Harder than I thought.....

I thought I could blog through this hiccup in time but it has proven to be quite burdensome. I feel like I am Job. Job went through physical, mental and emotional bankruptcy. I would be a big fat baby if I had to go through the physical. We are now experiencing true unemployment for the past 3 months. Absolutely no extra income has come in, other than what I can generate. (which isn't much). I pay for gas, car insurance, and maybe one other bill. Everything else is being pushed off until unemployment can kick in. Thankfully, the church has been putting food on our table via the Bishop's store house. We are so thankful for the bounty but I can not wait to be able to eat our own food again, and to be able to purchase yogurt and other things.

Mr. Incredible should have never sought employment. You see he went to work as a truck driver for my parents company. It paid 1/3rd of our income but it was allowing us to juggle bills. Driving was preventing him from making interviews and it was hard on him not seeing the children. I was doing quite fine. I knew my new roll and stepped up and filled the shoes. The children and I had a routine. We had the house duties covered, school and seminary and even work down. I was so surprised at how well things were going for almost two weeks. Then Mr. I shook things up when he decided he needed to be home. The plan was he would file for unemployment and take in a part time job. Well, that plan was shot out of the water. No part time job and no unemployment. In fact, nothing. No state aide and no food stamps, nada! I think I have lost have my mind.

The odd thing is I thought we would be moving to NY in October. I guess things didn't go well. Miscommunication, clearly. He thought he would drive some and be able to work in the office some.

I have increased hours by as many as I can possibly get. Scrapping for hours has me in and out of the house at odd times. Sometimes, I am up at 4:45am and not home until 11:00pm, sometimes I get home at 3pm or 9pm. My passion for photography has been sporadic because I need to focus on a job that will actually pay. Plus I can't have running through my head, how am I going to pay this or that while taking pictures.

My oldest son's bank account is 30miles away from where he is at. It doesn't make it convenient to get money out so he opened a local checking account. As he was verifying to see if funds were transferred (5)times. The bank was hitting him for $35 a pop. He was overdrawn. If you don't resolve your account in 5 days, they charge an additional $35. He had money in his account but the month prior he had parked his truck in a no parking zone, there are no signs, just painted red curbs. He found that out the hard way, when his truck was towed and he had to pay the fine. So, that was the month prior, we went to visit him the next month and the last month he was overdrawn by $5, but because it all happened on the weekend he ended up with $175 of overdraft fees. Dear son calls home, anger out of frustration on my part as well as Mr. I, because there is NOTHING we could do to help him. Son was on the phone with the bank, they waived ONE fee! ugh.... thank you, husband and I sit for 3 hours in the bank and they tell us they can do nothing. Once a decision online has been made we have to call customer service. Mr. I, calls and he gets a few more charges waived. My sil comes to the rescue of Warrior. She wired his butt some moolah.

Thanksgiving was a perfect beautiful day and we had a perfect beautiful turkey and a meal fit for a king. We usually spend the holiday with family but boarding our mastiff would be too massive. HA! and I don't think anyone wanted to spend it at the house of Gloom. This was the first Black Friday that I did not shop. It is one of my most favorite days of the year. I couldn't even bare to open the paper, it still lays on the floor of my car. Beauty went out with her friends family. I couldn't do that to myself. But now that the Friday is over, I'm over it too. I love how I am so not attached to anything.

My children are amazing, they are are astounding and they have no idea what strengths they have. As their parents we are not people of woe. You take what comes to you and you work with it. The children have not complained. They know what it means to have their dad home and understood the consequences of it. I know it would be hard to be a teenage girl and have no clothes or shoes bought. I know they have tattered and worn clothes but they are still clean and kept. Yet not one word of complaint. They don't even fight. In fact, their ties have become stronger. We truly are a family, worthy of eternity. This is what it is all about. Our temporal life is so temporary and so finite, but what we do here is so eternal. Reading scriptures and praying each night as a family as unified us and solidified the true core of who we are as their parents and what truly matters. I pray their decisions continue to lead them down a righteous path. I know being a part of this hiccup will make them stronger, and capable of handling the trials that will come to their adulthood life. They will know to trust in God, to lean on family and to forge strong friendships.

