was tiny and went into the treat sideways so it didn't poke through. Another reason to love this car. Yes, the price of filling the tank isn't quite what the little Honda has been for the past year, but this one is paid for and fits all the kids I need to haul around in it. I am grateful fro the mobility to drive and the freedom that give me. Some days, it's nice to know I COULD run away, if I wanted to. I'm thankful for that too.

Gratitude, Halfway There

15) This morning I am grateful for the local extended family I have.

Yesterday was day two of the countywide high school swim meet and Grandpa Herb traveled an hour south (on a BYU game day!) to watch The Girl and our two cousins--Bryce and Garret--who swim for Provo. He was a good sport and watched intently--at least he seemed interested. And he didn't put his AM radio headphones on during out kids' heats. He could keep up with the Cougars in New Mexico, and our kids in the pool. Uncle V and Aunt L along with grown up cousin, Miss Larisa, also came over to see them swim.

I had three cousins I knew well as I grew up, but that was three out of about ten more. I hope my kids get a different experience as we try to do things together with Genius Golfer's family. They enjoy getting together and hanging out with their cousins. We get a lot of support in family events from everyone, so that helps that feelings of family develop too. For all that, I am grateful.