Sunday, November 29, 2009

Just one more bite

Today at Church Annika was given some cookies and she decided that she was wanted to save one to give it to Bella. As she sat in class the one whole cookie turned into two halves, and as Bella has a smaller mouth she was to get the smaller one. That small half got nibbled on until just a small piece was left. She did indeed give the crumb to Bella, and Bella loved her for it. She was so thankful and happy for her little crumb. It is sweet how much Annika loves Bella and wants to do things for her.

To add in a more practical note, wouldn't it be great if we were all so appreciative of the crumbs that we are given instead of looking for more. I have so very much to be grateful for, and I need to be more appreciative of it.

I have shared a few of the things that I am grateful for, but her are more, and some repeats.

My family - they rock, need I say more. James is the best guy around. MacKayla is so smart and wants so much to please and do nice things. Annika is a funny, smart, witty little goofball, and I can't help but smile as she gives me her goofy grins. Arabella, the cutest baby around. I love when she gets up in the morning and smiles as she tells me "I love you momma." I also love that she has begun talking in full sentences, she can correctly articulate her needs much of the time now. I also have a wonderful and supportive extended family. What a wonderful group of people that I am privileged to know.

Friends - I am so grateful for the friends that I have. I look up to so many of you and have learned so much from you. Thanks!

Modern conveniences - as our new garbage disposal is still sitting in a box in the kitchen I have come to realize how much I miss having it. I am thankful for the many small things like it that I use every day - laundry facilities in my home, hot water, dishwasher, TV, computers, internet...

Idaho - who would have ever thought that the San Diego girl could love Idaho so much. I know it has much to do with the people that I am around, but it's also the feel of the town. I love going into any store and seeing someone that I know there. I love being able to trust that my kids can go to their friends houses. I love that the people here are kind. Heck I even like the weather most of the time, snow is fun, it's just the ice that I hate.

Last but not least, the Gospel - As a teenager I know that I could have gone in many different directions, but I know that it is because of the Gospel that I am where I am today. In 1995 President Hinckley gave a talk to the youth in San Diego and he gave us the "B's" I don't remember at the time if they were the same ones that he gave later, but I do know that it was at that meeting that I knew what choices I needed to make. I left there with the Spirit burning and I knew that the Church was true. I had many great leaders that helped my along the way and I am so grateful for them. I know that I was the ward project, but I am thankful that people cared enough to continue until they knew that I would make it.

That's enough heart on my sleeve for now...in short I have much to be grateful for, and I am!

4 comments:

Amberly said...

That is the sweetest story! It's good you wrote it down so you won't forget.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed reading this. I particularly enjoyed reading that you were the ward project. I probably was the ward project too. Heck, I still might be. :~)

Anonymous said...

I love that you're using the word HECK!!!! Isn't that a hick Utah/Idaho word??? :-P

julie said...

I don't know if you were technically the ward project but we did a lousy job, you were strong and I admired you for coming when you were the only one. It gives me hope now as a young women leader that reaching out can work. Love the new family pics!