We choose an eternal family. We choose to go through this with dignity and heads held high, A job will come. I have no doubt. I'm so grateful for my passion of photography and love for my family. On every wall and surface of my home is a picture of one of my children and our family. I can not look anywhere and there not be a photo of our family smiling back at me. Even when you go to the bathroom there are two pictures of us, staring right back at ya! LOL, if there is ever a question is it worth it, the walls scream, "HAIL YA" and my eyes fill with salty tears of gratitude.

I know the church is true, I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel. I know we are lead by a true and living prophet, today. I know we are not given more than we can handle and I know that the bitter taste of trials are necessary so that we can know the sweet when blessings are given. I'm thankful for my parents, brothers and sister, my husband's family, my children and most importantly my eternal spouse, who puts up with me and my multi personalities. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such love and goodness. Finally, my blog is caught up.

Thankful Thursday

I remember a long time ago, I used to be so thankful that I had Thankful Thursdays. It is still Thursday and after reading my friend Mechelle's blog. I too, have so much to be Thankful for! Thanks Mechelle!

I am Thankful that our bodies are able and healthy.
I am Thankful for our home.
I am thankful for good friends.
I am thankful that a friend cared so much about our family that she spent hours on the internet looking up ways to save money on groceries and how to feed a family of 6
I am thankful for heat
I am thankful for employment
I am THANKFUL for all that I have and do not have
I am thankful for great friends both in BLOGLAND and DISNEYLAND (LOL)

I am Thankful for the opportunity to blog

BUT MOST of all.....
I am Thankful for sleep! It does wonders for my body and mind

9/11 (A day at the airport)

PLEASE hang in through this post! Or just skip it and go to my story at the end of a soldier flying today and then click the video.
I couldn't let this day go by without expressing my gratitude for our millitary services. On this day seven years ago. Our lives changed drastically. I had lived in this protective bubble feeling all was well and safe and no one could touch us because we are America, home of the free. I know that my freedoms do not come without a price. Just as Jesus Christ has payed the ulitmate price for my eternal welfare there are many men and women and children who have paid the price with their lives for my freedom. Thank you! Thank you.

I have wanted to express gratitude to these great military men that travel through my gate all the time. I loved this video on how to show thanks, without saying a word.
Please click here. You won't be sorry!

I have a story of this amazing soldier that arrived to my gate today. The flight I was working was going to Huntsville. He arrived late to the gate with an elderly woman. He was in full uniform. He asked me about the Huntsville flight. The flight had already been boarded and closed. However, the doors to the aircraft were not. He was stalwart and tall and more importantly he was someone's son. Normally, we can not allow anyone to board an aircraft after departure time. Doors close 10 minutes prior to departure. The captain had already received the paper work. When the captain has the paper work passengers can not be added. I decided to run and beg for this soldier.
"Please let him on. He is in full military attire. "
The crew echoed "Yes, Yes, of course. Let him on".
I run back down to the gate and say, " come on, we can take you." I didn't realize he and this woman were flying out. "Oh well, the crew will just have to deal with two people, I thought."

He replies, "NO, I'm not traveling she is". Oh, OK. I assume it's his mother or grandmother.
I ask him, "Would you please walk her up the jet bridge?".
They are expecting you in uniform but maybe with you walking your grandmother up. It will smoothe things over?".
This is all done quickly within 2 minutes. After we get granny situated. The soldier and I walk down the jet bridge back to the gate.
I ask him, "Now who was that, your grandmother?" He replies, "NO, I have no idea who she was. She asked me for help and I left my own flight to make sure she got onto hers."
Shocked, I responded, "WHAT! You didn't even know this woman?"
My eyes welled with tears. I was so touched and his beautiful face has been engraven in my memory and his concern and love for a complete stranger has been imprinted on my heart. Truly, I thought this woman that was with him was a mother or a grandmother to him. He had treated her like he had known her all his life. He had treated her like she was his relative. He had treated her with love and compassion as he held her arm walking her up the jet bridge and carried her slightly over sized bag! He had treated her how I hope someone would treat my grandmother if she was distressed, worried, and scared. He had treated her like an AMERICAN SOLDIER would.

