Grateful for our Ancestors!

Where would we be without those who have come before us? I am truly grateful for ancestors who were willing to risk everything to give me a better life. From the pilgrims to the pioneers, I stand in awe at the sacrifices these men and women were willing to take so that I could enjoy the freedoms that I do. I do not believe that I would have had the courage or strength to face such incredible odds. I am sure I would have run back to the comforts of my old life as soon as I faced the first challenge. Gratefully, they met these tasks head on! I hope one day to personally be able to thank these fine men and women.



Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. Situated across I-80 just outside of Kearney, Nebraska is an awesome museum dedicated to those who founded the west. They had an awesome display on the Mormons, and thier trek west. This was a depiction of the Saints as they crossed the Mississippi River in February when they were forced from Nauvoo.

"Hail to the Sunrise" monument on the Mohawk Trail near Charlemont, Massachusetts.

A great replica of the Mayflower called the Mayflower III sits in Plymouth Harbor. I am soooooo thankful I didn't have to travel like this. I think I would have spent the entire time on deck loosing my lunch over the side of the ship. I was actually surprised at how spacious the ship really was.

"Plymouth Rock" We were actually disappointed with our visit here. I believe we had expected so much more since it was the place where the pilgrims(supposedly) landed. You will just have to come visit to find out the story behind "Plymouth Rock." We were highly amused by the mausoleum built over the "rock." It was quite spectacular as you can see.

Thank heavens the Native Americans were so willing to help a people who would eventually take so much from them.

Grateful for Grandmas!

What a blessing it is to be and have grandmas. Grandmas get to dish out all the love, and leave the messy stuff to the parents. I always had a fond spot in my heart for my own grandmothers. On my mother's side I was the oldest and only granddaughter for many years, so needless to say I was a bit spoiled. I have watched with great admiration my mother and mother-in-law. What wonderful grandmothers they are!!!! I am grateful for grandmothers!

Grateful for The Mischievious Joy of Children!

This picture doesn't look like much, but if you look to the bottom of the screen, you will see why I find it so amusing. When we visit places I always like to take pictures of plaques and such to help me remember what was there. You see I am not as good at others as putting things down right away. I actually have two pictures, but the other one is not quite as fun(and a little blurry). While at Lexington or Concord, my mother and I stood reading the plaque. Kaleb sneaks under the plaque waiting and hoping I am sure that I will take a picture. Lucky for him(and really me!), I did. Apparently Kaleb apparently likes his picture taken and thinks he is really getting away with something. Just look in those eyes! You can see the mischevious joy!!! Did I know he was there? Of course, but who could resist. How grateful I am for children who although they can be frustrating, bring the ultimate joy into our lives. If only we could really remember what it is to be a child and see the world through their eyes!!!

Grateful for Fabulous In-Laws!

I thought that since this is the month of November, and others have reminded me that I need to be grateful, I would post a picture every other day or so that are favorites and bring back such wonderful memories.

What does this picture have to do with being grateful for my in-laws? Well, I am grateful for a brother and sister-in-law, who despite the lack of help, and appreciation always planned a fun family trip over UEA(That's what it was called!) and Easter breaks. My older kids are so lucky to have the great memories with their cousins. This picture was taken in Moab probably about 10 years ago. Bob and Susie Wood planned a trip to Moab. They both made numerous calls to all of us to get commitments(not just this time, but EVERY time we did something), and when the vacation arrived, most of us were there for the fun. On this trip, we had all waited so long to commit to Bob that the hotel accomodations he was able to get will be ones that we will remember for decades, and rooms we won't let Bob live down. Thank heavens, he made the reservations. The memories we have will be ones that we think fondly on forever.

This picture is one of those rare moments where you actually press the button at the right time. This is also one of my favorite pictures. It is so awesome to see these kids because they have all grown into fabulous adults. Many with kids of their own. I hope they will express their appreciation to their Aunt and Uncle or Mom and Dad for all the fun.

I want Bob and Susie to know how grateful I am for all the time, energy and frustration they put in to create such long lasting memories. Thanks Bob and Susie!!

Gratitude Contest

As we journey through life, we often take the time to reflect. We look over our lives, and we wonder if we should have done this or should have done that. Many times we focus on the negative things that seem to devour us if we let them, but we pull ourselves out of the quagmire and move forward hoping to do better than before.
What often gets lost in the shuffle is the subject of this contest. About thirty years ago, I had the privilege of meeting an energetic, vivacious blond-haired girl. Little did I know the impact she would have in my life. Now, I may not have kept in touch with her the way that I should, but her presence and strength were always a part of me. Through the years we talked, off and on, but life and family required all our energy, and she was given the greater challenges to face with grace, dignity, and fortitude.
As I read her blog today about gratitude, I posted my comment and I will add a link, but I would like her and all of you to know how truly grateful I am for my friend, Jodi. I would strongly encourage you to take the time to read her blog about gratitude. She would love you to post something(No, she won't care if she doesn't know you.). I know that you will feel her strength as well. May you all be as blessed as I with a friend like this. Thanks, Jodi!!!

Her blog: http://www.jodibeacon.blogspot.com/ or just click on Dave and Jodi in my blogroll.