Thanksgiving Day

Today I am grateful for the day I have had with my family. I am thankful that all of my own kids came to dinner, and that all of my extended family on my side came but one married couple and two boys serving missions. I am grateful for the blessings I enjoy as a member of the church, of knowing my wonderful family will continue on after this life. I am thankful for a husband who hangs in with me, even in bad times. I am grateful that I have parents who have always shown me the way to be happy, who have guided me and taught me how to return to my Father in Heaven. I am thankful for the gospel and the many blessings I enjoy from its membership, the temple, the prophet, modern day revelation, the scriptures.
I am grateful for the prompting to write each day the things I am grateful for. It has really helped my attitude and changed the way I think about things. I am grateful for the challenges of my life. Every one of them has brought me to a better place emotionally, mentally and most importantly spiritually.
I am also grateful for turkey stuffing, cranberry salad, and sweet pickles. I am glad that I was able to pay attention to the Food Channel so that I could make fabulous sweet potatoes.
I am thankful for leftovers and backrubs.
I recently read this and wanted to share: "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and vision for tomorrow."
With all of my love,
Kathy

11-26

Today I am grateful that my head is up. Its true, its been up all day.
I am thankful that the doctor said that everything looks really good. He asked if I could stand to go three weeks before I see him again. I wanted to say that I haven't really "seen" him in about three months. I refrained, even though he told me that instead of patching, I could just put a kleenex in between my eye and my glasses. I think he doesn't care if I look stupid. Actually, that would be an entertaining picture for the bulletin board at Wal-Mart. Maybe I'll try it.
I am thankful that I have alot of my Christmas shopping done, and that I saw Jessica and Ann and they told me about fabulous deals at a store in the mall.
I am thankful that Charlie didn't mind running me all over Idaho Falls today and carrying all my stuff around. It was fab to have a helper.
I am thankful that in about 18 hours I will be enjoying the love and friendship of my family. I can't wait.
I am thankful that we get really good days...they more than make up for the ones that make you want to dig a hole and crawl in. This was one of those days.
Loves,
Kathy

11-25

Ok, for the first time in almost ten weeks, I can put my head up. Is that not reason for gratitude and celebration? Well, it makes the number one spot on my list, even though putting my head up makes me a little sick.
Number two, which could probably be number one because I would love to have this experience again was Charlie's indoor soccer game tonight. Two players on the opposite team were wearing read tights, blue shorts and read shirts, we lovingly called them Santa's helpers. One kid was wearing daisy dukes, yes you read that right, daisy dukes. His tan line was about six inches below the bottom of his shorts. One kid wore some really sexy, bronzy, silky shorts with his soccer tee. The bottom line was that it was hilarious. They played like they looked. It was the Harlem globetrotters of indoor soccer, except they lost. So I guess the thing I am thankful for here was the laughter. I haven't laughed that hard in a few months.
Number three, Amazon shopping. My dad casually says the other day he really wishes he could get a particular CD. Being older and not so computer literate, he has never heard of Google. Anyway, I got the CD today and I will get the movie tomorrow. Yay for perfect Christams presents!
I am grateful for chocolate covered raisins.
I am grateful I got to sit by Joyce Lamb and give some kids from Groveland a hard time. I just really miss doing that.
Anyway, loves to all!
Kathy

11-24

This has been a pretty good day. I spent the first six hours flat on my stomach, but it felt good. My house was warm and the game shows were particularly funny. I got to take my eye patch off, and I was able to finish my visitng teaching and laugh and cry with women who have become my friends. The great thing is, that these are not even the five things I am thankful for.
In case I haven't mentioned it, I am grateful for my family. Family life these days can be so difficult, and yet nothing is so rewarding. I love my family, my parents, my grandparents, brothers and sisters, Mark, my kids and my sweet grandbabies. I am grateful for the challnges my family faces because while I hate the challenge, I love the blessings that come from standing up to them.
I am glad I can wear my glasses today and see out of my good eye, I am also grateful that scientists can fashion a lens that improves my vision from a simple piece of glass.
I am thankful that I can stay close to people through the miracle and mystery of technology. I just don't get it, but I love it.
On a similar note, I am grateful for online shopping. Whoever invented that was a genius!
I am thankful for the diversity of my ring of friends. I get so much from all of you and the many who haven't caught the vision of blogging.
I am grateful to whoever brought dinner over. Thanks.
Loves,
Kathy

