I'm Grateful today for:

• Sundays
• The Sacrament
• My Sunday School class
• Testimony Meeting
• My ward family
• Fasting
• Meatloaf, baked potato, green salad
• Heat on this blustery cold day!
• Greg opening the car door for me always (if I would just remember to let him). I really appreciate him for that!

11-11-11 Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for:

1. A (once again) increased trust in Heavenly Father who knew a better place for my mother-in-law to be. I am at the point in my life that I just don't worry any more (well, most of the time) and just watch things unfold. It is interesting to look back and acknowledge the step-at-a-time process involved in an answer to prayers. I'm learning to "be still" and know that He IS God!
2. That the love of my life (and the eternities) returned safely yesterday and had a GREAT time helping his brother, Dad and nephew ship the calves.
3. For a new and beautiful day.
4. Good friends.
5. My computer.
6. A picture I keep seeing in my mind that makes me wish I would have had a camera that night! It was the moment I watched Greg saying goodbye to his mom last Monday night. He was way down the hall and I was watching him through the glass of the locked doors that help keep the patients safe. He stood in front of her and bent down, took her face in his hands and talked to her, giving her kisses off and on as they visited. It brings tears to my eyes each time I picture it...perhaps this is the only I picture I was to have. I just don't want to forget it! He loves her so much...and with reason!
7. Can't believe I forgot to mention the veteran's we are honoring this day! I am so thankful my Dad was able to serve in the Pacific theater in WWII. He was a bombardier on 43 missions before returning home to see his 10-month old son for the very first time. I'm thankful for all those who have served or are serving abroad to protect the freedoms that we too frequently take for granted.

Nov 10th Gratitude

• My mother-in-law returning to the Care Center today.
• 31 pints of applesauce sitting on my counter completed!
• The energy to complete said project!
• My testimony that Jesus Christ is literally my Savior if I do my part!
• My husband's safe arrival in Park Valley...now just return home safely, honey!
• My food storage room and food on the shelves!
• Heat on a cold day.
• Transportation.
• My cell phone though it is archaic.
• Peace in my life thanks to a wonderful husband and great kids and grandkids.

Today's Gratitude List

So many specific things for which to be thankful:
 

                                  View from our front window this morning

• Being able to be at home especially on days like today when it is snowing and blowing and cold!
• Greg who goes to work even on these nasty days and is happy I get to stay home!
• A big picture window where I can stand and stare at the beauties outside without getting even a tiny bit cold!
• My kids blogs where I can read all the cute things our grandkids say! They put and keep a smile on our faces! 
• The fact that I am in the GRANDMA phase of life. I love it so much!
• My Bosch mixer that I use almost every day of my life!
• My new sewing machine that I am enjoying so much.
• Energy again!
• A new MS drug to try.
• Our new (to us) 2007 Toyota Avalon provided by Greg's company for our driving convenience.
• The heated (and cooled) seats in said car. A definite "old fogey" feature I hope never to be without. Yes, I am spoiled!
• Skype and the opportunity to visit with our Florida kids and grandkids last night! It was as if I could reach out and touch little Eva, our newest! Love technology (when used for good)!
• A husband who still calls the two of us together for FHE on Monday nights. Love the Old Testament lessons we've been studying.
• Grapefruit! Love wintertime for good oranges and grapefruit!
• Looking for and finding the perfect Christmas gift for each of our 17 grandkids and all four of our children and their spouses.  There is something that is so much fun in this for both Greg and me! (And we do appreciate those little helps from our kids in our quest for those "just right" gifts!)
• Electricity! 
• My camera!
• Everything I need to make and keep me happy...family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Thanksgiving 2009

Not one picture of a most wonderful Thanksgiving! We traveled to Park Valley and spent a glorious day with Mom and Dad Rose, Brent, Janet, Amy, Janet's Mom (Marie) and my mom (Virginia). The festivities were hosted by Brent and Janet so after stopping at Mom and Dad Rose's to visit for awhile, we headed to help Janet and Amy prepare food. It was so much fun to see Mom Rose, Marie and my mom sit and visit for hours. They really enjoyed one another while Janet, Amy and I did the final last minute preparations of the Thanksgiving Day feast! Janet, Amy and Marie had done much of it the night before so it was mostly a matter of doing mashed potatoes and gravy and putting a few other final touches on things. The men always have a great time when they have an opportunity to be together. It is one of my favorite things to watch them interact and enjoy one another so much. We were having such a great time together that again, I forgot to take pictures! Of all times to forget to take pictures! The table was set beautifully...you know, one of those tables that looks so pretty that it is a shame to sit down and dirty it up! We had delicious Marie Callendar pies that Grandpa had picked up a few days before as well as a delicious coconut cream that Amy had made from scratch the night before. I made Greg a gluten-free apple pie and some cornbread stuffing so he could enjoy his favorite things at Thanksgiving as well. He had me add a can of oysters to the stuffing which he was in heaven over...however, it insured that no one else took a bite of his dressing! All that mattered, however, was that he thoroughly enjoyed it. We laughed and visited over dinner and then did dishes and visited for a few hours after. Greg was not feeling well so we headed home around 5:30. It was just a wonderful day all the way around marred only by the fact that my sweet husband was pretty sick. (And no, it wasn't the oysters!) We have so much for which to be grateful in our lives...parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and the list goes on. We were so glad that all of our children were having a good time with their in-laws and that they love the families of those they married. We missed them terribly and also missed the noise and perpetual activity of our little grandkids, but it was still a most wonderful day. I am so thankful for all of my blessings...those I have posted about and those left unwritten here...but not unwritten in my heart!

