A Little Snow Never Hurt Anyone

Today I'm thankful: #1 - that even though we woke up to a foot of snow Brett, Kerri, and I went for a run. We had to go a little bit shorter than I would have like because I had to go somewhere else by 9:15. The last time it snowed we headed to the gym instead of running but today we decided to hit the trail. It was beautiful. The snow hung heavy on the trees and I loved the run. #2 - A visit to the Barker's with the Ludlow's. President and Sister Ludlow picked me up and we drove to Springville to visit the Barker's. They had spent yesterday with them and I was glad my day permitted me to spend the afternoon with them. When we walked in Elder Barker was on the couch and when he saw me he said, "Olivia!" I was a little surprised that he recognized me so quickly and knew my name. Elder Blanchard was already there and a few minutes later Elder Thayne came. We sat and had a wonderful visit with him and Sister Barker as well as some of their sons and a daughter-in-law. What impressed me most was Elder Barker wanting to make sure we all knew how happy he was that we had come and that he loves all of us. I thought back on the many times I had been in their home. The many meals we shared on the mission. The evenings we'd stop by their apartment to say good night before we went to our own for the night. Elder and sister Barker will always be dearly loved by me because they are my mission grandparents and they loved me just like I was their granddaughter. Then there have been the numerous times they've invited me into their home for dinner. They've had me individually, with other missionaries (usually with Elder Blanchard and Thayne) and even the women's conference weekend that they were kind enough to let my mom, sister, and I stay with them. My family instantly fell in love with them just like I had that first time so many years ago. I dearly love both of them. As we left their house I was filled with gratitude for the plan our Heavenly Father has for us. He loves us and we will see our loved ones again. #3- Pizza with friends. President and Sister Ludlow took Elder Thayne along with their two granddaughters out to eat at the Brick Oven. I love pizza and this pizza is so yummy with homemade root beer it really doesn't get much better!

Cool Cups

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A early morning trip to the temple on my way to work. This made my day very wonderful. It started it off great and I was happy the entire day. #2 - The ALPS open house at my school today. Apparently a little girls who goes to another school has a brother who comes to our school saw me at the open house and told her mom she thought she'd like me as a teacher. My principal told them that he'd have to check with me and get back to them. I said of course I'll take her. I feel like if she wants me then I want her. I thought that was pretty cool! #3- Dinner with some of my most favorite people in the world. The Ludlows took me to dinner and I had a lovely time visiting with them. I'm so lucky to know them. #4- Preston pulling out his special cups for us to enjoy grahams and milk. He let me us the cool Canada mug! 

A Walk at the U

Today I'm thankful that: #1- My kids bowled with our 3rd grade buddies today. It was so much fun to watch them have so much fun together! #2- Tricia made me dinner. What a sweet roommate to not only share her food but to cook it all and then let me eat it. It made me so happy! #3 - The lovely walk across the University of Utah's campus. Tricia had to return some books at the library and Preston needed to pick up some papers. The night air was refreshing and I really enjoyed the walk. Thanks Preston for parking far away to make the walk longer and thanks for the tour of campus. 

