Gratitude--Day 29

I am grateful for all of the many luxuries that I enjoy on a daily basis. I have to admit, sometimes I complain about how difficult my life is...BUT...I am usually reminded pretty quickly just how nice I have it. I am grateful for a nice home that has heat and air-conditioning. I am grateful for a two-car garage with an automatic door. I am grateful for a refrigerator, a dishwasher, an oven, a stove, and a microwave. If all of that was not enough...I am grateful for my Crock Pot. I am grateful for television and Netflix. I am grateful for a washing machine and dryer. I am grateful for running water...and hot water pretty much anytime that I want it. I am grateful for a smart phone and Internet access. I could go on...and on...and on. I am truly blessed!

Needless to say, I really have nothing to complain about. I am very blessed to be living in the time that I do. I have so many things surrounding me that make my life easy and enjoyable.

Gratitude-- Day 28

I am grateful for Matt's parents, Kelly and Karla. They are very supportive and absolutely love their family. They love spending time with their grandchildren. Elizabeth and Zachary love watching movies and playing with all of Grandma and Grandpa's toys. During the Summer, Kelly and Karla host the best BBQ and turn their backyard into a miniature water park.

Thanks Karla and Kelly...we love you!

Gratitude-- Day 27

I am grateful for repentance. I know that I am not perfect and do at least one hundred things wrong everyday. What a blessing it is to be able to repent of our sins and to be forgiven. I know that our Heavenly Father is a loving father who wants to lead us, teach us and most importantly forgive us. I am grateful for Jesus Christ. Without Him there would be no hope. I am grateful for hope.

Gratitude-- Day 25

I am grateful for prayer. It is incredible to know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants to communicate with us. I think it is amazing that we have a "direct line" to God. What a blessing to be able to vent our frustrations, voice our fears, and celebrate our successes!

Gratitude-- Day 24

I am grateful for my Elizabeth. She is a beautiful, fun-loving, spirited little girl. She is opinionated and always keeps me on my toes but I wouldn't change a thing. She is a wonderful big sister and has a huge heart. You can tell that she loves her family and is passionate about many things. She loves to play with dolls, dress-ups and has a great imagination. She spends hours creating new worlds and role-playing with her toys. She loves to draw and is getting really good at writing her letters.

Elizabeth, I love you. You were my first baby and have taught me so much about unconditional love. My world has not been the same since I laid eyes on you a little over 5 years ago. You hold a special place in my heart and I am  grateful to be your mommy!

Gratitude-- Day 23

I am grateful to be married to my very best friend.

Gratitude-- Day 22

I am grateful for the ability to serve those around me. I love the feeling I get when I serve. My heart is filled to overflowing each time I serve. Whether it is something small, or something more complex, I absolutely love that I can lighten the burden of those around me. Within the past few months, I have had many chances to serve. All of these situations have made me a better person and have brought me closer to my Heavenly Father. I am grateful.

Gratitude-- Day 21

“We understand that the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to overcome the spiritual death that results from sin and, through making and keeping sacred covenants, to have the blessings of eternal life.”

—Dallin H. Oaks

“Teachings of Jesus,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 93

I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to be forgiven for the sins that I make during my time here on Earth. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, who wanted me to return to live with him and created a plan to make that possible. I am grateful to Jesus Christ for His sacrifice. Because of His example and His atonement, I am able to be with my family for eternity. What an amazing blessing!

Gratitude-- Day 20

I am so grateful for my sweet, little Zachary. He is such a fun-loving, easy-going, little Mommy's Boy. I love his sweet hugs and his slobbery kisses. He loves to snuggle with me and follows me around everywhere I go! When he looks up at me and smiles...it melts my heart.

Zachary loves superheroes, trucks, and dinosaurs. He is really good at sound effects and loves to fight. My favorite is when he falls over, sticks out his tongue, and plays dead whenever he is shot during a battle. He would wear a cape and mask, and carry a sword everywhere he went...if we would only let him. Seriously...could he be any cuter?

Zachary, I love you. I am so grateful to have you in my life. You are such a sweet boy and I am the luckiest Mommy in the world to be able to have you as my son.

