CATCHING UP

Nov. 16 . I'm not nearly as clever as all of you in posting your thankful list, but here goes, but no pictures this time.

Today I was out running some errands, groceries, shopping etc. As I was driving around, I thought how nice it was to not have bad traffic. I thought of all the times in Seattle just sitting in traffic. That's not a problem here, and I am very grateful.

Nov. 17. Today I am thankful for the Book of Mormon. I know, I already said that. But I am reading now in some of my favorite parts. I love reading about Samuel the Lamanite's predictions of the Savior's birth and death and then reading about his prophecies come true. It's good reading getting ready for the Christmas season.

Nov. 18. I am looking out our window tonight at all the beautiful stars. The creations of Heavenly Father are truly inspiring. How can anyone doubt His existence.

NOV. 15 CONTINUED

We actually got out of the house today and took a drive up to Zion's Park. The day was perfect--beautiful sunshine, crisp fall air and more beautiful scenery than we could take in. Don't you just love fall? We don't get all the beautiful colors in the leaves here, but as you look at some of the pictures I took, we have nothing to feel bad about. After an afternoon of driving through the park, we stopped at Brian's favorite place to eat (Taco Bell) and had a taco salad. Tonight we celebrated with a cupcake. I guess I would have to say, a pretty great day. I hope my hubby had as much fun as I did.

Enjoy the photos, of course, a picture hardly captures the beauty.

He looks too handsome to be 70 don't you think?

The end of a perfect day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN

15. How fortunate I am to have picked the right man to marry! Brian is the kindest, most generous man in the world. Yes, that is true. All my children know it, also. I hope he has a most wonderful 70th birthday.

DAY 14

Yes, today is Sunday. I am thankful for the Sabbath. Going to church has been a big part of my life. I can't remember ever waking up thinking, "I don't want to go to church today." Well, maybe when I was sick. Today was our ward's Primary Program. This is the third Primary program we have seen, and they have all been good. I did feel a very special spirit today. When the kids sang "I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints", I really felt just how lucky I am to be member of the only true church.

12 and 13. The temple and the scriptures keep me on that straight and narrow path. We are very lucky to live close to the temple, and can go weekly. Attending weekly has helped to feel closer to Heavenly Father and remember the promises I have made to Him.

This morning I was reading the Ensign, the talk by Bro. Costa on following the Prophet. He was quoting from a talk by Pres. Benson. You need to read it. He mentioned some things about obedience that I hadn't thought about.

11. Today, I am reminded of how much I love my country. We are so blessed to live in the greatest country on God's earth. We live in a land of freedom and liberty not even imagined in many countries. We owe that freedom to the many veterans and current soldiers today who have demonstrated courage and honor. Brian and I have been watching the History channel some today and am reminded again of the sacrifices that have been made. One of my favorite quotes is (paraphrased), "Never has so much been owed by so many to so few". Churchill said that during WWII, but it fits all current and past soldiers. I am very grateful.

I love old glory!

BLESSINGS UPDATE

My gratitude list is a ways behind. I'll do my best to catch up.

2. Our trip to Branson with Bob and Corene was such fun. They were great company. I'm grateful for my siblings.

3. I'm so grateful for a brother who has always been an inspiration to me. He is a good person and inspires me to be better. The only book he brought to read on the trip was a Norwegian copy of the Book of Mormon.

4. and 5. The four of us got along great. So, I'm grateful for good times and good company. Also, notice the nice leather jacket I am wearing. I'm grateful for a wonderful husband who takes such good care of me.

6. I'm grateful for music, all kinds of music. On this trip we heard country, Irish tenors, Christmas music--all kinds. We were able to take a trip down memory lane and hear some of the great music from the 50's and 60's. Here we are with a poster of the group "The Platters". They had 35 number 1 hits. They gave us such great songs as "The Great Pretender" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" to name a few. They don't make music like that any more.

7. After being grateful for "The Platters" music, we found out they were only an imitation of the real group. The real group members are all probably dead by now. But I was still grateful they gave us a good show. I even got my picture taken with one of the group.

8. I'm greatly blessed to have Corene for a sister-in-law. We had lots of fun together.

9. I am amazed at the beauty of the country we live in. No matter where you are, you find beauty and amazing things to see and enjoy. This is the arch in St. Lewis.

10. I received a calling to teach Relief Society. Yes, I am grateful for it even if I am nervous about it. It has been a while since I have taught a class. Callings in the church are a blessing, and I have learned so much through the years from callings and from the people I was privileged to be associated with.