A True and Living Church

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The wonderful parent volunteer who comes into my room each week. I love her for all the help she's given me this year. I'm not the most organized but she's wonderful to do whatever little job I have for her and she keeps my calendar updated and all the books in alphabet order on my book shelves. Just little things that make my life easier. #2 - Good friends to carpool with. Maurianne and Marylynn met me at my house so we could ride to the conference center together to attend a meeting about the dissolving of University Stakes and the creation of Young Single Adult Stakes. #3 - A true and living church that is guided by revelation. The meeting tonight was wonderful. It's quite the things to be invited to attend a special meeting in the conference center. Those who spoke and gave us council delivered amazing messages. I'm so excited about this change. It will bring young single adults together in a close geographic area. We were counseled to seek to serve that it will build relationships and to rescue the one. It is so easy to get lost as a single adult and this change will help us find those who are lost and to bring them back. One of the members of the Seventies who talked (I'm not sure which speaker said this) talked about how this change has been brought about because of revelation. That it is the answer to prayers to help prevent a falling away of my generation. Into my mind came strongly the thought, "I'm so glad for revelation! I so thankful for a true church that is living that meets the needs of it's members in all generations." The doctrine of the church doesn't change - Christ is my Savior and is the only way back to Eternal life with my Father in Heaven - but the way the church and programs of the church can be reorganized to best meet the needs of the Saints. The reorganization really just helps with the ultimate goal of returning. Sister Beck spoke briefly and I was touched by her asking us to envision the unborn generations that are waiting to come to our righteous homes. Made me think about there being  a pretty big purpose to life. Then Elder Ballard spoke. He challenge each of us to find and get to know one person who needs an invitation to come back to church by the end of the year.He touched on all the aspects of this change that others had gone over. He encouraged us to seek an Eternal companion and said, "When your 80 not much else will be more important than your family." I was touched by this because it made me think of my grandpa. It made me think of this book I'd just given him for his birthday which was meant to show him that one of his greatest accomplishments is his grandchildren. For a few years now I've thought: "If I never get married what will I do when I'm 80 and don't have grandchildren and great grandchildren to occupy my time and my love?" I hope I don't have to answer that question. I'm thankful for the blessing of feeling the spirit tonight and the quiet tender feelings that tell me that wonderful things will happen as single adults follow the counsel of loving church leaders who have been inspired by God. I am so blessed!

Dental Floss

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A lovely day with my kids. I was talking to someone the other day and I remarked how my students become mine for the year that I have them. They really do become mine. I love each and every one of them. Today when I took role two students were absent. I thought to myself, "I hope they're just late and will get here in a few minutes." They walked in just moments later and I thought, "I feel complete now." Weird but true. I miss them when they're gone. I want them with me! And here is the real miracle: When the end of the year comes I somehow am ready to smile at all of them and send them on their way and I get excited for the new bunch of kids that will become mine. And they do, I fall in love with a new class and the wonderfulness that is my job begins all again. #2 - Zucchini and yellow squash. These were my vegetables of choice for dinner and I enjoyed them so much. I love a good fresh cooked vegetable! #3 - Dental Floss. I can't imagine life without it. I don't use it daily like I should which is weird because I love the clean feeling it gives my teeth so I have no idea why I don't use it everyday. I better rededicate myself to this good habit. I contribute my love of dental floss all to President Rackham from my mission. I'll never forget him demonstrating how to properly floss your teeth in a zone conference. Might have been the funniest thing ever. Guess there is something to a happy person having healthy teeth.

Preston and Tricia

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Lunch with Maurianne and Tiffany. Such wonderful girls! It was delightful to sit and visit with them for an hour. #2 - A phone conversation with my Grandpa. Grandpa called me last night to see if I had made it home and to thank me for the book I had given him. I didn't see he'd called until it was too late to return the call. When I called him back today he told me that he loved his book. He said he'd taken it to church and taught his priesthood lesson from it. That made me smile. When he opened his gift at his party he didn't read too much of it because everyone was wanting to look at it. He told me that often he can't sleep at night and will get up and read a while. He said I couldn't sleep so I got up and read that book and had myself a good cry. I almost started crying when he told me that. I wanted this to be a special gift and I think it was because it was a gift to tell him how much he is loved by all of his grandchildren. This is what I believe life is all about. Not just family but generations of family who do good and strive to be better because of who you have been. This is what is so amazing to me about my grandpa. His grandchildren love and adore him and know he cares for each one of us. Grandma did too and I can't wait to associate with them both throughout Eternity in an eternal family! #3 - A fun evening with Tricia and Preston. We watched a show we've had recorded for about a week and finally got a chance to watch it. These two are great and I'm so happy to have them as friends.

Kera

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Easter Sunday. I'm thankful for this wonderful holiday. I love celebrating the live of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't just know that he lives but that He does now live. Because of His sacrifice I can be forgiven of my sins and I will live again after death! #2- Kera who made my drive seem so much shorter. I don't mind a drive in the car - even a four hour drive if I don't have to be by myself. Kera was a wonderful car partner and I'm so glad it worked out to ride together. #3 - Being home safe and sound. I love the feeling of being home again after being gone. I love sleeping in my bed and the feeling of the familiar.

