That's what friends are for...

Day 16
Today I am thankful for modern transportation. I'm kinda weird, and this is actually something that I think about quite often. It wasn't that long ago that people traveled on foot or four-legged beast to get from one place to another, and generally, people didn't travel very far. If your family member or friend moved over 50 miles away chances were that it would be a very long time before you saw them again. I am thankful that I live in a day and age where since the age of 16 I have been able get into a car and go wherever I needed to go, whether it was a mile down the road to get milk, or 45 miles to go visit my sister. I am very blessed that this is my life!



Day 17
Today I am thankful for two things wrapped into one. The first thing is my friend Kim Price, aka Kim Possible. I met Kim when I went to college in Price and she was my dorm-mate. We became fast friends, and have stayed close all of these years. Kim was always willing to take me along on adventures, especially trips back into civilization. I remember one winter Kim invited me to come to "The Forgotten Carols" with her family. I had never been before and was super excited for it. I fell in love with the story, music, and the Spirit that was part of the performance. At the end Michael McLean talks to the audience about people who couldn't make it to the performance that night for whatever reason: they are sick, live too far away, or perhaps they have passed on. Then he invites the audience to sing the following words with him: "We can be together forever someday." That night as I sat in that auditorium my thoughts went to my grandparents, who had all passed away by that point in my life. My eyes filled with tears as I thought about each one of them, and I knew that I would be together forever with them someday. Kim looked over at me and knew where my thoughts were because she and our other dorm-mates had supported me through the loss of two of my grandparents that year. I remember her sweet testimony as she told me that she knew that I would get to see them again someday. I miss each of my grandparents, Danny and Virginia, Ernie and Ida, and I do know that I will be with them and all of my family forever someday. That is the other thing I am thankful for tonight-the words "we can be together forever someday." I know that they are true, not just for me, but for each of you, too. A loving Father has made it possible for us to be with those we love forever, with Him.
Kim-I am forever thankful that you invited me to the play that night. Each time I listen to the soundtrack I think of you. You are an amazing friend to me! I love you so much!

Kindred Sister Bosom Friends

Day 15
Today I am thankful for friends, and more specifically, best friends. As we journey through life we occasionally come across a kindred spirit, bosom friend, best friend. I am very lucky and fortunate that my best friend came built into the standard package. Though we didn't realize it when we were younger, my sister and I are kindred spirits/bosom friends/best friends.
My sister, Jolene, has some amazing talents and passions. One of her passions is reading. She does amazing book reviews, and has started to do them for my class. Last week I offered her services to another teacher in my department, and so today my sister got to spend the entire day at my school doing book reviews. This is a true friend. I love that she got to come. My students look forward to hearing from her, and she does a fantastic job! Plus, it's fun just to be around her!
Another passion and talent that my sister has is being a great mom. She has three active little boys, and they are pretty lucky to have her as their mom. No one will love them, serve them, protect them, or help them like she does. Jolene is always looking for ways to bring her other passions and knowledge into her parenting, and as a result her children are having a wonderful childhood! Book clubs for kids 4 and under, story time at the library, fun crafts, and a bunch of other activities to occupy their day. Yes indeed, those are some lucky boys!
Jolene also had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and strives to actively live it. She is a great missionary, though she doesn't always realize it. Jolene has a way of reaching out through the Spirit and filling needs  because she is obedient to her promptings. She is willing to share her testimony through word and deed. Truly, she is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I love that my sister and I can have fun no matter what we're doing together. Whether it's watching scary movies, compiling lists of strong female antagonists and weak female antagonists in literature (and what makes them strong or weak), geeking out over books made into movies, comparing plot lines for stories we're working on, or just laughing over random things (she really needs to work on her Google skills...) we always have a good time. We think so much alike that we often say the same thing, at the same time, with the same tone and inflection. It's an art. We tell each other everything, are always there for each other, and always support each other. I would not have gotten my classroom put together if it weren't for her hours of hard work and labor.
There are a million things that I love and appreciate about my sister friend, and everyday I am thankful to have her in my life. This post doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how truly amazing Jolene is. She is a great example to me, and I try to follow that example in my own life. Jolene-thank you for everything! I love you!

