Gratitude Journal: Day 11

I’ve been going through old pictures and putting together photo books today. I had forgotten Caleb had pneumonia a couple years back.  He was so tired and miserable.  It brought back the memory of fear and worry I had as he struggled to breathe in the middle of the night.  I was also reminded that we’d been through that so many times over the years. 

Then, it hit me hard. A wave of gratitude went through me. We haven’t been sick this year.  Maybe a sniffle or sore throat but not really sick. So many people are suffering through COVID, and we’ve been blessed to avoid it.  

Today I #givethanks for the health we have through this pandemic year.  

Gratitude Journal: Day10

I #GiveThanks for my Christmas decor and the peace it all stirs in my soul.

Today we pulled out the Christmas Decorations.  Each one has special meaning to me and reminds me of people or important places we've been.  Mostly though, they bring a special feeling into our home.  I love all of the lights. These additions make things magical.  The special feeling is from what all of these symbolize.  My Savior and his birth.  He is the light of the world.  All light and goodness reflect Him.  I am so grateful to know him and celebrate His birth.  He is and will always be the best gift. 

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Gratitude Journal: Day 9

 

Today I #GiveThanks for my scriptures and journals.

A week ago, I posted about a book that influenced a change of course in my life.  These books are a representation of my personal study over the last ten years.  There have been times I've done really well and times I've slacked.  But, each time I repent, begin again with prayer, and show a desire for direction, I'm amazed at how the Lord just begins where we left off.    

These books are the most important "things" in my life.  I can look back and see growth.  They have evolved from a simple tablet with questions and application in my life to beautiful insights, answers to prayer, and seeing the Lord's hand in my life.  These books are a testimony to me that I can receive personal revelation and that I am loved by each member of the Godhead.  They are with me through the big and the small.     

Gratitude Journal Conclusion: Day 8

It's hard to put into words what I felt as I posted my first day; it was short and sweet. I wanted to say so much more. So many things came to my mind and heart. But, it was pretty public, and I didn't want to look weird, self-righteous, or offend anyone. So I just kept those feelings in my heart. I knew I had six days left to post. How could I adequately express all my thanks? There were so many thoughts racing through my mind. It was so hard to choose the next one. I shared a little more in the next posts. I felt a little strange and grateful as I pondered on my thanks and typed it up. I knew I only had five more days to post, and my mind raced through so many possibilities to post about. This happened EVERY day. My heart was so full of gratitude. Each time I wrote up my post, I felt and learned a little more and realized how blessed I really am. It was so invigorating.

But, there was a second part to the challenge. President Nelson also asked us to take this gratitude to Heavenly Father through prayer. I pray daily, so saying thanks in my prayers was second nature. I didn't think about this as much. This morning though, I took the time to say thanks for the thoughts, feeling, and many other thank yous I didn't get to share. As I did, I was just filled with joy. Then a little regret crept in. I wished I had focusing harder on the prayer part of President Nelson's challenge. If I had, I could have even had an even better experience. But, it was still very healing to my heart. The world's weight lessened, and the important parts of life shined through the mist of everyday life.

I don't want it to be over, so for me, it won't be. I still have so many things to share. I've decided to continue on and keep my public gratitude journal on my blog until the end of the year. I know not many people read this, but I print my blog into a book, and maybe one day, my kids or someone else will. It's mostly for me, though, and if I post it here, I will be more accountable. :)

Today I #GiveThanks for the prophet, his inspiration, and the challenge this past week.

Gratitude Journal: Day 7 & Thanksgiving Day

 

This shelf hangs in our home as a reminder to me that it’s ok I fall short. As I read the words, “He restores my soul,” I am reminded to take a deep breath, think of Him, and pray often. When I do this, I am strengthened to carry my burdens. His grace, the healing and strengthening power of Jesus Christ, is sufficient to overcome ALL things.