Gratitude-- Day 19

Today, Elizabeth mentioned to me "I know that even when you are mad at me, you still love me! You will always love me no matter what."

I am grateful for this sweet moment and for the ability to convey my love to my children.

Gratitude-- Day 18

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my friends and neighbors, especially through callings in my local church. I currently serve as a member of the Relief Society Enrichment Committee and as a teacher in the Senior Nursery. I enjoy these two callings so much.

As a member of the Enrichment Committee, I am able to meet once a month to plan the activities for the sisters in our ward. Additionally, we arrive early to set-up and stay late to clean-up after each activity. I am so grateful that this calling allows me to meet with and get to know the ladies in my ward. It is great to be able to serve some of my very good friends!

Every Sunday, I am able to spend two hours with the cutest little two-year-olds, as their teacher in Senior Nursery. I love playing with them and teaching them about Jesus and our Heavenly Father. We talk about what it means to be a good friend, a loving brother or sister, and what it means to be happy and to do what is right. I love sharing my testimony with those sweet little kids.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I have been able to serve in a few different callings throughout the years. I am grateful for the things I have been able to learn and the people that I have been able to serve. My very first calling was as the Relief Society Chorister. Then I was able to serve as the Historian for the Latter-Day Saint Student Association at the University of Utah Institute. In my current ward, the Brookhaven Ward, I have been able to serve as a Beehive Advisor in the Young Women's Organization, as a Sunbeam Teacher in the Primary, and as a Nursery Teacher.

What a blessing it is to be able to serve!

Gratitude-- Day 16

I am grateful for good friends. I have some incredible people in my life. I am blessed with their support, their love, and their amazing example. I love that we can escape together and relax. I love that we can laugh and cry together. I love that we can lift each other up and help each other.

To all of my friends out there...you know who you are...thank you.

Gratitude-- Day 15

I am so grateful for modern medicine. We have been blessed with some amazing doctors and specialists. I am grateful for our pediatrician, Dr. Kenneth Broadbent. He has done an amazing job at keeping Elizabeth and Zachary healthy, especially my sweet, little Zachary. When Zachary was 5 months old, Dr. Broadbent correctly diagnosed Zachary's symptoms as food allergies and immediately got us an appointment with a Pediatric Allergist that has more than a four-month waiting list for an appointment. Then, last February, Dr. Broadbent was able to identify a really rare rash and quickly get Zachary the help that he needed. Zachary's situation could have been so much worse; however, the swift actions of Dr. Broadbent saved us from more heartache. We are blessed to have Dr. Kenneth Broadbent, Dr. Jan Broadbent, and Dr. Jana Parker watching over Elizabeth and Zachary.

Today, we had the opportunity to bring Zachary for an annual check-up with his Pediatric Allergist. We found out that Zachary weighs 29.2 pounds. We also found out the results to Zachary's labs.

We tested Zachary's blood to see check for allergen-specific antibodies. Since we have the results of last years test, we are able to compare the results to see if the levels of antibodies have changed. Unfortunately, most of his allergen-specific antibodies increased, which means he is not outgrowing any of his allergies...yet.

Here is a list of where is levels are at right now:

Egg-- greater than 100
Milk-- greater than 100
Peanuts-- greater than 100
Almond-- 8.0
Sesame Seed-- 11.2
Pecan-- .52
Banana-- 14.5
Cashew-- 69.5
Walnut 1.3
Pistachio 24.1

The only antibodies level that went down was for Pecan...so he may be outgrowing Pecan...but other than that everything went up quite a bit. He is in the "high" or "very high" range for all of the allergens we tested. Hopefully, when we test him again in 6 months more of his antibodies levels will go down. I am really hoping that he can outgrow some of these things!

Other than that, Dr. Broadbent thinks that Zachary is looking really good. His skin is getting better. He still has a couple of problem areas; however, most of him looks really good. Dr. Broadbent gave us a prescription for Flurandrenolide Tape, also known as Cordran Tape. We are hoping that applying this tape to his problem areas will help improve his cracked, damaged skin.

Before leaving, Zachary was able to get his Flu shot and a new prescription for an EpiPen Jr. Here's hoping that we won't have any additional problems and that his lab results will be better in 6 months!