Giving Back

Day 14
Today I am thankful for the tender and genuine feelings of young people. My history class has been watching Channel One News and following the events in the Philippines this week. Today the reporters said that if anyone watching wanted to help out that they could log on to the website. After we finished the segment my students asked how they could help. We went to channelone.com and found out how they suggested people help. The biggest thing that is needed is money. My students suggested that we could collect spare change to send, but they didn't want to stop in our room. Their faces lit up and they got excited as they talked about setting up a collection at all of the lunches to get more people involved. My heart smiled and melted as I watched them come together and brainstorm how they could reach out beyond themselves. It's not often that they are able to make these kinds of connections, so this was a really special day for them. And the best part, it was all of my students, even the one who struggles with his attitude.
I am thankful for those times when my students get to experience a "typical" teen experience. Sometimes their disabilities hold them back, but now they are soaring. I don't know what we'll actually be able to do to help (I need to talk to the higer-ups tomorrow) but just the fact that they want to do something means everything.

"Honey, I'm ho-ome!"

Day 13
Today I am thankful that for the first few months of my teaching career I have lived with my sister and her family. At first when the days were so long and overwhelming it was nice to come home to three little boys hugging my legs and saying, "Nanny! Nanny's home! Nanny!" These three little guys always help me unwind and refocus. They also make for some interesting stories!
I also appreciate dinner every night. I have walked into a pretty good sister-wives situation* where there are three adults, two working outside of the home, and one working in the home raising the kids and cooking our meals. Nic and I make it home each night in time for supper and play time with the boys. We laugh at our set-up, but I know that we are both deeply grateful for all that Jolene does during the day.
I love that I have a built-in support group for whatever kind of day I'm having. It's nice to know that I am accepted and loved at home regardless of how my day went. It's pretty nice to be able to talk your day out, with grown-ups and kiddos alike.
I am so thankful that my sister and her husband have been so willing to help me and support me! I love you guys-you're the best!

*Author's note: We are in no way affiliated with the show "Sister Wives" or any polygamy group. The reference was meant as a pun.

My Crazy Gene

Day 12
Did ya'll notice yet that it's 11-12-13? I was pretty excited to realize that, and it was only half way through my day!
Today I am thankful for mi Madre. Hands down, my mom is cooler than yours! I love that my mom finds ways to connect with just about anyone, anywhere. She never meets a stranger, and once she becomes friends with someone, it's for life. Mom is always doing random acts of kindness for those around her. She is happiest when she has something that she's working on to give someone. And she puts so much thought into the things she makes! One of her favorite things is scrapbooking, and she has done some amazing things with it. Mom, with the help of modern technology, has taken your typical scrapbook and made it into something that you would display in your home. The past couple of years she has made some really awesome memory books for her siblings for Christmas. Mom can always be counted on to make something sentimental for get-togethers with family, and it's something that brings everyone closer as they share their memories.

Perhaps not the most flattering pic of either of us, but I think it captures who we are. :)

I would be untruthful if I didn't mention one more thing-my mom is a little...crazy. Sometimes. Especially when she gets with Aunt Tina, her sister. They have the most hilarious adventures, even just going out to a movie. They always have some new story to tell, and I love it. Jolene and I hope that we can be as crazy and have as much fun as these two sisters when we get older!
My mom is someone who has taught me to care for others, to be a friend, and to enjoy life. One of the things that I love best about my mom is that she has always encouraged me to chase my dreams. Even when my dreams were crazy and hairbrained, she still wanted me to reach for them. Sometimes those dreams don't work out, and she's always been there for those times, too. My mom is the person I call when I need to know how to cook/bake something, when I need creative ideas, and when I need someone to be diplomatic. Better than that, when I'm hurting I know that Mom is there to lift and support me in any way she can. See, didn't I tell you that my mom was pretty awesome?! I love you, Mom!

