Glimpses

As a little girl, I always felt like I was on the wrong side of the glass. My sister was on one side with all the flashing lights and balloons and fun things, and I was on the other side with the left overs. As I got older, I realized that what I saw was nothing but false glamor. It wasn't all that it seemed. But the one thing that I was correct with, was that I was on one side of the glass, and my sister has always been on the other. Every now and then the glass alters and I'm able to glimpse her as if I'm almost on that same side, but the next thing I know is that darn glass is there again. Preventing us from really seeing one anothers perspectives for very long.

Here's the thing that I realized tonight. I am so grateful for the glimpses. I would much rather have them, than not. Though she and I are most definitely very different in most ways, we are similar in several. I am grateful for those glimpses in time when she and I can come together and have real conversations. One's that are based on truth and sincerity. I am grateful for those glimpses that allow for the glass to move enough that I see my sister. No longer parted by obstacles, but really see her and she see's me. I am grateful for glimpses like tonight.

Just a lil Bit of Joy

I have had much to be thankful and joyful about lately. I just wanted to share a few of the things that have caused my heart joy. :)

...being able to spend a week on the beach, a place where I find so much peace.

...being able to wake up to my niece and nephews and have them snuggle with me and giggle about silly things.

...learning how to fly the glider kite. A lot more fun than one would think. :)

...playing go-fish with the kiddos.

...playing on the play ground and watching the kidlets try to be safe AND daring at the same time. So proud.

...going for walks on the beach.

...watching sunsets.

...making funny faces.

...laughing lots.

...being present when my sweet Braxie wanted to say Dinner prayer (he's doing so well!!).

...being able to help Braxie hold his new baby sister, whom he loves oh so much!



...having tender moments with another sweet lil one who loves to cuddle just like ME ;)



...partaking of the yummy goodness of Dairy Queens Tagalong Blizzard which is amazingly delicious.

Small Things

The other day I ventured out to my mail box to grab the mail. These days, there isn't much excitement to be found in the mail. Not with all the technology and what not. I mean, with all the forms of communication, snail mail isn't the most popular. Regardless of most popular or not, I'm not sure what it is, but it always makes me feel good to get a random sweet card or note in the mail. Don't get me wrong, a note in any form is wonderful, but to have someone actually take the time to write a note and mail it is so... just a little bit extra somehow.

Anyway, I got my mail the other day and there was a note from someone. No name. Someone had taken the time to just write me a sweet note. They will never know how much it meant to me to have someone take the time out, for little ol' me. It was such a thoughtful and sweet note. Something I desperately needed that day. So thank you.

I've always said that a compliment does no good just rolling around in your head, be sure to open your mouth and give the compliments you are thinking. You never know who's day you are brightening, just by simply expressing the wonderful thoughts you are thinking about others. I absolutely LOVE when others live by this rule of thumb. I love when people simply love each other and care about each other. Oh how simply and small a thing, to love and care for one another.

Thanksgiving Happiness

This years Thanksgiving was a little different. Usually we have tons of family to celebrate with. The attitude is kind of, the more the merrier. Perhaps this is why it is one of my favorite holidays. As you get older, and all the kids start having families of their own, it's hard to get together for holidays. I guess selfishly I've really loved that (for some reason) Thanksgiving works out for us. For some reason the last several years we have all been able to see each other and be together for a time on Thanksgiving. Whether that means one family has to zoom off after a short time or not, I've really loved it. This year wasn't that way. I actually didn't even get to see half my siblings, but that's ok. Life happens and we can't always get what we want. Haha. Thanksgiving was still wonderful.

I started Thanksgiving off by putting together a co-ed Turkey Bowl with some friends. Yes, you read that correctly. A GIRL put together a Turkey Bowl. Listen, I've never played football before and why let the guys have all the fun?! Besides, we did it last year and I missed out because of my broken elbow. So I wasn't gonna let that happen again. :) Guess what?! I totally made a touchdown! Yup, it was great. I even took a ball to the face once. Let's just say I'd rather not repeat that one! Ouch! But overall, it was a blast!