I love these mountains! This is a horrible picture but it's the best I could get with point and shoot. These mountains carry a sense of home to me and always will. I love to see them covered with snow. 

Yellowstone, Oliver, and My Grandpa

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Beautiful Yellowstone Park. I wanted to go to Yellowstone to see the baby buffalo. When they are first born they are orange. I've been to the park in late April and you get to see a bunch of them. I was really hopeful that there would be bunches of them. Unfortunately, we only saw two and I'm pretty sure that the two we saw were actually the same calf and we just saw it coming and going. I guess there is always next year to see the babies. Yellowstone in the winter is a lot of fun because the geysers are so visible because the air is so cold. I love to see the steam! #2- Here is my little nephew Oliver he is growing like crazy. He'll be walking before we know it! #3- My Grandpa. I dearly love this 82 year old man! I was so excited to give him the book I'd made. He opened it up and said, "Oh, look at that ugly old man!" Then he saw the picture of him and Rhett and said, "Look at that." With a big smile. Then he flipped the page to Wiley's picture and letter and started to read it out loud. Halfway through he got teary eyed. He didn't read anymore and enjoyed looking at the pictures. 

My Dad

Today I'm thankful for: #1- that I finally decided that I'd go home for a couple of days. I kept changing my mind so it was good to finally get in the car and just go. #2- Pizza at 5-11 Main. The old drug store has been turned into a lovely little pizza joint and it is a favorite place to eat when I am home. I enjoyed just being with my parents and visiting. #3- A drive up to Warm River with my parents. We will be camping here in 2 short months. I sure hope that all the snow is gone and it has warmed up considerably!! I joked that we might just need to make snow caves to sleep in in July. You couldn't even see the bridge let alone walk across it. I'm thankful for my dad my life has been blessed by wonderful parents! We didn't stay out of the car for long it was too cold!

You can't see it but this is where the bridge to the upper campground is. Still a lot of snow!

A Cookie

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A lovely session at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple with Maurianne. It is always nice to be in the temple and extra nice to be there with a great friend. #2 - A cookie. Brett and I were talking about sugar cookies yesterday and were going to buy one at Great Harvest but they were closed. On my way home from the temple I stopped and got us one. I was pretty excited about it and Brett came over when he got through with work so we could enjoy them. Made me very happy. #3 - My student's autobiographies. I have 24 autobiographies that I need to grade. I love reading them and yet it's such a chore. Twenty-four life stories is a lot of reading. Today I cut the pile to 18. Hopefully tomorrow I get at least that many done as well. #4 - Preston and I finally found the secret level on Mario. Now we've only got one more to find - I hope.

Socks

Today I'm thankful for: #1- that my class and Raegan's class are buddy classes. Today my kids decorated paper eggs and hide them for her kids to find and her kid's did the same for mine. They had a great time and what was wonderful was they got to give something to each other. I think they had more fun watching each other find the eggs they hid than the ones they found. Makes me happy! #2- being outside. Brett went for a run and I rollerbladed. It was lovely. I also decided that rollerblading isn't tough exercise but I enjoy it so I figure it's better than just sitting on the couch all night. I wore my stellar yellow knee high socks. These make me really happy. They were a gift from a student last year who wore funky socks every day. #3- Texts from Maurianne and Kara. Both of them randomly texted me to say they were thinking about me and asked how I was. Maurianne and I made plans to go to the temple tomorrow. Sometimes just knowing someone is thinking about you is just the right little thing that you need. I need to remember that.

Fresh Grapes

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Raegan who sat and listened. I'm so thankful for my many friends who listen when I need it. I don't know what I'd do without them all. #2- Being able to give my students a fun memory. I finally got around to making a dvd for my class and the 3rd graders of their musical they performed. I spent the evening burning DVDs and only got about half of them finished. They are so adorable and I sure hope it is something most of them hang onto and pull out when they're older and enjoy it all over again. #3- Yummy fresh grapes.  I have a hard time with fruit because it can be so hit or miss. These grapes I bought have been delicious though. Tonight I thought I'd like a snack before I headed to bed and these grapes were perfect.