Gratitude-- Day 14

I am grateful for the talents that I have been blessed with. I have been blessed to be able to develop skills and hobbies that have provided both enjoyment and some extra money to help support our family. About three and a half years ago, I learned how to knit...and I have never been the same. I really enjoy knitting. It helps me to clear my head and just focus on the stitches. It is so relaxing! As an added bonus, I have been able to sell some of the things that I create...and even have designed and sell a few patterns. I have been blessed with the opportunity to sell items at Georgell's Doll Shop in Gardner Village. This year, I was extremely proud to be selected as a vendor for a local boutique called Oh Sweet Sadie! I consider the vendors at this event to be the best of the best at their crafts and it was an honor to be included among them.

Gratitude-- Day 13

I am so grateful that Elizabeth and Zachary have such amazing grandparents. I am grateful for the love that they give to our children, the examples that they are, as well as all of the free babysitting!

Elizabeth and Zachary love watching movies and playing dress-up at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma always plans such fun craft projects and Grandpa always makes sure that there is the Freebairn Family Water Park set up during the hot Summer months.

Elizabeth and Zachary love to have sleepovers with Grandma and Papa...especially because Grandma always makes homemade pancakes and sausages! Papa is a softy and always lets Elizabeth and Zachary get away with everything. He is the first to sneak them a treat when Mom is not looking. Grandma plans fun trips and adventures for the kids. Elizabeth was able to take a trip to Dinosaur Land with Grandma and Papa this year. Zachary always looks forward to trips to Chuck E. Cheese.

I am so glad that Elizabeth and Zachary have been able to spend time with their Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma and Papa. The unconditional love and support that a grandparent provides is irreplaceable!

Gratitude-- Day 12

I am grateful for Family Fun Nights. These are nights where we focus on the kids and take them out for some fun time together. Sometimes we take both kids and sometimes we only take one, while the other is usually getting one-on-one time with Grandma and Papa.

Tonight was one of our family fun nights where Matt and I focused on Elizabeth. We decided to take her out to dinner and then to a Utah Grizzlies Hockey Game. It was our first time at a Grizzlies game and we loved it! We had great seats about 10 rows from the ice and right in the center of the field.

During the break between the 2nd and 3rd periods, we went to check out the concession stands. Elizabeth decided on an ice cream cone, while I had a pretzel and Matt had nachos. I think the yummy treats were Elizabeth's favorite part. She was already planning her treat for the next game!

Thanks to our Pass of All Passes, we'll be back soon!

Gratitude-- Day 11

My testimony is a simple one, but it is mine and I am grateful for it. I may not be a church history or scriptural scholar but I do know, without a doubt, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Jesus' true church. I know that the principles that are taught within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are given to us from God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet and can lead us during these last days. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who cares for me and wants what is best for me. He is a judge but also champions me and wants me to return to Him. I know that I have a Savior, even Jesus Christ. He paid the highest price for my sins and I am eternally grateful that because of Him, I can be forgiven and can receive Eternal Life. I have a testimony of Eternal Families and look forward to the opportunity to be with my loving family forever. I have a testimony of the power of prayer. There have been many occasions where I have been able to drop to my knees, bow my head and feel of my Heavenly Father's love. I am grateful for these times and for the tender mercies that I have received. I am grateful for the opportunity to communicate with my Heavenly Father. I am grateful to have peace in this world of danger and war. I am grateful to have truth during this time of confusion. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and for the blessing of having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gratitude-- Day 10

Photograph taken May 2005

I am grateful for our home. I know that there are many people that do not have shelter. I am so glad to know that I have a place to call home...a safe haven from the world. A place that is warm and secure. A place where my little family can create memories and spend time together.

It may not be a mansion...but it is mine!

Gratitude-- Day 9

I am grateful for Matt's job at Verizon Wireless. He has worked there for a little over 7 years and it has been a great company to work for. Not only do they treat their employees well, they provide Matt with plenty of sick and vacation time, plus much needed medical, dental, and vision benefits. During the current economic struggles, I am grateful for Matt's job which allows us to have a nice home, food to eat, electricity and other ammenities, as well as cars to drive. We are truly blessed!

