Running Water

A few nights ago, as I was getting ready to go to bed, I went to get a glass of water to take my old man out of shape, pills. I turned on the faucet and nothing. I check the bathroom, nothing. I knew it had not been cold enough to freeze any lines but wondered what the heck?
Since it was close to midnight i couldn't very well call a neighbor. I decided to go outside and look around. Down the street I could see lights from a truck, a back hoe and dump truck. I drove around the block to see a Water truck and men working on a line in the street. About 30 minutes later the water came back on.
Made me think how thankful I am to have the water work when I need it too. Most the world does not have this let alone the old man out of shape pills to make me live longer.

The Basics

This morning as I was driving into work, munching on a hot dog (Yes Nat I know I need to stop getting them...) I got slightly irritated at traffic then thought of how lucky I was to be driving and not dependant on UTA. I am grateful that I have a job I have to drive to. I am grateful I have a car that is able to get me there and is paid for. Grateful for a house I have to go home to.
Grateful I have the money to buy a large Hot Dog and drink.
Grateful for my health, (yes I have my problems but over all am healthy)
So happy for the basics that most in the world do not have.
I am grateful to be so lucky.

Thanks-Giving

Yesterday in Church one of the speakers mentioned that this time of year we need to remember not only to give THANKS but to GIVE.
Giving helps both those who receive and those who give.
The Stake President mentioned that in connection with a local food drive going on next week that if we were thinking of a few cans we need to up it to a case.
As we as a family have increased our giving we have not missed anything. Blessing are so cool.

A teen ager in a toddlers size

As the pics show I am often amazed at how old Boo acts at times. I swear it is a view of what is to come when she hits her teens

Christmas movies...

I am a sucker for the cheesy Christmas movies. Yesterday at Redbox, as I was getting Star Trek, I notice a new Christmas movie from the Hallmark people with Henry Wrinkler as the only star I recognized. I rented it as well.
Even though I knew as soon as it starts, how the plot would go, I still enjoyed it.
I start watching my Christmas movies early.. Here is a list of must watch. (I am so grateful for DVD's)

White Christmas (several times)
Love Actually (The best ever)
Santa Baby (cute but funny)
Polar Express (A classic)
Scrooged (Bill Murry rocks)
Christmas Carol (With George C Scott)
Mickey's Christmas carol

Too name a few

Now Open Sundays!...sad

I had to get some milk this morning before coming to work. I went to the local grocery store, Locally owned as well. As I drove in I saw a sign saying they were now going to be open Sundays. How sad that made me feel.
In high school I worked at a local store that stayed closed on Sundays. "Sundays are for family or Church. Hopefully both" the owner used to say.
Now I wont go on Sunday but I feel sorry for the workers who have to work just to keep a job...It made me sad...I may have to get my milk from the store further away but who stays closed on Sundays.

Ripples of influence

This morning I was able to go to a Ward conference in the Stake and witness a new Bishopric being sustained. As the old Bishopric was being released the Person conducting asked anyone who had received a blessing from the Bishop or his counselors to stand. A lot stood up. He then asked for those to remain standing then asked for any one who had a visit from the Bishopric to stand. More stood. In fact it seemed the entire room was standing except for a few visitors.
I am so grateful for a religion that allows us to form friendships and be able to touch each others lives.

Good Health...so far

Since the purpose of this blog is to talk about what I am grateful for I must say good health.
Each night at family and personal prayers we say thanks for the health we have as well as ask for the blessing to continue.

Monday I read online that they were giving tickets away for times to get the H1N1 shot. Nat and I are not able to get it and Boo got one a month ago but they suggest all toddlers get 2. So I left work early, went home, changed clothes, grabbed a chair and went and sat in line for 2 1/2 hours to get tickets for Boo and her cousin. Nat and her sister took them on Thurs to get the shots.
The first time we went it was a mad house, this way seemed much better.

Nat usually gets the flu once each year and I usually don't. Here's hoping we avoid all sickness this year.
On a side note our Stake President mentioned to the High Council that there was nothing wrong in giving preventive blessings to our families.

Forever Family

Forever Family is central to my belief system. Over the past few weeks that has come to center stage.

Halloween we had a ball seeing family and neighbors. I do not know how my wife is going to top the costume next year, but I know she will.

Last Saturday was the yearly adoption walk in Salt Lake. We had to miss it this year but my thoughts are still with all our friends that go. Novemeber is National Adoption month. Without the miracle of adoption my entire family would not be as complete as it is. Because Boo's wonderful Birth mother made the heroic choice of placing her with us we are complete.

Randy is now engaged to Misty. We could not be happier, she is perfect for him and we love her already. In fact Boo runs right to her and gives hugs when they come over.

The 3j's are happy as a family and learning from the challenges of a baby in the house etc. (Little J is always in our prayers)

Natalie's family has been together a bit this past 2 weeks since her grandmother is in the hospital and will more than likely pass on very soon. It is a great feeling to know that while we are gathered together as family, worried and anxious over the event that is about to happen, family on the other side is gathered together also anxious but can hardly wait for it to happen so they can be together again. Forever family is a wonderful truth that gives me strength and for that I am grateful forever.