Gratitude

Rick and I are so looking forward to Thanksgiving, with 2 of the kids coming and also Alyona. The sacrament meeting talks were on gratitude. For a good part of this year, I  really didn't think I had a lot to be grateful for. I am feeling better now (even tho my jaw is completely screwed up and my ears still ring) and I can be grateful for modern medicine and the help it is giving me. And while this feels horrible to me, others have it much worse.

Ginger, Rick's sister, got Hepatitis C soon after she graduated from high school, it destroyed her liver and she had to have a tranplant. Then lymphoma attacks her and she battles that with chemo and other medical stuff, now her liver is not doing its job again. I think it's from all the chemo she had to have to battle the second cancer. She is such a strong, believing Christian and not only talks the talk, but walks the walk in every facet of her life. Surely it would be better for her to stay on this earth and raise her 3 young children, ages 4, 6, and 11.

So, as I think about my blessings, I have a lot, even when I didn't think so. And here goes:

• my great husband
• my 4 wonderful children
• my 3 beautiful ggrrls
• my new daughters to be - Alyona and Jessica
• a safe place to live
• modern living, i.e. running hot water, electricity, abundant food, easy travel
• this one should have been first - my belief in and love of the Savior
• Rick's job
• friendships - my Philly VT companion called me yesterday, she has moved to Florida, wonderful to hear her voice. She said let's make sure we don't lose touch with each other
• medicine, whether natural or medical docs

And the list could go on and on

And don't forget the prickly pears...

Rick and I found a new walk several weeks ago. It had a large green space in the center (I would never go off the sidewalk or path, too afraid of rattlesnakes and other fun wildlife) that was filled with prickly pears, and I do love prickly pears. Have you ever touched one? They prickle.

Mom's helper

 They both look so cute. Stella does help Paige entertain Macy a lot.

Contrast in black and white.

More mushrooms

I do like nature, and mushrooms in someone's front yard qualify. These sprang up quickly because they weren't there yesterday when I was walking. Looks like they are attending an outdoor event. I only hope that it's political and they are on my side of the aisle.

Mushroom

I have been walking every day for 30-60 min. I came across this really fancy looking mushroom in someone's yard. I've never seen anything like it before, and I saw some really different mushrooms in Blanton Woods. I like odd and unique plants, along with the completely normal.

Christmas presents

Since I have only gotten a Christmas list from Paige for her family, I have decided to get everyone else these items:
1. We all love Torchy's, so Torchy Taco t-shirts.

.
There are a bunch of new political books out:

• Things That Matter, Charles Krauthammer
• Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, Rush Limbaugh
• America the Beautiful, Ben Carson
• Good Tidings and Great Joy, Sarah Palin

Some fun ones:

• Si-cology, Si Robertson
• Being Dead is No Excuse, Gayden Metcalfe

Some useful ones:

• Debt Free Living in a Debt Filled Word, Trevor Thomas

Merry Christmas to all!!