Random Ramblings of Gratitude...

So my younger sis did a post on blessings received, and challenged anyone to post one similar. Today while I was in the shower (my few moments of "quiet" thinking/reflecting time) I was thinking of things I was grateful for as well. These are in no particular order, but just what popped in mind, and they are in no way all-encompassing, either.

I was thinking of the tender mercies of the Lord I've received. Sometimes they are not very big things at all, but just quiet reminders that we are never forgotten about. Sometimes as a parent, you do a small act of kindness for your child, just to show them you love them. Likewise, our Heavenly Father does His own small acts of kindness, just to show us His love.

I am eternally grateful for the husband I have. I don't know how I got so lucky (blessed) to snatch him. He is a perfect fit for me; he truly is my best friend. Whether I'm venting about this or that, or just having a plain old conversation, he is a great listener. He has taught me more than anyone or anything on how to be a better communicator and listener. I love asking his opinion on things, because I usually get a better insight on whatever issue is on my mind. He is so kind to people, too. He is like a big teddy bear. I am fascinated with the way people are magnetized to him. The old adage of "strangers are friends we haven't met yet" definitely applies to Mike. He makes every one feel comfortable and at ease. It is a quality I would love to have. He's also taught me a lot about other things, but I'll leave it at this for now.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I have always wanted to be a mom. When we were in high school, we were asked to write an essay about what we wanted to be, career-wise. I wrote about wanting to be a homemaker. I interviewed moms that stayed at home and have always wanted to be with my kids. Mike and I made a deal, as long as I didn't have to work outside the home, I wouldn't complain about where we lived (and believe me, we've lived in a few towns I don't want to reside in again!). So far, I haven't had to work outside the home.

And, how could I not mention the two beautiful girls that call me mom. They are so different (different could be an understatement here). But they bring so much joy into my life. Sometimes I am in awe that I have been entrusted to raise these kids. They can bring out extreme emotions in me, but I love them dearly and would not exchange these little monkeys (I mean girls) for anything. :0)

I am also grateful for my family. My parents for planting the seed of the gospel in my life and for nourishing it until it took roots of its own. I'm grateful for my brothers, for being there to listen to my woes of dating and for encouraging my to spread my wings a little further. I'm grateful for my sisters...they continually are patient with me and my craziness...I'm so glad they are willing to listen to me (sometimes for hours), laugh with me, and cry with me...they are great consultants, too! I'm also grateful for my brothers-in-law...they are so much fun to be around...I love my sisters-in-law, too. I consider them to be some of my greatest friends and am glad they accept me for me. And can I just say I hate referring to them (brothers and sisters-in law) as -in laws. I consider them siblings. And I consider my siblings as the greatest friends I could ever ask for!

Whether you are an old friend or a new friend, I am grateful for you. My friends have been so good to me. I love that they keep in touch with me, even when I neglect to call them forever (sorry). My friends have been great examples to me and I cannot express my gratitude for buoying me up in my times of need. Thank you.

And lastly (because this is probably boring most of you and is getting a little lengthy), I am grateful for the gospel in my life. This encompasses so much, I don't really know what to say. I am grateful for my testimony...for knowing I AM a daughter of God, for knowing I WILL be able to return to live with Him once more, for knowing I CAN repent of my mistakes and wrongdoings, and I KNOW the power of prayer is real...I see the proof of it daily. I know the fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth through a boy who prayed in earnest in a quiet grove, and that today we have a living prophet who is the mouthpiece of the Lord. I know that the true priesthood is here on this earth and I know that the scriptures are true...I get excited when I read something and that little light bulb above my head springs to life with new light from an "a-ha" moment--a new understanding. I know that if I live the best I can, I get to be with my family forever, and that is a great comfort to me.

So that ended up longer than I thought. Thanks to whoever read it all...but I think it was more for me anyway! My sister said she could read back on her post of blessings when she gets discouraged and be encouraged through reading what she has to be grateful for, and I suppose I can do the same! I'll leave the same challenge, too, since Thanksgiving is approaching and we are all a little more mindful of the things we've been blessed with. If you want to post it on a blog, go for it, or you can just do a little private reflecting of your own!

Halloween Fun (plus some)....

The girls had loads of fun with Halloween this year. Emily was Eeyore for Halloween. Emily wasn't too sure about her costume, but as soon as she figured out she gets candy when she wears it, she thought it was a good idea. Brooke was a witch (again) this year. I asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween this year, and she said, "I want to be a witch. A nice one."

For Enrichment in October, I made a Christmas table runner. I do not claim to be good with a sewing machine...so when I made this runner and it actually tuned out decent, I was pretty pleased with myself and my little project. Here's a picture of it (Sorry about the quality, but I don't have the best of cameras, yet...I keep hinting for one for Christmas, so we'll see if I get my wish or not!).

A side note....can any of you believe it is already November? In my brain I knew it was just a short bit away, but I can't believe it is already here...before I know it, it will be a new year. Where does the time fly?

Pictures I promised...

Here are some pictures from our latest rendevous to G&G Tolman's house.

Brooke is showing mom what face she wants carved. She said she wanted a "scary face." She found an owl face that looked scary, so we tried it....

Parents and kids start in on their pumpkins they picked from Grandpa's garden.
Yep, Brooke is taking a "much needed" break...Mom scooped most of the junk out and did most of the work, but Brooke helped some, too.
The grandkids (and me because Emily wouldn't sit) with their final products!
Here they are!! Brooke's pumpkin is the first one (remember it is "suppose" to be an owl...no laughing, please). :0)

Visit to Grandpa & Grandma's House...

So the girls and I made a quick trip to Idaho for the weekend. We left Thursday and got back yesterday afternoon. It was a fun trip, but it is always nice to be home. My mom had surgery on her hand and my younger sister, Katie, had a her second baby girl, so it was nice to go visit the new addition and to help my mom out (if I helped any).

While I was there, I made 36 pints of applesauce, too! After finishing off the first box of apples and 1/3 of the way through the second box, I told my mom, "I'm done." That was enough for me for one day. The night before, I had a long night with Emily. I think she is getting her two-year molars. She gets a fever and doesn't feel very well when she teeths. So, of course, I didn't plan on her teething while we were gone, so I had no meds with me or anything of the sort. My dear brother and his wife were kind enough to run into town to get a few things for me, while my mom ran to a neighbor's house toget a thermometer (somehow, she had gotten rid of all of hers). After we got some motrin into Emily, she felt a lot better. Through the night, however, her fever returned and she didn't sleep well. She only would sleep ON me, and for everyone who has ever had a kid sleep on them, you know neither of you sleep well. But, by the next afternoon, she was feeling well, and still no teeth have poked through. Yipee! We get to go through this again!

On Sunday, we had a birthday party for Jill's husband, Josh. We had dinner, cake and ice cream, and then carved pumpkins from Grandpa's garden. It was a lot of fun.

But, all in all, it was a good visit. I didn't take a camera with me, so when I get pics back from my sisters, I'll post some pictures of the trip! Happy Fall, y'all (if Mr. Winter doesn't come early)!