Today I #GiveThanks for Him, my Savior Jesus Christ, and the Atonement he performed for each of us.

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Thanksgiving was different his year. We were supposed to be with my family, but we didn’t want to get my parents sick, so everyone in Utah stayed home. We still ate with them and Earle. But, we are home most of the time, so they felt safe coming over. I spaced getting any pictures of us eating around the table. I got a before shot, at least.

This other pic is my favorite. It was a little busy because we decided to watch a pilgrim movie called Monumental and get a quick family shot taken for Christmas cards. So, I assigned the kids some work in the kitchen and went to get my hair done. I had a quick thought that all of the kids are working together in the kitchen. 

I turned around to watch for a short time. It was one of those moments where you realize all those things you’ve been trying to teach them is sinking in. Well, in the kitchen area anyway. :) Had I not taken the time to turn around, I would have missed it. I was grateful I did. I love watching these kids grow.

Gratitude Journal: Day 6

 It’s hard to give enough thanks for the forever family I get to be apart of. I’m so thankful to have people to lean on through hard times and celebrate in the good. My siblings, their spouses, and all of the family I married into are the best! We’ve laughed a lot and made many great memories with everyone over the years. I can’t count the times we’ve been shown love by Bo’s parents in all the support they give us in anything we do.

Most of all, I want to #givethanks to my parents. I never realized how much they really sacrificed for me until I had a family of my own. That love and care they gave, the lessons taught through example, and the encouragement to keep going and keep trying made me who I am today. I can never say enough thanks! I love you all! #runningoutofdays #stillmuchtobethankfulfor

Gratitude Journal: Day 5

I am in awe of those pilgrims in Boston who chose to stay when the Mayflower left for Europe, of those who fought for freedom against England who had it all, when they lacked basic needs, also those who were able to establish a government and constitution that has kept our nation free for nearly 250 years. Is everything in our history perfect? No. Were all of these men perfect? No, they had faults, as we all do, and God has only ever had one perfect Son to work with. But, He found the best men of the time to establish this country.

Because of these brave individuals who’ve come before us, today, we are born free to pursue our own happiness with protections in place. One of my favorites is the freedom to choose how to worship God however we want. Another, to make changes to the constitution when necessary. Today I #GiveThanks to them and all of my ancestors who paved the way for me to live the life I do.

Gratitude Journal: Day 4

This year I’ve looked hard for the silver lining in things, as I’m sure many of you have. One of my favorites is having more time with our kids.

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had many days where I’ve wanted to send us all to bed at 6 because I’m just done with the teasing, arguing, whining, and online school. Or I put headphones in my ears to fill my mind with something other than crazy.

But then I am reminded, we’ve had so many special times together. I’ve watched them become great friends, enjoy the outdoors more, church & Come Follow Me, snuggling & watching movies together, playing games, & more time for music, to name a few. I can never #GiveThanks enough for these priceless memories we’ve shared and to be Mom of these kids. They are all very different, and they teach me and show their love differently. It’s a crazy ride, but it sure is fun to watch them grow into mini-adults.

Gratitude Journal: Day 3

Almost 20 years ago, I walked into a Seagull Book to find a book to send Bo on his mission. The Infinite Atonement was recommended. I quickly skimmed it and sent it off. I'm not sure he read it. He was busy! Haha. But, after we were married, it sat on many different shelves over the years with my intention to read it again.

Seven years later, I finally did, and I was changed. I loved what I felt and learned from this book. I needed to begin a serious study of scripture. I wanted understanding like that. Fast forward to today. I'm not full of wisdom, but I'm still learning. This pandemic has allowed me more time for reading, and I've discovered classic literature. I love the truths I can find in these books. I #GiveThanks often for this book that crossed my path and helped me see, and for those who have shared their knowledge with us throughout the centuries.

...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:118

#theinfiniteatonement

Gratitude Journal: Day 2

He bought me tickets for The Piano Guys, and we got to meet them!  They are my favorite.