After football, it was off to the brothers. My sweet little nephew was my cuddle buddy all day! I'm not really sure what got into him and why he didn't want to play. Maybe he just missed me, but he just wanted to cuddle. So cute regardless. At one point, we were sitting there and he was playing with my hands and he notices that I have a ring on my right hand. He got really curious and asked me why I was wearing a ring like his daddy (it's a plain band). I tried REALLY hard not to laugh. He obviously thought girls only wore rings with a diamond on them. lol. Anyway, I told him I like rings and girls can wear all kinds of rings. I also asked him if he was wondering why I wasn't wearing the special ring that goes on the special finger, kinda like his mommy and daddys. We had the cutest conversation. Boy, I just love talking to kids. They say the darnedest things and I love to see where their minds end up going. Too cute!

As usual, I read the kiddies my Thanksgiving children's books. They are starting to remember the books. Perhaps its about time I look for a few new books to bring into the mix for next year. :) Overall, a very good day.

Gratitude

Not only is it the Holiday for Gratitude, but I was supposed to give a talk on Gratitude as well (it was postponed). Due to both of these things, I have had this topic on my mind a lot. Obviously. In a world that tells us that we should want more more more, I find myself very thankful for what I have. Yes, I am human. And yes, I do want things. But honestly, I feel so grateful for what I am given on a daily bases that I don't WANT for anything. I feel like I am provided for what I need. Heavenly Father knows my wants and needs.

I am grateful for a mother who I can call a friend and a wonderful example. I am grateful for the blessing of having the gospel in my life. I am grateful for having a job and a roof over my head. I am grateful for being able to eat food when I need nourishment. I am grateful for health and the ability to explore the beauty that surrounds me here in Utah. I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. I am grateful for the people I have in my life who help me to be a better person. I really could just go on an on.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the ones you love!

Patriotic Thank You!!!

As many of you know, my youngest brother has been serving in the military for quite a few years. He has been training and then serving in the war since the beginning of the year. Though it has been hard to have him so far away from our family, I cannot tell you how proud I am of him. From a very young age he has demonstrated a high level of patriotic pride. Something that he shares with our grandpa, who also served in a devastating war. A pride that I see in so many of our soldiers. As I look in our soldiers faces, I cannot help but wonder where this loyalty, pride and sense of duty comes from. As I look into their faces, I cannot help but have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the men and women who sacrifice SO much for us!

My brother just came home for his all too short leave. He had to travel many hours to get back home and he had to travel on many different flights to reach us. But he said his travel was good. He said he had a really hard time keeping it together when they got to Texas. As they were taxied in, there were 2 fire trucks on either side of the plane and they were shooting their hoses in an arch over the plane as a symbol of gratitude because they knew there were a few soldiers on the plane. As this happened, the other passengers stood up and all applauded them. Old and young. He said it meant a lot. But it didn't stop there. As they got off the plane and went to catch the next flight, they were applauded and cheered by so many others they passed by. They were told that this is what Texas does for our soldiers. This is a regular occurrence.

I am overjoyed at the kindnesses made to show my brother and other soldiers that they are appreciated. Thank you Texas!!! Thank you for your Patriotic Thank You to soldiers!

Honoring those who Fight for our Freedom

Honestly, this whole election has been very aggravating to me. I hate politics. There, I said it! It's true. It's like everyone is so set on bringing out each other's 'garbage' that I don't understand how anyone can view politics in a positive light. How am I supposed to feel good about voting for a person who tries to smear another person while in the same breath is boasting about their own good qualities? It is completely insane to me. At this point, I feel it is a simple choice of choosing between the lessor of the two evils so to speak. Quite honestly it makes me want to throw up.

What REALLY gets me though, is all this talk of pulling out of the war. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. I hate war as much as the next person. But what I am saying is that it is a complete slap in the face to those beautiful soldiers who have sacrificed their time, energy, and in some cases.. lives in this war if we pull out of it cold turkey. We dishonor our soldiers by talking about the war as if it has been a complete failure. If you were to talk to a soldier who is currently serving, you would know that they believe it to be a success. They believe it to be worthy of their service. My brother is currently in Afghanistan. He left a beautiful wife behind so he could serve his country for a cause that he believes in. He left his family so he could fight for a freedom that soldiers continue to fight for and that we as every day Americans seem to forget that we continue to have to fight for. Yes, we live in the Land of the Free but that does not mean we do not have to protect that freedom. That does not mean we do not have to continue to fight for that right. I am so thankful to those soldiers who sacrifice continually even when the media leads others to believe what they are doing is for not. I am thankful for those soldiers who sacrifice for our freedom even when it would appear that gratitude is lacking amongst the people who owe them their freedom.