11-23

Today was a pretty good one. I was able to stay at church for all of the meetings, but I am kind of tired. The kids all came over and there wasn't any bloodshed, so I call it a success.
Today I am grateful for:
My brother John. He is such a good guy, he gives me so much hope and helps me to handle some of my hard times. Once I told him something hurtful someone had said and he laughed. It was a good lesson for me. I am always thankful for him, but today is his birthday, so I thought I'd mention it.
I am thankful to be able to know and see people who have "special" personalities. I think they come to earth to bless those around them, that that is their purpose. A girl approached me at Relief Society today and asked me in her childlike way what was wrong with my eye. I told her that the doctor had to do something to fix it. I could tell she was worried, and she paused for a second and said "I love you." What a blessing she must be to her family.
I am grateful for my Relief Society sisters. I am grateful that they care for me, set examples for me and love me no matter how weird I am. I love going to classes and feeling the Spirit and sitting by women who could be my sisters and who I love as though they are.
I am grateful I have never been bitten by a shark, bear or rattlesnake. Really, think about it, aren't you thankful for that too. I am just saying, we take too much for granted. It could happen anytime.
I am grateful for the well thought out home teaching lesson Charlie prepared and discussed with me. It added so much to my Sabbath day.
Loves to you all!
Kathy

Oops, I almost forgot, I am grateful for good friends who say, "What can Ido to help?" and then don't wait for an answer but just do--in this case we got some of the best cinnamon rolls ever!

11-22

Hi!
I guess you know that Thanksgiving is creeping up fast. Each night as I drift off to sleep, aided by a little green pill, I think of all the things I am grateful for that I will write the next day. Then the next day dawns sunny and beautiful and I can't rememeber what I thought of. The moral of this story is to write them when you think them, or don't take that little green pill.
I am grateful to know that in the resurrection I will be made whole. Not perfect the way I think I should be with flowing gorgeous hair and skinny little body--but whole in the way that I will be able to function as a queen (if I am worthy).
I am grateful that my visiting teachers brought cookies and that I found them before they were yucky.
I am thankful that my family will be able to come for Thanksgiving.
I am thankful that when I make mistakes and act in an irrational way that I can be forgiven.
I am thankful to live in a neighborhood with so many of my friends.
Loves,
Kathy

11-21

Yesterday was probably the hardest day I have had yet. I find out today at the doc that the "block" he used wasn't working very well so when I said, "I can feel that," and he'd say "what?" I would respond "you poking my eye," and he would apoligize. I had a headache the whole day and by noon my eye hurt like it was going to fall out of my head. I also learned that when I am all better, I will have tunnel vision in my right eye because all of the previous surgeries have burned around the outside of my retina.
But today was better. When I went in for my post op visit the nurse asks me how many fingers I can see and I say four and it was like I really could see them. The doc told me I would be blind until they take the silicone out, but it turns out that things will be hazy or blurry. I can handle that. There are still two surgeries left, but it helps to know it and not have my hopes up and dashed like they have been so many times this last couple of months.
Today I am SO grateful that I saw four fingers.
I am also grateful that my school family and the support they have offered me throughout all the hard stuff.
I'm grateful for my fab dad again. He took my to breakfast so I could just come home and lay down and not have to fix myself anything. He is so thoughtful.
I am grateful to all of your who volunteered to do drops, you may have to help me out again.
I am grateful for Sarah's sense of humor. It has kept my grounded. I laughed out loud at her comment yesterday.
Loves,
Kathy