Snow Shoeing Under the Full Moon... Well almost

Today I'm thankful for: #1- the assembly that taught my students that natural highs are so much better than getting a high off of something that will hurt their bodies. Basically the kids sang karaoke for 45 min. jumped around and had a great time. The gym was crazy! The kids had a great time but more importantly they got the message. I quizzed them when we got back to class and they all passed. I also gave them a treat for being so good at a crazy assembly. They had fun but behaved. Sometimes that is extremely hard to do! #2- Chicken lasagna. This is one of my new favorite meals. Kerri, Brett, Haley, Brandon, and I had a wonderful dinner. As Kerri, Brett, and I were getting the lasagna into the oven we decided we aren't going to know how to cook on our own. It's so much faster when three of us are making something. #3- Kerri has snow shoeing under the full moon on her bucket list. She has had this activity planned for weeks. Today it rained like crazy. Most of our group decided the rain and cloudy weather was too much and decided not to go. Brett, Kerri, Brian, and I decided we'd still go even if we couldn't actually see the moon. When we got to the trail head snow was coming down pretty good. We strapped head lamps on and started out. It was definitely a new experience for me. By the time we got to the falls it had stopped snowing and the sky had started to clear just a little bit. One of the best parts of the whole trip was sliding down the mountain a couple of times. Nothing like a bunch of adults sliding down snow on their backs. It was pretty great! The hike back was so much shorter than the hike there. I love how that works. We finally saw the full moon for about a half a second about 200 feet from the car. So technically we didn't snow shoe under a full moon but I think I'll count it. We ended the night at my place with some of Kerri's apple pie, hot chocolate, pita chips, and salsa. Late night but SO worth it. I kept thinking to myself how cool is my life that if I want to go snow shoeing in the dark I can and the mountains are so close and so beautiful. Then to add on top of that you add on that my life is full of such wonderful friends. It's a pretty great life!

Tricia's Mom

Today I'm thankful for: #1- the Internet that makes preparing a lesson so much easier than it used to be. I love to read my lessons online. It's easy to click on all the scripture links and type up an outline all at the same time. #2- the visit I had with President Ludlow today. It's his birthday today and it was nice to visit with him for a couple of minutes. He told me they are coming to Utah in a couple of weeks and I'm very excited to see them! #3- Tricia's mom who cooks delicious Sunday dinners and let's me come to dinner. As we were getting ready to leave I said, "Tricia, we need to take a picture with your mom in it for my picture of the day. I'm always saying that she is what I'm thankful for it's time I had a picture." So this is Tricia's mom Kris. She's pretty great and I'm so thankful for the "going home" feeling anytime I go to dinner at their home. #4- Fresh tulips. Thanks Tricia! I can't wait to enjoy them all week long!

A Free Rice Krispie Treat

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - the yummy omelet Brett made after our 5 mile run this morning. I'm not quite where I can say I love to run (I don't think that'll ever happen) but I love the feeling after I've finished. Case in point an omelet and chocolate milk could have never tasted better. So I guess I love eating after running and today breakfast was divine. #2 - A new water bottle. I finally made it to REI to use a gift card I got for my birthday. I'm pretty excited about it. Hopefully I won't leave it anywhere and keep track of it. #3 - A free treat. Tricia, Preston, Kerri, and I went and saw the edited version of A King's Speech. It was really interesting and well done. I enjoy a good movie where you feel like you learned something about history when you're through. After the movie we headed to Noodles and Company to grab some dinner. Because we were there right before the store was closing we were given free rice krispie treats.  They were pretty great - it made Kerri and I pretty happy!