Today I'm grateful for my husband and best friend. He's kind and patient with me. Bo works hard to make sure we are taken care of and have many fun adventures (even for us girls who are always outnumbered). He supports all of us in anything we want to do. He balances out my more serious personality, and when he's around, he brings a calmness to our home. I'm so grateful for every minute I get with him! #GiveThanks

He even took all of us to Cats!

Here he is working on our gorgeous table he and I made together.

With Hailey and All-State

Con getting his Eagle.  He never could have gotten it without Bo.

Takes all the boys hunting and works with them to prepare the meat for our freezer or jerky.

These boys all love motorbiking with their dad.

Gratitude Journal: Day 1

President Nelson spoke to us this morning and taught us that gratitude will heal hearts.  Right now we could all use a huge dose of heart healing.  I wrote my favorite quotes in my personal journal but there are two that I wanted here.

"Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems."  and

"As a doctor I know the value of good therapy. So, dear friends, may I prescribe two activities to help us experience the healing power of gratitude.

He asked us to spend some time each day posting something we are thankful for to our social media and also praying daily in thanks.  So, here's my first one.

 I'm so grateful for our Father in Heaven and the knowledge that He loves us all equally beyond measure and answers our prayers. This year more than ever I have seen my Heavenly Father in my daily life. As I've invited Him through sincere daily prayer, He has come and made everything better. #GiveThanks

Jackson's Outdoor Survival Projects Combined

If I talk to any of you regularly, you know we chose to do online school through Rigby Virtual Academy this first trimester.  I'm sure you've also heard me complain (too much) that online electives are such a pain.  It's true.  They are hard for the teachers and for the parents.  Math and English are great. But the "fun" electives feel like busywork.  I'm not complaining about the teachers; at this point, I don't know another way to do it.  Everyone is still learning how to do everything, and we are all doing our best.

But, today, I had a small change of heart.  I don't want to do online ever again, but at the same time, as I put all of Jackson's projects together, I was grateful he had this class. I  realized he's learned a great deal these past weeks. I caught myself wondering how cool would it be if we could watch a video of each thing we've learned every few months.  I think we'd be amazed at our growth, or at times we may also realize we could be learning more.  That's why we're here, right?  To gain knowledge and wisdom.

As I type this, I realize I don't make a video of all the things I'm learning.  But, I do have a journal and this blog that helps me see growth in our lives.  So, here's my plug for journaling.  I wish we'd all keep a journal.  If nobody ever reads it, that won't matter.  As we keep a journal, we learn many things about life and ourselves.  As we look back, we'll remember and see the growth we are making.

Here's the compilation of all his work for one class.  I wonder what else he's learned these last weeks of school...  

  

Bo Got and Elk!

Bo got his first animal!  He was pretty excited to get the Elk.  Jackson was the only other one to get a chance, but he missed his.  The Elk were pretty far away compared to deer hunting.  They'll take a couple more day trips and try again.  They have all of November.

Congrats Bo!  I think it's really cool that since Jackson was so interested in hunting that you took the time to get your license and figure everything else out so you could go.  I know you've always been interested, but it takes a lot of time.  You're so awesome to take the time for these boys.  Thanks for inviting me, even though I'd rather just hear about it!  I'm sure these trips will be some of the best memories you'll have with the boys.  

I'm pretty sure hunting is one of the only ways to get a grown man smile too!  :)

Bo, Jackson, and Brayden drug parts of the Elk from the top to the bottom of this mountain.  It was Heavy!

There were some gorgeous skies up there!

Boys cutting meat for jerky and Eldburger, I promise Brayden is a happy kid.  He is just self-conscious about smiling for the camera.

They spent a great deal of time cutting meat.  I couldn't believe how much meat the elk made.  Bo learned how to butcher it himself.  We ended up with two one-gallon bags of Jerky. (We would have had three, but we accidentally burned a batch.)  We also got 45 pounds of elkburger.  Thanks, Bo and boys, for contributing to our food storage!  We will eat well this winter from all your efforts.