Gratitude-- Day 8

I am grateful for the missionaries that serve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It amazes me that young men and women dedicate anywhere from 18 month to 2 years of their lives to teaching about Jesus Christ. Tonight, we were able to enjoy dinner with our local missionaries. It is always a pleasure to have them in our home. I love the sweet spirit that surrounds them. Elizabeth and Zachary love to talk with the missionaries and Elizabeth always has a ton of questions for them. I am grateful for wonderful examples and lessons that we learn from the missionaries.

Gratitude-- Day 7

I am so grateful that Elizabeth and Zachary have such amazing cousins. Kena, Kate, Jack, and Tyler are absolutely adorable and are such good friends to Elizabeth and Zachary. Looking at them reminds me of this darling quote:

I love watching all of them play together. It makes my heart happy to see them interacting, smiling, and enjoying family traditions together.

Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends. I could not have asked for better cousins for my sweet little ones!

Gratitude-- Day 6

I am grateful for the freedoms and priviledges that I enjoy as a citizen of the United States of America.

Gratitude-- Day 5

I am so grateful a strong, healthy body. It is such a blessing to have a body that allows me to move freely so that I can easily get around and do the things that I need and want to do. I am grateful to have a body that is free from disease and addiction. I have been relatively healthy all of my life. I know that not everyone can say that...so I am definitely grateful. My body was able to carry, safely deliver, and nurse my two babies. What a blessing! Additionally, my body allows me to snuggle and comfort my sweet Elizabeth and Zachary.

I recently have been going to the gym. I really want to get into better shape and take care of my body so that it can get stronger. In just the short time I have been exercising, I can tell that my stamina is improving, my strength is increasing, and I feel better. I am grateful for the opportunity to go the gym.

I am grateful for my body and all of the amazing things it has allowed me to experience!

Gratitude-- Day 4

I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is such a blessing to have the restored gospel on the Earth. In a world full of confusion and suffering, I am grateful to have the light of Christ in my life.

Gratitude-- Day 3

I am so grateful to be able to give comfort to my babies. What an honor to be able to comfort them in their times of need. It is such a blessing to have Elizabeth and Zachary's trust and confidence. I am so glad to know that they know that I love them and would do anything for them. Whether someone has hurt their feelings, or they have fallen, or they are sick...they come to me! In times of need, they come to me....search for me...desire for me to stay by their side. I am humbled and extremely grateful.

Gratitude-- Day 2

I am grateful for family traditions. I really enjoy celebrating all of the "little things" in life and I believe that traditions are a great way to do it. Throughout the years, I have made a conscious effort to continue with the traditions from my past...but also create new traditions that we can enjoy together.

We just started a new tradition this year...and I am super excited about it! I had heard about it a few years ago but never really saw a purpose for it...until this year. Halloween is always such a fun time and the kids absolutely love it. The thought of dressing up and receiving tons of candy is so exciting! Well, our dilemma this year was that Zachary is allergic to TONS of different things and cannot have most of the candy that he received. I didn't love the idea of taking all of his "hard-earned" candy away and I really did not want to buy candy to replace his huge bag of candy...so we decided to do the Switch Witch!

Here's how it works...the kids go trick-or-treating and collect TONS of candy. Then, we come home, sort through all of the candy and place the candies that we cannot have...or in Elizabeth's case...the candy that she does not like... into a bag. We hang the bag on the outside handle of our bedroom door. During the night, the Switch Witch comes and collects our candy and leaves us a fun surprise in return!

Zachary was thrilled to discover that the Switch Witch had left him an Imaginext Dinosaur.

Elizabeth received a darling Mini Lalaloopsy doll named Sugar Fruit Drops.

Elizabeth and Zachary were so excited about the Switch Witch and loved every minute of deciding what candy to keep and what to give away! I'd have to say that the Switch Witch was a total success and we will definitely be doing this again next year!

Gratitude-- Day 1

 

Being a family means you are part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life. No matter what.

 

 

Words cannot express my love for my family. Matt, Elizabeth, and Zachary are my world. I feel so blessed to have them in my life! I am overwhelmed with the love that I receive each and every day. I am so grateful for my little family.