I wish I had grabbed his name. So, I could write to his parents for such a fine young man or write to his superiors and commend him.

I am grateful I was blessed to see such an amazing act of kindness, goodness, and service to your fellow man. Humanity is found in each of us. We just have to remember that it is there.
Thank you my little soldier boy, where ever you may be and may God always hold you in the hollow of his hand.

THANKFUL

Many years ago when my life seemed to be even more full and full of service for others besides my own immediate family. I felt like I could take on extraordinary things and I did. A heartfelt prayer was always offered to Heavenly Father pleading with him to please bless me with the capabilities to be able to accomplish all of the tasks throughout the day. I am a huge list maker and evoke even more pleasure from being able to check each one off, task by task. It is very self gratifying but it is also very self destructive in the event that I am not able to check everything off. When I was a young mother with 3 small children and my children were 6,3, and a newborn. I was in YW's presidency and various callings for YW for 14 years straight. My children were always tousled around on YW night, Sunday mornings and bi monthly temple trips and monthly stake dances. This was life for my children. They didn't need a house or bed or kitchen because our car seemed to be the place where they ate and slept longer than they did their own home.

Despite my church calling I also was a VT and a very good VT at that. Inspiration would come to me always. I would be driving and a thought would enter. Instantly, I would call the person, or someone I wasn't serving and just see how they were doing. Many times, I would prepare dinner that was too much for our family and call someone and say I had an extra dinner would you like it? My children always saw acts of service to another because we would bake cookies, cakes or brownies and just randomly deliver.

I was then called to be an enrichment leader in one of the largest wards and stakes. WE had a combined ward with the Spanish Unit. I loved this calling. Each month my committee would travel to the temple for a session and then prepare our activity. Our temple is about an hour and a half away. We went from 10 sisters coming out to a monthly total of 65-75 women consistently. It required so much work and I also added another child who was very very ill. I felt supported because the glory was not mine. It was not me. It was Heavenly father who softened peoples hearts, who reminded them to come, and who inspired us to prepare. I had prepared myself spiritually and my eyes and ears were open what he wished for me to do and my physical body was willing to be able to do what it was he asked. Not, only did I volunteer for the church but I was involved in many volunteer services in the community. I was room mom for 2 children at the same time, Girl scout leader, and volunteered at the pre-school 3 days a week. Life was full. I was content and happy and my house was clean. God, does provide a way to accomplish all that he has in store for us and much more, if we are willing to heed his words.
Do you notice a trend as you are reading? WAS, everything is PAST tense.
Fast forward 10 years. My children are so much older and all of them are self reliant. Things should be easier for me to provide service to others, like before. They are not. I feel frantic at times and hurried and I feel like there is not enough time to do the things I need to do. I feel rushed. I feel disconnected from everything. Family, church, and friends.
My teenagers although, they do not need their physical needs attended to. They need their spiritual needs and emotional needs attended to so much more and it is very tiring for me. I tend to withdraw from everything if I can not do things perfectly. I choose not to deal with things at all. I despise the fact that I have the characteristics of a perfectionist. It is either full throttle or nothing. I need to be with them. I need to be engaged with them and I can not attend to the needs of others at this time in my life. At times, I feel so selfish because I see others doing these wonderful acts of kindness and I long for that but fall weary and weak. I have to keep my family a float. Actually, Mr. Incredible is the one who takes up ALL of the slack. He truly is incredible. He does so much more and our goslings definitely go to him when storms arise and they think I may FREAK! because after 19 years I have not learned how not to FREAK first. Once I have my first initial melt down, then I am on board with everything.