Melted Cheese

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Fridays and the chance to catch up on the week with my students. We take time on Fridays to make sure assignments have been handed in and that the kids are ready to move on next week. Usually I have the same few kids that haven't turned everything in but this week we had a lot of stuff that needed to be finished so I let the kids work on it for about a half hour and then it was time for study hall and most of them still had things to finish. Today I'm grateful for a group of kids who work hard and get done with what they need to do. They are aware of their responsibilities and care about their school work. Even when they aren't all finished this makes me happy as a teacher because they are working hard and doing their best. #2 - Time with friends. Tricia and I took balloons to Kendall to wish him a Happy Birthday at a party at his house. We were pretty excited about the balloons - I think everyone should get a giant helium balloon for their birthday. I'm pretty sure I was more excited about the balloons than Kendall was. We didn't stay long because I had plans to meet Kerri and Brett to see a movie. It was a fun evening. #3 - a plate of melted cheese. I am my mother's daughter. Growing up this was a favorite bedtime snack for us. We'd love to have melted cheese. Usually Mom would melt cheese on a huge plate and we'd all have our own fork and eat away. Tonight I was hungry when I got home and decided that this really sounded good. I was surprised that it not only sounded good but really tasted good. I went to bed exhausted from the day but very happy.

Roommate Prayer

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A quick nap. Driving home from work tonight I was SO tired and thought I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it through the temple session I had planned for 7:00. I came home and took a quick 40 min nap. It seems it was just what I needed! #2- A stake relief society temple trip. Our stake met at the Jordan River temple for dinner followed by a temple session. During dinner the temple president and his wife spoke to us and I was grateful to be in the temple listening to their sweet words. The blessing of being able to go to the temple often is so wonderful!  #3-Roommate prayer. We don't quite get to it every evening but we are trying. We sure enjoy the spirit that it brings into our home and how it brings us closer as friends.

A Spring Storm

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A fun activity for my students with their 3rd grade buddies. I love that they love to hang out with the third graders as much as they do. They are a great bunch of kids. #2 - Barf bag microbiology. This is as disgusting as it sounds and the kids love it. I have them pick a food source for yeast and then we seal it in a snack ziplock bag and see whose bag barfs first. One of my kids got his face right down next to it and said, "I want to be in the SPLASH zone!" Pretty much made my day and again I thought THIS is why I love my job! #3 - Cloudy skies and a strong cool breeze. Tonight I had a debate conference to attend with some of my students. We were there for a few hours - I was tired and wanted to be home. When I walked out their was huge dark rain clouds in the sky, accompanied by a strong breeze. The coolness felt so good. Oddly something about this weather made me so happy. I think in part it reminded me of many summer nights when a storm rolled into town and cooled the air. I love the smell of rain or the air just before and after a storm. Today I'm thankful for the storm. - (And maybe I'm thinking that I should be a bit more thankful for the storms of life because they help me to be stronger.)

2 a.m.

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Watching t.v. with Preston and Tricia. Tricia and I am loving watching The Biggest Looser with our DVR. No commercials and we get to fast forward all of the show that is filled with a bunch of drama. #2- Extra time. I've been worried about getting this book done for my grandpa for weeks now. Tonight I'm so thankful I didn't have anything pressing to do and I could sit for 5 hours and finish it. #3- That this book for my grandpa is finally finished. I'm so excited to give it to him. I hope he enjoys it as much as I've enjoyed making it. However tonight at 1:00 a.m. I was getting a little tired of looking at it and making sure everything was in the right spot. I had to get it uploaded so I could order it so it might get here by next week. I paid to have it 2 day shipped. I'm sure it'll get here! I went to bed a little before 2 with my computer uploading the book so I can order it in the morning. I decided I should have taken my picture much earlier because I don't take a great picture at 2 in the morning!

More Work on the Book

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Brett who suggested that we go for a run when I got home from work. Amazing how a little exercising always makes me happier.  #2- the lesson at home evening. We didn't used to have lessons at home evening but now we have one every week. It's nice to have a spiritual thought along with an activity. Tricia and I didn't stay long because she had homework and I needed to work more on my book so we snuck out early. #3 - Time to work some more on this project. I'm getting so close and I'll be so happy to be finished!!!

