Movies

I love movies. But I especially love a really funny, clean movie that I can take my kids to and have a great time. I laughed and enjoyed myself with some abandon today, and I am grateful for that. But that being said I cannot end this day without expressing my eternal gratitude to all Veterans that this day honors. I wish I could thank them personally for the freedoms I enjoy, because of their service. What I blessing we have everday to be free. Free to choose what we can do, support, believe and be.

My Bed

For no real physical reason, I was so tired today, and by the time the day was over I couldn't wait to get in my bed. I love my bed. It's comfy. It's pretty to me. It revives me. But even more than that, I have a bed. Honestly, I know I am blessed to have a bed to sleep on, and I am so grateful for that fact. I take for granted so many things, so I'm really trying to see some things for what they are and how lucky I am to have them.

Rain

A big loud thunderstorm was booming outside during our Relief Society lesson today. I wanted to go watch and listen and take in the smell. There's something about a rainstorm that just excites me. Maybe it's the power behind the thunder and lightening and the slight chance of danger. There's also the fact that we need it. Every living thing needs the rain for survival, so maybe it's peace that it brings. All I know is I'm grateful for every drop and I never get tired of the smell of rain.

Nature

Today we went hiking with another family. We also had our first geocaching experience. Way fun! It was amazing to be out in our shorts in November. The hike was simple, perfect for the little legs. I am awed by the beauty that can be found in the world. It's so different from Utah, but absolutely breathtaking just the same. We saw a few lizards on our way, and a few other bugs. The variety of cactus are so interesting. I just think its amazing the variety God has given us in the world. I am always in awe at the beauty of all His creations. I'm so grateful for all that I have seen and enjoyed. I hope I can see even more.

Pedicures

I decided I had had enough of my dagger like toenails. (I know I could cut them myself, but where's the joy in that.) I wanted to sit there in a chair for an hour without thinking and let someone pamper me, and I did, and it was joy. I invited my sweet sister (SS) who luckily was free to join me on this outing. Let me tell you it was AWESOME! I even became extra sassy when it came time to choose my nail color. I went with BLACK. Oh yes I did. And I think it looks fabulous. Seriously though, I can't be grateful for sappy things every day. I am not ashamed to say that occasionally I treat myself to a pedicure, and I'm really grateful for the cute ladies who are willing to trim my toenails, slough off the dead skin and massage my calves. Oooooh it felt sooooo good! The only thing that could make it better is if I was in my bed, so when they're done I can just drift off to sleep.

Time

Mark received this fortune (statement of truth really) from a cookie when he was dying of cancer. We looked at each other and both knew it's truth. Every day that I get another chance to be a better mother, person, and daughter of God is something I am grateful for. Each minute I laugh or cry is a minute I know I'm alive and kicking. As much as my heart aches for Mark, I want to continue living. I have so much to learn. I desire to give. My children need me, and I need them. Time also heals, and I am so grateful for that. One of my most favorite quotes I share with my kids all the time is: If you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there. I am trying to live and enjoy each "present" moment of time.

Family

Happy Birthday Mom. In the last 3 days there have been 4 birthdays in our family. And in addition to that I've been able to talk with Patrick numerous times and then work on a project for another family member. It just made me realize how wonderfully full my life is because of my family. The love and gratitude I have for my ENTIRE family is beyond words. The great thing about family is they are always there no matter what. Distance sometimes comes between us, but the it doesn't lessen the strength of the bond. Family will drop anything for you. They laugh with you. They cry with you. They might even get angry with you, but in the end they still love you. I am so blessed.

The Savior-Jesus Christ & my Father in Heaven

I've always been grateful for Christ and his atoning sacrifice, but as the day finished I felt the need to reacquaint myself with the magnitude of his love for me. I was feeling uneasy and fearful, and then someone shared with me some recent words from Elder Packard. His words were something to the effect that God is watching, and that he is aware. This isn't new but it was definitely something I needed to remember. I am grateful for the knowledge that God is aware, and has been from the beginning. I am grateful that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die for me and all mankind, so we can be saved from our sins and have eternal life. With that knowledge I cannot allow myself to fear. I must take courage in their love for me and the entire world. I know that God lives. I know that the Savior died for me. I am grateful for that knowledge and the peace it brings.