My Day Before Thanksgiving Gratitude List

Today I am thankful for:

• Viewings and the opportunity to relate to those sorrowing/rejoicing on a little deeper level
• Cooking for Thanksgiving
• A wonderful gluten-free cookbook
• The smell, feel and purity of newborn babies and the look in their eyes of knowing something we don't remember
• The miracle of birth
• Reconnecting with old friends
• The opportunity to serve others
• Seeing my children take such joy in their own children and the tender mercies that allow that to happen.
• My mom's health even at the age of 85.
• The opportunity coming up in a few days to celebrate my mother-in-law's 80th birthday.
• Thanksgiving Day tomorrow! Have a good one!
  

Today I'm Thankful For (and other posts)

• Finally being home for a day... I'm behind in everything
  
• Dr. Mariani and answers
• My girls' "Thankful Lists"
• Sunshine and no wind
  
• The softening of heart that sincere prayer brings
• Regan's letters and emails to me
• Finding just the right gift for a special little someone
• Active priesthood leadership in our home
  

Gone for a Week and Still Thankful!

We've been to Sun Valley and then to our Jackson condo this last week...no computer! But I'm back and more thankful than ever for....

• Our precious little Brigham who is evidence every day that miracles still occur and our loving Heavenly Father has blessed this world with amazing medical knowledge and expertise to bless His children according to His will.
• Time spent with Lori, Brad and beautiful children in Jackson.
• Time spent watching Regan play basketball yesterday and the joy of knowing she really wanted us to be there.
• Greg's wonderful job and great people with whom to associate.
  
• Common sense.
• A most amazingly beautiful world to enjoy and each of its seasons that renews and refreshes me.
  
• A knowledge that Heavenly Father is still "in charge". That brings me great solace.
• A company car to drive with no expenditures except taxes on it.
• A dependable truck with 4-wheel drive for the snowstorms.
• The snowstorms and moisture they bring.
• Being able to travel and then experience the joy of coming home!
• My nice warm, peaceful home and an awareness of and ability to give to those less fortunate.
  
• Knowing Matt and Sara and kids are coming home in a month!
  
• My husband who willingly shops with me and for me!
  
• My husband who willingly helped me finish my craft project.
• The book called "Covenant Hearts" by Bruce and Marie Hafen.
• The book called "Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants" by Steven Harper.
  
• The opportunity to go to Park Valley for Thanksgiving with Brent, Janet, Amy, Bill, Amber, Aubrey, Shaylee, Mom and Dad Rose, and my sweet Mom.
• The whole holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas. I love it!
• 24 new hours in every day.
• Repentance and the Atonement that makes it possible.
  
• Greg, Matt, Sara, Luke, Emma, Gavin, Lori, Brad, Todd, Kate, Jack, Cindy, DJ, Regan, Morgan, Jordyn, Kaleb, Porter, Kamryn, Julie, Stanton, Chloe, Lily, Brigham, and Cannon! (Whew!!!!!)
  
• Forever families! (No empty chairs!)
  

Yet More to be Thankful For...

1. The Sabbath Day and the opportunity to partake of the sacrament.
2. Being able to travel to Logan to see our little Allen kids in their Primary program.
3. Relief Society - we had a great Super Saturday Craft Day yesterday and I am excited about what I am making for our grandkids. And yes, I got far enough along on 16 of these items that I can easily finish them at home! They will not be stuck in a closet and forgotten! (Promise to self!)
4. A supportive husband.
5. Health
6. A letter back from our friends in Jacksonville, Florida.
   
7. My comfortable bed and pillow.
8. Our snow blower and my husband's generosity in using it to bless others.
   

Still More I am Grateful For...