11-20

Today I am grateful for kind nurses, a new beautiful baby niece, Loratabs--I know I said that before, but today I am really grateful for them since I just got home and have been gone since 5:45 this morning and part of my fun day was being poked and prodded A LOT. I am again grateful for priesthood blessings and good men who give them to me. And I am grateful that maybe in a few days I will be able to put my head up.
Loves, Kathy

11-19

Ok, this is the day before surgery, and you might think I am really nervous, but I'm not. Today I am thankful for:
A doctor who was patient and answered all my questions about the risks and issues related to doing this surgery again.
Butt warmers. Those of you who have a car with heated seating know what I am talking about, and the rest of you, well, I'm sorry.
I am stealing part of Jenny C's: I am so grateful for the girls camp experience I had this year. To say it was the best, most awesome, fun and fantastic camp would be a gross understatement. The friendships I made with the girls and the leaders will last forever.
I am grateful for the chuckle I had when a player from the other team ran into Charlie. It's something you have to see to appreciate--try to envision Wyle E. Coyote running into a mountain he drew a cave entrance on. They pretty much bounce off Charlie the same way. OK, maybe I had my eye up a little to much at the game, but I AM having surgery tomorrow.
The calls and concern once the word got out.
Visiting and getting strength from my visiting teachers. There are more, but there are still 8 days until Thanksgiving.

OK--I told Sarah I was going to write Monkey Bread--I just love the stuff. I am willing to eat at Chuck-a Rama for the Monkey Bread.

Loves,
Kathy

11-18

I really thought I would not be able to come up with five things each day to feel thankful for. And I thought I would run out of things, but as I think each day, I realize new blessings just for that day.
1) I am grateful for Marva Lu Kelser who visit teaches with me and her fun sense of humor and giant spirit.
2) I am grateful for my sweet little friend Vi Kimmel who has so much to worry about but always wants to know how I am.
3) I am grateful that people in this world are creative and then post their ideas on the Internet so I can steal them.
4) I am grateful that when I pray for my students I receive answers specific to their needs--like, "speak to her in Spanish and ask her if she understands English." Nope would be the answer. Yep, she has been in public school for three years now.
5) I am grateful for the piece of mind that comes from faith. Really.
Loves,
kathy

11-17

Today I am thankful for funny people in my life, you know who you are. I am also grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have of the Plan of Happiness, that when I go to see headstones, I know where our loved ones are and can get peace from that knowledge. I am grateful for my job, and that its one I love. I am thankful for the proximity of the temple and hope to be able to go inside soon-I am worthy, its the eye thing (why do I feel like I have to explain?) I am thankful that I was FINALLY able to help someone else, you know--give back?
Loves,
Kathy

11-16

Here is my list for today:
!: A talk on gratitude that reminded me that thankfulness is best shown by practicing the thing you are grateful for, for example, I am grateful for my temple blessings, and so I should go to the temple. I am grateful for prayer, so I should pray, etc.
2: Listening to the choir in my ward.
3: A nice neck rub during church.
4: Whoopers
5: People who are honest.
Loves,
Kathy

Ever think about how blessed you are on Saturday?

Here is a recap of this month's daily blogs, I had a bishop who told us that we should concentrate on how blessed we are instead of what we want in our prayers. Elder Bednar gave a talk on the subject in last general conference, so all this month I have been trying to think of how blessed I am and write at least five new blessings a day. Some day s have been easier than others to think of my blessings. Satan has a way of making us feel overwhelmed, sick, sorry for ourselves, afraid, etc. etc. until we finally find ourselves feeling ungrateful. Today was an easy day.
1. Having a son who can give me a blessing and a faith promoting experience all at the same time.
2. Charlie chose to stay home with Mark and I tonight and have a good old fashioned movie night.
3. A friend brought a movie camera to Tristen's game so I could watch the game up-side-right.
4. Mark is making a mondo batch of his wonderful salsa.
5. The sun was shining and felt warm on my back.

I really have listed things every single day, There are only 11 days until Thanksgiving. I feel that having a grateful attitude has really helped me handle these kind of hard days I have had lately. I challenge all my blogger friends to think, and maybe list each day from now until Thanksgiving all the blessing they have.