Which leads me to my true purpose and intent of this post. Mr. Incredible has always supported and sustained me in my callings. There was a time when his work took precedence and I had to take care of the children, house and church duties, on my own. But, after a heartfelt talk and through many tears we worked it out. He has always been supportive in everything I do as well as the children. We have tagged teamed it from the very beginning. We have adjusted to make things work.
Mr. Incredible was working for a top four international company and was on the pursuit of climbing the career ladder. He was out of town for many meetings and his travel had picked up some. I worried the night I had enrichment because it usually consumed my entire day. I felt like others were getting the best of me and my children were left eating fast food and were not getting home until hours after their bed time. HF blessed me with children who didn't complain. I am sure He understood that I couldn't withstand that trial. Even though they never complained my heart panged for them. My heart also hurt the times that someone would say, "I have to leave, I have to get my children to bed, Sorry I was late, I had to fix my children dinner". ME TOO! but, I was setting up or I was cleaning up. But, the most difficult time that I absolutely hated was when my children would have to stay in the nursery during EN or off in some room close by while I had youth night. Mr. Incredible while out of town, would fly back into town just to watch our children. Just so they could have a meal in their home and get to bed at a good hour so their studies would not suffer and they would be alert for school the next day. He probably had to do this 4 or 5 times a year. And if he was out of town and drove. He would sacrifice and drive home early to be there for our children. This one act of service has always brought me to tears because I was able to fulfill my callings how I felt they should and not have to worry about my little ones.
He has always supported me in every way and in every calling I held.

***THANKFUL THURSDAY***

Working for the airlines I frequently have many of our military troops come through my gate and board my flights. I always give them the opportunity to board first as a thank you and in appreciation. If possible we try to upgrade them or we try to get them out on an earlier flight. I am so grateful to our armed forces who protect my rights and give me the peace that I have to sleep at night and to attend my children's ballgames and to lay next to my husband in the safety of our home.
At times, I feel awkward and want to express my thanks and gratitude to them and how I deeply feel but something holds me back. Sometimes, I will connect and extend my appreciation for them. I found this video and I love it and will do it more often.
Please click here and watch. It does not matter what your political stance is. What matters is that we are all appreciative for the freedoms that we have. They do not come free and without a price. The price has been paid by the fullest sacrifice that can be given.

***THANKFUL THURSDAY***

I sit here still bawling not sad but enlightened by the blog I just read. I encourage almost forcefully will each of you to go to this blog and read it.
It is a mother's tribute to her daughter Natalie
I found this blog through Alice.

I read every last word on this blog. I was captivated by every picture and every word. I felt connected. It takes you right up to the moment and sees through the storms and to the many rainbows that lye ahead.

I had a health scare and realized that my children did not have any of their pictures of me. This worried me. Memories fade but moments captured on film live forever. I wanted to be remembered but more importantly I wanted them to remember that no one could have ever loved them more, than their mother.
I now have countless of pictures taken of me and my children enjoying every moment of life. Hopefully, the yelling screaming and sour moments will be the moments that are faded memories.
I am thankful that this mother had professional pictures taken. Now her family has something beautiful to look back on. Because of Natalie my gift to my children will be a professional photography session after each grand baby.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Warrior (thankful Thursday)

Your first professional pic 2months.
Mr. Incredible and I married July 89' and we had decided to make the move to Utah to start college as newlyweds. We were settled into our new surroundings and just working out our job schedules. I woke up terribly sick on a crisp October morning. Many co-workers had already suffered from the flu. I went home from work early feeling nauseous. I was sick for a full week. Terribly sick. I worshipped the porcelain god, every other hour. This sickness and nauseous feeling lasted for two full weeks and then I reluctantly dragged myself to a doctor. The nurse asked the typical routine questions. "Are you pregnant?" I reply, "No, but there is always a chance." I loved the fact that my cycle only came every 3 months. My 2wk flu bug soon turned into a 7 month flu! YES! Indeed, I was pregnant.