1. A surprise visit from Cindy and the kids! It made our day!
   
2. My best friend (my husband!)
3. The first beautiful snowstorm of the season! I LOVE the change of seasons!
   
4. Every new day that I can still talk to my Mom and Greg's mom. They are such a blessing in my life.
   
5. The Mormon Channel (church radio station on the internet). I love it and listen every day.
   
6. Priesthood blessings
   
7. Prayer
8. And yes, Julie, a good haircut!
9. My new toy organizer in the playroom. I love it!
   
10. My washer and dryer (what a convenience...one I take too much forgranted!)
    
11. My dishwasher (ditto!)
    
12. My Bosch mixer, blender, and food processor that makes cooking such a pleasure. Thanks, Greg.
    
13. The temple and New Family Search that has allowed us to take our own family names for ordinance work.
    
14. The internet and blogging that allows me to keep contact with my family and extended family.

It is good to be in the gratitude mode. I found myself noticing so many things yesterday that bring me joy and make life so good. I will probably add to my list each day.

Today's Thankful List

I loved Cindy and Julie's Thankful Lists. Tis the season so here is what tops my list of things I am grateful for:

1. Greg, my most wonderful husband.
2. Matt, Lori, Cindy, and Julie (our children) who walk in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
   
3. Sara, Brad, DJ, and Stanton (our children's spouses) who complete and compliment our children and are loving and respectful of us.
4. 8 little granddaughters and 8 little grandsons who bring immeasurable joy into our lives!
5. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
6. Parents who brought us up in truth and righteousness and are forever an example of enduring to the end.
7. Great neighbors and friends.
8. Doctors who really care.
9. My warm and peaceful home.
10. Beautiful fall weather!
11. Leftovers in the fridge that always taste better than the day they were made.
12. The opportunity to go to Sun Valley and to Jackson with Greg next week.
13. A little desire to be crafty and the end results!
14. Enough money to pay the bills and be generous with others.
15. Retirement!
16. The ability to walk and still accomplish what I want and need to do.
17. The scriptures.
18. Good church movies.
19. My gas fireplace that I enjoy so much this time of year!
20. My gloriously happy marriage!
    

Good Company, Food, and Fun...a Happy Thanksgiving at the Sandall Ranch

Every other year it is a Rose Family tradition to join together as extended Rose family for Thanksgiving at Scott and Christie Sandall's ranch in Promontory. It is always such fun and this year was no exception. Scott and Chris and kids are the ultimate hosts, work way too hard, and somehow manage in spite of such a huge crowd of people to make it a memorable time. I am so thankful to have married into such a truly outstanding family. That is just one of a million and one things I am grateful for. The following is a short list:

1. A knowledge that I am a literal daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me personally.
   
2. A sure knowledge of where I came from, why I am here on this earth, and where I have the opportunity to be after this life if I keep covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father.


3. The most wonderful husband any woman could ask for. I am crazy in love with him!


4. One son and three daughters who have grown up to be marvelous people in spite of all my mothering mistakes.


5. A precious daughter-in-law and three wonderful sons-in-law who compliment our four children perfectly!


6. 8 grandsons and 8 granddaughters who, because of wise and patient parenting and the teachings of Jesus Christ in their homes are growing up to be kind and bright and a great pleasure to be around. I simply adore each one of them!


7. Loving righteous parents. My dad passed away four years ago and I miss him terribly! How blessed I am to still have my mother close by to enjoy in her golden years. They have always set such a wonderful example for me.


8. Loving righteous in-laws who love me and treat me as one of their own. They too are marvelous examples of love and righteousness.


9. Many special friends gathered along the course of my life. All have influenced me for good and contributed to who I am.


10. The promises each new day brings and the health to enjoy them!


11. A warm and comfortable home in a peaceful neighborhood.


12. Grandkids who love to come and visit grandma and grandpa!


13. Daughters (included is my daughter-in-law Sara) who next to my husband are my best friends!


14. Daughters who in spite of very busy lives with their little children, always make time to talk and spend time with me.


15. A loving and intelligent son who is very thoughtful and caring of his parents.


16. The prospects of serving a mission with Greg in the next few years.


17. The announcement of a temple to be built in Rome...answer to years of work and prayers by so many faithful saints there. Hope we can go!


18. A husband who tells and shows me countless times a day how much he loves and appreciates me.


19. The time now to give of myself in more worthwhile ways.


20. Fun dates with Greg.


21. The opportunity to teach Sunday School to incredible kids who keep coming into my class every year!


22. The laughter in our home! I love my husband's sense of humor. He DOES make me laugh!


23. This incredibly beautiful world! I absolutely love the change of the seasons. Though fall is my favorite, I love every season, including winter...especially right after a fresh snowfall.


24. My sure knowledge that our family can be together forever.


25. Any many, many, many more things.