Gratitude Post #12: My Faith

Today I'm grateful for my faith. It anchors my life, keeps me focused on what I feel is important, and helps me serve others better.

My parents raised me in a very Christ-centered home. They taught my sisters and me gospel principles when we were very small. We had family prayers and read scriptures regularly, we went to church every Sunday, and we had Family Home Evening every Monday night. My religion has always been a huge part of my life and has definitely contributed to who I am today.

I am very grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know my Savior lives and loves me. I know that through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can repent of my sins and return to my Heavenly Father someday.

I am grateful for my faith.

Gratitude Post #11: My Sisters

Today I'm grateful for my sisters. They were always my best friends growing up, and even though we're so far apart now, they are still very dear to me. My sisters and I are very close in age. Susie and I are about 16 months apart and Rachel is three years younger than me. When we were small, my mother would often dress us up in similar dresses, sometimes even matching dresses, and ladies would regularly ask if we were triplets. We have many of the same interests, despite our personalities being so different. We like the same movies, we have the same standards, and we share the same faith. If someone were to ask me how I would define our personalities, I would say that I'm the quiet, observant, laid-back sister. I love animals, wildlife, family-life, and art. Susie is the stubborn, studious, high-motivated sister. She loves playing the piano, singing, keeping physically active, and furthering her education. Rachel is the high-energy, talkative, extrovert sister. She loves being the star of the show, having fun, and interacting with people.

I love my sisters. I'm grateful to have them in my life.

Happy 10th Birthday, EMMA!

Today is Emma's birthday. When I interviewed her yesterday, I asked her how she would describe herself. "I don't know," was her reply. I asked her what her personality was like, and again she looked baffled. "I don't know," she said again. "I guess I'm quiet." Quiet? Emma? She then asked me, "How would you describe me?"

Emma is a sweet, tenderhearted girl. She's modest, conscientious, observant, and very obedient. Emma wants to do things right the first time. If she makes a mistake, she tries to fix it right away. She wants to be a good girl and please others around her, but mainly so she can be pleased with herself. Emma wears her emotions on her sleeve. When Emma is sad, everyone around her knows. When Emma is happy, everyone around her knows. Emma gets excited about the simplest things sometimes. She finds joy in simplicity. Emma thrives on a routine and a well-structured environment. She loves having one-on-one attention with her parents and she doesn't like to compete for attention. Emma is a very good student in school, not because she's a natural wiz like her brother, but because she is a HARD WORKER. Emma cares deeply about doing well in school. She cares deeply about making her family happy.

Emma's Favorite Things:
Favorite Colors: Purple, black, green, and blue
Favorite Foods: Mushroom pizza, homemade chili, mashed potatoes, homemade Sloppy Joes, hamburgers
Favorite Animal: Cats
Favorite Movies: "Batman Animated Series," "Batman Beyond."
Favorite TV Shows: "Fetch with Ruff Ruffman," "Simpsons," "America's Funniest Home Videos."
Favorite Superheors: Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing
Favorite Characters: Catwoman, Batman superheros, Blossom the cat
Favorite Books: Babysitters Club Little Sister series, Batman comic books, Warrior series
Favorite Quotes or Sayings: "May the floss be with you!" "Give me some sugar, baby!"
Activities and Hobbies: Playing croquet, soccer, playing with cousins, Batman.
Favorite Songs: "Batman," "Kitty-Cat Man"

Gratitude Post #10: Routine

When I married Brad, I instantly found myself immersed in his world. I had stepped in a new home, a new life, and a new routine. Brad's structured routine began shortly after he gained full custody of his children in 2003. Every morning and every evening he would have family prayer with his children. He read stories, read scriptures, and sang songs to Scott and Emma every night before they went to bed. They would go to the library once a week, have Family Home Evening every Monday, and go to church on Sunday.

Now, 7 years later, the routine is still basically the same with a few minor adjustments. I'm now a part of the routine. I participate fully and pick up the slack when Brad needs some extra help.

Having a routine has blessed our lives tremendously! The children know what to expect every day. Even Lizzy knows what to expect, and she's only 17 months old. She's always enthusiastic about participating in our routine. She knows when it's time for prayer and instantly folds her arms and bows her head. At scripture time, she grabs her own little Book of Mormon, sits on the floor, and turns the pages. She knows what "grab a book" means, too, and she knows when it's time to brush her teeth. This is without ANY coaxing from us, by-the-way. She is modeling what she sees.

I'm grateful for the routine in our home. It makes our lives stable, predictable, and less complicated. I'm especially grateful for my husband who started it all. He's such a wonderful father.

Gratitude Post #9: My "Blended" Family

Family Photo in 2006

Today I'm grateful for my family. When Brad and I got married in June 2006, we immediately found ourselves faced with the challenge of learning how to become a step-family. We did not become an instant family overnight. Brad and I had to train ourselves to be partners, not only as newlyweds, but as parents raising Scott and Emma. We had to pace ourselves and keeps things slow and simple to make sure everyone felt loved and included. Luckily, Scott and Emma already loved me before I entered their family, and they were eager to have me live with them and take care of them. It certainly wasn't easy at times, and there were moments of awkwardness as we tried to define our roles. I am so grateful for the help we received from others, and for the knowledge we gained through study and prayer. We are not your average "traditional" family, but we all have a lot of love and respect for each other, and we are learning how to make things work. I know the challenges we face as a family are far from over, but I know we will get through them together and become stronger in the end.