This through us both for a loop. We knew we always wanted children just not at this time. WE were just about to enroll in school. I continued to work but my pregnancy fell into high risk when I was about 13 wks along. Mr. Incredible, decided to not enroll in school and just work full time so that we could get some type of insurance and money. Here we were 2 young kids thousands of miles away from family and going through a high risk pregnancy. The enclosed incubator that you were in cost $10,000 a day. I guess my womb was not luxurious enough for you. You wanted the penthouse and all I could offer was a condo. But, don't worry. I forgive you. When I am old and like the crypt I expect you to buy me a mansion and we can call it even.
I was put on strict bed rest and was in and out of the University of Utah hospital for countless testing. We decided to find out the sex of our baby so that we could pray specifically for our baby. The sonogram confirmed it was a BOY! Mr. Incredible was elated! We ended up inducing labor 10 1/2 wks early because my blood pressure was so high.
5 months
15 months




You were born at 11:16 on a Tuesday morning by Dr. Charles Chambers. We named you Warrior Solomon. I have always loved the name Warrior. If you had been a girl. I would have still named you Warrior. Your first middle name is after your father and then you are given a hawaiian name which is after a great uncle. Your Hawaiian name means the GREAT WARRIOR. Little did we know the significance of your name. I did not get to hold you until Thursday morning at 1:15am. You were doing better than I was.
You were such a warrior. You fought through so many obstacles at such a young age. You were larger than doctor's expected. You were amazing doctors and nurses by exceeding premature baby expectations. After only 4 wks in the NI CU we were able to take you home and we have never looked back. You have always been so healthy, protected and loved. By the time you were 7 months old you had already caught up size wise to a normal 7 month old baby. A babe born at 3lbs. 10oz and 16 inches long at 17 years old stands 6 foot and 225 lbs. You have amazing physical strength and you are quite boastful about it.



It is not your physical strength that I am most impressed by but your mental and spiritual strength. I know you were a great warrior in the heavens above and you are a great warrior today. Being a warrior is not fighting but being a peace maker and one is a great leader. You have these qualities. People of all ages like you and gravitate towards you. You are truly blessed. It is a wonderful talent.


From a young age you always knew right from wrong. You always wanted to please. When you were in the FIRST grade your teacher sent a note home. She wrote: Warrior has many friends. I can see him contemplate following what his friends are doing or doing what he knows is right. He always chooses the right. This is your character. It must have always been there from the pre-existence. Because these things do not always come so easily to others.

Happy Birthday my eldest son. I love you more than words can say. You always make me proud. You are human and have and will make mistakes but even when those times come we are always proud of you and love you. You are a great son, brother, and friend. You honor your priesthood. What more could parents ask for? Stay true to who you are and you will always be happy. I am most thankful for today that we honor your birthday. I am thankful that I was chosen to be your mother.

****THANKFUL THURSDAY****

Today I am thankful for another great week. I was able to hold everything together. The busier I am the better I seem to function. I did have a lazy day where I did absolutely NOTHING! I am thankful just for being. Thankful that I have been given graciously another day to be better and strive towards exhaltation. I pray every day for another day because at the close of every night I fall so short. I am thankful for the atonement. It gives me peace to know I have to do my best and He will do the rest.

***THANKFUL THURSDAY***Cook out

I am going to sneak 2 posts in one and be Thankful for the TIME! I am thankful we were able to spend time together as a family doing things out of the ordinary and spending genuine time with one another. We took ourselves out of the world for just a moment of time. Sometimes, we can let life keep us in a turmoil. Sometimes, we need to disappoint others and say NO, so that we can do what is best for our families and ourselves. I picked up a lot of hours last week and the week prior. Everything functioned in an orderly fashion. I am so thankful that I do not have to keep those hours on a regular basis. I am thankful I can do it when I wish. This is how we ended our Easter Break. The temps had started to drop and was getting nippy outside. We spent the most money on the pit this weekend.

The pit was $99.00 and so worth it. I love the fire bowl. It is made of clay and it can be used as a fire bowl in the colder months and as a planter in the warmer months. It even comes with a grill insert and a lid. It is recommended that you not use charcoal or lighter fluid. Probably, much like the stoneware from pampered chef.