Do our actions make a difference?

Since we moved into our house 12 years ago, we have had problems with our walk-out basement door.  Bugs and worms have been able to get in, it's been drafty, and the doorknob has had issues closing and locking properly.  We've done small repairs, and it would do ok for a while.  Then, about a month ago, the door jam broke into a bunch of pieces.  On Halloween, Bo switched the door out.  Thanks, Dad, for helping him finish up.  I really wasn't much help. 

Here's the point!  When we removed our old door, it came right out.  It had NEVER been screwed or nailed in, and it didn't have any silicone, caulk, or sealing at all!!!  How annoying is that?!  All of those problems could have been prevented!  Had we known, we could have fixed it properly years ago.  But, there was no way to know until we took the interior and exterior trim off. Isn't that how life goes sometimes?  We never really know how much a small error or half-done job can affect ourselves or other people. 

Not a hole in sight! Looks brand new.

It also makes me wonder if we had just checked it out correctly from the start, how many problems could have been avoided?  When we feel like doing a little less than our best or fixing something partway, we need to realize it may just become someone else's or our own problem for far longer than needed.  

This also goes for repentance and living the gospel.  We can say we're sorry and change part-way.  But, the only true way is to allow the Atonement to work in our lives.  Part-way doesn't allow for all of the big beautiful blessings.  No matter how big or small, as we make mistakes, we must feel true sorrow.  As we do, we invite Jesus Christ into our life by allowing Him to change us.  Through studying His words, praying for help, and asking for his grace to strengthen and change us, He will be there.

  

The Holy Ghost will teach us what the Savior needs us to hear, and we need to obey.  It is a process, not an on/off switch.  Saying sorry and asking for forgiveness is only the beginning  As we do these exercises: light, peace, joy, and true happiness will shine through.  Others will see the changes and be inspired to be better too!  This is the living gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful to be a member, know it's truth, and do my best daily to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ!

The Hunt 2020

Back in October, the boys went deer hunting with their cousin Ericksen and uncle Myles.  Brayden was old enough to go hunt this year!  He worked hard to get his license, which made everyone able to go except Caleb.  These kids are growing up fast!

Conrad, Ercksen, and Jackson all got a deer.  A first for Conrad and Ericksen!  Jackson got his third!  Brayden got a chance, but he missed his.  Next year, buddy!

Bo said, "killing your first deer is the only way to get a teenager to smile!"

Check out the smiles on these boys' faces.  

Last Spring Bo, and the two older boys put in for an Elk Cow tag at Stoddard Creek.  Brayden wasn't old enough at the time, so he didn't get to try.  They all got a tag, and last week they went to see if they could get anything.  Conrad is in driver's ed, so he only got to go one day, but they still had a lot of fun.  

Bo got his first animal!  He was pretty excited to get the Elk.  Jackson was the only other one to get a chance, but he missed his.  The Elk were pretty far away compared to deer hunting.  They'll take a couple more day trips and try again.  They have all of November.

Halloween 2020

Halloween was a little different this year.  The rule at our house is when they turn 12, the kids are done trick-or-treating.  But, this year has been different, so the rules changed.  I told them they could all go.  This year has had many things passed up and uncelebrated.  All of them ended up going.  This was the first year in my life I've been the one to hand out candy.  Bo and I stayed home while the kids ran around the neighborhood.  This was a first for us too.  The kids loved the freedom.  Hailey went with her friends, and the boys all went together with Conrad's friend Cooper.  They had a great time.  Bo, on the other hand, didn't have as great a time.  See a post about our new walk-out door.

The kids had fun decorating cupcakes for Halloween.

Baby Yoda eating his frog!

Jackson's

Conrad's

Happy Halloween, Kiddos!  I so happy you were able to get out and do something normal!