Family Motto

Happy Thanksgiving! We are off to my aunt and uncle's house to spend Thanksgiving with their wonderful family.

I am grateful for our family motto. During General Conference, Sister Neill F. Marriott shared her family motto and how it helped keep her family grounded through difficult times. Jonathan and I decided to copy her!

We posted this above our desks and in the hallway as a reminder that even when it doesn't look like it or feel like it, it will all work out.

My Equal

I am grateful that Jonathan and I are equals. Just over a week ago, Jonathan was telling someone from our congregation about how we started dating and realized our age difference. It's not that he forgot (because he loves how much younger I am), he instead focuses on us. He truly lifts me up.

I love the proverb Sister Linda K. Burton quoted in her talk from General Conference this past April. Through our marriage, we have had many set backs and heartbreaking disappointments. They could have destroyed our marriage, but they haven't because we stuck together. One habit that I feel has protected us, is our consistency with temple attendance. We still went through all of these difficult experiences, but going to the temple has brought us reassurance that we are doing what we need to do. I don't know what is in store for us, but as long as I have Jonathan at my side it will all work out.

Socks

I am grateful for toasty wool socks. Last winter, I made the discovery that wool socks are able to keep my frigid feet warm. The thing I wanted most of all for Christmas was more socks because I did not have enough. On Christmas morning, I got more wool socks from Jonathan. (I almost cried because I was so happy.) Jonathan told me that he even called my dad to find out what kind of wool socks would be the best. I am so grateful that I finally have socks that can keep my feet warm.

Seasons

I am grateful to live in a place with four distinct seasons. (Even though I'm not a fan of living in the snow.) The seasons change and in the middle of winter it can be hard to remember spring, but every year it comes.

I love how bright and colorful spring is after the bleak winter. I'm trying to remember this in the season of my life. Spring will come and be filled with color and new life.

Sabbath

I am grateful for the added emphasis on Sabbath observance. It has helped me to reevaluate what we do on Sunday and how I can make it better. I'm still working on being prepared for nursery before Sunday, but I've noticed that my entire week goes better as we keep the Sabbath day holy.

Testimony

I am grateful to have a testimony. Lately, there has been clarification on policy in my church that received a lot of negative attention. My testimony was not shaken. I could understand why other's were having problems with it and I don't blame them for struggling with it. I hope they hold to the faith they already have and work to understand the policy.

I have worked to get to where I am today. There are plenty of things I struggle with, but I am grateful to know that Jesus Christ leads and guides The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He does it through his servants, the prophets just like He did in ancient times. The heavens are open.

PS I did do one yesterday, but I forgot to share the link...

I am grateful for Jonathan's patience. He is so willing to take the time to clearly explain things, even when he doesn't have a captive audience.

He loves answering all of Ty's questions.

I need to work on following his example!

Adventures

I am grateful for all of the adventures Jonathan and I have gone on this year. I love that we can go and visit where our ancestors lived. One of my favorite adventures was going to Minersville. As we drove toward the mine on a dirt road, I couldn't help but think I am looking at the same view my great-great grandpa Joseph saw everyday for the year he lived there.

I am so grateful that Jonathan enjoys coming along with me. I look forward to the adventures we will have next year!

Primary

I am grateful for my primary teachers when I was growing up. They spent week after week, preparing our Sunday lessons. I remember one of my teachers dropped off cookies for me because she thought I was allergic to chocolate chip cookies because I never took them in class. I just didn't like them, but she made me feel loved and important. Honestly, I don't remember most of the lessons they taught, but I remember the interest they each took in me and the boys in my class. I understand them so much better now that I am teaching nursery. I know these kids won't remember me or much of what we teach them as they grow older, but I will remember them. I will remember how they started singing along with us during singing time. I will remember them flailing on the floor because the lesson went too long for their attention span. I will remember them saying thank you without being prompted when we pass out their snack. I am doing a small part of the many years they will have in church. I am grateful that I can follow the example of my primary teachers.

Remembering

On my drive home from work on Friday, I was listening to the news that was coming from Paris. It brought back a lot of feelings and emotions from September 11th. I remembered the sense of uncertainty about what was happening and what the future would look like. I remember the unity and the determination of the American people. The same has been happening in France.

I wasn't in New York and I wasn't in Paris, but to a very small degree I shared their sorrow. I am grateful that I can remember those feelings to better understand those around me.

Two for One

I am grateful for my job for two reasons.

The first is I am able to provide for my family, so Jonathan can focus on getting through school. The second is for all that I can do while I am not on a phone call. I spend my time studying General Conference talks, doing family history work, and relax. Sure there are times when the calls come in fast, but there is still plenty of downtime to do what I want to as well. My job has been such a wonderful blessing.

Nursery

I am grateful that Jonathan and I have been in nursery for the past year and a half. We love having a calling together that includes snacks and toys. Oh, and a lot of funny kids to play with.

We love nursery. The kids are wonderful examples to us, until they are tired of sharing! They are at an age where they are starting to be aware of others and their feelings. They are starting to remember what they are learning in church. One of the boys that isn't two yet, loves to talk. The problem is it isn't in English. During the lesson, the other teacher held up a picture of Joseph Smith's First Vision. He walked over to point at the picture, jabbering away and as he pointed at the picture, the last word he said was God.

source

Children, even toddlers, know so much more than they are typically given credit for. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to learn from them.

Nineteen Going on Twenty

I am grateful that I was able go to California two weeks ago to spend time with my family. It has been over two years since the last time we were all together. As soon as Tyler found out we were coming out, he offered us his room to stay in. Kyle, Seth, and Garrett were inseparable. Lyla and Clara dressed up as their favorite princesses. Ruby was thrilled to be out of her car seat. Charlotte was in awe of so many people. Ryan and Tyler aren't little kids anymore.

Don't worry, by the end of next month this picture will be outdated.

By the end of the trip, Lyla said that we are friends and Charlotte was only a little shy around me.