We roasted hotdogs and had all of the fixings. There is something about food (if you can call hotdogs that) being cooked over an open fire that makes it taste better. The most important food were the s'mores! YUM MEeeeeeeeeee! A marshmellow toasted to perfection sandwhiched between two peices of graham cracker with chocolate in between!::swoons:: Some ate the marshmellows plain, (Dash) others burnt to a crisp, (me) some were anal in their toasting (Mr. Incredible) but no matter how you chose to eat your marshmellows the consensus was DELICIOUS!




I enjoy eating a perfectly toasted marshmellow but I do not have the patience to sit there and watch over it. So, I just plunge mine into the fire. Watch it become a torch and the entire marshmellow engulfed in flames. I then pull it out, blow it out and see that the entire mellow is BLACK. OPEN mouth and insert! Mmmmm.. mmmm... good!
We had a great time sitting around the camp fire and talking, eating and singing. We promise to meet again around the pit next weekend. I have a childhood treat that we would cook around the fire. They are called honey bears.

****THANKFUL THURSDAY****

It's thankful Thursday again. I am thankful for the rain that we have received. We have really needed it. \Last week I worked 48 hours and this week I will have logged in 56 hours. I feel pretty good. I had a great day today. I went straight to Walmart for some Easter goodies and then out to the mall shopping for the remainder of our Easter clothes after work. Each Easter the children get a new outfit. It was tradition for me growing up and it just seems as a 'must have' to me. I am sure since my children are used to this they will carry the tradition on. I don't want to get a new dress, so I will wear one from a few years back. (the fat years) since I can't fit in last years or the year before.

I am thankful for how smoothe these last two weeks have gone for my family and I. Both at home and in the work field. Each night I did a load of laundry and put it in the dryer. Each morning I would wake get ready and then go fold the clothes. The children would put the clothes away in the morning or when they came home from school. I also prepared dinner in a crock pot so it was ready or had dinner ready to go as soon as I got home. I tidied up the kitchen and made the kiddos their lunches. Sometimes, I would even vacuum or sweep if I hadn't done it the night before. All this before 5:15 in the morning! WOOHOO!

I miss being with them in the mornings so I write them a note. They loved this. They would write me a letter back which I have loved corresponding with them this way. I am going to get a notebook and continue this fun little activity that has just started. In each of my letters I would write a word. I knew they would not understand and underline the word. They would have to find out what the word meant and use it. Each have always been a bit slack when he/she would come home from school with their homework and chores. They have their homework and chores finished and the house always looks so nice for me when I come home. I LOVED it and I know they were doing these things and helping each other out, and being extra nice to each other because they "get it". I appreciate them pitching in and helping each other out even more so. It seemed like our family meshed better and came together stronger.
Easter Sunday is this week and the children have Monday and Tuesday off. I can't say I will jump back into extra hours but it is nice that I can work when I want and take off when I want. WE are talking about flying to Puerto Rico on Sunday and flying back on Tuesday. The weather looks like rain and Spencer has to talk in church. WE would not be able to leave until Sunday afternoon. The weather is calling for showers in Puerto Rico. WE might wait for a better time of year.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to work these hours this past week. I have re-learned the value of a dollar. I usually blow through money without thinking about it. For quite some time we have been blessed and money has never been a thought or consideration. If I wanted it or felt like I needed it. I bought it. I spend a lot of money on stupid non substantial things. I now relate to money to how long I have had to work to purchase something. I have worked 110 hours and will bring in a paycheck to what Bill will have worked 10 hours for, Is that not insane??.

Education is key! I know this because I do not have a college education however, I see and reap the benefits of someone who does. We will do everything to ensure that each of our children get their college education. It is important not to just get a college degree but to excel. Competition is high even among graduates. I feel you would want to be at the top percent of your class.

