Missionaries

I am grateful for missionaries. We've been spending time with the sister missionaries in our ward and I am so impressed with them. We visited a man in the ward with them and the message they prepared was exactly what he needed. About a week later, we had dinner with them and they had the perfect message for us. They work and sacrifice so much to help and teach those around them. Even though they are missing out on normal life, they are strengthening their own testimonies by serving others. Their lives will never be the same in the best way. I am so grateful for their examples.

Hard Things

I am grateful for the knowledge that we can do hard things. My parents have made this our family motto and this summer we lived it.

During our fun day in Idaho, a big storm came through and we hid under the rafts to stay out of the pouring rain and hail. We weren't sure how we were going to get out of it, but we prayed together and trusted that we would be okay. The kids were scared, but eventually help came and we made it back to the cars. Looking back, I feel like it was a good experience where we proved that we can do hard things especially when we are together.

Click here to read the whole story.

Flexible Job

I am grateful for the flexibility of Jonathan's job. Last month, I was feeling really sick and desperate to have Jonathan at home to take care of me. I sent him a text and he was able to come home right away. Just having him at home with me helped me feel better. As I was resting, he was able to pull out his work laptop and do some more research concerning the project he was doing. I just hope that I don't need to do that again!

The Temple

I am so grateful for the temple. Since moving to Austin, we've made it down to San Antonio twice to go to the temple. This is the furthest we've lived from a temple and now we really have to plan our trips in advance.

I am grateful that when we lived close to the temple we were diligent with going frequently and now I'm grateful that we get to make time to go to the temple regularly.

Our Neighborhood

I am grateful for the neighborhood we live in. It's different living in the middle of a shopping center, but it's also really nice. We hardly ever use our car during the week since Jonathan walks to work.

Earlier this week they hung up more lights over the streets and started wrapping trees in lights.

This really feels like home!

Wedding Presents

I am grateful for all the generous wedding presents we received. As I was unpacking all of our things, I still can remember who gave us certain items even though it's been 6 years since they were given to us.

It's still humbling all these years later to know that so many were so generous to us as we were starting out. From bakeware to glasses to dishes, we wouldn't have been able to provide these things for ourselves and so many others were able to help make our home what it still is today.

My Body

I am grateful for a strong and healthy body. Our apartment has a fantastic gym and when I started using it I wasn't sure how my body would react because I haven't consistently worked out in years. I had no real expectations, but I knew that I wanted to take care of my body. I made a goal to work out at least three times a week and the reward would be a much needed pair of new Nikes.

After a few easy workouts on the elliptical, I finally started pushing myself harder and I didn't feel like death like when I was in high school. Because I progressed so quickly, I went ahead and purchased my well deserved shoes.

Just last night I ran three miles in less than 18 minutes. I can't believe that I can actually push myself like this when running an entire warm up lap in high school was too much for me to handle.

Personal History

I am grateful that I have been recording our personal history here. I know that I can certainly post more frequently, but I am grateful that it is all in one place and I can look back on where we were. This is my 500th post and when I see where I was when I started, I am not the same person. I am happy with where I was and where I am today. I would have forgotten so many things if I didn't take the time to record things here.

Books

I am grateful for all the books that Jonathan and I have collected over the years. Since I've never experienced a major natural disaster, I didn't realize that the libraries in the schools that were in the path of hurricane Harvey were destroyed. The Mid-single adults in our stake gathered books to help begin rebuilding the libraries for the children there. I am grateful that we collected books so we could share them with those that really need them.

Delicious Food

I am grateful for all of the delicious food Jonathan makes. He keeps finding new recipes to try out along with his tried and true ones. Tonight is homemade pizza night!

Now, it's time for me to get back into cooking!

General Conference

I am grateful for General Conference. It helps redirect my focus and encourages me to do better! It builds me up and helps me see what I need to improve in myself. One talk that I would like to share with you was given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. It was a talk that I needed to hear.

Click here if you would prefer reading it.

Veterans

I am grateful for the brave men and women that willingly serve our country.

Freedom is not free.

Seeing More of the World

I am grateful that we were able to see more of the world during our drive to Texas. I got so excited seeing so many saguaro cacti as we drove through Arizona. We didn't see much of New Mexico because the sun already set before we got there, but we saw tons of stars as we drove through the night.

Next year, we are planning on taking some big trips to see even more of the world and I can't wait!