November

To add on another reason for being grateful for technology is because I woke up this morning and the water heater was not working. :( I had a cold shower and I'm sick. It's fixed now though.

30. Anyways for my final thankfulness of November I'm not sure what to put. I have enjoyed this month worth of posts. Being grateful makes me realize how much I have and it makes me happy. I am grateful for so many things. I think I covered just about everything that is most important to me. I truly am grateful for being able to have this experience we call life. I am grateful for the good and the bad, the happy and the sad cuz ultimately I believe all these experiences help me become more like God and His loving son Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog.

Technology

29. Today I am thankful for technology. I am currently having a conference call on skype with my sister in Brazil, my cousin in China and another cousin in St. George. W.O.W. We just all happened to be online at the same time and decided to randomly conference call. Man that is cool!!! Also our water got turned off today because the landlord and I miscommunicated who was responsible for the water, but in the contract it says the owner is responsible for the water, oh the joys of renting. Someday we will own a home again I'm sure. :) So I am thankful for flushing toilets, and running water to wash my hands.

Two Again..

27. Thankful I am done Christmas shopping for my boys. I went out on black Friday with my bro and SIS-in-law. It was fun. I don't think I have ever got my Christmas shopping DONE before the week of Christmas in the 7 years I've been a parent. I can't believe its done before December. It was fun and now I can relax and focus on the spirit of giving/service. I've never really done the black Friday thing either, I mean I like to go out later in the day, but not midnight to 6 am. I like to watch people. Glad I could be with my fam too!

28. I am grateful for the right to choose. I am thankful for agency. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from my choices as well as others. I am grateful I recognize that I have a choice on my attitude towards life and different/ difficult situations.

HolidayS

25. I am thankful for the celebration of holidays. I feel like they really break up the monotony of everyday life. I am grateful for family to spend holidays with. I am thankful for yummy food to eat and power/knowledge to prepare that food. There is so much that goes into all the stuff that I take for granted. Someone had to raise the turkey and kill it and package it and get it to Walmart so I could buy it for my family. Someone grew the fruits and veggies, someone harvested the wheat and flour etc. Etc. Etc. I am thankful my family was able to spend time together and be thankful.

26. I am grateful for my brothers. Robert just moved 3 miles away from me. He's only 14 months older than me. Joseph is 3 years older than me and lives in St. G. Benjamin came up this last week and Hung out with us cuz he had work off, he's 5 years younger than me. I love my brothers.

Forgiveness

24. I am thankful for forgiveness. I hear so many crazy, wild stories of people's lives all day long. Often times people have been very judgmental to themselves as well have been judged by others. I am grateful that I'm not "the judge". I am grateful for my belief in and experience with forgiveness. I am thankful that I can help others forgive themselves. I am grateful for others forgiving me. I am grateful for a God that forgives and loves me. I am grateful that I can forgive others so that I am not walking around angry in life. I love forgiveness it is such a blessing for those who use it!

Grati"two"de

22. Today I am thankful for my new camera. For my birthday I got that NIKON camera I was thinking about getting, but I haven't liked it. I took it back the other day and got an easier point and shoot Canon. I like it. Now I just need a computer so I can upload my pics and post them for all of you. :)

23. I am making a large blanket for myself right now... tying a quilt from some fabric Dave and I bought several years ago. It causes me to be grateful for many things... the fact someone taught me long ago to tie quilts, the frames my mom-in-law let me borrow, the money we have to buy the needed supplies, the memories I have of my mom doing that while I was growing up and letting us play forts and watch movies underneath the quilt(s), allowing my boys to do the same thing as I'm quilting, a home to live in with a room big enough to set up a large quilt, and even more. I have enjoyed being able to sit and do that the past few days cuz life is a little stressful right now and quilting has been relaxing. I am looking forward to quilting with my mom tomorrow cuz she's coming up for Thanksgiving. Yay!

Twoday...

20. I am thankful for nature. I am thankful that nature here in Provo has seasons. It keeps life interesting to have gorgeous winter snow, and beautiful blossoms/fresh air in the spring, awesome blue skies and warm sunshine in the summer, followed by amazing colors in the fall! I love this land that we live in. The freedoms we enjoy... I am grateful I can go outside at any point and enjoy fresh air, go for a jog, hike or simply sit and soak it all in. Thankful!

21. I am thankful for ears that hear. Today I gave the lesson/led the discussion in Sunday school. I am thankful the class was attentive and participated. I told them I prayed for them to be inspired as well so if they felt any promptings to please speak up and share. Immediately following that announcement several class members shared wonderful experiences totally pertinent to the lesson that helped get the points across. I am thankful my ears hear, and my heart feels the promptings of the spirit. I am thankful to be able to hear beautiful music, hear my kids talking/laughing/and fighting. I love to hear and am thankful for that blessing. I am thankful for good friends and family members that take time to listen and hear me when I need them to. I am thankful I can listen to my clients and hear their needs... I guess I wouldn't be much of a therapist if I couldn't hear. ;) If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here to listen.

Joseph Truman Leishman

19. Today I am thankful for my second born. Joey is such a sweet boy. He is learning to read in kindergarten. He is such a sweet boy. Whenever he is near me he has to be touching or cuddling. He's genuinely funny and creative. He loves to sing along with the Hercules movie. He loves video games and music. He's a daring and brave kid. He has a mind of his own and I love it! He was born over a month early, but has been strong ever since. I am grateful to have my little Joey. Love you buddy!

Knock on wood...