"And I'll Gladly Stand Up Next to You..."

Day 11
Today is a special day. Today is the day that we say thank you to the men and women who so valiantly fight to preserve the freedoms of our great country. We pause to give thanks to those currently serving, and all those who have served, from every branch of the military. Today we honor you, our veterans!

 There is one special veteran whom I cannot forget. From this man I learned what our flag symbolizes, and what it means to give honor and respect to that flag. From this man I learned to give proper respect to those who have served and currently serve our country. From this man I learned that it is important to stand and fight for what you believe in, even if your country does not support you. From this man I learned to treasure the words of the tried and true songs inspired by this great country that we live in. From this man I learned what it truly to means to love my country with my whole heart and never turn my back on her. There is nothing that makes me more proud than to be sitting at a flag ceremony on Independence Day (or any other special day) next to this man and have him stand among others who have fought for our country. I gladly shed tears with this man as we sing our national anthem, or listen to other patriotic songs. This man has taught me what it means to be a hero from the time I was a little girl. There will never be a time when my Dad isn't my hero. Dad, I thank you not only today, but everyday for the lessons you have taught me and continue to teach me about patriotism. You are a true hero. I love you, Dad, and I am thankful everyday that I get to call you mine. No girl in the world has a better Dad than I do.

Ever since my rodeo days yours has been the voice that stands out amid all the others, giving me the guidance that I need to make a smooth run. Back then it was "turn, kick, kick!" and now it's "Cowgirl up, you can do it." Either way, I know that you are there, cheering me on, and just like those rodeo days, when I fall down I know that you're there to pick me up and put me back in the saddle. Thank you Dad! I love you!

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam!

Day 10
Today I am thankful for the little things that make my hear smile. A few months ago I was called to be a Sunbeam teacher in my ward. At the time I wasn't sure if the calling came from inspiration or desperation, but today I got a chance to see just how much it was inspiration.
There are only three little boys in my class, and they are as unique and individual as they come. We have a blonde, a brunette, and a red-head. Their little personalities are so amazing and fun, and at first difficult. One of my little guys really struggled to come to class when I first started. Weeks of him kicking and screaming, mom trying to bribe him, and all other efforts we put in just couldn't do the trick. Slowly it got better, and now he comes to class. In the beginning he was aloof and not every interested in me.
Today was different. He actually wanted to sit by me, and on multiple occasions he came up to me to talk to me. He is still learning to talk and has some struggles, but he feels comfortable enough with me to try out his language skills. My heart smiled so brightly today as he came and whispered in my ear. At another point he played the "who's hand is on top" game with me. Touching wasn't something that he used to be willing to do. These two things made my heart smile.
Also on the list of heart smiles, one of my other little guys, who is normally quiet and shy about participating in class, offered to say the closing prayer. He needed my help, but the fact that he even wanted to try made my heart soar! He did such an excellent job with the prayer, and I'm glad that I get to be part of his journey.
One more heart smile-as part of our lesson I showed a picture of the Last Supper. It was interesting to me that all three boys immediately noticed that Judas stood on the outside, and they wanted to know who he was. I explained to them that the picture showed Jesus with his friends, and that Judas was one of Jesus' friends who had made some bad choices. We moved on to talk about the Last Supper and didn't mention Judas again.
On the car ride home Jolene asked Sam what he learned at church today. Much to my surprise he didn't mention the scripture line that we had rehearsed for the kids to tell their parents, but instead Sam talked about how Jesus ate with His friends and He had one friend who made bad choices. It always amazes me what sticks in little minds.
These are just some of the little things that make my heart smile. There are so many every day, and I am thankful that I could take this one day of thanks to let them shine.