Quiet Sunday Evening

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Dinner at Kerri's with good friends. Kerri had a bunch of us over for yummy bean soup. #2- the opportunity to give service to a friends. After dinner I took Kerri to the airport. She was leaving for the week for work. I was happy I was available to take her. #3 - the visit from my mom and dad. My parents were down to do a few things so they stopped by and visited for about an hour. I was working on Grandpa's book so I showed them all that I had completed so far. I enjoyed just sitting and visiting with them on a quiet Sunday evening. It feels so good to have those.

24 hour grocery store

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A free gym pass. This morning it was snowing big giant flakes so Brett took Kerri and I to his gym to work out. It was pretty great even though about 30 minutes in I was pretty sure I'd about had enough. We did about another hour after that. Gotta love it! What I really do love is being with friends and somehow that doesn't make working out seem so horrible for me. We came back to my house for our usual chocolate milk and breakfast. #2- A day of it's ok to just be at home. I wan't in the mood to do too much. So I stayed in comfy clothes all day and didn't bother with makeup or doing my hair. I just sat on my computer and worked on this book for Grandpa. #3- Finally at 11:30 I decided I needed to run to the store. I was pretty thankful the store close to my home is open 24 hours a day so I didn't have to go far or settle for getting something at a convience store. I was going to snap a picture when I was in the store but forgot so I settle for this great picture with the grocery bag.

A Bit of a Late Night

Today I'm thankful for: #1- As always - FRIDAYS!! I'm always so exhausted on Fridays. Today I'm so glad I for the break of the weekend. #2- La Puente's Mexican food. Tricia, Preston, and I got take out from La Puente's. The chips and salsa from this place are my favorite! So Yummy! #3- A little Mario time. After dinner Preston and I played a little Mario on the wii. We may be a little bit addicted which means I stayed up way too late playing. (Maybe if I went to sleep on the weekends I wouldn't be so tired on Friday.) I need to work on this.

Hoods and the temple

Today I'm thankful for: #1- My weekly trip to the temple. I love the temple and I love that I live so close to so many that I can go every week. I was very happy to be headed there today after work. #2 - When I walked out of the temple it was drizzling rain. I usually don't use a hood but today I pulled it on. I particularly like the hood on this jacket and thought it definitely deserved to be my picture for the day. #3- A free evening. I spent the rest of the evening at home working on my project for grandpa's birthday. I knew that this would take me a long time but I didn't realize just how long it would take. I'm getting closer but it still has so much more to go.

The Mall

Today I'm thankful: #1- that Kerri likes to come over to my house and eat dinner together. Food is so much more fun when it's shared with good friends. #2 - After dinner Kerri and I went over to the mall to see if we couldn't find some shoes. Kerri was looking for shoes to match her super cute new dress. I found a skirt. I saw it in a shop window and thought that should be mine. Unfortunately we found no shoes for either of us. Oh well! #3 - Yummy ice cream to finish off our evening. It was a pretty great evening!

A little time to myself

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - That my students are little science nerds. Today I pulled out a microscope that plugs into my computer and we magnified a bunch of stuff. Then it was time for recess so I let them gather things that had cells and it was hilarious what they came back in with. The better part of the story is I had to shoo them all out the door to go to recess cause the would have preferred to stay in and look at more things under the microscope. Really my job is a lot of fun. #2 - Today as I was driving home from work I thought I just need a little time to myself. So I came home turned on some piano music and read a book for about 45 min. I was feeling a little melancholy and this helped me to escape for just a few minutes. #3 - Tricia who borrowed me a couple of ingredients for my muffins. I was just on my way out the door to go to the store when Tricia got home. The couple of things that I needed she had and let me use them so I didn't have to leave the house. This made me very happy because I really didn't want to go anywhere once I got home. And the muffins turned out delightfully. A definite keeper of a recipe. I'm hoping people will enjoy them at our meeting tomorrow.