I am grateful for my family.

Family Photo 2009

Gratitude Post #8: Shredded Pork and Wooden Fish

I will admit, shredded pork and wooden fish is a rather odd and unusual thing to be grateful for. Perhaps I should phrase it like this: "I am grateful for inspired neighbors and witty family members who say silly things." Service and laughter made the ending of our stressful week into something good.

Brad and I needed someone to do something nice for us this week. Our week was full of unpleasant events and unnecessary drama, and we were emotionally and mentally exhausted. Brad suggested that we have a prayer. We were struggling to have some peace and comfort amid the storm of drama. He prayed that the Lord would comfort us and prove Himself as He had done before. He prayed that something good would happen for us.

Today one of our lovely neighbors and fellow church members showed up with a bag of rolls and a Viva Cottage Cheese container filled with delicious homemade shredded pork. Was she inspired to do this kind act of service? I definitely believe she was! It was so nice having someone think of us and do something nice. And the pork was absolutely divine!

In the evening, Brad and I headed over to his aunt's house and we had pizza from The Pi Pizzeria for dinner. We played "Catch Phrase" with Aunt Marian, Uncle Gordan, Tricky, Christopher, Natalie, and Travis. There's something about playing with a group of fun-loving, extremely witty people that make a simple game of "Catch Phrase" into a hilarious night of laughter and fun. One of my favorite parts of the night was when Natalie was trying to get us to guess a particular food. She said:

Nat: "It swims in the tank."
Someone yelled: "FISH!"
Nat: "But it's two words! The second word is 'wood.'"
Travis: "WOODEN FISH!"
Nat: "No, no! It's a FOOD!"
Natalie was trying to get us to guess "Fish Stick."

Another funny moment was when Christopher tried to get us to guess the name of a famous protagonist:
Chris: "HIM!" Pointing to his left at Tricky.
Us: "TRICKY!" "JOHN!" "MAN!"
Chris: "HER!" Pointing to his right at Natalie.
-- we were like, what?---
Chris: "BIG EARS!"
-- oh, of course, DUMBO--
Natalie was not impressed by her brother's joke.

Gratitude Post #7: Special Moments with Scott & Emma

Scott and Emma are the two greatest bonus children I could ever imagine! They are WONDERFUL! I love spending time with them every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Tonight I had a fun time taking pictures of them playing in the leaves outside. Scott wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about playing in the leaves this year as he used to be, and I told Emma it was because he decided to grow up and turn into a boring teenager. As the evening progressed, however, Scott let his boyish side take over, and I took some great pictures of him playing with Emma.

There are definitely challenging moments being Scott's and Emma's stepmother, but the special moments I have with them far outweigh the drama. Scott and Emma are well-behaved, lovable, respectful children, and they both have their own special bond with me. I am grateful for the way they were raised by their father and their grandmother before I came along five years ago, because it's the whole reason why they are such great kids. I love them very much, and I'm grateful for the special moments I'm privileged to share with them every day.

Gratitude Post #6: Grandpa's Quote

I had to add another post about my grandpa. He's been on my mind a lot lately, especially since I posted that blog entry about my grandparents a couple of days ago.

Brad and I have been going through a lot of stress lately. Not within our marriage or relationship, but with... ummm... outside influences you might say. If you know Brad's story or our family well, you'll probably know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, a few months ago my aunt sent me a quote my grandpa used to say, and I've faithfully put it up on my wall as a reminder when times get hard. Grandpa would always say:

"God makes all things work out for the good guys."
~David Burrows Whitcomb

Simple and short, and yet so TRUE! God will make things work out for us because we are striving to do good things. If we continue to do our part, He will help us through our trials and adversities. I am thankful for my grandfather's quote, because it truly does help me keep things in perspective. Thanks, Grandpa!

Gratitude Post #5: Utah

Today I'm grateful that I live in Utah. While I will always miss and love my home in Long Beach, I am very happy with the choice I made to live in such a beautiful, family-friendly state. I love looking out my window and seeing the tall Utah mountains. I love watching the seasons change every few months. I love going places and seeing families with children. I love all of the free places you can take your family to, and all of the wonderful parks you can spend the day at. I love how the cost of living isn't nearly as high here as in other places. I love how owning your own home is not an impossible dream. I am very grateful to be here.

Gratitude Post #4: My Grandparents

I'm very grateful for these two wonderful people:

My grandparents have been and always will be awesome role models for me to follow. I'm thankful that I knew them while they were alive, and that I learned so much from them. My grandparents taught me to look for the good in people. They taught me the importance of getting an education; that intelligence is one of the most valuable treasure you can take with you wherever you go. One of my favorite lessons they taught me was that it's possible to be "in love" with your spouse no matter how old you are, or how long you've been married, or what physical condition you or your spouse might be in. They were sweethearts for over 50 years and were as affectionate as newlyweds for most of that time. Even when my grandmother developed Alzheimers disease, my grandfather was as devoted and loving to her, if not more so, than he had ever been. When she passed away in January 2005, he only lived eight months without her.

I'm so very grateful for my grandparents' marriage, especially at this time and age when divorce rates are so high and many people have misconceptions about what true love is. Their relationship is one that I refer to as being "happily ever after." They knew what it meant to love someone and be committed to them, and to be happy with the choice they made to be together, even when hard times came. They knew how to pull through and to always love each other unconditionally.