Lucas

Three wonderful years ago, Lucas Mark Clements came into the world. Happy Birthday my little Indiana Jones. I am forever grateful that Mark felt there was another spirit waiting to come to our family. Little did any of us know just how important a part Lucas would play in bringing joy and healing to our home. He has been an antidote for grief. He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. Not a day goes by that I don't realize what a blessing he is to our family.

Friends

Many things happened today to focus my gratitude on friends. It was my dear friends birthday and I was thinking of her all day. Also, Chase had taken a trip to Utah this weekend and when I picked him up tonight he told about seeing so many of our sweet friends from Draper. I cried. I miss them. I have thought about the many friends I have had in my life. Some I've kept in touch with, some I haven't. Either way, each one has been a blessing to me at that particular time in my life. Being in a new place, I look forward to making new friends. I can only hope that I have been the same kind of friend to all those I am grateful for today.

America

Today I had cause to feel an overwhelming love and gratitude for this beautiful country in which I am blessed to live. With this very controversial election right around the corner, I realize what an amazing privilege it is to vote and to have the freedoms we enjoy. I am grateful for those who have fought in the past for the freedoms we enjoy, and for those who continue to fight for our country. God bless the USA!!

A Month of Gratitude!

So I know I haven't posted in FOREVER, let's all just agree and move forward.

I saw this idea/challenge in the Creating Keepsakes Nov 2008 issue about being aware through the entire month of the things I'm grateful for. Originally I was going to do it as scrapbook layout, and I still may. In case I never get around to scrapbooking it; however, I've decided to journal it here.

Hello!

Well, we've made it! What a whirlwind of a couple of weeks: packers, movers, goodbyes, driving, lifting, heat, swimming, cancelling service, starting service, no phone, no power, register for new schools, find sheets = STRESS! Even with all this and more, it's been fun, we're all excited and the kids have been amazing. We already miss everyone in Utah, but we have been loved immediately by new friends in Arizona. So many people really are amazingly kind and good. I said I would try and do better at posting even if it's just to give a quick little update.


Hello family. Hello new friends. Hello Arizona. Hello pool! Hello home.

Goodbye...

I'm in a bit of shock and unbelief that this moment is here. I'm sitting in a house full of boxes. It's surreal that I will be leaving this house in less than 72 hours. I haven't allowed myself to be sad at leaving OUR home, OUR friends or OUR memories. I know it's the right thing to do. I've felt peace and comfort many times. I've also been blessed by so many things going right. I'm sorry for those of you who have been in the dark. Trying to sale this house was a big chore and many things have been keeping me busy since I last wrote four long months ago.

The tears are flowing freely now as I write the truth. I'm leaving. I'm starting fresh so to speak. I feel like I'm saying goodbye to Mark all over again. Even though I know it's a good thing, the pain is not gone. I still miss my best friend. It hasn't gotten any easier when different events happen and the reality of him not being here slaps me so abruptly in the face. And yet, I KNOW that he is here helping me. I know that Mark has been behind me in this decision. But as I sit here in the quiet of the night, listening to the familiar sounds of this house I know so well, my heart hurts. I try to take it all in, and soak up all the memories of this house. I never want to forget, but I'm afraid I will. I can't say more.

Our dear sweet friends are hosting an Open House Farewell for our family on Friday, July 25th from 6:00-8:00pm. The location is in our home's same circle, house #1644. We would love to say goodbye to those who can make it.

We will never be able to thank any of you enough for all the love you have given to our family. We have been very blessed, and I pray that each of you will be blessed beyond measure for the unselfish service and charity you have given. I will try to do a better job at keeping this blog updated. I hope you will keep in touch with us as well.

Goodbye friends. Goodbye family. Goodbye Draper. Goodbye Utah.
Goodbye home.