More of My Gratitude List

Last month I had started a list of things that I am thankful for. But I got a little sidetracked with life. I had already talked about a few of them: Mr. Man, my sisters, chocolate, socks, primary, etc. Wait that was the list, I guess I didn’t get very far. Anyway there were a few other things that I had planned to write about so here they are. (In no particular order)

My Kids- I won’t tell you how I have the very cutest, smartest, bestest ever kids. (Even though it may be true). And while it is true that they can be little snots when they put their minds to it, and can drive me insane at a moment’s notice, they are mine and I love them. There is nothing sweeter than when one of them gives me a hug for no reason. Miss Magoo can’t let me leave the room without telling me that she loves me. PJ draws me the best pictures of robots and dinosaurs. And those special moments right before bed when they say their prayers, and give loves and kisses, what sweet children they can be. They both have such special spirits.

My Parents- I truly am blessed to have the parents I do. They are such great examples to me and my children. They make me want to be a better person. They have both taught me so much. I will never forget the time we were driving around Tahoe on vacation and my dad started talking about Christ. I can still hear his voice as he talked about Christ’s crucifixion, and what it must have been like for him as he went through that ordeal. That is one of my first memories of really hearing and understanding my father’s testimony of Christ and the gospel. My parents are going back to Russia to serve their 4th mission (this is their 2nd time in Russia). What a great example they are to my children. PJ and Miss Magoo know where grandma and grandpa are and what they are doing there.

Books- I really love to read. There is no better way to escape a rough day than to sit down in a comfy spot with a snuggly blanket and a good book.

Modern Conveniences- What can I say they make my life so much easier. I love my cell phone, microwave, dvr& vcr& dvd players, my garage door opener (thanks honey), ice maker, blow dryer, computer, internet, etc. I could go on and on life is so much easier because of all these inventions. I love that these things are there for me to use or not use, it’s up to me. But when I want them they can make life sweet.

Scriptures- They bring the word of God into our home, they help me teach my children the gospel, and they bring me peace, and give me strength. They show me God’s love for me and they give me hope.

My In-laws I have the best mother-in-law that any wife could ask for. She gives advice when asked, tries very hard not to judge, and loves my children almost as much as I do. And the best part she told Mr. Man when we got married that it was his job to always take my side even if I was wrong (which of course I never am). Mr. Man’s siblings love my kids, spoil them and are always excited to see them (no really they are).

I’m sure that I could keep going but these were the top few things on my list. Making this list has really helped me to be more appreciative of the things I have, and to try and be happy with what I have. The Lord really has blessed me and my family and for that I am grateful.

So I Blew It

Funny how in life things are going great and everything is working out just fine, and them WHAM it hits you up side the head. Well that's kinda like what happened to me. I was doing great getting my thankful posts written, I had so many other things on my list to write about. Life was good (or atleast my blogging life was going good). Then one saturday I was out running errands with my kids, getting their pictures taken, having practice for the ward primary program, taking them to see their dad at his work, etc. And by the end of the day I was dying, I kid you not DYING. At first I thought it was just a sinus headache or something, but no it was so much more. The next morning I realized that I wasn't going to make it through 3 hours of church. So I called one of the counselers in the primary presidency and asked if they could cover my class, no problem she said and she meant it ( I love when people say that and really mean it). So while I went to church, I just couldn't not go and see my kids do their parts, I sat with Mr. Man and his mom & brother who both came to watch the kids. The entire primary did a fabulous job, my two were cute they did their parts and sang their songs so well. My class was very cute they all tried to sit still and most did a good job of it. Afterwards me and the kids went home for some quiet time for them, nap time for me. And Mr. Man went back to work to finish up somethings that needed to be done. By Tuesday I thought maybe I would survive, but no there was more. Wednesday I woke up with a hacking cough and not much in the way of a voice. Mr. Man's nephew was getting married that Friday, which we both missed, me because I was sick and didn't want to hack through the whole sealing and Mr. Man missed because he was the only manager for the day so he couldn't leave then. But we both made it to the reception, where I sat and watched my kids dance and have a great time. The bride looked gorgous, the groom very handsome and the cutest little flower girl looked like a princess. (did I mention that Miss Magoo was a flower girl?)
By last Monday I knew that I would make it, life was starting to settle down, or atleast I was feeling better Mr. Man on the other hand was just starting to come down with something similar to what I'd had. But after I started coming out of my fog I realized me house was barely hanging in there. I spent the next couple of days before Thanksgiving trying to restore order to my house and finish getting better. We spent Thanksgiving day at Mr. Man's bother's house, with my inlaws, we all had a nice time.
During all of the craziness I acutally started my Christmas shopping and I'm now almost done, YEAH! These next few weeks are the busiest time of year for Mr. Man at work and to top it off he'll be gone on business all next week ( we have a super loud alarm and a very very scary huge dog in case any crazys are reading). So I knew that if I wanted to have any chance to get my shopping all done I'd have to start earlier than I've done in years past. I'm going to try and get a list put up of the rest of my thankfulness stuff, dang it I worked hard on that list and I want to share it.
But until then, I hope that everyone had a very happy Thansgiving, and that no one gets too stressed out while trying to get ready for Christmas.

Socks

I love socks. No really I love them. I love to wear them all the time. I hate, hate, hate to have cold feet, and there is nothing better to keep my toes toasty and warm that a comfy cozy pair of socks. And if I ever win the lottery I’m going to buy a new pair to wear everyday.