Remember two days ago when I said I'm thankful for David Jr? Well this afternoon he was throwing rocks up into a tree and missed the tree... he shattered the neighbors window. Shoot!
I am still thankful for him and all I learn by being his mother, but today I am grateful the window will only cost $150 to replace and not $500.00. :)

I am grateful for this little glimpse into how God must feel everyday to watch His children, you and me, make stupid mistakes or choices. I was pretty angry, but am over it now. David just finished saying his night prayers and asked God to bless the neighbors and their window and to help him choose the right. He felt very sad/guilty. I can't stay mad at that for long.

17. Marriage

I am thankful for all the lessons I'm learning from being married. I'm learning to love in a different way. This is definitely not the easiest thing I've ever done, but I think it's worth it. 9 years ago today... St. George temple. It was a beautiful day. I am thankful to be a mother and wife because I have learned so much about me and God. :)

David Jr.

16. I am thankful for my son David. If I could I would post a picture of his tooth right now. He just lost his sixth tooth minutes ago. It was one of his two front teeth. The big tooth had already grown in without the little one falling out. He has a huge gap between his front teeth now. Whenever I see other kids at his age and stage I feel bad for them cuz its such an awkward kinda annoying stage, but now that it' s my own son it's kinda fun. I love that awkward, smart, cute, sweet boy! Today I am thankful he' s my buddy.

The human body...

15. More specifically my human body. The body is such a miracle. I am thankful for my body. I am thankful for how it works so well and functions properly. I am grateful that since graduation I have been able to lose over 25 lbs. Ya u read that right 2. 5. I have been eating healthy, little bread and only one treat a week, as well as exercise and it has worked. I am grateful that without the stress of school and me eating healthy my body has done it's job. Before starting the masters program I took an anatomy class, I was so impressed by learning about the body and the miracles it performs daily. I am inspired by even the hands. I love to watch peoples' hands. Through them God works. I am thankful for the blessings and promises of the temple in regards to the body. I love it!

To be continued...

13. Grateful for honesty. I am thankful for the person who found my wallet, after someone else stole it, and called me. There was not any money in it just things that are important to me like drivers license, a couple gift cards, library cards, sams club card... it would've really been a hassle to replace so I am grateful for that. I am thankful that my husband and I are honest with each other. It's not always easy to hear, but I appreciate it and love him more for his honesty with me and accepting my honesty with him.

14. I am thankful for days off work where I can sit around, do laundry, be lazy, hang out with people I love, clean the house, pay bills, run errands, read a book, play on computer, read spiritual talks/scriptures, get organized, exercise, clean car, go tanning, help my kids, etc. I work full time 5 days a week, which is a job I enjoy, however I really l.o.v.e my days off! I especially love Sundays cuz I really like going to church and feeling the spirit there and learning about Jesus.

Grateful

I am grateful for SO many things.

I have read quite a few blogs and Facebooks of people who are being grateful. I love how that makes me feel so I'm going to jump on that bandwagon and be grateful. I am going to catch up since it's already the 13th so here goes...

1. I am thankful for good examples in my life at every stage. Especially now for all u grateful people reminding me to have gratitude. I write often in a journal things I'm grateful for, but it never hurts to do it more, count my blessings.

2. I am thankful for good music like "count your many blessings", that lift my spirits instantly. I started listening to Christmas music this week on my way to work cuz "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" around here, cold and snowy.

3. I am so thankful for my family. All of them. I seriously have the best Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Siblings. Parents,even if deceased. Grandparents. In-laws. And kids. I don't know what I' d do without them. I can't imagine how Job felt in the bible...

4. I am thankful for the Holy spirit in my life that guides me daily if I'll just listen. Seriously I rely on that in therapy and personally for guidance, peace, comfort, and direction.

5. I am thankful my husband got us Droid phones cuz our computers are dead so I'm typing this from my phone. Not easy but definitely possible. Plus all this technology allows me to keep in contact with all those people that I love so much.

6. I am thankful for my lil' sister. She almost died when I was 5 and I prayed with all my heart for her to live. I know that was Gods will so she was spared. I miss her so much right now cuz she is spending time with her fiance in Brazil. I missed her like crazy when she was on her mish too.

7. I am thankful that I have always had the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Since I was a little girl, Heather & Tiff, and others in that area. Then we moved and I met Silene, who is and always will be a huge support. Shasta. Sunny. Bunny. Many through high school. Then in Cedar I met Lindsey and Becky. And in provo I have another Lindsey and Becky who are sisters, all my MSW friends, Anna, Rochell, Mita etc.

8. I am thankful for my journal. I was rereading it last night and I would've forgotten many things had I not written them down. This includes photos and scrapbook as well. I love memories! Without them I'd lose a huge piece of me.

9. I am thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. It has been such a blessing in helping me get to know God and His son Jesus Christ. The gospel provides me tools to maintain and obtain true peace and happiness.

10. Jesus Christ. I feel as though years ago I developed a strong relationship with Him. I am so grateful for His example and love. It is difficult for me to put all this in words especially this more intimate sacred stuff. Then the last two years I focused on getting to know the Holy Spirit#4.

11. More recently I have felt my relationship with God strengthening. I'm wondering and guessing that the first two is what allows this one, but I am so thankful to be feeling the Fathers love for me and getting to know Him. It's pretty amazing this thing we call life and all its lessons. It's such a great process if the 3 members of the godhead are a part of it.

12. I am grateful for life. For my life. For health and strength. For oxygen and the miracle of the body. I love being able to run and jump and breathe and meditate and sing and sit and love and hug...

13. I am thankful for ... to be continued.

Family Time

Last Sunday we drove to Strawberry Reservoire and got a room in the lodge there. It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
David and Joey enjoyed lots of hot chocolate because it was freezing.

Dave was the driver and the fisherman. It was nice to do this together as it has been quite sometime for us, we used to go ALL the time when we lived in Cedar City.

This is what we woke up to Monday morning.

It was beautiful!