Love you all,
Kathy

11-14

Today I am thankful for the comfort and hope of the Atonement (I just read a very inspirational posting on myspace), thankdul for my oldest son who had a b-day today, grateful for advice from mydad to "not let that kid get to you," kids who bring a piece of paper for show and tell and think its the greatest thing in the world, and I got to give a spelling test and work with kids more directly than usual.
Love,
Kathy

11-13

Today it is a little bit harder to think of things to be grateful for. I just came from the doc, he says my retina MOSTLY looks good, but is lifting a little at the bottom. He mentioned more surgery, but I am praying and hoping for none.
But at least I have, a great dsughter who has taken me to all of my appointments but 2, my other fab daughter who took me shopping last night for groceries--this is a big deal, cuz she has to lift it all and carry it all inside, a son who will read the New Testament cuz I am not supposed to strain my eyes, good friends who took me to lunch today, and eyes that can and have seen. There is so much more, but there are 14 days until Thanksgiving.
Love,
Kathy

11-12

These are the things I am thankful for today:
gummy worms, a good laugh and wisdom from my dad, texting-even though it annoys me, the smell of wet leaves, someone to put my drops in.
Loves, Kathy

Veteren's Day

I remember that as a little girl, every time a flag went by, my dad taught us to stand and put our hands over our hearts. Every single time. I am grateful that from the time I was tiny, my dad set an example of patriotism. I am grateful that he, along with others in my family have served to preserve our freedoms. I am grateful to soldiers who died defending those who were unable to defend themselves, and those who didn't and don't appreciate their sacrifice. I am grateful for democracy and the freedom to choose.
I am grateful and thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.
Loves,
Kathy

11-10

Students who take responibility for their own actions-its a trait many adults could learn, fall in the air, my dad came a little bit later than normal, and I don't have to share my trail mix with bears--I know its a stretch, but we watched this informative show called "Feeding Frenzy" and they gave grizzlies several food choices and not one bear would eat the trail mix, more salty raisins for me!!!

Sabbath blessings

The talk on Henry B Eyring's conference address, "Remember, Remember" and dinner with my family, primary programs, hugs from students on Sunday, long talks with sisters.
Love ya all,
Kathy

Blessings

I found my black Skechers, music, Jessica didn't get pulled over, potatoes in the back of the pickup, tomorrow is Sunday

More blessings

Today's bessings are Fazoli's Cinnamon sticks, sense of humor, good talk with a good friend, and outstanding deals at Kohl's!!!!
Love, Kathy

Things I am thankful for

I have decided I need to be more grateful. Maybe its that I have come to think that we take WAY too much for granted, and that we need to remember from whom all blessings flow. Anyway, I will add to this draft until Thanksgiving as I think of things I am thankful for. This will end up being VERY long, did you know that if you really THINK about things to be thankful for, there are really too many to name? Maybe as time goes on, I will have a harder time thinking of things. In no particular order:
Nov 4-The Atonement, my Savior, a wonderful hubby, five great kids and six awesome grandbabies, 24 students, the fact that they help me be a better teacher, Debbie Peterson, Loucee's toothy grin, Tristen's unconditional love, the fact that the grandbabies don't want to leave and Becky gets mad about it, the fact I can breathe, my vision, a warm home, friends in my ward, friends at school, the smell of soup when I came home late last night from school-brought in by a friend, my blogging friends, Loratabs, talking to Cami on the phone, quiet pencil sharpeners, Parker who reminds me of his dad, Jessica-the best daughter in law I have, grandparents who still live, parents who will do anything for me including get up early to drive me to school, hugs from students, kids being careful in the hall, rain
Nov5-Marva B, wrapping paper, sugar cookies, socks, peach jam, answers to prayers, freedom to vote, onion rings at Rupes, former students who still like and defend me, prop 8 passed, sisters, new babies, chocolate,
Nov 6-knowledge, free agency, passion, candy corn--did you know its fat free? gas furnaces, Mark working closer to home, an iron, involved parents, friends who say it like it is-even if I don't want to hear it, cards in the mail