****THANKFUL THURSDAY****

I have really enjoyed reading my nephews letters from being out in the mission field. He is serving in Ghana. The field is ripe and ready for harvesting. I just recently read his latest letter that he sent and he and his words have made me so thankful. Thankful for the gospel and thankful that he lived worthily and is so willing to serve the Lord. He is being blessed. WE as a family enjoy reading of his experiences. He had said that words were coming out of his mouth and amazing him.

I know that if you put forth the effort, you study hard, you learn, you are faithful and dilligent that Heavenly Father will bring back to your mind all of the things that you have learned and your mind will be clear and your tongue loosed. I love the example that he has set for his cousins. They are watching him and loving the experiences that he is going through.

From before our children could even speak we always have spoken of serving a mission. We would have missionaries over to our house for dinners. Our children know of missionary work and the great blessings that come from it. They know how the missionaries came and taught their great great grandparents and their great grandparents. They have been taught from a very young age. Heavenly Father will not penalize you if you serve him. Other opportunities will be presented. They hear the stories of their father's mission, we he served in Australia. He is married to me because of his mission. Bill being raised in a good ol' southern home would have never married a "polynesian". Bill served in Australia and served 9 months samoan speaking. He learned to love the people, the language and the culture. Our eternal family is here because of the mission that he served.

A mission should be served by every worthy young man. It is something that you can never get back or replace. It is something that will continue to bless you throughout your entire life. In your relationships, in the business world, in your community and in your service with the church. WE all know that it isn't just serving a mission but it boils down to loving the Lord more and setting aside our personal desires. Being selfless and not selfish.

I am thankful for Zach. I can tell that he is really enjoying his mission. I am so happy for him. He has grown so much in the short time that he has been on his mission. He left a boy and I can see him turning into a man. WE love you Zach.

***THANKFUL THURSDAY***

Today I am thankful for full cupboards and a full refrigerator and freezer. It always makes me a bit antsy and on edge if my cupboards are empty and my fridge is empty. Some how I relate a level of security to how full my pantry and fridge are. I receive joy and peace knowing that there is plenty of food. It makes me feel like all is well. IF there is food than bills are paid, obligations are taken care of and my family is fed dinner. Our cupboards have been scantily low and I have felt the feelings of desperation and in those times have relied on my creativity. How can I make a meal out of such and such. I have been blessed with the ability to make a meal out of nothing. In fact, some of our best meals have come from throwing what was left in the pantry into the frying pan.
I am sure it is some subconscious memory that dates back to my childhood. You know everything in one way dates back to a person's childhood. (just a hint of sarcasm.)

My mom, being Hawaiian would always always cook enough to feed an army. It is Polynesian custom or way that you should cook enough for second or thirds and have enough for each person to take a plate home with them. Early in our marriage and well into it I cooked with the same thought process. I guess I have been Americanized that usually I don't plate up a dish for people to go home with. Unless of course, you are a missionary serving for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Then there are always plenty of leftovers to go home.

