Gracius

Don't worry, just because I have missed another week, it does not mean I am not grateful for anything. Quite the contrary actually. It may be because I have so MUCH to be thankful for right now that there just isn't time to write about it. So, my heart is full, but since my brain is on overload and went to bed two hours ago, I'm not going to do my usual list. I do however, want to just say how much Albert and I are grateful for our parents. They have spent hours and hours of their time helping us get our house ready. We could never have done it without them. THANK YOU!!!!

You're so good to me

Here's a little bit of what I'm happy to have this week.

1. Cool weather--It's not very often that I can go out in the morning and have to remind myself that it is not spring, it's actually August.

2. Excedrin--Right now we're out of this lovely headache medicine, and let's just say, I wish we weren't.

3. Winder 9th ward--Today was our last day at our ward. We have absolutely loved it and we will definitely miss everyone we have come to love.

4. Moms--Both Albert's and my mom helped us get started on cleaning out our new house this weekend. I am pretty much overwhelmed with it all, so their expertise is very much appreciated.

5. Albert, for taking care of me when I am sick.

So many beautiful reasons I have to be Happy!

So, I slacked off last week and didn't write. In my defense, our internet was down most of the week, but after seeing Julie and Julia last night, I have a new motivation to keep plugging along on my "gratitude blog". I put that in quotes because Albert insists that our blog doesn't consist solely of my thankful posts..."We'll still post other stuff," he says, "with pictures." Well, if you count the number of other posts since I started, you will know why I am comfortable calling it my gratitude blog. But, don't be alarmed when something else pops up every other month or so!

1. A house! Albert and I are closing on a house this week! I can't believe it; there is a part of me that is worried something will fall through because it all seems too good to be true. I will definitely keep you posted on this one.

2. New job--I don't normally like to include work in blogging and facebook and such, so enjoy while you can...I have the opportunity to start a new job right now, and from what I have seen so far, it is a very positive atmosphere, and I am just excited to try something new.

3. My calling as a Primary teacher--As you may have noticed (Sadie...), I talk about what I learn in Primary all the time. Because of the upcoming move, I got released today. I have absolutely loved this calling. I used to think that Primary wouldn't be a good place for me because I deal with kids all through the week and I need a break on Sundays. However, that has not been the case. I love the people I work with, the kids are great, I have learned so much in the lessons and the music...it's awesome. I will miss it.

4. Camping--ok, so if you know me, you may be a tiny bit confused. Let's face it, I am just not a camper. It is really stressful to me. Packing is insane with every single little thing to remember. And then when you get there, I hate using the outhouse every 45 minutes (because my bladder decides to shrink when I am in the mountains), trying to brush my teeth and wash my face with a water bottle, and of course trying to fall asleep when you're freezing cold and burning up at the same time. But, I am so glad I have people who I love to get me out camping. It ends up being such a good experience. I love hanging out, chilling in a hammock, reading, playing games, eating good food (because all food tastes better in the mountains), canoeing, laughing, and the list goes on.

5. Albert--because of his crazy persistance and amazing attitude, we are closing on a house this week. And even now, as I am sitting in front of the computer, he is diligently packing and boxing stuff up, which is something I have somewhat been dreading. He is such a good example; hopefully some of his positive outlooks on life are rubbing off on me!

Whenever I think about pioneers I think of brave women and men

"Let us remember with gratitude and reverent respect those who have gone before us, who paid so dear a price in laying the foundation for that which we enjoy this day."

--President Hinckley

1. Definitely thankful for the pioneers who sacrificed so much on their journey out west. I know I will never really comprehend all that they went through; I just hope that I always remember what they did and never take them for granted.

2. I am also grateful for the modern day pioneers who are brave enough to step...no, leap...outside of their comfort zones. I hope I can learn from their examples.

3. I am thankful for the medical knowledge and equipment we have today. I learned in Primary that the number one cause of death among the pioneers was illness. I am grateful for my health.

4. Because of my ancestors, I am who I am today. I don't know a whole lot about my family tree, but I would definitely like to learn more about where I came from. Thanks Rosens, and Maglebys, and Allens, and Hansens, etc. I am glad to be in Utah and a part of your family!

5. Albert comes from a great family. His grandparents converted to the church when his mom was a teenager. His parents raised their family in the church, and I got to marry an awesome man who I know will someday teach his children all about the pioneers!

I can see clearly now

It has been a good week. I really can't complain; things are going well, it's been a good summer, and I still have some fun weekends to look forward to. Here's to life!

1. Sunscreen--Albert and I went to the pool yesterday. I absolutley love being able to sit outside and read, and when it gets too hot, just hop in the pool. Oh, it was great. I got sunburned in a couple spots where I obviously missed with the sunscreen. Seeing the difference proved to me the effectiveness of sunscreen.

2. Kirtland Temple--even though it is currently not used as it was initially intended, it was the first temple built in the latter days. I am grateful to the saints who sacrificed so much to build the temple, from which revelation was received, and missionary and temple work were restored.

3. Fresh fruit--so refreshing, and good for you!

4. Glasses and contacts--I am just glad to be able to see, even if my eyes aren't as perfect as Albert's.

5. Albert--So, ever since I stopped being roommates with my roommates, there have been two movies that I have missed--You've Got Mail and That Thing You Do. Two of my very favorites, and while I lived with my friends, they were just there in the cupboard with the rest of the movies. But then I moved out, and it didn't take me long to realize the void. After a couple years of endless quoting and "subtle" hints, Albert gave me You've Got Mail for Christmas, and this week he surprised me, out of the blue, with That Thing You Do! Thanks Alb, I love ya!

1. Air conditioning--in the car, in the house, I don't know what I'd do without it.

2. Daylight--I love that it can be 9:oo at night and it is still light outside; gotta love those summer nights!

3. Mountains--I really haven't done a whole lot in the mountains this summer (yet), but they are just so beautiful. I find myself looking in awe at the mountains all the time.

4. Sherbet--not as good as ice cream, but when you've gotta have your ice cream fix, the sherbet is a healthier choice I suppose.

5. Albert, for being such good friends with my, I mean, our, friends!

God bless America

On this 4th of July weekend, I think I will dedicate this week's list to the U. S. of A.

1. I am thankful for the freedoms I enjoy. Of course there are many, but with it being Sunday, I can't help but be grateful for being able to worship as I choose; I think I take that for granted way too often.

2. I am grateful to those who came before me, who sacrificed so much and made it possible for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today.

3. I love our country's flag. I learned today in Primary what each color stands for:
Red--Courage
White--Loyalty
Blue--Liberty

4. I love the beauty of the land. America the Beautiful says it all.

5. I am thankful for Albert for celebrating the birthday of our nation with me.