Gratitude

I was able to go to the temple today.  I love our temple here in Spokane.  It's like going home--it's cozy and familiar.  I love how I see the same people there on any given session.  I appreciate the example of the "senior" members who serve in the temple so regularly.  As I was setting in the celestial room, I was overcome with gratitude for so many things.  At this time of year we all reflect on how blessed we are.  I was able to spend a few weeks in Utah over the holiday, and in the spirit of the season, here are some of my thoughts of gratitude.

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation.  Many of the events in this life would be intolerable without this doctrine.  My testimony has been strengthened so much the last few years as I have supported many loved ones during difficult times.  Our dear friends/family, Jennifer and Todd Cooper, returned to Spokane to bury their beautiful baby boy, Carter Keith Cooper, next to his grandparents.  He was stillborn on Oct. 17th, only 2 weeks early.  Apparently he didn't need to spend any time on this earth.  He was perfect in every way.  These things don't make sense, but with our eternal perspective, we all continue to carry on.  Thank goodness for the peace the atonement brings.

I am grateful that my Mom is doing better.  It's been over 3 months since Mom was released from the ICU.  She recently was transferred to a facility in Richfield to continue her rehab and physical therapy.  She needs to get stronger in her legs before she can go home.  She still has pain, and it's been difficult for her to work hard in therapy every day.  We are grateful to Dad for his diligent care of Mom, and continue to pray for her.  Sometimes it's hard getting older.

I am grateful for all our awesome extended family.  This is a picture of Brent's parents, Bob and Pedie McLaws and Grayson.  They were in Utah for a few days just before Thanksgiving.  We had a dinner at the Lewis' with them and the Figgats.  It's always fun to see them--wish we could do it more often.  I was also able to catch up with Jerry at lunch before heading to Richfield for Thanksgiving.  Shayla, Kara and Quin also joined us in Richfield.  Mom was able to spend a few hours home with us for dinner.  We had a great time running, playing football, eating, and bowling.  I actually bowled great (for me) but was edged out by Jace--no surprise there.  He throws a powerful ball!

I am grateful for the miracle of birth.  In our family, this isn't just a trite phrase anymore.  For some reason, getting pregnant is difficult for our daughters.  Brittney and Stu waited a long time for Grayson, and thank goodness for the medical marvel of IVF.   Now Camille and Russ are beginning that process.  I guess we just need to learn to be patient and rely on the Lord.  Isn't it interesting how he chooses to teach us all that lesson a little differently?  Little G loves his Auntie Camille!  She is teaching him how to play the piano already--he seems to be Stu's son and loves music.  Camille will be a terrific Mom too one day soon.  We are anxiously awaiting little Lewis babies!

I am grateful for a fabulous husband.  I certainly won the jackpot when I married Brent.  He's a great friend, husband, father and now grandpa!  He was been so busy the last little bit with work.  He's been traveling a bunch and between that and his various other responsibilities, he's stretched pretty thin.   I appreciate how hard he works and most of all how well he handles whatever comes his way. He truly is the rock in our family.  He somehow always seems to make things work out.  I'm one lucky girl.  In this picture he and Little G are watching some TV. I think it was the History Channel--Grayson sure looks riveted!  (Don't worry about the owie on his forehead. . . you should see the other guy!) 

I am grateful for freedom, liberty, and this wonderful country we live in.   I don't have a picture of Grayson waving the flag (not yet!) but since he seems to be in all the others, why not have another one of him. . . Grandma's prerogative!  Seriously though, it's no secret that I was not happy with the results of the election.  I truly am concerned for our country, but I also know that we are so blessed to live in the United States of America.  I have my health, many temporal blessings, a great family, wonderful friends, and the Gospel.  It will all be OK.