I remember scrimping in other places but never in food. WE didn't wear the newest trends or the name brand shoes. We had a beautiful home but furniture and accessories were not coveted or needed. If my parents bought these things we would be sure to keep it for 12+ years. To this day, I do not care for steak. I will eat it once in a blue moon but we had it EVERY Sunday. It was our Sunday meal and it did not matter if we had company or not! Steak and potatoes were on the menu, EVERY SUNDAY. Our cupboards were always full and my mom would always buy my brother and sister and I our favorite cereals, snacks, fruits, whatever. She was a fabulous cook and a bit of a brand snob where I will try a store brand and if it tastes great we continue to buy it. I have to thank my sil, Gretchen. About 6 or 7 years ago she introduced me to some walmart brand products and has saved us so much $$ off of our monthly grocery bills! I shop Aldi's too!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I have written a Thankful thursday post at least 5 times! I am thankful. I just can't narrow it down to what I am thankful for. I am thankful for my health today. With so many suffering from flu symptoms and with the cold. I am thankful that I am not sick. I am thankful that my health in general is good. About 8 years ago, I delivered my son, Dash and I had congestive heart failure 4 times in one week. I was really sick and the outlook did not look good. I was misdiagnosed for all 4 of my children. Cardio myopathy, an enlarged heart, can be brought on by trauma. Well, this last pregnancy was definitely trauma and drama. Very few patients ever recover and it took 2 full years for my heart to heal. When I was released from the hospital and the ICU my heart was working around 40%. I was on so many diuretics and blood pressure meds. I couldn't say the simple 3 words "I love you" without being winded. I learned to choose my words more wisely. I couldn't walk down a flight of stairs with out needing to stop for breath. Each day my heart grew stronger. However, I was afraid to do anything. I was afraid to run or even attempting jogging, especially alone. I still am. The slightest pain in my chest. It sends my mind whirling to what if? The doctors say the only way to strengthen my heart is to exercise it. Ughh, yeah, only if there is a heart machine near by. I had so many specialists it was crazy. I now only have to see my cardiologist yearly. The last time I was in my heart functioned at 90+ percent! I am so thankful that I recovered and that I can experience so much with my family. Mr. Incredible experienced a near fatal accident that he should have not survived early on in our marriage. The pictures are gruesome. It seems we are stuck with each other plowing our way to eternity. Heaven didn't want us then, so glad we didn't try hell. LOL

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I took it from Alison's blog. Since, it is Valentine's day. I am thankful for the opportunity to love and to be loved. God has blessed my life in so many ways. Five to be specific. God loves me. He loves me most!( I know you are saying, uh, uhhh) But, yep. He loves me most. I think everyone should believe that God loves them most. If we did, the world would be a better place. I have 5 very special people to prove it. (it doesn't matter if you have more people or less people, I have the best of the best)Heaven is where your heart is and mine is with them. We are perfect for each other. Each one of them hug and kiss me each morning before they leave for school or work. Each one of them are excited every day they come home just to see me. Each of them hurt when I hurt. Each time any of them leave my presence my heart breaks a bit and worry lingers until we are ALL together again. Because of these 5 spirits my heart has been torn, trampled on and broken and because of these things I know TRUE love. I know patience, tolerance, forgiveness and sacrifice. Is there no other love? If love were always simple and happy; it would not be worth dying for; it would not be worth fighting for it would not be worth living for. God loved the world that he gave His Only Begotten Son and Christ loved us that he gave his life for us. I am thankful for a loving father in heaven. I am thankful for my savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my family who loves me unconditionally, despite all my flaws and imperfections.
This thankful post was a little deep. But, it is my first one and it is the things that mean the dearest to me. BTW, God loves you most when you are going through your hardest trials, when you feel like there is no where to turn and no one to help. That is when you know he is loving you the most. There is a huge gift and blessing waiting for you, make sure you look for it along the way.

***Thankful Thursday***

I am so thankful for our health. No one in our family is sick. It is no wonder that many are sick, here in Charlotte. We had snow and freezing rain one day and 2 days later the temps are up in the 50's. My friend Mere is sick. She is really sick. She received a blessing last night. She is still ill. I made her chicken noodle soup, tonight. I am on call, in case she needs to go to the hospital. I pray she gets to feeling better. She does so much for her family. She is one of the strongest women I know. Here is a pic of my soup. The recipe will be posted to the recipe blog.

RAIN RAIN! Come and Stay

It has been raining for 3 days! I am so thankful for the rain. It really hasn't rained but it has been sprinkling and misting. We are in a 14 inch deficit for the year. We have been on water restrictions for quite some time and more restrictions are going to be implemented if we do not receive more rain. 2 days ago we received 1/10th of an inch. I am not sure how much we received yesterday and today it has been steadily misting. So maybe 2 or 3 inches?? That might be optimistic. This drought and lack of water has really made me reflect on how our family uses, conserves and wastes water. It also has me thinking about our future and how well will we fend in the event we need water. I know I have 2 50 gallon drums for water sitting empty in my garage. We need to be more conservative and respectful of our earth. It starts one person at a time. One can make a difference.