Parents

I am so grateful for my parents. I have the greatest Mom and Dad. I was horrified to discover that I still need to run crying to the arms of my parents at the age of 53. But they are amazing and welcome me with their shoulders and faith. They did a fantastic job of raising me. I don't always choose the actions that will make them proud of me, but they hang in there loving me. I never tell them that I am grateful for them. Nor do I tell them that I love them enough. I think Heavenly Father is pretty smart giving us parents.
I am doubly blessed because my sweetheart's parents are pretty terrific also. Do you think I will grow up someday and be self reliant enough to not need my parents?

Angels

I used to think that angels were seldom in service. Especially in my life. I thought they had a golden white glow about them and at the very least beautiful flowing robes of some ethereal fabric. I thought they appeared with heavenly music and a flash of light or something like that. My eyes have been open. I have seen, visited with and even hugged many angels in my life. They are in tune with the Holy Ghost and enter my life with love and listening and wisdom. I have written a post on angels before. I am so grateful for them still. I have angels surrounding me in my job. They are (I hope) eternal friends. I am surrounded by angels in my church service. I am surrounded by angels that were sent into my life at hard times. They taught me and loved me to right choices. I was born to a couple of cute angels. I have siblings who are angels. I have been blessed with long time angels that I hope to be able to purchase white M&Ms with and maybe a celestial card game? I bore 7 angels. And best of all I married an angel. I guess with all those angels in my entourage, it's okay to have a few trials to help me grow. Thank you angels, please stay by me!

Things That Work

I am grateful for all the appliances at my home that work. We are warm, eat good food, store our food, clean our home, clean our dishes, clean our clothes, listen to good things, relax with a movie, groom ourselves and travel wherever we want to all because of machines that are working. I am also grateful that Steve has the talent to fix most things that have sick days. We have such ease in our lives because men were inspired to invent machines to help us. I am grateful for the time that is now available to me to use, extra time to help others or improve myself. How many days do I get in my car and drive wherever I want without thinking about the blessing of having a working car? How many loads of laundry do I wash and dry without feeling grateful that I can accomplish it so quickly? A vacuum works and curling iron heats up or the oven bakes yummy food. Aren't we lucky? No not lucky. Blessed!

Thankful Thinks

Yes, I typed that right. I am going to commit to write as often as I can about the thinking I do about my blessings. Life has seemed very overwhelming lately, but as I pour my heart out to my Father in Heaven, I always try to thank Him for my blessings. As I start, they outweigh the problems that are looming before me. The problems are so bulky that sometimes I don't see all the blessings that flit around me all day long.
Today I would like to dedicate my thoughts to color and light.
I love light. I think that is why I struggle with winter. I love the way that it intensifies color. Aren't we blessed? I am grateful that my eyes can see. I am grateful for the beauty and magic that each new sun rise presents daily. I understand why Christ asks us to be light to the rest of the world. He wants us to intensify His gospel. He wants us to help those around us to see and feel His love. I am grateful for all that I am looking at today. I can read, play music, garden, ride my bike and numerous other things because of light. If I can be a light to others, maybe they can do marvelous things also.

It Was Incredible

I got a visit from the Incredible Hulk today. He was moving fast. I was quite the celebrity with the students because of my visit. Enjoy!

Look at those muscles

The Incredible little brother

Happy Applekin

It was a great festival this year. We collected about 50 gallons of juice. We had fun with old friends and new friends and as usual the grandchildren were fabulous. We laughed as they helped, played and rode the hayride. We forgot tohave them choose pumpkins, so I guess I will be able to carve a few pumpkins now. i am not labeling the pictures...just enjoy.

Sunday with a Star

Ethan invited me to his Sacrament meeting this Sunday to hear him participate in the Primary Program. It was wonderful. He sang so well. He did his part so well. It was a great day for me. I loved when they sang 'Scripture Power'. On the chorus each child held up a Book of Mormon and sang "Scripture Power" with gusto. It was great. I was touched by the spirit in the meeting. I felt like I was sitting with angels. It was so fun to play with Colton, Liam and Tucker also. We invited the family for Sunday dinner. It was fun night. This was another one of those gifts that can't be bought for a price. I am blessed