Day 30... and a new challenge

30 days of gratitude.

Although there are so many things to be grateful for it is hard to make yourself sit down every night and express them. And to be something new each day.

Today I an grateful simply for the fact that I did this. I has prepared me for the holidays in a way that I hope helps me as we try to change our perspective of and approach of this season.

Somehow I want to continue that momentum so I have given myself a new challenge. Over the course of the year as I have learned a little (a very little) about photography I have noticed that seeing things through the camera often makes me look at them differently. When I combine that with the little bit I have learned about photo shop and my continued fascination with word art, I am finding that I can take something ordinary and make it special.

My challenge for this Christmas season is to capture the season... through photos, textures, word art, etc. Something that I see each day that maybe I can see again through a new perspective.

Capturing the season, and finding the beauty each day. Here's to December.

connections

Because of the joys of retail, Tim works long hours and sometimes the opposite of when we are home. I don't text a lot and while I'm faster than I used to be, I am still a snail by today's teen standards.

I love having a small little way to stay connected with Tim when we are apart. I love knowing that I can send a quick note and when he has a chance he'll respond.

Most of all I love the little excited feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I get a text from him.

Especially one designed to make me smile.

headache anyone?

Today my gratitude is truly a frivolous one. As my kids get older I have tried to set a good example and not drink my favorite beverage as much, but... Today I had a good old fashioned migraine.



You know the one.



head hurts.

eyes hurt.

any light hurts.

sounds hurt.

stomach queasy.

bending over creates a vice.

hands shake.

thoughts are foggy.



I am finally functioning somewhat now and my gratitude is my Diet Coke. Eases the headache somewhat, calms the stomach. I'll take it.

Temples

Today there was no shopping. I actually slept! I woke up really early, but instead of not being able to go back to sleep, I actually did. It was almost 8 when I got up this morning. About noon Jarom, Robby and I and 4 of their friends headed off to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to do baptisms. Apparently they had gotten busy at about 11:30 or so. When we got there just after 1 there were a lot of people there. So darn, we had to sit and wait. (that was sarcasm) I got to spend a couple of hours of my day just sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet of the temple. Watching the youth that were also there. I am amazed at them. I was a "good girl' when I was a teenager, but I don't think that I had the fire that the youth of today have. So many youth spending their day off from school at the temple!

About a week ago I was driving down Redwood Road at about 110th south. To my left was a clear view of the Draper Temple, to my right was the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and in my rear view mirror was the Jordan River Temple. I am amazed at the view I have, literally living in the shadow of so many temples. I hope, and pray, that I never tire of that view.

Thanksgiving...

Hope you all had a great one!

5 days off

enough said

Actually... I was going to end there but I just remembered something that happened today at work. I was sitting in my office and I heard this yell from the main office "I GOT A BABY!" We get some interesting people coming in, but I thought that was definitely strange. Then I remembered that one of our adorable cluster teachers is trying to adopt. I went out in the hall and sure enough... She and her husband were in the hall and seeing their excitement was one of those moments that reach clear to your heart. He had brought the news and looked like he was reeling. She is normally a very calm mild mannered person and she was literally jumping and skipping. It was awesome! They left together holding hands to make arrangements to fly to Mississippi and the rest of us were left to simply bask in the good news that is a baby, and one that is so well deserved. It will be a Thanksgiving that they will never forget. Congrats to them. And thanks for making my day.

Sleep!

Today I am grateful for sleep!!!

When I don't get enough, I tend to be this...

Here's to a longer night tonight.