Sisters

Today I am most thankful that I have 4 sisters. I still live somewhat close to 3 of them (yes a 6 ½ hr drive is close), and someday hope to have the 4th a lot closer. They have all taught me many things that have changed me for the better. They have all taught me something important: to never give up, to try and look for the positive in life, that I’m important, and to have faith and trust in Heavenly Father. They are great examples to me. I look at them and hope that I can be like them, a better wife, mother, and person. They are there to listen when I complain, and there to tell me to shut-up and get over it too. When we were younger we didn’t always see things the same way, but as we’ve grown up, married, and had children we have grown closer. It is so lovely to have someone to call when my kids are on my last nerve who understands. To be able to talk to someone who shares my background, my memories of our growing up, of our family. So today I’m grateful for my sisters and the times that we’ve had to spend together, to laugh and cry together, to love each other.

Chocolate

What can I say, I think that I only know one person who's not fond of chocolate. Though I do believe that every now and then even she'll eat the stuff. Chocolate, or the thought of chocolate has gotten me through some very hairy stuff. When my kids are falling apart, fighting with each other or with me, when Mr. Man is really late getting home from work Chocolate is what gets me through it. Sometimes I don't even have to eat it, just knowing that I can eat it and it'll comfort me is enough to get me through those few minutes ( maybe even a hour or 2). So today I'm grateful for chocolate.

Primary

About a year ago I was called to teach in Primary, something I knew was coming. I’ve taught in about 5 or 6 different primaries during my 13yrs of marriage. Currently I’m teaching 1 of the 3 Sunbeam classes in our ward. I have 8 very busy very cute little kids in my class, 2 girls 6 boys. This year of teaching has been a little more challenging for me. I have one of the larger classes in our primary and all of my kids attend regularly (which I’m not complaining about, that’s great, the kids need to come every week it’s important). But because of the largeness and craziness of my class I’ve been in contact with on the counselors in the presidency more than any other time when I’ve taught primary. And I’ve also paid a little more attention to the primary presidency in our ward. I’ve noticed that our current president, Sister B. is struggling a little in her calling. There have been a lot of vacancies in the teaching spots, lots of classes that have to have a sub found at the very last moment. Lots of very busy kids, several of whom have special needs that require a lot of attention. But in all the chaos of our primary I’ve noticed that our president truly loves the kids in our primary. Now like I said I’ve been in several other primaries and I’ve never doubted that the previous presidents that I’ve worked under cared for our kids. In fact the last ward we attended had 3 different presidents during the time I was in the primary. And I know that each one of them cared for our kids, and 2 have a very special spot in their heart for my son in particular. Those 2 presidents made my son who was having a little difficulty adjusting to a new ward feel welcomed and loved. But in our current ward I have come to have a better appreciation for our primary presidency. I’ve been a lot more aware of what they are working with, and struggling with. A couple months ago Sister B walked into sharing time with a very troubled look on her face. It was pretty obvious that she was have quite the day. She started to do her planned sharing time lesson and then changed her mind. She explained to the kids that she was having a rough day and was going to try something different. She told the kids that she was going to walk around the room and address each child by name and then that child had the option of giving her a high-5, shake her hand , or give her a hug, but it was each child’s choice. As she walked around our primary room she knew each child by name, and we have a huge primary. As she approached each child she said their name and then asked what they had chosen to do. I was amazed how many children choose to give her a hug. You could see in their faces that they loved her, and they knew that they were loved by her. And as a parent that meant the world to me. I am so thankful that my children have a Primary President that makes them feel special and loved and knows them by name.

My Other Half

When it comes to my blessings the one I always count first is my husband.
Mr. Man and I met my last semester at the school formerly known as Ricks (sfkar). He was in my ward and we met for the first time at ward prayer. My first thought was wow, he's cute, next thought was I bet he'd be a great friend. At the time I wasn't looking for more than that. So that night I made a point of talking to him, though he doesn't remember any of it, obviously I made a great first impression. A couple of weeks later it was morp (prom spelled backwards, girls ask guys) and we had out first date, I asked him out, and it was a blast. That was Jan 25ish, 1995. After that we spent a lot of time together, ALOT. We both started feeling like there was really something there pretty quick. And on March 11, 1995 at the train depot in Boise ID he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We went to Cali for a quick confrence weekend trip so he could ask my dad for permission to marry me. During that trip we also had our engagement photos taken, picked out our cake, colors, and wedding invitations. (wow that was a busy 2 1/2 days). We were married June 15th 1995 (one year to the day the he got home from his mission) in the California Oakland Temple. It was such a special day most of my family was there. Mr. Man's mom & sister and her family was there. It was such a special feeling having our family there in the celestral room as we were married for time & eternity.
So that's the background of our relationship. We have now been married for almost 13 1/2 yrs. We have 2 kids PJ (7 1/2) and Miss Magoo (4 1/2), and they are a special part of our family. But the love of my life is my Mr. Man. He truly is my best friend, I can tell him anything and probably a lot of things he wishes I wouldn't. He is the one that is there for me when I can't sleep because I'm stressed about something that doesn't really matter, but instead of pointing it out he tries to listen. He is the one to tell me "you can do it" when I get frustrated with life. He always tells me that I'm a great mom and that no our kids won't be in therapy for forever when they get older, just for a few years. He works so hard to support our family. His work ethic always amazes me, that he takes such pride in doing something and doing it right. He is honorable, hardworking, loving, kind and sensitive (though he would deny that one).
We have had to move several times for his job, something I told him I would do if he's the one bringing home the bacon. Everytime we have to start over in a new area I know that I can do it because he is there by my side. He brings out the best in me, he makes me a better person. He is an awesome father to our children. They love to just be with him, even if it's just sitting in a chair in his "office" watching him do his school work. He recently went back to school to get his MBA. It is hard to watch him struggle with his classes, to see his frustration when his papers don't come out just right. But I love when he gets so excited that is paper or his presentation went good, to see the pride in him as he does well in his classes. I love that he is a great example to those around him, but especially to me and our children. I am so very thankful for my Mr. Man.