What Every Girl Needs

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A cute new shirt to wear. Maybe it doesn't look so cute in the picture but I felt cute in it all day. I decided that every once in a while every girl just needs something new to wear. #2 - A principal who doesn't yell at me even when I'm late. Today I was really late. No excuse I just was. I passed my boss and he just smiled and said good morning. I need to do better and I'm glad he doesn't feel the need to reprimand me for all my shortcomings. #3 - A lovely home evening in the home of my stake president. Our home evening after every General Conference is always at our stake president's home where we discuss what we enjoyed about conference. Usually they have a quiz with all the general authorities' names and quotes from their talks and you have to match the quote with the name of who said it. Working together Tricia and I got them all. Gotta feel pretty great about that. This conference was really so wonderful and was filled with so many little messages that seem taylor made for me. The men and women who spoke to us are truly called of God and their words are really from Him. I know this and it brings me more joy, peace, and comfort than I can explain!

Runts

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My landlord/ roommate/ good friend Tricia. Tricia let's me tag along to her family's home to spend the whole day of general conference. They treat me to a big breakfast, let me take a long nap on their floor between sessions, and then the last session is followed by a FANTASTIC Sunday dinner. I'm pretty lucky to know such wonderful people. #2 - For Elder Scott's talk. It reminded that life is meant to be shared with someone. That part of the beauty of the gospel is that when we are married we are married for Eternity and that our families are meant to be together forever. I want that - I want to live my life so that I'm worthy of that! #3 - Relaxing at home working on my project and eating Runts. I really am grateful for this even though it seems to be a bit of a stretch. I enjoyed watching a movie about Emma Smith, working on a project, and snacking on candy. It was a great evening.

General Conference

Today I'm thankful for #1 - The blessing of watching general conference. Haley and I enjoyed watching the Saturday morning session at home. Here are some of my favorites from this morning's session where: Kent F. Richards talked about coping with pain. He advised us to ask the question Does pain turn us to God or away from him? He also said Christ took on pain to understand us. He ended with the Lord sends us angels to help us when we're in pain. Quentin L. Cook talked about how L.D.S. women are incredible! He advised us to look to the women of the past who'll inspire us to keep the faith today. Then he taught that: Our women aren't incredible because they have no trials they're incredible because of the trials they endure. Then Elder Eyring ended the session talking about service. He said, "Everyone is happier when you can take care of self and then reach out to others." He advised, "Someone can't give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return." He challenged us to cease every opportunity to lift hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees.  #2 - Attending general conference. My roommates and I had tickets and it is always so enjoyable to be in the conference center. We were a little late and the lines were so long and not moving fast at all. When we did get in and sat down I thought about the contrast of the anxiousness of people wanting to get in with the peace of the hymn that was being sung. The session was wonderful filled with a great spirit and so many great talks. During this session President Packer counseled that, "Sometimes we just need to "leave it alone!" Elder Richard J. Maynas talked about families and the eternities. He said, "Sheep lead lambs astray. When the sheep go astra the lambs will have to pay!" This talked made me think about my kids and how when their parents support and love them they are healthy and happy and successful. When they don't have that support it's a different story. Elder Oaks talked about desires. He said, "Righteous desires have to be deep, long term, permanent, lasting." After his talk I thought, "I need to work on my desires and making sure that I make the righteous lasting desires my top priority." #3 - The angel food cake I made to share at Sunday dinner tomorrow. I don't know what it is about making a yummy treat that makes me SO happy but it does!

My Mom

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - taking my T.V. Dinner creations to work and having my boss question eating one. He was pretty sure I'd done something really funny to them. After Annette and I ate one he finally decided it'd be OK to try one. #2 - Our school debate meet. I don't love debate but I love what my students get excited about and they love debate so it makes me happy to see them enjoying it. I think a lot of them would have stayed another 2 hours and debated four more times. I was glad to be leaving at 6:15. #3 - My cute mom whom I love dearly. My parents were down tonight to go to my dad's mission reunion. He served his mission about 50 years ago. He's mission president was about 30 so he is still living and was there. What a neat experience for him to see his mission president and his wife after so many years. I had my mom take a picture with me for my picture a day. I always have such a good time visiting with my mom. I love her SO much!